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SOLI Solid State Plc

1,470.00
55.00 (3.89%)
10 May 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Solid State Plc LSE:SOLI London Ordinary Share GB0008237132 ORD 5P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  55.00 3.89% 1,470.00 1,450.00 1,490.00 1,485.00 1,415.00 1,415.00 18,324 16:15:35
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Electronic Parts,eq-whsl,nec 126.5M 6.69M 0.5899 24.92 166.79M

Solid State PLC Half-year Report (8235H)

20/11/2018 7:00am

UK Regulatory


Solid State (LSE:SOLI)
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TIDMSOLI

RNS Number : 8235H

Solid State PLC

20 November 2018

Solid State plc

("Solid State", the "Company" or the "Group")

Interim Results

Solid State plc (AIM: SOLI), the AIM listed manufacturer of computing, power and communications products, and value added distributor of electronic components, is pleased to announce its Interim Results for the six months ended 30 September 2018.

Highlights in the period include:

Financial:

 
                                      2018       2017    Change 
 Revenue                          GBP23.5m   GBP22.5m   GBP1.0m      +4% 
 Adjusted gross profit margin        29.1%      28.4%      0.7%   +70bps 
 Adjusted profit before tax        GBP1.7m    GBP1.6m   GBP0.1m      +6% 
 Adjusted diluted earnings per 
  share (note 6)                     16.9p      16.1p      0.8p      +5% 
 Interim dividend                     4.2p       4.0p      0.2p      +5% 
 Interim dividend cover               3.3x       3.3x      0.0x        - 
 

Operational:

   --     Organic growth in the Value Added Distribution division of 26% with improved margins. 

-- Revenues in the Manufacturing division are expected to be second half weighted; however gross margins have improved in the first half due to the sales product mix.

   --     Continued investment in research & development. 

-- Investment in high volume production capability for battery packs for industrial autonomous robots has been completed, with initial production revenues now commenced and delivery for the initial order scheduled through to mid-2019.

   --     Continued development in own brand computing products. 

-- Significant contract wins previously announced have resulted in a strong Group open order book as at 31/10/18 of GBP29.4m (31/10/17: GBP20.1m) up 46%.

-- Securing the exclusive VPT franchise announced in April 2018 is expected to positively impact Value Added Distribution revenues in the second half.

-- Post period end - acquisition of Pacer Technologies Limited for GBP3.73m, subject to a net asset adjustment. On an annualised basis the acquired business is expected to add circa GBP15.0m revenues and GBP0.5m operating profit to the Value Added Distribution division.

Commenting on the Results and prospects, Tony Frere, Chairman of Solid State, said:

"These results are very pleasing and provide a good foundation for the year as a whole. The strength of the order book and the recent acquisition of Pacer Technologies give the Board confidence in being able to deliver a stronger second half and continued longer term growth."

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

For further information please contact:

 
 Solid State plc                              01527 830 630 
 Gary Marsh - Chief Executive                 investor.information@solidstateplc.com 
  Peter James - Group Finance Director 
 
 WH Ireland (Nominated Adviser & Joint 
  Broker)                                     0117 945 3470 
 Mike Coe / Chris Savidge (Corporate 
  Finance) 
  Jasper Berry / David Kilbourn (Corporate 
  Broking / Sales) 
 finnCap (Joint Broker) 
  Ed Frisby (Corporate Finance) 
  Rhys Williams (Corporate Broking / 
  Sales)                                      020 7220 0500 
 
 Walbrook PR (Financial PR)                   020 7933 8780 
 Tom Cooper / Paul Vann                       0797 122 1972 
                                              tom.cooper@walbrookpr.com 
 

Notes to Editors:

Solid State plc (SOLI) is a leading value added group of companies providing specialist distribution, design-in and manufacturing services to those acquiring computing, power and communications products; and electronic and optoelectronic components; for use in harsh environments.

Serving niche markets in oil & gas production, medical, construction, security, military and field maintenance, Solid State acts as both a component supplier to OEMs and bespoke manufacturer of specialist units to clients with complex requirements.

Headquartered in Redditch, Solid State employs over 200 staff across the UK with a sales office in the USA. Solid State operates through two main divisions: Manufacturing and Value Added Distribution.

Solid State was established in 1971 and admitted to AIM in June 1996.

Our Vision

To exploit the significant opportunities that exist in all target markets; we aspire to double the size of the business over the mid-term. We expect to deliver this through a combination of organic growth and strategic acquisitions.

Our Mission

"To remain at the forefront of electronics technology, delivering reliable, high quality products and services. Adding value at every opportunity, from enquiry to order fulfilment; consistently meeting customer and partner expectations."

Our Strategy

Our strategy has three key elements:

1) Investment in our people, our technical knowledge and our capabilities, to ensure we remain at the forefront of electronics technology and be the 'go to' technical solutions provider of choice, enabling us to develop and maintain long term client relationships as a trusted adviser with the sector 'know how'.

