ADVFN Logo ADVFN

We could not find any results for:
Make sure your spelling is correct or try broadening your search.

Trending Now

Toplists

It looks like you aren't logged in.
Click the button below to log in and view your recent history.

Hot Features

Registration Strip Icon for discussion Register to chat with like-minded investors on our interactive forums.

ALU Alumasc Group Plc

171.00
0.00 (0.00%)
23 Apr 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Alumasc Group Plc LSE:ALU London Ordinary Share GB0000280353 ORD 12.5P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 171.00 167.00 175.00 0.00 01:00:00
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Construction Machinery & Eq 89.57M 6.6M 0.1844 9.27 61.23M

Alumasc Group PLC Half-year Report (5316D)

01/02/2018 7:00am

UK Regulatory


Alumasc (LSE:ALU)
Historical Stock Chart


From Apr 2019 to Apr 2024

Click Here for more Alumasc Charts.

TIDMALU

RNS Number : 5316D

Alumasc Group PLC

01 February 2018

 
 IMMEDIATE RELEASE   1 February 2018 
 

THE ALUMASC GROUP PLC - INTERIM RESULTS ANNOUNCEMENT

Alumasc (ALU.L), the premium building products, systems and solutions group, announces interim results for the half year ended 31 December 2017.

 
Financial summary 
Half year to 31 December          2017  2016  % change 
--------------------------------  ----  ----  -------- 
 
Headline revenue (GBPm)           47.8  50.7     -5.9% 
Like-for-like revenue (GBPm)(*)   47.5  48.4     -1.9% 
 
Underlying operating profit 
 (GBPm)(**)                        3.6   4.1    -12.7% 
Underlying operating margin 
 (%)(**)                           7.6   8.2 
 
Underlying profit before 
 tax (GBPm)(**)                    3.5   4.1    -13.5% 
Statutory profit before tax 
 (GBPm)                            3.0   3.6    -15.7% 
 
Net cash at 31 December (GBPm)     2.4   5.2 
 
Underlying earnings per share 
 (pence)(**)                       7.9   9.1    -13.2% 
Basic earnings per share 
 (pence)                           6.9   8.2    -15.9% 
Dividends per share (pence)       2.95  2.85     +3.5% 
--------------------------------  ----  ----  -------- 
 

(*) Like-for-like revenue excludes Scaffold and Construction Products ("SCP"), the business sold by Alumasc on 31 July 2017

(**) Underlying profits exclude brand amortisation of GBP0.1m in both half years, IAS 19 pension costs of GBP0.3m in both half years; and, in 2017, a gain on disposal of available-for-sale assets of GBP0.4m (2016: nil), the loss on disposal of SCP of GBP0.2m (2016: nil) and one-off costs relating to the relocation of Timloc of GBP0.3m (2016: nil).

A full reconciliation of underlying to statutory profit is provided in note 4 to the interim financial statements.

Key points

 
 
         *    Satisfactory performance against the background of a 
              flat UK construction market and ongoing input cost 
              inflation. 
 
 
         *    Good growth in Solar shading & architectural 
              screening and Housebuilding & ancillary products, 
              offset by weaker first halves in Roofing & walling 
              and Water management caused in part by contractor 
              delays. 
 
 
         *    As previously guided, group results expected to be 
              more strongly weighted to the second half as a result 
              of large project phasing, particularly in export 
              markets. 
 
 
         *    Management action (selling price increases, 
              purchasing and manufacturing efficiencies) already 
              taken to mitigate impact of cost inflation on H2 
              margins. 
 
 
         *    Encouraging order books and pipeline with Levolux in 
              particular experiencing strong demand in North 
              America/UK balconies and balustrades. 
 
 
         *    The GBP8m acquisition of Wade International 
              significantly strengthens Alumasc's position in the 
              water management solutions market and is expected to 
              enhance earnings in the first full year post 
              completion. 
 

-- Solar shading & architectural screening increased revenue by 2% to GBP11.3m, after a slow start to the year, with underlying operating profit (GBP0.7m) and underlying operating margin (6.5%) ahead of last year. The value of quotations for new work almost trebled to GBP25.8m in North America where investment in people is being accelerated to drive faster growth.

-- Roofing & walling revenue was down 7% to GBP15.7m with lower underlying operating profit (GBP0.8m). Underlying operating margins reduced to 5.3% (2016: 8.2%). Alumasc Roofing, where revenues were similar to last year, experienced project delays in part caused by building contractor caution prior to committing to new work. A delayed large green roof project is expected to complete in H2 and the business is well placed to supply additional roofing refurbishment work in the education sector. Revenue and profits were significantly lower at Alumasc Facades, reflecting reduced government spending on refurbishment projects and uncertainty following the Grenfell Tower disaster. H2 performance is expected to improve with sales in England & Wales focused on specification work and continuing government support in Scotland.

-- Water management revenue was down 3% to GBP15.5m with a consequential reduction in underlying operating profit to GBP1.5m. Underlying operating margins were to 9.7% (2016: 11.6%). UK revenues at AWMS outperformed UK construction market growth rates. At Gatic, UK revenues were impacted by project delays and H1 was unusually quiet for overseas work. Operating margins reflect lower Gatic sales and commodity and other input cost pressures across the division. Divisional profitability is expected to improve in H2 as the result of selling price increases, cost savings and internal efficiencies to recover higher costs.

-- Housebuilding & ancillary products increased revenue by 14% to GBP5.0m and operating profit by 26% to GBP0.9m, reflecting Timloc's continued success based on excellent customer service and new products, including its "Above the Roofline" range. This was achieved during a period when Timloc relocated its two sites to a single, new 85,000 sq ft purpose-built factory in Howden, East Yorkshire, two months ahead of schedule.

