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SIXH 600 Group Plc

2.65
0.00 (0.00%)
19 Apr 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
600 Group Plc LSE:SIXH London Ordinary Share GB0008121641 ORD 1P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 2.65 0.00 01:00:00
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Industrial Mach & Eq-whsl 68.98M 1.27M 0.0108 2.45 3.11M

600 Group PLC Half-year Report (8689W)

20/11/2017 7:00am

UK Regulatory


600 (LSE:SIXH)
Historical Stock Chart


From Apr 2019 to Apr 2024

Click Here for more 600 Charts.

TIDMSIXH

RNS Number : 8689W

600 Group PLC

20 November 2017

The 600 Group PLC

Unaudited Interim Results for the six months ended 30 September 2017

The 600 Group PLC ("the Group"), the AIM listed distributor, designer and manufacturer of industrial products (AIM: SIXH), today announces its unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2017.

Highlights:

   --   Revenues were up 7% to GBP24.8m (FY 17 H1: GBP23.2m) 
   --   Underlying* operating profit up to GBP1.3m (FY17 H1: GBP1.2m) 
   --   Profit before tax up to GBP2.1m (FY 17: GBP1.4m) 
   --   Order books up 36% on the same time last year 
   --   Industrial laser division contribution increased to 59% of profits* from operations 
   --   ProPhotonix sale realised GBP1.5m and GBP1m profit 
   --   Equity raise of GBP1.12m before costs to eliminate working capital bank debt in the UK 
   --   Pension scheme in GBP12.2m technical provisions surplus 

*from continuing operations, before special items.

Commenting today, Paul Dupee, Executive Chairman of the Group said:

"Market conditions have improved generally over the previous year and both our divisions have been able to increase revenues and have much improved order books. These factors give us greater confidence going into the second half of our financial year and will be complemented by new product launches and an increasing focus on new sales activity in other geographical areas.

Whilst there remain a number of uncertain world events beyond our control which could affect our markets, the Board continues to believe that the process of leveraging our industry recognised brands such as Colchester, Harrison, Clausing, TYKMA and Electrox through new product developments and an increased worldwide distribution network will lead to continued revenue growth in the future."

Reconciliation of underlying profit before taxation:

 
                                           26 Weeks ended   26 Weeks ended 
                                             30 September        1 October 
                                                     2017             2016 
                                                     GBPm             GBPm 
                                          ---------------  --------------- 
 
 Revenues                                           24.84            23.16 
 Cost of sales                                    (16.28)          (15.07) 
                                          ---------------  --------------- 
 Gross profit                                        8.56             8.09 
 Net operating costs                               (7.29)           (6.86) 
                                          ---------------  --------------- 
 Underlying operating profit                         1.27             1.23 
 Bank and loan note interest expense 
  (net)                                            (0.44)           (0.48) 
                                          ---------------  --------------- 
 Underlying profit before tax                        0.83             0.75 
 
 Other items: 
                                          ---------------  --------------- 
 Interest on pension surplus                         0.66             0.75 
 ProPhotonix sale                                    0.97                - 
 Other Special items                               (0.31)           (0.05) 
 Amortisation of shareholder loan costs            (0.09)           (0.08) 
                                          ---------------  --------------- 
                                                     1.23             0.62 
                                          ---------------  --------------- 
 
 
 Reported profit before tax                          2.06             1.37 
                                          ===============  =============== 
 

More Information on the group can be viewed at: www.600group.com

 
 Enquiries: 
-----------------------------------------  ------------------- 
 The 600 Group PLC                          Tel: 01924 415000 
-----------------------------------------  ------------------- 
 Paul Dupee, Executive Chairman 
-----------------------------------------  ------------------- 
 Neil Carrick, Finance Director 
-----------------------------------------  ------------------- 
 Cadogan PR Limited                         Tel: 020 7930 7006 
-----------------------------------------  ------------------- 
 Alex Walters                               Tel: 07771 713608 
-----------------------------------------  ------------------- 
 FinnCap                                    Tel: 020 7600 1658 
-----------------------------------------  ------------------- 
 Tony Quirke/Mia Gardiner (Sales/Broking) 
-----------------------------------------  ------------------- 
 SPARK Advisory Partners Limited 
  (NOMAD) 
-----------------------------------------  ------------------- 
 Matt Davis / Miriam Greenwood              Tel: 020 3368 3553 
-----------------------------------------  ------------------- 
 

The 600 Group Plc

Executive Chairman's Statement for the six months ended 30 September 2017

Overview

I am pleased to report that both of our Divisions have made progress in increasing revenues during the six month period ended 30 September 2017. Enquiry levels remain good and order books are up 36% overall on this time last year.

Revenue was up 7% at GBP24.8m against GBP23.2m in the previous half year and Group underlying operating profit increased to GBP1.3m (FY17 H1: GBP1.2m).

We have continued to invest in new people and new product developments to maintain our strategic goal of leveraging the strength of the Group's brands into niche markets worldwide and several new products are being launched for the second half of the financial year.

Results and dividend

Revenue was GBP24.8m (FY 17 H1: GBP23.2m) with net underlying operating profit (excluding special items) of GBP1.3m (FY17 H1: GBP1.2m).

After taking account of interest on bank borrowings and loan notes, the underlying Group pre-tax profit before special items was GBP0.8m (FY17 H1: GBP0.8m) and GBP2.1m (FY 17 H1: GBP1.4m ) after special items.

