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AVON Avon Technologies Plc

1,412.00
-30.00 (-2.08%)
18 Mar 2025 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Avon Technologies Plc LSE:AVON London Ordinary Share GB0000667013 ORD #1
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  -30.00 -2.08% 1,412.00 1,410.00 1,416.00 1,430.00 1,412.00 1,430.00 55,923 16:28:03
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Rubber,plastics Hose & Belts 275M 3M 0.0991 142.48 436.32M

Final Results (7005W)

24/11/2010 7:00am

UK Regulatory


Avon Technologies (LSE:AVON)
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TIDMAVON

RNS Number : 7005W

Avon Rubber PLC

24 November 2010

Strictly embargoed until 07:00 24 November 2010

AVON RUBBER p.l.c. ("Avon", the "Group" or the "Company")

Unaudited results for the year ended 30 September 2010

 
                                                         30 Sep         30 Sep 
                                                           2010           2009 
                                                    GBPMillions    GBPMillions 
 REVENUE                                                  117.6          100.9 
 EARNINGS BEFORE INTEREST, TAXATION, 
 DEPRECIATION & AMORTISATION                               13.6           9.7* 
 OPERATING PROFIT                                           9.3           5.5* 
 PROFIT BEFORE TAX                                          7.1           4.4* 
 NET DEBT                                                  12.6           13.6 
 EARNINGS/(LOSS) PER SHARE: 
 Adjusted - excluding exceptional items and 
 amortisation of intangibles                              21.9p          14.5p 
 - excluding exceptional items                            15.2p           8.3p 
 Basic                                                    15.2p         (0.6)p 
 Dividend per share                                        1.5p              - 
 

* Excludes exceptional items of GBP2.5m in 2009

Highlights:

-- Operating profit (before exceptional items in 2009) growth of 68% to GBP9.3m in 2010.

-- Dividend reinstated reflecting business growth and confidence.

-- Reduction in interest payable of 36% from GBP1.5m to GBP1.0m.

-- No income statement exceptional items in 2010.

-- Cash generated from continuing operating activities (before exceptional items) of GBP13.1m (2009: GBP7.4m), representing 142% (2009: 135%) of operating profit.

-- New 3 year banking facilities agreed at a reduced cost.

-- Order intake in Protection & Defence of GBP61.7m (2009: GBP54.5m).

-- In Protection & Defence, non DoD C50 sales at a record level.

-- Return to profit of our fire business, ISI in 2010.

-- First Article Test approval for our new second filter line in Cadillac doubles our filter production capability.

-- Completion of the European dairy production outsourcing on time and to cost.

Commenting on the results, Peter Slabbert, Chief Executive said:

"This year has built on the turnaround achieved in 2009. Our strategy of remaining focused on both our rapidly growing Protection & Defence business and our more mature but high margin and cash generative Dairy business has proved successful. We expect the progress made in 2010 to continue and for operating margins to improve. Further penetration of our current and new markets and the introduction of new products will lay the foundation for additional growth. As a result of the Group's good progress, encouraging prospects and strong financial performance, the Board is recommending the resumption of the dividend."

For further enquiries, please contact:

 
 Avon Rubber p.l.c. 
 Peter Slabbert, Chief Executive                                020 7067 0700 
 Andrew Lewis, Group Finance Director                         (until 12 noon) 
                                                      From 1pm: 01225 896 831 
 Fiona Stewart, Corporate Communications Executive              01225 896 840 
 
 Weber Shandwick Financial 
 Nick Oborne                                                    020 7067 0700 
 Clare Thomas                                                   020 7067 0700 
 
 

An analyst meeting will be held at 10.30 am this morning at the offices of

Weber Shandwick Financial, Fox Court, 14 Gray's Inn Road, London, WC1X 8WS.

NOTES TO EDITORS: Avon Rubber p.l.c. is a world leader in the design, test and manufacture of advanced Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) respiratory protection solutions to the worlds military, law enforcement, first responder, emergency services, fire and industrial markets. Avon has a unique capability in CBRN protection based on a range of advanced CBRN technologies in respirator design, filtration and compressed air breathing apparatus. This enables Avon to develop specialised solutions that take full account of user requirements. Avon also owns a world leading dairy business manufacturing liners and tubing for the automated milking process. For further information please visit the Group's website www.avon-rubber.com

AVON RUBBER p.l.c.

INTRODUCTION

This year has built on the turnaround achieved in 2009. Revenues have grown by 17% (2009: 68%) and operating margins have increased by 2.4% to 7.9% with an operating profit of GBP9.3m (2009: GBP5.5m before exceptional items). Our strategy of remaining focused on both our rapidly growing Protection & Defence business and our more mature but high margin and cash generative Dairy business has proved successful. Protection & Defence is winning new customers at an increasing rate and, with the cash we are now generating and the debt capacity we now have, we have been able to increase our investment in both sales and marketing activities and new product development programmes laying the foundation for further growth. Our Dairy business now has an appropriate cost base through the outsourcing of European production and is gaining market share as it expands into new territories.

