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MACF Macfarlane Group Plc

143.00
0.00 (0.00%)
Last Updated: 08:05:14
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
  0.00 0.00% 143.00 142.50 146.50 1,441 08:05:14
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Business Services, Nec 280.71M 14.97M 0.0942 15.18 227.3M

Macfarlane Group PLC Final Results (6070X)

23/02/2017 7:00am

UK Regulatory


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RNS Number : 6070X

Macfarlane Group PLC

23 February 2017

23 February 2017

ANNUAL RESULTS FOR THE YEAR TO 31 DECEMBER 2016

 
 Financial Highlights      2016        2015      Year on Year Change 
----------------------  ----------  ----------  -------------------- 
 
 Turnover                GBP179.8m   GBP169.1m                 +6.3% 
----------------------  ----------  ----------  -------------------- 
 Profit before tax         GBP7.8m     GBP6.8m                +15.4% 
----------------------  ----------  ----------  -------------------- 
 Diluted earnings per 
  share                      4.64p       4.35p                 +6.7% 
----------------------  ----------  ----------  -------------------- 
 Proposed full year 
  dividend                   1.95p       1.82p                 +7.1% 
----------------------  ----------  ----------  -------------------- 
 

Macfarlane Group PLC made further good progress in 2016 with sales of GBP179.8m (2015: GBP169.1m) up 6% on the previous year and profit before tax of GBP7.8m (2015: GBP6.8m), 15% up on the previous year. The trading performance continued the positive trends achieved in recent years and the results were in line with market expectations.

Trading

The Packaging Distribution business increased sales by 9% to GBP155.9m (2015: GBP143.0m). Organic sales growth was challenging in the first half of the year but strengthened in the second half of the year to 3%. This was supplemented by the contributions from Nelsons for Cartons & Packaging ("Nelsons"), acquired in July 2016, Colton Packaging Teesside ("Colton") and the packaging business of Edward McNeil ("McNeil") acquired in April 2016 and May 2016 respectively. Integration of these businesses has worked well and the combination of organic growth and the contributions from the acquired businesses resulted in Packaging Distribution achieving a 16% increase in operating profit to GBP7.8m (2015: GBP6.8m).

Sales in our Manufacturing Operations at GBP23.9m (2015: GBP26.1m) were 9% down on the previous year. This was mainly due to management actions to rebalance the mix of products in our Labels business, which positively impacted margins and resulted in Labels achieving good profit growth compared to 2015. Our Packaging Design and Manufacture business recovered from a poor first half of the year, but despite the recovery, the full year profit for Packaging Design and Manufacture was lower than in 2015. The overall Manufacturing Division operating profit in 2016 amounted to GBP0.9m, slightly below the 2015 result of GBP1.0m.

After charging interest of GBP0.9m (2015: GBP1.0m), Group profit before tax amounted to GBP7.8m (2015: GBP6.8m) an increase of 15%.

Dividend

The Board remains committed to providing shareholders with an appropriate return on investment and is proposing a final dividend of 1.40 pence per share, amounting to a full year dividend of 1.95 pence per share, a 7% increase on the prior year's dividend of 1.82 pence per share. Subject to the approval of shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 9 May 2017, this dividend will be paid on Thursday 8 June 2017 to those shareholders on the register at Friday 12 May 2017.

Net Bank Debt and Pension Scheme

As a consequence of the acquisitions undertaken during 2016, the Group's net bank borrowing at 31 December 2016 increased to GBP15.3m from GBP11.6m at the prior year-end. The Group's existing bank facility with Lloyds Banking Group of GBP25.0 million is available until June 2019 and accommodates normal working capital requirements as well as supporting acquisition funding. A further option is available to extend the facility to GBP30.0m in the period.

The Group's pension deficit increased as a result of the widely reported fall in gilt yields which reduced the discount rate used to measure the scheme's liabilities. Whilst much of the increase in liabilities resulting from the lower discount rate was offset by the scheme's holding in liability-driven investments, the deficit at 31 December 2016, rose by GBP3.0m to GBP14.5m (2015: GBP11.5m).

Outlook

The Board is confident that its strategy to position the business to serve key growth markets continues to be effective.

Commenting on the 2016 results, Graeme Bissett, Chairman, said:

"The 15% increase in pre-tax profits in 2016 represents the seventh consecutive year of profit growth for Macfarlane Group and the Group has started 2017 well.

We will continue to focus on opportunities in sectors with strong growth prospects (including internet retail, third party logistics and National Accounts) and to deliver high standards of service to all customers across a wide range of sectors. We will also maintain our programme of acquiring good quality businesses to augment organic growth.

This is a strategy based on taking positive action, which has served all stakeholders in our business well in recent years and we remain confident that it will continue to do so."

 
 Further enquiries:   Macfarlane Group                 Tel: 0141 333 9666 
-------------------  -------------------------------  ------------------- 
                      Graeme Bissett Chairman 
-------------------  -------------------------------  ------------------- 
                      Peter Atkinson Chief Executive 
-------------------  -------------------------------  ------------------- 
                      John Love Finance Director 
-------------------  -------------------------------  ------------------- 
 
                      Spreng Thomson                   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's businesses are: 

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

o Labels designs and prints high quality self-adhesive and resealable 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 800 people at 29 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                                    Profit                 Profit 
                                     Revenue    before tax     Revenue     before 
  Group performance                     2016          2016        2015        tax 
                                      GBP000        GBP000      GBP000       2015 
                                                                           GBP000 
 Segment 
 Packaging Distribution              155,900         7,836     143,035      6,751 
 Manufacturing Operations             23,872           876      26,097        951 
 
 Revenue from continuing 
  operations                         179,772                   169,132 
 
 Operating profit                                    8,712                  7,702 
 Net finance costs                                   (901)                  (935) 
 
 Profit before tax - continuing 
  operations                                         7,811                  6,767 
 
 

Macfarlane Packaging Distribution is the leading UK specialist distributor of protective packaging materials. In what is a highly fragmented market, Macfarlane operates from 20 Regional Distribution Centres (RDCs) supplying customers with a comprehensive range of protective packaging materials on a local, regional and national basis.

