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Share Name | Share Symbol | Market | Type |
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INSTONE REAL ESTGRP SE | TG:INS | Tradegate | Ordinary Share |
Price Change | % Change | Share Price | Bid Price | Offer Price | High Price | Low Price | Open Price | Shares Traded | Last Trade | |
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0.14 | 1.67% | 8.54 | 8.27 | 8.54 | 8.54 | 8.25 | 8.53 | 56 | 20:15:42 |
RNS Number:2311J Infast Group PLC 27 March 2003 PRELIMINARY RESULTS Infast Group plc ("Infast" or the "Group"), the inventory management services group, is pleased to announce its preliminary results for the year ended 31 December 2002. Financial highlights * Turnover on continuing operations at #161.7m (2001: #134.1m) - up 21% * Operating profit on continuing operations, before goodwill amortisation and exceptional charge, at #5.5m (2001: #3.6m) - up 53% * Pre-tax profit at #1.9m (post goodwill amortisation of #1.3m and #1.3m exceptional charge) (2001: pre-tax loss #1.7m) * Adjusted earnings per share 2.8p (2001: 2.4p) * Total dividend per share for the year unchanged at 2.0p * Major new contracts secured in UK and USA. Graham Titcombe, Chairman of Infast, said: "The Company has made significant progress in its strategy to focus on inventory management services. Our business now serves a wider market and customer base than ever before. Investment in the most effective and efficient systems continues. Further organic growth, the achievement of outstanding customer service and the generation of positive cash flow and increased profits remain key goals. "We anticipate that demand for our Inventory Management Services will grow with both existing and new customers in our UK and North American markets." For further information, please contact: Infast Group plc Tel: 01452 880 500 Robert Sternick, Group Chief Executive Rawlings Financial PR Limited Tel: 01756 770 376 John Rawlings Catriona Valentine CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT This is my first statement to Infast shareholders since joining the Company on 24th September 2002. I am pleased to be able to say that the results for the financial year 2002 are encouraging. Both sales and profits grew compared to the prior period, progress that has been achieved despite challenging conditions in most of our markets. The Board is recommending that a final dividend of 1.2p be maintained, a clear signal of our confidence that the improvements of the last year can be continued. The Company has made significant progress in its strategy to focus on inventory management services. Our business now serves a wider market and customer base than ever before. Investment in the most effective and efficient systems continues. Further organic growth, the achievement of outstanding customer service and the generation of positive cash flow remain key goals. Since joining Infast I have been impressed by the enthusiastic commitment of all employees to this organisation's continued success and I would like to thank them for their contribution. There have been significant changes to the Board of directors this year. After five years as Chairman, Roger Leverton retired on 24th September 2002. Secondly, John Cresswell, who has served the Company for nearly 30 years, most recently as a non-executive director, retired on 31st December 2002. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank both Roger and John for the major contributions they made to the development of the Group. Finally, on the subject of Board changes, I am very pleased to welcome Richard Seguin, who joined Infast as a non-executive director on 13th January 2003. I am sure that his considerable international experience will be of great benefit to the Group. Current Trading and Outlook After nearly three months of the new financial year, UK sales are marginally ahead of the same period in 2002. In the current tough economic environment, pressures remain on margins. As a result, some cost rationalisation is already taking place, which will affect the first half results, but will have a positive effect on the year as a whole. In 2003, we anticipate that demand for our Inventory Management Services will grow with both existing and new customers in our UK and North American markets. In the case of one major contract, we will incur start up costs during the year and, therefore, the contract will not enhance earnings until 2004. Growth in turnover during the year will be biased towards the second half due to some customer delays experienced in the first quarter and also the progressive benefit of contracts recently won. The Board is confident of achieving continued growth during the year despite challenging market conditions. Graham Titcombe Chairman 27 March 2003 CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S REPORT This was a significant year for change, improvement and the continued development of Infast in a flat economic environment. Turnover for the year was #161.7m (2001: #142.6m) overall a 13% increase. However, when the discontinued business turnover in 2001 is excluded, our continuing Inventory Management Services business has grown by 21%. Operating profits also substantially increased to #4.2m (2001: #0.2m). Pre-goodwill amortisation and exceptional items, operating profit within continuing operations increased by 53% to #5.5m (2001: #3.6m after #1.0m of additional stock provisions). Profit before tax was #1.9m (2001: #1.7m loss). These results have benefited from significant additional turnover from the sizeable contracts commenced in the latter half of 2001 and, also, new business wins in 2002. A number of initiatives started over 12 months ago have also favourably impacted the Group's financial performance in its first full year as a dedicated Inventory Management Services Company. Against the background of substantial growth for the Group, it is pleasing to report a reduction of net debt over the year from #17.2m to #16.5m. This is largely the result of substantially increasing the cash inflow from operating activities to #6.0m, achieved by improvements in profitability and more rigorous control of working capital. The Board recommends a final dividend of 1.2p per share, which brings the total payment for the year to 2.0p, unchanged from 2001. In 1999, the Company disposed of its Process Engineering division and, at that time, made a US$3.4m loan to the purchaser, which is repayable in the period from January 2005 to July 2008. The Board has reviewed the situation and believes it would be prudent to make a provision of #1.3m against its value. The full amount of the loan will be actively pursued. The charge is shown as a non-operating exceptional item. The Group has continued to invest in realising its transformation by upgrading the quality of its structures and personnel in both its British and American companies. I am pleased to report that we now have very strong teams within the Divisions on which we can continue to build, whilst we accelerate the process of even more profitable expansion. Following the implementation of Phase I of the new Infast Business Systems2 (IBS2) IT system last year, which covered the financial package at Premier Automotive, we have successfully started Phase II. This consists of delivering the distribution element of the IBS2 system successfully to the first distribution service centre; roll out of the system with our dedicated teams will now proceed to the other sites. New divisional structures and focused responsibilities were implemented at the start of 2003 moving the Divisions away from geographical to market driven organisations. * Infast Industrial Division, located in Gloucester, is responsible for all general industry markets for Infast Direct Line Feed business (IDLF) in the UK and overseas. * Premier Automotive Division, located in Aston, Birmingham, is responsible for wheel based and special markets for the UK and overseas. * Infast Direct, located in Chesterfield, is responsible for the development of the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) business as it continues to service its existing customers' base in IDLF services. * Infast USA, located in Alpharetta, Georgia, is responsible for the North American and Mexican markets. * Group Purchasing, which is responsible for the sourcing of parts and supply chain development (SCD), is now in full operation, together with improved manufacturing facilities and a newly opened Infast sourcing office in Singapore. Substantial change has been made within each of the Divisional structures in 2002 in order to ensure the highest levels of efficient performance, whilst preparing for additional growth. 2002 saw the development and global launch of our supply chain development programme. This leading edge and very comprehensive process, developed in-house, has over sixteen measurable parameters and fundamentally changes the way we work in developing and measuring improvements in the global supplier network. The Infast SCD programme will deliver measurable cost benefits and assume unprecedented levels of quality in addition to establishing closer working relationships with those suppliers who partake in our SCD programme. This capability will further enhance our ability to provide increased value to our customers. INDUSTRIAL MARKETS Infast Direct and Infast Industrial Divisions The successful re-structuring of Infast Direct has paid dividends in 2002, as we benefited from the successful roll out of new contracts in the aeronautical and marine sector, in addition to increasing our product range and services to existing