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CARR Carr's Group Plc

133.75
3.75 (2.88%)
26 Apr 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Carr's Group Plc LSE:CARR London Ordinary Share GB00BRK01058 ORD 2.5P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  3.75 2.88% 133.75 132.50 135.00 135.00 132.00 132.00 91,702 16:35:22
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Animal Specialties, Nec 196.43M -226k -0.0024 -562.50 127.1M

Carr's Group PLC Final Results (2416W)

13/11/2017 7:00am

UK Regulatory


Carr's (LSE:CARR)
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From Apr 2019 to Apr 2024

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TIDMCARR

RNS Number : 2416W

Carr's Group PLC

13 November 2017

 
   13 November 2017 
 

CARR'S GROUP PLC ("Carr's" or the "Group")

FULL YEAR RESULTS

"Foundations for growth"

Carr's (CARR.L), the fully-listed Agriculture and Engineering Group, announces results for the year ended 2 September 2017.

Financial highlights (continuing operations)

   --     Revenue up 9.9% to GBP346.2m (2016: GBP314.9m) 
   --     EBITDA down 18.8% to GBP13.4m (2016: GBP16.5m) 
   --     Underlying operating profit(1)  down 28.5% to GBP9.3m (2016: GBP13.0m) 
   --     Reported operating profit down 38.3% to GBP7.9m (2016: GBP12.8m) 
   --     Underlying profit before taxation(1) down 20.2% to GBP11.4m (2016: GBP14.3m) 
   --     Reported profit before taxation down 29.0% to GBP10.0m (2016: GBP14.1m) 
   --     Basic EPS down 28.0% to 7.7p (2016: 10.7p) 
   --     Adjusted(1) EPS down 18.3% to 8.9p (2016: 10.9p) 

-- Proposed final dividend of 2.1p resulting in a total for the year up 5.3% to 4.0p (2016: 3.8p), excluding the special dividend of 17.54p paid in October 2016

   --     Capital expenditure of GBP3.9m during the year 
   --     Net debt of GBP14.1m at the year-end (2016: net cash of GBP8.1m) 

Key Points

-- Agriculture operating profit before amortisation of intangible assets and non-recurring items (excluding contribution from associate and JVs) down 17.2% to GBP8.6m (2016: GBP10.4m), due to a weaker performance primarily during H1 in the USA (detailed in our 30 March 2017 Trading Update). Agriculture revenue up 10.9% to GBP315.9m (2016: GBP284.8m) due to increased sales volumes and higher raw material costs.

   --     Profit from associates and joint ventures up 35.2% to GBP2.8m (2016: GBP2.1m). 

-- Overall profit from Agriculture (including associate and joint ventures) down 8.3% to GBP11.4m (2016: GBP12.5m).

-- USA Agriculture recovery commenced in H2 and is expected to continue through the current financial year. Improved farmer confidence evident in the UK.

-- Engineering operating profit before amortisation of intangible assets and non-recurring items (excluding contribution from associate) down 74.2% to GBP0.7m (2016: GBP2.6m) due to a major contract delay (detailed in our 30 March 2017 Trading Update) and certain short term, low margin contracts in UK manufacturing. Divisional revenue up 0.7% to GBP30.4m (2016: GBP30.1m).

-- Delayed major Engineering contract commenced during H2 and will be delivered throughout the current financial year. Strong pipeline of current and potential contracts across Engineering businesses.

Chris Holmes, Chairman, said: "While 2017 was a challenging year, impacted by external market conditions, we made significant investment and progress towards achieving our strategic objectives. During the year we invested in the acquisition of two engineering businesses, STABER GmbH in Germany and NuVision Engineering, Inc. in the USA. In our Agriculture division, we invested in our new low moisture feed block plant in Tennessee, USA and, since the financial year end, in the acquisition of Pearson Farm Supplies Limited.

"Trading in the new financial year has started well and remains in line with the Board's expectations. We believe that the investments we have made in acquisitions and research across both our divisions have laid a solid foundation for sustained growth and remain confident in the outlook for the Group."

Enquiries:

 
   Carr's Group plc 
    Tim Davies (Chief Executive 
    Officer) 
    Neil Austin (Group Finance 
    Director)                                     01228 554 600 
 
   Powerscourt                                    020 7250 1446 
    Nick Dibden                     carrs@powerscourt-group.com 
    Lisa Kavanagh 
 

Notes to Editors

Carr's is an international leader in manufacturing value added products and solutions with market leading brands and robust market positions in the Agriculture and Engineering sectors. The Group offers a range of services including the manufacturing and supply of feed blocks for livestock, farm machinery, a UK network of rural stores, and robotic and remote handling equipment, with a facility footprint spanning the UK, Europe and North America, supplying customers in over 50 countries around the world.

For further information, please visit: www.carrsgroup.com

Chairman's Statement

Review of the Year

The financial year ended 2 September 2017 was a challenging year as the Group's financial performance was impacted by external factors affecting both divisions which were highlighted in our trading update on 20 July 2017. Despite this, the year was also one of investment and significant progress towards achieving the Group's strategic objectives.

In our Agriculture division, while the UK business benefited from a recovery in farmgate milk prices and consequently improved farmer confidence, sales volumes in our USA feed block business were affected throughout the year by lower cattle prices. This was partially mitigated by a gradual recovery in the second half which has continued into the new financial year. In October 2017 we completed the acquisition of Pearson Farm Supplies Ltd in line with our strategy of strengthening our presence in current locations.

With the backdrop of this recovering USA trading environment, the strategic investment made in our new low moisture feed block plant in Tennessee, USA will provide us with access to new geographic markets in the Eastern and South Eastern states of the USA. The plant is expected to be completed before the end of December 2017 and following this the Group will have comprehensive coverage of all the major cattle areas in the USA.

In our Engineering division, we suffered a significant setback during the year as a result of a delay to the commencement of a major contract and the poor profitability of certain other contracts during the period. As previously disclosed in our trading update on 20 July 2017, the delayed contract has now been signed and work has begun which will continue throughout the current and into the next financial year.

