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MACF Macfarlane Group Plc

125.50
-1.50 (-1.18%)
Last Updated: 11:32:12
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Macfarlane Group Plc LSE:MACF London Ordinary Share GB0005518872 ORD 25P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  -1.50 -1.18% 125.50 126.50 128.00 127.50 125.50 127.50 46,716 11:32:12
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Business Services, Nec 280.71M 14.97M 0.0942 13.32 199.48M

Macfarlane Group PLC Final Results (8958F)

26/02/2015 7:01am

UK Regulatory


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RNS Number : 8958F

Macfarlane Group PLC

26 February 2015

26 February 2015

ANNUAL RESULTS FOR THE YEAR TO 31 DECEMBER 2014

 
 Financial Highlights       2014          2013       Year on Year Change 
----------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------------- 
 Group turnover           GBP153.8m     GBP143.9m            +7% 
----------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------------- 
 Pre-tax profit *          GBP5.6m       GBP5.1m            +11% 
----------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------------- 
 Pre-tax profit            GBP5.6m       GBP4.7m            +19% 
----------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------------- 
 Proposed full year 
  dividend               1.65 pence    1.60 pence            +3% 
----------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------------- 
 Earnings per share 
  *                      3.78 pence    3.32 pence           +14% 
----------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------------- 
 

* Before exceptional items

Macfarlane Group PLC increased sales to GBP153.8m in 2014, a 7% increase on the prior year (2013: GBP143.9m). The Group grew profit before tax and exceptional items in 2014 by 11% to GBP5.6m (2013: GBP5.1m), fuelled by a combination of organic sales growth and targeted acquisitions. This result represented a significant achievement for the Group in competitive market conditions.

Trading

The Group's core Packaging Distribution business increased sales by 9% to GBP126.9m (2013: GBP116.3m). This was achieved through organic growth of 4%, with particular success in the expanding internet retail sector and increased penetration of National Accounts, and as a result of the successful acquisitions of Lane Packaging and Network Packaging in May and September respectively. This translated into a 16% increase in operating profit before exceptional items for the division to GBP5.8m (2013: GBP5.0m).

In the Group's Manufacturing division, the Packaging Design and Manufacture business reported another year of good performance. However, the widely reported challenging conditions being experienced in the UK retail sector impacted on the Group's Labels business. As a consequence, sales in the Manufacturing Division reduced marginally to GBP26.9m (2013: GBP27.6m), and lower gross margins in the Labels business resulted in an operating profit before exceptional items of GBP0.9m (2013: GBP1.3m).

Dividend

The Board remains committed to providing shareholders with an appropriate return on their investment and is proposing a final dividend of 1.15 pence per share, making a full year dividend of 1.65 pence per share, a 3% increase on the prior year's dividend of 1.60 pence per share. Subject to the approval of shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on 5 May 2015, this dividend will be paid on 4 June 2015 to those shareholders on the register at 8 May 2015.

Net Debt and Pension Scheme

As a consequence of the acquisitions undertaken during the year, the Group's bank debt at 31 December 2014 increased to GBP10.1m from GBP5.9m at the prior year-end. As previously reported, the Group now has a new, longer term, finance facility in place.

The Board continues to take steps to reduce Macfarlane Group's pension deficit including a one-off contribution of GBP2.5m in the year. This, combined with careful stewardship of the investment portfolio by the Trustees, in conjunction with the Company, helped to offset the impact of lower bond yields and at the year-end the deficit was GBP13.9m (2013: GBP15.9m).

Outlook

The Board is confident that, with the UK economy displaying further signs of improvement and continued implementation of its strategy, Macfarlane Group will continue to succeed through its own actions coupled with improved market conditions in 2015.

Commenting on the 2014 results, Graeme Bissett, Chairman, said:

"This 11% increase in pre-tax profits before exceptional items represents the fifth consecutive year of profit growth for Macfarlane Group. The focus of our Packaging Distribution business on the opportunities in internet retail, third party logistics and National Accounts is producing good results for the Group. The acquisitions of Lane Packaging and Network Packaging have performed strongly and have been earnings-enhancing in 2014 and I look forward to seeing their full-year contributions feed through in 2015. The Board remains committed to seeking out further profitable expansion opportunities through carefully selected acquisitions. The positive sales trends seen in the final quarter of 2014 have continued into 2015 and the Group is well positioned for further growth in 2015."

 
 Further enquiries:   Macfarlane Group                 Tel: 0141 333 9666 
-------------------  -------------------------------  ------------------- 
                      Graeme Bissett Chairman 
-------------------  -------------------------------  ------------------- 
                      Peter Atkinson Chief Executive 
-------------------  -------------------------------  ------------------- 
                      John Love Finance Director 
-------------------  -------------------------------  ------------------- 
 
                      Spreng & Co                      Tel: 0141 548 5191 
-------------------  -------------------------------  ------------------- 
                      Callum Spreng                    Mob: 07803 970103 
-------------------  -------------------------------  ------------------- 
 

Notes to Editors:

-- Macfarlane Group PLC is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: MACF) in the Industrials Sector.

   --      The company has more than 60 years' experience in the UK packaging industry. 
   --      Macfarlane Group has three businesses: 

o Macfarlane Packaging is the leading UK distributor of a comprehensive range of protective packaging products.

o Labelsdesigns and prints high quality self-adhesive and re-sealable labels, principally for FMCG companies.

o Packaging Design and Manufacture specialises in designing and producing protective packaging for high value, fragile products.

-- Macfarlane Group is headquartered in Glasgow, Scotland, and employs over 700 people at 25 sites, principally in the UK and Ireland.

-- The company has 20,000+ customers in the UK, Europe and the USA providing 600,000+ lines to a wide range of industry sectors including: consumer goods; food manufacturing; logistics; internet retail; mail order; electronics; defence and aerospace.

Business Review

Group performance

 
                                                     Profit                      Profit 
                                                     before                      before 
                                                exceptional                 exceptional 
                                     Revenue          items     Revenue           items 
   Segment                              2014           2014        2013            2013 
                                      GBP000         GBP000      GBP000          GBP000 
 
 Packaging Distribution              126,907          5,758     116,280           4,960 
 Manufacturing Operations             26,860            888      27,591           1,291 
 
 Revenue from continuing 
  operations                         153,767                    143,871 
 
 Operating profit                                     6,646                       6,251 
 Net finance costs                                  (1,040)                     (1,199) 
 
 Profit before tax - continuing 
  operations                                          5,606                       5,052 
 
 

The markets in which we operate remained challenging in 2014 and are highly competitive. Despite this, Macfarlane Group's sales in 2014 were 7% above the level achieved in 2013. The good organic growth in sales was supported by two acquisitions during the year and as a result, profit before tax and exceptional items at GBP5.6 million, was 11% ahead of the level achieved in 2013. There were no exceptional items in 2014.

