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CGS Castings Plc

365.00
-6.00 (-1.62%)
24 Apr 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Castings Plc LSE:CGS London Ordinary Share GB0001795680 ORD 10P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  -6.00 -1.62% 365.00 360.00 370.00 8,589 16:35:17
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Malleable Iron Foundries 200.99M 13.79M 0.3161 11.74 161.87M

Castings PLC Final Results (8751O)

15/06/2022 7:00am

UK Regulatory


Castings (LSE:CGS)
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From Apr 2022 to Apr 2024

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TIDMCGS

RNS Number : 8751O

Castings PLC

15 June 2022

Castings P.L.C.

Annual Financial Report

DTR 6.3.5 Disclosure

Year ended 31 March 2022

Chairman's Statement

The turnover of the group increased to GBP149 million (GBP115 million last year) with a rise in profit before exceptional items and income tax to GBP12.1 million compared to GBP4.4 million last year.

Overview

We have seen an improvement in turnover and profit compared with the previous year's trading with output being in line with the three year average before COVID.

The year was again affected by problems experienced by our major customers in the commercial vehicle sector mainly relating to semiconductors. However, things are improving and it is hoped that this will continue.

We have been subjected to large increases in raw materials and other input prices in order to maintain production. These increases are being passed on to our customers, but there is a delay in recovery which affects our ongoing profits in the short-term.

Foundry businesses

I am pleased to report foundry production has improved during the year despite recruitment problems which have now mainly been solved.

We continue to invest both at Castings Brownhills and William Lee to improve productivity, reduce labour costs and improve working conditions.

CNC Speedwell

It is pleasing to report the losses have been reduced from the previous year. The profitability of the business is significantly impacted at lower output levels because of the high capital investment in machinery that is underutilised. We are now moving back towards full production and we expect the result to improve.

Outlook

It is expected that costs will continue to increase in the current year, including significant electricity rises when our current fixed contract comes to an end on 30 September 2022. Our customers have been made aware of the situation and the fact that, in order to continue to supply, the cost increases will be passed on.

Our customers are now increasing their demand and, in this respect, they are more successfully managing the supply of semiconductors and other items in the supply chain. It is hoped that this will continue so we can enjoy improved sales in the current financial year.

Underpinning the improved outlook and on top of new customer platforms where we have greater content, there have been a number of market wins in other sectors including wind energy, trailer braking and coupling systems and innovative agricultural products.

Dividend

Once again our conservative financial policy has proved to be a strength during these difficult times and it is gratifying that, as a result, we have been able to maintain dividend payments during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The directors are recommending the payment of a final dividend of 12.57 pence per share to be paid on 19 August 2022 to shareholders on the register on 22 July 2022. This, together with the interim dividend, gives a total dividend for the year of 16.23 pence per share.

Supplementary dividend

In addition to the final dividend set out above, the board has reviewed the cash position of the group and considered the balance between increasing returns to shareholders whilst retaining flexibility for capital and other investment opportunities. As a result, the directors are declaring a supplementary dividend of 15.00 pence per share to be paid on 26 July 2022 to shareholders on the register on 24 June 2022. This dividend, being discretionary and non-recurring, does not compromise our commitment to invest in market leading technologies to maintain our competitive advantage.

It has been another difficult year with the ongoing disruption from the pandemic and, in this respect, I wish to thank the directors, senior management and all of our employees for their help and commitment during the year.

B. J. Cooke

Chairman

15 June 2022

Business and Financial Review

General overview

The year has been hampered by the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic with supply chain restrictions impacting on the ability of our customers to satisfy the strong demand in the market.

The first quarter saw commercial vehicle customers, which make up approximately 70% of group revenue, taking product at a level commensurate with pre-COVID years. However, from the last two weeks of June 2021 and into the second quarter, the OEMs had to reduce truck build rates to below their order intake levels, due to supply chain restrictions (particularly in respect of semiconductors).

These restrictions continued during the second half of the year; forward demand schedules from our customers remained high, but the conversion rate to actual sales was significantly below what we would normally expect.

Higher production levels were maintained and inventory levels increased to ensure our facilities remained as efficient as possible and that we would be able to satisfy the high demand when it comes through.

Raw material prices have continued to rise throughout the period which, with the time lag in the associated sales price increase, has continued to put pressure on margins. With significant increases coming through at the end of the year, measures have been put in place to pass on the rises in a more timely manner.

Overview of business segment performance

The segmental revenue and results for the current and previous years are set out in note 2. An overview of the performance, position and future prospects of each segment, and the relevant KPIs, are set out below.

Key Performance Indicators

The key performance indicators considered by the group are:

   --     Segmental revenue 
   --     Segmental profit 
   --     EPS 
   --     Net cash 
   --     Dividends per share 

Foundry operations

As set out previously, customer demand was strong during the first quarter of the financial year but fell in the second quarter and in the second half of the year.

The foundry businesses experienced an increase in output of 24% to 49,800 tonnes and a rise in external sales revenue of 30% to GBP145.6 million. The output weight is broadly in line with the three year average before COVID of 49,700 tonnes.

Of the total output weight for the year, 54.0% related to machined castings compared to 57.5% in the previous year. The reduction being a reflection of the disrupted customer demand patterns in the year as opposed to any change in the trend towards more complex, machined parts.

The segmental profit has increased to GBP13.1 million, from GBP6.7 million in the previous year, which represents a profit margin of 8.0% on total segmental sales (2021 - 5.4%).

Whilst staff recruitment has been an issue during the year, this does now seem to be largely behind us following a significant recruitment drive. As a result, greater production efficiencies have been seen towards the end of the year.

Investment of GBP3.4 million has been made in the foundry businesses during the year. This included GBP0.6 million as part of a project to partially automate the pouring on one of the William Lee production lines.