During the year we also invested in the acquisition of two engineering businesses. In October 2016 we acquired a German family-owned engineering business, STABER GmbH, which designs and develops specialised technology and is highly complementary to Wälischmiller, our German remote handling business. Since its acquisition, STABER has been integrated with Wälischmiller and we are investing in the extension of our premises in Markdorf, Germany to consolidate both operations into one site and provide additional efficiency, flexibility and capacity.

In August 2017 we announced the acquisition of NuVision Engineering Inc., a world renowned technology and engineering company based in the USA, specialising in the supply of products and services to the nuclear industry. The acquisition will provide the Group with a foothold into new major nuclear markets and the opportunity to market Wälischmiller products in the USA. In addition, we have continued to invest in extending our reach into new markets, particularly China, where significant opportunities lie in the supply chain as part of the country's increased development and investment in the nuclear power market.

We have also increased the strength and depth of our management team in the Engineering division through the appointment of a Divisional Managing Director who will oversee and coordinate the businesses in the UK, Germany and the USA.

In total, the Group has invested up to GBP24.3 million in expanding its USA feed block operations and in growing the Engineering division through acquisitions which take the Group into new geographic markets, provide additional capabilities, and support our growth ambitions. We therefore remain confident in the future prospects of both divisions.

Financial Review

Revenue for the year increased by 9.9% to GBP346.2 million (2016: GBP314.9 million). Operating profit before amortisation of intangible assets and non-recurring items was down 28.5% to GBP9.3 million (2016: GBP13.0 million), with Agriculture contributing GBP8.6 million (2016: GBP10.4 million) and Engineering GBP0.7 million (2016: GBP2.6 million).

The contribution from associates and joint ventures was up 35.2% at GBP2.8 million (2016: GBP2.1 million).

The Group incurred a number of non-recurring items in the year, totalling GBP1.3 million. This included acquisition costs of GBP1.4 million, primarily related to the acquisitions of NuVision and STABER, and a net credit relating to Chirton Engineering of GBP0.4 million. The net credit comprised an exceptional credit of GBP2.1 million for contingent consideration no longer payable and an impairment charge against the associated goodwill of GBP1.7 million. There was also a loss of GBP0.2 million on the disposal of an old, unutilised Agriculture site and restructuring costs of GBP0.1 million.

Reported operating profit after amortisation of intangible assets and non-recurring items was down 38.3% at GBP7.9 million (2016: GBP12.8 million).

Profit before tax before amortisation of intangible assets and non-recurring items was down 20.2% to GBP11.4 million (2016: GBP14.3 million), and reported profit before tax was down 29.0% at GBP10.0 million (2016: GBP14.1 million). Basic earnings per share were down by 28.0% to 7.7 pence (2016 continuing operations: 10.7 pence), with fully diluted earnings per share of 7.6 pence (2016 continuing operations: 10.5 pence) and adjusted earnings per share, excluding amortisation of intangible assets and non-recurring items, of 8.9 pence (2016 continuing operations: 10.9 pence).

Net debt at 2 September 2017 was GBP14.1 million (2016: net cash of GBP8.1 million). The movement included GBP13.2 million generated from operations, GBP14.3 million used for acquisitions and capital expenditure, and GBP19.5 million paid in dividends.

Dividend

The Board is proposing a final dividend of 2.1 pence per ordinary share, which together with the two interim dividends of 0.95 pence per ordinary share paid on 12 May 2017 and 6 October 2017, make a total of 4.0 pence per share for the year (2016: 3.8 pence per share) excluding the special dividend of 17.54 pence per share paid in October 2016. The final dividend, if approved by the Shareholders, will be paid on 12 January 2018, to Shareholders on the register on close of business 15 December 2017, and the shares will go ex-dividend on 14 December 2017.

Board composition and corporate governance

In line with our commitment to continual improvements in corporate governance, during the year we engaged Independent Audit Limited, a leading specialist in corporate governance, to conduct an external evaluation of the effectiveness of the Board and its Committees. That review concluded that the Board and its Committees were functioning well and noted that improvements had been made since the previous external review which we carried out in 2013. It also made a number of further recommendations which the Board has already begun to work towards implementing. The Board remains firmly committed to good governance.

Some changes have been made this year to the composition of the Board's Committees and to the Group's Remuneration Policy in light of feedback received from shareholders and investor reporting bodies following our 2016 Annual Report. We always welcome the views of all Carr's Group plc stakeholders, particularly where it can lead to improvements in our governance framework.

Full details of our approach to Corporate Governance, the independent review undertaken during 2017 and our policy on continued improvement will be set out in our Annual Report and Accounts.

Outlook

The Group remains focused on delivering its stated strategic objectives of investing in both its people and its asset base whilst continuing to drive product innovation and deliver growth, both organically and by acquisition, across our two divisions.

The outlook for UK agriculture remains positive with farm incomes continuing to improve in the near term. Additionally, we continue to see a gradual improvement in cattle prices in the USA, resulting in improved feed block volumes, which is expected to continue.

In Engineering, the difficulties in our UK business largely caused by a significant contract delay have been addressed and, with the beneficial effects of other contract wins and strengthened management, we expect to see a significant improvement in the year ahead. The recent acquisitions enhance the depth of our offering and provide further opportunities to drive growth. We are also encouraged by the opportunities apparent within our Engineering division, particularly in China and the USA.

Looking further ahead, it remains unclear what the UK's terms of exit from the European Union will look like. However, the Board will continue to monitor the position closely and ensure that the Group is well positioned to respond to any challenges that may arise.

Overall, trading in the new financial year has started well and in line with the Board's expectations, with a particularly good start to the year in our USA feed block business and strong order books across the Engineering division. We believe that with the investments made in acquisitions and research during the year in both Agriculture and Engineering, we have laid a solid foundation for sustained growth and are confident in the outlook for the Group.

Chris Holmes DL

Chairman

Chief Executive's Review

Despite difficult market conditions and a disappointing performance in our UK Manufacturing business, we have continued to invest in our business, which is consistent with our vision to be recognised as a truly international business at the forefront of innovation and technology across Agriculture and Engineering.