Paul Hooper, Chief Executive, commented:

"Group order books at 31 January 2018 remain healthy at GBP25.0 million (31 January 2017: GBP27.6 million). Enquiries and specifications in the pre-order pipeline remain buoyant across the group and continue to grow strongly at Levolux in particular.

"When taken together, the factors set out in this statement suggest an overall outcome for the full year in line with previous expectations.

"Alumasc's track record over recent years has been to deliver growth ahead of the UK construction market and the Board has confidence in the future growth prospects for the group, in view of:

   --      the strategic positioning of our businesses in specialist growth markets; 

-- the consistent investment over a number of years in growth resources and additional capacity;

   --      Levolux and Alumasc Water Management's potential to further develop export markets; and 
   --      the acquisition of Wade, a high quality business with development and synergy potential. 

Enquiries:

 
 The Alumasc Group plc                01536 383844 
 Paul Hooper (Chief Executive) 
  Andrew Magson (Finance Director) 
 
 Glenmill Partners Limited            07771 758517 
 

Simon Bloomfield

REVIEW OF INTERIM RESULTS

Performance Overview

Alumasc's first half performance was satisfactory against a background of flat UK construction market demand and ongoing input cost inflation as well as the anticipated greater second half weighting to the group's financial performance in the current year as a result of large project phasing.

On a like-for-like basis, group revenues were 1.9% lower at GBP47.5 million, with UK revenues ahead by 1% and export revenues down by 18%, largely reflecting the timing of larger projects. Headline group revenues of GBP47.8 million were 5.9% below the prior first half year, in part reflecting the disposal of the Scaffold and Construction Products ("SCP") business in July 2017.

Underlying group operating margins were 7.6% compared with 8.2% in the previous first half year, attributable mainly to the timing of larger export projects at Levolux and Gatic where the marginal profit contribution to overheads generated from this work can be significant. The group has experienced some further input cost inflation which has impacted first half margins, particularly in the group's Roofing & Walling and Water Management divisions. As was the case last year, there is a time lag in the recovery of this cost inflation through a combination of selling price increases, purchasing and manufacturing efficiencies, and management action has already been taken to mitigate the effect in the second half year.

As a consequence, underlying operating profit of GBP3.6 million, underlying profit before tax of GBP3.5 million and statutory profit before tax of GBP3.0 million were each around GBP0.6 million below prior first half year levels.

Acquisition of Wade International

Alumasc is pleased to announce today the acquisition of Wade International, a leading manufacturer and supplier of high quality metal drainage products and access covers with a well-established, premium brand. Wade is a business Alumasc has admired for a number of years and its acquisition represents an excellent strategic fit for the group, extending our Water Management division's ability to offer a wide range of "rain to drain" solutions for the built environment. Wade also extends the export sales capability and potential for this division, particularly to markets in the Middle East.

The acquisition consideration was GBP8.0 million on a net cash/debt free basis, all paid at completion and funded from Alumasc's existing banking facilities. The consideration payable comprises a gross consideration of GBP14 million, subject to any completion accounts adjustments, and Alumasc will benefit from net cash held at Wade of approximately GBP6 million. In its last full financial year to 30 June 2017, Wade generated revenues of GBP5.7 million and reported profit before tax of GBP1.4 million from capital invested of GBP3.2 million. The gross assets of the business at 30 June 2017 were GBP12.4 million. The acquisition is expected to be earnings enhancing in the first full year post-completion.

Wade owns and occupies a circa 52,000 sq ft freehold property in Halstead, Essex, with space for expansion. This additional capacity will be valuable in the broader planning for the relocation of Alumasc Water Management Solutions over the next 2-3 years in the Kettering Area. Wade employs 56 managers and staff who will remain with the business post-acquisition. Prior to acquisition by Alumasc the business was privately owned by Mr. Ralph Thomas.

Whilst detailed business plans are still evolving at this stage, the Board believes that the medium term synergistic benefits of developing the Wade business as part of Alumasc's broader Water Management division will be significant.

Strategic development and future growth potential

The majority of Alumasc businesses have consistently outperformed their underlying markets in recent years and have the potential to continue to do so. This reflects their strong strategic positioning, where over 80% of revenues relate to products, systems and solutions required by building regulations and/or specified by architects or engineers because of the performance attributes provided. In addition, Levolux, Gatic, the Harmer drainage brand within Alumasc Water Management Solutions ("AWMS") and now Wade have further growth potential through export sales development.

Further, over 90% of group sales relate to one or more of the group's long term strategic growth drivers:

   1.     Energy management in buildings: 

Levolux, Alumasc Facades

   2.     Water management in the built environment: 

Alumasc Roofing, AWMS, Wade, Gatic, Timloc

   3.     The provision of bespoke architectural solutions: 

Levolux, Alumasc Roofing, Alumasc Facades, AWMS, Wade, Gatic

   4.     Process efficiency in building and construction: 

Levolux, Alumasc Facades, Timloc

In the first half of this financial year Alumasc Water Management Solutions and Timloc continued to outperform UK construction market growth and we anticipate that, with the benefit of projects in the order book and pipeline, Levolux, Alumasc Roofing and Gatic will recover their track record of doing so.

The Board has increasing confidence in the revenue and operating margin growth potential for Levolux, particularly the progress being achieved in its relatively new business streams in North America and for bespoke balconies and balustrading solutions in the UK, where enquiry and specification levels are advancing rapidly in both areas. We estimate that the size of the potential market that Levolux serves now exceeds GBP250 million, over four times the size of Levolux's original solar shading market in the UK. Consequently, we have decided to expand Levolux's sales representation in North America by 50% in the coming months, thereby accelerating investment in this area by a year compared with previous plans.

