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WGB Walker Greenbank Plc

76.00
0.00 (0.00%)
09 May 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Walker Greenbank Plc LSE:WGB London Ordinary Share GB0003061511 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% 76.00 74.00 78.00 0.00 01:00:00
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
0 0 N/A 0

Walker Greenbank PLC Full Year Financial Results (3321D)

26/04/2017 7:01am

UK Regulatory


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RNS Number : 3321D

Walker Greenbank PLC

26 April 2017

26 April 2017

WALKER GREENBANK PLC

("Walker Greenbank" or the "Company")

Financial Results for the year ended 31 January 2017

Walker Greenbank PLC (AIM: WGB), the luxury interior furnishings group is pleased to announce its financial results for the 12 month period ended 31 January 2017.

Highlights

   --      Sales up 5.2% to GBP92.4 million (2016: GBP87.8 million) 
   --      Adjusted underlying profit before tax* up 16.9% at GBP10.4 million (2016: GBP8.9 million) 

-- Standfast & Barracks fully recovered following flood in December 2015. Financial results include insurance proceeds for loss of profits and net proceeds for asset replacement of GBP5.1 million for the period

-- Acquisition of Clarke & Clarke in October 2016 delivered a profit contribution of GBP1.0 million in the first 18 weeks of ownership with performance continuing to be in line with the Board's expectations

-- UK Licensing income gaining momentum, up 25.6% in reportable currency, 13.1% in constant currency, at GBP2.6 million with new distribution agreements for bedding in the US and China

   --      Underlying profit from operations** up 19.5% to GBP9.8 million (2016: GBP8.2 million) 

-- Total statutory profit from operations down 3.7% to GBP7.9 million (2016: GBP8.2 million) due to acquisition, restructuring and reorganisation costs

   --      Adjusted earnings per share* up 14.6% at 13.67p per share (2016: 11.93p per share) 

-- Final dividend up 24.9% to 3.06p per share (2016: 2.45p per share), giving a total dividend up 24.9% at 3.61p per share (2016: 2.89p per share)

* Excludes accounting charges relating to share-based incentives, defined benefit pension charge and non-underlying items.

** Excludes acquisition costs, Standfast flood related costs and restructuring and reorganisation costs.

Terry Stannard, the Chairman of Walker Greenbank, said: "Brand sales in the first quarter of the current financial year are on an improving trend though they continue to reflect the flood-constrained product launches in the Spring of last year and partially constrained Autumn launches. Consequential loss of profits continue to be mitigated by our insurance policy though, as we look ahead, the flood's impact on trading will be reduced.

"In the first 12 weeks of the current financial year, Brands sales were up 4.4% in reportable currency and up 0.9% in constant currency. Brands sales exclude Clarke & Clarke, which is trading in line with the Board's expectations and represents an exciting addition to our product portfolio. Sales in the year ahead are expected to benefit from the new collections launched this Spring, from the continued momentum of our licensing activities and from the significant contribution from Clarke & Clarke. With this backdrop, we remain confident in meeting the Board's expectations for the current financial year."

Analyst meeting

A meeting for analysts will be held at 11.00 a.m. today, 26 April 2017, at the offices of Buchanan, 107 Cheapside, London EC2V 6DN. For further details, contact Buchanan on 020 7466 5000.

For further information:

 
                                          +44 (0) 844 543 
 Walker Greenbank PLC                      4668 
 John Sach, Chief Executive 
 Mike Gant, Chief Financial Officer 
 
                                          +44 (0) 20 7597 
 Investec Bank plc                         5970 
 Garry Levin / David Anderson / 
  Alex Wright - Corporate Finance 
  Henry Reast - Corporate Broking 
 
                                          +44 (0) 20 7466 
 Buchanan                                  5000 
 Mark Court / Sophie Cowles / Catriona 
  Flint 
 

Notes for editors:

About Walker Greenbank

Walker Greenbank PLC is a luxury interior furnishings company that designs, manufactures and markets wallpapers, fabrics and paints. In addition, the Company derives significant licensing income from the use of its designs on a wide range of interior products such as bed linen, rugs and tableware.

Walker Greenbank's brands include Sanderson, Morris & Co, Harlequin, Zoffany, Scion and Anthology. The brand portfolio was recently extended with the acquisition in October 2016 of the Clarke & Clarke and Studio G brands.

The Company has a strong UK manufacturing base comprising a wallpaper factory in Loughborough and a fabric printing factory in Lancaster. Both factories manufacture for the Company and for other wallpaper and fabric brands.

Walker Greenbank employs more than 600 people and its products are sold in more than 85 countries worldwide. It has showrooms in London, New York, Paris, Amsterdam and Dubai along with partnership showrooms in Moscow and in Shenzhen, China.

Walker Greenbank trades on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol WGB.

For further information please visit: www.walkergreenbank.com/

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

Overview

I am pleased to report that the Group continues to make good progress and has delivered another significant increase in underlying profitability. This result was achieved despite the impact of the flood suffered at our fabric printing factory, Standfast & Barracks, in December 2015 and reflects the success of our continued strategic focus on developing our product offering, international expansion, market penetration, lifestyle product extension and investment in manufacturing.

It also reflects an initial contribution from the acquisition in October 2016 of Clarke & Clarke, a fabrics and wallcoverings business with two international brands, Clarke & Clarke and Studio G. This acquisition continues to trade in line with the Board's expectations and is expected to make a material contribution to earnings during the current financial year ending 31 January 2018. We continue to seek further acquisitions to complement our organic growth initiatives.

We were very pleased with the support from both new and existing investors for the equity fundraising of GBP17.0 million as part-funding for the acquisition of Clarke & Clarke.

The adjusted underlying profit before tax for the year, excluding the LTIP accounting charge and the net defined benefit charge, was GBP10.4 million (2016: GBP8.9 million), an increase of 16.9%. The reported financial results include a first-time contribution from Clarke & Clarke of GBP1.0 million.

The Group's results were impacted by the flood in December 2015 at Standfast & Barracks, though the financial impact has been mitigated by the Group's comprehensive insurance policy. The results include GBP2.8 million as a result of interim insurance payments for loss of profits.

To date, the Group has received a total of GBP16.9 million of flood-related insurance payments in respect of damage to business assets, reimbursement of cleaning costs and loss of profits. As previously announced, we will be seeking to negotiate a final settlement of the insurance claim with our insurers and anticipate that a settlement will be agreed in the first half of the current financial year.

The flood halted production at Standfast & Barracks for a period of 16 weeks, thereby removing the Group's internal capacity to print fabric for its own brands and third party customers. Full production was restored in October 2016 and the brands were fully restocked by the financial year end.

Total Brand sales, which include Clarke & Clarke, were up 12.8% during the year to GBP76.6 million, including sales of GBP7.3 million from the first 18 weeks' ownership of Clarke & Clarke. Like-for-like sales are down due to the flood. The impact of this has been mitigated by insurance reimbursement.

Excluding Clarke & Clarke, total Brand sales for the year were up 2.2% compared with the same period last year to GBP69.3 million. In the UK, our largest market, sales were down by 4.0% to GBP38.4 million, reflecting the impact of the flood. Overseas Brand sales were up 10.0% in reportable currency, up 0.5% in constant currency. Sales in the US, the Group's second largest market, were up 8.3% in reportable currency, down 5.2% in constant currency. In Western Europe, our third largest market, Brand sales were up 22.4% in reportable currency, up 7.9% in constant currency, with strong sales growth in most regions. Sales in the Rest of the World grew 0.3% in constant currency.

During the year we have continued to develop our product offering. We have been pleased with the performance of our Woodland Walk collection from Sanderson, which has been its best-selling collection for several years, and the success of Morris & Co Pure, a range of classic William Morris designs produced for the first time in neutral colours.

We are particularly pleased with licensing income of GBP2.6 million, which was up 25.6% in reportable currency, up 13.1% in constant currency. We are continuing to pursue the extension of our product offering through new licensing agreements to take the Company's brands further into new lifestyle products and geographical territories. We are excited about the future potential for this important contributor to our growth strategy.

Walker Greenbank's vertically integrated high quality UK manufacturing base, comprising our Loughborough-based wallpaper printing business, Anstey Wallpaper Company, and Lancaster-based fabric printing business Standfast & Barracks, differentiates us from others in our industry.

The flood at Standfast & Barracks resulted in reduced sales and profitability, with total manufacturing sales down 6.7% compared with the same period last year. The insurance-funded replacement of flood-damaged printing equipment means that the factory is now operating with the latest machinery, increasing our production capacity and capabilities.

Financials

Total sales increased 5.2% to GBP92.4 million (2016: GBP87.8 million) including Clarke & Clarke sales of GBP7.3 million.

Although statutory profit from operations is down 3.7% to GBP7.9 million (2016: GBP8.2 million) due to acquisition, restructuring and reorganisation costs, the underlying profit from operations has increased 19.5% to GBP9.8 million (2016: GBP8.2 million).

