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NICL Nichols Plc

1,000.00
22.00 (2.25%)
23 Apr 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Nichols Plc LSE:NICL London Ordinary Share GB0006389398 ORD 10P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  22.00 2.25% 1,000.00 986.00 998.00 998.00 972.00 974.00 21,070 16:35:01
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Btld & Can Soft Drinks,water 170.74M 18.36M 0.5034 19.83 364.06M

Nichols PLC 2018 INTERIM RESULTS (0904V)

19/07/2018 7:00am

UK Regulatory


TIDMNICL

RNS Number : 0904V

Nichols PLC

19 July 2018

 
 Date:       Embargoed until 0700 Thursday 19 July 2018 
 Contacts:   John Nichols, Non-Executive Chairman 
             Marnie Millard, Group Chief Executive Officer 
              Tim Croston, Group Chief Finance Officer 
              Andrew Milne, Group Commercial Director 
             Nichols plc 
             Telephone: 01925 222 222 
             Website: www.nicholsplc.co.uk 
 
             Alex Brennan/ Hattie O'Reilly       Richard Lindley 
             Hudson Sandler                      N+1 Singer (Nominated Adviser) 
             Telephone: 020 7796 4133            Telephone: 020 7496 3000 
              Email: nichols@hudsonsandler.com    Website: www.n1singer.com 
 
 

Nichols plc

2018 INTERIM RESULTS

Nichols plc ('Nichols' or the 'Group'), the soft drinks Group, announces its Interim Results for the half year ended 30 June 2018 (the 'period').

Nichols plc is an international soft drinks business with sales in over 85 countries, selling products in both the Still and Carbonate categories. The Group is home to the iconic Vimto brand which is popular in the UK and around the world, particularly in the Middle East and Africa. Other brands in its portfolio include Feel Good, Starslush, ICEE, Levi Roots and Sunkist.

This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of EU Regulation 596/2014.

Financial Highlights:

 
 *EBITDA is the statutory            Half Year       Half Year     % movement 
  profit before tax, interest,         ended           ended 
  depreciation and amortisation     30 June 2018    30 June 2017 
                                       GBPm            GBPm 
                                  --------------  --------------  ----------- 
 
 Group Revenue                         65.0            63.5           2.3% 
                                  --------------  --------------  ----------- 
 Operating Profit                      13.1            12.7           2.7% 
                                  --------------  --------------  ----------- 
 Operating Profit margin               20.1%           20.0% 
                                  --------------  --------------  ----------- 
 
 EBITDA*                               14.0            13.2           6.2% 
                                  --------------  --------------  ----------- 
 
 Profit Before Tax                     13.1            12.7           2.7% 
                                  --------------  --------------  ----------- 
 PBT margin                            20.1%           20.0% 
                                  --------------  --------------  ----------- 
 
 Earnings Per Share (basic)           28.81p          27.67p          4.1% 
                                  --------------  --------------  ----------- 
 Interim dividend                      11.3p           10.1p         11.9% 
                                  --------------  --------------  ----------- 
 

Chairman's Statement

Nichols plc has delivered a solid performance in the first half of 2018. The Group's revenue, profit before tax and earnings per share have all increased during the period.

Trading

Total Group revenue increased by 2.3% in the first six months of 2018, driven by a strong performance from the UK business.

UK sales totalled GBP53.8m in the period, an increase of 13.2% compared to the prior year. Within the UK business, the Vimto brand, which is 110 years old this year, continued to significantly outperform the market. Year to date sales of the Vimto brand are up 9.0% compared to the total UK market which increased by 3.7% (Nielsen YTD to 16 June 2018). Elsewhere in the UK, Out of Home revenue increased by 13.6%, with the growth coming from both dispense and frozen product sales. The UK growth was delivered in both the Still and Carbonate segments.

Total international sales were in line with our expectations at GBP11.2m, GBP4.8m lower than the same period in 2017. The majority of the reduction is a result of lower sales to the Middle East as anticipated in our 2017 Preliminary Results statement (1 March 2018). This is due to the ongoing conflict in Yemen and the timing of shipments to Saudi Arabia. Elsewhere in our international business, sales to Africa totalled GBP6.8m. Whilst this is 3.7% down at the half year point, the Board is confident that full year sales to this region will deliver year on year growth.