The acquisition of Wade, which has a strong presence in surface drainage both inside and outside buildings, will dovetail well with the roof drainage and through the building drainage strengths of AWMS, and with Gatic's civil drainage business which is targeted more at external, higher capacity applications including car parks, landscaped areas, ports and airports. With a strong presence in stainless steel drainage and a strong bespoking capability, Wade also extends Alumasc's reach into a wider range of end use markets including the food/catering and pharmaceuticals sectors and into export markets, particularly the Middle East.

Acquiring high quality businesses which complement and enhance the group's existing portfolio and which offer the opportunity to drive value enhancing synergies is a key element of Alumasc's strategy and Wade is an excellent example of this. The group will continue to explore opportunities and has the financial strength to pursue acquisitions where the rationale is compelling.

Operational review

Solar shading & architectural screening

Revenue: GBP11.3 million; (2016/17: GBP11.1 million)

Underlying operating profit: GBP0.7 million; (2016/17: GBP0.6 million)

Underlying operating margin: 6.5%; (2016/17: 5.7%)

After a slow start to the financial year, Levolux's trading momentum grew strongly in the second quarter resulting in a first half year result where revenues, profits and margins were all ahead of a year ago.

The business is benefiting from recent investments in UK and international sales resources, project and operations management capability and information technology to grow revenues, improve project execution efficiency and operating margins.

Levolux is now well placed to benefit increasingly from recent and expected order book growth in both the North American and Balconies and Balustrading businesses. This is anticipated to have a positive effect on margin development, including from currency translation benefits and further operational gearing. As described above, we are accelerating investment in people to seek to drive faster growth in North America. In the first-half of the current financial year, the value of quotations for new work in North America amounted to GBP25.8 million, compared with GBP9.1 million in the prior first half year.

Roofing & walling

Revenue: GBP15.7 million; (2016/17: GBP16.9 million)

Underlying operating profit: GBP0.8 million; (2016/17: GBP1.4 million)

Underlying operating margin: 5.3%; (2016/17: 8.2%)

After a strong start to the year, Alumasc Roofing's revenues for the half year were similar to the prior first half year, with a number of project delays experienced through the Autumn, including a large green roof project now expected to complete in the second half year. Building contractors are being cautious in pricing and committing to new work in view of industry wide installation labour constraints and cost inflation risks, leading to a number of delays, despite the underlying levels of demand evidenced by enquiry and specification levels remaining robust. The combination of project delays and cost inflation pressures impacted first half margins, and this is being addressed through a combination of selling price increases, purchasing and other cost savings. The business is well placed to supply a higher number of projects for roofing refurbishment work in the education sector than was the case a year ago, and this work is currently expected to commence in the final quarter of the financial year.

Revenues and profits at Alumasc Facades were significantly below prior half year levels, reflecting further reduced government funding for refurbishment projects and uncertainties across the wider industry following the Grenfell tower disaster. The business was restructured in July, saving GBP0.3 million p.a. in overhead costs. The sales team has been re-organised, particularly in England & Wales, to focus on driving specification sales working in conjunction with the technical sales team in our roofing business, in seeking to offset the lower level of government funding for refurbishment projects. Government funding support remains available in Scotland, however the phasing of the latest tranche of work is more second half biased this financial year. Therefore, we anticipate an uplift in the second half performance of this business.

Water management

Revenue: GBP15.5 million; (2016/17: GBP15.9 million)

Underlying operating profit: GBP1.5 million; (2016/17: GBP1.9 million)

Underlying operating margin: 9.7%; (2016/17: 11.6%)

UK revenues in AWMS grew ahead of UK construction market growth rates, benefiting from increased specification sales and system selling across the "rain to drain" range. The principal route to market for this business is via building distribution, where demand patterns have been more even and predictable than has been the case in other parts of the group where sales are made direct to building contractors.

Gatic's UK revenues fell below expectations due to project delays which, as with Alumasc Roofing, appears to have been at least in part attributable to the pace at which installing contractors were prepared to take on new work. After record export sales in the prior year, Gatic had an unusually quiet first half year for overseas work. Export specification levels remain buoyant and we are focused on converting these into further orders and sales in the second half year. However, any further significant project slippage in this area would present a risk to the group's full year performance expectations.

Divisional operating margins were impacted by a combination of the lower sales at Gatic and commodity and other input cost pressures across the division. The latter included the annualised effect of previously reported galvanised steel price rises in the prior year impacting Gatic that could not be recovered; the EU customs duty imposed effective August 2017 on certain of Gatic's imported cast iron products; higher aluminium costs; and currency-led inflation on imported materials.

Together with purchasing initiatives and internal efficiencies, AWMS should benefit from an increase in list prices effective 1 January 2018 and Gatic has also increased project pricing to recover the higher input costs. As was the case last year, we expect divisional profitability to improve in the second half year as a result.

Housebuilding & ancillary products

Revenue: GBP5.0 million; (2016/17: GBP4.4 million)

Underlying operating profit: GBP0.9 million; (2016/17: GBP0.7 million)

Underlying operating margin: 17.4%; (2016/17: 15.8%)

Timloc continues to outperform the growing UK new housebuilding market and again grew revenues and profits to new records, benefiting from continued excellent customer service levels and new products including the "Above the Roofline" range launched last year. Like AWMS, Timloc also sells principally via both national and independent builders merchants.

The excellent customer service record was maintained during a period where Timloc relocated from its two previous sites to a single, new build 85,000 sq ft leased factory in Howden in East Yorkshire, a couple of months ahead of schedule. This relocation will enable the business to further expand and will provide additional manufacturing capacity and flexibility.