The Packaging Distribution business achieved a sales increase versus 2013 of 9% comprising 4% organic growth and 5% from acquisitions. There was a strong final quarter's sales performance, reflecting a 6% increase versus 2013, through the benefit of new business wins earlier in the year and increasing penetration of National Accounts. The growth in new business particularly focused on the supply of protective packaging to internet retailers both directly and through our partnerships with major Third Party Logistics ("3PL") customers. The increased competitive environment resulted in a slightly lower gross margin of 28.8% compared to 29.1% in 2013. Despite the increases in overheads arising from the two acquisitions, cost control remained strong with the overhead to sales ratio reducing to 24.3% compared with 24.8% in 2013. Operating profit before tax and exceptional items in the Packaging Distribution business at GBP5.8 million showed growth of 16% versus 2013.

2014 was a year of contrast for our Manufacturing Operations. The focus for both our Labels and Packaging Design and Manufacture businesses in 2014 was to concentrate on their higher added-value activities and this resulted in changes to both the customer and product mix. Sales in our Manufacturing Operations decreased by 3% versus 2013 mainly due to certain key customers in the self-adhesive label sector losing market share. Gross margins improved overall but reduced in our Labels business due to the increasingly competitive UK retail market and the cost base increased due to the relocation of our Labels facility in Ireland during 2013. The weaker performance from our Labels business was the major cause of our Manufacturing Operations recording operating profit before tax and exceptional items of GBP0.9 million compared with GBP1.3 million in 2013.

Whilst there is a modest improvement in the economic environment, our future performance will again be largely dependent on our own efforts to grow sales and increase efficiencies. We operate a flexible business model and our ability to focus on the most attractive UK market sectors for our products and services gives us confidence that 2015 will be another year of progress for Macfarlane Group.

Macfarlane Packaging Distribution is the leading UK specialist distributor of protective packaging materials, and in what is a highly fragmented market, Macfarlane is the market leader. The business operates from 18 Regional Distribution Centres (RDCs) supplying customers with a comprehensive range of protective packaging materials and services on a local, regional and national basis.

Competition in the distribution market is from local and regional protective packaging specialist companies and national distribution generalists who supply a range of products, including protective packaging materials. Macfarlane competes effectively on a local basis through its strong focus on and regular monitoring of customer service, its breadth and depth of product offer and through the recruitment and retention of staff with good local market knowledge. On a national basis Macfarlane has focus, expertise and a breadth of product and service knowledge all of which enables it to compete effectively against non-specialist packaging distributors.

Macfarlane Packaging benefits its customers by enabling them to ensure their products are cost-effectively protected in transit and storage through the supply of a comprehensive product range, single source supply, Just In Time delivery, tailored stock management programmes, electronic trading and independent advice on both packaging materials and packing processes.

 
                        Existing    Acquisitions       2014       2013 
                          GBP000          GBP000     GBP000     GBP000 
 
                                                                          Sales growth 
 Sales                   120,631           6,276    126,907    116,280          9% 
 Cost of sales          (86,029)         (4,353)   (90,382)   (82,415) 
 
                                                                          Margin growth 
 Gross margin             34,602           1,923     36,525     33,865          8% 
                                                                         Overhead growth 
 Overheads              (29,360)         (1,407)   (30,767)   (28,905)          6% 
 
 Operating profit 
  before exceptional                                                       Profit growth 
  items                    5,242             516      5,758      4,960          16% 
 
 

Packaging Distribution sales grew by 9% over 2013 levels supported by our acquisition of Lane Packaging in May 2014 and Network Packaging in September 2014. Growth was particularly strong with internet retailers and National Accounts, where Macfarlane has a strongly differentiated offer for customers. Gross margin percentage reduced to 28.8% (2013 - 29.1%) due to the impact of price lead competition. Good overhead control throughout the business reduced the overhead as a percentage of sales to 24.3% (2013 - 24.8%) resulting in an increase in operating profit to GBP5.8 million from GBP5.0 million in 2013.

The 18 RDCs in our network are managed and measured as profit centres. In 2014 we had 13 of our 18 RDCs performing above the target return on sales level of 5%. The remaining 5 RDCs continue to demonstrate improvements that indicate their ability to achieve the target return on sales.

Future Plans

We expect general demand levels to increase modestly in 2015. Therefore our plans continue to be focused on those markets showing growth, building market share and improving operational effectiveness through the following actions:

l Accelerating our penetration of the growing internet retail sector both directly and through our partnerships with key 3PL organisations;

l Expanding our focus in industry sectors which benefit from Macfarlane's national coverage through our specialist National Account sales team;

l Continuing the development of our web-based presence through macfarlanepackaging.com to improve online visibility and access to our full range of products and services;

l Commencing the programme to integrate our recently acquired companies following the completion of the earnout periods;

l Supplementing organic growth through identification of further suitable acquisition opportunities;

l Improving the awareness of our membership of NovuPak, for UK based customers requiring our capabilities on a wider European basis;

l Continuing to reduce operating costs by evaluating alternatives to our current property footprint, implementing further operational savings in logistics through expanded use of the Paragon vehicle management system and the implementation of a warehouse best practice programme; and

l Maintaining the focus on working capital management to reduce borrowing levels.

Manufacturing Operations

Macfarlane's Manufacturing Operations comprise Labels, which includes self-adhesive and resealable labels and our Packaging Design and Manufacture business.

 
                                            2014       2013 
                                          GBP000     GBP000 
 
 Sales                                    26,860     27,591 
 Cost of sales                          (15,922)   (16,568) 
 
 Gross margin                             10,938     11,023 
 Overheads                              (10,050)    (9,732) 
 
 Operating profit before exceptional 
  items                                      888      1,291 
 
 

In 2014 Macfarlane's Manufacturing Operations recorded an operating profit before exceptional items of GBP0.9 million (2013 - GBP1.3 million). The key features of the Manufacturing Operations' performance in 2014 were:

l Sales reduced by 3% versus 2013 mainly due to key self-adhesive label customers losing UK market share;

l Gross margins increased to 40.7% (2013 - 40.0%) through the focus on higher added value products and services; and

l Net overheads increased as a percentage of sales from 35.3% in 2013 to 37.4% in 2014.

Labels

Our Labels business designs and prints self-adhesive labels for major FMCG customers in the UK and Europe and resealable labels for major customers in the UK, Europe and the USA. The business operates from production sites in Kilmarnock and Wicklow and a sales and design office in Sweden, which focuses on the development and growth of our resealable labels business - Reseal-it.

The Labels business has a high level of dependency on a small number of major customers. Management works closely with these key customers to ensure high levels of service and to introduce product and service development initiatives to achieve competitive differentiation.

2014 was a difficult year with sales reducing by 3% and profits were below the level achieved in 2013.

Sales of self-adhesive labels were negatively impacted by key customers losing UK market share and gross margin in this product sector remained under pressure due to the highly competitive conditions in the UK retail market.

We continued to make good progress in the development of the resealable range of labels and systems and Reseal-it in 2014 represented 39% of revenue (2013 - 36%). Competition in the resealable label sector is increasing but total sales for Reseal-it grew by 2% versus 2013. Despite some slowing of momentum in the USA this was more than offset with good growth in Reseal-it system sales in Europe and improved penetration in the UK market through major retailers.

The business sustained higher costs associated with the re-location of our manufacturing activities in Ireland to a larger site in Wicklow.

