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TPT Topps Tiles Plc

42.25
0.00 (0.00%)
Last Updated: 08:35:37
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Topps Tiles Plc LSE:TPT London Ordinary Share GB00B18P5K83 ORD 3 1/3P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 42.25 41.00 43.90 31,131 08:35:37
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Floor Covering Stores 262.71M 3.21M 0.0163 25.92 83.04M

Topps Tiles PLC Unaudited Interim Report 26 Weeks Ended 1 Apr 2017 (8870F)

23/05/2017 7:00am

UK Regulatory


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RNS Number : 8870F

Topps Tiles PLC

23 May 2017

23 May 2017

Topps Tiles Plc

("Topps Tiles", "the Group" or "the Company")

UNAUDITED INTERIM REPORT FOR THE 26 WEEKSED 1 April 2017

Solid performance in a more challenging market, continued investment for growth

HIGHLIGHTS

Topps Tiles Plc, the UK's largest tile specialist, announces its interim results for the 26 weeks ended 1 April 2017.

 
                            26 weeks   26 weeks         YoY 
                               ended      ended 
                             1 April    2 April 
                                2017       2016 
                            GBP106.6   GBP108.0 
 Group revenue               million    million      (1.3)% 
 Like-for-like revenue 
  growth year-on-year(1)      (1.9)%      +4.7% 
 Gross margin                  61.2%      61.5%     (30)bps 
 Adjusted operating          GBP10.6    GBP10.9 
  profit(2)                  million    million      (2.8)% 
 Adjusted profit before      GBP10.1    GBP10.3 
  tax(3)                     million    million      (1.9)% 
 Adjusted earnings per 
  share(4)                     4.11p      4.29p      (4.2)% 
 Interim dividend per 
  share                         1.1p       1.0p        +10% 
 Net debt(5)                 GBP26.6    GBP28.4     (GBP1.8 
                             million    million    million) 
 

Statutory Measures

 
                              GBP10.0    GBP10.4 
 Operating profit             million    million   (3.8)% 
                                         GBP10.1 
 Profit before tax     GBP9.5 million    million   (5.9)% 
 Basic earnings per 
  share                         3.86p      4.17p   (7.4)% 
 
 
 Financial Highlights 
 
   *    Solid performance in a more challenging market and 
        against strong comparatives from 2016 when sales 
        benefited from changes to Stamp Duty, resulting in 
        total sales decline of 1.3%, with like-for-like sales 
        decline of 1.9% 
 
   *    Gross margin of 61.2% (2016: 61.5%), underlying gross 
        margin broadly in line with the prior year (excluding 
        the impact of double running costs linked to the 
        introduction of the new Rewards+ trade loyalty 
        scheme) 
 
  *    Adjusted profit before tax of GBP10.1 million (2016: 
       GBP10.3 million) 
 
   *    Cash generated by operations (excluding movements in 
        working capital) of GBP13.7 million (2016: GBP13.8 
        million) 
 
  *    Net debt reduced by GBP1.8 million year-on-year to 
       GBP26.6 million 
 
   *    Interim dividend increased by 10% to 1.1p (2016: 
        1.0p) reflecting the Board's confidence in the longer 
        term outlook 
 
 
 Operational Highlights 
 
   *    Net eight new core stores opened during the period 
        delivering strong performance and returns, with 359 
        stores trading at period end (2016: 342 stores) 
 
   *    Further c.10 new stores planned for H2, with maturity 
        target of 450 UK stores 
 
   *    Continued new product development - 10.2% of tile 
        revenues generated from ranges launched in the last 
        12 months (2016: 8.7%) 
 
  *    Successful launch of new employer brand - job 
       applications up 40% compared to prior year 
 
   *    Trade sales increased to 53.6% of total (2016: 51.0%) 
        driven by accelerating "do it for me" trend and 
        growth of new Rewards+ trade loyalty scheme 
 
 
 Current Trading and Outlook 
 
   *    Trading in the second half to date has, as expected, 
        been more challenging as a result of a weaker macro 
        environment this year and a continuation of the 
        particularly strong comparatives from the prior year 
        when sales were boosted by changes to Stamp Duty. 
 