Financial review

The group incurred a net cash outflow of GBP3.7 million in the six months to 31 December 2017 (GBP3.4 million outflow in the prior first half year), largely reflecting the usual seasonality of working capital movements, including a GBP0.6 million investment in inventory to mitigate cost inflationary pressures, and the GBP1.0 million year to date cash investment in the new Timloc factory.

As a result, the group's net cash resources at 31 December 2017 were GBP2.4 million (31 December 2016: GBP5.2 million, 30 June 2017: GBP6.1 million) and the rolling annual average ratio of trade working capital as a percentage of sales revenues increased to 12.3% compared with 10.4% a year ago. We expect this ratio to at least partly recover in the second half year in view of the anticipated phasing of group results and as the recent investment in inventories begins to unwind.

The group's post-tax pension liability remained unchanged at GBP17.1 million compared with 30 June 2017, with company cash contributions and income from investments offset by an actuarial loss of GBP1.4 million arising from a further reduction in AA corporate bond yields used to discount liabilities for future pension payments to present values. Shareholders' funds were GBP20.2 million at 31 December 2017 (30 June 2017: GBP20.4 million) with retained profits in the period more than offset by the pension scheme actuarial loss.

After the acquisition of Wade, Alumasc retains a strong balance sheet with headroom against its committed banking facilities.

Outlook and dividend

Group order books at 31 January 2018 remain healthy at GBP25.0 million (31 January 2017: GBP27.6 million).

Enquiries and specifications in the pre-order pipeline are buoyant across the group and continue to grow strongly at Levolux in particular.

When taken together, the factors set out in this statement suggest an overall outcome for the full year in line with previous expectations.

Alumasc's track record over recent years has been to deliver growth ahead of the UK construction market and the Board has confidence in the future growth prospects for the group, in view of:

   --      the strategic positioning of our businesses in specialist growth markets; 

-- the consistent investment over a number of years in growth resources and additional capacity;

   --      Levolux and Alumasc Water Management's potential to further develop export markets; and 
   --      the acquisition of Wade, a high quality business with development and synergy potential. 

Accordingly, the Board has decided to increase the interim dividend by 3.5% from 2.85 pence per share to 2.95 pence per share. This dividend will be paid on 6 April 2018 to shareholders on the register on 2 March 2018.

Paul Hooper, Chief Executive

1 February 2018

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

for the half year to 31 December 2017

 
                                                    Half year      Half year       Year 
                                                        to 31             to      to 30 
                                                     December    31 December       June 
                                                         2017           2016       2017 
                                                  (Unaudited)    (Unaudited)  (Audited) 
                                          Notes       GBP'000        GBP'000    GBP'000 
 
Revenue                                     5          47,773         50,743    104,761 
Cost of sales                                        (33,070)       (34,898)   (72,022) 
                                                  -----------   ------------  --------- 
Gross profit                                           14,703         15,845     32,739 
 
Net operating expenses                               (11,330)       (11,837)   (23,864) 
 
Operating profit                            5           3,373          4,008      8,875 
 
Finance expenses                            6           (334)          (403)      (752) 
                                                  -----------   ------------  --------- 
Profit before taxation                                  3,039          3,605      8,123 
 
Tax expense                                 7           (588)          (704)    (1,583) 
 
Profit for the period                                   2,451          2,901      6,540 
                                                  ===========   ============  ========= 
 Other comprehensive income: 
 
Items that will not be recycled 
 to profit or loss: 
  Actuarial loss on defined 
   benefit pensions, net of tax                       (1,158)        (1,613)      (792) 
                                                  -----------   ------------  --------- 
 
Items that are or may be recycled 
 subsequently to profit or 
 loss: 
  Effective portion of changes 
   in fair value of cash flow 
   hedges, net of tax                                      54           (16)        170 
  Exchange differences on retranslation 
   of foreign operations                                 (11)             41         34 
                                                           43             25        204 
 
Other comprehensive loss for 
 the period, net of tax                               (1,115)        (1,588)      (588) 
                                                  ===========   ============  ========= 
Total comprehensive profit 
 for the period, net of tax                             1,336          1,313      5,952 
                                                  ===========   ============  ========= 
 
Earnings per share:                                     Pence          Pence      Pence 
 
Basic earnings per share                   10             6.9            8.2       18.3 
                                                  ===========   ============  ========= 
 
Diluted earnings per share                 10             6.7            8.0       18.0 
                                                  ===========   ============  ========= 
 
 

Reconciliations of underlying to statutory profits and earnings per share are provided in notes 4 and 10 respectively.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

at 31 December 2017

 
                                      31 December    31 December      30 June 
                                             2017           2016         2017 
                                      (Unaudited)    (Unaudited)    (Audited) 
                                          GBP'000        GBP'000      GBP'000 
 Assets 
 Non-current assets 
 Property, plant and equipment              6,743          5,202        5,315 
 Goodwill                                  16,488         16,488       16,488 
 Other intangible assets                    2,286          2,459        2,364 
 Available-for-sale assets                      -             17           17 
 Deferred tax assets                        3,509          3,915        3,501 
                                    -------------  -------------  ----------- 
                                           29,026         28,081       27,685 
 Current assets 
 Inventories                               10,749         10,613       10,508 
 Trade and other receivables               18,870         20,803       22,459 
 Cash and cash equivalents                  5,344          6,109        9,014 
 Derivative financial assets                    4              -            - 
                                           34,967         37,525       41,981 
 
 Total assets                              63,993         65,606       69,666 
                                    -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 
 Liabilities 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Interest bearing loans and 
  borrowings                              (2,953)          (923)      (2,938) 
 Employee benefits payable               (20,639)       (23,031)     (20,596) 
 Provisions                                 (861)          (898)        (890) 
 Deferred tax liabilities                   (529)          (446)        (595) 
                                    -------------  -------------  ----------- 
                                         (24,982)       (25,298)     (25,019) 
 Current liabilities 
 Trade and other payables                (18,057)       (22,326)     (23,497) 
 Provisions                                 (166)          (514)        (157) 
 Corporation tax payable                    (539)          (534)        (494) 
 Derivative financial liabilities               -          (289)         (62) 
                                         (18,762)       (23,663)     (24,210) 
 