Future Plans

The priorities for Labels in 2015 are: -

   --     Maintenance of the strategic focus on higher added value products and services; 

-- Changes to our commercial offering in the self-adhesive label market to counterbalance customer order patterns and volatility;

-- Continued improvement in operational efficiencies to counterbalance competitive price pressure, maximising the returns from 2014 capital expenditure; and

-- Further development of the Reseal-it product in the US market through the Printpack partnership, in Europe through new business wins and in the UK through improved penetration with key retailers.

Packaging Design and Manufacture

The principal activity of the Packaging Design and Manufacture business is the design, manufacture and assembly of custom-designed packaging solutions for customers requiring cost-effective methods of protecting high value products in storage and transit. The primary raw materials are corrugate, timber and foam. The business operates from two manufacturing sites in Grantham and Westbury, supplying both direct to customers and also through the RDC network of the Packaging Distribution business.

The key market sectors supplied are defence, aerospace, medical equipment, electronics and automotive. The markets in which we operate are highly fragmented with a range of locally based competitors. We differentiate ourselves through our technical expertise, design capability, industry accreditations and national coverage through the partnership with Macfarlane Packaging Distribution.

Business Performance

2014 external sales were 3% below those in 2013 caused by the relocation of a major customer outwith the UK. Management continued to change the mix of products and services towards those with higher added-value and the benefit was an improvement in gross margin, which together with good cost control contributed to an overall level of profitability in 2014 slightly ahead of that achieved in 2013. There was encouraging progress during 2014 in the development of new customer relationships, which should benefit the business in 2015.

Future Plans

The priorities for 2015 are:

l Accelerate sales growth, particularly in certain key sectors e.g. Defence, Aerospace and Medical;

l Identify and execute suitable acquisition opportunities;

l Prioritise our sales activity on the higher added-value bespoke composite pack product range;

l Continue to strengthen the relationship between our Packaging Design & Manufacture operations and our Packaging Distribution business to create both sales and cost synergies; and

l Make selective investments to improve productivity at both our manufacturing sites.

Cash Flow and Net Debt

The Group agreed a new debt facility with Lloyds Banking Group PLC in 2014, comprising a three-year committed borrowing facility of up to GBP20.0 million for the period to February 2017. The facility bears interest at normal commercial rates and carries standard financial covenants in relation to interest cover and levels of headroom over trade receivables. This new longer-term borrowing facility was put in place to accommodate increased working capital requirements from our organic growth, finance for acquisitions and a one-off contribution to reduce the pension scheme deficit.

Placing of new shares

Following the acquisition of Network Packaging, the Company undertook a share placing to provide additional funds for its acquisition programme. The placing was well supported by new and existing institutional investors and following approval in General Meeting in October 2014, the Company issued 8,000,000 ordinary shares at a price of 37.50p each, raising GBP2.8 million net of expenses.

Pension Scheme Deficit

During the year the Group's pension scheme deficit reduced from GBP15.9 million to GBP13.9 million. The Board continues to take steps to cut Macfarlane Group's pension deficit including a one-off contribution of GBP2.5 million in the year. This, combined with careful stewardship of the investment portfolio by the Trustees, in conjunction with the Company, helped to offset the impact of lower bond yields

2015 Outlook

We expect general market demand in 2015 to increase modestly as the UK economy continues its recovery. There are specific market sectors such as internet retail which are forecast to show good growth and Macfarlane Group will focus on ensuring we continue to be well positioned to benefit from the growth expected in these sectors.

During 2015 we will look at further opportunities to accelerate sales growth through the acquisition of quality protective packaging businesses that can leverage our current infrastructure or improve our geographic penetration.

Macfarlane Group's businesses all have good market positions with strong differentiated product and service offerings. Our business model is flexible and we have a clear strategic plan, which is being effectively implemented as reflected in our track record of consistent, profitable growth.

We expect 2015 to be another successful year for Macfarlane Group.

Business Review

The principal risks and uncertainties faced by the Group and factors mitigating these risks are detailed below.

 
                   Risk                                    Mitigating Factors 
------------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------------- 
 Raw material prices 
  The Group's businesses are impacted          The Group works closely with its 
  by commodity-based raw material              supplier base to manage the scale 
  prices and manufacturer energy               and timing of price increases to 
  costs, with profitability sensitive          end-users effectively. Our IT systems 
  to supplier price changes. The               monitor and measure our effectiveness 
  principal components are corrugated          in recovering supplier price changes. 
  paper, polythene films, timber               Where possible, alternative supplier 
  and foam, with changes to paper              relationships are maintained to minimise 
  and oil prices having a direct               supplier dependency. We work with 
  impact on the price we pay to                customers to redesign packs and reduce 
  our suppliers.                               packing cost to mitigate the impact 
                                               of cost increases. 
------------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------------- 
 Funding defined benefit pension 
  scheme                                       Steps undertaken to reduce the deficit 
  The Group's defined benefit pension          include: - 
  scheme is sensitive to a number              The scheme was closed to new members 
  of key factors; investment returns,          in 2002. 
  discount rates used to calculate             Benefits for active members were 
  scheme liabilities (based on corporate       amended by freezing pensionable salaries 
  bond yields) and mortality assumptions.      at 30 April 2009 salary levels. 
  The IAS19 valuation of the Group's           The revaluation of deferred members' 
  defined benefit pension scheme               benefits has reflected Consumer Prices 
  as at 31 December 2014 estimated             Index as the inflation measure since 
  the scheme deficit to be GBP13.9             2010. 
  million. Small changes in these              During 2012 a Pension Increase Exchange 
  assumptions could mean that the              exercise was completed to offer flexibility 
  deficit increases.                           to pensioners in the current level 
                                               of pension benefits and the rate 
                                               of future increases. 
                                               Further actions to reduce volatility 
                                               will be evaluated in 2015. 
------------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------------- 
 Property 
  Given the multi-site nature of               Where a site is non-operational the 
  its business, the Group has a                Group seeks to assign, sell or sub-lease 
  property portfolio comprising                the building to mitigate the financial 
  4 owned sites and 27 leased sites            impact. If this is not possible, 
  of which 4 are sublet, with 1                rental voids are provided on vacant 
  vacant owned site at the balance             properties taking into consideration 
  sheet date. This portfolio gives             the likely period of vacancy and 
  rise to risks for ongoing lease              incentives to re-let. 
  costs, dilapidations and fluctuations 
  in value. 
------------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------------- 
 Financial liquidity, debt covenants 
  and interest rates 
  The Group needs continuous access            The Group seeks to maintain an appropriate 
  to funding to meet its trading               level of committed bank facilities 
  obligations and to support organic           that provides sufficient headroom 
  growth and acquisitions. There               above peak projected borrowing requirements. 
  is a risk that the Group may be              The Group continually monitors net 
  unable to obtain the necessary               debt and forecast cash flows to ensure 
  funds or that such funds will                that it will be able to meet its 
  only be available on unfavourable            financial obligations as they fall 
  terms. The Group's borrowing facilities      due. Compliance with debt covenants 
  comprise a committed facility                is monitored on a monthly basis and 
  of GBP20 million, including requirements     sensitivity analysis is applied to 
  to comply with specified covenants,          forecasts to assess the impact on 
  with a breach potentially resulting          covenants. 
  in Group borrowings being subject 
  to more onerous conditions. 
------------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------------- 
 