   *    Like for like sales over the 7 weeks to 20 May 2017 
        (adjusted for the impact of one less trading day 
        resulting from the effect of the later Easter in 
        2017) decreased by 5.8%(6) (2016: increased by 8.4%). 
 
   *    Taking a prudent view of the second half outlook, 
        Management expect pre-tax profits for the full year 
        are likely to be towards the lower end of the range 
        of market expectations(7) . 
 

Commenting on the results, Matthew Williams, Chief Executive said:

"Our results for the first half reflect the more challenging macro-economic environment we have traded through so far in 2017 and the strong performance we delivered in the corresponding period in 2016 when housing transactions were boosted ahead of the changes to Stamp Duty. While these tougher comparatives begin to ease from the end of June, the key macro indicators for our market are weaker year-on-year and we are taking a prudent view of the second half prospects.

"Against this background, we remain confident in the longer term outlook for the business, as evidenced by the 10% increase in the interim dividend. We will continue to focus on executing our proven strategy of "Out-Specialising The Specialists" and to invest in important sources of future growth. In particular, our recently completed analysis of the UK commercial tile market has confirmed it as attractive and we are now evaluating a number of small acquisition opportunities to increase our reach into this part of the market."

Notes

(1) Like-for-like sales revenues are defined as sales from stores that have been trading for more than 52 weeks.

(2) Adjusted operating profit is adjusted for business restructuring costs of GBP0.2 million and loss on disposal of plant, property and equipment of GBP0.4 million. The prior interim operating profit was adjusted for business restructuring costs of GBP0.4 million, and loss on disposal of plant, property and equipment of GBP0.1 million.

(3) The prior year adjusted profit before tax was adjusted for the effect of the items above plus GBP0.2 million non-cash gain relating to forward currency contracts the Group (defined as Topps Tiles Plc and all its subsidiaries) has in place (per IAS 39).

(4) Adjusted for the post tax effect of the above items.

(5) Net debt is defined as bank loans, before amortised issue costs (note 6) and less cash and cash equivalents.

(6) Current trading LFL sales growth was impacted by one less trading day due to the later Easter in 2017. We estimate this decreased LFL sales growth in the seven week current trading period by c.1.0% and have adjusted accordingly.

(7) The range of market expectations for adjusted profit before tax for the year ended 30 September 2017 is GBP21.0m to GBP22.1m.

For further information please contact:

 
 Topps Tiles Plc 
 Matthew Williams, Chief 
  Executive Officer             (23/05/17) 020 7638 9571 
 Rob Parker, Chief Financial       (Thereafter) 0116 282 
  Officer                                           8000 
 
   Citigate Dewe Rogerson 
 Kevin Smith/Nick Hayns                    020 7638 9571 
 
 

A copy of this announcement can be found on our website www.toppstiles.co.uk

UNAUDITED INTERIM REPORT

The Group's strategy of "Out Specialising the Specialists" remains at the heart of what we do. This is focussed on offering customers outstanding value for money through an industry-leading product range, world class customer service and multichannel convenience. Whilst market conditions have provided a more challenging backdrop over the first half we remain confident in the longer term outlook for the business as our competitive position continues to strengthen.

The Board wishes to extend its gratitude to all of our teams across the business for their continued hard work and dedication.

Income Statement

Overall, first half revenue decreased by 1.3% to GBP106.6 million (2016: GBP108.0 million), with sales on a like-for-like basis decreasing by 1.9%. We estimate the later Easter in 2017 had a small favourable impact on the first half trading results, increasing like-for-like sales growth by c. 0.3%. The key macro indicators for our market are consumer confidence, house prices and housing transactions. All of these measures were weaker in the first half than they were in 2016 when stamp duty changes were helping to accelerate housing transactions and we reported strong like-for-like sales growth.

Gross margin for the period was 61.2% (2016: 61.5%). The 30bps reduction over the interim period is in line with management's expectations for the year and includes a 20bps impact resulting from the launch of our new Trade Rewards+ loyalty programme. This impact resulted from a period of double running costs associated with the close out of the previous trade loyalty scheme and the launch of the new scheme and as such is a one off cost. The adverse impact of the devaluation of sterling has been a key area of focus and the business has been successful in offsetting the majority of this through supplier negotiations, improved sourcing, new product development and exclusivity.