Special Items have been noted separately so that the underlying trading performance can be better understood. In the current period share option costs, the amortisation of intangible assets acquired, amortisation of loan note expenses and the pensions credit interest on the scheme surplus, which are non-cash costs, are included in special items.

In addition to these items a credit of GBP0.97m is included as a result of the sale of the Group's holding in ProPhotonix Ltd at the end of August. Reorganisation and redundancy costs as a result of the finalisation of the integration of the TYKMA and Electrox businesses and costs incurred in restructuring the UK machine tools business are also included.

The total profit attributable to shareholders of the Group for the financial period was GBP1.8m (FY17 H1: GBP1.1m), providing earnings of 1.75 pence per share (FY17 H1: 1.05 pence). The underlying earnings per share

(excluding the pension interest and other special items) were 0.79p   (FY17 H1: 0.71p). 

The Board continues to believe the retention of earnings to grow the businesses is the most appropriate use of available finance and accordingly do not recommend the payment of an interim dividend.

Operating activities

Machine tools and precision engineered components

 
                      FY18 H1   FY17 H1 
                       GBPm      GBPm 
 Revenues             16.96     16.42 
 Operating profit*    0.76      0.93 
 Operating margin*    4.5%      5.7% 
 

*from continuing operations, before special items.

Revenues in our North American business grew strongly by 6% as did those in Australia, up 11%. The UK business, however, failed to make headway against the previous year's first six months revenue but was up 7% on the second half trading in the year to March 2017, which bore the brunt of the uncertainty following the Brexit vote. The combination of weaker sales, particularly in the higher margin spares and service activities and higher import prices held the UK operation to break even trading during the period. A number of operational cost reduction initiatives are taking place led by the new UK managing director, Terry Allison, to improve net margins in the second half of the financial year together with the launch of new products to further stimulate sales growth. This weak performance held back the divisional operating profit despite the improvement in the US business during the period.

Quotation activity has remained good and all businesses are reporting stronger order books, with the division as a whole 70% up on the order books at this time last year. This continued improved activity gives us confidence going into the second half of the financial year and is in contrast to the previous year where the uncertainty following the Brexit vote and the effects of the US Presidential elections on US domestic confidence were key factors in a difficult trading period.

Product development has continued during the period with work on a US built lathe and the launch at the EMO trade show in Hannover in September of the Clausing CNC Millpwr. Work is also underway on the construction of the US built Kondia milling machine following the acquisition last year of the machine tools business of Kondia, formerly Spain's largest manufacturer of milling machines. The Group also acquired the worldwide supply of Kondia spares.

The introduction of the Clausing product range of saws, drills, mills and grinders into the UK, and European markets has proved successful and is a growing part of the product portfolio. These products are very often found alongside our Colchester and Harrison lathes in the many facilities we sell to and are a natural extension to our existing product range in these markets. These products represent about 40% of the total machine tools sold by our North American operation against only about 5% currently for UK and Europe.

Supply of machines from our new Indian partners has begun and additional product ranges are being developed together with their technical engineers.

The Australian operation has continued its recovery in both volumes and profitability and in addition has met with some success with sales to Thailand through our new distribution partner during the period.

Industrial Laser systems

 
                      FY18 H1   FY17 H1 
                       GBPm      GBPm 
 Revenues             7.88      6.74 
 Operating profit*    1.11      0.89 
 Operating margin*    14.1%     13.2% 
 

*from continuing operations, before special items.

Top line progress has been good during the period, up 17% on the same period last year and the consolidation of manufacturing onto one site in Ohio USA and revision of the supply chain during the previous year has ensured margins remain acceptable. This division now accounts for almost 60% of the trading profits generated by our businesses.

Quotation activity in this Division has also been strong and the order book at the end of September was up 18% on the same time last year.

We have invested in strengthening the management team during the period to provide greater depth and a strong base to support the future growth in the business.

The combined TYKMA Electrox business now has worldwide credibility and has secured repeat orders from a number of multi-national corporations in the period.

New products launched last year have become significant contributors to this businesses success and further new product developments are being launched over the coming months. Progress is also being made in export areas in Asia Pacific through a new international sales manager.

ProPhotonix

The Group disposed of its entire holding in ProPhotonix Ltd, the AIM listed laser diode and LED systems manufacturer and distributor, for GBP1.5m at the end of August 2017 realising a profit of GBP1m which is shown in special items. The proceeds were used to pay down UK senior debt with HSBC.

Equity issue

8.6m shares were issued to a number of institutional investors, which raised GBP1.12m before costs on 20 September 2017. The proceeds were used to pay down the remaining UK working capital borrowings. Our facilities have been maintained with HSBC to provide headroom for future growth.

Financial position

Net assets decreased in the six month period by GBP3.3m to GBP47.0m largely as a result of the pension asset decrease. Net assets excluding the effect of pension schemes (and associated taxation) increased by GBP1.1m to GBP17.9m as a result of net profit generation and the equity issue less the reduction of 7% in the value of our foreign net assets on their re-translation into Sterling due to exchange rate movements.

Stock levels have increased due to the increased activity levels. In addition in order to provide customers with shorter lead times and to support the new product launches additional stockholding has been required which has increased working capital levels.

Despite this, net debt decreased significantly to GBP12.1m (March 2017 GBP13.7m) resulting in gearing of 26% (March 2017: 27%) as result of profitable trading, the sale of the ProPhotonix holding and the issue of equity.

UK annual working capital facilities were renewed in September 2017 with HSBC to support the UK machine tool business and Bank of America renewed their annual working capital facilities for Clausing and TYKMA in the USA in November.