 
 
   Decentralised structure 
   The Packaging Distribution business       A comprehensive management information 
   model reflects a decentralised            system is maintained with key performance 
   approach with a high dependency           indicators monitored consistently 
   on effective local decision-making.       and regularly with actions taken 
   There is a risk that management           when required. 
   control is less effective and 
   local decisions do not meet overall 
   corporate objectives. 
----------------------------------------  -------------------------------------------- 
 Working capital 
  The Group has a significant investment     Credit risk is controlled by applying 
  in working capital in the form             rigour to the management of trade 
  of trade receivables and inventories.      receivables by our credit control 
  There is a risk that this investment       team, managed by a credit control 
  is not fully recovered.                    manager and subject to additional 
                                             scrutiny from the Group Finance Director. 
                                             Inventory levels and order patterns 
                                             are regularly reviewed and risks 
                                             arising from holding bespoke stocks 
                                             are managed by obtaining order cover 
                                             from customers. 
----------------------------------------  -------------------------------------------- 
 

There are a number of other risks that we manage which are not considered to be key risks. In addition the Group is subject to the impact of general economic conditions, the competitive environment and risks associated with business continuity. These are all mitigated in ways that are common to all businesses and not specific to Macfarlane Group.

These risks are complemented by an overall governance framework including clear and delegated authorities, business performance monitoring and appropriate insurance cover for a wide range of potential risks. There is a dependence on good quality local management, which is supported by an investment in training and development and ongoing performance evaluation.

Going Concern

The Directors, in their consideration of going concern, have reviewed the Group's cash flow forecasts and revenue projections, which they believe are based on past experience and what they consider to be prudent market data. The Group's business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance and financial position are set out in the Chairman's Statement and Business Review on pages 1 to 8.

The Group's principal financial risks in the medium term relate to liquidity and credit risk. Liquidity risk is managed by ensuring that the Group's day-to-day working capital requirements are met by having access to banking facilities with suitable terms and conditions to accommodate the requirements of the Group's operations. Credit risk is managed by applying considerable rigour in managing the Group's trade receivables. The Directors believe that the Group is adequately placed to manage its financial risks effectively despite the current uncertain economic outlook.

The Group's principal banking facilities of up to GBP20.0 million are in place until February 2017 and the Directors are of the opinion that the Group's cash forecasts and revenue projections, taking account of reasonably possible changes in trading performance given current market and economic conditions, show that the Group should be able to operate within its current facilities and comply with its banking covenants.

After making enquiries, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company and the Group have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

Cautionary Statement

The Chairman's Statement and the Business Review on pages 1 to 8 have been prepared to provide additional information to members of the Company to assess the Group's strategy and the potential for the strategy to succeed. It should not be relied on by any other party or for any other purpose.

This report and the financial statements contain certain forward-looking statements relating to operations, performance and financial status. By their nature, such statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend upon circumstances that will occur in the future. There are a number of factors, including both economic and business risk factors that could cause actual results or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These statements are made by the Directors in good faith based on the information available to them up to the time of their approval of this report.

Responsibility Statement of the Directors

The responsibility statement below has been prepared in connection with the company's full annual report for the year ending 31 December 2014. Certain parts of the full annual report are not included within this announcement. The Directors of Macfarlane Group PLC are

   G. Bissett                      Chairman 
   P.D. Atkinson               Chief Executive 
   J. Love                         Finance Director 
   M. Arrowsmith             Non-Executive Director and Senior Independent Director 
   S. Paterson                   Non-Executive Director 
   R. McLellan                  Non-Executive Director 

To the best of the knowledge of the Directors (whose names and functions are set out above), the financial statements, prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit for the Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole; and

Pursuant to Disclosure and Transparency Rules, Chapter 4, the Directors' Report of the Company's annual report includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the Company, and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties faced by the business.

   Peter Atkinson                                                  John Love 
   Chief Executive                                                 Finance Director 
   26 February 2015                                              26 February 2015 

Macfarlane Group PLC

Consolidated income statement

For the year ended 31 December 2014

 
                                        2014           2013 
                                      GBP000         before 
                                                exceptional     Exceptional 
                                                      items           items       2013 
                                                     GBP000          GBP000     GBP000 
                            Note                                  (see Note 
                                                                         3) 
 Continuing operations         3 
 Revenue                             153,767        143,871               -    143,871 
 Cost of sales                     (106,304)       (98,983)               -   (98,983) 
 
 Gross profit                         47,463         44,888               -     44,888 
 Distribution costs                  (7,432)        (7,458)               -    (7,458) 
 Administrative expenses            (33,385)       (31,179)           (336)   (31,515) 
 
 Operating profit              3       6,646          6,251           (336)      5,915 
 Finance costs                 4     (1,040)        (1,199)               -    (1,199) 
 
 Profit before tax                     5,606          5,052           (336)      4,716 
 Tax                           5     (1,164)        (1,265)               5    (1,260) 
 
 Profit for the year           7       4,442          3,787           (331)      3,456 
 
 
 Earnings per share 
    Basic                      7       3.78p          3.32p         (0.29p)      3.03p 
 
 
    Diluted                    7       3.78p          3.31p         (0.29p)      3.02p 
 
 

Macfarlane Group PLC

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

For the year ended 31 December 2014

 
                                                       Note     2014     2013 
                                                              GBP000   GBP000 
 
Exchange differences on translation of foreign 
 operations                                                    (102)       40 
Remeasurement of pension scheme liability               10   (2,737)    1,177 
Tax recognised in other comprehensive income 
    Tax on remeasurement of pension scheme liability    11       548    (271) 
    Long-term corporation tax rate change               11         -    (476) 
 
Other comprehensive income for the year                      (2,291)      470 
Profit for the year                                            4,442    3,456 
 
Total comprehensive income for the year                        2,151    3,926 
 
 

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

For the year ended 31 December 2014

 
                          Note     Share      Share  Revaluation      Own  Translation       Retained 
                                 Capital    Premium      Reserve   Shares      Reserve       Earnings       Total 
                                  GBP000     GBP000       GBP000   GBP000       GBP000         GBP000      GBP000 
 
At 1 January 2013                 28,755          -           70    (810)          183        (4,180)      24,018 
Profit for the 
 year                                  -          -            -        -            -          3,456       3,456 
Dividends                  6           -          -            -        -            -        (1,774)     (1,774) 
Exchange differences 
 on translation 
 of foreign operations                 -          -            -        -           40              -          40 
Transfer of own 
 shares to pension 
 scheme                                -          -            -      499            -          (245)         254 
Remeasurement 
 of pension liability      10          -          -            -        -            -          1,177       1,177 
Tax on remeasurement 
 of pension liability      11          -          -            -        -            -          (271)       (271) 
Long-term corporation 
 tax rate change           11          -          -            -        -            -          (476)       (476) 
 