 Total liabilities                       (43,744)       (48,961)     (49,229) 
                                    -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 
 Net assets                                20,249         16,645       20,437 
                                    =============  =============  =========== 
 
 Equity 
 Called up share capital                    4,517          4,517        4,517 
 Share premium                                445            445          445 
 Capital reserve - own shares               (526)          (640)        (541) 
 Hedging reserve                                3          (237)         (51) 
 Foreign currency reserve                      73             91           84 
 Profit and loss account 
  reserve                                  15,737         12,469       15,983 
 Total equity                              20,249         16,645       20,437 
                                    =============  =============  =========== 
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

for the half year to 31 December 2017

 
                                                             Half 
                                                             year      Half year         Year 
                                                               to             to           to 
                                                      31 December    31 December      30 June 
                                                             2017           2016         2017 
                                                      (Unaudited)    (Unaudited)    (Audited) 
                                             Notes        GBP'000        GBP'000      GBP'000 
 Operating activities 
 Operating profit                                           3,373          4,008        8,875 
 Adjustments for: 
 Depreciation                                                 504            474          958 
 Amortisation                                                 186            206          425 
 Gain on disposal of property, 
  plant and equipment                                         (6)              -          (2) 
 Loss on disposal of business                                 218              -            - 
 Gain on disposal of available-for-sale 
  assets                                                    (426)              -            - 
 Increase in inventories                                    (650)          (375)        (270) 
 Decrease/(increase) in receivables                         2,778        (1,044)      (2,700) 
 Decrease in trade and other 
  payables                                                (5,262)        (3,098)      (1,994) 
 Movement in provisions                                      (20)          (130)        (585) 
 Cash contributions to retirement 
  benefit schemes                                         (1,601)        (1,542)      (3,200) 
 Share based payments                                           -             50          157 
                                                    -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 Cash (absorbed)/generated 
  by operating activities                                   (906)        (1,451)        1,664 
 
 Tax paid                                                   (392)          (201)        (800) 
 Net cash (outflow)/inflow 
  from operating activities                               (1,298)        (1,652)          864 
                                                    -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 
 Investing activities 
 Purchase of property, plant 
  and equipment                                           (1,784)          (476)        (909) 
 Payments to acquire intangible 
  fixed assets                                              (108)           (11)        (147) 
 Proceeds from sales of property, 
  plant and equipment                                           6              -            4 
 Net proceeds from sale of 
  business activity                                           677              -            - 
 Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale 
  assets                                                      443              -            - 
 Net cash outflow from investing 
  activities                                                (766)          (487)      (1,052) 
                                                    -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 
 Financing activities 
 Interest paid                                               (69)           (35)        (120) 
 Equity dividends paid                                    (1,538)        (1,349)      (2,368) 
 Draw down of amounts borrowed                                  -              -        1,000 
 Repayment of amounts borrowed                                  -        (1,000)            - 
 Exercise of share based 
  incentives                                                   12             51          116 
 Net cash outflow from financing 
  activities                                              (1,595)        (2,333)      (1,372) 
                                                    -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 
 Net decrease in cash and 
  cash equivalents                                        (3,659)        (4,472)      (1,560) 
 
 Net cash and cash equivalents 
  brought forward                                           9,014         10,540       10,540 
 Net decrease in cash and 
  cash equivalents                                        (3,659)        (4,472)      (1,560) 
 Effect of foreign exchange 
  rate changes                                               (11)             41           34 
 Net cash and cash equivalents 
  carried forward                               11          5,344          6,109        9,014 
                                                    =============  =============  =========== 
 
 
 
 
 
                             CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 
                                 for the half year to 31 December 2017 
 
                                                             Capital   Hedging     Foreign      Profit 
                                                             reserve              currency    and loss 
                                          Share    Share           -                           account 
                                        capital  premium  own shares   reserve     reserve     reserve    Total 
                                        GBP'000  GBP'000     GBP'000   GBP'000     GBP'000     GBP'000  GBP'000 
 
At 1 July 2017                            4,517      445       (541)      (51)          84      15,983   20,437 
Profit for the period                         -        -           -         -           -       2,451    2,451 
Exchange differences on retranslation 
 of foreign operations                        -        -           -         -        (11)           -     (11) 
Net gain on cash flow hedges                  -        -           -        66           -           -       66 
Tax on derivative financial 
 asset                                        -        -           -      (12)           -           -     (12) 
Actuarial loss on defined 
 benefit pension schemes, 
 net of tax                                   -        -           -         -           -     (1,158)  (1,158) 
Dividends                                     -        -           -         -           -     (1,538)  (1,538) 
Share based payments                          -        -           -         -           -           2        2 
Exercise of share based incentives            -        -          15         -           -         (3)       12 
At 31 December 2017                       4,517      445       (526)         3          73      15,737   20,249 
                                        =======  =======  ==========  ========  ==========  ==========  ======= 
                                                             Capital   Hedging     Foreign      Profit 
                                                             reserve              currency    and loss 
                                          Share    Share           -                           account 
                                        capital  premium  own shares   reserve     reserve     reserve    Total 
                                        GBP'000  GBP'000     GBP'000   GBP'000     GBP'000     GBP'000  GBP'000 
 