2) Continue to develop our strategic partnerships with customers and suppliers within the electronics industry, building our portfolio of value added services.

3) Targeting strategic acquisitions which are aligned with our core capabilities which provide access to new markets or deepen our knowledge and ability to enhance the value we can add to our customers.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S REPORT

I am pleased to report on a period which demonstrates further progress in our strategy for delivering sustainable profitable growth.

Group revenue for the period increased by 4% to GBP23.5m (2017: GBP22.5m), reflecting good trading in both the Value Added Distribution and Manufacturing divisions. In this period, the Group's gross margin has marginally increased to 29.1% (H1 2017: 28.4%) reflecting improved underlying margins in both divisions. This strong trading performance translates into a 5% increase in earnings per share to 16.9p (2017: 16.1p).

As reported in our October trading update, the Board considers prospects for the year to be positive and expects the Group to deliver a strong performance in H2. This is underpinned by the strong open order book and the resilience of the Group, which results from its broad base of products and clients in a range of market sectors. The Board is confident of meeting the recently increased market expectations for the year as a whole.

The review of business below sets out the progress we have made within our divisions in implementing our strategy.

Financial Review

Group revenue for the period increased 4% to GBP23.5m (H1 2017: GBP22.5m).

The Value Added Distribution division has had a particularly strong period, delivering 26% organic growth in revenues to GBP12.0m (H1 2017: GBP9.5m) whilst slightly improving margins. In achieving this growth, the Division benefitted from a one-off client order of circa GBP1.0m. This significant growth meant that Value Added Distribution generated just over half of Group revenues in H1. Revenues in the Manufacturing division of GBP11.5m (H1 2017: GBP12.9m) were down on the prior year, however, the gross margin percentage improved due to a richer sales product mix in the period.

Group margin improved 0.7% to 29.1% (H1 2017: 28.4%). A margin increase in Manufacturing and a slight rise in the Value Added Distribution margins enabled this improvement to be achieved despite the change in split between the divisions. Group margin also benefitted from foreign exchange tailwinds of approximately GBP0.2m in the first half, (primarily benefitting the Value Added Distribution division).

The investments made in the prior period in sales and marketing to drive long term organic growth and margin enhancement across the Group are delivering results as evidenced by our strong open order book. These investments combined with cost inflation mean that overheads have increased to GBP5.5m (H1 2017: GBP5.1m). This primarily reflects overhead inflation of circa GBP0.2m and additional sales overhead costs circa GBP0.2m.

Adjusted profit before tax for the first half was up 7% to GBP1.66m (H1 2017: GBP1.55m). Reported profit before tax was up 5% to GBP1.33m (H1 2017: GBP1.27m) which is reported after a share based payments charge of GBP0.08m (H1 2017: GBP0.08m), amortisation of acquisition intangibles of GBP0.11m (H1 2017: GBP0.11m) and acquisition and re-organisation costs of GBP0.15m (H1 2017: GBP0.10m).

Adjusted profit after tax was up 7% to GBP1.46m (2017: GBP1.37m) and reported profit after tax was up 8% to GBP1.19m (2017: GBP1.10m).

Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were up 5% to 16.9p (2017: 16.1p) with basic EPS up 7% to 14.0p (2017: 13.1p).

Group order intake in the period increased by 38% to GBP33.3m (2017: GBP24.2m) and as at 31 October 2018 the open order book amounted to GBP29.4m (31 October 2017: GBP20.1m), the majority of which is expected to be delivered in the next 12 months.

Cash flow from operations

The inflow of cash from operating activities was GBP2.2m (H1 2017 outflow GBP1.2m), primarily due to a working capital cash inflow of GBP0.2m compared with H1 2017 outflow of GBP3.0m. Underlying cash profit from operations before working capital was broadly stable at GBP1.9m (H1 2017: GBP1.8m).

The underlying cash inflow from operating activities in the period was GBP1.2m, as the working capital inflow in the first half has benefitted from circa GBP0.9m advanced payments from customers for projects in H2. Therefore the underlying working capital movement is an outflow of GBP0.7m. This primarily reflects GBP0.3m investment in inventories and an increase in underlying receivables arising from the Value Added Distribution sales growth.

Dividends

The Directors are declaring an increased interim dividend of 4.2p per share (H1 2017: 4.0p) which is covered 3.3 times by earnings (H1 2017: 3.3 times).

The interim dividend will be paid on 15 February 2019 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 25 January 2019. The shares will go ex-dividend on 24 January 2019.

Business Overview

The Solid State Group has two operating divisions; Value Added Distribution and Manufacturing. These Divisions have distinct characteristics in their market places; however, they have a common mission, a clear delivery strategy, and consistent business values.

Across the Group our depth of understanding and a collaborative approach to client relationships have always promoted an integrated process of product design and supply, often resulting in a trusted adviser relationship with our customers. This co-operation and collaboration is valued by our clients, we believe it is of significant commercial value both to us and our customers. The Group will continue to pursue this approach and extend it into new relationships where appropriate.