The total statutory profit after tax was GBP5.4 million (2016: GBP5.9 million), and basic adjusted earnings per share were up 14.6% after removing the LTIP accounting charge, net defined benefit charge and non-underlying items.

Dividend

The Directors recommend the payment of a final dividend of 3.06p per share (2016: 2.45p), which will be payable on 11 August 2017 to shareholders on the register on 21 July 2017. This brings the total dividend for the year to 3.61p per share (2016: 2.89p) an increase of 24.9%, reflecting the Board's confidence in the future prospects and the financial strength of the Group.

People

On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank all of our management and employees for their contribution to another successful year.

I was delighted to welcome Fiona Holmes to the Walker Greebank Board as Managing Director of Brands during the year. Fiona brings a wealth of brand, digital and multi-channel retail experience to the Company. I would like to say a particular thank you to Fiona's predecessor, David Smallridge, for his invaluable contribution during his 15 years of service. I would also like to thank all of the team members at Standfast & Barracks for their huge part in bringing the factory back to full production.

During the year, we continued to strengthen the operational management and organisational structure of the Group, including the appointment of an MD of Manufacturing and a Group HR Director.

Outlook

We began the new financial year with Standfast & Barracks back to full production capacity and our warehouse fully restocked, giving us a strong platform for the year ahead. In addition, we are excited by our recent acquisition of Clarke & Clarke, which marks the next step in our growth strategy.

Brand sales in the first quarter are on an improving trend though they continue to reflect the flood-constrained product launches in the Spring of last year and partially constrained Autumn launches. Consequential loss of profits continue to be mitigated by our insurance policy though, as we look ahead, the flood's impact on trading will be reduced. In the first 12 weeks of the current financial year, Brands sales were up 4.4% in reportable currency and up 0.9% in constant currency. Brands sales exclude Clarke & Clarke, which is trading in line with the Board's expectations and is an exciting addition to our product portfolio.

Sales in the year ahead are expected to benefit from the new collections launched this Spring, from the continued momentum of our licensing activities and from the significant contribution from Clarke & Clarke. With this backdrop, we remain confident in meeting the Board's expectations for the current financial year.

Terry Stannard

Non-Executive Chairman

26 April 2017

CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S STRATEGIC REVIEW

We are pleased to report that, in a challenging year for the Group due to the significant business interruption suffered as a result of the flood at Standfast and Barracks in December 2015, we have continued to make good progress with the implementation of our strategy, which comprises:

International expansion;

Market penetration;

Lifestyle product extension;

British manufacturing capability; and

Acquisitions.

The Brands

This segment incorporates global trading from our internationally recognised brands and includes our overseas subsidiaries in the US and France. In addition to Sanderson, Morris & Co., Harlequin, Zoffany, Scion and Anthology, the Brands now include Clarke & Clarke and Studio G, which were acquired by the Company in October 2016.

Fiona Holmes joined the Company in October 2016 as Managing Director of Brands, a role in which she has responsibility for all of the brands apart from Clarke & Clarke and Studio G, which operate on a standalone basis. Fiona is playing a key role in further developing and delivering our strategic ambitions.

Total Brands sales increased during the year despite the impact of the flood at Standfast & Barracks. Total Brands sales increased by 12.8% compared with last year to GBP76.6 million. This included an 18 week contribution from Clarke & Clarke of GBP7.3 million. Underlying Brands profit from operations increased by 14.3% to GBP9.2 million.

Excluding Clarke & Clarke, total Brand sales were up 2.2% during the year at GBP69.3 million. In the UK, Brands sales decreased 4.0% to GBP38.4 million, reflecting the flood along with challenging UK trading conditions.

Sales in the US grew by 8.3% in reportable currency, down 5.2% in constant currency, to GBP9.2 million and were impacted by the flood. The US is our second largest market and is strategically important, meriting our recent investment in more directly employed sales representatives and an intended investment in our second directly controlled showroom, in Chicago, to add to our recent investment in our flagship showroom in New York.

Brand sales in Western Europe were up 22.4% in reportable currency, up 7.9% in constant currency, to GBP8.5 million with most regions performing strongly particularly the Republic of Ireland, up 7.9% in constant currency to GBP1.9m. Other highlights include sales in Scandinavia, up 15.8% in constant currency to GBP2.5 million, and growth in Eastern Europe, up 3.6% in constant currency to GBP2.3 million.

Global licensing income is a key part of our strategy and an important developing income stream for the Group. It extends our lifestyle offering and gives our brands greater consumer awareness both in the UK and internationally. Income was up 25.6% in reportable currency, 13.1% in constant currency, to GBP2.6 million. Substantial growth has been achieved by our bedlinen and blinds partners in particular, with range extensions into new product areas and new licensing agreements in the US and China.

Harlequin incorporating Scion & Anthology

Harlequin remains the UK's leading mid-market contemporary brand. Its worldwide sales reduced 1.3% to GBP31.3 million in reportable currency compared with the same period last year. Sales in the UK decreased by 7.2% and were particularly impacted by the flood at Standfast & Barracks. In the US, sales were up 5.3% in reportable currency, down 8.2% in constant currency, and sales in Western Europe have grown 30.6% year on year in reportable currency, 14.9% in constant currency.

The Scion brand has recently celebrated its fifth anniversary and continues to grow well with its fifth collection, Lokho, and its first children's collection, Guess Who, both having been well received. This cutting edge, accessibly priced brand continues to be a success with young, aspirational and fashion-aware customers. Scion has also quickly become established as a valuable brand for licensing partners where the contemporary and graphic nature of the designs translates particularly well.

The Anthology brand, launched in April 2014, also continues to show strong growth. The range now includes five innovative collections of wallcoverings complemented by a growing range of fabrics, which are design-led and aspirational whilst remaining inherently suitable for contract applications.

Arthur Sanderson & Sons incorporating the Morris & Co brand

Sales were up 4.7% at GBP22.5 million in reportable currency compared with the same period last year. The flood at Standfast & Barracks continued to impact UK sales, which saw a decline of 1.2% compared with the same period last year. However, sales in the US saw significant growth, up 18.9% in reportable currency, 4.1% in constant currency and sales in Western Europe were up 16.8% in reportable currency, up 3.1% in constant currency. Sanderson's Woodland Walk collection has been the brand's best-selling collection for several years now and has been universally appreciated as quintessential Sanderson.

The Morris & Co brand enjoyed a very positive sales performance last year driven by the launch of the Pure Morris collection. This collection interprets William Morris' iconic designs in a new neutral colour palette. This has broadened the brand's appeal, making it more accessible to a wider audience, working equally well in both traditional and contemporary settings.

Zoffany

Zoffany is positioned at the upper end of the premium market. Total sales grew by 3.5% compared with the same period last year to GBP12.2 million in reportable currency. This growth has been driven by sales of recent collections which reflect the focus on design strategy and direction to position the brand for sustained growth. Sales in the US were up 11.9% in reportable currency, down 1.9% in constant currency, and sales in Western Europe were up 12.8% in reportable currency, down 0.4% in constant currency.

Clarke & Clarke

Clarke & Clarke's two brands, Clarke & Clarke and Studio G, are at the more affordable end of the market, complementing the Group's existing brands. Studio G launched its first collection in Spring 2016, comprising of four books in a variety of modern styles of which the highlight was Lustro, a book of three glamorous velvet designs, which are practical, competitively priced and widely appealing. Total sales for the first 18 weeks of ownership grew by 6.8% compared with the same period last year to GBP7.3 million in reportable currency, with performance in line with the Board's expectations.

Manufacturing

Our manufacturing capabilities are one of the Group's key assets and differentiates us from our peer group. They are an integral part of our growth strategy. The flood at Standfast & Barracks had a significant impact on our manufacturing activities, with the result that total manufacturing sales fell 6.7% to GBP32.0 million leading to a decrease in profits of 58.7% to GBP1.0 million.

This shortfall has been mitigated by interim insurance payments. The factory has recovered from the flood and is back in full production and the Company's Milton Keynes warehouse was fully stocked with the Company's printed textiles by the financial year end. The construction of flood defences to protect the Standfast & Barracks factory has also been completed.

Anstey Wallpaper Company

Sales at Anstey, our wallpaper printing business, fell 9.1% to GBP16.9 million. Third party sales in the UK were down 23.3% and third party export sales were down 6.2%. Internal sales to our own Group brands grew by 9.7% reflecting a higher level of new product launches compared with the prior year. Sales were impacted by the consequences of the Standfast & Barracks flood but, as the weakness of sterling feeds through, we see a great opportunity to grow sales overseas.

Standfast & Barracks

Standfast, our fabric printing factory, saw a decrease in sales of 3.7% to GBP15.1 million as a direct result of the flood in December 2015. Third party sales in the UK fell by 28.9% whilst sales to our own Group brands increased by 17.7%.