customers. Infast Industrial suffered in the second half of the year from a reduction in sales due to extended plant shutdowns by its customers during the holiday periods. As a result, three distribution service centres were closed to reduce costs. New contracts won in the latter part of the year will bring progressive benefit to profitability during 2003. New management and a revised team structure were introduced to further develop this Division's full market potential. The industrial market side of our business grew turnover by 7% over 2001 levels. WHEELED BASE AND SPECIAL MARKETS Premier Automotive Division The luxury automotive, agricultural, earth moving and heavy industrial markets have seen the introduction of many new models during the year. New model introductions impacted sales favourably in the first half while planned new models for the second half were delayed, impacting volumes. Plant shutdowns were also more extensive during holidays in the second half. Total business in the Division grew by 35% over 2001 including significant growth in non-automotive markets. The Division achieved some major successes during the year: * A new Product Part Approval Process (PPAP) Centre was created to improve efficiency in handling new product approvals and will be used by all divisions within the Group. The PPAP centre is already exceeding all expectations. * Two Distribution Service Centres secured the Ford prestigious Q1 rating. * Renewed focus on development of smaller to medium size contracts have resulted in new orders in high-end special niche markets. * Premier Automotive won the Infast Group achievement award for the creation, implementation and extensive success of the Product Part Approval Process centre for new parts. NORTH AMERICAN MARKETS Infast USA Division The introduction of Infast value added services in the huge North American and Mexican market is being extremely well received, with the Division showing turnover growth of 56% over 2001. * The Division has been successfully restructured to support the strategic direction of the Company and benefits from a strong management team capable of addressing its full growth potential. * The penetration of the agriculture equipment market continues with the addition of three new sites in Quarter 4, covering the additional States of Pennsylvania and Nebraska. * Other market sectors, such as furniture, construction and electrical, have provided new expansion opportunities, in several states for the Infast inventory management capabilities and value added services. * Infast USA distribution service centres are now established in four states, in addition to serving other customers around the country. MANUFACTURING Our manufacturing business (which contributes less than 10% of Group turnover) has further reduced its cost base under new management and is actively developing new opportunities in its niche markets and is now seeing substantial increases in its order book which will enhance its second half performance. HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT Training throughout the Group accelerated through the first full year of operation of the Infast Leadership Centre, where multi-divisional personnel come together to share and exchange views and receive a series of eight in-house courses ranging from marketing and finance to human resources. Additional training was provided by the Divisions, resulting in a total of 73% of employees undergoing formal training programmes during 2002. The annual Infast Achievement Awards programme was launched in 2002, providing special recognition to those Infast employees who realised exceptional achievements during the year for their sector, their Divisions and for the Group. A total of twelve employees were nominated from the Divisions resulting in six Divisional winners and one group winner, Mr Danny Gamble, from the Premier Automotive Division. Health and safety policies, which were reinvigorated during 2001 and were continually reviewed during 2002, have resulted in a much greater awareness of this important issue during the year, thus improving the safety of our employees. It is important to note that one of our key differentiations is the quality of our people, their knowledge, dedication and care, together with the technology we incorporate into our systems, to support our customers and the markets we serve. To each of you, my thanks and appreciation for the achievements in 2002. MARKETS AND TRENDS * Recent industry data suggests that broader signs of economic weakness will continue to affect the markets as a whole and, as such, we anticipate this situation will impact on some of our customers' volumes. To this end we have taken steps to control our costs further and improve our productivity as we continue to win new business. * In the first quarter of 2003 