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Share Name | Share Symbol | Market | Type | Share ISIN | Share Description |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Airea PLC | AQSE:AIEA.GB | Aquis Stock Exchange | Ordinary Share | GB0008123027 |
Price Change | % Change | Share Price | Bid Price | Offer Price | High Price | Low Price | Open Price | Shares Traded | Last Trade | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0.00 | 0.00% | 27.50 | 25.00 | 30.00 | 27.50 | 27.50 | 27.50 | 0.00 | 06:34:30 |
Industry Sector | Turnover | Profit | EPS - Basic | PE Ratio | Market Cap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | 0 | N/A | 0 |
TIDMAIEA
RNS Number : 0306I
Airea PLC
12 April 2022
Airea plc
Final results for the year ended 31st December 2021
Strategic Report
Neil Rylance
It is impossible to review 2021 without referring to the untimely death of Neil Rylance in March 2022. Neil had been the CEO of Airea plc for 13 years. Those shareholders who have supported the company during his tenure will understand, first hand, the impact of Neil's contribution to this Company's success. Without his focus, tenacity, and deep understanding of the sector we would not be the profitable business we are today.
It is easy to forget the changes that Airea has undergone, when we see the stable, profitable business we have today. Neil led the programme of change and, had the patience, foresight, and dogged determination, to follow these challenges to a successful conclusion. He did this with a Liverpudlian wit, a no-nonsense approach and an unswerving self-belief. Neil led from the front and was able to attract like-minded executives whom he mentored to assist in shouldering the burden of change for the better. He has left us with a platform for growth. He has also left a management team who are capable of delivering on that promise. In Neil's memory we must do so, because Neil is a man who is not easy to forget.
The search for Neil's successor has begun.
Highlights for the year
- Recovery in revenue; however, not yet at pre-pandemic levels.
- Continued profitability during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Underlying gross profit margins (revenue less cost of sales) increased year on year.
- Utilising our new equipment to enable the launch of a further three products during the year.
- Improvement in pension funding position.
The board is pleased with the group's resilience in the face of the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on all aspects of our business. We continue to focus on improving our operational and supply chain processes which are imperative when facing the uncertainty regarding labour and raw material availability and the unprecedented increases in raw material prices.
Principal activity and strategy
The group remains focused on the design, manufacture, marketing and distribution of floor coverings. Our approach to strategy is uncomplicated; to develop products that sell, exploit the strength of our combined manufacturing and distribution operation and deliver robust cash flows to support the ongoing investment in the business.
Overview
The group's performance during the 12 months ended 31st December 2021 has continued to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the related lockdown restrictions. Access to our export business was most severely impacted by the lockdown restrictions coupled with the additional complications trading overseas following the post Brexit transition period.
We continue to maintain our cash reserves and strong balance sheet position to enable us manage the impact of the continued uncertainty in the economy and the related risks on the business.
The group increased the level of inventory on hand to help mitigate against the supply chain tensions which continue to put a strain on the availability of materials and the costs of obtaining them.
Our investment in the development of our product range continues with launches of new products into the market throughout 2021, supported by our new equipment, which is now fully operational. Feedback from customers has been extremely positive and the specification of our products bodes well for our continued success. The new product lines resulted in an increase in inventory at the year-end due to putting new product lines into stock.
The defined benefit pension scheme deficit reduced from GBP1.8m to an unrecognised surplus of GBP5.1m. The surplus has been restricted from being recognised as an asset on the balance sheet due to the group not having an unconditional right to a refund. The group contributions to the scheme have been reduced from GBP0.4m per year to
GBPnil (for the financial year 2022) based on the latest agreed schedule of contributions between the group and the scheme's trustees. There continues to be volatility in global equity markets with the scheme's investment strategy constantly under review to mitigate the scheme's long-term risk profile as much as possible.
The value of our investment property increased from GBP3.7m to GBP4.0m. The gain is highlighted separately in the income statement.
Group results
Revenue for the year was above prior year at GBP15.9m (2020: GBP14.6m) with home sales recovering, however the COVID-19 pandemic continued to reduce our access to export markets and constrained growth. Operating profit before valuation gain nevertheless increased to GBP1.3m (2020 Restated: GBP0.7m). Underlying gross profit margins increased year on year due to the increased level of sales and the group also continued to benefit from furlough savings of GBP0.3m (2020: GBP0.5m).
There was an unrealised valuation gain on the investment property of GBP0.3m (2020: GBP0.1m) giving an operating profit after valuation gains of GBP1.6m (2020 Restated: GBP0.8m).
Other finance costs relating in the main to the defined benefit pension scheme were GBP0.3m (2020: GBP0.4m).