Our stated strategy is to supplement organic growth with selective acquisitions within the electronics industry which will complement our existing Group companies and over time enable us to achieve improved operating margins through the delivery of operational efficiencies, scale and distribution.

The Group is focused on the supply and support of specialist electronics equipment through its Value Added Distribution and Manufacturing divisions. The Value Added Distribution division is a market leader in delivering innovative, valuable, technical solutions for customers seeking specialist electronic components and displays.

The Manufacturing division is a market leader in the design, development and supply of high specification rugged computers, custom battery packs providing portable power and energy storage solutions and advanced communication systems, encompassing wideband antennas and high performance video transmission products.

The market for the Group's products and services is driven by the need for bespoke electronic solutions to address complex needs, typically in harsh environments where enhanced durability and resistance to extreme and volatile humidity, temperature, pressure and wind is vital. The drivers of value in our markets include safety, technical performance, efficiency improvements, cost savings, and environmental monitoring.

The Board is delighted with the recent acquisition of Pacer Technologies Limited. Strategic acquisitions remains a key part of the Group's mid-term growth strategy. Our acquisition strategy is to identify targets which complement the Group's products and niche markets, or enhance our IP or capabilities, which will deliver additional shareholder value. The Board has, and will continue to, apply its rigorous due diligence processes in implementing its acquisition strategy.

Divisional Review

Manufacturing Division

Trading under the Steatite brand, our Manufacturing division is a leading UK provider of specialist computing, power and communications technologies. Key to its strategy is the ability to design, manufacture and test to customer requirements, and against the most stringent of standards and qualifications, products for use in some of the world's harshest environments.

The Manufacturing division's strength and resilience over an extended period has come in large part from its market diversity. As well as market sector mix, it benefits from a wide range of products and services which further enhance the Group's overall resilience.

The business addresses its markets with discrete business units in the following sectors; Computing, Power and Communications. In our Computing business unit, we offer simple motherboard and memory products at one end of the scale through to complex military-certified and classified integrated bespoke computer solutions at the other end. The Power proposition ranges from the sale of a simple battery cell through complex industrial battery packs to integrated energy storage solutions. Communications encompasses the resale of third party radio products and advanced antenna solutions that are conceived, designed, manufactured and tested in-house. The product margins reflect the technical complexity, the level of value added service and build times applied.

What ties the business solutions together across all markets and product offerings is the need to address "Size, Weight and Power (SWaP)", together with the need for a safety first approach, domain experience and the agility we offer as a British based supplier. These are key decision factors for Steatite customers.

Revenue for the Manufacturing division was down on the comparative period at GBP11.5m (H1 2017: GBP12.9m), however, gross margin improved to 33% (H1 2017: 31%), as a result of a favourable mix of sales and customers recognising the added value provided in our solutions. The Manufacturing division's open order book going into the year was second half weighted, which is expected to result in an improved sales performance in H2.

The sales and engineering teams have been consolidated and refocused in H1 to drive value. The sales emphasis has been on winning more complex value added business and strengthening the order book moving into the next year. Our experienced industry leading engineering teams continue to invest in the development of solutions for extreme and harsh environments, covering a broad spectrum of technologies and applications encompassing advanced power solutions and computing platforms.

The increased marketing effort has been applied to increase quality lead generation, to support the focused sales activities where we have concentrated on key account development and growing the order book, to ensure the Division is in a position to deliver stronger financial performance in the second half.

In parallel to building the open orderbook, operationally we have continued to implement the planned investments in personnel, equipment and facilities in our Power business in Crewkerne, with a focus on automation to pave the way for enhanced sales volume in H2 and improved efficiency. This represents an important operational cornerstone, enabling the Division to deliver the growth and margin initiatives to drive improved performance in the second half and future years.

Value Added Distribution Division

The Value Added Distribution division, trading under the Solid State Supplies and Ginsbury brands, distributes specialist components to the UK OEM community; selling semiconductors, related components and modules for embedded processing, IoT, control and communications, power management units and LED lighting.

The first half of FY 2018 saw the benefits of the investments made in prior years. The Value Added Distribution division has delivered a 26% increase in reported revenues at GBP12.0m (H1 2017: GBP9.5m). This reflects a one-off client order of circa GBP1.0m as well as underlying organic growth of circa 15% across the customer base as a whole with the military market sector showing particularly strong growth.

The added value margin enhancement programmes continue to be effective and the improvement in underlying margins was achieved despite downward competitive pressure on prices. Reported margins however have improved further as a result of the foreign exchange tailwinds in the first half.

The Division has made good progress in developing its key customer accounts. Increased revenues attest to the wider range of products now available and recognise the increasing value of the Division to its customer base. Examples of the value added services are sourcing and obsolescence, which have started to contribute at meaningful levels. The device programming services deliver strong repeat bookings and billings, demonstrating the real value of these services in maintaining customers and in providing higher margin business.