As a result of the Group's good progress, encouraging prospects and strong financial performance, the Board is recommending the resumption of the dividend.

GROUP RESULTS 2010 has been a year of advancement for Avon. Following the turnaround and return to profit in 2009, 2010 has seen substantial financial and operational progress.

The Group's key achievements in 2010 have been:-

0 Operating profit (before exceptional items in 2009) growth of 68% to GBP9.3m in 2010.

0 Dividend reinstated reflecting business growth and confidence.

0 Reduction in interest payable of 36% from GBP1.5m to GBP1.0m.

0 No income statement exceptional items in 2010.

0 Cash generated from continuing operating activities (before exceptional items) of GBP13.1m (2009: GBP7.4m), representing 142% (2009: 135%) of operating profit.

0 New 3 year banking facilities agreed at a reduced cost.

0 Order intake in Protection & Defence of GBP61.7m (2009: GBP54.5m).

0 In Protection & Defence, non DoD C50 sales at a record level.

0 Return to profit of our fire business, ISI in 2010.

0 First Article Test approval for our new second filter line in Cadillac doubles our filter production capability.

0 Completion of the European dairy production outsourcing on time and to cost.

Revenue increased by GBP16.7m (16.5%) to GBP117.6m (2009: GBP100.9m) with Protection & Defence up 18.5% from GBP76.1m to GBP90.2m and Dairy revenues up 10.5% from GBP24.8m to GBP27.4m. Although volatile during the year, the US $ average rate at $1.55 (2009: $1.54) has not had a material impact on the Group's results in 2010. The operating profit (before exceptional items in 2009) was GBP9.3m (2009: GBP5.5m) and earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation, amortisation and exceptional items (EBITDAE) was GBP13.6m (2009: GBP9.7m). This represents a return on sales (defined as EBITDAE divided by revenue) of 11.5% (2009: 9.6%). After net interest and other finance costs the profit before tax was GBP7.1m (2009: GBP1.9m after exceptional items). After tax, the profit for the year was GBP4.3m (2009: GBP0.1m loss).

SEGMENTAL PERFORMANCE

Protection & Defence The Protection & Defence business has seen revenues grow 18.5% from GBP76.1m to GBP90.2m. Operating profit grew by 46% to GBP6.5m (2009: GBP4.5m) and EBITDAE was GBP10.4m (2009: GBP7.9m), representing a return on sales (as defined above) of 11.5% (2009: 10.4%). Demand has remained stable on our long term sole source respirator contract with the US Department of Defense (DoD) and despite downward pressure on military budgets generally we expect spend on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the warfighter to remain stable. The consumable revenue stream associated with the supply of mask systems is growing as the logistics supply chain is stocked to support the issue of the new mask and we have successfully commissioned new filter manufacturing capacity to meet this. The DoD have indicated that the filter spares business will be opened to competition in future although the likelihood is that a second source of supply is still 1 to 2 years away. Avon will continue to supply the filters that are included with the mask system on a sole source basis. Expansion of our range of filters, including the capacity to manufacture legacy filters previously bought in, to fill any shortfall that this may cause is one of our development priorities in 2011.

UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) demand has held up but with the much delayed replacement GSR mask programme now approved, 2011 will, as expected, be the last year of supply for Avon's S10 mask. Growth in global demand for our new 50 series products is expected to offset this. Growth outside our core DoD and MoD customer base has been strong. Significant order wins from customers in Italy, Canada and Saudi Arabia announced at the half year have been augmented by further orders from Saudi Arabia and our first foreign military sale through the US DoD, both of which are for delivery in 2011 and should lead to an improved sales mix. We have also seen increased momentum in the homeland security market in the USA and have converted several lower value but strategically important new customers in markets around the world to Avon products which will drive further revenue growth.

There has been a significant turnaround at ISI with a return to profitability for the year as a whole after operating losses last year and in the first half of 2010. We have grown market share in a depressed fire services market in the US and exciting opportunities remain in the industrial and military markets for ISI's technology.

Avon Engineered Fabrications (AEF) had an excellent year, following the discontinuation of the disposal process, with demand for military fuel storage tanks higher than planned in year 2 of its 5 year supply contract. Resolution of our dispute with the prime contractor on this programme appears to be progressing towards a satisfactory conclusion.

Dairy

Revenues for the Dairy business were up 10.5% at GBP27.4m (2009: GBP24.8m) which generated an operating profit (before exceptional items in 2009) of GBP4.6m (2009: GBP3.0m). EBITDAE was GBP5.0m (2009: GBP3.5m) giving a return on sales (as defined above) of 18.3%, up from 14.1% in 2009.

The improved profitability in our Dairy business resulted from five main contributing factors:-

0 The recovery in the milk price, from the lows of mid 2009 to historical average levels, led to the consumption for our consumable product returning to more normal levels.