At 1 July 2016                            4,517      445       (931)     (221)          50      12,720   16,580 
Profit for the period                         -        -           -         -           -       2,901    2,901 
Exchange differences on retranslation 
 of foreign operations                        -        -           -         -          41           -       41 
Net loss on cash flow hedges                  -        -           -      (20)           -           -     (20) 
Tax on derivative financial 
 liability                                    -        -           -         4           -           -        4 
Actuarial loss on defined 
 benefit pension schemes, 
 net of tax                                   -        -           -         -           -     (1,613)  (1,613) 
Dividends                                     -        -           -         -           -     (1,349)  (1,349) 
Share based payments                          -        -           -         -           -          50       50 
Exercise of share based incentives            -        -         291         -           -       (240)       51 
At 31 December 2016                       4,517      445       (640)     (237)          91      12,469   16,645 
                                        =======  =======  ==========  ========  ==========  ==========  ======= 
 

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

for the half year to 31 December 2017

1. Basis of preparation

The condensed consolidated interim financial statements of The Alumasc Group plc and its subsidiaries have been prepared on the basis of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), as adopted by the European Union, that are effective at 31 December 2017.

The condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared using the accounting policies set out in the statutory accounts for the financial year to 30 June 2017 and in accordance with IAS 34 "Interim Financial Reporting".

The consolidated financial statements of the group as at and for the year ended 30 June 2017 are available on request from the company's registered office at Burton Latimer, Kettering, Northants, NN15 5JP or on the website www.alumasc.co.uk.

The comparative figures for the financial year ended 30 June 2017 are not the company's statutory accounts for that financial year but have been extracted from those accounts. Those accounts have been reported on by the company's auditors and delivered to the registrar of companies. The report of the auditors was (i) unqualified, (ii) did not include a reference to any matters to which the auditors drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their report, and (iii) did not contain a statement under section 498 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

The condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the half year ended 31 December 2017 are not statutory accounts and have been neither audited nor reviewed by the group's auditors. They do not contain all of the information required for full financial statements, and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the group as at and for the year ended 30 June 2017.

These condensed consolidated interim financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on

1 February 2018.

On the basis of the group's financing facilities and current financial plans and sensitivity analyses, the Board is satisfied that the group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for twelve months from the date of signing this report and accordingly continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing these condensed consolidated interim financial statements.

Update on new standards not yet applied

The group is currently assessing the impact that IFRS 9 'Financial Instruments', IFRS 15 'Revenue from Contracts with Customers' and IFRS 16 'Leases' will have on the group's revenue recognition, assets and liabilities. The ongoing assessment is consistent with that published in Report and Accounts 2017.

2. Estimates

The preparation of condensed consolidated interim financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amount of assets and liabilities, income and expense. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

Except as described below, in preparing these condensed consolidated interim financial statements, the significant judgements made by management in applying the group's accounting policies and the key sources of estimation uncertainty were the same as those that applied to the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 30 June 2017.

During the six months ended 31 December 2017, management reassessed and updated its estimates in respect of retirement benefit obligations based on market data available at 31 December 2017. The resulting impact was a GBP1.4 million pre-tax actuarial loss, calculated using IAS 19 conventions, recognised in the six month period to 31 December 2017.

3. Risks and uncertainties

A summary of the group's principal risks and uncertainties was provided on pages 26 and 27 of Alumasc's Report and Accounts 2017. The Board considers these risks and uncertainties remain relevant to the current financial year.

Specific risks and uncertainties relating to the group's performance in the second half year are:

- changes beyond Alumasc's control to the timing of large projects in all divisions, except Housebuilding & Ancillary Products, and in particular at Gatic within the Water Management division, could impact revenue and profit recognition; and

- changing environmental regulations could result in unexpected temporary supplier factory closures in China and this might affect the efficiency of our operations, particularly in the Water Management division.

4. Underlying to statutory profit reconciliation

 
                                  Half year  Half year 
                                      to 31      to 31   Year to 
                                   December   December   30 June 
Profit before tax                      2017       2016      2017 
                                    GBP'000    GBP'000   GBP'000 
 
 
Underlying profit before tax          3,530      4,082     9,011 
 
Less: Brand amortisation              (126)      (134)     (268) 
Less: IAS 19 net pension scheme 
 finance costs                        (250)      (343)     (620) 
Less: Loss on disposal of the 
 SCP business                         (218)          -         - 
Add: Profit on disposal of 
 available-for-sale assets              426          -         - 
Less: Timloc relocation costs         (323)          -         - 
Profit before tax                     3,039      3,605     8,123 
                                  =========  =========  ======== 
 
 
                                Half year  Half year 
                                    to 31      to 31   Year to 
                                 December   December   30 June 
Operating profit                     2017       2016      2017 
                                  GBP'000    GBP'000   GBP'000 
 
 
Underlying operating profit         3,614      4,142     9,143 
 
Less: Brand amortisation            (126)      (134)     (268) 
Less: Loss on disposal of the 
 SCP business                       (218)          -         - 
Add: Profit on disposal of 
 available-for-sale assets            426          -         - 
Less: Timloc relocation costs       (323)          -         - 
Operating profit                    3,373      4,008     8,875 
                                =========  =========  ======== 
 

In the presentation of underlying profits, management treats the amortisation of acquired brands and IAS 19 pension costs as non-underlying items because they are material non-cash and non-trading items that typically would be excluded in assessing the value of the business.

In addition, in 2017/18 management is presenting the following three items as non-underlying as they are non-recurring items that are significant enough to distort an understanding of the evolution of the underlying trading performance of the business:

- Loss on disposal of the Scaffold and Construction Products ("SCP") business, which was sold on 31 July 2017;

- Profit on disposal of the group's share of Amorim Isolamentos S.A, a previously available-for-sale asset; and

   -       Costs of relocating the Timloc business to new purpose built leased premises. 