The investment in technical sales personnel continues to pay dividends in finding and securing new business, whilst at the same time increasing customers' confidence in the expertise of the Division. Attracting and securing the exclusive VPT franchise announced in April 2018 attests to this and this new franchise is expected to positively impact the second half.

The progress made in line with our strategy means our Value Added Distribution division continues to outperform all metrics published by the industry association body ECSN and is well positioned for a strong second half.

Acquisition of Pacer Technologies Limited - post period end

On 9 November 2018, the Group acquired Pacer Technologies Limited ('Pacer') for a cash consideration of up to GBP3.73m subject to a net asset adjustment. The consideration was settled out of Group resources and new banking facilities provided by Lloyds Bank plc.

Pacer was established in 1989 to specialise in the distribution and custom design of optoelectronic components, lasers and displays to the OEM market in the medical, military, commercial, industrial and security sectors. Serving an international client base, Pacer has a reputation for supplying high quality components in a customer-centric manner, often involving custom design and manufacturing to address individual needs.

Pacer operates in two areas, Components and Displays, supplying world class blue chip companies. The Components business is distribution based with a smaller proportion of its sales derived from manufacturing, own brand and assembly based products. Products include industrial LEDs and light sources, lasers and laser range finders, photon detection and counting equipment. The Displays business complements and enhances that of Solid State Supplies. Products include industrial and commercial grade displays.

Geographically, Pacer has an established US business which is based in Florida which provides the Group with an opportunity to further develop its US activities. In the UK, Pacer operates from offices in Pangbourne, a value added production facility in Weymouth, and a sales office in Crawley.

For the year ended 31 March 2018, Pacer reported revenue of GBP15.2m, and a profit before tax of GBP0.43m. At as 31 March 2018 Pacer had net assets of GBP1.06m and net debt of GBP1.53m.

In completing this deal, the Group's primary banker Lloyds Bank plc has put in place committed facilities comprising GBP6.0m of term loans and a GBP3.5m revolving credit facility to fund the consideration and the working capital requirements of the enlarged Group. These new facilities replace the Group's GBP2.0m overdraft and has enabled the Group to refinance Pacer's GBP3.5m invoice discounting and term loan facilities on favourable terms.

Outlook

The Group has a broad base of clients, products and markets which give a high degree of confidence in the stability and resilience of the Group.

Looking forward, the operational investments in personnel and production equipment, combined with the strong open order book in the Power business unit, are anticipated to result in an improved Manufacturing revenue performance in the second half.

The success of our strategy is amply demonstrated by the 26% organic growth in the Value Added Distribution division in the period and the strengthening open order book. The open order book at 31 October 2018 was GBP29.4m which is 46% up on the prior year of GBP20.1m. The Directors are pleased with the new business pipeline and level of new contract awards across the Group.

The Board is excited by the opportunities that the acquisition of Pacer Technologies brings to the Group. The acquisition builds on the previous acquisitions of 2001 and Ginsbury and the objective to create a distribution division of meaningful scale in its industry.

Pacer's expertise and product set are complementary to the existing Solid State Group and have the added benefit of enhancing the Group's value added operations and exposure to high growth markets such as the niche medical sector. In addition, Pacer has an established US business which provides the Group with an opportunity to further develop its US activities.

The broader product range and increased scale of distribution have been the cornerstones in enabling the recent significant organic growth of the Value Added Distribution division. The addition of Pacer's opto-electronics product range to the Group provides a further step change in broadening our offering, which can be leveraged by the Group to facilitate the development of new larger franchise relationships and customer growth.

The Board is confident that the prospects for the remainder of the year are positive and it expects the Group to deliver a strong performance in the second half of the year. In addition, it believes the Group is well positioned for future growth and to deliver enhanced value for the Company and its shareholders.

Finally, on behalf of the Board, I would like to acknowledge the significant contribution of our staff to Solid State's continued progress.

Gary Marsh

Chief Executive Officer

INTERIM CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

for the six months ended 30 September 2018

 
                                            Unaudited     Unaudited    Audited 
                                           Six months    Six months    Year to 
                                                   to            to     31 Mar 
                                              30 Sept       30 Sept         18 
                                                   18            17    GBP'000 
                                              GBP'000       GBP'000 
 Continuing Operations 
 Revenue                                       23,545        22,455     46,268 
 Cost of sales                               (16,697)      (16,076)   (33,525) 
                                              _______       _______    _______ 
 Gross profit                                   6,848         6,379     12,743 
 Sales, general and administration 
  expenses                                    (5,510)       (5,106)   (10,229) 
 
                                              _______       _______    _______ 
 Profit from operations                         1,338         1,273      2,514 
 Finance costs                                   (11)           (7)       (33) 
 
                                              _______       _______    _______ 
 Profit before taxation                         1,327         1,266      2,481 
 Tax expense                                    (140)         (161)      (238) 
 