At 31 December 
 2013                             28,755          -           70    (311)          223        (2,313)      26,424 
 
Profit for the 
 year                                  -          -            -        -            -          4,442       4,442 
Dividends                  6           -          -            -        -            -        (1,888)     (1,888) 
Issue of share 
 capital                  12       2,398      1,018            -        -            -              -       3,416 
Exchange differences 
 on translation 
 of foreign operations                 -          -            -        -        (102)              -       (102) 
Exercise of share 
 options                   13          -          -            -      311            -          (168)         143 
Remeasurement 
 of pension liability      10          -          -            -        -            -        (2,737)     (2,737) 
Tax on remeasurement 
 of pension liability      11          -          -            -        -            -            548         548 
 
At 31 December 
 2014                             31,153      1,018           70        -          121        (2,116)      30,246 
 
 

Macfarlane Group PLC

Consolidated balance sheet at 31 December 2014

 
                                           Note     2014        2013 
                                                  GBP000      GBP000 
Non-current assets 
Goodwill and other intangible assets              34,125      25,415 
Property, plant and equipment                      7,445       7,281 
Other receivables                                    659       1,651 
Deferred tax assets                        11      3,245       3,628 
 
Total non-current assets                          45,474      37,975 
 
Current assets 
Inventories                                        9,663       7,931 
Trade and other receivables                       39,998      35,481 
Cash and cash equivalents                  9       1,250         477 
 
Total current assets                              50,911      43,889 
 
Total assets                               3      96,385      81,864 
 
Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables                          37,566      32,346 
Current tax liabilities                              279         435 
Provisions                                            52          82 
Finance lease liabilities                  9         155          33 
Bank borrowings                            9      11,349       6,359 
 
Total current liabilities                         49,401      39,255 
 
Net current assets                                 1,510       4,634 
 
Non-current liabilities 
Retirement benefit obligations             10     13,873      15,896 
Deferred tax liabilities                   11      1,019         253 
Trade and other payables                           1,368          36 
Finance lease liabilities                  9         478           - 
 
Total non-current liabilities                     16,738      16,185 
 
Total liabilities                          3      66,139      55,440 
 
Net assets                                        30,246      26,424 
 
Equity 
Share capital                              12     31,153      28,755 
Share premium                              12      1,018           - 
Revaluation reserve                                   70          70 
Own shares                                             -       (311) 
Translation reserve                                  121         223 
Retained earnings                                (2,116)     (2,313) 
 
Total equity                               3      30,246      26,424 
 
 

Macfarlane Group PLC

Consolidated cash flow statement

For the year ended 31 December 2014

 
                                              Note          2014          2013 
                                                          GBP000        GBP000 
 
Net cash inflow from operating activities       9          2,843         3,427 
 
 
Investing activities 
Acquisition of subsidiary undertaking           8        (5,051)             - 
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant 
 and equipment                                               152            30 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment                 (624)         (774) 
 
Net cash used in investing activities                    (5,523)         (744) 
 
 
Financing activities 
Dividends paid                                  6        (1,888)       (1,774) 
Proceeds from issue of share capital (net 
 of issue expenses)                             12         2,791             - 
Proceeds from sale of own shares to satisfy 
 share options                                  13           143             - 
Repayment of bank loan                                   (6,000)             - 
Additional payment to pension scheme                     (2,500)             - 
Drawdown on bank borrowing facility                       11,349             - 
Repayments of obligations under finance 
 leases                                         9           (83)         (126) 
 
Net cash generated by/(used in) financing 
 activities                                                3,812       (1,900) 
 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents       9          1,132           783 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning 
 of year                                                     118         (665) 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year        9          1,250           118 
 
 

Macfarlane Group PLC

Notes to the financial information

For the year ended 31 December 2014

   1.       General information 

The financial information set out in this preliminary announcement does not constitute the Group's statutory financial statements as defined in Section 435 of the Companies Act 2006 and has been extracted from the full statutory accounts for the years ended 31 December 2014 and 31 December 2013 respectively.

The financial statements for 2014 were approved by the Board of Directors on 26 February 2015. The auditor's report on the statutory financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2014 was unqualified pursuant to Section 498 of the Companies Act 2006 and did not contain a statement under sub-section 498 (2) or (3) of that Act. The comparative figures for the financial year ended 31 December 2013 are not the Company's statutory accounts for that financial year. Those accounts have been reported on by the Company's auditor and delivered to the registrar of companies. The report of the auditor was (i) unqualified, (ii) did not include a reference to any matters to which the auditor drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their report, and (iii) did not contain a statement under section 498 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

   2.       Basis of preparation 

The Group's business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance and financial position are set out on pages 1 to 8.

The Group's principal financial risks in the medium term relate to liquidity and credit risk. Liquidity risk is managed by ensuring that the Group's day-to-day working capital requirements are met by having access to committed banking facilities with suitable terms and conditions to accommodate the requirements of the Group's operations. Credit risk, which is heightened as a result of the difficulties customers may face in the current climate, is managed by applying considerable rigour in managing the Group's trade receivables. The Directors believe that the Group is adequately placed to manage its financial risks effectively despite the current uncertain economic outlook.

The Group's debt facility with Lloyds Banking Group PLC comprises a three-year committed borrowing facility expiring in February 2017 of up to GBP20.0 million and secured over part of Macfarlane Group's trade receivables. The facility bears interest at normal commercial rates and carries standard financial covenants in relation to interest cover and levels of headroom over trade receivables.

The Directors are of the opinion that the Group's cash forecasts and revenue projections, which they believe are based on prudent market data and past experience taking account of reasonably possible changes in trading performance given current market and economic conditions, show that the Group should be able to operate within its current facilities and comply with its banking covenants.

After making enquiries, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company and the Group have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2014.

   2.       Basis of preparation (continued) 

Judgements, assumptions and estimation uncertainties

In preparing the 2014 financial statements, management has made judgements, estimates and assumptions, which affect the application of the Group's accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Actual results may differ from the amounts estimated. Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to estimates are recognised prospectively.

Information about judgements, assumptions and estimation uncertainties made in applying accounting policies that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in these financial statements and therefore have the most significant risk of resulting in a material change are as follows:-

 
  (i) Trade and Other Receivables       The provision for doubtful receivables 
                                         is based on judgmental estimates 
                                         over the recoverable amounts 
  (ii) Retirement Benefit Obligations   The valuation of the pension 
                                         deficit is affected by key actuarial 
                                         assumptions 
 
 
   3.       Segmental information 

The Group's principal business segment is Packaging Distribution, comprising the distribution of packaging materials and supply of storage and warehousing services in the UK. This constitutes over 80% of Group turnover and profit and as such, the Group has combined the remaining operations for the manufacture and supply of self-adhesive and resealable labels to a variety of FMCG customers in the UK & Europe and the design, manufacture and assembly of timber, corrugated and foam-based packaging materials in the UK into one segment headed Manufacturing Operations. No individual business segment within Manufacturing Operations represents more than 10% of Group revenue or income.