Competition in the distribution market is from local and regional protective packaging specialist companies and national/international 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 Packaging 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.

 
                           Base    Acquisition 
                       business         impact         2016         2015 
                         GBP000         GBP000       GBP000       GBP000 
 
                                                                            Sales growth 
 Sales                  144,195         11,705      155,900      143,035     9% 
 Cost of sales        (102,295)        (8,346)    (110,641)    (100,817) 
 
                                                                            Margin growth 
 Gross margin            41,900          3,359       45,259       42,218     7% 
 
 Net operating                                                                Overhead growth 
  expenses             (34,902)        (2,521)     (37,423)     (35,467)      6% 
 
                                                                            Profit growth 
 Operating profit         6,998            838        7,836        6,751     16% 
 
 

Macfarlane Packaging Distribution grew sales by 9% over 2015 comprising 1% organic growth in the base business and 8% from the contribution of the 2016 acquisitions of Nelsons, Colton and McNeil as well as the incremental contribution from the 2015 acquisition of One Packaging Limited. The business achieved growth in the supply of protective packaging to internet retailers both directly and through our partnerships with major Third Party Logistics ("3PL") customers and the organic growth rate strengthened during the second half of 2016 to 3%. During 2016 we opened our new Innovation Lab which contributed to a number of new business wins in the second half of 2016. The Innovation Lab will play a key role in our sales growth plans in 2017 and beyond.

The changing mix of customers and input price increases on polymer based products impacted gross margin, which at 29.0%, was slightly below the 29.5% achieved in 2015.

Overheads increased as a result of the impact of acquisition, but cost control remained strong with an improving overhead to sales ratio of 24.0% compared with 24.8% in 2015. Operating profit in the Packaging Distribution business at GBP7.8 million grew by 16% versus 2015.

Future Plans

Our plans continue to be focused on those markets showing growth, building market share and improving profitability through the following actions:

l Maintaining our focus on the growth potential for protective packaging in our key market segments - the e-commerce sector, National Accounts and 3PL operators;

l Accelerating the growth in new business through effective use of our new Innovation Lab where we can fully showcase our Total Cost of Packaging solutions;

l Continuing to develop our web-based presence through www.macfarlanepackaging.com and our Customer Connect offering to improve online visibility and provide customers with a more effective way to access our full range of products and services;

l Integrating recently acquired businesses and companies following the completion of the respective earn-out periods;

l Supplementing organic growth through the identification and completion of further suitable high quality acquisition opportunities;

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

l Reducing operating costs by evaluating opportunities to consolidate the more fragmented parts of the existing property footprint;

l Improving our sourcing capabilities and our partnerships with key strategic suppliers;

l Implementing further operational savings in logistics by expanding the use of the Paragon vehicle management system and implementation of our warehouse best practice programme; and

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

Macfarlane's Manufacturing Operations comprise our Packaging Design and Manufacture business and our Labels business.

 
                         2016       2015 
                       GBP000     GBP000 
 
 Sales                 23,872     26,097 
 Cost of sales       (13,418)   (15,094) 
 
 Gross margin          10,454     11,003 
 Overheads            (9,578)   (10,052) 
 
 Operating profit         876        951 
 
 

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 directly to customers and also through the RDC network of the Packaging Distribution business.

Key market sectors 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 our market offering through technical expertise, design capability, industry accreditations and national coverage through Macfarlane Packaging Distribution.

2016 sales for Packaging Design and Manufacture were 4% above those in 2015 albeit with volatile demand in certain market sectors. This caused changes to customers' ordering patterns, resulting in increased operating costs in the first half of the year. This resulted in 2016 profitability being below that achieved in 2015. However actions implemented in the second half of 2016 showed improved profitability and the business has created a strong pipeline of new customer relationships, which should benefit the business in 2017.

Future Plans

The priorities for 2017 are:

l Accelerate sales growth, particularly in target market sectors e.g. defence, aerospace and medical;

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

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

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.

Although sales in 2016 were 15% down on 2015, this was in line with our plans as we proactively exited relationships with lower margin customers, mainly in the lower added value and increasingly competitive self-adhesive labels market. As the issues of food waste and easy to open packs become higher profile, the demand for resealable packaging is creating growth opportunities for the Macfarlane Labels' Reseal-it range. This focus on Reseal-it resulted in improved margins in 2016 and was the key contributor to an improved profit performance compared to 2015.

Future Plans

The priorities for Labels in 2017 are: -

-- Maintenance of the strategic focus on higher added value products and services to rebalance sales between our resealable and self-adhesive label ranges;

   --     Continued improvement in operational efficiency to mitigate sales price pressure; and 

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

2017 Outlook

We will concentrate our sales efforts on those segments of the market, such as e-commerce, which are forecast to show continued above average growth rates and where customers recognise the real value of a specialist protective packaging distributor.