As a result of the flood, Standfast has experienced a period of significantly disrupted production and loss of stock, machinery and profits. To date we have received GBP16.9 million in insurance receipts covering costs plus business interruption losses and interim cashflow requirements, with further business interruption reimbursements expected.

During the period, two of the digital printing machines were replaced with next-generation digital printers with higher throughput and additional capabilities.

Summary

Despite the significant challenges faced as a result of the flood in 2015, I am pleased that we have been able to continue to invest in our brands both in the UK and internationally.

We have also made significant progress in growing our licensing income, boosting our lifestyle product extension and greater consumer awareness. We have successfully completed our first significant acquisition since 2003 with the purchase of Clarke & Clarke, which will accelerate the Group's market penetration and extend our reach in the US. Furthermore, we have made some key senior appointments which, combined with our ongoing investment in our key UK manufacturing, will help to drive growth in 2017 and help to further develop and deliver our strategic objectives.

John Sach

Group Chief Executive

26 April 2017

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER'S REVIEW

Income Statement

The Chairman's Statement and Chief Executive's Review provide an analysis of the key factors impacting revenue and operating profit. In addition to the information on our Brands and Manufacturing divisions included in these reports, the Group has included in note 3 to the accounts further information on our reporting segments. This is the basis on which the Group presents its operating results to the Board of Directors which is considered to be the Chief Operating Decision Maker ('CODM') for the purposes of IFRS 8.

Non-underlying

Statutory profit before tax of GBP6,965,000 (2016: GBP7,338,000) included non-underlying charges of GBP2,164,000 (2016: GBPnil). These charges are analysed below.

 
                                                2017      2016 
                                              GBP000    GBP000 
------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Statutory profit before tax                   6,965     7,338 
------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
 Acquisition related costs                     2,955         - 
 Unwind of discount on contingent                181         - 
  consideration 
------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Total acquisition related costs               3,136         - 
------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
 Standfast flood related costs                 7,165     3,276 
 Standfast flood insurance reimbursements    (9,413)   (3,276) 
------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Standfast net other income                  (2,248)         - 
------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
 Restructuring and reorganisation              1,276         - 
  costs 
 Total non-underlying charges                  2,164         - 
  included in profit before tax 
------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
 Underlying profit before tax                  9,129     7,338 
 
 LTIP accounting charge                          756       924 
 Net defined benefit pension 
  charge                                         527       685 
 Adjusted profit before tax                   10,412     8,947 
------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 

Acquisition related costs incurred were in respect of the acquisition of Clarke & Clarke. These include professional fees of GBP1,552,000; amortisation of intangible assets of GBP342,000 and a cost of GBP1,061,000 associated with the fair value adjustment recognised on the inventory as at the date of acquisition. A charge of GBP181,000 has been recognised in respect of the unwind of the contingent consideration payable for Clarke & Clarke.

Standfast net other income comprises of proceeds of GBP2,780,000 from the reimbursement of costs to replace impaired plant and equipment, less flood defence costs of GBP253,000 and additional insurance costs of GBP279,000 not reimbursed.

Restructuring and reorganisation costs of GBP1,276,000 reflect the rationalisation of certain operational and support functions. These costs mainly comprise professional fees, employee severance and property costs associated with the reorganisation process.

Net other income

The substantial flooding at Standfast & Barracks resulted in extensive stock and machinery damage as well a period of disrupted printing resulting in lost sales revenue. Our Brands business was also impacted by the lack of printing capacity at Standfast resulting in a loss of profits. We have recovered the costs of machinery loss and other incremental costs together with interim business interruption losses from our insurance providers for the period to 31 January 2017. The insurance claim in respect of losses for future financial years is ongoing.

To date GBP16,933,000 cash has been received, as interim payments from our insurers of which GBP518,000 has been recognised and included within accruals and deferred income as at 31 January 2017. In the Income Statement, in addition to the non-underlying net other income described above, a further GBP2,837,000 has been recognised in underlying net other income which represents business interruption losses for the period to 31 January 2017.

Clarke & Clarke acquisition

The acquisition of 100% of the issued share capital of Clarke & Clarke was completed during the year, for an initial cash consideration of GBP25,000,000 and a contingent consideration of up to GBP17,500,000, in aggregate, payable in the Company's shares and linked to the performance of the acquired business over a four year period, giving a total potential consideration of up to GBP42,500,000 excluding working capital adjustments.

In order to finance the initial cash consideration, a placing of a total of 8,947,369 new ordinary shares of 1p each in the Company was also undertaken. These shares were placed at a price of 190.0 pence per share, raising gross proceeds of approximately GBP17,000,000.

Long Term Incentive Plan ('LTIP')

There was a new award of shares during the financial year under the Long Term Incentive Plan ("LTIP") with vesting conditions half based on Total Shareholder Return ("TSR") with an adjusted profit before tax floor and half based on Earnings Per Share ("EPS") growth. There was a charge of GBP756,000 (2016: GBP924,000) in the Income Statement relating to LTIP awards. The charge in the year is lower than last year driven by a reduction in the expected number of shares that will vest in future awards compared with the prior year.

Interest

The net underlying interest charge for the year was GBP186,000 (2016: GBP179,000) including amortisation of capitalised debt issue costs reflecting higher borrowings as a result of utilisation of GBP5,000,000 of the Group's existing accordion tranche of its bank facilities following the acquisition of Clarke & Clarke.

Net Defined Benefit Pension

The Group operates two defined benefit schemes in the UK for its employees. These comprise the Walker Greenbank Pension Plan and the Abaris Holdings Limited Pension Scheme which are both closed to new members and to future service accrual from 30 June 2002 and 1 July 2005 respectively.

The charge during the year was GBP527,000 (2016: GBP685,000). The decrease reflects an increase to the expected return on pension scheme assets.

Current Taxation

There was a corporation tax charge of GBP1,445,000 (2016: GBP1,410,000) which has been impacted by the Clarke & Clarke transaction costs not being eligible for tax relief. The effective tax rate has increased to 23.0% (2016: 20.0%) due to transaction costs and the amortisation of acquired intangible assets being non-deductible for UK corporation tax.

Deferred Taxation

There was a deferred tax charge of GBP155,000 (2016: GBP56,000) driven by the intangible assets recognised in respect of the Clarke & Clarke acquisition.

The Group also continues to recognise the deferred tax asset arising from the pension deficit and LTIP.

Earnings per share ("EPS")

Basic reported EPS for the year was 8.55p (2016: 9.79p). The Group also reports an adjusted EPS which removes the impact of the LTIP accounting charge, net defined benefit pension charge and other non-underlying items as these can fluctuate due to external factors outside of the control of the Group. A better understanding of the underlying performance of the business is given after adjusting for these items. The adjusted basic EPS for the year was 13.67p (2016: 11.93p).

Operating Cash Flow and Net Debt

The Group generated net cash inflow from operating activities during the year of GBP9,925,000 (2016: GBP6,324,000) driven by a reduction to the insurance reimbursement debtor compared with the prior year.

Capital expenditure was GBP6,768,000 (2016: GBP2,510,000) and includes investment in new next-generation digital printers and other equipment at Standfast & Barracks amounting to GBP4,627,000 and development costs relating to the design of new collections for the Brands. The depreciation and amortisation charge during the period was GBP3,191,000 (2016 GBP2,638,000). During the prior year there was also a property, plant and equipment impairment in respect of the flood of GBP988,000.

The defined benefit scheme's triennial valuation was formally completed during the financial year. This is based on continuing the current level of deficit repayments but has resulted in a modest extension of one year in the recovery plan.

The Group made additional payments to the pension schemes of GBP1,374,000 (2016: GBP1,307,000) to reduce the deficit, part of the ongoing planned reduction, along with GBP392,000 (2016: GBP380,000) of pension fund scheme expenses.

Income tax and national insurance of GBP664,000 (2016: GBP967,000) that arose on the vesting of an LTIP award was paid during the year.

The Group had net debt at the year end of GBP5,309,000 (2016: net funds GBP2,306,000). Average debt during the year varies due to the timing and seasonality of revenues and investment in product. The average monthly net debt decreased by GBP881,000 to GBP3,040,000 (2016: GBP3,921,000) as a result of the Group starting the financial year with net funds which reduced the need to utilise the bank facilities.

The Group utilises facilities provided by Barclays Bank Plc. There is a term property facility of GBP200,000 (2016: GBP600,000) at the year end expiring in July 2017. In December 2015, the Group entered into a new GBP12.5 million multi-currency revolving credit facility with Barclays Bank PLC for a five year period and cancelled the existing receivables facilities. The agreement also includes a GBP10 million accordion facility option to further increase available funds which provides substantial headroom for future growth. There were GBP7,500,000 borrowings at the end of the year for the revolving facility (2016: GBPnil). Under these facilities there was borrowing headroom of GBP12,391,000 (2016: GBP15,405,000). The total facilities have a current limit of GBP22.70 million (2016: GBP23.10 million).