 
                                   2014 
                                 GBP000 
    Packaging Distribution 
  Revenue                       126,907 
  Cost of sales                (90,382) 
 
  Gross profit                   36,525 
  Net operating expenses       (30,767) 
 
  Operating profit                5,758 
 
  Manufacturing Operations 
  Revenue                        26,860 
  Cost of sales                (15,922) 
 
  Gross profit                   10,938 
  Net operating expenses       (10,050) 
 
  Operating profit                  888 
 
 
 
                                     Profit 
                                     before 
                                Exceptional      Exceptional 
                                      items            items       2013 
                                     GBP000           GBP000     GBP000 
  Packaging Distribution 
  Revenue                           116,280                -    116,280 
  Cost of sales                    (82,415)                -   (82,415) 
 
  Gross profit                       33,865                -     33,865 
  Net operating expenses           (28,905)             (42)   (28,947) 
 
  Operating profit                    4,960             (42)      4,918 
 
  Manufacturing Operations 
  Revenue                            27,591                -     27,591 
  Cost of sales                    (16,568)                -   (16,568) 
 
  Gross profit                       11,023                -     11,023 
  Net operating expenses            (9,732)            (294)   (10,026) 
 
  Operating profit                    1,291            (294)        997 
 
 
 
                                          Packaging   Manufacturing 
                                       Distribution      Operations       2013 
    Exceptional items 2013                   GBP000          GBP000     GBP000 
 
  Costs to exit surplus properties             (42)           (294)      (336) 
 
 

During 2013 the Group incurred costs of GBP0.3 million to terminate the leases for surplus properties and wrote-down an owned property to its realisable value.

Exceptional items are those transactions material to the income statement where separate disclosure is necessary for an appropriate understanding of the Group's financial performance.

 
                                                               2014         2013 
                                                             GBP000       GBP000 
    Group segment 
 
  Group segment - total revenue 
  Packaging Distribution                                    126,907      116,280 
  Manufacturing Operations                                   32,358       32,180 
  Inter-segment revenue                                     (5,498)      (4,589) 
 
  External revenue - continuing operations                  153,767      143,871 
 
 
  Operating profit - continuing operations 
  Packaging Distribution                                      5,758        4,918 
  Manufacturing Operations                                      888          997 
 
  Operating profit - continuing operations                    6,646        5,915 
  Finance costs                                             (1,040)      (1,199) 
 
  Profit before tax                                           5,606        4,716 
  Tax                                                       (1,164)      (1,260) 
 
  Profit for the year                                         4,442        3,456 
 
 
                                               Assets   Liabilities   Net assets 
                                               GBP000        GBP000       GBP000 
  Group segments 
  Packaging Distribution                       80,365        58,189       22,176 
  Manufacturing Operations                     16,020         7,950        8,070 
 
  Net assets 2014                              96,385        66,139       30,246 
 
 
                                               Assets   Liabilities   Net assets 
                                               GBP000        GBP000       GBP000 
  Group segments 
  Packaging Distribution                       68,493        48,544       19,949 
  Manufacturing Operations                     13,371         6,896        6,475 
 
  Net assets 2013                              81,864        55,440       26,424 
 
 
 
                                               4. Finance costs     2014     2013 
                                                                  GBP000   GBP000 
 
         Interest on bank borrowings                               (438)    (418) 
         Interest on obligations under finance leases                (8)      (6) 
         Net interest expense on retirement benefit obligation 
          (see note 10)                                            (594)    (775) 
 
         Total finance costs                                     (1,040)  (1,199) 
 
 
 
5. Tax                                                         2014     2013 
                                                             GBP000   GBP000 
         Current tax 
          United Kingdom corporation tax at 21.50% (2013: 
           23.25%)                                            (230)    (795) 
          Foreign tax                                          (95)     (62) 
 
         Total current tax                                    (325)    (857) 
         Total deferred tax (see note 11)                     (839)    (403) 
 
         Total                                              (1,164)  (1,260) 
 
 

The standard rate of tax based on the UK average rate of corporation tax, is 21.50% (2013 - 23.25%). Taxation for other jurisdictions is calculated at the rates prevailing in these jurisdictions. The actual tax charge for the current and previous year varies from 21.50% (2013 - 23.25%) of the results as set out in the income statement for the reasons set out in the following reconciliation:

 
                                                            2014     2013 
                                                          GBP000   GBP000 
 
         Profit before taxation                            5,606    4,716 
 
         Tax on profit at 21.50% (2013 - 23.25%)         (1,205)  (1,096) 
         Factors affecting tax charge for the year:- 
           Non-deductible expenses                           (1)     (70) 
           Difference on overseas tax rates                  (1)     (47) 
           Changes in estimates related to prior years        43       16 
           Exceptional items                                   -     (63) 
 
        Tax charge for the year                          (1,164)  (1,260) 
 
 
 
6. Dividends                                               2014     2013 
                                                         GBP000   GBP000 
        Amounts recognised as distributions to equity 
         holders in the year: 
  Final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2013 
   of 1.10p per share 
   (2012 - 1.05p per share)                               1,265    1,202 
  Interim dividend for the year ended 31 December 
   2014 of 0.50p per share 
   (2013 - 0.50p per share)                                 623      572 
 
                                                          1,888    1,774 
 
 

Dividends were not payable on the Own shares held in the employee share trust.

In addition to the amounts shown above, a proposed dividend of 1.15p per share will be paid on 4 June 2014 to those shareholders on the register at 8 May 2015. This is subject to approval by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting in 2015 and has not been included as a liability in these financial statements.

   7.      Earnings per share 

The calculation of the basic and diluted earnings per share is based on the following data:

 
                                                                       2014       2013 
                                                                     GBP000     GBP000 
 
         Earnings from continuing operations for the purposes 
          of earnings per share being profit for the year 
          from continuing operations                                  4,442      3,456 
 
 
  Number of shares in issue for the purposes of calculating            2014       2013 
   basic and diluted earnings per share                              No. of     No. of 
                                                                     shares     shares 
                                                                       '000       '000 
 
         Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue 
          for the year                                              117,550    115,019 
         Weighted average number of shares in Employee Share 
          Ownership Trusts                                            (184)      (846) 
 
         Weighted average number of shares in issue for 
          the 
          purposes of basic earnings per share                      117,366    114,173 
         Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares due 
          to share options                                                -         96 
 
                 Weighted average number of shares in issue for 
                  the 
                  purposes of diluted earnings per share            117,366    114,269 
 
 
         Basic Earnings per share                                     3.78p      3.03p 
 
         Diluted Earnings per share                                   3.78p      3.02p 
 
 
   8.       Acquisition of subsidiary companies 

During 2014 the Group acquired two trading subsidiary companies.

On 2 May 2014, the Group's subsidiary, Macfarlane Group UK Limited, acquired 100% of the issued share capital of PSD Industrial Holdings Limited, the immediate parent company of Lane Packaging Limited, for a consideration of approximately GBP0.9 million. GBP0.7 million was paid in cash on acquisition, with the deferred consideration payable in the second quarter of 2015, subject to certain trading targets being met in the year to 30 April 2015.