During 2017 we will look at opportunities for growth through the acquisition of good quality protective packaging businesses that improve our penetration of target market sectors, leverage our property footprint or improve our geographic coverage.

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.

Our future performance will be largely dependent on our own efforts to grow sales, increase efficiencies and bring high quality acquisitions into the Group. We operate a flexible business model and our ability to focus on the most attractive UK market sectors for our products and services, combined with our successful track record of growth and acquisitions, gives us confidence that 2017 will be another year of progress for Macfarlane Group.

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

 
            Risk Description                             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 including        monitor and measure our effectiveness 
  currency fluctuations. The principal       in recovering supplier price changes. 
  components are corrugated paper,           Where possible, alternative supplier 
  polythene films, timber and foam,          relationships are maintained to minimise 
  with changes to paper and oil              supplier dependency. We work with 
  prices having a direct impact              customers to redesign packs and reduce 
  on the price we pay to our suppliers.      packing cost to mitigate the impact 
                                             of cost increases. 
----------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------------- 
 Funding defined benefit pension 
  scheme                                     The scheme was closed to new members 
  The Group's defined benefit pension        in 2002. 
  scheme is sensitive to a number            Benefits for active members were 
  of key factors; investment returns,        amended by freezing pensionable salaries 
  discount rates used to calculate           at 30 April 2009 levels. 
  scheme liabilities and mortality           Revaluation of deferred members' 
  assumptions. The IAS 19 valuation          benefits has reflected Consumer Prices 
  of the Group's defined benefit             Index as the inflation measure since 
  pension scheme as at 31 December           2010. 
  2016 estimated the scheme deficit          A Pension Increase Exchange option 
  to be GBP14.5m, an increase of             is available to offer flexibility 
  GBP3.0m during 2016. Small changes         to pensioners in the current level 
  in these assumptions could mean            of pension benefits and the rate 
  that the deficit increases.                of future increases. 
                                             The investment profile is constantly 
                                             reviewed to ensure a more accurate 
                                             matching of investments and the liability 
                                             profile of the scheme. 
----------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------------- 
 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 
  3 owned sites and 29 leased sites          impact. If this is not possible, 
  of which 3 are sublet. This portfolio      rental voids are provided taking 
  gives rise to risks in relation            into consideration the likely period 
  to ongoing lease costs, dilapidations      of vacancy and incentives to re-let. 
  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 funds or that             debt and forecast cash flows to ensure 
  such funds will only be available          that it will be able to meet its 
  on unfavourable terms. The Group's         financial obligations as they fall 
  borrowing facility comprises a             due. Compliance with debt covenants 
  committed facility of up to GBP25.0m,      is monitored on a monthly basis and 
  with an option to increase the             sensitivity analysis is applied to 
  facility to GBP30.0m. This includes        forecasts to assess the impact on 
  requirements to comply with covenants,     covenants. 
  with a breach potentially resulting 
  in borrowings being subject to             The existing facilities are in place 
  more onerous conditions.                   until June 2019. 
----------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------------- 
 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. 
----------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------------- 
 
 
             Risk Description                            Mitigating Factors 
-----------------------------------------  --------------------------------------------- 
 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 Manager 
  is not fully recovered.                     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. 
-----------------------------------------  --------------------------------------------- 
 Acquisitions 
  The Group's growth strategy includes        The Group carefully reviews potential 
  acquisitions as demonstrated in             acquisition targets, ensuring that 
  recent years with the acquisition           the focus is on businesses which 
  of several businesses. There is             complement the existing Group product 
  a risk that such acquisitions               and sector profile and provide opportunity 
  will not be available to the Group          for growth. Having made a number 
  on acceptable terms in the future.          of acquisitions in recent years, 
  There is also a risk that the               the Group has established due diligence 
  acquisitions will not be successful         and integration processes and procedures. 
  due to the loss of key people 
  or customers following the acquisition      In terms of monitoring post integration 
  or the acquired business not performing     performance, the Group has a comprehensive 
  at the level expected which could           management information system in 
  potentially lead to impairment              place as referenced above. 
  in the carrying value of the related 
  intangible assets. There are also           Goodwill and other intangible assets 
  execution risks around the failure          are tested for impairment on an annual 
  to successfully integrate the               basis. 
  acquired business into the Group. 
-----------------------------------------  --------------------------------------------- 
 

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.

Viability statement

The Board of Directors has considered the Group's viability as part of the ongoing programme to manage risk. Each year the Board reviews the Group's strategic plan for the forthcoming three-year period and challenges the Executive team on the plan's risks. The plan reflects the Group's businesses, which have a broad spread of customers across a range of different sectors with some longer term contracts in place. The assessment period of three years has been chosen as it is consistent with the Board's review of the Group's strategy, which includes assumptions regarding future growth rates for existing businesses and acceptable levels of performance in that period. A robust financial model of the Group is built covering the three year period.

The model is subject to sensitivity analysis which includes flexing a number of the main assumptions, namely:- future revenue growth, gross margins, operating costs and working capital management. The results of flexing these assumptions, both individually and in aggregate, are used to determine whether additional bank facilities will be required during the three year period. The results indicated that no additional facilities would be required and assumed that the existing facilities, due for renewal in June 2019 would be renewed on the current terms. The review and analysis also considers the principal risks facing the Group as described on pages 6 and 7, which could prevent the Group from achieving its strategic objectives and the potential impact these risks could have on the Group's business model, future performance, solvency and liquidity over the assessment period.