Agriculture

The Agriculture division has experienced a challenging year. Lower farming profits in the USA, resulting from lower cattle prices, impacted sales volumes of our feed blocks. However, this was partially offset by a recovery in UK agriculture as farmgate milk prices and farmer confidence improved.

Feed blocks

In the USA, pressure from lower cattle prices impacted our feed block business, with sales volumes, including joint ventures, down 4.1% year on year. As anticipated, the second half of the year saw the beginning of a recovery, resulting in volumes being marginally ahead of previous expectations. This gradual recovery is expected to continue in the current year.

Our new low moisture feed block plant in Tennessee is expected to be fully operational by the end of December 2017, providing access to new markets across the Eastern and South Eastern states of the USA and providing additional capacity as the market recovery continues.

UK feed blocks performed well, demonstrating the strength of our brands, despite milder spring weather conditions which caused a slowdown in the second half.

Overall, feed block sales were down 2.1% on last year.

We continue to develop opportunities to expand geographically. In South America, our trials at FAI Farms (a commercial research institute in Brazil) and the Instituto de Zootecnia near Ribeirao Preto, São Paulo State are progressing well. Completion of the trials is expected in the current financial year and initial results are encouraging. In New Zealand we have incorporated a subsidiary company and established a direct sales operation distributing to farmers through key merchants as we make progress towards establishing our feed block products in this important market.

Investment in research in all our territories continues as we demonstrate the continued value of our existing brands such as Crystalyx(R) and Smartlic(R) as well as the introduction of new products, such as FlaxLic(R) and Megastart(R). The continued investment in research which confirms the efficacy of our products is the foundation for the success of our feed block business globally, and sets us apart from our competitors.

UK Agriculture

The recovery we witnessed in the first half in UK Agriculture continued into the second half with manufactured feed volumes, which includes compound feed and blends, increasing 10.9% year on year, against a national market rise of 6.6%(2) . This is a strong performance which demonstrates the value we bring to our customers. On 5 June 2017 we acquired the trade and assets of Mortimer Feeds, a feed merchant business operating principally in Cheshire. This acquisition adds incremental feed volumes, converts some existing merchant business into direct sales, and is in line with our strategy of strengthening our presence in current locations and leading in dairy nutrition.

The retail business has delivered another strong performance, with the country store network across Northern England and Southern Scotland reporting an increase of 0.8% in like-for-like sales and a 2.2% increase in total sales following the opening of Penicuik, East Midlothian in December 2016 and the acquisition of Horse and Pet Warehouse Ltd, Ayr in March 2017.

On 31 October 2017 we acquired the entire issued share capital of Pearson Farm Supplies Ltd, an agricultural retail business with locations across Yorkshire, Lancashire and North West Wales. This will significantly expand our customer base, bring together key people and provide key synergies across the Group. The acquisition takes our total retail footprint to 43 locations.

The strategy for the retail business remains the expansion of our geographic reach into adjacent territories, redeveloping existing facilities and expanding our product offering to meet the needs of our customers, particularly those located in rural communities. As part of our strategy, we continue to ensure that our retail stores have the best possible locations alongside livestock auction markets and in key agricultural locations.

In addition, we had a strong performance in agricultural machinery where sales achieved a record level, increasing 27.8% year on year. New tractor sales were up 42% year on year against a market increase of 21% and our market share for key brands increased by 3% to 19%.

The oil distribution business saw sales volumes decline 3.5%, which was a resilient performance given the mild weather conditions, with ambient temperatures during winter and spring higher than the prior year. Our continued good performance can be attributed to our product offer and excellent levels of customer service.

Agriculture Outlook

Farmer confidence has returned during the year as a result of the increase in farmgate milk prices and improved revenues from beef and sheep leading to a recovery in farm incomes. We expect farm incomes to continue to improve throughout the current financial year.

The uncertainty following the outcome from the EU referendum remains, particularly relating to the future of the single farm payment and support for UK farmers. However, in the short-term UK livestock and dairy prices have responded positively due to a number of factors, including the devaluation of sterling.

The division is well placed both operationally and geographically to adapt to future market conditions whilst continuing to support the needs of our farming customers.

Engineering

The Engineering division had a disappointing year with a poor performance in UK Manufacturing due largely to a delayed contract. Despite this, the division made significant strategic progress with the highlights being the acquisition and integration of STABER into our remote handling business and the acquisition of NuVision. This takes the business into new markets in the USA, increases the focus on nuclear and its adjacent markets, and brings new technology and capabilities to the Group.

UK Manufacturing

Revenues declined in the year as a result of the contract delay in the first half of the year. As announced on 30 March 2017, efforts to mitigate the effects of that delay were only partially successful. The impact of the reduction in revenues, together with poor margins on work completed during the year, largely as a result of the continuing pressures in the oil and gas markets, resulted in a loss in our UK Manufacturing business.

We have strengthened the management team in the UK Manufacturing business in the final quarter of the financial year. Also, we were pleased to report on 20 July 2017 that the delayed contract had been signed. This will be delivered throughout the current financial year and into the next financial year. Additionally, work within the Sellafield Vessels and Tanks Category Management Framework is expected to commence during the current financial year. This contract, with a value of GBP48m at the time of the tender, secures design and manufacturing services relating to Sellafield's highest complexity vessels for a 10 year period. This underpins the growth and development of our UK Manufacturing business over the medium and long term.

The Group's focus on the nuclear industry has continued although, as previously reported, the pivot by part of the manufacturing business away from oil and gas to nuclear and its adjacent markets, including defence, has been slower than initially anticipated due to the aforementioned contract delay.

The UK nuclear industry has benefited from the Government's commitment to both the ongoing decommissioning process and the future construction of new nuclear power facilities. Consequently, the division is seeing an increase in the level of activity and engagement with the new build sector and is establishing itself as a strategically relevant partner to the international effort behind the new build programme.

USA Engineering

On 7 August 2017, we announced the acquisition of USA based engineering business NuVision Engineering, Inc., which operates from locations in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Charlotte, North Carolina. The Group acquired the company for an initial consideration of $11.5m (GBP8.8m), before adjustments for working capital, and a total consideration of up to $20m (GBP15.4m) dependent upon future financial performance. NuVision is recognised internationally as a leading technology and engineering solutions business specialising in supplying products and services at nuclear and power plant facilities, government waste remediation facilities and in waste clean-up programmes.