All of the Group's bank facilities remain secured by first fixed and floating charges over the Group's assets.

Pension Deficit

The pension deficit has increased this year. The increase in liabilities is a result of a lower discount rate being applied due to a reduction in the bond rates. The impact of these factors is shown as follows:

 
                                          2017 
                                        GBP000 
 Deficit at beginning of the 
  year                                 (4,313) 
 Scheme expenses                         (392) 
 Interest cost                         (2,199) 
 Expected return on plan assets          2,064 
 Contributions                           1,766 
 Return on scheme assets                 8,107 
 Actuarial loss from the change 
  in discount factor                  (12,615) 
 Experience adjustments on benefit 
  obligation                               169 
                                     --------- 
 Gross deficit at the end of 
  the year                             (7,413) 
                                     --------- 
 

Dividends

During the year, the Group paid a final dividend for the year ended 31 January 2016 of 2.45p per share and an interim dividend of 0.55p per share.

The Directors have recommended the payment of a final dividend of 3.06p per share (2016: 2.45p) which will be payable on 11 August 2017 to shareholders on the register on 21 July 2017. This brings the total dividend for the year to 3.61p per share (2016: 2.89p), an increase of 24.9%.

Going Concern

The Directors are confident, after having made appropriate enquiries that the Group and Company have adequate resources to continue trading for the foreseeable future. For this reason they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

Foreign Currency Risk

All foreign currencies are bought and sold centrally on behalf of the Group. Regular reviews take place of the foreign currency cash flows and unmatched exposures are covered using forward contracts and working capital exposures are hedged using currency swaps where deemed appropriate.

The Group does not trade in financial instruments and hedges are used for highly probable future cash flows and to hedge working capital exposures. There is no hedging liability (2016: GBP26,000 liability) at the end of the year in relation to US dollar forward contracts. There is no liability (2016: GBPnil) arising from US dollar and Euro swaps used to hedge working capital exposures.

Credit Risk

The Group no longer seeks credit insurance as this is not a commercial solution to reducing credit risk. The Board reviews the internal credit limits of all major customers and reviews the credit risk regularly. The aging profile of trade debtors shows that payments from customers are close to terms, however, there have been specific expenses during the year. The current economic environment still presents a level of risk and in addition to specific provisioning against individual receivables, a provision has been required of GBP65,000 (2016: GBP241,000) which is a collective assessment of the risk against non-specific receivables.

Mike Gant

Chief Financial Officer

26 April 2017

Consolidated Income Statement

Year ended 31 January 2017

 
                          Note                    2017                                     2016 
                                ---------------------------------------  --------------------------------------- 
                                              Non-underlying                           Non-underlying 
                                                       (note                                    (note 
                                 Underlying               5)      Total   Underlying               5)      Total 
                                     GBP000           GBP000     GBP000       GBP000           GBP000     GBP000 
-----------------------  -----  -----------  ---------------  ---------  -----------  ---------------  --------- 
 Revenue                     3       92,373                -     92,373       87,839                -     87,839 
 Cost of sales                     (36,223)          (1,061)   (37,284)     (35,875)                -   (35,875) 
-----------------------  -----  -----------  ---------------  ---------  -----------  ---------------  --------- 
 Gross profit 
  / (loss)                           56,150          (1,061)     55,089       51,964                -     51,964 
-----------------------  -----  -----------  ---------------  ---------  -----------  ---------------  --------- 
 Net operating 
  expenses: 
 Distribution 
  and selling expenses             (12,421)                -   (12,421)     (13,125)                -   (13,125) 
 Administration 
  expenses                         (36,724)          (3,170)   (39,894)     (32,044)                -   (32,044) 
 Net other income          4,5        2,837            2,248      5,085        1,407                -      1,407 
-----------------------  -----  -----------  ---------------  ---------  -----------  ---------------  --------- 
 Profit / (loss) 
  from operations                     9,842          (1,983)      7,859        8,202                -      8,202 
-----------------------  -----  -----------  ---------------  ---------  -----------  ---------------  --------- 
 
 Net defined benefit 
  pension charge             6        (527)                -      (527)        (685)                -      (685) 
 Finance costs               7        (186)            (181)      (367)        (179)                -      (179) 
 Total finance 
  costs                               (713)            (181)      (894)        (864)                -      (864) 
 
 Profit / (loss) 
  before tax                          9,129          (2,164)      6,965        7,338                -      7,338 
 Tax (expense) 
  / income                   8      (1,609)                9    (1,600)      (1,466)                -    (1,466) 
-----------------------  -----  -----------  ---------------  ---------  -----------  ---------------  --------- 
 Profit / (loss) 
  for the year 
  attributable 
  to owners of 
  the parent                          7,520          (2,155)      5,365        5,872                -      5,872 
-----------------------  -----  -----------  ---------------  ---------  -----------  ---------------  --------- 
 
 Earnings per 
  share - Basic             10                                    8.55p                                    9.79p 
-----------------------  -----  -----------  ---------------  ---------  -----------  ---------------  --------- 
 Earnings per 
  share - Diluted           10                                    8.08p                                    9.52p 
-----------------------  -----  -----------  ---------------  ---------  -----------  ---------------  --------- 
 Adjusted earnings 
  per share - Basic         10                                   13.67p                                   11.93p 
-----------------------  -----  -----------  ---------------  ---------  -----------  ---------------  --------- 
 Adjusted earnings 
  per share - Diluted       10                                   12.92p                                   11.61p 
-----------------------  -----  -----------  ---------------  ---------  -----------  ---------------  --------- 
 
 

All of the activities of the Group are continuing operations.

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

Year ended 31 January 2017

 
                                             2017      2016 
                                           GBP000    GBP000 
--------------------------------------   --------  -------- 
 Profit for the year                        5,365     5,872 
---------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
 Other Comprehensive Income: 
 Items that will not be reclassified 
  to profit or loss 
 Remeasurements of defined 
  benefit pension schemes                 (4,339)     5,037 
 Corporation tax credits recognised 
  in equity                                   270       184 
 Increase / (reduction) of 
  deferred tax asset relating 
  to pension scheme liability                 484   (1,114) 
---------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Total items that will not 
  be reclassified to profit 
  or loss                                 (3,585)     4,107 
---------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Items that may be reclassified 
  subsequently to profit or 
  loss 
 Currency translation gains                   128     (191) 
 Cash flow hedge gains                         26       169 
---------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Total items that may be reclassified 
  subsequently to profit or 
  loss                                        154      (22) 
---------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
 Other comprehensive (expense) 
  / income for the year, net 
  of tax                                  (3,431)     4,085 
---------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
 Total comprehensive income 
  for the year attributable 
  to 
  the owners of the parent                  1,934     9,957 
---------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 

Consolidated Balance Sheet

At 31 January 2017

 
                                                  2017       2016 
                                       Note     GBP000     GBP000 
----------------------------------  -------  ---------  --------- 
 Non-current assets 
 Intangible assets                              31,606      7,104 
 Property, plant and equipment                  15,845     11,687 
 Deferred income tax assets            9             -        108 
                                                47,451     18,899 
----------------------------------  -------  ---------  --------- 
 Current assets 
 Inventories                                    30,305     18,104 
 Trade and other receivables           11       19,508     19,280 
 Cash and cash equivalents             12        1,516      2,902 
----------------------------------  -------  ---------  --------- 
                                                51,329     40,286 
----------------------------------  -------  ---------  --------- 
 Total assets                                   98,780     59,185 
----------------------------------  -------  ---------  --------- 
 Current liabilities 
 Trade and other payables                     (25,347)   (18,966) 
 Derivative financial instruments                    -       (26) 
 Borrowings                            12      (6,825)      (400) 
 Provision for other liabilities 
  and charges                          15      (2,652)          - 
                                              (34,824)   (19,392) 
----------------------------------  -------  ---------  --------- 
 Net current assets                             16,505     20,894 
----------------------------------  -------  ---------  --------- 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Borrowings                            12            -      (196) 
 Deferred income tax liabilities       9       (2,573)          - 
 Retirement benefit obligation         14      (7,413)    (4,313) 
 Provision for other liabilities 
  and charges                          15      (2,677)          - 
----------------------------------  -------  ---------  --------- 
                                              (12,663)    (4,509) 
----------------------------------  -------  ---------  --------- 
 Total liabilities                            (47,487)   (23,901) 
----------------------------------  -------  ---------  --------- 
 Net assets                                     51,293     35,284 
----------------------------------  -------  ---------  --------- 
 
 Equity 
 Share capital                                     696        602 
 Share premium account                          16,390        457 
 Foreign currency translation 
  reserve                                        (428)      (556) 
 Accumulated losses                            (5,872)    (5,700) 
 Other reserves                                 40,507     40,481 
----------------------------------  -------  ---------  --------- 
 Total equity                                   51,293     35,284 
----------------------------------  -------  ---------  --------- 
 