After a tax charge of GBP0.2m primarily due to deferred tax on the property plant equipment and changes in tax rate at which deferred tax is recognised (2020: GBP0.1m) profit attributable to shareholders of the group for the year was GBP1.0m (2020: GBP0.3m). Earnings per share were 2.70p (2020 Restated: 0.89p).
Operating cash flows before movements in working capital and other payables were GBP1.7m (2020 Restated: GBP1.4m). Working capital increased by GBP0.3m (2020 Restated: GBP0.7m decrease) following a increase in inventories, trade and other receivables and trade and other payables. Contributions of GBP0.4m (2020: GBP0.4m) were made to the defined benefit pension scheme in line with the agreement reached with the trustees based on the 2017 actuarial valuation. Capital expenditure of GBP1.3m (2020 Restated: GBP0.2m) related to the group's investment new machinery to help with the development of new product ranges.
The group had GBP5.7m of cash on hand as at 31st December 2021 (2020: GBP6.6m). In 2020 the group borrowed GBP2.75m under the government Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, as of 31st December 2021 the amount outstanding was GBP2.4m (2020: GBP2.75m). Following the six-month capital repayment holiday, the group recommenced repayments on the existing long-term loan taken out to acquire shares for the Employee Benefit Trust, with GBP0.8m of the loan repaid during the year. This loan is unsecured and repayable over three years in equal quarterly instalments with two instalments remaining. The group has access to further liquidity of GBP1.0m via our unutilised facility (2020:
GBP1.0m unutilised).
We continue to preserve cash to protect against unforeseen circumstances in these difficult times. However, as an appreciation of our shareholder support and patience, through these exacting trading periods, we propose a total dividend of GBP0.2m or 0.4p per share (2020: GBPnil). This proposal is subject to shareholder approval.
Key performance indicators
As part of its internal financial control procedures the board monitors the key financial metrics of revenue, operating profit, gross margin, working capital (debtor and creditor days), inventory turns and cash. These KPI's are reviewed in comparison to previous year and the budget and analysis undertaken to establish trends and variances. For the year ended 31st December 2021, operating profit return on sales was 8.3% (2020: 4.8%), return on net operating assets was 6.7% (2020: 3.8%) and working capital to sales percentage was 57.7% (2020: 63.5%).
Principal risks and uncertainties
The board has responsibility for determining the nature and extent of the risks it is willing to take in achieving its strategic objectives and ensuring that risks are managed effectively across the group. The board and the management team meet regularly to discuss the business and the risks that it faces. Risks are identified as being principally based on the likelihood of occurrence and potential impact on the group. The group's principal risks, which remain consistent with the prior year, are identified below, together with a description of how the group mitigates those risks.
The key operational risk facing the business continues to be the competitive nature of the markets for the group's products. To mitigate this risk the group seeks to improve existing products, introduce new products and achieve high levels of customer service and efficiency to attempt to differentiate from the competition.
The current unrest in Ukraine presents significant uncertainty for the upcoming financial year with an unknown impact of the conflict, particularly on international sales performance and on the costs and availability of raw materials and their impact on the group's performance. However, the group is well placed to mitigate these risks through its diversified sales base and by drawing on the experience gained navigating similar supply chain issues during the past 2 years when the group was able to remain open for business.
Most of the group's revenue arises from trade with flooring contractors and fit out companies. The activity levels within this customer base are determined by consumer demand which is created through a wide range of commercial refurbishment and new build projects. The general level of activity in these underlying markets has the potential to affect the demand for products supplied by the group and is subject to seasonal variations and the economic environment. The group mitigates these factors by closely monitoring sales trends and taking appropriate action early, along with strengthening the product range and developing new channels to market, both at home and abroad, to grow demand across a wider range of markets and help negate the impact of seasonality.
The group operates a defined benefit pension scheme. At present, in aggregate, there is an actuarial surplus between the value of the projected liabilities of this scheme and the assets they hold. This actuarial surplus has been fully provided for and not recognised due to the group not having an unconditional right to the funds. The amount of the assets and liabilities may be adversely affected by changes in several factors, including investment returns, long-term interest rate and price inflation expectations and anticipated members' longevity. Adverse changes in the pension scheme position may require the group to recommence cash contributions to the scheme, thereby reducing cash available to meet the group's other operating, investing and financing requirements. The performance and risk management of the group's pension scheme and recovery plan are regularly reviewed by both the group and the trustees of the scheme, taking actuarial and investment advice as appropriate. The results of these reviews are discussed with the board and appropriate action taken. Following the triennial funding valuation of the group's pension scheme as at 1st July 2020, a revised deficit recovery plan was agreed. Under the plan the company are not required to make any annual contributions and to continue a strategy of gradual reduction in investment risk. The next triennial funding valuation will be due up to 1st July 2023.