UK pension scheme

The accounting surplus on the UK pension scheme decreased during the period from GBP52.5m at 1 April 2017 to GBP45.7m as a result of changes in underlying assumptions and, most notably, the value of the schemes assets. Scheme assets are invested to largely match the scheme liabilities which are valued on gilt yields, as opposed to the yield on corporate bonds upon which the accounts valuation is based.

The funding position of the scheme using the much more prudent technical provisions basis for valuation in the latest triennial valuation at 31 March 2016 was a surplus of GBP2.2m. The actuarial valuation was formally signed off in October 2017 when the surplus had increased to GBP12.2m on a technical provisions basis. There continues to be no requirement for any cash funding from the Company and various options for the scheme are being investigated.

Outlook

Market conditions have improved generally over the previous year and both our divisions have been able to increase revenues and have much improved order books. These factors give us greater confidence going into the second half of our financial year and will be complemented by new product launches and an increasing focus on new sales activity in other geographical areas.

Whilst there remain a number of uncertain world events beyond our control which could affect our markets, the Board continues to believe that the process of leveraging our industry recognised brands such as Colchester, Harrison, Clausing, TYKMA and Electrox through new product developments and an increased worldwide distribution network will lead to continued revenue growth in the future.

Paul Dupee

Executive Chairman

20 November 2017

 
 Condensed consolidated income statement (unaudited) 
  For the 26 week period ended 
  30 September 2017                   Before                 After    Before              After     After 
                    Special    Special    Special   Special  Special   Special   Special 
                      Items      Items      Items     Items    Items     Items     Items 
                   26 weeks   26 weeks   26 weeks  26 weeks       26  26 weeks  52 weeks 
                                                               weeks 
                      ended      ended      ended     ended    ended     ended     ended 
                         30         30         30 
                  September  September  September         1        1         1   1 April 
                                                    October  October   October 
                       2017       2017       2017      2016     2016      2016      2017 
                     GBP000     GBP000     GBP000    GBP000   GBP000    GBP000    GBP000 
  --------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------  -------  --------  -------- 
  Continuing 
  Revenue            24,837          -     24,837    23,163        -    23,163    47,032 
  Cost of sales    (16,277)          -   (16,277)  (15,074)        -  (15,074)  (30,602) 
  Special Items 
   in cost 
   of sales               -          -          -         -        -         -     (118) 
  --------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------  -------  --------  -------- 
  Gross profit        8,560          -      8,560     8,089        -     8,089    16,312 
  Net operating 
   expenses         (7,290)          -    (7,290)   (6,855)        -   (6,855)  (13,365) 
  Special Items 
   in operating 
   expenses               -      (307)      (307)         -     (49)      (49)      (53) 
  Operating 
   profit/(loss)      1,270      (307)        963     1,234     (49)     1,185     2,894 
  Profit on 
   ProPhotonix 
   disposal               -        970        970         -        -         -         - 
 
  Bank and other 
   interest               -          -          -         1        -         1         3 
  Interest on 
   pension 
   surplus                -        665        665         -      750       750     1,445 
                  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------  -------  --------  -------- 
  Financial 
   income                 -        665        665         1      750       751     1,448 
                  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------  -------  --------  -------- 
  Bank and other 
   interest           (442)          -      (442)     (479)        -     (479)     (946) 
  Special Items           -       (91)       (91)         -     (82)      (82)     (168) 
                  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------  -------  --------  -------- 
  Financial 
   expense            (442)       (91)      (533)     (479)     (82)     (561)   (1,114) 
 
  Profit before 
   tax                  828      1,237      2,065       756      619     1,375     3,228 
 
  Income tax 
   charge                 -      (233)      (233)      (20)    (264)     (284)   (1,169) 
  --------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------  -------  --------  -------- 
  Profit for the 
   period 
   attributable 
   to equity 
   holders of 
   the parent           828      1,004      1,832       736      355     1,091     2,059 
 
 
  Basic earnings 
   per share          0.79p      0.96p      1.75p     0.71p    0.34p     1.05p     1.97p 
 
  Diluted 
   earnings per 
   share              0.79p      0.95p      1.74p     0.71p    0.34p     1.05p     1.96p 
 
 
 
 
 
 Condensed consolidated statement 
  of comprehensive income (unaudited) 
  For the 26 week period ended 30 
  September 2017 
                                                    26 weeks    26 weeks   52 weeks 
                                                       Ended       Ended      Ended 
                                                30 September   1 October    1 April 
                                                        2017        2016       2017 
                                                      GBP000      GBP000     GBP000 
---------------------------------------------  -------------  ----------  --------- 
 Profit for the period                                 1,832       1,091      2,059 
 Other comprehensive (expense)/income: 
  Items that will not be reclassified 
  to the Income Statement: 
 Re-measurement of the net defined 
  benefit asset                                      (7,528)     (7,816)      8,367 
 Deferred taxation                                     2,635       2,736    (2,928) 
---------------------------------------------  -------------  ----------  --------- 
 Total items that will not be reclassified 
  to the Income Statement:                           (4,893)     (5,080)      5.439 
 Items that are or may in the future 
  be reclassified to the Income Statement: 
 Fair value adjustment of ProPhotonix 
  investment                                               -         606      1,157 
 Release of available for sale reserve               (1,128)           -          - 
  on ProPhotonix disposal 
 Revaluation of property                                 154           -          - 
 Foreign exchange translation differences              (356)         629        705 
---------------------------------------------  -------------  ----------  --------- 
 Total items that are or may be reclassified 
  subsequently to the Income Statement:              (1,330)       1,235      1,862 
---------------------------------------------  -------------  ----------  --------- 
 Other comprehensive (expense)/income 
  for the period, net of income tax                  (6,223)     (3,845)      7,301 
 Total comprehensive (expense)/income 
  for the period                                     (4,391)     (2,754)      9,360 
---------------------------------------------  -------------  ----------  --------- 
 