The Directors' assessment has been made with reference to the resilience of the Group and the strength of its financial position, the Group's current strategy, the Board's risk appetite and the principal risks and how these are managed as set out on the current and previous page. Based on the assessment of these risks and the sensitivity analysis undertaken, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group will continue to operate and meet its liabilities, as they fall due, for the next three years to December 2019.

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 7.

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 any economic uncertainty.

The Group's principal banking facility is in place until June 2019. 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 at least the next twelve months. 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 7 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 2016. 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 
   23 February 2017                                                              23 February 2017 

Macfarlane Group PLC

Consolidated income statement

For the year ended 31 December 2016

 
 
                                        2016        2015 
                                      GBP000      GBP000 
                            Note 
 Continuing operations 
 Revenue                     3       179,772     169,132 
 Cost of sales                     (124,059)   (115,911) 
 
 Gross profit                         55,713      53,221 
 Distribution costs                  (7,622)     (7,587) 
 Administrative expenses            (39,379)    (37,932) 
 
 Operating profit            3         8,712       7,702 
 Finance costs               4         (901)       (935) 
 
 Profit before tax                     7,811       6,767 
 Tax                         5       (1,761)     (1,317) 
 
 Profit for the year         7         6,050       5,450 
 
 
 Earnings per share 
    Basic                    7         4.67p       4.37p 
 
 
    Diluted                  7         4.64p       4.35p 
 
 

Macfarlane Group PLC

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

For the year ended 31 December 2016

 
                                                        Note     2016     2015 
                                                               GBP000   GBP000 
 
Items that may be reclassified to profit 
 or loss 
Foreign currency translation differences 
 - foreign operations                                             195     (62) 
Items that will not be reclassified to profit 
 or loss 
Remeasurement of pension scheme liability                10   (5,552)      111 
Tax recognised in other comprehensive income 
     Tax on remeasurement of pension scheme liability    11     1,000     (22) 
     Long-term corporation tax rate change               11     (146)    (229) 
 
Other comprehensive expense for the year, 
 net of tax                                                   (4,503)    (202) 
Profit for the year                                             6,050    5,450 
 
Total comprehensive income for the year                         1,547    5,248 
 
 

Macfarlane Group PLC

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

For the year ended 31 December 2016

 
                                             Share      Share  Revaluation  Translation     Retained 
                                           Capital    Premium      Reserve      Reserve     Earnings       Total 
                                   Note     GBP000     GBP000       GBP000       GBP000       GBP000      GBP000 
 
At 1 January 2015                           31,153      1,018           70          121      (2,116)      30,246 
 
Other comprehensive 
 income 
Profit for the year                              -          -            -            -        5,450       5,450 
Foreign currency translation 
 differences                                     -          -            -         (62)            -        (62) 
Credit for share-based 
 payments                                        -          -            -            -           72          72 
Remeasurement of pension 
 liability                          10           -          -            -            -          111         111 
Tax on remeasurement 
 of pension liability               11           -          -            -            -         (22)        (22) 
Long-term corporation 
 tax rate change                    11           -          -            -            -        (229)       (229) 
 
Total other comprehensive 
 income                                          -          -            -         (62)        5,382       5,320 
 
Transactions with shareholders 
Dividends                          6             -          -            -            -      (2,094)     (2,094) 
 
Total transactions with 
 shareholders                                    -          -            -            -      (2,094)     (2,094) 
 
 
At 31 December 2015                         31,153      1,018           70           59        1,172      33,472 
 
Other comprehensive 
 income 
Profit for the year                              -          -            -            -        6,050       6,050 
Foreign currency translation 
 differences                                     -          -            -          195            -         195 
Credit for share-based 
 payments                                        -          -            -            -          108         108 
Remeasurement of pension 
 liability                          10           -          -            -            -      (5,552)     (5,552) 
Tax on remeasurement 
 of pension liability               11           -          -            -            -        1,000       1,000 
Long-term corporation 
 tax rate change                    11           -          -            -            -        (146)       (146) 
 
Total other comprehensive 
 income                                          -          -            -          195        1,460       1,655 
 
Transactions with shareholders 
Dividends                          6             -          -            -            -      (2,358)     (2,358) 
Issue of share capital             12        2,931      3,623            -            -            -       6,554 
 
Total transactions with 
 shareholders                                2,931      3,623            -            -      (2,358)       4,196 
 
 
 
At 31 December 2016                         34,084      4,641           70          254          274      39,323 
 
 

Macfarlane Group PLC

Consolidated balance sheet at 31 December 2016

 
                                        Note      2016     2015 
                                                GBP000   GBP000 
Non-current assets 
Goodwill and other intangible assets            44,002   36,181 
Property, plant and equipment                    7,770    7,691 
Other receivables                                  425      559 
Deferred tax assets                        11    2,878    2,499 
 
Total non-current assets                        55,075   46,930 
 
Current assets 
Inventories                                     12,986   10,559 
Trade and other receivables                     48,572   43,238 
Cash and cash equivalents                  9     1,930    1,407 
 
Total current assets                            63,488   55,204 
 
Total assets                               3   118,563  102,134 
 
Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables                        43,202   41,297 
Current tax liabilities                          1,020      654 
Finance lease liabilities                  9       395      388 
Bank borrowings                            9    17,206   13,039 
 
Total current liabilities                       61,823   55,378 
 
Net current assets/(liabilities)                 1,665    (174) 
 
Non-current liabilities 
Retirement benefit obligations             10   14,537   11,518 
Deferred tax liabilities                   11    1,697      988 
Trade and other payables                           781       40 
Finance lease liabilities                  9       402      738 
 