Machining

The machining business generated total sales of GBP22.5 million in the year compared to GBP18.3 million in the previous year. Of the total revenue, 13.3% was generated from external customers compared to 14.8% in 2021.

The segmental result for the year was a loss of GBP0.9 million (2021 - loss of GBP2.3 million).

With the higher volumes in the first quarter, the benefits of the engineering and productivity improvements that have been made started to be realised and the machining business generated a positive result.

However, the lower volumes in subsequent periods have a particularly negative impact on such a well-invested business; resulting in a breakeven first half and a loss for the full year.

We have invested GBP0.9 million during the year, which is slightly lower than expected due to the increased lead times on new equipment. This investment included GBP0.6 million in the roll-out of automation which will continue during the current year.

Business review and performance

Revenue

Group revenues increased by 29.5% to GBP148.6 million compared to GBP114.7 million reported in 2021, of which 79% was exported (2021 - 76%).

The revenue from the foundry operations to external customers increased by 30% to GBP145.6 million (2021 - GBP112.0 million) with the dispatch weight of castings to third-party customers increasing by 24% to 49,800 tonnes (2021 - 40,100 tonnes).

Revenue from the machining operation to external customers increased by 9.8% during the year to GBP3.0 million (2021 - GBP2.7 million).

Operating profit and segmental result

The group operating profit for the year was GBP12.0 million compared to GBP4.9 million reported in 2021, which represents a return on sales of 8.1% (2021 - 4.3%).

Finance income

The level of finance income decreased to GBP0.05 million compared to GBP0.08 million in 2021, reflecting the lower interest rates available on deposits for the majority of the year as compared to the prior year.

Profit before tax and exceptional items

Profit before tax and exceptional items has increased to GBP12.1 million from GBP4.4 million.

Taxation

The current year tax charge of GBP3.52 million (2021 - GBP0.84 million) is made up of a current tax charge of GBP1.89 million (2021 - GBP1.18 million) and a deferred tax charge of GBP1.63 million (2021 - credit of GBP0.35 million).

The effective rate of tax of 29.2% (2021 - 16.8%) is higher than the main rate of corporation tax of 19%. The primary reason for this is an adjustment to the deferred tax rate applied to 25% to reflect the higher rate of taxation from April 2023. This has resulted in a GBP1.10 million uplift on opening deferred tax balances to the new rate.

In addition, the company has benefited from the super-deduction on plant investment during the year which results in a deferred tax liability.

Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share increased 106% to 19.60 pence (2021 - 9.51 pence), reflecting the 145% increase in profit before tax and a higher effective tax rate compared to the previous year.

Options over 32,149 shares were granted during the year (2021 - options over 35,292 shares). The company purchased 26,100 shares during the year as part of a buyback programme to cover the outstanding share options. As a result, the weighted average number of shares has increased to 43,698,986 resulting in a diluted earnings per share of 19.57 pence per share (2021 - 9.50 pence per share).

Dividends

The directors are recommending a final dividend of 12.57 pence per share (2021 - 11.69 pence per share) to be paid on 19 August 2022 to shareholders on the register on 22 July 2022. This would give a total ordinary distribution for the year of 16.23 pence per share (2021 - 15.26 pence per share).

In addition, a supplementary dividend of 15.00 pence per share has been declared which will be payable on 26 July 2022 to shareholders on the register on 24 June 2022.

Cash flow

The group generated cash from operating activities of GBP12.9 million compared to GBP13.0 million in 2021. When compared to 2021, the variance is mainly due to a significant increase in operating profit of GBP7.1 million, offset by a working capital outflow swing of GBP7.7 million.

In the year to 31 March 2022, the main working capital movement related to the build-up of inventory at higher valuations than the prior year, resulting in an outflow of GBP7.2 million. The higher levels of activity at the end of the year resulted in increases in receivables and payables, with a net outflow of GBP0.8 million.

Corporation tax payments during the year totalled GBP2.6 million compared to GBP0.7 million in 2021.

Capital expenditure during the year amounted to GBP4.4 million (2021 - GBP5.2 million). This included investment of GBP0.6 million as part of a foundry moulding line automation project as well as other automation and productivity enhancements. The charge for depreciation was GBP8.6 million compared to GBP8.8 million in 2021.

In the prior year, proceeds from the disposal of an asset held for sale of GBP1.7 million represents the sale of the Fradley site previously occupied by the machining business. The proceeds were shown net of disposal costs and a payment to secure the freehold of the site.

The company pays pensions on behalf of the two final salary pension schemes and then reclaims these advances from the schemes. During the year repayments of GBP2.5 million (2021 - GBP2.8 million) were received from the schemes and advances were made to the schemes of GBP2.1 million (2021 - GBP2.5 million). These advances will be repaid to the company during the current financial year.

Dividends paid to shareholders were GBP6.7 million in the year (2021 - GBP6.5 million).

The company purchased 26,100 shares to be held in treasury at a total cost of GBP0.08 million.

The net cash and cash equivalents movement for the year was a slight decrease of GBP0.3 million (2021 - increase of GBP2.7 million).

At 31 March 2022, the total cash and deposits position was GBP35.7 million (2021 - GBP36.1 million).

Pensions

The pension valuation showed a decrease in the surplus, on an IAS 19 (Revised) basis, to GBP9.93 million compared to GBP9.98 million in the previous year.

The majority of the liabilities of the schemes are covered by an insurance asset that fully matches, subject to final adjustment of the bulk annuity pricing, the remaining pension liabilities of the schemes. However, there remains the uninsured element relating to the GMP equalisation liability. This liability has increased during the year as a result of the change in valuation assumptions.

The pension surplus continues not to be shown on the balance sheet due to the IAS 19 (Revised) restriction of recognition of assets where the company does not have an unconditional right to receive returns of contributions or refunds.

Balance sheet

Net assets at 31 March 2022 were GBP131.5 million (2021 - GBP129.5 million). Other than the total comprehensive income for the year of GBP8.7 million, the only movement relates to the dividend payment of GBP6.7 million and the shares purchased in the year for GBP0.08 million.