5. Segmental analysis

In accordance with IFRS 8 Operating Segments, the segmental analysis below follows the group's internal management reporting structure.

Since the publication of Alumasc's 2017 Report and Accounts there has been a change to internal management reporting and responsibilities to the Chief Operating Decision Maker in respect of the Rainclear business, and therefore this business is now reported under the Water Management segment, previously it was reported in the Roofing & Walling segment. The segmental analysis of comparative data has been re-presented to reflect this change.

The group sold the SCP business on 31 July 2017 and as such revenues from this business (revenue of GBP288,000 (31 December 2016: GBP2,334,000; 30 June 2017: GBP4,223,000)) have been excluded from the segmental analysis below. The business operated at break-even levels in the year prior to its sale. This business was reported as part of the Roofing & Walling segment.

 
                                                                           Segmental 
                                                                           operating 
                                                                 Revenue      result 
                                        -------------------------------- 
                                        External  Inter-segment    Total 
                                         GBP'000        GBP'000  GBP'000     GBP'000 
Half Year to 31 December 
 2017 
 
Solar Shading & Architectural 
 Screening                                11,309              -   11,309         731 
Roofing & Walling                         15,689              -   15,689         825 
Water Management                          15,465             17   15,482       1,501 
Housebuilding & Ancillary 
 Products                                  5,022              -    5,022         876 
                                        --------  -------------  -------  ---------- 
Sub-total                                 47,485             17   47,502       3,933 
 
Inter-segment elimination/Unallocated 
 costs                                         -           (17)     (17)       (319) 
 
Total                                     47,485              -   47,485       3,614 
                                        ========  =============  =======  ========== 
 
 
                                              GBP'000 
 
Segmental operating result                      3,614 
Brand amortisation                              (126) 
Loss on disposal of the 
 SCP business                                   (218) 
Profit on disposal of available-for-sale 
 assets                                           426 
Timloc relocation costs                         (323) 
 
Total operating profit                          3,373 
                                              ======= 
 
 
                                                                           Segmental 
                                                                           operating 
                                                                 Revenue      result 
                                        -------------------------------- 
                                        External  Inter-segment    Total 
                                         GBP'000        GBP'000  GBP'000     GBP'000 
Half Year to 31 December 
 2016 
 
Solar Shading & Architectural 
 Screening                                11,144              -   11,144         631 
Roofing & Walling                         16,911              3   16,914       1,389 
Water Management                          15,942              -   15,942       1,851 
Housebuilding & Ancillary 
 Products                                  4,412              4    4,416         697 
                                        --------  -------------  -------  ---------- 
Sub-total                                 48,409              7   48,416       4,568 
 
Inter-segment elimination/Unallocated 
 costs                                         -            (7)      (7)       (426) 
 
Total                                     48,409              -   48,409       4,142 
                                        ========  =============  =======  ========== 
 
                                                                             GBP'000 
 
Segmental operating result                                                     4,142 
Brand amortisation                                                             (134) 
 
Total operating profit                                                         4,008 
                                                                          ========== 
                                                                           Segmental 
                                                                           operating 
                                                                 Revenue      result 
                                        -------------------------------- 
                                        External  Inter-segment    Total 
                                         GBP'000        GBP'000  GBP'000     GBP'000 
Full Year to 30 June 2017 
 
Solar Shading & Architectural 
 Screening                                24,399              -   24,399       1,989 
Roofing & Walling                         34,008             10   34,018       2,775 
Water Management                          32,573              -   32,573       4,112 
Housebuilding & Ancillary 
 Products                                  9,558              4    9,562       1,573 
                                        --------  -------------  -------  ---------- 
Sub-total                                100,538             14  100,552      10,449 
 
Inter-segment elimination/Unallocated 
 costs                                         -           (14)     (14)     (1,306) 
 
Total                                    100,538              -  100,538       9,143 
                                        ========  =============  =======  ========== 
 
                                                                             GBP'000 
 
Segmental operating result                                                     9,143 
Brand amortisation                                                             (268) 
 
Total operating profit                                                         8,875 
                                                                          ========== 
 
 

6. Finance expenses

 
                                                          Half year     Half year      Year 
                                                                 to            to        to 
                                                        31 December   31 December   30 June 
                                                               2017          2016      2017 
                                                            GBP'000       GBP'000   GBP'000 
 
 Finance costs - Bank overdrafts                                 11            12        39 
                         - Revolving credit facility             73            48        93 
                                                       ------------  ------------  -------- 
                                                                 84            60       132 
                         - IAS 19 net pension scheme 
                          finance costs                         250           343       620 
                                                                334           403       752 
                                                       ============  ============  ======== 
 

7. Tax expense

 
                                      Half year   Half year      Year 
                                          to 31       to 31     to 30 
                                       December    December      June 
                                           2017        2016      2017 
                                        GBP'000     GBP'000   GBP'000 
 
 Current tax: 
 UK corporation tax                         438         546     1,117 
 Overseas tax                                 -           -        11 
 Amounts over provided in previous 
  years                                       -           -      (22) 
 Total current tax                          438         546     1,106 
 
 Deferred tax: 
 Origination and reversal of 
  temporary differences                     150         198       478 
 Amounts under provided in 
  previous years                              -           -        78 
 Rate change adjustment                       -        (40)      (79) 
 Total deferred tax                         150         158       477 
 
 Total tax expense                          588         704     1,583 
                                     ----------  ----------  -------- 
 
 
 Tax recognised in other comprehensive 
  income: 
 Deferred tax: 
 Actuarial losses on pension 
  schemes                                 (238)   (50)     152 
 Cash flow hedges                            12    (4)      37 
 Tax (credited)/charged to 
  other comprehensive income              (226)   (54)     189 
 
 Total tax charge in the statement 
  of comprehensive income                   362    650   1,772 
                                         ======  =====  ====== 
 

8. Dividends

The directors have approved an interim dividend per share of 2.95p (2016/17: 2.85p) which will be paid on 6 April 2018 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 2 March 2018. The cash cost of the dividend is expected to be GBP1.1 million. In accordance with IFRS accounting requirements, as the dividend was approved after the balance sheet date, it has not been accrued in the interim consolidated financial statements. A final dividend per share of 4.3p in respect of the 2016/17 financial year was paid at a cash cost of GBP1.5 million during the six months to 31 December 2017.