Operating costs were GBP55.2 million, compared to GBP56.0 million over the same period in the prior year. On an adjusted basis (excluding one-off charges as defined in the highlights section) operating costs were GBP54.6 million, compared to GBP55.6 million in the prior year. The principal drivers of the decreased costs are as follows:

 
 
   *    Employee profit share decreased by GBP2.6 million as 
        a result of the weaker sales performance, this covers 
        a range of incentives from store commissions through 
        to long term incentive plans; 
 
   *    There was a reduction in sales and marketing costs of 
        GBP0.6 million and a reduction in other costs of 
        GBP0.4 million; 
 
   *    These decreases were partly offset by an increase in 
        the number of stores trading (an average of 355 
        stores vs 342 in the prior year) which generated an 
        additional GBP1.5 million of costs; 
 
   *    Inflation accounted for an increase of GBP0.9 million, 
        and; 
 
   *    There was also an increase in depreciation costs of 
        GBP0.2 million resulting from greater levels of 
        investment in the business. 
 

Operating profit for the period was GBP10.0 million (2016: GBP10.4 million). On an adjusted basis operating profit was GBP10.6 million (2016: GBP10.9 million), a 2.8% decrease year-on-year.

The net interest charge for the Group was GBP0.5 million (2016: GBP0.4 million). In the prior period we adjusted for a GBP0.2 million non-cash gain relating to forward currency contracts the Group (defined as Topps Tiles Plc and all its subsidiaries) has in place. On an adjusted basis, the net interest charge was GBP0.5 million (2016: GBP0.6 million).

Adjusted profit before tax was GBP10.1 million (2016: GBP10.3 million), representing a decrease of 1.9% year-on-year.

When adjusting items are included, the statutory measure of profit before tax for the Group was GBP9.5 million (2016: GBP10.1 million). Adjusting items are detailed through the interim report and in the notes to the highlights section and include charges against the impairment or loss on disposal of plant, property and equipment, business restructuring charges and onerous lease charges. In the prior year these also included the fair value (non-cash) movements in the mark to market valuation of forward currency contracts (as explained in net interest above). The Board consider the adjusted measure of pre tax profit is useful to investors to help them understand the underlying performance of the business when one off or non-repeating costs are removed.

The effective tax rate for the 26 weeks to 1 April 2017 was 21.9% (2016: 20.3%). The full year effective tax rate is expected to be similar to the interim tax rate (2016: full year 22.3%). The prior year tax rate was based on estimates which proved to be too low and were revised upwards, hence the increase to the full year rate in the prior year.

Basic earnings per share were 3.86p (2016: 4.17p). Adjusting for the post tax impact of the items detailed in notes 2-4 in the highlights section the adjusted basic earnings per share were 4.11p (2016: 4.29p), a decrease of 4.2%.

Financial Position

Capital expenditure (excluding freehold acquisitions) in the period amounted to GBP4.1 million (2016: GBP4.5 million). The majority of this expenditure in the period relates to new store openings and store refits. Our plans for the remainder of the year are to continue investing in these important sources of future growth at a similar rate.

The Group currently owns nine freehold or long leasehold sites (2016: eight), including one warehouse and distribution facility, with a total net book value of GBP15.9 million (2016: GBP16.3 million).

Net cash from operating activities over the period was GBP7.1 million, compared to GBP11.0 million in the prior year period, a decrease of GBP3.9 million. The cash generated from operations, excluding movements in working capital, was stable when compared to the prior period at GBP13.7 million (2016: GBP13.8 million). The reduction in cashflow was primarily driven by a GBP2.9 million payment to HRMC for the closure of legacy enquiries and a small increase in inventory over the period.

At the period end cash and cash equivalents for the Group were GBP13.4 million (2016: GBP11.6 million) and borrowings were GBP40.0 million (2016: GBP40.0 million), giving a net debt position of GBP26.6 million (2016: GBP28.4 million).