The acquisition provides a strong foothold into USA nuclear markets and will enable significant revenue synergies with the Group's existing engineering businesses, including the opportunity to market Wälischmiller's products in the USA. NuVision is already a key supplier under a major nuclear contract being delivered by the UK Manufacturing business.

Remote Handling

During the year the remote handling business performed ahead of the Board's expectations with high levels of activity, particularly in relation to the manufacturing of products for the Chinese market. Furthermore, the order book is at its highest level for several years.

In January 2017 we were notified that the Group had won the tender for the supply of a number of manipulators, including three A1000s, 36 A100s and four A200s, into China. Manufacturing commenced during the second half of the year and continues in the current financial year. This is particularly encouraging given the significant increase in the planning and construction of new nuclear power plants and forms part of the Chinese Government's strategic plan to remove its current reliance on coal generated power. As part of that plan, power companies are mandated to include remote handling capability within the design of a new nuclear power station in order for it to be able to handle waste and potential future decommissioning requirements.

During the year it was confirmed by Statoil that funding would continue to be supplied for the Demo 2000 project which involves the development of a lightweight Telbot(R) especially for use on oil and gas platforms and which is designed to reduce risk and downtime during tank inspections.

On 24 October 2016 we acquired STABER GmbH, one of the primary suppliers to Wälischmiller, our German remote handling business, including all of its associated technology for a total cash consideration of EUR7.9m (GBP6.98m). STABER and Wälischmiller have been working together closely for over 50 years and its acquisition will help drive efficiencies and profitability within the division.

The first stage of integrating STABER into Wälischmiller has been successfully completed, with key personnel being retained and working together effectively, and the extension of the premises in Markdorf, Germany is underway. This will provide additional flexibility and capacity, and consolidates both operations into one facility which will complete the integration process and be of significant benefit.

Following the acquisition of NuVision in August 2017, which has its own range of heavy-duty manipulators, the Group has one of the most technologically advanced ranges of remote handling equipment in the world.

Management

To maximise opportunities and synergies following the strategic progress made during the year, we have strengthened the management in the Engineering division through the appointment of a Divisional Managing Director to oversee Engineering operations across the Group.

Engineering Outlook

We continue to invest in the ongoing development of our products and services within the Engineering division to ensure that they remain at the forefront of innovation and technology. When combined with our existing decommissioning portfolio and strong pipeline of current and potential contracts, the Group is well positioned to benefit from future opportunities and developments, particularly in the nuclear sector where our reputation as a premium supplier of high integrity equipment is already well established.

Tim Davies

Chief Executive Officer

13 November 2017

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

for the year ended 2 September 2017

 
                                          Note                 2017                2016 
                                                            GBP'000             GBP'000 
 Continuing operations 
  Revenue                                   2               346,224             314,907 
 Cost of sales                                            (307,543)           (273,712) 
 
 Gross profit                                                38,681              41,195 
 
 Distribution costs                                        (16,391)            (15,975) 
 Administrative expenses                                   (14,413)            (12,450) 
 
 
 Group operating profit (before 
  amortisation and non-recurring 
  items)                                                      9,278              12,982 
 Amortisation and non-recurring 
  items                                    3                (1,401)               (212) 
 
 
 Group operating profit                    2                  7,877              12,770 
 
 Finance income                                                 176                 236 
 Finance costs                                                (864)             (1,009) 
 Share of post-tax profit in 
  associates                                                  1,609               1,239 
 Share of post-tax profit in 
  joint ventures                                              1,204                 842 
 
 
 Profit before taxation (before 
  amortisation and non-recurring 
  items)                                                     11,403              14,290 
 Amortisation and non-recurring 
  items                                    3                (1,401)               (212) 
 
 
 Profit before taxation                    2                 10,002              14,078 
 
 Taxation                                  4                (1,707)             (2,907) 
 
 Profit for the year from continuing 
  operations                                                  8,295              11,171 
 
 Discontinued operations 
 Profit for the year from discontinued 
  operations                               5                      -               2,817 
 
 Profit for the year                                          8,295              13,988 
                                                ===================  ================== 
 
 Profit attributable to: 
 Equity shareholders                                          7,005              12,455 
 Non-controlling interests                                    1,290               1,533 
 
                                                              8,295              13,988 
                                                =================== 
 
 Basic earnings per ordinary 
  share (pence) 
 Profit from continuing operations                            7.7                 10.7 
 Profit from discontinued operations                              -                 3.1 
                                                -------------------  ------------------ 
                                           6                  7.7                 13.8 
                                                ===================  ================== 
 
 Diluted earnings per ordinary 
  share (pence) 
 Profit from continuing operations                            7.6                 10.5 
 Profit from discontinued operations                              -                 3.0 
                                                -------------------  ------------------ 
                                                              7.6                 13.5 
                                                ===================  ================== 
 Adjusted earnings per ordinary 
  share (pence) 
 Profit from continuing operations                            8.9                 10.9 
 Profit from discontinued operations                              -                 3.1 
                                                -------------------  ------------------ 
                                           6                  8.9                 14.0 
                                                ===================  ================== 
 

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

for the year ended 2 September 2017

 
                                                                 2017        2016 
                                                              GBP'000     GBP'000 
 
 Profit for the year                                            8,295      13,988 
                                                             --------  ---------- 
 
 Other comprehensive income/(expense) 
 
 Items that may be reclassified 
  subsequently to profit or loss: 
  - Foreign exchange translation 
   gains arising on 
   translation of overseas subsidiaries                         1,835       2,860 
  - Net investment hedges                                        (70)         687 
  - Taxation credit/(charge) 
   on net investment hedges                                        14       (137) 
 
 Items that will not be reclassified 
  subsequently to profit or 
  loss: 
     - Actuarial gains/(losses) 
     on retirement benefit 
      asset/obligation: 
      - Group                                                   4,951     (2,725) 
      - Share of associate                                      1,070     (1,216) 
 