Non-current assets have decreased to GBP63.2 million (2021 - GBP67.4 million) primarily as a result of investment in property, plant and equipment during the year being at a level below the depreciation charge.

Current assets have increased to GBP102.0 million (2021 - GBP90.2 million). The increase to level of inventories and receivables make up this movement.

Total liabilities have increased to GBP33.7 million (2021 - GBP28.1 million), largely as a result of an increase in trade payables.

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

for the year ended 31 March 2022

 
                                                  2022                                 2021 
                                                Exceptional                           Exceptional 
                                        Before        items                   Before        items 
                                   exceptional        (note              exceptional        (note 
                                         items           3)      Total         items           3)     Total 
                                        GBP000       GBP000     GBP000        GBP000       GBP000    GBP000 
-------------------------------   ------------  -----------  ---------  ------------  -----------  -------- 
Revenue                                148,583            -    148,583       114,702            -   114,702 
Cost of sales                        (118,105)            -  (118,105)      (94,870)            -  (94,870) 
--------------------------------  ------------  -----------  ---------  ------------  -----------  -------- 
Gross profit                            30,478            -     30,478        19,832            -    19,832 
Distribution costs                     (3,411)            -    (3,411)       (2,237)            -   (2,237) 
Administrative expenses               (15,046)            6   (15,040)      (13,320)          633  (12,687) 
--------------------------------  ------------  -----------  ---------  ------------  -----------  -------- 
Profit from operations                  12,021            6     12,027         4,275          633     4,908 
Finance income                              47            -         47            79            -        79 
--------------------------------  ------------  -----------  ---------  ------------  -----------  -------- 
Profit before income 
 tax                                    12,068            6     12,074         4,354          633     4,987 
Income tax expense                     (3,522)            -    (3,522)         (838)            -     (838) 
--------------------------------  ------------  -----------  ---------  ------------  -----------  -------- 
Profit for the year 
 attributable to equity 
 holders of the parent 
 company                                 8,546            6      8,552         3,516          633     4,149 
--------------------------------  ------------  -----------  ---------  ------------  -----------  -------- 
 
Profit for the year 
 attributable to equity 
 holders of the parent 
 company                                                         8,552                                4,149 
Other comprehensive 
 income/(losses) for 
 the year: 
Items that will not 
 be reclassified to profit 
 and loss: 
Movement in unrecognised 
 surplus on defined benefit 
 pension schemes net 
 of 
 actuarial gains and 
 losses                                                            119                                  142 
Defined benefit pension 
 schemes GMP equalisation 
 charge                                                              -                                   66 
--------------------------------  ------------  -----------  ---------  ------------  -----------  -------- 
                                                                   119                                  208 
 -------------------------------  ------------  -----------  ---------  ------------  -----------  -------- 
Items that may be reclassified 
 subsequently to profit 
 and loss: 
Change in fair value 
 of financial assets                                                88                                 (50) 
Tax effect of items 
 that may be reclassified                                         (22)                                   10 
--------------------------------  ------------  -----------  ---------  ------------  -----------  -------- 
                                                                    66                                 (40) 
 -------------------------------  ------------  -----------  ---------  ------------  -----------  -------- 
Other comprehensive 
 income for the year 
 (net of tax)                                                      185                                  168 
--------------------------------  ------------  -----------  ---------  ------------  -----------  -------- 
Total comprehensive 
 income for the year 
 attributable to the 
 equity holders of the 
 parent company                                                  8,737                                4,317 
--------------------------------  ------------  -----------  ---------  ------------  -----------  -------- 
Earnings per share 
 attributable to the 
 equity holders of the 
 parent company 
Basic                                                           19.60p                                9.51p 
Diluted                                                         19.57p                                9.50p 
Basic (before exceptional 
 items)                                 19.59p                                 8.06p 
--------------------------------  ------------  -----------  ---------  ------------  -----------  -------- 
 

Consolidated Balance Sheet

as at 31 March 2022

 
                                                   2022     2021 
                                                 GBP000   GBP000 
---------------------------------------------   -------  ------- 
ASSETS 
Non-current assets 
Property, plant and equipment                    62,801   67,112 
Financial assets                                    396      308 
----------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
                                                 63,197   67,420 
 ---------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Current assets 
Inventories                                      25,889   18,719 
Trade and other receivables                      39,874   35,358 
Current tax asset                                   489        - 
Cash and cash equivalents                        35,745   36,092 
----------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
                                                101,997   90,169 
 ---------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Total assets                                    165,194  157,589 
----------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
LIABILITIES 
Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables                         28,477   24,371 
Current tax liabilities                               -      184 
----------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
                                                 28,477   24,555 
 ---------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Non-current liabilities 
Deferred tax liabilities                          5,219    3,570 
----------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Total liabilities                                33,696   28,125 
----------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Net assets                                      131,498  129,464 
----------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Equity attributable to equity holders of the 
 parent company 
Share capital                                     4,363    4,363 
Share premium account                               874      874 
Treasury shares                                    (79)        - 
Other reserve                                        13       13 
Retained earnings                               126,327  124,214 
----------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Total equity                                    131,498  129,464 
----------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

for the year ended 31 March 2022

 
                                                           2022     2021 
                                                         GBP000   GBP000 
-----------------------------------------------------   -------  ------- 
Cash flows from operating activities 
Profit before income tax                                 12,074    4,987 
Adjustments for: 
Depreciation                                              8,601    8,802 
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment            62        3 
Profit on disposal of asset held for sale                     -    (658) 
Finance income                                             (47)     (79) 
Equity settled share-based payment expense                   74       21 
Pension administrative costs                                119      142 
Pension GMP equalisation charge                               -       66 
(Increase)/decrease in inventories                      (7,170)    2,456 
Increase in receivables                                 (4,898)  (6,979) 
Increase in payables                                      4,106    4,279 
------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Cash generated from operating activities                 12,921   13,040 
Tax paid                                                (2,568)    (672) 
Interest received                                            28       60 
------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Net cash generated from operating activities             10,381   12,428 
 