Other risks
Raw material costs are a significant constituent of overall product cost and are impacted by global commodity markets. Significant fluctuations in raw material costs can have a material impact on profitability. The group continuously seeks out opportunities to develop a robust and competitive supply base, substitute new materials, agree fixed pricing where possible, source material with improved and shortened lead times and closely monitors selling prices and margins adjusting when necessary.
The global nature of the group's business means it is exposed to volatility in currency exchange rates in respect of foreign currency denominated transactions, the most significant being the euro. In order to protect itself against currency fluctuations the group has taken advantage of the opportunity to naturally hedge euro revenue with euro payments utilising foreign currency bank accounts. No transactions of a speculative nature are undertaken. Other risks include the availability of necessary materials, business interruption and the duty of care to our employees, customers and the wider public. These risks are managed through the combination of quality assurance and health and safety procedures and insurance cover.
Management and personnel
We continue to recognise the hard work and dedication our staff have applied during the continued challenges of working through the COVID-19 pandemic and uncertainty it has brought to them and their families. We look forward to the contribution they can make going forward in the future of the company.
Current trading and future prospects
The continued investment in our successful commercial flooring business provides significant opportunities for profitable growth; however, the current economic environment and the Ukrainian conflict continue to put global raw material prices and supply chains under pressure. The group has flexibility and can continue to adapt to these unprecedented times and will continue to invest in new products throughout 2022 based upon our confidence in the prospects of the business.
MARTIN TOOGOOD RYAN THOMAS
Chairman Group Finance Director 12(th) April 2022
Enquiries:
Ryan Thomas 01924 266561
Group Finance Director
Peter Steel 020 7496 3061
Singer Capital Markets
This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of EU Regulation 596/2014.
The financial information set out in the announcement does not constitute the group's statutory accounts for the 12 month period ended 31 December 2021 or the 12 month period ended 31 December 2020. The financial information for the 12 month period ended 31 December 2020 is derived from the statutory accounts for that year which have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The auditors reported on those accounts; their report was unqualified and did not include any statement under s498(2) or s498(3) of the Companies Act 2006. The consolidated balance sheet at 31 December 2021, the consolidated income statement, the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the consolidated cash flow statement, the consolidated statement of changes in equity and the segmental reporting for the 12 month period then ended have been extracted from the Group's 2021 statutory financial statements upon which the auditor's opinion is unqualified and does not include any statement under s498(2) or s498(3) of the Companies Act 2006.
The announcement has been agreed with the company's auditor for release.
Consolidated Income Statement
Year ended 31 December 2021
Year ended Year ended 31 December 31 December 2021 2020 GBP'000 GBP'000 Continuing Operations Revenue 15,865 14,554 Operating costs (14,832) (14,136) Other operating income 280 280 Operating profit before valuation gain 1,313 698 Unrealised valuation gain 275 125 --------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ Operating profit 1,588 823 Finance income 8 7 Finance costs (305) (376) _______ _______ Profit before taxation 1,291 454 Taxation (249) (109) _______ _______ Profit attributable to shareholders of the group 1,042 345 _______ _______
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
Year ended 31 December 2021
2021 2021 2020 2020 GBP GBP GBP GBP Profit attributable to shareholders of the group 1,042 345 Items that will not be classified to profit or loss Actuarial gain/(loss) recognised in the pension scheme 1,599 (389) Related deferred taxation (380) 74 Revaluation of property 166 37 Related deferred taxation (32) (4) Total other comprehensive income/(loss) 1,353 (282) Total comprehensive income attributable to shareholders of the group 2,395 63 ------ ------ ------ --------
Consolidated Balance Sheet
Year ended 31 December 2021
2021 2021 2020 2020 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment 5,305 4,202 Intangible assets 55 54 Investment property 4,000 3,725 Deferred tax asset 720 920 Right-of-use-asset 972 1,086 _______ _______ 11,052 9,987 Current assets Inventories 6,150 5,622 Trade and other receivables 1,887 1,735 Cash and cash equivalents 5,688 6,555 _______ _______ 13,725 13,912 _______ _______ Total assets 24,777 23,899 _______ _______ Current liabilities Trade and other payables (3,258) (2,895) Provisions (245) (465) Lease liabilities (124) (243) Loans and borrowings (935) (1,071) _______ _______ (4,562) (4,674) Non-current liabilities Deferred tax (1,031) (609) Pension deficit - (1,789) Lease liabilities (183) (188) Loans and borrowings (2,592) (2,641) _______ _______ (3,806) (5,227) _______ _______