                                              _______       _______    _______ 
 Adjusted profit after tax                      1,458         1,370      2,663 
 Adjustments to profit                          (271)         (265)      (420) 
                                              _______       _______    _______ 
 Profit after taxation                          1,187         1,105      2,243 
 
                                              _______       _______    _______ 
 PROFIT ATTRIBUTABLE TO EQUITY HOLDERS 
  OF THE PARENT                                 1,187         1,105      2,243 
 
 Other comprehensive income                         -             -          - 
 
                                              _______       _______    _______ 
 TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE 
  PERIOD                                        1,187         1,105      2,243 
                                              _______       _______    _______ 
 
 
 Earnings per share (see below) 
 Basic EPS from profit for the period           14.0p         13.1p      26.5p 
 Diluted EPS from profit for the 
  period                                        13.8p         13.0p      26.0p 
 
 

INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

for the six months ended 30 September 2018

(unaudited)

 
                                   Share      Share       Capital                   Shares 
                                 Capital    premium    Redemption     Retained        held 
                                            reserve       Reserve     Earnings          in     Total 
                                                                                  Treasury 
                                 GBP'000    GBP'000       GBP'000      GBP'000     GBP'000   GBP'000 
 
 Balance at 31 March 2017            425      3,629             5       12,826       (243)    16,642 
 
 Total comprehensive income 
  for the period                       -          -             -        1,105           -     1,105 
 
 Issue of new shares                   -          -             -            -           -         - 
 
 Dividends                             -          -             -        (677)           -     (677) 
 
 Share based payment expense           -          -             -           75           -        75 
 
 
                                 _______    _______       _______      _______     _______   _______ 
 Balance at 30 September 
  2017                               425      3,629             5       13,329       (243)    17,145 
 
 Total comprehensive income 
  for the period                       -          -             -        1,138           -     1,138 
 
 Issue of new shares                   -          -             -            -           -         - 
 
 Dividends                             -                                 (338)           -     (338) 
 
 Share based payment expense           -          -             -           75           -        75 
 
                                 _______    _______       _______      _______     _______   _______ 
 Balance at 31 March 2018            425      3,629             5       14,204       (243)    18,020 
 
 Total comprehensive income 
  for the period                       -          -             -        1,187           -     1,187 
 
 Issue of new shares                   2        (2)             -            -           -         - 
 
 Dividends                             -          -             -        (679)           -     (679) 
 
 Share based payment expense           -          -             -           75           -        75 
 
                                 _______    _______       _______      _______     _______   _______ 
 Balance at 30 September 
  2018                               427      3,627             5       14,787       (243)    18,603 
                                 _______    _______       _______      _______     _______   _______ 
 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

as at 30 September 2018

 
                                      Unaudited   Unaudited   Audited 
                                          as at       as at     as at 
                                        30 Sept     30 Sept    31 Mar 
                                             18          17        18 
                                        GBP'000     GBP'000   GBP'000 
 ASSETS 
 NON-CURRENT ASSETS 
 Property, plant and equipment            2,133       2,386     2,253 
 Intangible assets                        5,947       6,190     6,167 
                                        _______     _______   _______ 
 TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS                 8,080       8,576     8,420 
 
 CURRENT ASSETS 
 Inventories                              7,146       8,013     6,823 
 Trade and other receivables              9,728       9,247    10,048 
 Cash and cash equivalents                1,794           -       575 
                                        _______     _______   _______ 
 TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS                    18,668      17,260    17,446 
 
                                        _______     _______   _______ 
 TOTAL ASSETS                            26,748      25,836    25,866 
 
 LIABILITIES 
 CURRENT LIABILITIES 
 Bank overdraft                               -     (1,336)         - 
 Trade and other payables               (5,642)     (6,152)   (5,718) 
 Contract liabilities                   (1,551)       (392)   (1,317) 
 Corporation tax liabilities                  -           -     (384) 
                                        _______     _______   _______ 
 TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES              (7,193)     (7,880)   (7,419) 
 
 NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES 
 Trade and other payables                     -           -         - 
 Corporation tax liabilities              (576)       (470)         - 
 Deferred tax liability                   (376)       (341)     (427) 
                                        _______     _______   _______ 
 TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES            (952)       (811)     (427) 
 
                                        _______     _______   _______ 
 TOTAL LIABILITIES                      (8,145)     (8,691)   (7,846) 
 
                                        _______     _______   _______ 
 TOTAL NET ASSETS                        18,603      17,145    18,020 
 
 CAPITAL AND RESERVES ATTRIBUTABLE 
 TO EQUITY HOLDERS OF THE PARENT 
 Share capital                              427         425       425 
 Share premium reserve                    3,627       3,629     3,629 
 Capital redemption reserve                   5           5         5 
 Retained earnings                       14,787      13,329    14,204 
 Shares held in treasury                  (243)       (243)     (243) 
                                        _______     _______   _______ 
 TOTAL EQUITY                            18,603      17,145    18,020 
                                        _______     _______   _______ 
 