we won a major new five year, full service contract, which will contribute over #10m of turnover in a full year of operation. Start up will commence mid 2003 and earnings will begin to benefit in 2004 once the start up costs have been absorbed. * We believe that the demand for comprehensive inventory management services and outsourcing of components will continue to expand even though the markets will remain difficult. More and more customers in the UK, North America and increasingly other countries wish to benefit from our capabilities. * Our experience and development in serving very diversified industries and markets is one of our other key strengths, on which we will expand. * Our strategy is to focus on accelerating growth in our industrial and special niche markets while serving our existing Premier Automotive customers. * The initiatives started in 2001 and 2002 have now become part of our management culture and will continue to impact favourably. * The search for and implementation of constant improvements in our operating performance and providing exceptional services to our customers remain our priorities as we enhance our profitability. We will continue to invest carefully in our development to meet existing and new customer requirements in inventory management services and outsourcing of components. RETURN TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS As we take steps to continuously improve, we believe Infast to be well positioned for good growth as well as being focused on providing consistent shareholder value over the next few years. Robert Sternick Chief Executive 27 March 2003 CONSOLIDATED PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT For the year ended 31 December 2002 Note 2002 2001 Audited Audited #m #m Turnover Continuing operations 161.7 134.1 Discontinued operations - 8.5 ___________________________________ 2 161.7 142.6 Operating Costs Goodwill amortisation (1.3) (1.3) Additional stock provisions - (1.0) Exceptional operating costs - (1.8) Other operating costs (156.2) (138.7) Release of provision for closure costs - 0.4 ___________________________________ (157.5) (142.4) ___________________________________ Operating profit/(loss) Continuing operations 4.2 0.5 Discontinued operations - (0.3) ___________________________________ 4.2 0.2 Loss on sale of businesses (discontinued operations): Deficit to net assets - (1.0) Goodwill previously written off now realised - (0.1) ___________________________________ 3 - (1.1) ___________________________________ Amounts written off fixed asset investment 3 (1.3) - ___________________________________ Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities before interest 2.9 (0.9) Net interest (1.0) (0.8) ___________________________________ Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities before taxation 1.9 (1.7) Taxation on profit/(loss) on ordinary activities 4 (1.2) (0.1) ___________________________________ Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities after taxation 0.7 (1.8) Dividends 6 (2.3) (2.3) ___________________________________ Retained loss for the financial year (1.6) (4.1) =================================== Basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per share 7 0.6p (1.6)p Adjusted earnings per share 7 2.8p 2.4p CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF TOTAL RECOGNISED GAINS AND LOSSES For the year ended 31 December 2002 2002 2001 Audited Audited #m #m Profit / (loss) for the financial year 0.7 (1.8) Exchange adjustments (0.3) - ___________________________________ Total recognised gains and losses in the year 0.4 (1.8) =================================== CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET As at 31 December 2002 2002 2001 Audited Audited #m #m Fixed assets Intangible fixed assets 19.9 21.7 Tangible fixed assets 15.4 15.0 Investments 1.0 2.3 ___________________________________ 36.3 39.0 Current assets Stocks 25.7 25.0 Debtors 40.3 36.5 Cash at bank and in hand - 0.2 ___________________________________ 66.0 61.7 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year (42.6) (36.0) ___________________________________ Net current assets 23.4 25.7 ___________________________________ Total assets less current liabilities 59.7 64.7 Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year (6.8) (10.3) Provisions for liabilities and charges (1.2) (0.8) ___________________________________ 51.7 53.6 =================================== Capital and reserves Called up share capital 22.9 22.9 Share premium 9.8 9.8 Other reserves 4.0 4.0 Profit and loss account 14.7 16.6 ___________________________________ Equity shareholders' funds 51.4 53.3 Equity minority interest 0.3 0.3 ___________________________________ 51.7 53.6 =================================== CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT For the year ended 31 December 2002 Notes 2002 2001 Audited Audited #m #m Net cash inflow from operating activities 9 6.0 3.1 Returns on investments and servicing of finance Interest received 0.1 0.7 Interest paid (1.0) (1.3) Interest element of finance lease rentals (0.1) (0.1) ___________________________________ (1.0) (0.7) Tax refunded/(paid) 0.4 (0.3) Capital expenditure Payments to acquire tangible fixed assets (3.2) (3.4) Receipts from the disposal of tangible fixed assets 0.7 5.2 ___________________________________ Net cash (outflow)/inflow from capital expenditure and financial investment (2.5) 1.8 Acquisitions and disposals Acquisitions of subsidiary undertakings - (7.3) Net borrowing acquired with subsidiary - (0.3) Disposal of subsidiary undertakings - 1.5 Overdraft disposed - (0.3) ___________________________________ Net cash outflow from acquisitions & disposals - (6.4) Equity Dividends Paid (2.3) (2.3) Management of liquid resources Cash inflow from short term deposits - 5.8 ___________________________________ Net cash inflow before financing 0.6 1.0 Financing Repayment of finance lease obligations (1.2) (1.3) Repayment of medium term loans (2.5) (2.5) Repayment of loan notes - (1.1) ___________________________________ Net cash outflow from financing (3.7) (4.9) ___________________________________ Decrease in cash (3.1) (3.9) =================================== Under FRS 1 (revised), cash is defined as cash in hand plus deposits less overdrafts, each of which are repayable on demand. Bank deposits, which are not repayable on demand are treated as liquid resources, and not cash, in the cash flow statement but are netted off against bank overdrafts in the balance sheet where there is right of set-off. NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS 1. Basis of Preparation The accounts have been prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards under the historical cost convention and using the accounting policies as set out on pages 26 and 27 of the Annual Report and Accounts 2001. The transitional arrangements for Financial Reporting Standard 17 (Retirement benefits) continue to be adopted and are fully disclosed within the annual report. Financial Reporting Standard 19 has been implemented for the first time with no effect on the current or preceding year. There are no new disclosures for the preliminary statement. The above results and these notes do not constitute statutory accounts (within the meaning of section 240 of the Companies Act 1985). The statutory accounts for 2001, on which the auditors gave an unqualified opinion, have been filed with the Registrar of Companies. The statutory accounts for 2002, on which an auditors' unqualified report has been made, will be delivered to the Registrar following the Company's forthcoming Annual General Meeting. 2. Segmental Analysis a. Analysis of turnover by class of business 2002 2001 Audited Audited #m #m Turnover Continuing operations 161.7 134.1 Discontinued operations - 8.5 ___________________________________ 161.7 142.6 =================================== The Company's continuing operations derive solely from the provision of Inventory Management Services. b. Analysis of operating profit/(loss) by class of business 2002 2001 Audited Audited #m #m Continuing operations 5.5 4.6 Goodwill amortisation (1.3) (1.3) Additional Stock provisions - (1.0) Operating exceptional items - (1.8) ___________________________________ 4.2 0.5 Discontinued operations - (0.3) ___________________________________ 4.2 0.2 =================================== Goodwill amortisation, additional stock provisions and operating exceptional items relate entirely to continuing Inventory Management Services operations. 3. Exceptional Items Operating exceptional items a. Continuing operations The operating exceptional items of #1.8m incurred in 2001 relate to the reorganisation of a fastener manufacturing operation. The operating cashflow impact of the above exceptional item was #0.3m outflow in respect of redundancy payments made. b. Non-operating exceptional items 2002 - Amounts written off fixed asset investment During the year an amount of #1.3m was provided against a fixed asset investment which represents a loan of $3.4m to Haden International Group, Inc. The loan was made in respect of the disposal of the Process Engineering Division in 1999. There is no cash flow effect of this provision. 