Cash flows from investing activities 
Dividends received from listed investments                   19       19 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment               (4,379)  (5,244) 
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and 
 equipment                                                   27       20 
Proceeds from disposal of asset held for sale                 -    1,718 
Repayments from pension schemes                           2,496    2,778 
Advances to the pension schemes                         (2,114)  (2,496) 
------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Net cash used in investing activities                   (3,951)  (3,205) 
 
Cash flow from financing activities 
Dividends paid to shareholders                          (6,698)  (6,532) 
Purchase of own shares                                     (79)        - 
------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Net cash used in financing activities                   (6,777)  (6,532) 
 
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents      (347)    2,691 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year           36,092   33,401 
------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year                 35,745   36,092 
------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Cash and cash equivalents: 
Short-term deposits                                      17,065   13,062 
Cash available on demand                                 18,680   23,030 
------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
                                                         35,745   36,092 
 -----------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

for the year ended 31 March 2022

 
                                                Equity attributable to equity holders of 
                                                               the parent 
                                          Share     Share  Treasury     Other   Retained 
                                        capital   premium    shares   reserve   earnings    Total 
                                            (a)       (b)       (c)       (d)        (e)   equity 
                                         GBP000    GBP000    GBP000    GBP000     GBP000   GBP000 
-------------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ---------  ------- 
At 1 April 2021                           4,363       874         -        13    124,214  129,464 
-------------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ---------  ------- 
Profit for the year                           -         -         -         -      8,552    8,552 
Other comprehensive income/(losses): 
Movement in unrecognised surplus 
 on defined benefit pension 
 schemes net of actuarial gains 
 and losses                                   -         -         -         -        119      119 
Change in fair value of financial 
 assets                                       -         -         -         -         88       88 
Tax effect of items taken directly 
 to reserves                                  -         -         -         -       (22)     (22) 
-------------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ---------  ------- 
Total comprehensive income 
 for the year                                 -         -         -         -      8,737    8,737 
Shares acquired in the year                   -         -      (79)         -          -     (79) 
Equity settled share-based 
 payments                                     -         -         -         -         74       74 
Dividends (see note 5)                        -         -         -         -    (6,698)  (6,698) 
-------------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ---------  ------- 
At 31 March 2022                          4,363       874      (79)        13    126,327  131,498 
-------------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ---------  ------- 
 
 
                                                       Equity attributable to equity holders of 
                                                                      the parent 
                                             Share        Share    Treasury        Other      Retained    Total 
                                        capital(a)   premium(b)   shares(c)   reserve(d)   earnings(e)   equity 
                                            GBP000       GBP000      GBP000       GBP000        GBP000   GBP000 
-------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ------------  ------- 
At 1 April 2020                              4,363          874           -           13       126,408  131,658 
-------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ------------  ------- 
Profit for the year                              -            -           -            -         4,149    4,149 
Other comprehensive income/(losses):                                      - 
Movement in unrecognised surplus 
 on defined benefit pension 
 schemes net of actuarial gains 
 and losses                                      -            -           -            -           142      142 
Defined benefit pension schemes 
 GMP equalisation charge`                        -            -           -            -            66       66 
Change in fair value of financial 
 assets                                          -            -           -            -          (50)     (50) 
Tax effect of items taken directly 
 to reserves                                     -            -           -            -            10       10 
-------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ------------  ------- 
Total comprehensive income 
 for the year                                    -            -           -            -         4,317    4,317 
Equity settled share-based 
 payments                                        -            -           -            -            21       21 
Dividends (see note 5)                           -            -           -            -       (6,532)  (6,532) 
-------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ------------  ------- 
At 31 March 2021                             4,363          874           -           13       124,214  129,464 
-------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ------------  ------- 
 

a) Share capital - The nominal value of allotted and fully paid up ordinary share capital in issue.

   b)   Share premium - Amount subscribed for share capital in excess of nominal value. 
   c)   Treasury shares - Value of shares acquired by the company. 
   d)   Other reserve - Amounts transferred from share capital on redemption of issued shares. 

e) Retained earnings - Cumulative net gains and losses recognised in the statement of comprehensive income.

Notes to the Financial Statements

   1    Basis of preparation 

The group financial statements have been prepared in accordance with UK-adopted international accounting standard in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

The IFRSs applied in the group financial statements are subject to ongoing amendment by the IASB and therefore subject to possible change in the future. Further standards and interpretations may be issued that will be applicable for financial years beginning on or after 1 April 2022 or later accounting periods but may be adopted early.

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS requires the use of certain accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the group's accounting policies.

The primary statements within the financial information contained in this document have been presented in accordance with IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements.

The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis and under the historical cost convention, except where adjusted for revaluations of certain assets, and in accordance with applicable Accounting Standards and those parts of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. A summary of the principal group IFRS accounting policies is set out below. The presentation currency used is sterling and the amounts have been presented in round thousands ("GBP000").

   2    Operating segments 

For internal decision-making purposes, the group is organised into three operating companies which are considered to be the operating segments of the group: Castings P.L.C. and William Lee Limited are aggregated into Foundry operations, due to the similar nature of the businesses, and CNC Speedwell Limited is the Machining operation.

Inter-segment transactions are entered into under the normal commercial terms and conditions that would be available to third parties.