Total non-current liabilities                   17,417   13,284 
 
Total liabilities                          3    79,240   68,662 
 
Net assets                                      39,323   33,472 
 
Equity 
Share capital                              12   34,084   31,153 
Share premium                              12    4,641    1,018 
Revaluation reserve                                 70       70 
Translation reserve                                254       59 
Retained earnings                                  274    1,172 
 
Total equity                               3    39,323   33,472 
 
 

Macfarlane Group PLC

Consolidated cash flow statement

For the year ended 31 December 2016

 
                                             Note          2016          2015 
                                                         GBP000        GBP000 
 
Net cash inflow from operating activities      9          3,294         5,368 
 
 
Investing activities 
Acquisition of subsidiary undertakings         8        (8,718)       (3,941) 
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant 
 and equipment                                               57           263 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment              (1,144)         (809) 
 
Net cash used in investing activities                   (9,805)       (4,487) 
 
 
Financing activities 
Dividends paid                                 6        (2,358)       (2,094) 
Proceeds from issue of share capital (net 
 of issue expenses)                            12         5,554             - 
Drawdown on bank borrowing facility                       4,167         1,690 
Repayments of obligations under finance 
 leases                                        9          (329)         (320) 
 
Net cash generated by/(used in) financing 
 activities                                               7,034         (724) 
 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents      9            523           157 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning 
 of year                                                  1,407         1,250 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year       9          1,930         1,407 
 
 

Macfarlane Group PLC

Notes to the financial information

For the year ended 31 December 2016

   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 2016 and 31 December 2015 respectively.

The financial statements for 2016 were approved by the Board of Directors on 23 February 2017. The auditor's report on the statutory financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2016 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 2015 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 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 any economic uncertainty.

The Group's principal bank borrowing arrangement with Lloyds Banking Group PLC comprises a committed borrowing facility of GBP25.0 million available until June 2019 with an additional option to increase it further to GBP30.0 million. The facility bears interest at normal commercial rates and carries standard financial covenants in relation to interest cover and levels of headroom over certain trade debtors of the Group.

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 at least the next twelve months. For this reason they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2016.

Judgements, assumptions and estimation uncertainties

In preparing the 2016 financial statements, management has made judgements, assumptions and estimates, 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) Retirement Benefit Obligations   The valuation of the pension deficit 
                                        is affected by small movements 
                                        in key actuarial assumptions 
  (ii) Trade and Other Receivables     The provision for doubtful receivables 
                                        is based on judgemental estimates 
                                        over the recoverable amounts 
 
   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 revenue and profit. The Group's Manufacturing Operations segment comprises the design, manufacture and assembly of timber, corrugated and foam-based packaging materials in the UK, the design, manufacture and supply of self-adhesive labels to a variety of FMCG customers in the UK & Europe and the design, manufacture and supply of resealable labels to a variety of FMCG customers in the UK, Europe and the USA. No individual business segment within Manufacturing Operations represents more than 10% of Group revenue or income.

 
                                   2016         2015 
                                 GBP000       GBP000 
  Packaging Distribution 
  Revenue                       156,187      143,265 
  Cost of sales               (110,928)    (101,047) 
 
  Gross profit                   45,259       42,218 
  Net operating expenses       (37,423)     (35,467) 
 
  Operating profit                7,836        6,751 
 
  Manufacturing Operations 
  Revenue                        28,031       31,017 
  Cost of sales                (17,577)     (20,014) 
 
  Gross profit                   10,454       11,003 
  Net operating expenses        (9,578)     (10,052) 
 
  Operating profit                  876          951 
 
 
 
                                                                2016         2015 
                                                              GBP000       GBP000 
  Group segment - total revenue 
  Packaging Distribution                                     156,187      143,265 
  Manufacturing Operations                                    28,031       31,017 
  Inter-segment revenue                                      (4,446)      (5,150) 
 
  External revenue - continuing operations                   179,772      169,132 
 
 
  Operating profit - continuing operations 
  Packaging Distribution                                       7,836        6,751 
  Manufacturing Operations                                       876          951 
 
  Operating profit - continuing operations                     8,712        7,702 
  Finance costs                                                (901)        (935) 
 
  Profit before tax                                            7,811        6,767 
  Tax                                                        (1,761)      (1,317) 
 
  Profit for the year                                          6,050        5,450 
 
                                                Assets   Liabilities   Net assets 
                                                GBP000        GBP000       GBP000 
  Group segments 
  Packaging Distribution                       105,034        72,503       32,531 
  Manufacturing Operations                      13,529         6,737        6,792 
 
  Net assets 2016                              118,563        79,240       39,323 
 
 
                                                Assets   Liabilities   Net assets 
                                                GBP000        GBP000       GBP000 
 
  Packaging Distribution                        87,590        61,625       25,965 
  Manufacturing Operations                      14,544         7,037        7,507 
 
  Net assets 2015                              102,134        68,662       33,472 
 
 
 
 
                                               4. Finance costs     2016     2015 
                                                                  GBP000   GBP000 
 
         Interest on bank borrowings                               (480)    (460) 
         Interest on obligations under finance leases               (48)     (37) 
         Net interest expense on retirement benefit obligation 
          (see note 10)                                            (373)    (438) 
 
         Total finance costs                                       (901)    (935) 
 
 
 