9. Share Based Payments

During the period the group awarded 210,000 options (2016/17: 120,000) under the Executive Share Option Scheme ("ESOS"). These options have an exercise price of 173.5p and require certain criteria to be fulfilled before vesting. 20,000 existing options (2016/17: 40,000) were exercised during the period and 40,000 existing options lapsed (2016/17: 50,000).

Total awards granted under the group's Long Term Incentive Plans ("LTIP") amounted to 282,629 (2016/17: 256,299). LTIP awards have no exercise price but are dependent on certain vesting criteria being met. No existing LTIP awards were exercised during the period (2016/17: 154,661) and no existing LTIP awards lapsed (2016/17: 103,008).

10. Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the net profit for the period attributable to ordinary equity shareholders of the parent by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period.

Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing the net profit attributable to ordinary equity shareholders of the parent by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period, after allowing for the exercise of outstanding share options. The following sets out the income and share data used in the basic and diluted earnings per share calculations:

 
                                       Half        Half 
                                       year        year           Year 
                                      to 31       to 31             to 
                                   December    December        30 June 
                                       2017        2016           2017 
                                    GBP'000     GBP'000        GBP'000 
 
 Net profit attributable to 
  equity holders of the parent        2,451       2,901          6,540 
                                 ----------  ----------  ------------- 
 
 
                                            000s          000s           000s 
 
 Basic weighted average number 
  of shares                               35,772        35,577         35,663 
 Dilutive potential ordinary 
  shares - employee share options            694           535            556 
 Diluted weighted average 
  number of shares                        36,466        36,112         36,219 
                                    ============  ============  ============= 
 
 Calculation of underlying earnings per share: 
 
                                            Half          Half 
                                            year          year           Year 
                                           to 31         to 31             to 
                                        December      December        30 June 
                                            2017          2016           2017 
                                         GBP'000       GBP'000        GBP'000 
 
 Reported profit before taxation           3,039         3,605          8,123 
 Add: Brand amortisation                     126           134            268 
 Add: IAS 19 net pension scheme 
  finance costs                              250           343            620 
 Add: Loss on disposal of 
  the SCP business                           218             -              - 
 Less: Profit on disposal 
  of available-for-sale assets             (426)             -              - 
 Add: Timloc relocation costs                323             -              - 
 
 Underlying profit before 
  taxation                                 3,530         4,082          9,011 
 Tax at underlying group tax 
  rate of 19.8% 
  (2016/17 first half year: 
  20.6%; full year: 20.6%)                 (699)         (841)        (1,856) 
 Underlying profit after tax               2,831         3,241          7,155 
                                    ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 
 Weighted average number of 
  shares                                  35,772        35,577         35,663 
                                    ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 
 Underlying earnings per share              7.9p          9.1p          20.1p 
                                    ============  ============  ============= 
 

11. Movement in cash net of borrowings

 
                                     Cash and     Bank   Net cash 
                              bank overdrafts    loans 
                                      GBP'000  GBP'000    GBP'000 
 
At 1 July 2016                         10,540  (1,908)      8,632 
Cash flow movements                   (4,472)    1,000    (3,472) 
Non-cash movements                          -     (15)       (15) 
Effect of foreign exchange 
 rates                                     41        -         41 
 
At 31 December 2016                     6,109    (923)      5,186 
                             ================  =======  ========= 
 
 
                                     Cash and     Bank   Net cash 
                              bank overdrafts    loans 
                                      GBP'000  GBP'000    GBP'000 
 
At 1 July 2017                          9,014  (2,938)      6,076 
Cash flow movements                   (3,659)        -    (3,659) 
Non-cash movements                          -     (15)       (15) 
Effect of foreign exchange 
 rates                                   (11)        -       (11) 
 
At 31 December 2017                     5,344  (2,953)      2,391 
                             ================  =======  ========= 
 

12. Related party disclosure

The group has a related party relationship with its directors and with its UK pension schemes. There has been no material change in the nature of the related party transactions described in the Report and Accounts 2017. Related party information is disclosed in note 29 of that document.

13. Post balance sheet event

The group acquired Wade International Limited, a specialised drainage business, on 31 January 2018 for GBP8.0m on a cash/debt free basis. Further detail is given in the Chief Executive's interim statement.

Responsibility Statement

The Directors confirm that, to the best of their knowledge:

a) the condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 "Interim Financial Reporting" as adopted by the EU; and

b) the interim management report includes a fair review of the information required by:

-- DTR 4.2.7R of the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, being an indication of important events that have occurred during the first six months of the financial year and their impact on the condensed set of financial statements; and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year; and

-- DTR 4.2.8R of the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, being related party transactions that have taken place in the first six months of the current financial year and that have materially affected the financial position or performance of the group during that period; and any changes in the related party transactions described in the last annual report that could do so.

On behalf of the Board

   G P Hooper                                                           A Magson 
   Chief Executive                                                     Group Finance Director 

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

IR SDDFMFFASEFF

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

February 01, 2018 02:00 ET (07:00 GMT)

1 Year Alumasc Chart

1 Year Alumasc Chart

1 Month Alumasc Chart

1 Month Alumasc Chart

Your Recent History

Delayed Upgrade Clock