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

Year ended 31 January 2017

 
 
                                                    2017       2016 
                                         Note     GBP000     GBP000 
--------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
 Cash flows from operating 
  activities 
 Cash generated from operations           13      12,381      7,103 
 Interest paid                                     (162)      (149) 
 Corporation tax paid                            (2,294)      (630) 
--------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
 Net cash generated from operating 
  activities                                       9,925      6,324 
--------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
 Cash flows from investing 
  activities 
 Acquisition of subsidiary, 
  net of cash acquired                    16    (27,073)          - 
 Purchase of intangible assets                     (792)      (548) 
 Purchase of property, plant 
  and equipment                                  (5,976)    (1,962) 
 Proceeds from disposal of                            89          - 
  property, plant and equipment 
 Insurance proceeds relating                       2,268          - 
  to investing activities 
 Net cash used in investing 
  activities                                    (31,484)    (2,510) 
--------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
 Cash flows from financing 
  activities 
 Proceeds from issuance of                        16,022          - 
  ordinary shares 
 Debt issue costs                                   (40)      (100) 
 Repayment of term loan                            (400)      (400) 
 Dividends paid to Company's 
  shareholders                                   (1,818)    (1,444) 
--------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
 Net cash generated from / 
  (used in) financing activities                  13,764    (1,944) 
--------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
 Net (decrease) / increase 
  in cash and cash equivalents                   (7,795)      1,870 
 Cash and cash equivalents 
  and bank overdraft at beginning 
  of year                                          2,902        971 
 Effect of exchange rate fluctuations 
  on cash held                                     (217)         61 
 Cash and cash equivalents 
  and bank overdraft at end 
  of year                                 12     (5,110)      2,902 
--------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

Year ended 31 January 2017

 
                                               Attributable to owners of the parent 
                  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                 Other Reserves 
                                                                                               Foreign 
                                   Share                                                      currency 
                       Share     premium   Accumulated     Capital     Merger      Hedge   translation     Total 
                     capital     account        losses     reserve    reserve    reserve       reserve    equity 
                      GBP000      GBP000        GBP000      GBP000     GBP000     GBP000        GBP000    GBP000 
----------------  ----------  ----------  ------------  ----------  ---------  ---------  ------------  -------- 
 Balance at 
  1 February 
  2015                   598         457      (14,065)      43,457    (2,950)      (195)         (365)    26,937 
 Profit for 
  the year                 -           -         5,872           -          -          -             -     5,872 
 Other 
 comprehensive 
 Income: 
 Remeasurements 
  of defined 
  benefit 
  pension 
  schemes                  -           -         5,037           -          -          -             -     5,037 
 Corporation 
  tax credits 
  recognised 
  in equity                -           -           184           -          -          -             -       184 
 Deferred tax 
  relating to 
  pension scheme 
  liability                -           -       (1,114)           -          -          -             -   (1,114) 
 Currency 
  translation 
  differences              -           -             -           -          -          -         (191)     (191) 
 Cash flow 
  hedge                    -           -             -           -          -        169             -       169 
----------------  ----------  ----------  ------------  ----------  ---------  ---------  ------------  -------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income                   -           -         9,979           -          -        169         (191)     9,957 
 Transactions 
  with owners, 
  recognised 
  directly in 
  equity: 
 Dividends                 -           -       (1,444)           -          -          -             -   (1,444) 
 Allotment 
  of share 
  capital                  4           -           (4)           -          -          -             -         - 
 Long-term 
  incentive 
  plan charge              -           -           790           -          -          -             -       790 
 Long-term 
  incentive 
  plan vesting             -           -         (967)           -          -          -             -     (967) 
 Related tax 
  movements 
  on long-term 
  incentive 
  plan                     -           -            11           -          -          -             -        11 
 Balance at 
  31 January 
  2016                   602         457       (5,700)      43,457    (2,950)       (26)         (556)    35,284 
----------------  ----------  ----------  ------------  ----------  ---------  ---------  ------------  -------- 
 
 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity continued

Year ended 31 January 2017

 
                                                    Attributable to owners of the parent 
                        -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                     Other Reserves 
                                                            ------------------------------- 
                                                                                                   Foreign 
                                       Share                                                      currency 
                            Share    premium   Accumulated    Capital     Merger      Hedge    translation     Total 
                          capital    account        losses    reserve    reserve    reserve        reserve    equity 
                           GBP000     GBP000        GBP000     GBP000     GBP000     GBP000         GBP000    GBP000 
----------------------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------------  -------- 
 Balance at 
  1 February 
  2016                        602        457       (5,700)     43,457    (2,950)       (26)          (556)    35,284 
 Profit for 
  the year                      -          -         5,365          -          -          -              -     5,365 
 Other comprehensive 
  Income: 
 Remeasurements 
  of defined 
  benefit pension 
  schemes                       -          -       (4,339)          -          -          -              -   (4,339) 
 Corporation 
  tax credits 
  recognised 
  in equity                     -          -           270          -          -          -              -       270 
 Deferred tax 
  relating to 
  pension scheme 
  liability                     -          -           484          -          -          -              -       484 
 Currency translation 
  differences                   -          -             -          -          -          -            128       128 
 Cash flow 
  hedge                         -          -             -          -          -         26              -        26 
 Total comprehensive 
  income                        -          -         1,780          -          -         26            128     1,934 
 Transactions 
  with owners, 
  recognised 
  directly in 
  equity: 
 Dividends                      -          -       (1,818)          -          -          -              -   (1,818) 
 Allotment 
  of share capital             94     15,933           (4)          -          -          -              -    16,023 
 Long-term 
  incentive 
  plan charge                   -          -           658          -          -          -              -       658 
 Long-term 
  incentive 
  plan vesting                  -          -         (664)          -          -          -              -     (664) 
 Related tax 
  movements 
  on long-term 
  incentive 
  plan                          -          -         (124)          -          -          -              -     (124) 
 Balance at 
  31 January 
  2017                        696     16,390       (5,872)     43,457    (2,950)          -          (428)    51,293 
----------------------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------------  -------- 
 

Notes to the Accounts

1. Accounting policies and general information

Basis of preparation

The Group has prepared its consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards adopted for use in the European Union (IFRS).

While the financial information included in this preliminary announcement has been prepared in accordance with the recognition and measurement criteria of IFRS this announcement does not itself contain sufficient information to comply with IFRS. The financial information set out in this preliminary announcement does not constitute the Company's statutory accounts for the year ended 31 January 2017. The financial information is prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union and IFRSs as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, and with the accounting policies set out in the Group's 2016 Annual Report and Financial Statements and as updated by the 2016 Interim Statement.

These financial statements will be finalised on the basis of the financial information presented by the Directors in this preliminary announcement and will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies following the Company's annual general meeting. The statutory accounts for the year ended 31 January 2016 have been filed with the Registrar of Companies and contained an auditor's report which was (i) unqualified and (ii) did not contain a reference to any matters to which the auditors drew attention by way of emphasis of matter without qualifying their report, and (iii) did not contain any statement under section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

This preliminary announcement was approved for release by the Board on 25 April 2017.

2. Critical accounting estimates and judgements

Business combinations

The Group applies judgement in determining whether a transaction is a business combination, which includes consideration as to whether the Group has acquired a business or a group of assets. For business combinations, the Group estimates the fair value of the consideration transferred, which includes assumptions about the future performance of the business acquired and an appropriate discount rate to determine the fair value of any contingent consideration. There is some sensitivity in determining this accounting estimate as there is a range of outcomes. If the EBITDA of the acquired business increases by 10%, then the contingent consideration would be GBP127,000 higher and if it decreased by 10%, it would be GBP127,000 lower. Judgement is also applied in determining whether any future payments should be classified as contingent consideration or as remuneration for future services. The Group estimates the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the business combination, including any separately identifiable intangible assets and considering contingent liabilities. These estimates also require inputs and assumptions including future earnings, customer attrition rates and discount rates. The Group engages external experts to support the valuation process, where appropriate.

The fair value of the contingent consideration recognised in business combinations is reassessed at each reporting date, using updated inputs and assumptions based on the latest financial forecasts for the relevant business. Judgement is applied as to whether changes should be applied at the acquisition date or as post-acquisition changes. Fair value movements and the unwinding of the discounting is recognised within finance costs in the Income Statement.

3. Segmental analysis

The Group is a designer, manufacturer and distributor of luxury interior furnishings, fabrics and wallpaper. The reportable segments of the Group are aggregated as follows:

-- Brands - comprising the design, marketing, sales and distribution, and licensing activities of Sanderson, Morris & Co, Harlequin, Zoffany, Anthology, Scion, Clarke & Clarke and Studio G brands operated from the UK and its foreign subsidiaries in the US and France.