5. Tax                                                          2016     2015 
                                                              GBP000   GBP000 
         Current tax 
           United Kingdom corporation tax at 20.00% (2015: 
            20.25%)                                          (1,409)  (1,134) 
           Foreign tax                                          (79)     (48) 
           Prior period adjustments                               83       80 
 
         Total current tax                                   (1,405)  (1,102) 
 
         Deferred tax 
           Current year                                        (196)    (215) 
           Prior period adjustments                            (160)        - 
 
         Total deferred tax (see note 11)                      (356)    (215) 
 
 
         Total                                               (1,761)  (1,317) 
 
 

The standard rate of tax based on the UK average rate of corporation tax, is 20.00% (2015 - 20.25%). 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 20.00% (2015 - 20.25%) of the results as set out in the consolidated income statement for the reasons set out in the following reconciliation:-

 
                                                             2016     2015 
                                                           GBP000   GBP000 
 
         Profit before taxation                             7,811    6,767 
 
         Tax on profit at 20.00% (2015 - 20.25%)          (1,562)  (1,370) 
         Factors affecting tax charge for the year:- 
            Non-deductible expenses                         (122)     (37) 
            Difference on overseas tax rates                    -       10 
            Changes in estimates related to prior years      (77)       80 
 
           Tax charge for the year                        (1,761)  (1,317) 
 
 
 
           Effective rate of tax for the year   22.5%  19.5% 
 
 
 
6. Dividends                                                  2016     2015 
                                                            GBP000   GBP000 
           Amounts recognised as distributions to equity 
            holders in the year: 
  Final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2015 
   of 1.29p per share (2014 - 1.15p per share)               1,608    1,433 
  Interim dividend for the year ended 31 December 
   2016 of 0.55p per share (2015 - 0.53p per share)            750      661 
 
                                                             2,358    2,094 
 
 

In addition to the amounts shown above, a proposed dividend of 1.40p per share will be paid on 8 June 2017 to those shareholders on the register at 12 May 2017. This is subject to approval by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on 9 May 2017 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:

 
                                                                          2016       2015 
                                                                        GBP000     GBP000 
 
         Earnings for the purposes of earnings per share 
          Profit for the year from continuing operations                 6,050      5,450 
 
 
  Number of shares in issue for the purposes of calculating               2016       2015 
   basic and diluted earnings per share                                 No. of     No. of 
                                                                        shares     shares 
                                                                          '000       '000 
 
         Weighted average number of shares in issue for 
          the 
          purposes of basic earnings per share                         129,496    124,611 
         Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares due 
          to share options                                                 859        576 
 
                    Weighted average number of shares in issue for 
                     the 
                     purposes of diluted earnings per share            130,355    125,187 
 
 
         Basic Earnings per share                                        4.67p      4.37p 
 
 
         Diluted Earnings per share                                      4.64p      4.35p 
 
 
   8.         Acquisition of subsidiary companies 

On 5 April 2016, the Group's subsidiary, Macfarlane Group UK Limited, acquired the business of Colton Packaging Teesside, for a consideration of approximately GBP1.3 million. GBP1.1 million was paid in cash on acquisition, with the deferred consideration of GBP0.2 million payable in the second quarter of 2017, if the earn-out target for the year to 31 March 2017 is achieved. On 3 May 2016, Macfarlane Group UK Limited also acquired the packaging business of Edward McNeil Limited, for a consideration of approximately GBP1.7 million. GBP1.6 million was paid in cash on acquisition, with the deferred consideration of GBP0.1 million payable in the next twelve months, based on certain working capital targets.

On 29 July 2016, the Group acquired 100% of the issued share capital of Nelsons for Cartons & Packaging Limited, a packaging distributor, for a consideration of approximately GBP7.2 million. GBP4.7 million was paid in cash on acquisition, and GBP1.0 million was settled by the issue of shares. The deferred consideration of GBP1.5 million, is payable in two equal instalments in the final quarter of 2017 and 2018, subject to certain trading targets being met in the two twelve month periods ending on 29 July 2017 and 29 July 2018 respectively. The contingent consideration is recognised as a liability in creditors and is remeasured to fair value at the balance sheet date on a range of outcomes between GBPNil and GBP1.5 million.

In 2015 the Group acquired 100% of One Packaging Limited for a consideration of GBP2.7 million. GBP2.0 million was paid in cash on acquisition, with the deferred consideration of GBP0.7 million paid in 2016 as the earn-out target for the year to 31 July 2016 has been met. In 2014 the Group acquired Network Packaging Limited with deferred consideration on acquisition of GBP2.6 million. GBP1.3 million of this was paid in 2015 with the remainder of GBP1.3 million paid in 2016 following the achievement of the earn-out target.

All of these businesses are accounted for in the Packaging Distribution segment. Goodwill arising on these acquisitions is attributable to the anticipated future profitability of the distribution of Group product ranges in the UK and anticipated operating synergies from future combinations of activities with the Packaging Distribution network. Fair values assigned to net assets acquired and consideration paid and payable are set out below:-

 
                                          2014/15       Colton 
                                     Acquisitions            &      Nelsons         2016       2015 
                                           GBP000       McNeil       GBP000       GBP000     GBP000 
                                                        GBP000 
  Net assets acquired 
  Other intangible assets                       -        1,619        2,933        4,552      1,238 
  Property, plant and equipment                 -           25          170          195        168 
  Inventories                                   -          628          914        1,542        350 
  Trade and other receivables                   -            -        1,728        1,728      1,098 
  Cash and bank balances                        -            -          696          696          - 
  Bank loans and overdrafts                     -            -            -            -      (403) 
  Trade and other payables                      -            -      (1,837)      (1,837)      (974) 
  Current tax liabilities                       -            -        (256)        (256)          - 
  Finance lease liabilities                     -            -          (7)          (7)       (59) 
  Deferred tax liabilities                      -        (292)        (536)        (828)      (249) 
 