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT

for the six months ended 30 September 2018

 
                                                                            Unaudited   Unaudited   Audited 
                                                                                as at       as at     as at 
                                                                              30 Sept     30 Sept    31 Mar 
                                                                                   18          17        18 
                                                                              GBP'000     GBP'000   GBP'000 
 OPERATING ACTIVITIES 
 Profit before taxation                                                         1,327       1,266     2,481 
 Adjustments for: 
                             Depreciation                                         236         238       489 
                             Amortisation                                         370         192       406 
                             Profit on disposal of property, plant and 
                              equipment                                             4         (2)      (11) 
                             Loss on disposal of intangible fixed assets            -           -         - 
                             Share based payment expense                           75          75       150 
                             Finance costs                                         11           7        33 
                             Other                                                  -           -         - 
                                                                              _______     _______   _______ 
 Profit from operations before changes in working 
  capital and provisions                                                        2,023       1,776     3,548 
 
 Increase in inventories                                                        (323)     (2,436)   (1,246) 
 Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables                               320     (1,161)   (1,723) 
 Increase in trade and other payables                                             160         635       779 
                                                                              _______     _______   _______ 
 Cash generated from/(absorbed by) operations                                   2,180     (1,186)     1,358 
 Income taxes paid                                                                  -           -       (6) 
 Income taxes recovered                                                             -           -        39 
                                                                              _______     _______   _______ 
 Cash flows from operating activities                                           2,180     (1,186)     1,391 
 
 INVESTING ACTIVITIES 
 Purchase of property, plant and equipment                                      (165)       (247)     (402) 
 Purchase of intangible assets                                                  (150)       (158)     (349) 
 Proceeds from sale of property, plant and 
  equipment                                                                        44          30        77 
 Consideration paid on acquisition of subsidiaries                                  -           -         - 
 Cash with subsidiaries over which control                                          -           -         - 
  has been obtained 
                                                                              _______     _______   _______ 
 Net cash flow from investing activities                                        (271)       (375)     (674) 
 
 FINANCING ACTIVITIES 
 Issue of ordinary shares                                                           -           -         - 
 Interest paid                                                                   (11)         (7)      (33) 
 Dividends paid to equity shareholders                                          (679)       (677)   (1,018) 
                                                                              _______     _______   _______ 
 Net cash flow from financing activities                                        (690)       (684)   (1,051) 
                                                                              _______     _______   _______ 
 INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS                               1,219     (2,245)     (334) 
 Cash and cash equivalents brought forward                                        575         909       909 
                                                                              _______     _______   _______ 
 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS CARRIED FORWARD                                      1,794     (1,336)       575 
                                                                              _______     _______   _______ 
 Represented by: 
 Cash at bank and in hand                                                       1,794           -       575 
 Bank overdrafts                                                                    -     (1,336)         - 
                                                                              _______     _______   _______ 
                                                                                1,794     (1,336)       575 
 

NOTES TO THE INTERIM REPORT

for the six months ended 30 September 2018

   1.    Basis of preparation of interim financial information 

General information

Solid State PLC ("the Company") is a public company incorporated, domiciled and registered in England and Wales in the United Kingdom. The registered number is 00771335 and the registered address is: 2 Ravensbank Business Park, Hedera Road, Redditch, B98 9EY.

The interim financial statements are unaudited and do not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. Statutory accounts for the year ended 31 March 2018, prepared in accordance with IFRS, have been filed with the Registrar of Companies. The Auditors' Report on these accounts was unqualified, did not include any matters to which the Auditors drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their report and did not contain any statements under section 498 of the Companies Act 2006.

Basis of preparation

These condensed interim financial statements for the six months ended 30 September 2018 have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34, 'Interim financial reporting', as adopted by the European Union. The condensed interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the annual financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2018, which have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union.

The consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the recognition and measurement principles of International Financial Reporting Standards as endorsed by the European Union ("IFRS") and expected to be effective at the year end of 31 March 2019.

Going concern

The Directors, after making enquiries, and considering the available resources, the financial forecast together with available cash and committed borrowing facilities, have formed a judgement that there is a reasonable expectation that the Company and the Group have adequate resources to continue operating for the foreseeable future and therefore the going concern basis has been adopted in preparing these financial statements.

In reaching this conclusion, the Board has considered the magnitude of potential impacts resulting from uncertain future events or changes in conditions, the likelihood of their occurrence and the likely effectiveness of mitigating actions that the Directors would consider undertaking.

   2.    Accounting policies 

The accounting policies are unchanged from the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2018.

Recent accounting developments

The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those of the previous financial year except as described below:

The Group adopted IFRS 9 on 1 April 2018. IFRS 9 relates to the accounting for financial instruments and covers: classification and measurement; impairment; and hedge accounting. Except for hedge accounting, retrospective application is required with any adjustment being made to reserves on 1 April 2018. The Group has not restated its 2017 comparative information.