0 We completed the outsourcing of our European manufacturing operation on time and to cost and the benefits were delivered earlier than expected.

0 Our own brand Milk-Rite grew market share in both North America and Europe.

0 Operational efficiency improved at our North American production facility in Johnson Creek, Wisconsin.

0 The launch of the revolutionary vented liner in the final quarter was well received by the market.

Exceptional items

There were no exceptional items in 2010 (2009: GBP2.5m). The 2009 exceptional items related to the costs of the transfer of European Dairy production from the UK to the Czech Republic, offset by gains from the sale and leaseback of dairy production and distribution facilities in the USA.

Finance expenses

Net interest costs reduced to GBP1.0m (2009: GBP1.5m) reflecting reduced borrowings as we entered the year together with the lower cost of funding negotiated for 2010. Other (non cash) finance expenses associated with the Group's UK retirement benefit scheme and the unwinding of discount rates on provisions were GBP1.2m (2009: GBP0.4m income), the change being largely attributable to the lower discount rate which resulted from lower yields on AA corporate bonds and lower expected rates of return on assets used in the IAS19 calculation for 2010.

Taxation

The tax charge totalled GBP2.8m (2009: GBP2.0m) on a profit before tax of GBP7.1m (2009: GBP1.9m). In 2010 the Group paid tax in the US, but not in the UK due to brought forward tax losses. The effective tax rate for the period is 39% (2009: 108%). The adjusted effective tax rate is 34% (2009: 50%), defined as the tax charge divided by the profit before tax, excluding the charge/credit relating to other finance expense/income and exceptional items. The higher tax rate in 2009 was due to two factors: the exceptional item in respect of UK restructuring not giving rise to a tax deduction and the inability to recognise UK tax losses as a deferred tax asset. In 2010 the US federal tax rate was 34% and the Group's adjusted effective tax rate reflects the predominance of US revenues and earnings. Unrecognised deferred tax assets in respect of tax losses in the UK amount to GBP6.5m (2009: GBP8.5m).

Discontinued operations/assets held for sale

Discontinued operations in 2009 represented the Avon Engineered Fabrications business (AEF), held for sale at 30 September 2009. The divestment process was terminated during 2010 as a result of uncertainty created by a contractual dispute with one of AEF's major customers. This meant we were not able to conclude a transaction on satisfactory terms and AEF is therefore presented within continuing operations in the Protection & Defence segment. The 2009 comparative figures in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income and consolidated cashflow statement have been restated accordingly.

Earnings per share

The basic earnings per share were 15.2p (2009: 0.6p loss).

Adjusted earnings per share were 21.9p (2009: 14.5p). Adjusted earnings per share excludes the impact of amortisation of intangibles and exceptional items.

Net debt and cashflow

Net debt at the year end was GBP12.6m (2009: GBP13.6m). The Group's new borrowing facilities, finalised on 30 September 2010, are in place for at least 3 years and comprise revolving credit facilities of $30.5m and GBP5m and are at lower rates that will reduce the overall cost of borrowing.

In the year we invested GBP5.6m (2009: GBP3.6m) in fixed assets and new product development, particularly in the Protection & Defence business where the addition of a second filter line in Cadillac, at a cost of GBP3m, doubled filter production capacity. The line achieved US DoD First Article Test approval late in the financial year and is now therefore capable of delivering filters to the DoD.

We also concluded the sale and leaseback of our Cadillac facility for $2.6m (GBP1.7m), the proceeds,which equated to book value, being used to reduce debt. This completes the two year programme of sale and leaseback transactions the Group has undertaken in 2009 and 2010.

Continuing operating activities before exceptional items generated cash of GBP13.1m (2009: GBP7.4m), representing 142% of operating profit (2009: 135%). Strong management of inventory and receivables meant we only needed to invest GBP0.3m in working capital to support revenue growth. The trade working capital to revenue ratio was 14.6% (2009: 14.8%).

UK RETIREMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS

The pension deficit, as measured under IAS 19, associated with the Group's UK retirement benefit obligations has reduced from GBP8.4m at 30 September 2009 to GBP6.3m at 30 September 2010. The reduction has been a result of an increase in asset values, offset by a lower discount rate assumption based on AA corporate bond rates.

In respect of the 31 March 2009 triennial actuarial valuation the Company has reached an agreement with the pension scheme Trustee, although this remains subject to approval by the Pensions Regulator. The valuation shows the scheme to be 91.4% funded and as such the Company and the Trustee have had to agree a deficit recovery plan.

The plan covers a ten year period and in the next three years the Company has agreed to pay deficit recovery contributions of GBP0.3m, GBP0.4m and GBP0.5m. In addition the Company has agreed that the payment of a dividend to shareholders would trigger further payments linked to the amount of dividend paid, but up to a maximum of GBP0.4m in any one pension scheme financial year. This compares to GBP0.3m additional contributions which have been made in each of 2008, 2009 and 2010. The subsequent years show escalating payments, also partially linked to dividends, up to a maximum of GBP1.3m in the tenth year. A further triennial valuation will be undertaken as at 31 March 2012 when the funding level and the recovery plan will be reviewed.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Intangible assets totalling GBP8.8m (2009: GBP9.9m) form a significant part of the balance sheet as we invest in new product development. This can be seen from our expanding product range, particularly respiratory protection products. The annual charge for amortisation of intangible assets was GBP1.9m (2009: GBP1.8m).