On 5 September 2014, the Group acquired 100% of the issued share capital of Network Packaging Limited for a consideration of approximately GBP7.5 million. GBP4.3 million of the consideration was paid in cash on acquisition and GBP0.6 million was settled by the issue of shares. The deferred consideration of GBP2.6 million, is payable in two instalments in the final quarter of 2015 and the final quarter of 2016, subject to certain trading targets being met in the two twelve month periods ending on 5 September 2015 and 5 September 2016 respectively.

Both businesses are packaging distributors and are accounted for in the Packaging Distribution segment. Goodwill arising on these acquisitions is attributable to the anticipated future profitability of the distribution of the Group's product ranges in new geographical markets in the UK and anticipated operating synergies from the future combination of activities with the existing Packaging Distribution network.

Fair values assigned to net assets acquired and consideration paid and payable are set out below:-

 
                                            Lane Packaging      Network 
                                                    GBP000    Packaging        Total 
                                                                 GBP000       GBP000 
  Net assets acquired 
  Other intangible assets                              663        3,617        4,280 
  Property, plant and equipment                         76          119          195 
  Inventories                                           72          466          538 
  Trade and other receivables                          453        1,766        2,219 
  Cash and bank balances                                 -          432          432 
  Bank loans and overdrafts                          (532)            -        (532) 
  Trade and other payables                           (681)      (1,634)      (2,315) 
  Current tax liabilities                             (16)        (296)        (312) 
  Finance lease liabilities                           (56)         (85)        (141) 
  Deferred tax liabilities                           (133)        (725)        (858) 
 
  Net (liabilities)/assets acquired                  (154)        3,660        3,506 
  Goodwill arising on acquisition                    1,001        3,857        4,858 
 
  Total consideration                                  847        7,517        8,364 
 
  Satisfied by: 
  Cash                                                 684        4,267        4,951 
  Deferred consideration                               163        2,625        2,788 
  Shares                                                 -          625          625 
 
  Total consideration                                  847        7,517        8,364 
 
  Net cash outflow arising on acquisition 
  Cash consideration                                 (684)      (4,267)      (4,951) 
  Cash and bank balances acquired                        -          432          432 
  Bank loans and overdrafts assumed                  (532)            -        (532) 
 
  Net cash outflow                                 (1,216)      (3,835)      (5,051) 
 
 
 
9. Notes to the cash flow statement                                    2014     2013 
                                                                     GBP000   GBP000 
 
         Operating profit before exceptional items                    6,646    6,251 
         Adjustments for: 
           Amortisation of intangible assets                            428      295 
           Depreciation of property, plant and equipment              1,020    1,036 
           Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment            (8)     (12) 
 
         Operating cash flows before movements in working 
          capital                                                     8,086    7,570 
 
           (Increase)/decrease in inventories                       (1,194)      189 
           Increase in receivables                                  (4,119)    (809) 
           Increase in payables                                       4,193      765 
           Decrease in provisions                                      (30)    (693) 
           Adjustment for pension scheme funding (exc. additional 
            contribution)                                           (2,854)  (2,493) 
 
         Cash generated by operations                                 4,082    4,529 
           Income taxes paid                                          (793)    (678) 
           Interest paid                                              (446)    (424) 
 
         Net cash inflow from operating activities                    2,843    3,427 
 
 
 
  Movement in net debt 
         Increase in cash and cash equivalents in the year                                       1,132      783 
         Increase in bank borrowings in the year                                              (11,349)        - 
         Decrease in bank loans                                                                  6,000        - 
         New finance lease facilities                                                            (683)        - 
         Repayment of obligations under finance leases                                              83      126 
 
         Movement in net debt in the year                                                      (4,817)      909 
         Opening net debt                                                                      (5,915)  (6,824) 
 
         Closing net debt                                                                     (10,732)  (5,915) 
 
         Net debt comprises: 
         Cash and cash equivalents                                                               1,250      477 
         Bank borrowings treated as overdrafts and loans                                             -    (359) 
 
         Cash and cash equivalents in statement of cash 
          flows                                                                                  1,250      118 
         Bank borrowings (2013 - Bank loans)                                                  (11,349)  (6,000) 
 
         Net bank debt                                                                        (10,099)  (5,882) 
         Obligations under finance leases Due within one 
          year                                                                                   (155)     (33) 
                                                                       Due outwith one year      (478)        - 
 
         Closing net debt                                                                     (10,732)  (5,915) 
 
 

Cash and cash equivalents (which are presented as a single class of asset on the face of the balance sheet) comprise cash at bank and other short-term highly liquid investments with maturity of three months or less.

2013 bank borrowings totalling GBP6.4 million were refinanced in February 2014.

   10.     Pension scheme 

Macfarlane Group PLC sponsors a defined benefit pension scheme for certain active and former UK employees - the Macfarlane Group PLC Pension & Life Assurance Scheme (1974) ("the scheme"). The two major trading subsidiaries, Macfarlane Group UK Limited and Macfarlane Labels Limited are the other two sponsoring employers of the scheme.

The scheme is administered by a separate Board of Trustees composed of employer nominated representatives and member nominated Trustees and is legally separate from the Group. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Group in managed funds under the supervision of the Trustees. The Trustees are required by law to act in the interest of all classes of beneficiary in the scheme and are responsible for investment policy and the day-to-day administration of benefits. The scheme was closed to new entrants during 2002.

The scheme provides qualifying employees with an annual pension of 1/60 of pensionable salary for each completed year's service on attainment of a normal retirement age of 65. Pensionable salaries were frozen for the remaining active members at the levels current at 30 April 2009 with the change taking effect from 30 April 2010. As a result no further salary inflation applies for active members who elected to remain in the scheme. Active members' benefits also include life assurance cover, albeit the payment of these benefits is at the discretion of the Trustees of the scheme.

On withdrawing from active service a deferred member's pension is revalued from the time of withdrawal until the pension is drawn. Revaluation in deferment is statutory and since 2010 has been revalued on the Consumer Price Index ("CPI") measure of inflation. Revaluation of pensions in payment is a blend of fixed increases and inflationary increases depending on the relevant periods of accrual of benefit. For pensions in payment, the inflationary increase is currently based on the Retail Prices Index ("RPI") measure of inflation.

During 2012, Macfarlane Group PLC made the decision to amend benefits for pensioner, deferred and active members in the defined benefit pension scheme by offering a Pension Increase Exchange ("PIE") option for deferred and active members after 1 May 2012.

The Group will consider a number of further actions to reduce the deficit in 2015.

Balance sheet disclosures

The assets in the scheme, the net liability position for the scheme and the expected rates of return have been based on the results of the actuarial valuation as at 1 May 2014, updated to the year-end.