            - Taxation (charge)/credit 
            on actuarial gains/(losses) 
             on retirement benefit asset/obligation: 
             - Group                                            (842)         490 
             - Share of associate                               (211)         205 
 
 Other comprehensive income 
  for the 
  year, net of tax                                              6,747         164 
                                                             --------  ---------- 
 
 Total comprehensive income 
  for the year                                                 15,042      14,152 
                                                             ========  ========== 
 
 Total comprehensive income 
  attributable to: 
 
 Equity shareholders                                           13,752      12,619 
 
 Non-controlling interests                                      1,290       1,533 
 
                                                               15,042      14,152 
                                                             ========  ========== 
 
 

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

as at 2 September 2017

 
 
                                             2017       2016 
                                          GBP'000    GBP'000 
 Assets 
 Non-current assets 
 Goodwill                                  24,241     11,440 
 Other intangible assets                    2,266        286 
 Property, plant and equipment             37,149     35,811 
 Investment property                          176        182 
 Investment in associates                  11,443      8,667 
 Interest in joint ventures                 6,590      6,257 
 Other investments                             73         72 
 Financial assets 
        - Non-current receivables             762         50 
 Retirement benefit asset                   5,209        311 
 
                                           87,909     63,076 
                                       ----------  --------- 
 Current assets 
 Inventories                               37,023     33,423 
 Trade and other receivables               59,723     56,940 
 Current tax assets                           485        303 
 Financial assets 
        - Derivative financial                 13          - 
         instruments 
        - Cash and cash equivalents        23,887     48,411 
                                       ----------  --------- 
                                          121,131    139,077 
                                       ----------  --------- 
 
 Total assets                             209,040    202,153 
                                       ----------  --------- 
 
 Liabilities 
 Current liabilities 
 Financial liabilities 
      - Borrowings                       (17,060)   (21,642) 
      - Derivative financial 
       instruments                           (18)       (20) 
 Trade and other payables                (56,008)   (46,823) 
 Current tax liabilities                    (632)      (470) 
                                       ----------  --------- 
                                         (73,718)   (68,955) 
                                       ----------  --------- 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Financial liabilities 
      - Borrowings                       (20,966)   (18,625) 
 Deferred tax liabilities                 (4,010)    (1,817) 
 Other non-current liabilities            (4,423)    (2,668) 
                                       ----------  --------- 
                                         (29,399)   (23,110) 
                                       ----------  --------- 
 
 Total liabilities                      (103,117)   (92,065) 
                                       ----------  --------- 
 
 Net assets                               105,923    110,088 
                                       ==========  ========= 
 
 
 Shareholders' equity 
 Share capital                    2,285     2,280 
 Share premium                    9,130     9,111 
 Other reserves                  80,067    85,340 
                                         -------- 
 Total shareholders' equity      91,482    96,731 
 Non-controlling interests       14,441    13,357 
                               --------  -------- 
 Total equity                   105,923   110,088 
                               ========  ======== 
 
 

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

for the year ended 2 September 2017

 
                                           Treasury         Equity    Foreign                                       Total                  Non- 
                        Share      Share      Share   Compensation   Exchange      Other    Retained                Shareholders'   controlling 
                      Capital    Premium    Reserve        Reserve    Reserve    Reserve    Earnings                Equity            Interests      Total 
                      GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000        GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000     GBP'000                GBP'000             GBP'000    GBP'000 
                    ---------  ---------  ---------  -------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ---------------------------  ------------  --------- 
 At 30 
  August 
  2015                  2,244      8,615          -          1,138      (515)        862      74,706                       87,050        11,913     98,963 
                    ---------  ---------  ---------  -------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ---------------------------  ------------  --------- 
 Profit 
  for the 
  Year                      -          -          -              -          -          -      12,455                       12,455         1,533     13,988 
 Other 
  comprehensive 
  income/(expense)          -          -          -              -      3,410          -     (3,246)                          164             -        164 
                    ---------  ---------  ---------  -------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ---------------------------  ------------  --------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income                    -          -          -              -      3,410          -       9,209                       12,619         1,533     14,152 
 Dividends 
  paid                      -          -          -              -          -          -     (3,347)                      (3,347)             -    (3,347) 
 Equity-settled 
  share-based 
  payment 
  transactions, 
  net of 
  tax                       -          -          -          (432)          -          -         321                        (111)            15       (96) 
 Allotment 
  of shares                36        496          -              -          -          -           -                          532             -        532 
 Purchase 
  of own 
  shares 
  held in 
  trust                     -          -       (12)              -          -          -           -                         (12)             -       (12) 
 Dissolution 
  of dormant 
  subsidiaries              -          -          -              -          -          -           -                            -         (104)      (104) 
 Transfer                   -          -          4              -          -      (655)         651                            -             -          - 
 
 
   At 3 September 
   2016                 2,280      9,111        (8)            706      2,895        207      81,540                       96,731        13,357    110,088 
                    =========  =========  =========  =============  =========  =========  ==========  ===========================  ============  ========= 
 
 At 4 September 
  2016                  2,280      9,111        (8)            706      2,895        207      81,540                       96,731        13,357    110,088 
                    ---------  ---------  ---------  -------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ---------------------------  ------------  --------- 
 Profit 
  for the 
  Year                      -          -          -              -          -          -       7,005                        7,005         1,290      8,295 
 Other 
  comprehensive 
  income                    -          -          -              -      1,779          -       4,968                        6,747             -      6,747 
                    ---------  ---------  ---------  -------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ---------------------------  ------------  --------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income                    -          -          -              -      1,779          -      11,973                       13,752         1,290     15,042 
 Dividends 
  paid                      -          -          -              -          -          -    (19,467)                     (19,467)         (245)   (19,712) 
 Equity-settled 
  share-based 
  payment 
  transactions, 
  net of 
  tax                       -          -          -          (320)          -          -         766                          446            39        485 
 Allotment 
  of shares                 5         19          -              -          -          -           -                           24             -         24 
 Purchase 
  of own 
  shares 
  held in 
  trust                     -          -        (4)              -          -          -           -                          (4)             -        (4) 
 Transfer                   -          -         12              -          -        (2)        (10)                            -             -          - 
 