The Group has GBP50.0 million (2016: GBP50.0 million) of loan facilities in place which are non-amortising and committed to June 2019.

At the period end the Group had GBP26.9 million of inventories (2016: GBP27.2 million) which represented 121 days cover (2016: 121 days).

Key Performance Indicators

As set out in our most recent annual report, we monitor our performance in implementing our strategy with reference to a clearly defined set of key performance indicators ("KPIs"). These KPIs are applied on a Group-wide basis. Our performance in the 26 weeks ended 1 April 2017 is set out in the table below. The source of data and calculation methods are consistent with those used in the 2016 annual report.

Results for the 26 weeks ended 1 April 2017

Highlights

 
                                     26 weeks  26 weeks 
                                           to        to 
                                      1 April   2 April 
Financial KPIs                           2017      2016 
 
Like-for-like revenue year-on-year      -1.9%      4.7% 
-----------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Total sales growth year-on-year         -1.3%      3.8% 
-----------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Gross margin                            61.2%     61.5% 
-----------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Adjusted operating profit *          GBP10.6m  GBP10.9m 
-----------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Adjusted profit before tax *         GBP10.1m  GBP10.3m 
-----------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Net debt                             GBP26.6m  GBP28.4m 
-----------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Adjusted earnings per share 
 *                                      4.11p     4.24p 
-----------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Stock days                                121       121 
-----------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
                                     26 weeks  26 weeks 
                                           to        to 
                                      1 April   2 April 
Non Financial KPIs                       2017      2016 
-----------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Net Promoter Score **                     69%       69% 
-----------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Colleague turnover                      32.2%     29.5% 
-----------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Number of stores at period end            359       342 
-----------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 

Note - market share is calculated on an annual basis so there is no update at the interim stage. As at year end 1 October 2016 the share of the overall UK tile market (domestic & commercial sectors) was estimated at 17.7%.

* As explained on page 2 in notes 2-4

** Net Promoter Score is calculated based on customer feedback to the question of how likely they are to recommend Topps Tiles to friends or colleagues. The scores are based on a numerical scale from 0-10 which allows customer to be split into promoters (9 -10), passives (7-8) and detractors (0-6). The final score is based on the percentage of promoters minus the percentage of detractors.

Dividend

The Board is pleased to declare an increased interim dividend of 1.1 pence per share (2016: 1.0 pence per share). The shares will trade ex-dividend on 15 June 2017 and the dividend will be paid on 14 July 2017 to shareholders on the register at 16 June 2017. The company previously indicated a target of 2x dividend cover and expects to achieve this by the period ended September 2018.

Strategic & Operational Review

The primary goal for the business is to generate profitable sales growth and our strategy to achieve this is one of "Out Specialising the Specialists". This recognises that the other specialist tile retailers in our market are often our strongest competitors and by ensuring we are more competitive than them we will continue to take market share from all competitors. As the UK's leading tile specialist, our aim is to deliver outstanding value to our customers, across the following areas:

Range - as the leading specialist in its market Topps has the most comprehensive, on-trend range of quality tiles in the UK, with over 50 new tile ranges launched in the last year. Our focus on product innovation also enables us to keep one step ahead of our customers' increasingly adventurous tastes as we bring exclusive ranges to the market that pick up on the latest design and colour trends. Highlights from the first half include:

-- Further development of our own brand or exclusive ranges enabled through close supplier collaboration.

-- Following the exit of the low gross margin wood flooring category we have continued to lead the trend for wood effect tiles. Our range covers various design themes, price points and includes exclusive products.

-- The decision to exit wood flooring also freed up space in store to allow us to launch a new XL range of very large tiles (80cm x 80cm and larger) which is also a key design trend, helped by production technology advances. These ranges have been well received and we believe will be an important source of future growth.

   --      Performance of new tile ranges remains strong at 10.2% of overall sales (2016: 8.7%). 
 