Our product development efforts have continued in both divisions. In Protection & Defence we have received NIOSH (US) and CE (European) product approvals for our FM53 mask and our ST53 multi--role breathing apparatus in both short and long--duration configurations. Our total investment in research and development (capitalised and expensed) amounted to GBP2.3m of which GBP1.2m was customer funded.

In Dairy we have launched a new concept vented liner and have started to expand our product range under the Milk--Rite brand beyond liners and tubing into non-rubber goods such as pulsators and claws.

We expect to see the benefits of these efforts, which underpin the long term prosperity of the Group, in our 2011 financial year. DIVIDENDS The improved profitability, cash generation, new banking facilities, agreement of a deficit recovery plan with the pension scheme Trustee and the confidence the Board has in the Group's ability to continue to grow mean that the Board is pleased to propose the resumption of a dividend to shareholders in the form of a 1.5p per share 2010 final dividend.

OPPORTUNITIES

Whilst pleased with the improved performance by the Group in the year, we believe that it still does not reflect a high enough return from the excellent businesses that we have. We can still become more operationally effective through better supply chain and logistics management and process risk reduction. We will get new products to market more quickly and effectively. Management is giving priority to both of these areas.

OUTLOOK

We expect the progress made in 2010 to continue and for operating margins to improve further. Lower interest costs should also have a positive effect on earnings.

The Dairy business will benefit from a full year's impact of the European outsourcing completed during 2010 and relatively stable and benign market conditions. We expect to see a full year's benefit from the recovery in trading at ISI, greater filter volumes with our increased capacity and the significant investment we have made in our sales activities, ahead of the revenue curve, to yield improved margins in our Protection business. Further penetration of our current and new markets and the introduction of new products will lay the foundation for additional growth.

Peter Slabbert Andrew Lewis

Chief Executive Group Finance Director

24 November 2010 24 November 2010

 
 Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive 
  Income 
 for the year ended 30 September 2010                          2010       2009 
                                                    Note    GBP'000    GBP'000 
-------------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
 Revenue                                             2      117,574    100,900 
 Cost of sales                                             (89,256)   (76,524) 
-------------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
 Gross profit                                                28,318     24,376 
 Distribution costs                                         (4,527)    (4,795) 
 Administrative expenses                                   (14,536)   (16,607) 
-------------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
 Operating profit                                    2        9,255      2,974 
-------------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
 
 Operating profit is analysed as: 
 Before depreciation, amortisation and 
  exceptional items                                          13,577      9,660 
 Depreciation and amortisation                              (4,322)    (4,151) 
-------------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
 Operating profit before exceptional items                    9,255      5,509 
 Exceptional operating items                         3            -    (2,535) 
-------------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
 
 Finance income                                                  16         33 
 Finance costs                                                (985)    (1,539) 
 Other finance (expense)/income                             (1,152)        394 
-------------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
 Profit before taxation                                       7,134      1,862 
 Taxation                                            4      (2,808)    (2,004) 
-------------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
 Profit/(loss) for the year                                   4,326      (142) 
 
 Other comprehensive income 
 Actuarial gain/(loss) recognised in retirement 
  benefit schemes                                             2,315   (53,051) 
 Movement on deferred tax relating to retirement 
  benefit schemes                                                 -     12,158 
 Net exchange differences offset in reserves                     28      1,049 
-------------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
 Other comprehensive income/(expense) for the 
  year, net of taxation                                       2,343   (39,844) 
--------------------------------------------------------             --------- 
 Total comprehensive income/(expense) for 
  the year                                                    6,669   (39,986) 
-------------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
 
 Profit/(loss) attributable to: 
 Owners of the parent                                         4,326      (183) 
 Non-controlling interest                                         -         41 
-------------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
                                                              4,326      (142) 
-------------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
 Total comprehensive income/(expense) 
 attributable to: 
 Owners of the parent                                         6,669   (40,027) 
 Non-controlling interest                                         -         41 
-------------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
                                                              6,669   (39,986) 
-------------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
 
 Earnings/(loss) per share                           5 
 Basic                                                        15.2p     (0.6)p 
 Diluted                                                      14.4p     (0.6)p 
 
 
 Consolidated Balance Sheet 
 at 30 September 2010                                      2010       2009 
                                                Note    GBP'000    GBP'000 
---------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
 Assets 
 Non-current assets 
 Intangible assets                                        8,794      9,936 
 Property, plant and equipment                           16,968     15,263 
---------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
                                                         25,762     25,199 
---------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
 Current assets 
 Inventories                                             11,525      9,528 
 Trade and other receivables                             14,540     12,614 
 Derivative financial instruments                           113          - 
 Cash and cash equivalents                       7          577      1,041 
---------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
                                                         26,755     23,183 
 Assets classified as held for sale                           -      4,914 
                                                         26,755     28,097 
---------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
 