Dividend

Reflecting the Board's continued confidence in the outlook for the Group, we are pleased to announce an interim dividend of 11.3 pence per share, an increase of 11.9% compared to the prior year (2017: 10.1 pence). The interim dividend will be paid on 31 August 2018 to shareholders registered on 20 July 2018; the ex-dividend date is 19 July 2018.

Summary and Outlook

The Board is pleased with the Group's trading performance in the first half of 2018.

Supported by the new Vimto marketing campaign launched in May, we expect to maintain the positive UK sales performance into the second half of the year. Whilst we maintain our original guidance that full year sales to the Middle East will be lower when compared to the prior year, the Board anticipate a stronger second half year in our international business.

As a result, the Board are confident that full year earnings will be in line with expectations.

John Nichols, Non-Executive Chairman, said:

"Nichols plc has delivered a solid performance in the first half of 2018 with growth in revenue, profit before tax and earnings per share. The Board is pleased to announce an 11.9% increase in the dividend reflecting the performance as well as its confidence in the Group's outlook.

The performance during the first half is testament to the benefits of Nichols' diversified business model. The strong sales performance in the UK was driven by the strength of the Vimto brand, which continues to outperform the wider market, and we expect this momentum to continue following the launch of an exciting new marketing campaign in May.

We have been managing the widely reported market challenges in the Middle East and as a result, the Board is confident of delivering full year results in line with expectations."

John Nichols

Non-Executive Chairman

18 July 2018

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

 
                                    Unaudited     Unaudited       Audited 
                                    Half year     Half year     Full year 
                                        ended         ended         ended 
                                  30-Jun-2018   30-Jun-2017   31-Dec-2017 
 
                                      GBP'000       GBP'000       GBP'000 
 
 Revenue                               64,989        63,504       132,789 
 
 Operating profit                      13,058        12,717        28,742 
 Finance income                            75            74           134 
 Finance expense                         (60)          (60)         (154) 
 
 Profit before taxation                13,073        12,731        28,722 
                                 ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
 Taxation                             (2,436)       (2,534)       (5,548) 
 
 Profit for the financial 
  period                               10,637        10,197        23,174 
                                 ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
 Attributable to: 
 Owners of the Parent                  10,617        10,197        23,174 
 Non-controlling interest                  20             -             - 
 
 Earnings per share (basic)            28.81p        27.67p        62.88p 
 
 Earnings per share (diluted) 
 - all activities                      28.79p        27.65p        62.81p 
 
 Dividends paid per share              23.40p        20.30p        30.40p 
 
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 
                                                                             Unaudited     Unaudited       Audited 
 
                                                                             Half year     Half year     Full year 
                                                                                 ended         ended         ended 
                                                                           30-Jun-2018   30-Jun-2017   31-Dec-2017 
 
                                                                               GBP'000       GBP'000       GBP'000 
 
Profit for the financial period                                                 10,637        10,197        23,174 
 Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss 
  Re-measurement of net defined 
  benefit liability                                                                  -             -         1,140 
 
Deferred taxation on pension obligations and employee benefits                       -             -         (113) 
 
Other comprehensive income for the period                                            -             -         1,027 
 
 Total comprehensive income for the period                                      10,637        10,197        24,201 
 
Attributable to: 
Owners of the Parent                                                            10,617        10,197        24,201 
Non-controlling interest                                                            20             -             - 
 
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

 
                                  Unaudited    Unaudited      Audited 
                                30-Jun-2018  30-Jun-2017  31-Dec-2017 
 
                                    GBP'000      GBP'000      GBP'000 
ASSETS 
Non-current assets 
Property, plant and equipment        14,391        9,924       12,059 
Goodwill                             33,726       29,415       30,666 
Intangibles                           7,767        6,006        7,993 
Deferred tax assets                   1,065        1,436        1,065 
 
Total non-current assets             56,949       46,781       51,783 
                                -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
Current assets 
Inventories                           6,212        6,036        4,815 
Trade and other receivables          34,120       36,957       34,740 
Cash and cash equivalents            37,148       29,276       36,058 
 