The following shows the revenues, results and total assets by reportable segment in the year to 31 March 2022:

 
                                         Foundry    Machining 
                                      operations   operations  Elimination     Total 
                                          GBP000       GBP000       GBP000    GBP000 
-----------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
Revenue from external customers          145,601        2,982            -   148,583 
Inter-segmental revenue                   17,037       19,488            -    36,525 
-----------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
 
Segmental result                          13,084        (894)         (50)    12,140 
-----------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
Unallocated costs: 
Exceptional credit for recovery of 
 Icelandic bank deposits 
 previously written off                                                            6 
Defined benefit pension cost                                                   (119) 
Finance income                                                                    47 
-----------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
Profit before income tax                                                      12,074 
Total assets                             148,554       26,741     (10,101)   165,194 
-----------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
Non-current asset additions                3,388          991            -     4,379 
-----------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
Depreciation                               4,790        3,811            -     8,601 
-----------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
Total liabilities                       (31,561)      (6,977)        4,842  (33,696) 
-----------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
 

All non-current assets are based in the United Kingdom.

The following shows the revenues, results and total assets by reportable segment in the year to 31 March 2021:

 
                                               Foundry    Machining 
                                            operations   operations  Elimination     Total 
                                                GBP000       GBP000       GBP000    GBP000 
-----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
Revenue from external customers                111,987        2,715            -   114,702 
Inter-segmental revenue                         11,089       15,594            -    26,683 
-----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
 
Segmental result                                 6,659      (2,255)           13     4,417 
-----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
Unallocated costs: 
Exceptional credit for recovery of 
 Icelandic bank deposits 
 previously written off                                                                 41 
Profit on disposal of held for sale 
 asset                                                                                 658 
Defined benefit pension cost                                                         (142) 
Defined benefit pension GMP equalisation 
 charge                                                                               (66) 
Finance income                                                                          79 
-----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
Profit before income tax                                                             4,987 
Total assets                                   140,141       28,795     (11,347)   157,589 
-----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
Non-current asset additions                      3,744        1,500            -     5,244 
-----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
Depreciation                                     4,582        4,220            -     8,802 
-----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
Total liabilities                             (26,525)      (7,725)        6,125  (28,125) 
-----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
 

All non-current assets are based in the United Kingdom.

 
                                                          2022     2021 
                                                        GBP000   GBP000 
-----------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
The geographical analysis of revenues by destination 
 for the year is as follows: 
United Kingdom                                          31,319   26,805 
Sweden                                                  38,809   32,237 
Germany                                                 20,506   12,618 
Netherlands                                             19,907   14,754 
Rest of Europe                                          26,050   21,435 
North and South America                                 11,294    6,208 
Other                                                      698      645 
-----------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
                                                       148,583  114,702 
-----------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 

All revenue arises in the United Kingdom from the group's continuing activities.

   3    Exceptional items 
 
                                                            2022     2021 
                                                          GBP000   GBP000 
-------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Recovery of past provision for losses on deposits 
 with Icelandic banks                                        (6)     (41) 
Profit on the disposal of asset classified as held 
 for sale                                                      -    (658) 
Defined benefit pension scheme GMP equalisation charge         -       66 
-------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
                                                             (6)    (633) 
-------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 

The company reported in the year ended 31 March 2009 that GBP1.86 million was included in other receivables as the net recoverable after provision from various Icelandic banks. So far GBP3.9 million has been received of the original balance of GBP5.7 million with the excess over the GBP1.86 million being shown as an exceptional credit.

In the prior year, the group completed on the sale of the Fradley site, an asset classified as held for sale, resulting in a profit of GBP0.66 million.

An additional GMP equalisation charge to that applied in the year ended 31 March 2019 was recognised in the prior year following the High Court ruling on 20 November 2020. The ruling clarified that pension equalisation should be applied to past transfer values from the defined benefit pension schemes. The best estimate, working with the schemes' actuaries, is an increase of GBP66,000 to the pension liabilities.

   4    Income tax expense 
 
                                                            2022     2021 
                                                          GBP000   GBP000 
-------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Corporation tax based on a rate of 19% (2021 - 19%) 
UK corporation tax 
Current tax on profits for the year                        2,050    1,220 
Adjustments to tax charge in respect of prior years        (155)     (32) 
-------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
                                                           1,895    1,188 
 
Deferred tax 
Current year origination and reversal of temporary 
 differences                                                 624    (196) 
Adjustment to deferred tax charge in respect of prior 
 years                                                     (107)    (154) 
Adjustment to deferred tax charge in respect of change 
 in tax rate                                               1,100        - 
-------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
                                                           1,627    (350) 
-------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Taxation on profit                                         3,522      838 
-------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 
Profit before income tax                                  12,074    4,987 
-------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 
Tax on profit at the standard rate of corporation 
 tax 
 in the UK of 19% (2021 - 19%)                             2,294      948 
Effect of: 
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes                     357       36 
Adjustment to tax charge in respect of prior years         (155)     (32) 
Adjustment to deferred tax charge in respect of prior 
 years                                                     (107)    (154) 
Adjustment to deferred tax charge in respect of change 
 in tax rate                                               1,110        - 
Pension adjustments                                           23       40 
-------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Total tax charge for the year                              3,522      838 
-------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Effective rate of tax (%)                                   29.2     16.8 
-------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 

Changes to the UK corporation tax rates were substantively enacted as part of Finance Bill 2021 on 24 May 2021, the applicable main rate increasing from the current level of 19% to 25% from 1 April 2023. Deferred taxes at the balance sheet date have been measured using these enacted tax rates and reflected in these financial statements.

   5    Dividends 
 
                                                       2022     2021 
                                                     GBP000   GBP000 
--------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Final paid of 11.69p per share for the year ended 
 31 March 2021 (2020 - 11.40p)                        5,101    4,974 
Interim paid of 3.66p per share (2021 - 3.57p)        1,597    1,558 
--------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
                                                      6,698    6,532 
--------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 

The directors are proposing a final dividend of 12.57 pence (2021 - 11.69 pence) per share totalling GBP5,484,551 (2021 - GBP5,100,589). In addition, the directors have declared a supplementary dividend of 15.00 pence per share, totalling GBP6,544,810. These dividends have not been accrued at the balance sheet date.