 Liabilities 
 Current liabilities 
 Borrowings                                      7            -     14,697 
 Trade and other payables                                15,664     16,196 
 Provisions for liabilities and charges                   1,622      2,578 
 Current tax liabilities                                    886        673 
---------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
                                                         18,172     34,144 
 Liabilities directly associated with assets 
  classified as held for sale                                 -      1,832 
---------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
                                                         18,172     35,976 
---------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
 
 Net current assets/(liabilities)                         8,583    (7,879) 
---------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Borrowings                                      7       13,166          - 
 Deferred tax liabilities                                 2,517      1,833 
 Retirement benefit obligations                           7,134      9,152 
 Provisions for liabilities and charges                   2,751      4,071 
---------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
                                                         25,568     15,056 
---------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
 Net assets                                               8,777      2,264 
---------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
 
 Shareholders equity 
 Ordinary shares                                         30,723     29,141 
 Share premium account                                   34,708     34,708 
 Capital redemption reserve                                 500        500 
 Translation reserve                                          7       (21) 
 Retained earnings                                     (57,161)   (62,103) 
---------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
 Equity shareholders' funds                               8,777      2,225 
 Non-controlling interest in equity                           -         39 
---------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
 Total equity                                             8,777      2,264 
---------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
 
 
 Consolidated Cash Flow Statement 
 for the year ended 30 September 2010                           2010      2009 
                                                      Note   GBP'000   GBP'000 
---------------------------------------------------  -----  --------  -------- 
 Cash flows from operating activities 
---------------------------------------------------  -----  --------  -------- 
 Cash generated from continuing operating 
  activities prior to the effect of exceptional 
  items                                                6      13,105     7,449 
 Cash effect of exceptional items                            (1,186)   (1,688) 
---------------------------------------------------  -----  --------  -------- 
 Cash generated from continuing operations                    11,919     5,761 
 Cash used in discontinued operations                        (2,052)   (2,614) 
---------------------------------------------------  -----  --------  -------- 
 Cash generated from operations                        6       9,867     3,147 
 Finance income received                                          16        33 
 Finance costs paid                                            (768)   (1,582) 
 Tax paid                                                    (1,787)     (282) 
                                                            --------  -------- 
 Net cash generated from operating activities                  7,328     1,316 
---------------------------------------------------  -----  --------  -------- 
 Cash flows from investing activities 
 Proceeds from sale of operations                                  -     2,050 
 Acquisition of subsidiaries - deferred 
 consideration                                               (1,291)         - 
 Proceeds from sale of property, plant and 
  equipment                                                    1,668     4,798 
 Purchase of property, plant and equipment                   (5,384)   (2,684) 
 Purchase of intangible assets                                 (645)     (884) 
---------------------------------------------------  -----  --------  -------- 
 Net cash (used in)/generated from investing 
  activities                                                 (5,652)     3,280 
---------------------------------------------------  -----  --------  -------- 
 Cash flows from financing activities 
 Net movements in loans                                          612   (6,005) 
 Dividends paid to non-controlling interests                   (298)     (283) 
 Purchase of own shares                                        (267)         - 
                                                                      -------- 
 Net cash generated from/(used in) from financing 
  activities                                                      47   (6,288) 
---------------------------------------------------  -----  --------  -------- 
 
 Net increase/(decrease) in cash, cash equivalents 
  and bank overdrafts                                  7       1,723   (1,692) 
 Cash, cash equivalents and bank overdrafts 
  at beginning of the year                             7     (1,090)       414 
 Effects of exchange rate changes                      7        (56)       188 
--------------------------------------------------- 
 Cash, cash equivalents and bank overdrafts 
  at end of the year                                   7         577   (1,090) 
---------------------------------------------------  -----  --------  -------- 
 
 
 Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 
  for the year ended 30 September 2010 
                                                                         Equity   Non-controlling 
                       Share     Share      Other   Accumulated   shareholders'          Interest 
                     capital   premium   reserves        losses           funds         in equity      Total 
                     GBP'000   GBP'000    GBP'000       GBP'000         GBP'000           GBP'000    GBP'000 
------------------  --------  --------  ---------  ------------  --------------  ----------------  --------- 
 As 1 October 2008    29,141    34,708      (570)      (21,175)          42,104               563     42,667 
 Profit/(loss) for 
  the year                 -         -          -         (183)           (183)                41      (142) 
 Unrealised 
  exchange 
  differences on 
  overseas 
  investments              -         -      1,049             -           1,049                 -      1,049 
 Actuarial loss 
  recognised in 
  retirement 
  scheme                   -         -          -      (53,051)        (53,051)                 -   (53,051) 
 Movement on 
  deferred tax 
  relating to 
  retirement 
  benefit 
  obligations              -         -          -        12,158          12,158                 -     12,158 
------------------  --------  --------  ---------  ------------  --------------  ----------------  --------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income/(expense) 
  for the year             -         -      1,049      (41,076)        (40,027)                41   (39,986) 
 Dividend approved 
  in general 
  meeting                  -         -          -             -               -             (565)      (565) 
 Movement in 
  respect of 
  employee share 
  scheme                   -         -          -           148             148                 -        148 
 