Total current assets                 77,480       72,269       75,613 
                                -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
Total assets                        134,429      119,050      127,396 
                                -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
LIABILITIES 
Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables             26,296       20,624       21,031 
Current tax liabilities               2,479        2,607        2,536 
Total current liabilities            28,775       23,231       23,567 
                                -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
Non-current liabilities 
Pension obligations                   2,521        5,954        2,921 
Deferred tax liabilities              1,602        1,101        1,586 
                                -----------  -----------  ----------- 
Total non-current liabilities         4,123        7,055        4,507 
                                -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
Total liabilities                    32,898       30,286       28,074 
                                -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
Net assets                          101,531       88,764       99,322 
                                -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
EQUITY 
Share capital                         3,697        3,697        3,697 
Share premium reserve                 3,255        3,255        3,255 
Capital redemption reserve            1,209        1,209        1,209 
Other reserves                          157        (268)          134 
Retained earnings                    93,193       80,871       91,027 
Non-controlling interest                 20            -            - 
                                -----------  -----------  ----------- 
Total equity                        101,531       88,764       99,322 
                                -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

 
                                                               Unaudited              Unaudited                Audited 
 
                                                         Half year ended        Half year ended        Full year ended 
                                                             30-Jun-2018            30-Jun-2017            31-Dec-2017 
 
                                                      GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000     GBP'000     GBP'000    GBP'000 
 
Profit for the financial period                                   10,637                 10,197                 23,174 
 
Cash flows from operating activities 
Adjustments for: 
Depreciation                                              708                   362                   1,018 
Amortisation                                              226                    78                     157 
Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment              32                    15                      40 
Finance income                                           (75)                  (74)                   (134) 
Finance expense                                            60                    60                     154 
Tax expense recognised in the income statement          2,436                 2,534                   5,548 
Change in inventories                                 (1,321)                   536                   1,878 
Change in trade and other receivables                     684               (5,448)                 (4,675) 
Change in trade and other payables                      3,079                 (859)                 (1,810) 
Change in pension obligations                           (400)                 (441)                 (2,334) 
--------------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  --------- 
                                                                   5,429                (3,237)                  (158) 
 
Cash generated from operating activities                          16,066                  6,960                 23,016 
 
Tax paid                                                         (2,555)                (2,314)                (5,274) 
--------------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  --------- 
Net cash generated from operating activities                      13,511                  4,646                 17,742 
 
Cash flows from investing activities 
Finance income                                             75                    74                     134 
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and 
 equipment                                                  -                     3                       4 
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment          (2,314)               (1,758)                 (3,795) 
Acquisition of subsidiary                             (1,549)               (6,040)                 (6,568) 
Net cash used in investing activities                            (3,788)                (7,721)               (10,225) 
 
Cash flows from financing activities 
Funds from ESOT                                             -                    84                       - 
Dividends paid                                        (8,633)               (7,487)                (11,213) 
--------------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  --------- 
Net cash used in financing activities                            (8,633)                (7,403)               (11,213) 
 
Net increase/ (decrease) in cash and cash 
 equivalents                                                       1,090               (10,478)                (3,696) 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period                  36,058                 39,754                 39,754 
--------------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  --------- 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period                        37,148                 29,276                 36,058 
--------------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  --------- 
 
 
 

NOTES

   1.         Basis of Preparation 

The financial information set out in this Interim Report does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. The Group's statutory financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2017, prepared under IFRS, have been filed with the Registrar of Companies. The auditor's report on those financial statements was unqualified and did not contain a statement under Section 498 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

The interim financial information has been prepared in accordance with the recognition and measurement principles of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and on the same basis and using the same accounting policies as used in the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2017, aside from the fact that this is the first set of the Group's financial statements where IFRS 15 and IFRS 9 have been applied, the impact of which is detailed in section 2 below. The Interim Report has not been audited or reviewed in accordance with the International Standard on Review Engagement 2410 issued by the Auditing Practices Board.

   2.         New Accounting Standards 

IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers

IFRS 15 supersedes IAS 18, Revenue and related interpretations and it applies to all revenue arising from contracts with customers, unless those contracts are in the scope of other standards. The standard establishes a new model to account for revenue arising from contracts with customers. Under IFRS 15, revenue is recognised at an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring goods or services to a customer. The standard is effective for accounting periods beginning or after 1 January 2018; the Group has applied the standard from this date without using the practical expedient for completed contracts retrospectively.

The standard requires entities to exercise judgement, taking into consideration all of the relevant facts and circumstances when applying each step of the model to contracts with their customers. The standard also specifies the accounting for the incremental costs of obtaining a contract and the costs directly related to fulfilling a contract.

As a manufacturer and distributor, the Group earns its revenues from the sale of goods rather than services. The Group sells those goods to specific orders. The Group recognises revenue at a point in time, typically on despatch of the goods to customer's premises for UK sales or, for international sales, upon loading the goods onto the relevant carrier. The adoption of IFRS 15 has not affected the revenue recognition policy currently applied by the Group, with revenue recognised at a point in time, depending on when the specifics of a particular contract result in control of the goods being passed to the customer.