 Convenience - convenience for a Topps customer means us delivering 
  a seamlessly integrated shopping experience across all available channels 
  - stores, online, mobile, telephone, and also the important integration 
  with their tile fitter. More specifically: 
 
 
        *    Digital - the homeowner's customer journey often 
             starts online and research tells us that around 90% 
             of our customers will use our website at some stage 
             during their purchase and that 75% will visit the 
             website before coming to store. Our website is key in 
             allowing our customers to research their projects, 
             draw inspiration from our visualiser and showcase our 
             market leading range. 
 
        *    For customers that choose to shop with Topps, almost 
             all of them come to one of our stores at some stage 
             of their shopping journey with us. At the start of 
             the current financial year we had a total of 351 
             stores. During the first half we opened 10 new core 
             stores and closed two core stores. At the period end 
             the Group was trading from a total of 359 stores 
             (March 2016: 342 stores). We expect to open a further 
             net 10 stores in the second half and have a longer 
             term target of 450 stores across the UK. 
 
        *    To enable us to get to this target, we have continued 
             to evolve and develop our store formats so that we 
             offer a range of options. 
                  o Our smallest format, Boutique, is c.1,000 sq ft and we currently 
                   have 15 stores trading (2016: 15). We have conducted customer research 
                   which confirms that Boutique stores create a material "halo" to surrounding 
                   core stores - customers who use Boutique as an introduction to Topps 
                   and for project research may then complete their purchase through 
                   a core store. 
                  o We have also developed a small core format store which requires 
                   2,000-3,000 sq ft and is allowing us to further extend our store estate 
                   into locations where our traditional core format cannot fit. 
 
        *    We have continued to invest in our store estate and 
             over the period opened a net eight new stores and 
             refitted four stores. We have been trialling a number 
             of new store treatments such as sales counters and 
             consultation desks in more mature stores and are 
             evaluating these options ahead of a wider scale 
             roll-out. 
 
        *    Our trade channel remains a key focus and allows us 
             to take advantage of the continued trend towards "do 
             it for me". Trade sales represented over 53.6% of 
             Group revenues in the first half (2016: 51.0%). Our 
             store teams' relationships with local traders are the 
             foundation of building a strong trade business. At 
             the start of the period we launched our fully 
             automated and digitised Rewards+ trade loyalty 
             programme and the first six months have seen us 
             register over 50,000 traders. 
 
 Inspiration - we are fanatical about providing market leading levels 
  of service in order that we can inspire our customers' home improvement 
  projects, specifically: 
 
 
        *    The Group's online strategy is focussed on making the 
             online and in-store customer experience as 
             inspirational and complementary as possible. Our 
             online representation continues to evolve and improve 
             with a focus on areas such as digital brochures, 
             visualisation, mobile optimisation and integration of 
             trade rewards. Our online visualisation tool, which 
             enables customers to view a range of tiles in a 
             variety of room settings, was completely relaunched 
             18 months ago and, more recently, further 
             enhancements have been added including new roomsets 
             and tile laying options to help ensure a compelling 
             and inspirational digital experience. We believe the 
             updated visualiser tool at Topps is the best in the 
             market, with visuals created in our stores as part of 
             a consultation often emailed to customers for use at 
             home. 
 
        *    Excellence in customer service is critical to our 
             success because our customers continue to value it 
             highly. At Topps service has always meant being 
             honest, knowledgeable and helpful, but never ever 
             pushy. Over the first half our Net Promoter Score 
             ("NPS") was 69% (2016: 69%). This metric is measured 
             by an independent third party and based on the data 
             available we believe we perform within the top five 
             of UK retailers. 
 

People - as a service-based specialist retail business, our colleagues are critical to our success.

Over the period we have delivered key initiatives in the following areas:

 
 
        *    We have actively marketed our employer brand which is 
             helping us attract external candidates by explaining 
             five great reasons to work at Topps. These are: we're 
             really good at what we do; our service gives our 
             customers confidence to make important decisions; 
             we're growing; we have a family feel; and we 
             recognise and reward results. Over the first half 
             applications for new roles have increased by around 
             40% and we consider this employer branding work to 
             have been instrumental in driving that increase. 
             While colleague turnover increased slightly over the 
             period to 32.2% (2016: 29.5%), manager and senior 
             manager turnover has remained very low. 
 