 
 Condensed consolidated statement 
  of financial position (unaudited) 
  As at 30 September 2017 
 
                                                As at         As at          As at 
                                         30 September     1 October        1 April 
                                                 2017          2016           2017 
                                               GBP000        GBP000         GBP000 
 -------------------------------------  -------------  ------------  ------------- 
  Non-current assets 
  Property, plant and equipment                 3,283         3,430          3,732 
  Goodwill                                      7,144         7,144          7,144 
  Other Intangible assets                         271           325            305 
  Investments                                       -         1,102          1,653 
  Employee benefits                            44,665        33,743         51,469 
  Deferred tax assets                           3,789         4,008          3,486 
 -------------------------------------  -------------  ------------  ------------- 
                                               59,152        49,752         67,789 
 -------------------------------------  -------------  ------------  ------------- 
  Current assets 
  Inventories                                  13,604        12,471         12,737 
  Trade and other receivables                   7,206         8,014          7,444 
  Cash and cash equivalents                       495           945          1,081 
 -------------------------------------  -------------  ------------  ------------- 
                                               21,305        21,430         21,262 
 -------------------------------------  -------------  ------------  ------------- 
  Total assets                                 80,457        71,182         89,051 
 -------------------------------------  -------------  ------------  ------------- 
  Non-current liabilities 
  Loans and other borrowings                  (8,972)       (9,430)        (9,234) 
  Deferred tax liability                     (15,901)      (12,074)       (18,216) 
 -------------------------------------  -------------  ------------  ------------- 
                                             (24,873)      (21,504)       (27,450) 
 -------------------------------------  -------------  ------------  ------------- 
  Current liabilities 
  Trade and other payables                    (4,795)       (5,221)        (5,436) 
  Income tax payable                                -          (61)              - 
  Provisions                                    (201)         (428)          (389) 
  Loans and other borrowings                  (3,633)       (5,853)        (5,508) 
                                              (8,629)      (11,563)       (11,333) 
 -------------------------------------  -------------  ------------  ------------- 
  Total liabilities                          (33,502)      (33,067)       (38,783) 
 -------------------------------------  -------------  ------------  ------------- 
  Net assets                                   46,955        38,115         50,268 
 -------------------------------------  -------------  ------------  ------------- 
 
    Shareholders' equity 
  Called-up share capital                       1,130         1,044          1,044 
  Share premium account                         1,990         1,013          1,013 
  Revaluation reserve                             791         1,273            637 
  Available for sale reserve                        -          (45)            506 
  Equity reserve                                  139           139            139 
  Translation reserve                           2,099         2,343          2,466 
  Retained earnings                            40,806        32,348         44,463 
 -------------------------------------  -------------  ------------  ------------- 
  Total equity                                 46,955        38,115         50,268 
 -------------------------------------  -------------  ------------  ------------- 
 
 
 