   6    Earnings per share and diluted earnings per share 

The calculation of the basic and diluted earnings per share is based on the following data:

 
                                                                2022        2021 
--------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
Profit after taxation (GBP000)                                 8,552       4,149 
--------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
Weighted average number of shares - basic calculation     43,631,545  43,632,068 
Earnings per share - basic calculation (pence per 
 share)                                                       19.60p       9.51p 
--------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
Number of dilutive share options in issue                     67,441      35,292 
Weighted average number of shares - diluted calculation   43,698,986  43,667,360 
Earnings per share - diluted calculation (pence per 
 share)                                                       19.57p       9.50p 
--------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 

Earnings per share (basic) excluding exceptional items of 19.59 pence per share (2021 - 8.06 pence per share) is calculated on the profit on ordinary activities before exceptional items after taxation of GBP8,546,000 (2021 - GBP3,516,000), using the basic weighted average number of shares of 43,631,545. The corresponding diluted earnings per share excluding exceptional items, using the weighted average number of shares of 43,698,986 is 19.57 pence per share (2021 - 8.05 pence per share).

   7    Property, plant and equipment 
 
                                  Freehold 
                             and leasehold 
                                  land and           Plant 
                                 buildings   and equipment    Total 
                                    GBP000          GBP000   GBP000 
--------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------- 
Cost 
At 1 April 2021                     40,357         151,831  192,188 
Additions during the year              163           4,216    4,379 
Disposals                            (410)           (451)    (861) 
--------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------- 
At 31 March 2022                    40,110         155,596  195,706 
--------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------- 
Accumulated depreciation 
At 1 April 2021                     11,632         113,444  125,076 
Charge for year                      1,073           7,528    8,601 
Disposals                            (410)           (362)    (772) 
--------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------- 
At 31 March 2022                    12,295         120,610  132,905 
--------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------- 
Net book values 
At 31 March 2022                    27,815          34,986   62,801 
--------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------- 
At 31 March 2021                    28,725          38,387   67,112 
--------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------- 
 
Cost 
At 1 April 2020                     40,183         147,449  187,632 
Additions during the year              584           4,660    5,244 
Disposals                            (410)           (278)    (688) 
--------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------- 
At 31 March 2021                    40,357         151,831  192,188 
--------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------- 
Accumulated depreciation 
At 1 April 2020                     10,941         105,998  116,939 
Charge for year                      1,101           7,701    8,802 
Disposals                            (410)           (255)    (665) 
--------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------- 
At 31 March 2021                    11,632         113,444  125,076 
--------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------- 
Net book values 
At 31 March 2021                    28,725          38,387   67,112 
--------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------- 
At 31 March 2020                    29,242          41,451   70,693 
--------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------- 
 

The net book value of land and buildings includes GBP2,169,000 (2021 - GBP2,169,000) for land which is not depreciated.

Included within plant and equipment are assets in the course of construction with a net book value of GBP1,043,000 (2021 - GBP464,000) which are not depreciated.

   8    Commitments and contingencies 
 
                                                         2022     2021 
                                                       GBP000   GBP000 
----------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Capital commitments contracted for by the group but 
 not provided for in the financial statements           1,637    1,784 
----------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 

The group does not insure against the potential cost of product warranty or recall. Accordingly, there is always the possibility of claims against the group for quality related issues on parts supplied to customers. As at 31 March 2022, the directors do not consider any significant liability will arise in respect of any such claims (2021 - GBPnil).

9 Pensions

The company operates two defined benefit pension schemes which were closed to future accruals at 6 April 2009. The funded status of these schemes at 31 March 2022 was a surplus of GBP9,932,000 (2021 - GBP9.980,000). On 24 March 2020, the Trustees of the schemes completed a bulk annuity insurance buy-in with Aviva Life & Pensions UK Limited thus providing certainty and security for all members of the schemes. The buy-in secures an insurance asset from Aviva that fully matches, subject to final price adjustment of the bulk annuity pricing, the remaining pension liabilities of the schemes. The buy-in covers the investment, longevity, interest rate and inflation risks in respect of the schemes and therefore substantially reduces the pension risk to the company.

The pension surplus has not been recognised as the group does not have an unconditional right to receive returns of contributions or refunds under the scheme rules.

10 Preliminary statement

The financial information set out above does not constitute the company's statutory financial statements for the years ended 31 March 2022 or 2021 but is derived from those financial statements. Statutory financial statements for 2022 have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies and those for 2022 will be delivered following the company's Annual General Meeting. The auditors have reported on those financial statements; their reports were unqualified, did not include references to any matters to which the auditors drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their reports and did not contain statements under Section 498 of the Companies Act 2006.

The annual report and financial statements will be posted to shareholders on 24 June 2022 and will be available on the company's website, www.castings.plc.uk, from 27 June 2022.

Appendix 1 - Principal Risks and Uncertainties

In common with all trading businesses, the group is exposed to a variety of risks in the conduct of its normal business operations.

The directors regularly assess the principal risks facing the entity. Whilst it is difficult to completely quantify every material risk that the group faces, below is a summary of those risks that the directors believe are most significant to the group's business and could have a material impact on future performance, causing it to differ materially from expected or historic achieved results. Information is also provided as to how the risks are, where possible, being managed or mitigated.

The group does not operate a formal internal audit function; however, risk management is overseen by senior management and group risk registers are maintained and regularly reviewed, alongside factors which may result in changes to risk assessments or require additional mitigation measures to be implemented.

External consultants are used to assess design and effectiveness of controls relating to IT security to provide specialist support to management in this area.

Key risks arising or increasing in impact are reviewed at both group and subsidiary board meetings.

The impact of each risk set out below has been described as increased, stable or decreased dependent upon whether the business environment and group activity has resulted in a change to the potential impact of that risk.