        *    We have launched a new learning management system 
             called "theHUB". The new system enables more flexible 
             communications and learning experience for all 
             colleagues, and is particularly important for our 
             store colleagues who complete extensive technical 
             product training to remain "specialist". The response 
             has been very positive and 99% of our store 
             colleagues have registered on the new system. 
 
        *    We continue to be very focussed on colleague 
             engagement levels. We see engagement as key in order 
             to continue to ensure that our colleagues provide the 
             very best service levels to our customers. We have a 
             series of colleague engagement forums and department 
             plans across the business to help us keep improving 
             the engagement of our colleagues. 
 

Risks and Uncertainties

The Board continues to monitor the key risks and uncertainties of the Group and does not consider that there has been any material change to those documented in the 2016 Annual Report and Accounts. The Board is mindful of the risks associated with the decision of the UK to leave the European Union and consider that this is likely to create periods of uncertainty for consumers at various stages through the process. Consumer confidence is a key driver of business performance and the Board is cautious about the potential impact that this uncertainty may create.

Board Composition

The Board comprises an Independent Non-Executive Chairman, three Independent Non-Executive Directors and two Executive Directors. As such the composition is fully compliant with the Combined Code.

Going Concern

Based on a detailed review the Board believes the Group will continue to operate within its loan facility covenants, and meet all of its financial commitments as they fall due. On this basis the Board considers that the Group will be able to continue as a going concern for a period of at least 12 months and has prepared the financial statements on this basis.

Current Trading & Outlook

As expected, trading in the second half to date has been more challenging as a result of a weaker macro environment this year and a continuation of the particularly strong comparatives from the prior year when sales were boosted by changes to Stamp Duty. In the first seven weeks of the second half Group revenues, which are on a like-for-like basis, decreased by 5.8% (2016: increased by 8.4%). This figure has been adjusted to take account of the later Easter in 2017 which we estimate decreased like-for-like sales growth over the period by 1.0% due to a reduction of one trading day.

While the tougher Stamp Duty assisted comparators begin easing from the end of June, the key macro indicators for our market remain weaker year-on-year and we are taking a prudent view of prospects for the remainder of this financial year. Against this background, management expect pre-tax profits for the full year are likely to be towards the lower end of the range of market expectations. The Board remains confident in the longer term outlook for the market and the business and we will continue to focus on executing our proven strategy of "Out Specialising The Specialists" and to invest in important sources of future growth. In particular, our recently completed analysis of the UK commercial tile market has confirmed it as attractive and we are now evaluating a number of small acquisition opportunities to increase our reach into this part of the market.

 
 Matthew Williams    Rob Parker 
 Chief Executive     Chief Financial Officer 
  Officer 
 
   23 May 2017 
 

RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT

 
 We confirm that to the best of our knowledge: 
  (a) the condensed set of financial statements has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 
  'Interim Financial Reporting'; 
  (b) the interim management report includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 
  4.2.7R (indication of important events during the first six months and description of principal 
  risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year); and 
  (c) the interim management report includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 
  4.2.8R (disclosure of related parties' transactions and changes therein). 
 
 By order of the Board, 
 
 
    Matthew Williams          Rob Parker 
    Chief Executive Officer   Chief Financial Officer 
 23 May 2017 
 
 

Cautionary statement

This Interim Management Report ("IMR") 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 IMR should not be relied on by any other party or for any other purpose.

The IMR contains certain forward-looking statements. These statements are made by the directors in good faith based on the information available to them up to the time of their approval of this report but such statements should be treated with caution due to the inherent uncertainties, including both economic and business risk factors, underlying any such forward-looking information.

This interim management report has been prepared for the Group as a whole and therefore gives greater emphasis to those matters which are significant to Topps Tiles Plc and its subsidiary undertakings when viewed as a whole.