2001 - Loss on sale of businesses Surplus/ (deficit) to Goodwill Profit/ net assets realised (loss) These relate to the following disposals:- #m #m #m MacLellan Integrated Services Inc and Brandt Filtration Group Inc. (1.6) (0.1) (1.7) Sale of surplus land remaining after disposal of Nim-Cor in 1999 0.6 - 0.6 _________________________________________ (1.0) (0.1) (1.1) ========================================= 4. Taxation 2002 2001 Charge/(credit): UK Overseas Total UK Overseas Total #m #m #m #m #m #m Current tax 1.1 0.1 1.2 0.1 0.1 0.2 Deferred tax Origination and reversal of timing differences 0.4 - 0.4 - - - _______________________________________________________________________ 1.5 0.1 1.6 0.1 0.1 0.2 Adjustments in respect of prior years Current tax (0.2) (0.4) (0.6) - - - Deferred tax Origination and reversal of timing differences 0.2 - 0.2 (0.1) - (0.1) _______________________________________________________________________ 1.5 (0.3) 1.2 - 0.1 0.1 ======================================================================= The tax charge of #1.2m (2001: #0.1m) is stated net of a tax credit of #nil (2001: #0.5m) relating to operating exceptional costs incurred during the year of #nil (2001: #1.8m). The effective rate, excluding all exceptional items and goodwill amortisation, was 27% (2001: 24%) this reflects the generation of the majority of the Group's profits in the United Kingdom. 5. Net debt comprises: As at Other non As at 31 1 January cash Exchange December 2002 Cash flows movements movements 2002 #m #m #m #m #m Bank overdraft 3.8 2.9 - - 6.7 Medium term loan 12.2 (2.5) - (0.8) 8.9 Finance leases 1.4 (1.2) 0.7 - 0.9 _______________________________________________________________________ Gross debt 17.4 (0.8) 0.7 (0.8) 16.5 Less: cash at bank (0.2) 0.2 - - - _______________________________________________________________________ Net debt 17.2 (0.6) 0.7 (0.8) 16.5 ======================================================================= The gross debt falls due as shown in the table below: Within Within one Within two one year to two years to five years Total #m #m #m #m Bank overdraft 6.7 - - 6.7 Medium term loan 2.4 2.4 4.1 8.9 Finance leases 0.7 0.2 - 0.9 ____________________________________________________________ Gross debt at 31 December 2002 9.8 2.6 4.1 16.5 ============================================================ Gross debt at 1 January 2002(i) 7.2 2.9 7.3 17.4 ============================================================ All of the Group's borrowings, excluding hire purchase debt, are on an unsecured basis. 6. Dividend The proposed final dividend of 1.2p per Ordinary share is payable on 4 July 2003 to shareholders on the register on 13 June 2003. 7. Earnings per share The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share of 0.6p (2001: loss of 1.6p) is based on the Group profit of #0.7m (2001: loss of #1.8m) and on the weighted average number of 20p ordinary shares in issue during the year of 114.3m (2001: 114.3m). Adjusted basic earnings per share is calculated as follows: Earnings / (Loss) per Earnings / (Loss) share 2002 2001 2002 2001 #m #m pence pence Basic earnings/(loss) and earnings/(loss) per share 0.7 (1.8) 0.6 (1.6) Basic earnings/(loss) and earnings/(loss) per share attributable to: Loss on sale of businesses - 1.1 - 1.0 Goodwill amortisation 1.3 1.3 1.1 1.1 Additional stock provisions - 1.0 - 0.8 Operating exceptional items - 1.8 - 1.6 Tax credit on operating exceptional items and additional stock provisions - (0.8) - (0.7) Non operating exceptional items 1.3 - 1.1 - Discontinued operations (after interest, tax and minority interests) - 0.2 - 0.2 ________________________________________________ Adjusted basic earnings and earnings per share 3.3 2.8 2.8 2.4 ================================================ The adjusted basic earnings per share is presented so as to show more clearly the underlying performance of the Group. 8. Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net debt 2002 2001 #m #m Decrease in cash as shown in cash flow statement (3.1) (3.9) Adjust for: Repayment of medium term loan 2.5 2.5 Finance lease repayments 1.2 1.3 Cash held on short term deposit - (5.8) Repayment of loan notes - 1.1 _____________________ Change in net debt resulting from cash flow 0.6 (4.8) Finance leases transferred on disposal of subsidiary undertakings - 0.1 New finance leases (0.7) (0.8) Exchange movements 0.8 (0.3) _____________________ Movement in net debt in the year 0.7 (5.8) Net debt at as at 1 January, 2002 (17.2) (11.4) _____________________ Net debt as at 31 December 2002 (16.5) (17.2) ===================== 9. Reconciliation of operating profit to net cash inflow from operating activities 2002 2001 #m #m Operating profit 4.2 0.2 Depreciation 2.7 3.0 Amortisation of goodwill 1.3 1.3 Profit on sale of tangible fixed assets (0.1) (0.1) Increase in stocks (0.7) (1.3) Increase in debtors (4.6) (2.4) Increase in creditors 3.4 2.5 Release of provision for closure costs - (0.4) Exchange adjustments (0.2) 0.3 _____________________ Net cash inflow from operating activities 6.0 3.1 ===================== -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange END FR EADDKASFDEFE
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