Condensed consolidated 
 statement of changes 
 in equity (unaudited) 
As at 30 September          Called     Share                 Available 
 2017                           up   premium    Revaluation        for    Translation    Equity    Retained 
                             share                                sale 
                           capital   account        reserve    reserve        reserve   reserve    earnings      Total 
                            GBP000    GBP000         GBP000     GBP000         GBP000    GBP000      GBP000     GBP000 
-------------------------  -------  --------  -------------  ---------  -------------  --------  ----------  --------- 
At 2 April 2016              1,044     1,013          1,273      (651)          1,714       139      36,308     40,840 
-------------------------  -------  --------  -------------  ---------  -------------  --------  ----------  --------- 
Profit for the period            -         -              -          -              -         -       1,091      1,091 
Other comprehensive 
 income: 
Foreign currency 
 translation                     -         -              -          -            629         -           -        629 
Re-measurement of 
 the net defined benefit 
 assets                          -         -              -          -              -         -     (7,816)    (7,816) 
Fair value adjustment 
 of investments                  -         -              -        606              -         -           -        606 
Deferred tax                     -         -              -          -              -         -       2,736      2,736 
-------------------------  -------  --------  -------------  ---------  -------------  --------  ----------  --------- 
Total comprehensive 
 income                          -         -              -        606            629         -     (3,989)    (2,754) 
-------------------------  -------  --------  -------------  ---------  -------------  --------  ----------  --------- 
Transactions with 
 owners: 
Credit for share-based 
 payments                        -         -              -          -              -         -          29         29 
-------------------------  -------  --------  -------------  ---------  -------------  --------  ----------  --------- 
Total transactions 
 with owners                     -         -              -          -              -         -          29         29 
-------------------------  -------  --------  -------------  ---------  -------------  --------  ----------  --------- 
At 1 October 2016            1,044     1,013          1,273       (45)          2,343       139      32,348     38,115 
-------------------------  -------  --------  -------------  ---------  -------------  --------  ----------  --------- 
Profit for the period            -         -              -          -              -         -         968        968 
Other comprehensive 
 income: 
Foreign currency 
 translation                     -         -             75          -            123         -       (122)         76 
Re-measurement of 
 the net defined benefit 
 assets                          -         -              -          -              -         -      16,183     16,183 
Fair value adjustment 
 of investments                  -         -              -        551              -         -           -        551 
Transfer on revalued 
 properties                      -         -          (711)          -              -         -         711          - 
Deferred tax                     -         -              -          -              -         -     (5,664)    (5,664) 
-------------------------  -------  --------  -------------  ---------  -------------  --------  ----------  --------- 
Total comprehensive 
 income                          -         -          (636)        551            123         -      12,076     12,114 
-------------------------  -------  --------  -------------  ---------  -------------  --------  ----------  --------- 
Transactions with 
 owners: 
Credit for share-based 
 payments                        -         -              -          -              -         -          39         39 
-------------------------  -------  --------  -------------  ---------  -------------  --------  ----------  --------- 
Total transactions 
 with owners                     -         -              -          -              -         -          39         39 
-------------------------  -------  --------  -------------  ---------  -------------  --------  ----------  --------- 
At 1 April 2017              1,044     1,013            637        506          2,466       139      44,463     50,268 
-------------------------  -------  --------  -------------  ---------  -------------  --------  ----------  --------- 
Profit for the period            -         -              -          -              -         -       1,832      1,832 
Other comprehensive 
 income: 
Foreign currency 
 translation                     -         -              -          -          (367)         -          11      (356) 
Re-measurement of 
 the net defined benefit 
 assets                          -         -              -          -              -         -     (7,528)    (7,528) 
Revaluation of property          -         -            154          -              -         -           -        154 
ProPhotonix adjustment           -         -              -        622              -         -       (622)          - 
ProPhotonix disposal             -         -              -    (1,128)              -         -           -    (1,128) 
Deferred tax                     -         -              -          -              -         -       2,635      2,635 
-------------------------  -------  --------  -------------  ---------  -------------  --------  ----------  --------- 
Total comprehensive 
 income                          -         -            154      (506)          (367)         -     (3,672)    (4,391) 
-------------------------  -------  --------  -------------  ---------  -------------  --------  ----------  --------- 
Transactions with 
 owners: 
Share capital subscribed 
 for                            86       977              -          -              -         -           -      1,063 
Credit for share-based 
 payments                        -         -              -          -              -         -          15         15 
-------------------------  -------  --------  -------------  ---------  -------------  --------  ----------  --------- 
Total transactions 
 with owners                    86       997              -          -              -         -          15      1,078 
-------------------------  -------  --------  -------------  ---------  -------------  --------  ----------  --------- 
At 30 September 2017         1,130     1,990            791          -          2,099       139      40,806     46,955 
-------------------------  -------  --------  -------------  ---------  -------------  --------  ----------  --------- 
 
 
 Condensed consolidated cash flow statement 
  (unaudited) 
  For the 26 week period ended 30 September 
  2017 
                                                   26 weeks    26 weeks   52 weeks 
                                                      ended       ended      ended 
                                               30 September   1 October    1 April 
                                                       2017        2016       2017 
                                                     GBP000      GBP000     GBP000 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  ----------  --------- 
 Cash flows from operating activities 
 Profit for the period                                1,832       1,091      2,059 
 Adjustments for: 
 Amortisation                                            26          28         58 
 Depreciation                                           226         220        452 
 Pension credit                                           -           -      (647) 
 Net financial income                                 (132)       (190)      (334) 
 Other special items                                    292           -        750 
 ProPhotonix profit                                   (970)           -          - 
 Equity share option expense                             15          29         68 
 Income tax expense                                     233         284      1,169 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  ----------  --------- 
 Operating cash flow before changes in 
  working capital and provisions                      1,522       1,462      3,575 
 (Increase) /decrease in trade and other 
  receivables                                          (93)       (884)      (150) 
 (increase)/decrease in inventories                 (1,454)       (516)    (1,404) 
  (Decrease) in trade and other payables              (426)     (1,681)    (1,260) 
 Employee benefit contributions                        (60)           -      (120) 
 Restructuring and redundancy expenditure              (50)           -      (541) 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  ----------  --------- 
 Cash generated from/(used in) operations             (561)     (1,619)        100 
 Interest paid                                        (442)       (479)      (946) 
 Income tax paid                                          -           -         88 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  ----------  --------- 
 Net cash flows from operating activities           (1,003)     (2,098)      (758) 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  ----------  --------- 
 Cash flows from investing activities 
 Interest received                                        -           1          3 
 Proceeds from sale of property, plant 
  and equipment                                           -       2,100      2,090 
 Proceeds from sale of ProPhotonix                    1,518           -          - 
 Purchase of property, plant and equipment            (198)       (298)      (490) 
 Development expenditure capitalised                    (6)         (4)       (22) 
 Net cash from investing activities                   1,314       1,799      1,581 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  ----------  --------- 
 Cash flows from financing activities 
 Net proceeds from issue of ordinary                  1,064           -          - 
  shares 
 Proceeds from/(Net repayment of) external 
  borrowing                                         (1,882)         184      (439) 
 Net finance lease expenditure                         (29)        (43)       (93) 
 Net cash flows from financing activities             (847)         141      (532) 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  ----------  --------- 
 Net increase/(decrease) in cash and 
  cash equivalents                                    (536)         108        291 
 Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning 
  of the period                                       1,081         765        765 
 Effect of exchange rate fluctuations 
  on cash held                                         (50)          72         25 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  ----------  --------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents at the end 
  of the period                                         495         945      1,081 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  ----------  --------- 
 

Notes relating to the condensed consolidated financial statements

For the 26-week period ended 30 September 2017

1. BASIS OF PREPARATION

The 600 Group PLC (the "Company") is a public limited company incorporated and domiciled in England and Wales. The Company's ordinary shares are traded on the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange. The Consolidated Interim Financial Statements of the Company for the 26 week period ended 30 September 2017 comprise the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the "Group").