  Net assets acquired                           -        1,980        3,805        5,785      1,169 
  Goodwill arising on acquisition               -        1,041        3,345        4,386      1,644 
 
  Total consideration                           -        3,021        7,150       10,171      2,813 
 
  Contingent consideration 
   on acquisitions 
  Current year                                  -        (320)      (1,500)      (1,820)          - 
  Prior years                               2,063            -            -        2,063        725 
 
  Shares                                        -            -      (1,000)      (1,000)          - 
 
  Total consideration                       2,063        2,701        4,650        9,414      3,538 
 
  Net cash outflow arising 
   on acquisition 
  Cash consideration                      (2,063)      (2,701)      (4,650)      (9,414)    (3,538) 
  Cash and bank balances acquired               -            -          696          696          - 
  Bank loans and overdrafts 
   assumed                                      -            -            -            -      (403) 
 
  Net cash outflow                        (2,063)      (2,701)      (3,954)      (8,718)    (3,941) 
 
 
 
9. Notes to the cash flow statement                             2016     2015 
                                                              GBP000   GBP000 
 
         Operating profit                                      8,712    7,702 
         Adjustments for: 
            Amortisation of intangible assets                  1,117      826 
            Depreciation of property, plant and equipment      1,267    1,151 
            (Gain)/loss on disposal of property, plant and 
             equipment                                          (18)       34 
 
         Operating cash flows before movements in working 
          capital                                             11,078    9,713 
 
            Increase in inventories                            (885)    (546) 
            Increase in receivables                          (3,450)  (2,042) 
            Increase in payables                               1,280    2,178 
            Decrease in provisions                                 -     (32) 
            Adjustment for pension scheme funding            (2,906)  (2,682) 
 
         Cash generated by operations                          5,117    6,589 
            Income taxes paid                                (1,295)    (724) 
            Interest paid                                      (528)    (497) 
 
         Net cash inflow from operating activities             3,294    5,368 
 
 
 
  Movement in net debt 
         Increase in cash and cash equivalents                                                             523       157 
         Increase in bank borrowings                                                                   (4,167)   (1,690) 
         New finance lease facilities                                                                        -     (813) 
         Repayment of obligations under finance leases                                                     329       320 
 
         Movement in net debt in the year                                                              (3,315)   (2,026) 
         Opening net debt                                                                             (12,758)  (10,732) 
 
         Closing net debt                                                                             (16,073)  (12,758) 
 
         Net debt comprises: 
         Cash and cash equivalents in statement of cash 
          flows                                                                                          1,930     1,407 
         Bank borrowings                                                                              (17,206)  (13,039) 
 
         Net bank debt                                                                                (15,276)  (11,632) 
         Obligations under finance leases Due within one 
          year                                                                                           (395)     (388) 
                                                                                            Due 
                                                                                             outwith 
                                                                                             one 
                                                                                             year        (402)     (738) 
 
         Closing net debt                                                                             (16,073)  (12,758) 
 
 

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.

   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 and as a result no further salary inflation applies for active members who remained in the scheme. Active members' benefits also include life assurance cover, albeit the payment of these benefits is at the discretion of the scheme's Trustees.

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, with the inflationary increases is currently based on the Retail Prices Index ("RPI") measure of inflation.

During 2012, Macfarlane Group PLC agreed with the Board of Trustees 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 further actions to reduce the deficit in 2017.

Balance sheet disclosures

The fair value of the scheme investments, present value of the scheme liabilities 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.

 
                                            2016      2015      2014      2013      2012 
                                          GBP000    GBP000    GBP000    GBP000    GBP000 
         Investment class 
         Equities                         17,112    16,788    15,893    15,079    14,474 
         Multi-asset diversified 
          funds                           21,509    25,476    18,541    16,414    13,026 
         Liability-driven investment 
          funds                           26,532    14,107    22,195         -         - 
         Bonds                                 -    11,119    11,263    22,534    23,544 
         European loan fund                6,334         -         -         -         - 
         Other (cash and similar 
          assets)                          6,321       303        98       211       305 
 
         Fair value of assets             77,808    67,793    67,990    54,238    51,349 
         Present value of scheme 
          liabilities                   (92,345)  (79,311)  (81,863)  (70,134)  (70,247) 
 
         Deficit in the scheme          (14,537)  (11,518)  (13,873)  (15,896)  (18,898) 
         Related deferred tax asset 
          (see note 11)                    2,471     2,073     2,775     3,179     4,346 
 
         Net pension scheme liability   (12,066)   (9,445)  (11,098)  (12,717)  (14,552) 
 
 

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. During 2016, the interest rate and inflation rate protection in the scheme was increased by adding to the Liability Driven Investment funds, a new European loan fund was added to the portfolio and both of these investments were financed by the disposal of the Corporate Bond Fund holding.

The ability to realise the Scheme's assets at, or very close to, fair value was considered when setting the investment strategy. The Scheme's investment strategy has 84% of the assets being able to be realised at fair value on a daily or weekly basis. The remaining assets have monthly or quarterly liquidity, however, whilst the income from these helps to meet the Scheme's cashflow needs, they are not expected to require to be realised at short notice.