Although the majority of the Group's contracts with customers are not complex, with revenue being fixed for a specific quantity of goods, the Group has identified a number of contracts in which customers are given volume rebates and/ or other promotional rebates based on quantities purchased over a contractually agreed period of time.

Under the Group's previous policy under IAS 18, management made its best estimate of any rebates it had to give based on available information. Under IFRS 15, management have assumed that products sold by the balance sheet date attract a full rebate except to the extent that it was highly probable the full rebate had not been earned. Based on the timing of the agreements entered into with customers, the level of estimation in the accrual at each reporting date was insignificant, and as such, there has been no material impact on deductions to revenue under IFRS 15 as a result of rebate arrangements.

The Group does not incur material costs to obtain contracts with customers.

IFRS 9, Financial Instruments

IFRS 9, Financial Instruments replaces IAS 39, Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018, bringing together all three aspects of the accounting for financial instruments: classification and measurement; impairment; and hedge accounting. The Group has adopted IFRS 9 from 1 January 2018 and in accordance with the transitional provisions in IFRS 9 (7.2.15) and (7.2.26), comparative figures have not been restated.

IFRS 9 largely retains the previous requirements in IAS 39 for the classification and measurement of financial liabilities and the accounting for the Group's financial liabilities remains largely the same as it was under IAS 39. Similar to the requirements of IAS 39, IFRS 9 requires contingent consideration liabilities to be treated as financial instruments measured at fair value, with the changes in fair value recognised in the statement of profit or loss.

However, IFRS 9 eliminates the previous IAS 39 categories for financial assets of held to maturity, loans and receivables and available for sale, which has resulted in a change to the Group's accounting for impairment losses for financial assets by replacing IAS 39's incurred loss approach with a forward-looking expected credit loss (ECL) approach. IFRS 9 requires the Group to record an allowance for ECL's for all loans and other debt financial assets not held at FVPL. The Group's financial assets that are subject to IFRS 9's new expected credit loss model comprise trade receivables for sales of inventory.

ECL's are based on the difference between the contractual cash flows due in accordance with the contract and all the cash flows that the Group expects to receive. The shortfall is then discounted at an approximation to the asset's original effective interest rate. For contract assets and trade and other receivables, the Group has applied the standard's simplified approach and has calculated ECL's based on lifetime expected credit losses. The Group has established a provision matrix that is based on the Group's historical credit loss experience, adjusted for forward-looking factors specific to the debtors and the economic environment. The Group has concluded that the expected loss allowance for trade receivables is not materially different from that previously recognised under IAS 39.

While cash and cash equivalents are also subject to the impairment requirements of IFRS 9, the identified impairment loss was again immaterial.

IFRS 16, Leases

IFRS 16 was issued in January 2016. It will result in almost all leases being recognised on the balance sheet, as the distinction between operating and finance leases is removed. Under the new standard, an asset (the right to use the leased item) and a financial liability to pay rentals are recognised. The only exceptions are short-term and low-value leases.

As at the reporting date, the Group has non-cancellable operating lease commitments of GBP3.8m, the vast majority of which relate to property leases for operational sites. The Group has not yet determined to what extent these commitments will result in the recognition of an asset and a liability for future payments and how this will affect the Group's profit and classification of cash flows. Some of the commitments may be covered by the exception for short-term and low-value leases and some commitments may relate to arrangements that will not qualify as leases under IFRS 16.

IFRS 16 becomes effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019. The Group does not intend to adopt the standard before its effective date.

   3.         Dividends 

The interim dividend of 11.3 pence (2017: 10.1 pence) will be paid on 31 August 2018 to shareholders registered on 20 July 2018; the ex-dividend date is 19 July 2018.

   4.         Earnings Per Share 

Basic earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of shares in issue in the six months to 30 June 2018 of 36,857,624 (six months to 30 June 2017 of 36,853,794 and 12 months to 31 December 2017 of 36,857,660).

Interim Report

The interim report will be available on the Group's website (www.nicholsplc.co.uk) on or around 19 July 2018.

Cautionary Statement

This Interim Report has been prepared solely to provide additional information to shareholders to assess the Group's strategies and the potential for those strategies to succeed. The Interim Report should not be relied on by any other party or for any other purpose.

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

END

IR UWABRWBABAAR

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

July 19, 2018 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)

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