 At 2 September 
  2017                  2,285      9,130          -            386      4,674        205      74,802                       91,482        14,441    105,923 
                    =========  =========  =========  =============  =========  =========  ==========  ===========================  ============  ========= 
 

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

for the year ended 2 September 2017

 
                                       Note         2017        2016 
                                                 GBP'000     GBP'000 
 Cash flows from operating 
  activities 
 Cash generated from continuing 
  operations                            7         15,094       6,257 
 Interest received                                   175         155 
 Interest paid                                     (896)       (673) 
 Tax paid                                        (1,179)     (1,098) 
 
 Net cash generated from operating 
  activities in continuing 
  operations                                      13,194       4,641 
 Net cash generated from operating 
  activities in discontinued 
  operations                                           -       5,477 
                                             -----------  ---------- 
 Net cash generated from operating 
  activities                                      13,194      10,118 
                                             -----------  ---------- 
 
 Cash flows from investing 
  activities 
 Acquisition of subsidiaries 
  (net of overdraft/cash acquired)              (12,640)     (1,258) 
 Contingent/deferred consideration                 (549)           - 
  paid 
 Disposal of subsidiary, net 
  of costs (including cash 
  disposed)                                            -      23,922 
 Dividend received from associate 
  and joint ventures                               1,212         113 
 Loans to joint ventures                               -       2,332 
 Loan repaid by associates                            22         500 
 Other loans                                          80        (20) 
 Purchase of intangible assets                     (371)        (62) 
 Proceeds from sale of property, 
  plant and equipment                                691         349 
 Purchase of property, plant 
  and equipment                                  (2,854)     (5,788) 
 Purchase of own shares held 
  in trust                                           (4)        (12) 
 Redemption of preference 
  shares in joint venture                            150         150 
                                             -----------  ---------- 
 Net cash (used in)/generated 
  from investing activities 
  in continuing operations                      (14,263)      20,226 
 Net cash used in investing 
  activities in discontinued 
  operations                                           -       (449) 
                                             ----------- 
 Net cash (used in)/generated 
  from investing activities                     (14,263)      19,777 
                                             ----------- 
 
 Cash flows from financing 
  activities 
 Proceeds from issue of ordinary 
  share capital                                       24         532 
  Net proceeds from issue of 
   new bank loans                                  6,000         153 
 Finance lease principal repayments                (846)       (925) 
 Repayment of loan from related 
  party                                                -       (500) 
 Repayment of borrowings                         (3,110)     (1,614) 
 Decrease in other borrowings                    (2,804)       (192) 
 Dividends paid to shareholders                 (19,467)     (3,347) 
 Dividends paid to related                         (245)           - 
  party 
                                             ----------- 
 Net cash used in financing 
  activities in continuing 
  operations                                    (20,448)     (5,893) 
 Net cash used in financing 
  activities in discontinuing 
  operations                                           -     (1,408) 
                                             -----------  ---------- 
 Net cash used in financing 
  activities                                    (20,448)     (7,301) 
                                             -----------  ---------- 
 
 Effect of exchange rate changes                     344         918 
                                             ----------- 
 Net (decrease)/increase in 
  cash and cash equivalents                     (21,173)      23,512 
 
 Cash and cash equivalents 
  at beginning of the year                        39,787      16,275 
                                             -----------  ---------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents 
  at end of the year                              18,614      39,787 
                                             ===========  ========== 
 

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED PRELIMINARY ANNOUNCEMENT

   1.       Basis of preparation 

The Group's unaudited Preliminary Announcement does not constitute statutory consolidated financial statements for the year ended 2 September 2017 or the year ended 3 September 2016. The statutory accounts for the year ended 2 September 2017 will be finalised on the basis of the financial information presented by the Directors in this preliminary announcement and will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies following the Company's Annual General Meeting.

The financial statements for the year ended 3 September 2016 were unqualified and have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies.

   2.       Segmental information 

The segmental information for the year ended 2 September 2017 is as follows:

 
       Agriculture                     Engineering            Group 
        GBP'000                         GBP'000             GBP'000 
 
 Total segment revenue                 315,876    30,390    346,266 
 Inter segment revenue                     (9)      (33)       (42) 
 
 Revenue from external customers       315,867    30,357    346,224 
                                      ========  ========  ========= 
 
 EBITDA(1)                              11,302     2,084     13,386 
 
 Depreciation of property, 
  plant and equipment                  (2,696)   (1,397)    (4,093) 
 Depreciation of investment 
  property                                 (6)         -        (6) 
 Profit/(loss) on the disposal 
 of property, plant and equipment           12      (21)        (9) 
 
 
 Operating profit (before 
  amortisation and non-recurring 
  items)                                 8,612       666      9,278 
 Amortisation and non-recurring 
  items                                                     (1,401) 
 
 
 Operating profit                                             7,877 
 Finance income                                                 176 
 Finance costs                                                (864) 
 
                                                              7,189 
 
 Share of post-tax profit 
  of associates                                               1,609 
 Share of post-tax profit 
  of joint ventures                                           1,204 
 
 
 Profit before taxation (before 
  amortisation and non-recurring 
  items)                                                     11,403 
 Amortisation and non-recurring 
  items                                                     (1,401) 
 
 
   Profit before taxation from 
   continuing operations                                     10,002 
                                                          ========= 
 
 

(1) Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (and before profit/(loss) on the disposal of property, plant and

equipment)

   2.       Segmental information (continued) 

The segmental information for the year ended 3 September 2016 is as follows:

 
                                        Agriculture     Engineering      Group 
                                         GBP'000         GBP'000       GBP'000 
 
 Total segment revenue                      284,836          30,192    315,028 
 Inter segment revenue                         (63)            (58)      (121) 
 
 Revenue from external 
  customers                                 284,773          30,134    314,907 
                                   ================  ==============  ========= 
 