The present value of the scheme liabilities is derived from cash flow projections over a long period of time and is thus inherently uncertain.

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

 
  Assumptions                        2016        2015        2014        2013        2012 
 
  Discount rate                     2.70%       3.70%       3.50%       4.50%       4.40% 
  Rate of increase in salaries      0.00%       0.00%       0.00%       0.00%       0.00% 
  Inflation assumption (RPI)        3.30%       3.10%       3.00%       3.40%       3.00% 
  Inflation assumption (CPI)        2.30%       2.10%       2.10%       2.50%       2.30% 
  Spouse's pension assumption 
   Pensioner members 
   Deferred and active members        70%         70%         70%         70%         70% 
                                      80%         80%         80%         80%         80% 
  Life expectancy beyond normal 
   retirement date of 65 
  Male                            22.8 years  22.7 years  22.7 years  22.6 years  22.4 years 
  Female                          25.3 years  25.3 years  25.1 years  25.1 years  24.6 years 
 
 
                                    2016      2015       2014      2013       2012 
  Movement in scheme deficit      GBP000    GBP000     GBP000    GBP000     GBP000 
 
  At 1 January                  (11,518)  (13,873)   (15,896)  (18,898)   (20,484) 
  Current service cost              (95)     (152)      (126)     (148)      (146) 
  Employer contributions           3,001     2,834      5,480     2,748      2,583 
  Pension Increase Exchange 
   gain                                -         -          -         -      1,855 
  Net finance cost                 (373)     (438)      (594)     (775)      (930) 
  Remeasurement of pension 
   scheme liability              (5,552)       111    (2,737)     1,177    (1,776) 
 
  At 31 December                (14,537)  (11,518)   (13,873)  (15,896)   (18,898) 
 
 

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 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:-

 
                                                     2016     2015     2014 
           Assumptions                             GBP000   GBP000   GBP000 
 
         Discount rate movement of +0.1%            1,478    1,142    1,285 
         Inflation rate movement of +0.1%           (471)    (404)    (393) 
         Mortality movement of +0.1 year in age 
          rating                                      277      214      295 
 

Positive figures reflect a reduction in the scheme liabilities and therefore a reduction in the scheme deficit. 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.

All of the sensitivity information assumes that the average duration of liabilities in the scheme is seventeen years.

 
11. Deferred tax                                                                                         2016     2015 
                                                                                                       GBP000   GBP000 
 
         At 1 January                                                                                   1,511    2,226 
         Inherited on acquisitions                                                                      (828)    (249) 
         Charged in income statement Current year                                                       (196)    (215) 
                                                                            Change in estimates 
                                                                             for prior years            (160)        - 
         Credited/(charged) in other comprehensive income 
          Remeasurement of pension scheme liability                                                     1,000     (22) 
                            Long-term corporation tax rate change                                       (146)    (229) 
 
         At 31 December                                                                                 1,181    1,511 
 
 
         On retirement benefit obligations (see note 10)                                                2,471    2,073 
         Corporation tax losses                                                                           407      426 
 
         Disclosed as deferred tax asset                                                                2,878    2,499 
         On accelerated capital allowances 
          Disclosed as a deferred tax liability                                                         (160)        - 
         On other intangible assets 
          Disclosed as a deferred tax liability                                                       (1,537)    (988) 
 
         At 31 December                                                                                 1,181    1,511 
 
 

Reductions in the UK corporation tax rate to 17% (effective from 1 April 2020) were substantively enacted on 6 September 2016. This will reduce the Company's future current tax charge accordingly. The deferred tax asset at 31 December 2016 has been calculated based on this rate.

 
12. Share capital                                 2016     2015 
                                                GBP000   GBP000 
 
         Allotted, issued and fully paid: 
         At 1 January                           31,153   31,153 
         Issued during the year                  2,931        - 
 
         At 31 December                         34,084   31,153 
 
         Share premium 
         At 1 January                            1,018    1,018 
         Issue of new shares during the year     3,869        - 
         Expenses of share issue                 (246)        - 
 
         At 31 December                          4,641    1,018 
 
 

The Company has one class of ordinary shares, which carry no right to fixed income. Each ordinary share carries one vote in any General Meeting of the Company.

On 26 July 2016, the Company announced a placing of 10,000,000 ordinary shares of 25p each at a price of 58p per share. These shares were admitted to the official List of the London Stock Exchange on 29 July 2016.

On 29 July 2016, the Company acquired the whole issued share capital of Nelsons for Cartons & Packaging Limited. As part of the initial consideration, the Company issued 1,724,137 ordinary shares of 25p each at a value of 58p per share to the Vendors, for a total value of GBP1,000,000, which were also admitted to the official List of the London Stock Exchange on 29 July 2016.

   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 2016 will be disclosed in the Group's Annual Report for the year ending 31 December 2016.

On 8 May 2015, Peter Atkinson and John Love were granted option awards over 775,254 and 360,026 ordinary shares respectively under the Macfarlane Group PLC Long Term Incentive Plan. These awards are based on targets around Earnings per share, Total Shareholder Return and sales levels for the year ended 31 December 2017.

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 31 March 2017 and will be available to members of the public at the Company's Registered Office, 21 Newton Place, Glasgow G3 7PY from Monday 3 April 2017.

The Annual General Meeting will take place at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel, Cambridge Street Glasgow G2 3HN at 12 noon on Tuesday 9 May 2017.

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

FR SEMFAEFWSEEE

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

February 23, 2017 02:00 ET (07:00 GMT)

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