 
                                        Fair value  Fair value  Fair value  Fair value  Fair value 
                                              2014        2013        2012        2011        2010 
                                            GBP000      GBP000      GBP000      GBP000      GBP000 
         Asset class 
         Equities                           15,893      15,079      14,474      12,782      26,577 
         Multi-asset diversified 
          funds                             18,541      16,414      13,026      12,206           - 
         Liability-driven investment 
          funds                             22,195           -           -           -           - 
         Bonds                              11,263      22,534      23,544      21,806      18,436 
         Other (cash)                           98         211         305         174         280 
 
         Fair value of assets               67,990      54,238      51,349      46,968      45,293 
         Present value of scheme 
          liabilities                     (81,863)    (70,134)    (70,247)    (67,452)    (61,018) 
 
         Deficit in the scheme            (13,873)    (15,896)    (18,898)    (20,484)    (15,725) 
         Related deferred tax asset 
          (see note 11)                      2,775       3,179       4,346       5,121       4,246 
 
         Net pension scheme liability     (11,098)    (12,717)    (14,552)    (15,363)    (11,479) 
 
 

The Trustees review the investments of the scheme on a regular basis and consult with the Company regarding any proposed changes to the investment profile. At the start of February 2014, the investment in fixed interest government gilts was transferred into a liability-driven investment fund, which concentrates solely on interest rate and inflation protection strategies, to provide a more effective hedge against the impact of both interest rates and inflation on the liabilities in the scheme.

As a result, despite the reductions in bond yields in 2014 causing an increase in liabilities, improved investment returns have helped offset this.

The scheme's liabilities were calculated on the following bases as required under IAS 19:

 
  Assumptions                        2014        2013        2012        2011        2010 
 
  Discount rate                     3.50%       4.50%       4.40%       4.80%       5.50% 
  Rate of increase in salaries      0.00%       0.00%       0.00%       0.00%       0.00% 
  Inflation assumption (RPI)        3.00%       3.40%       3.00%       3.00%       3.50% 
  Inflation assumption (CPI)        2.10%       2.50%       2.30%       2.20% 
  Spouse's pension assumption 
   Pensioner members 
   Deferred and active members        70%         70%         70%         90%         90% 
                                      80%         80%         80%         90%         90% 
  Life expectancy beyond normal 
   retirement date of 65 
  Male                            22.7 years  22.6 years  22.4 years  22.3 years  21.5 years 
  Female                          25.1 years  25.1 years  24.6 years  24.6 years  24.0 years 
 
 
                                      2014      2013       2012       2011          2010 
  Movement in scheme deficit        GBP000    GBP000     GBP000     GBP000        GBP000 
 
  At 1 January                    (15,896)  (18,898)   (20,484)   (15,725)      (20,366) 
  Current service cost               (126)     (148)      (146)      (150)         (119) 
  Employer contributions             5,480     2,748      2,583      2,169         2,705 
  Pension Increase Exchange 
   gain                                  -         -      1,855          -             - 
  Net finance cost                   (594)     (775)      (930)      (333)         (735) 
  Curtailments and settlements           -         -          -       (13)         1,250 
  Remeasurement of pension 
   scheme liability                (2,737)     1,177    (1,776)    (6,432)         1,540 
 
  At 31 December                  (13,873)  (15,896)   (18,898)   (20,484)      (15,725) 
 
 

Funding

UK pension legislation requires that pension schemes are funded prudently. Following the completion of the triennial actuarial valuation at 1 May 2014, Macfarlane Group PLC is now paying deficit reduction contributions in accordance with an agreement with the scheme trustees to reduce the deficit over 10 years.

The next triennial actuarial valuation of the scheme is due at 1 May 2017.

Sensitivity to key assumptions

The key assumptions used for IAS 19 are discount rate, inflation and mortality. If different assumptions were used, then this could have a material effect on the results disclosed. Assuming all other assumptions are held static then a movement in the following key assumptions would affect the level of the deficit as shown below:-

 
                                               2014     2013     2012 
           Assumptions                       GBP000   GBP000   GBP000 
 
         Discount rate movement of +0.1%      1,285    1,192    1,194 
         Inflation rate movement of +0.1%     (393)    (281)    (281) 
         Mortality movement of +0.1 year 
          in age rating                       (295)    (231)    (232) 
 

The sensitivity information has been prepared using the same method as adopted when adjusting the results of the latest funding valuation to the balance sheet date and is consistent with the approach adopted in previous years.

 
11. Deferred tax                                                    2014     2013 
                                                                  GBP000   GBP000 
 
         At 1 January                                              3,375    4,525 
         Inherited on acquisitions                                 (858)        - 
         Charged in income statement                               (839)    (403) 
         Credited/(harged) in other comprehensive income 
          Remeasurement of pension scheme liability                  548    (271) 
                       Long-term corporation tax rate change           -    (476) 
 
         At 31 December                                            2,226    3,375 
 
 
         On retirement benefit obligations (see note 10)           2,775    3,179 
         Corporation tax losses                                      470      449 
 
         Disclosed as deferred tax asset                           3,245    3,628 
         On other intangible assets 
          Disclosed as a deferred tax liability                  (1,019)    (253) 
 
         At 31 December                                            2,226    3,375 
 
 

The Chancellor's Autumn Statement on 5 December 2012 announced that the UK corporation tax rate would reduce to 20% by 2015. This was substantively enacted on 2 July 2013 and has been reflected in these financial statements.

 
12. Share capital                                 2014     2013 
                                                GBP000   GBP000 
 
         Allotted, issued and fully paid: 
         At 1 January                           28,755   28,755 
         Issued during the year                  2,398        - 
 
         At 31 December                         31,153   28,755 
 
         Share premium 
         At 1 January                                - 
         Issue of new shares during the year     1,227 
         Expenses of share issue                 (209) 
 
         At 31 December                          1,018 
 
 

On 5 September 2014, the Company acquired the whole issued share capital of Network Packaging Limited. As part of initial consideration, the Company issued 1,592,360 ordinary shares of 25p each at a value of 39.25p per share, which were admitted to the official List of the London Stock Exchange on 12 September 2014.

On 8 September 2014, the Company announced a placing of 8,000,000 ordinary shares of 25p each at a price of 37.50p per share. The placing was approved at a General Meeting of the Company on 1 October 2014 and the shares were admitted to the official List of the London Stock Exchange on 2 October 2014.

Total proceeds raised for both of these issues were GBP2,791,000, net of issue expenses of GBP209,000.

   13.     Related party transactions 

Transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries, which are related parties, have been eliminated on consolidation and are not disclosed.

Details of individual and collective remuneration of the Company's Directors and dividends received by the Directors for calendar year 2014 will be disclosed in the Group's Annual Report for the year ending 31 December 2014.

Peter Atkinson, the Group's Chief Executive, exercised options over 551,372 ordinary shares on 8 May 2014. The consideration paid for the shares was GBP143,357. He then sold 442,500 ordinary shares for a consideration of GBP194,700. As a result of these transactions, his beneficial holding in Macfarlane Group PLC increased from 745,300 ordinary shares to 854,172 ordinary shares, representing 0.74% of the issued share capital of 115,019,000 ordinary shares.

The directors are satisfied that there are no other related party transactions occurring during the year which require disclosure.

   14.     Posting to shareholders and Annual General Meeting 

The Annual Report and Accounts will be sent to shareholders on Friday 27 March 2015 and will be available to members of the public at the Company's Registered Office, 21 Newton Place, Glasgow G3 7PY from 4 April 2015.

The Annual General Meeting will take place at the Thistle Hotel, Cambridge Street Glasgow at 12 noon on Tuesday 5 May 2015.

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

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