 At 30 September 
  2009                29,141    34,708        479      (62,103)           2,225                39      2,264 
 Profit for the 
  year                     -         -          -         4,326           4,326                 -      4,326 
 Unrealised 
  exchange 
  differences on 
  overseas 
  investments              -         -         28             -              28                 -         28 
 Actuarial gain 
  recognised in 
  retirement 
  scheme                   -         -          -         2,315           2,315                 -      2,315 
------------------  --------  --------  ---------  ------------  --------------  ----------------  --------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income for the 
  year                     -         -         28         6,641           6,669                 -      6,669 
 New shares issued     1,582         -          -             -           1,582                 -      1,582 
 Dividend approved 
  in general 
  meeting                  -         -          -             -               -              (39)       (39) 
 Purchase of 
  shares by the 
  employee benefit 
  trust                    -         -          -       (1,849)         (1,849)                 -    (1,849) 
 Movement in 
  respect of 
  employee share 
  schemes                  -         -          -           150             150                 -        150 
 At 30 September 
  2010                30,723    34,708        507      (57,161)           8,777                 -      8,777 
------------------  --------  --------  ---------  ------------  --------------  ----------------  --------- 
 

NOTES TO THE PRELIMINARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Basis of preparation

(a) These financial results do not comprise statutory accounts for the year ended 30 September 2010 within the meaning of Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. Those financial statements have not yet been delivered to the Registrar, nor have the auditors reported on them. Statutory accounts for the year ended 30 September 2009 were approved by the Board of Directors on 19 January 2010 and delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The report of the auditors on those accounts was unqualified, did not contain an emphasis of matter paragraph and did not contain any statement under Section 498 of the Companies Act 2006.

(b) This financial information has been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards and International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) interpretations as adopted by the European Union (collectively 'IFRSs') and with those parts of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS.

(c) The 30 September 2009 Statement of Comprehensive Income and Consolidated Cash Flow Statement have been restated to reflect the Avon Engineered Fabrications business as continuing operations.

(d) Certain statements in this announcement constitute forward-looking statements. Any statement in this announcement that is not a statement of historical fact including, without limitation, those regarding the Company's future expectations, operations, financial performance, financial condition and business is a forward-looking statement. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. These risks and uncertainties include, among other factors, changing economic, financial business or other market conditions. These and other factors could adversely affect the outcome and financial effects of the plans and events described in this announcement and the Company undertakes no obligation to update its view of such risks and uncertainties or to update the forward-looking statements contained herein. Nothing in this announcement should be constructed as a profit forecast.

2. Segmental analysis

Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision-maker, who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating segments, this has been identified as the Board of Directors and the Group executive team.

The Group has two clearly defined business segments, Protection & Defence and Dairy, and operates out of the UK and the USA.

 
 Year ended 30 September 
 2010 
                              Protection 
                               & Defence       Dairy   Unallocated       Group 
                                GBP000's    GBP000's      GBP000's    GBP000's 
 Revenue                          90,167      27,407             -     117,574 
---------------------------  -----------  ----------  ------------  ---------- 
 
 Segment result before 
  depreciation and 
  amortisation                    10,414       5,023       (1,860)      13,577 
 Depreciation of property, 
  plant and equiptment           (2,017)       (377)          (28)     (2,422) 
 Amortisation of 
  intangibles                    (1,882)         (9)           (9)     (1,900) 
---------------------------  -----------  ----------  ------------  ---------- 
 Segment result                    6,515       4,637       (1,897)       9,255 
 Finance income                                                 16          16 
 Finance cost                                                (985)       (985) 
 Other finance expense                                     (1,152)     (1,152) 
---------------------------  -----------  ----------  ------------  ---------- 
 Profit before taxation            6,515       4,637       (4,018)       7,134 
 Taxation                                                  (2,808)     (2,808) 
---------------------------  -----------  ----------  ------------  ---------- 
 Profit for the year               6,515       4,637       (6,826)       4,326 
---------------------------  -----------  ----------  ------------  ---------- 
 
 Profit attributable to 
 non-controlling interest                                                    - 
 Profit attributable to 
  equity shareholders                                                    4,326 
---------------------------  -----------  ----------  ------------  ---------- 
 
 Segment assets                   42,673       7,185         2,659      52,517 
---------------------------  -----------  ----------  ------------  ---------- 
 Segment liabilities              10,176       2,673        30,891      43,740 
---------------------------  -----------  ----------  ------------  ---------- 
 