Total liabilities (8,368) (9,901) _______ _______ Net assets 16,409 13,998 _______ _______ Equity Called up share capital 10,339 10,339 Share premium account 504 504 Own shares (555) (1,197) Share based payment reserve 157 141 Capital redemption reserve 3,617 3,617 Revaluation reserve 3,150 3,014 Retained earnings (803) (2,420) _______ _______ Total equity 16,409 13,998 _______ _______
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
Year ended 31 December 2021
Year ended Year ended 31 December 31 December 2021 2020 GBP'000 GBP'000 Cash flows from operating activities Profit for the year 1,042 345 Depreciation 276 228 Depreciation of right-of-use-assets 250 270 Amortisation 30 38 Movement in provisions (220) 145 Share based payment expense 16 56 Net finance costs 297 369 Tax charge 249 109 Unrealised valuation gain (275) (125) ------------ ------------ _______ _______ _______ _______ Operating cash flows before movements in working capital 1,665 1,435 Increase in inventories (528) (161) (Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables (152) 433 Increase in trade and other payables 347 467 --------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ _______ _______ _______ _______ Cash generated from operations 1,332 2,174 Contributions to defined benefit pension scheme (400) (400) _______ _______ Net cash generated from operating activities 932 1,774 Cash flows from investing activities Payments to acquire intangible fixed assets (31) (53) Payments to acquire tangible fixed assets (1,236) (164) --------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ _______ _______ _______ _______ Net cash used in generated from investing activities (1,267) (217) Cash flows from financing activities Interest paid on lease liabilities (12) (15) Interest paid on borrowings (83) (33) Interest received 8 7 Proceeds from loan and borrowings - 2,750 Proceeds from asset financing 934 - Principal paid on lease liabilities (260) (344) Repayment of loans (1,119) (324) --------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ _______ _______ Net cash (used)/received in financing activities (532) 2,041 _______ _______ Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents (867) 3,598 Cash and cash equivalents at start of the year 6,555 2,957 _______ _______ Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year 5,688 6,555 _______ _______
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
Year ended 31 December 2021
Share Capital Share premium Share Share redemption Revaluation Retained Total capital account based Option reserve reserve earnings equity payment reserve GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 ---------------------------------------------------- ------------ --------------- ---------- --------------- --------------- ----------- ------------ At 1st January 2020 10,339 504 (1,839) 85 3,617 3,048 (1,875) 13,879 Comprehensive income for the year Profit for the year - - - - - - 345 345 Actuarial loss recognised on the pension scheme - - - - - - (315) (315) Revaluation of property - - - - - - 33 33 ---------------------------------------------------- ------------ --------------- ---------- --------------- --------------- ----------- ------------ Total comprehensive income for the year - - - - - - 63 63 Contributions by and distributions to owners Share based payment - - - 56 - - - 56 Own Shares Transfer - - 642 - - - (642) - Revaluation Reverse Transfer - - - - - (34) 34 - ---------------------------------------------------- ------------ --------------- ---------- --------------- --------------- ----------- ------------ Total contributions by and distributions to owners - - 642 56 - (34) (608) 56 ---------------------------------------------------- ------------ --------------- ---------- --------------- --------------- ----------- ------------ At 31st December 2020 10,339 504 (1,197) 141 3,617 3,014 (2,420) 13,998 At 1st January 2021 Comprehensive income for the year Profit for the year - - - - - - 1,042 1,042 Actuarial gain recognised on the pension scheme - - - - - - 1,219 1,219 Revaluation of property - - - - - 166 (32) 134 ---------------------------------------------------- ------------ --------------- ---------- --------------- --------------- ----------- ------------ Total comprehensive income for the year - - - - - 166 2,229 2,395 Contributions by and distributions to owners Share based payment - - - 16 - - - 16 Own Shares Transfer - - 642 - - - (642) - Revaluation Reserve Transfer - - - - - (30) 30 - ---------------------------------------------------- ------------ --------------- ---------- --------------- --------------- ----------- ------------
Total contributions by and distributions to owners - - 642 16 - (30) (612) 16 ---------------------------------------------------- ------------ --------------- ---------- --------------- --------------- ----------- ------------ At 31st December 2021 10,339 504 (555) 157 3,617 3,150 (803) 16,409 ---------------------------------------------------- ------------ --------------- ---------- --------------- --------------- ----------- ------------
In accordance with Rule 20 of the AIM Rules, Airea confirms that the annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021 and notice of Annual General Meeting ("AGM") and related proxy form will be available to view on the Company's website at www.aireaplc.co.uk on 12 April 2022 and will be posted to shareholders by 21 April 2022. The AGM will be held on 17th May 2022, at 2.00 p.m. at the Cedar Court Hotel (Huddersfield), Lindley Moor Road, Ainley Top, Huddersfield, HD3 3RH. Further details are set out in the notice of the AGM available within the financial statements which can be viewed on the group's website.
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