The Group has adopted the simplified approach to provide for losses on receivables and contract assets resulting from transactions within the scope of IFRS 15 applying credit ratings and business information to determine the expected credit losses on receivables. The adoption of the expected credit loss approach has not resulted in a significant impairment loss for trade receivables as at 30 September 2018.

The impact of the adoption of IFRS 9 is immaterial, however, there are a number of changes to the required disclosures which will be incorporated in to our 31 March 2019 annual report.

Standards issued but not yet applied IFRS 16 'Leases' is effective and will be applied for the financial year beginning on 1 January 2019. The interim results for FY19/20 will be IFRS 16 compliant with the first annual report published in accordance with IFRS 16 being the 31 March 2020 report.

On the adoption of IFRS 16, lease agreements will give rise to both a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for future lease payables.

The lease liability will be initially measured based on the present value of lease payments to be made, excluding any contingent rentals, over the lease term. The lease term includes any extension options reasonably certain of being exercised.

The right-of-use asset will be initially measured at the value of the lease liability plus any initial direct costs, less any impairment provisions and will be depreciated on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease.

Interest will be recognised on the lease liability as the discount unwinds, resulting in a higher interest expense in the earlier years of the lease term. The total expense recognised in the Income Statement over the life of the lease will be unaffected by the new standard. However, IFRS 16 will result in the timing of lease expense recognition being accelerated for leases which would be currently accounted for as operating leases.

The group has a portfolio of leased properties, the minimum lease commitments on these have been disclosed in the annual report. The group is in the process of quantifying the full impact of this standard, working through a comprehensive transition exercise across the group.

The group plans to adopt a modified retrospective transition approach and so comparative information will not be adjusted. Rather the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard is recognised as an adjustment to the opening balance sheet.

On transition the group will measure the right-of-use asset will be initially measured at the value of the lease liability plus any initial direct costs, less any impairment provisions.

The group also plans to take advantage of the following practical expedients in adopting IFRS 16:

-- application of a single discount rate to a portfolio of leases with similar characteristics; and,

-- electing not to apply IFRS 16 requirements to leases with a lease term that ends within 12 months of the date of initial application.

Based on our initial view we expect there to be a material change in the balance sheet on adoption of IFRS 16. Based on our current transition exercise we expect IFRS 16 to recognise a material right to use asset and a corresponding lease liability grossing up the balance sheet assets and liabilities.

Financial Instruments

The carrying value of cash, trade and other receivables, other equity instruments, trade and other payables and borrowings also represent their estimated fair values. There are no material differences between carrying value and fair value at 30 September 2018.

Additional disclosure of the basis of measurement and policies in respect of financial instruments are described on pages 72 to 77 of our 2018 Annual Report and remain unchanged at 30 September 2018.

Estimates

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

In preparing these condensed interim financial statements, the significant judgements made by management in applying the group's accounting policies and the key sources of estimation uncertainty were the same as those that applied to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2018.

Impairment

No Impairment charges have been recognised in the period to 30 September 2018.

   3.    Principal risks and uncertainties 

The principal risks and uncertainties impacting the Group are described on pages 8 to 11 of our 31 March 2018 Annual Report and remain unchanged at 30 September 2018.

They include: Acquisition, product / technology change, supply chain interruption, retention of key employees, competition, financial liquidity, legislative environment and compliance, failure or malicious damage to IT systems and natural disasters.

   4.    Segmental information 
 
                               Unaudited     Unaudited    Audited 
                              Six months    Six months    Year to 
                                      to            to     31 Mar 
                                 30 Sept       30 Sept         18 
                                      18            17    GBP'000 
                                 GBP'000       GBP'000 
 Revenue 
 Manufacturing                    11,543        12,930     26,583 
 Value Added Distribution         12,002         9,525     19,685 
                                 _______       _______    _______ 
 Group revenue                    23,545        22,455     46,268 
                                 _______       _______    _______ 
 
   5.    Adjusted profit measures 
 
                                                       Unaudited     Unaudited 
                                                      Six months    Six months     Audited 
                                                              to            to        Year 
                                                         30 Sept       30 Sept          to 
                                                              18            17      31 Mar 
                                                         GBP'000       GBP'000          18 
                                                                                   GBP'000 
 Continuing operations 
 
 Acquisition and re-organisation costs in                      -             -           - 
  cost of sales 
 Acquisition and re-organisation costs in 
  sales, general and administration                          149           100         150 
 Total acquisition and re-organisation costs                 149           100         150 
 Amortisation of acquisition intangibles                     110           110         219 
 Share based payments                                         75            75         150 
 Taxation effect                                            (63)          (20)        (99) 
                                                         _______       _______     _______ 
 Total adjustments to profit                                 271           265         420 
                                                         _______       _______     _______ 
 Reported gross profit from continuing operations          6,848         6,379      12,743 
 Adjusted gross profit from continuing operations          6,848         6,379      12,743 
 
 Reported gross margin percentage from continuing 
  operations                                               29.1%         28.4%       27.5% 
 Adjusted gross margin percentage from continuing 
  operations                                               29.1%         28.4%       27.5% 
 