This half yearly financial report is the condensed consolidated financial information of the Group for the 26 week period ended 30 September 2017. The Condensed Consolidated Half-yearly Financial Statements do not constitute statutory financial statements and do not include all the information and disclosures required for full annual financial statements. The Condensed Consolidated Half-yearly Financial Statements were approved by the Board on 20 November 2017.

The comparative figures for the financial year ended 1 April 2017 are not the Group's statutory accounts for that financial year. Those accounts have been reported on by the Group's auditors and delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The report of the auditors was (i) unqualified; (ii) did not include a reference to any matters to which the auditors 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.

The half yearly results for the current and comparative period are neither audited nor reviewed by the Company's auditors.

As noted in the Basis of preparation accounting policy in the Group's Financial Statements for 1 April 2017 the Group refinanced in August 2016 with HSBC PLC who provided a package of facilities to support the working capital of the UK machine tools division and a term loan secured on the remaining UK freehold site totaling GBP4.95m. These facilities have been maintained although as a result of the sale of the ProPhotonix holding and the equity raise during the period are largely undrawn. Overseas bank finance in place is a mixture of term and revolving facilities with the earliest review in August 2018. The Group has issued GBP8.5m of 8% loan notes with maturity in February 2020.

The Group's forecasts and projections, taking account of reasonably possible changes in trading performance, show that the Group should be able to operate within the level of these facilities.

The Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company and the Group have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, they have continued to adopt the going concern basis in the preparation of this half yearly financial report.

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this half yearly financial report for the 26 week period ended 30 September 2017 have been prepared using accounting policies and methods of computation consistent with those set out in The 600 Group PLC's Annual Report and Financial Statements for the 52 week period ended 1 April 2017.

In preparing the condensed financial statements, management is required to make accounting assumptions and estimates. The assumptions and estimation methods were consistent with those applied to the Annual Report and Financial Statements for the 52 week period ended 1 April 2017.

3. SEGMENT ANALYSIS

IFRS 8 - "Operating Segments" requires operating segments to be identified on the basis of internal reporting about components of the Group that are regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker to allocate resources to the segments and to assess their performance. The chief operating decision maker has been identified as the Executive Directors. The Executive Directors review the Group's internal reporting in order to assess performance and allocate resources.

The Executive Directors consider there to be two continuing operating segments being machine tools and precision engineered Components and industrial laser systems.

The Executive Directors assess the performance of the operating segments based on a measure of operating profit/(loss). This measurement basis excludes the effects of Special Items from the operating segments. Head Office and unallocated represent central functions and costs.

The following is an analysis of the Group's revenue and results by reportable segment:

 
                                                     Continuing 
26 Weeks ended 30 September           Machine 
 2017                                   Tools 
                                  & Precision  Industrial 
                                   Engineered       Laser     Head Office 
                                   Components     Systems   & unallocated     Total 
Segmental analysis of 
 revenue                               GBP000      GBP000          GBP000    GBP000 
-------------------------------  ------------  ----------  --------------  -------- 
Total revenue                          16,961       7,876               -    24,837 
-------------------------------  ------------  ----------  --------------  -------- 
 
Operating profit/(loss) 
 pre special items                        760       1,110           (600)     1,270 
 Special items                          (111)       (162)            (34)     (307) 
-------------------------------  ------------  ----------  --------------  -------- 
Operating profit/(loss)                   649         948           (634)       963 
-------------------------------  ------------  ----------  --------------  -------- 
 
Other segmental information: 
Reportable segment assets              26,474       7,501          46,482    80,457 
Reportable segment liabilities       (21,576)     (3,619)         (8,307)  (33,502) 
Intangible & Property, 
 plant and equipment additions             39         165               -       204 
Depreciation and amortisation             136          97              19       252 
-------------------------------  ------------  ----------  --------------  -------- 
 
 
 

3. SEGMENT ANALYSIS (continued)

 
                                                     Continuing 
26 Weeks ended 1 October              Machine 
 2016                                   Tools 
                                  & Precision  Industrial 
                                   Engineered       Laser     Head Office 
                                   Components     Systems   & unallocated     Total 
Segmental analysis of 
 revenue                               GBP000      GBP000          GBP000    GBP000 
-------------------------------  ------------  ----------  --------------  -------- 
Total revenue                          16,423       6,740               -    23,163 
-------------------------------  ------------  ----------  --------------  -------- 
 
Operating profit/(loss) 
 pre- special items                       923         893           (582)     1,234 
Special items                               -           -            (49)      (49) 
Operating profit/(loss)                   923         893           (631)     1,185 
 
Other segmental information: 
Reportable segment assets              28,547       8,403          34,232    71,182 
Reportable segment liabilities       (20,494)     (4,129)         (8,444)  (33,067) 
Intangible & Property, 
 plant and equipment additions             34         267               -       301 
-------------------------------  ------------  ----------  --------------  -------- 
Depreciation and amortisation             155          93               -       248 
-------------------------------  ------------  ----------  --------------  -------- 
 