 Other segment items 
 Capital expenditure 
            - intangible 
             assets                  639           6             -         645 
            - property, 
             plant and 
             equipment             4,387         489            58       4,934 
 
 
 Year ended 30 September 2009 
 
                                Protection 
                                         & 
                                   Defence      Dairy   Unallocated      Group 
                                  GBP000's   GBP000's      GBP000's   GBP000's 
-----------------------------  -----------  ---------  ------------  --------- 
 Revenue                            76,107     24,793                  100,900 
-----------------------------  -----------  ---------  ------------  --------- 
 
 Segment result before 
  depreciation, amortisation 
  and exceptional items              7,939      3,490       (1,769)      9,660 
 Depreciation of property, 
  plant and equipment              (1,732)      (467)         (167)    (2,366) 
 Amortisation of intangibles       (1,758)        (3)          (24)    (1,785) 
-----------------------------  -----------  ---------  ------------  --------- 
 Segment result before 
  exceptional items                  4,449      3,020       (1,960)      5,509 
 Exceptional items                       -    (2,535)             -    (2,535) 
-----------------------------  -----------  ---------  ------------  --------- 
 Segment result after 
  exceptional items                  4,449        485       (1,960)      2,974 
 Finance income                                                  33         33 
 Finance costs                                              (1,539)    (1,539) 
 Other finance income                                           394        394 
-----------------------------  -----------  ---------  ------------  --------- 
 Profit before taxation              4,449        485       (3,072)      1,862 
 Taxation                                                   (2,004)    (2,004) 
-----------------------------  -----------  ---------  ------------  --------- 
 Profit/(loss) for the year          4,449        485       (5,076)      (142) 
 
 Profit attributable to 
  non-controlling interest                                                  41 
 Loss attributable to equity 
  shareholders                                                           (183) 
-----------------------------  -----------  ---------  ------------  --------- 
 
 Segment assets                     44,603      6,715         2,249     53,567 
-----------------------------  -----------  ---------  ------------  --------- 
 Segment liabilities                12,526      6,034        32,743     51,303 
-----------------------------  -----------  ---------  ------------  --------- 
 
 Other segment items 
 Capital expenditure 
            - intangible 
             assets                    846         21             -        867 
            - property, plant 
             and equipment           2,544        412            82      3,038 
 
 
 Geographical segments by origin 
 Year ended 30 September 2010 
                                                UK        USA      Group 
                                          GBP000's   GBP000's   GBP000's 
---------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Revenue                                    15,141    102,433    117,574 
 Segment assets                             11,510     41,007     52,517 
 Capital expenditure - property, plant 
  and equipment                                461      4,473      4,934 
 - intangible assets                           175        470        645 
---------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 
 Year ended 30 September 2009                   UK        USA      Group 
                                           GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000 
---------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Revenue                                    12,495     88,405    100,900 
 Segment assets                             10,072     43,495     53,567 
 Capital expenditure - property, plant 
  and equipment                                459      2,579      3,038 
 - intangible assets                           357        510        867 
---------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 

3. Exceptional operating items

 
 The exceptional operating items comprise:               2010      2009 
                                                      GBP'000   GBP'000 
---------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Relocation of European Dairy production to 
  the Czech Republic                                        -   (5,557) 
 Profit on sale and leaseback of freehold property          -     3,022 
---------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Exceptional operating items                                -   (2,535) 
---------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 

In the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the exceptional items are included within administrative expenses.

4. Taxation

The split of the tax charge between UK and overseas is as follows:

 
                                                         2010       2009 
                                                      GBP'000    GBP'000 
--------------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 Overseas current tax                                   2,031      1,197 
 Overseas adjustment in respect of previous 
  periods                                                  11      (193) 
 Deferred tax - current year                              777         78 
 Deferred tax - adjustment in respect of previous 
  periods                                                (11)        922 
--------------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 Tax charge                                             2,808      2,004 
--------------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 

5. Earnings/(loss) per share

Basic earnings/(loss) per share is calculated by dividing the earnings/(loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year, excluding those held in the employee share ownership trust. The company has dilutive potential ordinary share in respect of the Sharesave Option Scheme and the Performance Share Plan. Adjusted earnings per share adds back to profit the effect of exceptional items and the amortisation of intangible assets.

Reconciliations of the earnings and weighted average number of shares used in the calculations are set out below.