-- Manufacturing - comprising the wallcovering and printed fabric manufacturing businesses operated by Anstey and Standfast respectively.

This is the basis on which the Group presents its operating results to the Board of Directors, which is considered to be the CODM for the purposes of IFRS 8. Additional revenue-only data is also reported to the CODM and is disclosed on the basis explained below. Other group-wide activities and expenses, predominantly related to corporate head office costs, defined benefit pension costs, long-term incentive plan expenses, taxation and eliminations of intersegment items, are presented within 'Eliminations and unallocated'.

a) Reportable segment information

Year ended 31 January 2017

 
                                                          Eliminations 
                             Brands   Manufacturing    and unallocated     Total 
                             GBP000          GBP000             GBP000    GBP000 
------------------------   --------  --------------  -----------------  -------- 
 UK revenue                  42,531          12,227                  -    54,758 
 International revenue       31,552           3,497                  -    35,049 
 Licence revenue              2,566               -                  -     2,566 
-------------------------  --------  --------------  -----------------  -------- 
 Revenue - External          76,649          15,724                  -    92,373 
 Revenue - Internal               -          16,320           (16,320)         - 
-------------------------  --------  --------------  -----------------  -------- 
 Total revenue               76,649          32,044           (16,320)    92,373 
-------------------------  --------  --------------  -----------------  -------- 
 
 Profit / (loss) from 
  operations                  9,239           1,026            (2,406)     7,859 
 Net defined benefit 
  pension charge                  -               -              (527)     (527) 
 Net finance costs                -               -              (367)     (367) 
 Profit / (loss) before 
  tax                         9,239           1,026            (3,300)     6,965 
 Tax charge                       -               -            (1,600)   (1,600) 
-------------------------  --------  --------------  -----------------  -------- 
 Profit / (loss) for 
  the year                    9,239           1,026            (4,900)     5,365 
-------------------------  --------  --------------  -----------------  -------- 
 

3. Segmental analysis continued

Year ended 31 January 2016

 
                                                         Eliminations 
                            Brands   Manufacturing    and unallocated     Total 
                            GBP000          GBP000             GBP000    GBP000 
-----------------------   --------  --------------  -----------------  -------- 
 UK revenue                 39,971          16,528                  -    56,499 
 International revenue      25,888           3,409                  -    29,297 
 Licence revenue             2,043               -                  -     2,043 
------------------------  --------  --------------  -----------------  -------- 
 Revenue - External         67,902          19,937                  -    87,839 
 Revenue - Internal              -          14,392           (14,392)         - 
------------------------  --------  --------------  -----------------  -------- 
 Total revenue              67,902          34,329           (14,392)    87,839 
------------------------  --------  --------------  -----------------  -------- 
 
 Profit / (loss) 
  from operations            8,080           2,482            (2,360)     8,202 
 Net defined benefit 
  pension charge                 -               -              (685)     (685) 
 Net finance costs               -               -              (179)     (179) 
 Profit / (loss) 
  before tax                 8,080           2,482            (3,224)     7,338 
 Tax charge                      -               -            (1,466)   (1,466) 
------------------------  --------  --------------  -----------------  -------- 
 Profit / (loss) 
  for the year               8,080           2,482            (4,690)     5,872 
------------------------  --------  --------------  -----------------  -------- 
 

Business interruption reimbursements to cover loss of profits of GBP2,837,000 (GBP2016: GBP1,407,000) are included within 'Eliminations and unallocated'.

The segmental revenues of the Group are reported to the CODM in more detail. One of the analysis presented is revenue by export market for Brands.

 
 Brands international 
  revenue by export         2017      2016 
  market:                 GBP000    GBP000 
----------------------  --------  -------- 
 Western Europe            9,594     6,982 
 Scandinavia               2,557     1,959 
 Eastern Europe            2,374     2,105 
----------------------  --------  -------- 
 Europe Total             14,525    11,046 
 Middle East               1,345     1,161 
 Far East                  3,308     3,207 
 USA                      10,310     8,459 
 South America               458       394 
 Australasia               1,004     1,031 
 Other                       602       590 
----------------------  --------  -------- 
                          31,552    25,888 
----------------------  --------  -------- 
 

3. Segmental analysis continued

Revenue of the Brands reportable segment - revenue from operations in all territories where the sale is sourced from the Brands operations, together with contract and licence revenue:

 
 Brand Revenue Analysis:              2017      2016 
                                    GBP000    GBP000 
--------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Harlequin, incorporating 
  Anthology & Scion                 31,270    31,676 
 Sanderson, incorporating 
  Morris & Co                       22,516    21,503 
 Zoffany                            12,162    11,749 
 Clarke & Clarke, incorporating      7,267         - 
  Studio G 
 Other brands                          868       931 
 Licensing                           2,566     2,043 
--------------------------------  --------  -------- 
                                    76,649    67,902 
--------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 

Revenue of the Manufacturing reportable segment - including revenues from internal sales to the Group's Brands:

 
 Manufacturing Revenue       2017      2016 
  Analysis:                GBP000    GBP000 
-----------------------  --------  -------- 
 Standfast                 15,097    15,681 
 Anstey                    16,947    18,648 
-----------------------  --------  -------- 
                           32,044    34,329 
-----------------------  --------  -------- 
 

b) Additional entity-wide disclosures

 
 Revenue by geographical       2017      2016 
  location of customers:     GBP000    GBP000 
-------------------------  --------  -------- 
 United Kingdom              56,064    57,509 
 Continental Europe          15,917    12,551 
 USA                         12,237    10,099 
 Rest of the World            8,155     7,680 
-------------------------  --------  -------- 
                             92,373    87,839 
-------------------------  --------  -------- 
 

4. Net other income

Net other income arising as a result of the flood at Standfast, the Group's fabric printing factory in December 2015, is GBP2,837,000 (2016: GBP1,407,000) and represents business interruption reimbursements to cover loss of profits.

5. Non-statutory profit measures

Underlying profit measures

The Group seeks to present a measure of underlying performance which is not impacted by material non-recurring items or items considered non-operational in nature. This measure of profit is described as 'underlying' and is used by management to measure and monitor performance. The excluded items are referred to as 'non-underlying' items.

Non-underlying items

The non-underlying items included in profit before tax are as follows:

 
                                                2017      2016 
                                     Note     GBP000    GBP000 
----------------------------------  ------  --------  -------- 
 
 (i) Acquisition related: 
 Transaction costs                    (a)    (1,552)         - 
 Amortisation of acquired             (b)      (342)         - 
  intangible assets 
 Unwind of the fair value 
  uplift adjustment on inventory     16(c)   (1,061)         - 
 Unwind of discount on contingent     (c)      (181)         - 
  consideration 
                                             (3,136)         - 
----------------------------------  ------  --------  -------- 
 
 (ii) Standfast flood: 
 Incremental costs, inventory 
  loss and property, plant 
  and equipment impairments                  (7,165)   (3,276) 
 Insurance reimbursements                      9,413     3,276 
----------------------------------  ------  --------  -------- 
                                      (d)      2,248         - 
----------------------------------  ------  --------  -------- 
 
 (iii) Restructuring and              (e)    (1,276)         - 
  reorganisation costs 
 
 Total non-underlying items                  (2,164)         - 
  included in profit before 
  tax 
----------------------------------  ------  --------  -------- 
 Tax on non-underlying items                       9         - 
----------------------------------  ------  --------  -------- 
 Total impact of non-underlying              (2,155)         - 
  items on profit after tax 
----------------------------------  ------  --------  -------- 
 

Costs detailed in (a) - (c) below relate to costs incurred in the period to 31 January 2017 on the acquisition of Clarke & Clarke, which completed on 31 October 2016 (see note 16).

(a) Transaction costs comprise legal and professional fees in relation to the acquisition. In addition, share issue costs of GBP978,000 relating to the acquisition have been offset against the share premium account.

(b) Details of acquired intangible assets are included in note 16.

(c) A charge of GBP181,000 (2016: GBPnil) has been recognised in respect of unwind of the contingent consideration on acquisition (note 16).

(d) The net other income balance of GBP2,248,000 (2016: GBPnil) comprises of proceeds arising from reimbursement of costs to replace impaired plant and equipment of GBP2,780,000 less flood defence costs of GBP253,000 and additional insurance costs of GBP279,000.

(e) Restructuring and reorganisation costs relate to the reorganisation of the Group and comprise of the rationalisation of certain operational and support functions. These costs mainly comprise professional fees, employee severance and property costs associated with the reorganisation process.

In addition to the non-underlying items detailed above, an adjustment is made for the LTIP accounting charge and net defined benefit pension charge in arriving at the 'Adjusted profit' and 'Adjusted earnings per share'.