 
                                                           Continuing 
52-weeks ended 1 April                Machine 
 2017                                   Tools 
                                  & Precision  Industrial 
                                   Engineered       Laser     Head Office 
                                   Components     Systems   & unallocated                 Total 
Segmental analysis of 
 revenue                               GBP000      GBP000          GBP000                GBP000 
 
  Total revenue per statutory 
  accounts                             32,424      14,608               -                47,032 
-------------------------------  ------------  ----------  --------------  -------------------- 
 
Operating Profit/(loss) 
 before special Items                   2,059       1,993           (987)                 3,065 
-------------------------------  ------------  ----------  --------------  -------------------- 
 
Special Items                             691       (671)           (191)                 (171) 
Group profit/(loss) from 
 operations                             2,750       1,322         (1,178)                 2,894 
-------------------------------  ------------  ----------  --------------  -------------------- 
Other segmental information: 
Reportable segment assets              29,120       7,638          52,293                89,051 
Reportable segment liabilities       (26,538)     (3,772)         (8,473)              (38,783) 
Intangible & Property, 
 plant and equipment additions            115         397               -                   512 
Depreciation and amortisation             295         215               -                   510 
 
 

4. SPECIAL ITEMS

In order for users of the financial statements to better understand the underlying performance of the Group the Board have separately disclosed transactions which by virtue of their size or incidence, are considered to be one off in nature. In addition the charge for share based payments, amortisation of intangible assets acquired and non cash pension transactions have also been separately identified.

Special items include acquisition costs, gains and losses on the sale of properties, investments and assets, exceptional costs relating to reorganisation, redundancy and restructuring, legal disputes and inventory, asset and intangibles.

 
                                                     30 September  1 October  1 April 
                                                             2017       2016     2017 
                                                           GBP000     GBP000   GBP000 
---------------------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ------- 
Items included in operating profit: 
Stock write-offs                                                -          -    (118) 
Pension credit                                                  -          -      647 
Refinancing costs                                               -          -     (54) 
Reorganisation ,restructuring and redundancy costs          (273)          -    (622) 
Profit on sale of property                                      -          -      114 
Acquisition costs                                               -          -     (29) 
Share option costs                                           (15)       (29)     (68) 
Amortisation of intangible assets acquired                   (19)       (20)     (41) 
---------------------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ------- 
                                                            (307)       (49)    (171) 
---------------------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ------- 
 
Items included in financial (income)/expense: 
---------------------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ------- 
Pensions interest on surplus                                  665        750    1,445 
---------------------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ------- 
Amortisation of loan note expenses                           (91)       (82)    (168) 
---------------------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ------- 
                                                              574        668    1,277 
---------------------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ------- 
Profit on ProPhotonix sale                                    970          -        - 
---------------------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ------- 
 

5. Financial income and expensE

 
                                    30 September  1 October  1 April 
                                            2017       2016     2017 
                                          GBP000     GBP000   GBP000 
----------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ------- 
Interest income                                -          1        3 
Interest on Pension surplus                  665        750    1,445 
----------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ------- 
Financial income                             665        751    1,448 
----------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ------- 
Bank overdraft and loan interest            (98)      (133)    (173) 
Loan note interest                         (340)      (340)    (761) 
Finance charges on finance leases            (4)        (6)     (12) 
Amortisation of loan note costs             (91)       (82)    (168) 
Financial expense                          (533)      (561)  (1,114) 
----------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ------- 
 

6. Taxation

 
                                           30 September  1 October  1 April 
                                                   2017       2016     2016 
                                                 GBP000     GBP000   GBP000 
-----------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ------- 
Current tax: 
Corporation tax at 19% (2016: 20%):                   -          -        - 
Overseas taxation: 
- current period                                      -       (20)        - 
-----------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ------- 
Total current tax charge                              -       (20)        - 
-----------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ------- 
Deferred taxation: 
- current period                                  (233)      (264)    (695) 
- prior period                                        -          -    (474) 
-----------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ------- 
Total deferred taxation charge                    (233)      (264)  (1,169) 
-----------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ------- 
Taxation charged to the income statement          (233)      (284)  (1,169) 
-----------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ------- 
 

7. Earnings per share

The calculation of the basic earnings per share of 1.75p (2016: 1.05p) is based on the earnings for the financial period attributable to the Parent Company's shareholders of a profit of GBP1,832,000 (2016 GBP1,091,000) and on the weighted average number of shares in issue during the period of 104,831,330 (2016: 104,357,957). At 30 September 2017, there were 6,650,000 (2016: 6,650,000) potentially dilutive shares on option and 43,950,000 (2016: 43,950,000) share warrants exercisable at 20p. The weighted average effect of these as at 30 September 2017 was 716,915 shares (2016: nil) giving a diluted earnings per share of 1.74p (2016: 1.05p).

.

 
                                                     30 September     1 October       1 April 
                                                             2017          2016          2017 
---------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
Weighted average number of shares                          Shares        Shares        Shares 
Issued shares at start of period                     104, 357,957  104, 357,957  104, 357,957 
Effect of shares issued in the period                     473,373             -             - 
---------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
Weighted average number of shares at end of period    104,831,330   104,357,957   104,357,957 
---------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
 
                                             30 September  1 October  1 April 
                                                     2017       2016     2017 
                                                   GBP000     GBP000   GBP000 
-------------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ------- 
Underlying earnings 
Total post tax earnings                             1,832      1,091    2,059 
Share option costs                                     15         29       68 
Pensions Interest                                   (665)      (750)  (1,445) 
Amortisation of Shareholder loan expenses              91         82      168 
Pensions credit                                         -          -    (647) 
Amortisation of intangible assets acquired             19         20       41 
Other special items                                   273          -      709 
Profit on sale of ProPhotonix                       (970)          -        - 
Associated taxation on special items                  233        264    1,287 
-------------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ------- 
Underlying earnings before tax                        828        756    2,240 
-------------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ------- 
Underlying earnings after tax                         828        736    2,122 
-------------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ------- 
 