Several principal risks have been removed which have been key themes in the last few years. As the conditions of the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union seems to be largely concluded and the resulting changes embedded, it is no longer considered a principal risk to the business as a standalone issue. Similarly, with vaccination programmes largely successful in major markets, COVID-19 has also been removed as a principal risk. Both issues remain subject to review as part of the group's internal risk review process.

 
Risk description                   Impact                             Mitigation and control 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
Technological change 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
Customers continue to              Stable                             The strategic focus of 
 invest in the development          The group continues to             the group is evaluated 
 of electric and hydrogen           work with key customers            regularly through group 
 powered vehicles to move           producing the next generation      board meetings. 
 away from internal combustion      of ICE commercial vehicles,        Consideration is given 
 engines ('ICE').                   whilst monitoring opportunities    to what opportunities 
 The initial phase of               for the future.                    might be available within 
 this is focussed on passenger                                         alternative light-weight 
 cars and smaller, short-range                                         metals, such as aluminium, 
 trucks which are not                                                  or through value-added 
 key markets for the group.                                            opportunities. 
 However, the continued                                                The group continues to 
 development of new technology                                         monitor the potential 
 does present a medium-term                                            market impacts from hydrogen 
 risk to the group as                                                  fuel cell deployment 
 c. 30% of group revenue                                               (considered to be the 
 arises from the supply                                                most likely replacement 
 of cast iron powertrain                                               technology for heavy-duty 
 components.                                                           trucks). 
 It is important to note 
 that such a change also 
 presents an opportunity 
 for the group to evolve 
 its product offering, 
 as has always been the 
 case over the years. 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
Operational and commercial 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
The group's revenues               Stable                             The group's operations 
 are principally derived            The operational and commercial     are set up in such a 
 from the commercial vehicle        activity of the business           way as to ensure that 
 markets which can be               is driven by customer              variation in demand can 
 subject to variations              demand. At present demand          be accommodated and rapidly 
 in patterns of demand.             has the potential to               responded to. 
 Commercial vehicle sales           change rapidly dependent           Demand is closely reviewed 
 are linked to technological        upon the significant               by senior management 
 factors (for example               variable factors in the            on a constant basis. 
 emissions legislation)             macroeconomic environment 
 and economic growth.               such as conflict in Ukraine, 
                                    semi-conductor shortages, 
                                    COVID-19 or changing 
                                    regulatory positions. 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
Market competition 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
Commercial vehicle markets         Stable                             Whilst there can be no 
 are, by their nature,              Erosion of market share            guarantee that business 
 highly competitive, which          could result in loss               will not be lost on price, 
 has historically led               of revenue and profit.             we are confident that 
 to deflationary pressure                                              we can remain competitive. 
 on selling prices. This                                               The group continues to 
 pressure is most pronounced                                           mitigate this risk through 
 in cycles of lower demand.                                            investment in productivity, 
 A number of the group's                                               with a strong focus on 
 customers are also adopting                                           cost and customer value. 
 global sourcing models 
 with the aim to reduce 
 bought-out costs. 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
Customer concentration, programme dependencies and relationships 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
The group has strong               Stable                             We build strong relationships 
 relationships with key             The loss of, or deterioration      with our customers to 
 customers in the commercial        in, any major customer             develop products to meet 
 vehicle market which               relationship could have            their specific needs. 
 form the majority of               a material impact on 
 the customer base.                 the group's results. 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
Product quality and liability 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
The group's businesses             Stable                             Whilst it is a policy 
 expose it to certain               Fines or penalties could           of the group to endeavour 
 product liability risks            result in a loss of revenue,       to limit its financial 
 which, in the event of             additional costs and               liability by contract 
 failure, could give rise           reduced profits.                   in all long-term agreements 
 to material financial                                                 ('LTAs'), it is not always 
 liabilities.                                                          possible to secure such 
                                                                       limitations in the absence 
                                                                       of LTAs. 
                                                                       The group's customers 
                                                                       do require the maintenance 
                                                                       of demanding quality 
                                                                       systems to safeguard 
                                                                       against quality-related 
                                                                       risks and the group maintains 
                                                                       appropriate external 
                                                                       quality accreditations. 
                                                                       The group maintains insurance 
                                                                       for public liability-related 
                                                                       claims but does not insure 
                                                                       against the risk of product 
                                                                       warranty or recall. 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
Foreign exchange 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
The group is exposed               Stable                             The group's foreign exchange 
 to foreign exchange risk           The group is exposed               risk is well-mitigated 
 on both sales and purchases        to gains or losses that            through commercial arrangements 
 denominated in currencies          could be material to               with key customers. 
 other than sterling,               the group's financial              Foreign exchange rate 
 being primarily euro               results and can increase           risk is sometimes partially 
 and US dollar.                     or decrease how competitive        mitigated by using forward 
                                    the group's pricing is             foreign exchange contracts. 
                                    to overseas markets.               Such contracts are short 
                                                                       term in nature, matched 
                                                                       to contractual cash flows 
                                                                       and non-speculative. 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
Equipment 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
The group operates a               Stable                             Whilst this risk cannot 
 number of specialist               A large incident could             be entirely mitigated 
 pieces of equipment,               disrupt business at the            without uneconomic duplication 
 including foundry furnaces,        site affected and result           of all key equipment, 
 moulding lines and CNC             in significant rectification       all key equipment is 
 milling machines which,            costs or material asset            maintained to a high 
 due to manufacturing               impairments.                       standard and inventories 
 lead times, would be                                                  of strategic equipment 
 difficult to replace                                                  spares maintained. 
 sufficiently quickly                                                  The foundry facilities 
 to prevent major interruption                                         at Brownhills and Dronfield 
 and possible loss of                                                  have similar equipment 
 business in the event                                                 and work can be transferred 
 of unforeseen failure.                                                from one location to 
                                                                       another very quickly. 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
Suppliers 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
The group holds long-standing      Increased                          Although the group takes 
 relationships with key             The risk of a supplier's           care to ensure alternative 
 suppliers and there is             business interruption              sources of supply remain 
 a risk that a business             remains very high due              available for materials 
 which the group is critically      to the current global              or services on which 