 EBITDA(1)                                   12,931           3,555     16,486 
 
 Depreciation of property, 
  plant and equipment                       (2,539)         (1,043)    (3,582) 
 Depreciation of investment 
  property                                      (6)               -        (6) 
 Profit on the disposal 
  of property, plant and 
  equipment                                      12              72         84 
 
 
 Operating profit (before 
  amortisation and non-recurring 
  items)                                     10,398           2,584     12,982 
 Amortisation and non-recurring 
  items                                                                  (212) 
 
 
 Operating profit                                                       12,770 
 Finance income                                                            236 
 Finance costs                                                         (1,009) 
 
 
                                                                        11,997 
 Share of post-tax profit 
  of associate                                                           1,239 
 Share of post-tax profit 
  of joint ventures                                                        842 
 
 
 Profit before taxation 
  (before amortisation 
  and non-recurring items)                                              14,290 
 Amortisation and non-recurring 
  items                                                                  (212) 
 
 
 Profit before taxation 
  from continuing operations                                            14,078 
                                                                     ========= 
 

(1) Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (and before profit/(loss) on the disposal of property, plant and

equipment)

   3.       Amortisation and non-recurring items 
 
                                                  2017      2016 
                                               GBP'000   GBP'000 
 
 Amortisation of intangible assets                 124       205 
 Goodwill impairment                             1,700         - 
 Business combination expenses                   1,349         7 
 Release of contingent consideration           (2,090)         - 
 Restructuring costs                               112         - 
 Loss on property disposal                         206         - 
 
                                                 1,401       212 
                                       ===============  ======== 
 
   3.       Amortisation and non-recurring items (continued) 

An impairment of GBP1.7 million was recognised in the year against the carrying value of goodwill in respect of the Chirton Engineering acquisition in 2014. Business combination expenses of GBP1.3 million, primarily related to the acquisitions of NuVision Engineering, Inc. and STABER GmbH, were charged to the income statement. Contingent consideration of GBP2.1 million that will not be payable on the acquisition of Chirton Engineering was credited to the income statement. Restructuring costs of GBP0.1 million comprise redundancy costs. A loss of GBP0.2 million was incurred on the disposal of a property that was no longer required following the relocation of one of its Agriculture business stores.

   4.         Taxation 
 
                                                      2017      2016 
                                                   GBP'000   GBP'000 
 Continuing operations 
   (a) Analysis of the charge in 
   the year 
   Current tax: 
   UK corporation tax 
    Current year                                       887       952 
    Adjustment in respect of prior 
    years                                            (144)       173 
   Foreign tax                                                   680 
    Current year                                       591         - 
    Adjustment in respect of prior 
    years                                              (8) 
                                                  --------  -------- 
 
   Group current tax                                 1,326     1,805 
                                                  --------  -------- 
 
  Deferred tax: 
   Origination and reversal of timing 
    differences 
    Current year                                       442     1,177 
    Adjustment in respect of prior 
    years                                             (61)      (75) 
                                                  --------  -------- 
 
   Group deferred tax                                  381     1,102 
                                                  --------  -------- 
 
   Tax on profit from ordinary activities            1,707     2,907 
                                                  ========  ======== 
 
   Continuing operations 
 (b) Factors affecting tax charge for the year 
  The tax assessed for the year is lower (2016: 
  higher) than the rate of corporation tax in the 
  UK of 19.58% (2016: 20%). The differences are 
  explained below: 
 Profit before taxation                             10,002    14,078 
                                                  --------  -------- 
                                                               2,816 
  Tax at 19.58% (2016: 20%)                          1,958     (416) 
   Effects of:                                                     - 
    Tax effect of share of profit 
    in associates and joint ventures                 (551)     (105) 
    Tax effect of expenses that are 
    not allowable in determining taxable               494       704 
    profit                                           (418)     (190) 
    Tax effect of non-taxable income                   473        98 
    Effects of different tax rates 
    of foreign subsidiaries                           (36) 
    Effects of changes in tax rates                  (213) 
    Adjustment in respect of prior 
    years 
                                                  --------  -------- 
 
   Total tax charge for the year                     1,707     2,907 
                                                  ========  ======== 
 

The tax effect of expenses that are not allowable in determining taxable profit includes the non-recurring items of goodwill impairment and business combination expenses (note 3). These have been treated as disallowable for tax purposes.

The tax effect of non-taxable income includes the release of contingent consideration in respect of the Chirton Engineering acquisition in 2014 (note 3).

   5.         Discontinued operations 

In the prior year Carr's Group plc disposed of its entire shareholding in Carr's Flour Mills Ltd for a gross consideration of GBP36m on a cash and debt free basis, less costs to sell.

An analysis of the result of discontinued operations, and the gain recognised on the re-measurement to fair value less costs to sell, is as follows:

 
                                                2017       2016 
                                             GBP'000    GBP'000 
 Revenue                                           -     71,440 
 Expenses                                          -   (67,950) 
                                           ---------  --------- 
 Profit before taxation of discontinued 
  operations                                       -      3,490 
 Taxation                                          -      (712) 
                                           ---------  --------- 
 Profit after tax of discontinued 
  operations                                       -      2,778 
                                           ---------  --------- 
 
 Pre-taxation gain recognised 
  on the measurement to fair value 
  less costs to sell                               -         39 
 Taxation                                          -          - 
                                           ---------  --------- 
 After taxation gain recognised 
  on the measurement to fair value 
  less costs to sell                               -         39 
                                           --------- 
 
   Profit for the year from discontinued 
   operations                                      -      2,817 
                                           =========  ========= 
 
   6.       Earnings per ordinary share 

Basic earnings per share are based on profit attributable to shareholders and on a weighted average number of shares in issue during the year of 91,355,427 (2016: 90,087,357). The calculation of diluted earnings per share is based on 92,125,320 shares (2016: 92,034,155).