 
                                                                2010      2009 
--------------------  --------  -------  --------  --------  -------  -------- 
 Weighted average number of ordinary shares in 
  issue used in basic calculation (thousands)                 28,460    28,474 
 Potentially 
  dilutive shares 
  (weighted 
  average)                                                     1,659       972 
--------------------  --------  -------  --------  --------  -------  -------- 
 Fully diluted number of ordinary 
  shares (thousands)                                          30,119    29,446 
---------------------------------------  --------  --------  -------  -------- 
 
                                   2010      2010               2009      2009 
                                  Basic   Diluted              Basic   Diluted 
                          2010      eps       eps      2009      eps       eps 
                       GBP'000    pence     pence   GBP'000    pence     pence 
--------------------  --------  -------  --------  --------  -------  -------- 
 Profit/(loss) 
  attributable to 
  equity 
  shareholders of 
  the Company            4,326     15.2      14.4     (183)    (0.6)     (0.6) 
 Exceptional items           -                        2,535 
--------------------  --------  -------  --------  --------  -------  -------- 
 Profit excluding 
  exceptional item       4,326     15.2      14.4     2,352      8.3       8.0 
 Amorisation of 
  intangible assets      1,900                        1,785 
--------------------  --------  -------  --------  --------  -------  -------- 
 Profit excluding 
  exceptional items 
  and amortisation 
  of intangible 
  assets                 6,226     21.9      20.7     4,137     14.5      14.0 
--------------------  --------  -------  --------  --------  -------  -------- 
 

6. Cash generated from operations

 
                                                 2010      2009 
                                              GBP'000   GBP'000 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Continuing operations 
 Profit/(loss) for the year                     4,326     (142) 
 Adjustments for: 
 Tax                                            2,808     2,004 
 Depreciation                                   2,422     2,366 
 Difference between pension charge and 
  cash contributions                            (516)   (1,113) 
 Amortisation of intangibles                    1,900     1,785 
 Finance income                                  (16)      (33) 
 Finance costs                                    985     1,539 
 Other finance expense/(income)                 1,152     (394) 
 Profit on disposal of property, plant 
  and equipment                                   (1)   (2,088) 
 Loss on disposal of intangible assets             12        20 
 Movement in respect of employee share 
  scheme                                          150       148 
 Decrease in inventories                          347     1,198 
 Decrease/(increase) in receivables               183   (2,011) 
 (Decrease)/increase in payables and 
  provisions                                  (1,833)     2,482 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Cash generated from continuing operations     11,919     5,761 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
 Analysed as: 
 Cash generated from continuing activities 
  prior to the 
 effect of exceptional operating items         13,105     7,449 
 Cash effect of exceptional operating 
  items                                       (1,186)   (1,688) 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
 Discontinued operations 
 Decrease in payables and provisions          (2,052)   (2,614) 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Cash used in discontinued operations         (2,052)   (2,614) 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Cash generated from operations                 9,867     3,147 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 

Cash flows relating to the discontinued operations are as follows:

 
                                            2010      2009 
                                         GBP'000   GBP'000 
--------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Cash flows from operating activities    (2,052)   (2,614) 
 Cash flows from investing activities          -     2,050 
 Cash used in discontinued operations    (2,052)     (564) 
--------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 

7. Analysis of net debt

This note sets out the calculation of net debt, a measure considered important in explaining our financial position.

 
                     At 1                                Exchange   At 30 Sept 
                 Oct 2009   Reclassified   Cash flow    Movements         2010 
                 GBP000's       GBP000's    GBP000's     GBP000's     GBP000's 
-------------  ----------  -------------  ----------  -----------  ----------- 
 Cash at bank 
  and in 
  hand              1,041              9       (473)            -          577 
 Cash 
  included in 
  assets held 
  for sale              9            (9)           -            -            - 
 Overdrafts       (2,140)              -       2,196         (56)            - 
-------------  ----------  -------------  ----------  -----------  ----------- 
 Net cash and 
  cash 
  equivalents     (1,090)              -       1,723         (56)          577 
 Debt due 
  within 1 
  year           (12,557)         13,166       (612)            3            - 
 Debt due 
  over 1 
  year                  -       (13,166)           -            -     (13,166) 
                 (13,647)              -       1,111         (53)     (12,589) 
-------------  ----------  -------------  ----------  -----------  ----------- 
 

On 30 September 2010 the Group agreed new bank facilities with Barclays Bank and Comerica Bank. The Barclays facility comprises a revolving credit facility of GBP5m and $15.5m and expires in 30 March 2014. The Comerica facility is a $15m revolving credit facility and expires on 30 September 2013. These facilities are priced on average at the appropriate currency LIBOR plus a margin of 2% and include financial covenants which are measured on a quarterly basis. The Group was in compliance with it's financial covenants during 2010.

8. Dividends

After the balance sheet date the Board of Directors proposed a final dividend of 1.5p per qualifying ordinary share, which will absorb an estimated GBP430,000 of shareholders' funds. Subject to shareholder approval, the dividend will be paid on 8 April 2011 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 11 March 2011. In accordance with IFRS the dividend has not been provided for and there are no corporation tax consequences.

9. Annual Report & Accounts

Copies of the directors' report and the audited financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2010 will be posted to shareholders who have elected to receive a copy and may also be obtained from the Company's registered office at Hampton Park West, Semington Road, Melksham, Wiltshire, SN12 6NB, England. (Telephone +44 (0)1225 896871). Full audited financial statements will be available on the Company's website at www.avon-rubber.com.

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

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