 dependent upon could               business environment.              the group's businesses 
 be subject to significant                                             are critically dependent, 
 disruption and that this                                              this is not always possible 
 could materially impact                                               to guarantee without 
 the operations of the                                                 risk of short-term business 
 group.                                                                disruption, additional 
 There are specifically                                                costs and potential damage 
 high risks of semi-conductor                                          to relationships with 
 shortages in the supply                                               key customers. 
 chain, COVID-19 outbreaks,                                            The group continues to 
 disruption because of                                                 maintain productive dialogue 
 the conflict in Ukraine                                               with key suppliers, working 
 or logistical delays.                                                 together to adjust to 
                                                                       changes to the business 
                                                                       environment. 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
Commodity and energy 
 pricing 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
The group is exposed               Increased                          Wherever possible, prices 
 to the risk of price               Changes to the pricing             and quantities (except 
 inflation on raw materials         of the group's commodity           steel) are secured through 
 and energy contracts.              and energy purchases               long-term agreements 
 The principal metal raw            could materially impact            with suppliers. 
 materials used by the              the financial performance          In general, the risk 
 group's businesses are             of the group if no mitigating      of price inflation of 
 steel scrap and various            actions were taken.                these materials resides 
 alloys. The most important         Power and raw material             with the group's customers 
 alloy raw material inputs          markets have become very           through price adjustment 
 are premium graphite,              volatile because of the            clauses. 
 magnesium ferro-silicon,           current conflict in Ukraine        Energy contracts are 
 copper, nickel and molybdenum.     and other associated               typically for a period 
                                    supply issues.                     of at least 12 months, 
                                                                       although renegotiation 
                                                                       risks remain at contract 
                                                                       maturity dates but again 
                                                                       this is mitigated through 
                                                                       the application of price 
                                                                       adjustment clauses. 
                                                                       At 31 March 2022, the 
                                                                       group had electricity 
                                                                       and gas contracts in 
                                                                       place until 
                                                                       30 September 2022 and 
                                                                       2023 respectively. 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
Information technology and systems reliability 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
The group is dependent             Stable                             Whilst data within key 
 on its information technology      Significant failures               systems is regularly 
 ('IT') systems to operate          to the IT systems of               backed up and systems 
 its business efficiently,          the group as a result              subject to virus protection, 
 without failure or interruption.   of external factors could          any failure of backup 
 The group continues to             result in operational              systems or other major 
 invest in IT systems               disruption and a negative          IT interruption could 
 to aid in the operational          impact on customer delivery        have a disruptive effect 
 performance of the group           and reporting capabilities.        on the group's business. 
 and its reporting capabilities.                                       IT projects are reviewed 
 There are increasing                                                  and approved at board 
 global threats faced                                                  level and the group continues 
 by these systems as a                                                 to invest in IT security 
 result of sophisticated                                               to improve our resilience 
 cyberattacks.                                                         and response towards 
                                                                       such threats. 
                                                                       The group engages with 
                                                                       external specialists 
                                                                       to regularly assess the 
                                                                       security of the IT network 
                                                                       and systems. 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
Regulatory and legislative 
 compliance 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
The group must comply              Stable                             The group maintains a 
 with a wide range of               Failure to comply with             comprehensive range of 
 legislative and regulatory         legislation could lead             policies, procedures 
 requirements including             to substantial financial           and training programmes 
 modern slavery, anti-bribery       penalties, business disruption,    in order to ensure that 
 and anti-competition               diversion of management            both management and relevant 
 legislation, taxation              time, personal and corporate       employees are informed 
 legislation, employment            liability and loss of              of legislative changes 
 law and import and export          reputation.                        and it is clear how the 
 controls.                                                             group's business is expected 
                                                                       to be carried out. 
                                                                       Whistleblowing procedures 
                                                                       and an open-door management 
                                                                       style are in place to 
                                                                       enable concerns to be 
                                                                       raised and addressed. 
                                                                       Specialist advice is 
                                                                       made available to management 
                                                                       when required to ensure 
                                                                       that the group is up 
                                                                       to date with changes 
                                                                       in regulation and legislation. 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
Climate change 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
The group's operations             Stable                             A working group has been 
 are energy-intensive               It is expected that green          formed to continue to 
 and whilst the group               taxes on energy and the            monitor and report on 
 considers that its businesses      compliance cost of meeting         developments with regards 
 provide fundamental components     developing reporting               to climate risk. 
 and services which will            obligations for our stakeholders   As part of the renewal 
 prove resilient in a               will result in increased           of energy contracts the 
 transition towards a               energy prices and administrative   group reviews whether 
 net zero economy, the              expenses.                          investment in renewable 
 board recognises the                                                  energy sources would 
 group is likely to receive                                            meet the group's investment 
 increased scrutiny in                                                 criteria and such proposals 
 the future in relation                                                will continue to be considered 
 to emissions and climate                                              on their commercial merits. 
 change.                                                               The group will continue 
                                                                       to engage with and understand 
                                                                       the needs of its stakeholders 
                                                                       with regard to climate 
                                                                       risk. 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
People risk 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
The group's operations             Increased                          The group looks to provide 
 depend upon the availability       The labour market has              safe, stable and long-term 
 of both skilled and unskilled      been extremely competitive         employment at competitive 
 labour to operate manual           during the year.                   rates of pay. 
 equipment and fulfil                                                  We invest in people development 
 our strategic goals.                                                  and utilise technology 
 Inability to attract                                                  and productivity gains 
 and retain talent could                                               to ensure that our products 
 result in either a shortage                                           remain competitively 
 of staff or a reduction                                               priced. 
 in operating margins. 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
 

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