6. Net defined benefit pension charge

 
                                  2017      2016 
                                GBP000    GBP000 
 Expected return on pension 
  scheme assets                  2,064     1,829 
 Interest on pension scheme 
  liabilities                  (2,199)   (2,134) 
 Scheme expenses met by the 
  Group                          (392)     (380) 
 Net charge                      (527)     (685) 
----------------------------  --------  -------- 
 

7. Net finance costs

 
                                           2017      2016 
                                         GBP000    GBP000 
-------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Interest income: 
 Interest received on bank deposits           1         - 
 Interest expense: 
 Interest payable on bank borrowings      (161)     (152) 
 Amortisation of issue costs 
  of bank loans                            (26)      (27) 
 Total finance costs                      (187)     (179) 
-------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Net finance costs excluding 
  non-underlying items                    (186)     (179) 
-------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
 Unwind of discount on contingent         (181)         - 
  consideration (note 5) 
-------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Net finance costs including 
  non-underlying items                    (367)     (179) 
-------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 

8. Tax expense

 
                                                              2017      2016 
                                                            GBP000    GBP000 
--------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Current tax: 
  - UK current tax                                           1,367     1,278 
  - UK adjustments in respect 
   of prior years                                               78       130 
  - overseas, current tax                                        -         2 
--------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Corporation tax                                             1,445     1,410 
--------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Deferred tax: 
  - current year                                               271       253 
 
        *    adjustments in respect of prior years            (12)      (84) 
 
        *    effect of changes in corporation tax rates      (104)     (113) 
--------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Deferred tax                                                  155        56 
--------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
 Total tax charge for the year                               1,600     1,466 
--------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
   8.   Tax expense continued 
 
                                                 2017      2016 
                                               GBP000    GBP000 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Reconciliation of total tax 
  charge for the year 
 Profit on ordinary activities 
  before tax                                    6,965     7,338 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
 Tax on profit on ordinary activities 
  at 20% (2016: 20.16%)                         1,393     1,480 
 Non-deductible expenditure                       418        23 
 Parent and overseas losses 
  and temporary timing differences 
  not recognised                                 (99)      (10) 
 Permanent differences in respect 
  of share options                                 11        40 
 Adjustments in respect of prior 
  years                                            66        46 
 Adjustments in respect of pre-acquisition       (85)         - 
  period 
 Effect of changes in corporation 
  tax rates                                     (104)     (113) 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Total tax charge for year                      1,600     1,466 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 

Factors affecting current and future tax charges

No overseas taxation is anticipated to become payable within the immediate future due to the availability of gross tax losses of approximately GBP2.8 million (2016: GBP1.3 million).

9. Deferred income tax

A net deferred tax liability of GBP2,573,000 (2016: asset of GBP108,000) is recognised in respect of future deductions for LTIP payments and other temporary differences.

 
                                         2017      2016 
                                       GBP000    GBP000 
-----------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Taxable temporary differences 
  on property, plant and equipment    (1,361)     (967) 
 Taxable temporary differences 
  on intangible assets                (2,591)     (178) 
 Other temporary differences            (141)        42 
 Temporary differences on LTIP 
  payments                                260       435 
                                      (3,833)     (668) 
 Retirement benefit obligations         1,260       776 
                                      (2,573)       108 
-----------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 

The gross movement on the deferred income tax account is as follows:

 
                                           2017      2016 
 Net deferred tax asset/ (liability)     GBP000    GBP000 
-------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 At 1 February                              108     1,591 
 Acquisition of subsidiary (note        (2,885)         - 
  16) 
 Income Statement charge                  (155)      (56) 
 Tax credit/(charge) relating to 
  components of other comprehensive 
  income                                    484   (1,114) 
 Tax charged directly to equity           (125)     (313) 
 At 31 January                          (2,573)       108 
-------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
   10.        Earnings per share 

Basic earnings per share ('EPS') is calculated by dividing the earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year, excluding those held in the Employee Benefit Trust ('EBT') and those held in treasury, which are treated as cancelled. The adjusted basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the adjusted earnings by the weighted average number of shares. As a consequence of the improved profitability of the Group, PBT performance criteria within LTIPs 8, 9 and 10 are now being met and as a consequence these LTIP awards are now dilutive.

 
                                               2017                              2016 
                                ---------  -----------  --------  ---------  -----------  -------- 
                                              Weighted                          Weighted 
                                               average       Per                 average       Per 
                                                number     Share                  number     Share 
                                 Earnings    of shares    Amount   Earnings    of shares    Amount 
                                   GBP000       (000s)     Pence     GBP000       (000s)     Pence 
------------------------------  ---------  -----------  --------  ---------  -----------  -------- 
 
 Basic earnings 
  per share                         5,365       62,732      8.55      5,872       59,997      9.79 
 Effect of dilutive 
  securities: 
 Shares under LTIP                               3,645                             1,675 
------------------------------  ---------  -----------  --------  ---------  -----------  -------- 
 Diluted earnings 
  per share                         5,365       66,377      8.08      5,872       61,672      9.52 
------------------------------  ---------  -----------  --------  ---------  -----------  -------- 
 
 Adjusted basic 
  and diluted earnings 
  per share: 
 Add back LTIP accounting 
  charge                              756                               924 
 Add back net defined 
  benefit pension 
  charge                              527                               685 
 Non-underlying                     2,164                                 - 
  items (note 5) 
 Tax effect of non-underlying 
  items 
  and other add backs               (235)                             (321) 
------------------------------  ---------  -----------  --------  ---------  -----------  -------- 
 Adjusted basic 
  earnings per share                8,577       62,732     13.67      7,160       59,997     11.93 
------------------------------  ---------  -----------  --------  ---------  -----------  -------- 
 Adjusted diluted 
  earnings per share                8,577       66,377     12.92      7,160       61,672     11.61 
------------------------------  ---------  -----------  --------  ---------  -----------  -------- 
 

As detailed in note 16, in order to finance the initial cash consideration to acquire 100% of the issued share capital of Clarke & Clarke, a placing of a total of 8,947,369 new ordinary shares of 1p each in the Company was announced on 12 October 2016. These shares, which represented approximately 12.9% of the Company's issued ordinary share capital on admission to trading on AIM (excluding treasury shares), were placed at a price of 190.0 pence per share raising proceeds of approximately GBP17,000,000.

On 16 May 2016, 773,393 shares vested under the Company's Long Term Incentive Plan. To satisfy the vesting, 431,788 shares of 1 pence each were allotted at par value.

Following these transactions Walker Greenbank's issued ordinary share capital with voting rights consists of 69,551,678 (2016: 60,172,521) ordinary shares of which no (2016: nil) ordinary shares are held in treasury and 4,909 (2016: nil) ordinary shares are held by the Walker Greenbank PLC EBT. Shares held in treasury or by the EBT are treated as cancelled when calculating EPS.

On 18 May 2015, 1,090,326 shares vested under the Company's LTIP of which 188,272 shares were issued from the Walker Greenbank PLC EBT.

The market value of shares held by the EBT at 31 January 2017 was GBP9,941 (2016: nil). The total number of shares held in the EBT at the year end represented 0.01% (2016: 0%) of the issued shares.

   11.        Trade and other receivables 
 
                                       2017      2016 
 Current                             GBP000    GBP000 
---------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Trade receivables                   13,302    10,463 
 Less: Provision for impairment 
  of trade receivables                (198)     (398) 
 Net trade receivables               13,104    10,065 
 Corporation tax                        609         - 
 Other taxes and social security         39         - 
 Other receivables                    2,066     4,897 
 Marketing materials                  1,249     1,346 
 Prepayments                          2,441     2,972 
---------------------------------  --------  -------- 
                                     19,508    19,280 
---------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 

Other receivables include the recognition of GBP1,500,000 (2016: GBP4,683,000) relating to insurance reimbursement in respect of the Standfast flood received after the year end.

   12.        Analysis of net funds 
 
                                             Cash 
                                         and cash 
                                      equivalents               Current 
                                         acquired               portion       Other 
                        1 February          (note       Cash    of term    non-cash   31 January 
                              2016            16)       flow       loan     changes         2017 
                            GBP000         GBP000     GBP000     GBP000      GBP000       GBP000 
---------------------  -----------  -------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------- 
 Cash and cash 
  equivalents                2,902          2,663    (4,049)          -           -        1,516 
 Bank overdraft                  -              -    (6,626)          -           -      (6,626) 
---------------------  -----------  -------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------- 
 Cash and cash 
  equivalents 
  and bank overdraft         2,902          2,663   (10,675)          -           -      (5,110) 
---------------------  -----------  -------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------- 
 
 Term loan 
  due within 
  one year                   (400)              -        400      (200)           1        (199) 
 Term loan 
  due after 
  one year                   (196)              -          -        200         (4)            - 
---------------------  -----------  -------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------- 
                             (596)              -        400          -         (3)        (199) 
 
 Net funds 
  / (debt)                   2,306          2,663   (10,275)          -         (3)      (5,309) 
---------------------  -----------  -------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------- 
 

Other non-cash changes are capitalisation and amortisation of the issue costs relating to the borrowings.