 Reported operated profit from continuing 
  operations                                               1,338         1,273       2,514 
 Adjusted operated profit from continuing 
  operations                                               1,672         1,558       3,033 
 
 Reported operating margin percentage from 
  continuing operations                                     5.7%          5.7%        5.4% 
 Adjusted operating margin percentage from 
  continuing operations                                     7.1%          6.9%        6.6% 
 
 Reported profit before tax from continuing 
  operations                                               1,327         1,266       2,481 
 Adjusted profit before tax from continuing 
  operations                                               1,661         1,551       3,000 
 
 Reported profit after tax from continuing 
  operations                                               1,187         1,105       2,243 
 Adjusted profit after tax from continuing 
  operations                                               1,458         1,370       2,663 
 
 
   6.    The earnings per share 

The earnings per share is based on the following:

 
                                                    Unaudited     Unaudited 
                                                   Six months    Six months     Audited 
                                                           to            to        Year 
                                                      30 Sept       30 Sept          to 
                                                           18            17      31 Mar 
                                                      GBP'000       GBP'000          18 
                                                                                GBP'000 
 
 Adjusted continuing earnings post tax                  1,458         1,370       2,663 
 Reported continuing earnings post tax                  1,187         1,105       2,243 
 Discontinued earnings post tax                             -             -           - 
 Adjusted total earnings post tax                       1,458         1,370       2,663 
 Reported total earnings post tax                       1,187         1,105       2,243 
                                                      _______       _______     _______ 
 
 Weighted average number of shares                  8,472,070     8,464,582   8,459,118 
 Diluted weighted average number of shares          8,632,114     8,528,217   8,618,468 
                                                      _______       _______     _______ 
 Reported EPS 
 Basic EPS from continuing operations                   14.0p         13.1p       26.5p 
 Basic EPS from discontinued operations                     -             -           - 
 Basic EPS from profit for the year                     14.0p         13.1p       26.5p 
 
 Diluted EPS from continuing operations                 13.8p         13.0p       26.0p 
 Diluted EPS from discontinued operations                   -             -           - 
 Diluted EPS from profit for the year                   13.8p         13.0p       26.0p 
 
 
 Adjusted EPS 
 Adjusted basic EPS from continuing operations          17.2p         16.2p       31.5p 
 Adjusted basic EPS from discontinued                       -             -           - 
  operations 
 Adjusted basic EPS from profit for the 
  year                                                  17.2p         16.2p       31.5p 
 
 Adjusted diluted EPS from continuing 
  operations                                            16.9p         16.1p       30.9p 
 Adjusted diluted EPS from discontinued                     -             -           - 
  operations 
 Adjusted diluted EPS from profit for 
  the year                                              16.9p         16.1p       30.9p 
 
 
   7.    Dividends 

Dividends paid during the period from 1 April 2017 to 30 September 2018 were as follows:

22 September 2017 Final dividend year ended 31 March 2017 8.00p per share

16 February 2018 Interim dividend year ended 31 March 2018 4.00p per share

20 September 2018 Final dividend year ended 31 March 2018 8.00p per share

The Directors are intending to pay an interim dividend for the year ended 31 March 2019 on 15 February 2019 of 4.20p per share. This dividend has not been accrued at 30 September 2018.

   8.    Share capital 
 
                                     Unaudited     Unaudited     Audited 
                                    Six months    Six months     Year to 
                                            to            to      31 Mar 
                                       30 Sept       30 Sept          18 
                                            18            17         No. 
                                           No.           No. 
                                  ------------ 
 Allotted issued and fully paid 
 Number of ordinary 5p shares        8,532,878     8,496,512   8,496,512 
 
 
 
                                     Unaudited     Unaudited 
                                    Six months    Six months     Audited 
                                            to            to     Year to 
                                       30 Sept       30 Sept      31 Mar 
                                            18            17          18 
                                       GBP'000       GBP'000     GBP'000 
 Allotted issued and fully paid 
 Ordinary 5p shares                        427           425         425 
 
   9.    Related party transactions 

Consistent with the year ended 31 March 2018 the only related party transactions in the period were those with the trading companies which are used by the non-executive directors for their consultancy services. These transactions are disclosed in note 5 in the annual report to the 31 March 2018 and will be updated in the full year report to the 31 March 2019. There are no other related party transactions.

   10.    Post balance sheet events 

As announced on the 9 November 2018 the Group acquired Pacer Technologies Limited for a cash consideration of up to GBP3.73m subject to a net asset adjustment. The consideration was settled out of Group resources and new banking facilities provided by Lloyds Bank plc.

For the year ended 31 March 2018, the Pacer Group reported revenue of GBP15.2m, and a profit before tax of GBP0.43m. As at 31 March 2018 Pacer had net assets of GBP1.06m and net debt of GBP1.53m

The statement will be available to download on the Company's website: www.solidstateplc.com

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

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