Amortisation and non-recurring items that are charged or credited to profit do not relate to the underlying profitability of the Group. Therefore an adjusted earnings per share is presented as follows:

 
                                               2017                       2016 
                                       Earnings        Earnings   Earnings   Earnings 
                                        GBP'000         per        GBP'000        per 
                                                        share                   share 
                                                        pence                   pence 
 Continuing operations 
 Earnings per share - 
  basic                                   7,005             7.7      9,638       10.7 
 
 Amortisation and non-recurring 
  items: 
 Amortisation of intangible 
  assets                                    124             0.1        205        0.2 
 Goodwill impairment                      1,700             1.9          -          - 
 Business combination 
  expenses                                1,349             1.5          7          - 
 Release of contingent 
  consideration                         (2,090)           (2.3)          -          - 
 Restructuring costs                        112             0.1          -          - 
 Loss on property disposal                  206             0.2          -          - 
 Taxation effect of the 
  above                                    (88)           (0.1)       (47)          - 
 Non-controlling interest 
  in the above                            (175)           (0.2)          -          - 
                                  -------------  --------------  ---------  --------- 
 Earnings per share - 
  adjusted                                8,143             8.9      9,803       10.9 
                                  -------------  --------------  ---------  --------- 
 
   Discontinued operations 
 Earnings per share - 
  basic                                       -               -      2,817        3.1 
 
 Amortisation and non-recurring 
  items: 
 Amortisation of intangible                   -               -                     - 
  assets                                                                14 
 Profit on disposal of                        -               - 
  subsidiary                                                          (39)          - 
                                  -------------  --------------  ---------  --------- 
 Earnings per share - 
  adjusted                                    -               -      2,792        3.1 
                                  -------------  --------------  ---------  --------- 
 
   Total earnings per share 
   - adjusted                             8,143             8.9     12,595       14.0 
                                  =============  ==============  =========  ========= 
 
   7.         Cash generated from continuing operations 
 
                                               2017      2016 
                                            GBP'000   GBP'000 
 Continuing operations 
 Profit for the year                          8,295    11,171 
 Adjustments for: 
 Tax                                          1,707     2,907 
 Tax credit in respect of R&D                 (129)     (176) 
 Depreciation of property, plant 
  and equipment                               4,093     3,582 
 Depreciation of investment property              6         6 
 Goodwill impairment                          1,700         - 
 Intangible asset amortisation                  124       205 
 Loss/(profit) on disposal of 
  property, plant and equipment                 215      (84) 
 Loss on disposal of investment                   -        10 
 Release of contingent consideration        (2,090)         - 
 Business combination expenses                1,299         - 
 Amortisation of grants                        (53)      (53) 
 Net fair value loss/(gain) on 
  share based payments                          485      (99) 
 Net foreign exchange differences             (152)     (383) 
 Net fair value (gains)/losses 
  on derivative financial instruments 
  in 
  operating profit                             (17)        70 
 Interest income                              (176)     (236) 
 Interest expense and borrowing 
  costs                                         901     1,045 
 Share of profit from associates 
  and joint ventures                        (2,813)   (2,081) 
 
  Pension contributions - deficit 
   reduction                                      -     (780) 
   - ongoing                                      -     (108) 
 IAS19 income statement charge/(credit) 
  excluding interest                             59     (287) 
 
 Changes in working capital (excluding 
  the effects of acquisitions and 
  disposals): 
 Increase in inventories                    (2,379)   (1,620) 
 Increase in receivables                      (383)   (3,606) 
 Increase/(decrease) in payables              4,402   (3,226) 
                                          ---------  -------- 
 
   Cash generated from continuing 
   operations                                15,094     6,257 
                                          =========  ======== 
 
   8.       Pensions 

The Group operates its current pension arrangements on a defined benefit and defined contribution basis. The valuation of the defined benefit scheme under the IAS19 accounting basis showed a surplus in the scheme at 2 September 2017 of GBP5.2m (2016: GBP0.3m).

In the year, the retirement benefit charge, excluding interest, in respect of the Carr's Group Pension Scheme was GBP59,000 (2016: credit of GBP287,000). As a result of the closure to future service accrual on 31 December 2015 a negative past service cost, net of associated costs, of approximately GBP350,000 has been recognised as a credit in the prior year income statement.

A Group subsidiary undertaking is a participating employer in a defined benefit pension scheme of the associate, Carrs Billington Agriculture (Operations) Ltd. The IAS19 accounting basis showed a deficit for that scheme at 2 September 2017 of GBP2.3m (2016: GBP5.1m). The scheme is treated as a defined contribution scheme by the Group, and its level of participation in the scheme is estimated at 48.5%, which is based on its estimated share of the buyout liabilities. Due to the fact that the sponsoring employer is an associate company of the Group, 49% of the deficit calculated on an IAS19 accounting basis is included in the Group's balance sheet within its 'Investment in Associates'.

   9.       Analysis of changes in net cash/(debt) 
 
                          At 4                    Other                At 2 September 
                     September         Cash    Non-Cash     Exchange 
                          2016         Flow     Changes    Movements             2017 
                       GBP'000      GBP'000     GBP'000      GBP'000          GBP'000 
 Cash and 
  cash 
  equivalents           48,411     (24,868)           -          344             23,887 
 Bank overdrafts       (8,624)        3,351           -            -            (5,273) 
                   -----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ----------------- 
                        39,787     (21,517)           -          344             18,614 
 
 Loans and 
  other 
   borrowings:                                                 (122) 
  - current           (12,376)        3,506     (1,959)        (107)           (10,951) 
  - non-current       (17,108)      (3,592)       1,382                        (19,425) 
 Finance 
  leases: 
 - current               (642)          846     (1,040)            -              (836) 
 - non-current         (1,517)            -        (24)            -            (1,541) 
                   -----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ----------------- 
 Net cash/(debt)         8,144     (20,757)     (1,641)          115           (14,139) 
                   ===========  ===========  ==========  ===========  ================= 
 
 
   10.     The Board of Directors approved the preliminary announcement on 13 November 2017. 

11. The Company intends to provide a Summary Report and Accounts to shareholders by 6 December 2017. The full Report and Accounts will be available upon request from the Company Secretary, Carr's Group plc, Old Croft, Stanwix, Carlisle, CA3 9BA or alternatively on the Company's website: www.carrsgroup.com

(1) Underlying operating profit, underlying profit before taxation and adjusted EPS are before charging amortisation of intangible assets and non-recurring items

(2) Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, 2017

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

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