   13.        Cash generated from operations 
 
                                                          Restated 
                                                   2017       2016 
                                                 GBP000     GBP000 
--------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 Profit before tax:                               6,965      7,338 
 Defined benefit pension charge                     527        685 
 Net borrowing costs                                367        179 
 Depreciation and impairment of 
  property, plant and equipment                   2,172      3,024 
 Insurance reimbursements                      (12,250)    (4,683) 
 Amortisation                                     1,019        602 
 (Gain) / loss on disposal of property, 
  plant and equipment                                 -          3 
 Charge for LTIP recognised in 
  equity                                            658        790 
 LTIP vesting                                     (664)      (967) 
 Unrealised foreign exchange losses/(gains) 
  included in operating profit                       56      (227) 
 Defined benefit pension cash contributions     (1,766)    (1,687) 
--------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 Cash (used in) / generated from 
  operating activities pre insurance 
  proceeds                                      (2,916)      5,057 
 Insurance proceeds relating to                  13,165          - 
  operating activities 
--------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 Cash generated from operating 
  activities post insurance proceeds             10,249      5,057 
 Changes in working capital 
 (Increase)/decrease in inventories             (5,976)      3,900 
 Decrease/(increase) in trade and 
  other receivables                               2,728      (279) 
 Increase/(decrease) in trade and 
  other payables                                  5,380    (1,575) 
 Cash generated from operations                  12,381      7,103 
--------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 

The 2016 cash generated from operations has been restated to show non-cash insurance reimbursements included within other receivables.

   14.        Retirement benefit obligation 

Defined benefit schemes

The Group operates two defined benefit schemes in the UK which both offer pensions in retirement and death benefits to members: the Walker Greenbank Pension Plan and the Abaris Holdings Limited Pension Scheme. Pension benefits are related to the members' final salary at retirement and their length of service. The schemes are closed to new members and to future accrual of benefits. This disclosure excludes any defined contribution assets and liabilities.

The Group's contributions to the schemes for the year beginning 1 February 2017 are expected to be GBP1,907,000.

 
                                          2017       2016 
                                        GBP000     GBP000 
-----------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 Deficit at beginning of the 
  year                                 (4,313)   (10,352) 
 Scheme expenses                         (392)      (380) 
 Interest cost                         (2,199)      (305) 
 Expected return on plan assets          2,064          - 
 Contributions                           1,766      1,687 
 Return on scheme assets                 8,107    (3,623) 
 Actuarial loss from the change 
  in discount factor                  (12,615)      5,448 
 Experience adjustments on benefit 
  obligation                               169      3,212 
 Gross deficit at the end of 
  the year                             (7,413)    (4,313) 
-----------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 
   15.        Provision for other liabilities and charges 
 
 Contingent liability arising on         2017      2016 
  business combination:                GBP000    GBP000 
-----------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 At 1 February                              -         - 
 Provision on acquisition of Clarke     5,148         - 
  and Clarke (note 16) 
 Unwind of discount (note 5)              181         - 
 At 31 January                          5,329         - 
-----------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
 
 Analysis of total contingent      2017      2016 
  liability:                     GBP000    GBP000 
-----------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Non-current                      2,677         - 
 Current                          2,652         - 
-----------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Total                            5,329         - 
-----------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
   16.        Business combinations 

On 12 October 2016, the Group conditionally acquired 100% of the issued share capital of Globaltex 2015 Limited, a company registered in the UK, for an initial cash consideration of GBP25,000,000 and a contingent consideration of up to GBP17,500,000, in aggregate, payable in the Company's shares linked to the performance of the acquired business over a four year period, giving a total potential consideration of up to GBP42,500,000 excluding working capital adjustments. The completion date for the transaction was 31 October 2016.

Globaltex 2015 Limited is the parent entity and owns 100% of the issued share capital of Globaltex Limited, trading as Clarke & Clarke, which is a UK based designer and worldwide distributor of interior fabrics and wallpapers.

In order to finance the initial cash consideration, a placing of a total of 8,947,369 new ordinary shares of 1p each in the Company was announced on 12 October 2016. These shares, which represented approximately 12.9% of the Company's issued ordinary share capital on admission to trading on AIM (excluding treasury shares), were placed at a price of 190.0 pence per share raising proceeds of approximately GBP17,000,000. The remaining portion of the cash consideration is being funded from the Company's existing accordion tranche of its bank facilities and from the Company's existing cash resources.

The following tables summarise the consideration for Clarke & Clarke, the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date.

 
                                    GBP000 
 Initial cash consideration         25,000 
 Working capital adjustments to 
  purchase consideration             5,400 
---------------------------------  ------- 
 Total cash consideration           30,400 
 Contingent consideration            5,148 
---------------------------------  ------- 
 Total consideration                35,548 
---------------------------------  ------- 
 

Fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed:

 
                                           Note     GBP000 
 Brand                                               5,566 
 Customer relationships                              4,427 
 Total acquired identifiable intangible 
  assets                                    (b)      9,993 
 Property, plant and equipment                         322 
 Inventories                                (c)      5,936 
 Trade and other receivables                (d)      6,450 
 Cash and cash equivalents                           2,663 
 Trade and other payables                          (1,667) 
 Deferred tax liabilities                          (2,885) 
------------------------------------------------  -------- 
 Net identifiable assets acquired                   20,812 
------------------------------------------------  -------- 
 Goodwill                                   (e)     14,736 
 Total consideration                                35,548 
------------------------------------------------  -------- 
 

(a) Acquisition related costs charged to the income statement for the year ended 31 January 2017 are detailed in note 5.

(b) The fair value of the acquired identifiable intangible assets of GBP9,993,000 is provisional pending receipt of the final valuations of those assets.

16. Business combinations continued

(c) In accordance with IFRS, the inventory value was uplifted to fair value at the date of the acquisition by GBP1,243,000 and this adjustment increased cost of sales in the post-acquisition period. The GBP1,061,000 cost in respect of unwind of the fair value uplift adjustment is considered an exceptional cost of sale (note 5). The balance of the fair value uplift which is still to be unwound included within inventories as at 31 January 2017 was GBP182,000.

(d) Included in trade and other receivables were trade receivables with a carrying value of GBP3,524,000 expected to be recoverable in full. The fair value of trade receivables acquired approximates their carrying value.

(e) Goodwill is mainly attributable to growth opportunities identified for the acquired business, both in the UK and globally, plus cost synergies expected to arise. None of the goodwill recognised is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

(f) No contingent liabilities other than the contingent consideration of GBP5,148,000 at the acquisition date were recognised as a result of the business combination. The contingent consideration arrangement requires the Group to pay, in shares, to the former owners of Clarke & Clarke, for four years from 2017-2020 based on a target EBITDA number up to a maximum undiscounted amount of GBP17,500,000 in Group shares.

The fair value of the contingent consideration arrangement of GBP5,148,000 was estimated by applying the income approach. The fair value estimates are based on a discount rate of 10.9% and assumed probability-adjusted profit in Clarke & Clarke of GBP22,100,000 to GBP22,600,000. This is a level 3 fair value measurement. The key unobservable assumptions in calculating this profit are: the EBITDA projections of the Clarke & Clarke business for the four years from 2017-2020 and the discount rate applied (10.9%).

As of 31 January 2017, there was an increase of GBP181,000 recognised in the income statement for the contingent consideration arrangement, as the assumed probability adjusted contingent consideration was recalculated to be approximately GBP5,329,000. Assuming all other variables are held constant; an increase of 10% in EBITDA projections would result in an increase in contingent consideration of GBP127,000 and a decrease of 1% in the discount rate would result in an increase in contingent consideration of GBP74,000. An increase of 10% in revenue would result in an increase in contingent consideration of GBP317,000.

(g) The revenue included in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income since 12 October 2016 contributed by Clarke & Clarke was GBP7,276,000. Clarke & Clarke also contributed a profit before tax of GBP1,014,000 over the same period.

(h) Had Clarke & Clarke been consolidated from 1 February 2016, the consolidated statement of income would show pro-forma revenue of GBP21,509,000 and profit before tax of GBP3,462,000.

Net cash outflow arising on acquisition:

 
                                      GBP000 
---------------------------------   -------- 
 Total cash consideration paid        29,736 
 Less: cash and cash equivalents 
  acquired                           (2,663) 
 Net cash outflow                     27,073 
----------------------------------  -------- 
 
   17.        Events after the reporting period 

Following the flooding at Standfast, the Group experienced a period of disrupted production and a loss of stock, machinery and profits. After the reporting period the Group has been reimbursed GBP1,500,000 as an interim payment which has been recognised and included within other receivables as at 31 January 2017, bringing the total cash received to date to GBP16,933,000 to cover the costs of stock and machinery loss and other incremental costs, along with business interruption losses. Further business interruption reimbursements are expected to cover future loss of profits up to a period of two years following the flood.

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

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