 
Underlying Earnings Per Share   0.79p  0.71p  2.15p 
 
 

8. RECONCILIATION OF NET CASH FLOW TO NET DEBT

 
                                                   30 September  1 October   1 April 
                                                           2017       2016      2017 
                                                         GBP000     GBP000    GBP000 
-------------------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  -------- 
Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents          (536)        233       291 
(decrease)/Increase in debt and finance leases            1,911        168       532 
-------------------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  -------- 
(decrease)/Increase in net debt from cash flows           1,375        401       823 
Net debt at beginning of period                        (13,661)   (13,886)  (13,886) 
Loan costs amortisation and adjustments                    (91)       (82)     (168) 
Exchange effects on net funds                               267      (771)     (430) 
-------------------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  -------- 
Net debt at end of period                              (12,110)   (14,338)  (13,661) 
-------------------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  -------- 
 

9. Analysis of net DEBT

 
                                          At  Exchange/                                At 
                                     1 April    Reserve                      30 September 
                                        2017   movement   Other  Cash flows          2017 
                                      GBP000     GBP000  GBP000      GBP000        GBP000 
----------------------------------  --------  ---------  ------  ----------  ------------ 
Cash at bank and in hand                 981       (50)       -       (536)           395 
Short term deposits (included 
 within cash and cash equivalents 
 on the balance sheet)                   100          -       -           -           100 
                                       1,081       (50)       -       (536)           495 
Debt due within one year             (5,427)        243       -       1,603       (3,581) 
Debt due after one year              (1,277)         67       -         279         (931) 
Loan Notes due after one year        (7,867)          -    (91)           -       (7,958) 
Finance leases                         (171)          7       -          29         (135) 
Total                               (13,661)        267    (91)       1,375      (12,110) 
----------------------------------  --------  ---------  ------  ----------  ------------ 
 

10. Employee benefits

The Group has defined benefit pension schemes in the UK and USA. The assets of these schemes are held in separate trustee-administered funds. In addition, the Group operates a retirement healthcare benefit scheme for certain of its retired employees in the USA, which is also treated as a defined benefit scheme. The principal scheme is the UK defined benefit pension plan.

The UK scheme was closed to future accrual of benefits at 31 March 2013. The latest actuarial valuation of the UK scheme to 31 March 2016 was signed in October 2017 at which time there was an estimated surplus of GBP12.2m based on the prudent Technical Provisions basis of valuation. Consequently there continues to be no requirement for any cash funding from the Company and various options for the scheme are being investigated.

 
Value of UK and USA scheme assets and liabilities   30 September  1 October  1 April 
 for the purposes of IAS 19                                 2017       2016     2017 
                                                          GBP000     GBP000   GBP000 
--------------------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ------- 
Opening Fair value of schemes assets                     245,367    220,208  220,208 
Experience adjustments in the period                    (12,991)     30,900   25,159 
Closing Fair value of schemes assets                     232,376    251,108  245,367 
--------------------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ------- 
 
Opening present value of schemes liabilities             193,898    179,271  179,271 
Experience adjustments in the period                     (6,187)     37,906   14,627 
--------------------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ------- 
Closing present value of schemes liabilities             187,711    217,177  193,898 
--------------------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ------- 
 
Surplus recognised under IAS 19                           44,665     33,931   51,469 
--------------------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ------- 
 

The principal assumptions used for the purpose of the IAS 19 valuation for the UK scheme compared to the 2017 year end were as follows:

 
                                                            30 September    1 April 
                                                                    2017       2017 
                                                               UK scheme  UK scheme 
                                                                  % p.a.     % p.a. 
----------------------------------------------------------  ------------  --------- 
Inflation under RPI                                                 3.25       3.25 
Inflation under CPI                                                 2.15       2.15 
Rate of increase to pensions in payment - LPI 5%                    3.15       3.15 
Discount rate for scheme liabilities and return on assets           2.65       2.55 
----------------------------------------------------------  ------------  --------- 
 

11. FAIR VALUE

The group considers that the carrying amount of the following financial assets and financial liabilities are

a reasonable approximation of their fair value:

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other payables

Loans and other borrowings

12. Disposal of ProPhotonix

The Group disposed of its entire holding in ProPhotonix Limited on 31 August 2017. The shareholding was originally acquired in a share swap with institutional investors in August 2014 when 4.925m shares were issued in exchange for 26.3% of ProPhotonix. Proceeds of GBP1.5m gross were received which was used to reduce the UK senior debt with HSBC.

On disposal management identified that a write down of the carrying amount of the investment that occurred in 2015 should have been recognised in the consolidated income statement rather than the available for sale reserve. As a result an amount of GBP622,000 has been transferred from retained earnings to the available for sale reserve. The revised available for sale carrying amount has then been recycled as part of the profit on disposal of GBP970,000.

13. Principal Risks and Uncertainties

The principal risks and uncertainties affecting the Group remain those set out in the 2017 Annual Report. Those which are most likely to impact the performance of the Group in the remaining period of the current financial year are the exposure to increased input costs, the dependence on a relatively small number of key vendors in the supply chain and a downturn in its customers' end markets particularly in North America and Europe.

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

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