 
 Condensed Consolidated Statement 
  of Financial Performance 
 for the 26 weeks ended 1 
  April 2017 
                                                 26 weeks      26 weeks    52 weeks 
                                                    ended         ended       ended 
                                                  1 April       2 April   1 October 
                                                     2017          2016        2016 
                                                  GBP'000       GBP'000     GBP'000 
                                       Note   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Audited) 
 
 Group revenue - continuing 
  operations                                      106,612       108,041     214,994 
 Cost of sales                                   (41,416)      (41,576)    (81,825) 
------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 Gross profit                                      65,196        66,465     133,169 
 
 Employee profit sharing                          (3,103)       (5,713)    (10,046) 
 Distribution costs                              (39,719)      (37,944)    (77,113) 
 Other operating expenses                         (3,563)       (3,024)     (6,489) 
 Administrative costs                             (6,787)       (6,761)    (13,887) 
 Sales and marketing costs                        (2,054)       (2,606)     (4,561) 
 
 Group operating profit                             9,970        10,417      21,073 
 Investment revenue                                    16           233          85 
 Finance costs                                      (475)         (597)     (1,176) 
------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 Profit before taxation                             9,511        10,053      19,982 
 Taxation                                 3       (2,081)       (2,044)     (4,451) 
------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 Profit for the period attributable 
  to equity holders of 
 the parent company                                 7,430         8,009      15,531 
------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 
 Earnings per ordinary share 
 -basic                                   5         3.86p         4.17p       8.05p 
 -diluted                                 5         3.80p         4.15p       7.82p 
 
 

There are no other recognised gains and losses for the current and preceding financial periods other than the results shown above. Accordingly a separate Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income has not been prepared.

 
 Condensed Consolidated 
  Statement of Financial 
  Position 
 
 
 as at 1 April 
  2017 
 
                                   1 April       2 April   1 October 
                                      2017          2016        2016 
                                   GBP'000       GBP'000     GBP'000 
                        Note   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Audited) 
---------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 Non-current 
  assets 
 Goodwill                              245           245         245 
 Property, plant 
  and equipment                     52,258        48,821      51,619 
---------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
                                    52,503        49,066      51,864 
---------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 
 Current assets 
 Inventories                        26,926        27,231      25,667 
 Trade and other 
  receivables                        6,157         6,202       6,708 
 Cash and cash 
  equivalents                       13,443        11,558      10,228 
---------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
                                    46,526        44,991      42,603 
---------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 Total assets                       99,029        94,057      94,467 
 
 Current liabilities 
 Trade and other 
  payables                        (30,443)      (32,362)    (33,108) 
 Current tax 
  liabilities                      (3,168)       (4,845)     (4,004) 
 Provisions 
  for liabilities 
  and charges                      (1,156)         (469)     (1,448) 
 Total current 
  liabilities                     (34,767)      (37,676)    (38,560) 
---------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 Net current 
  assets                            11,759         7,315       4,043 
---------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 Non-current 
  liabilities 
 Bank loans                6      (39,865)      (39,738)    (34,807) 
 Deferred tax 
  liabilities                        (829)          (75)       (709) 
 Provisions 
  for liabilities 
  and charges                      (3,275)       (3,674)     (2,846) 
---------------------  ----- 
 Total liabilities                (78,736)      (81,163)    (76,922) 
---------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 Net assets                         20,293        12,894      17,545 
---------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 
 Equity 
 Share capital             9         6,547         6,487       6,539 
 Share premium                       2,482         1,914       2,473 
 Own shares                        (4,411)       (2,637)     (4,411) 
 Merger reserve                      (399)         (399)       (399) 
 Share-based 
  payment reserve                    4,531         3,299       4,280 
 Capital redemption 
  reserve                           20,359        20,359      20,359 
 Retained earnings                 (8,816)      (16,129)    (11,296) 
 Total funds 
  attributable 
  to equity holders 
  of the parent                     20,293        12,894      17,545 
---------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 
 
 
 Condensed Consolidated Statement 
  of Changes in Equity 
 
  For the 26 weeks ended 1 April 2017                   Equity attributable to equity holders 
                      of the parent 
  ----------------  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------- 
                                                             Share-based                     Capital 
                       Share     Share       Own    Merger       payment   redemption       Retained     Total 
                     capital   premium    shares   reserve       reserve      reserve       earnings    equity 
                     GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000       GBP'000      GBP'000        GBP'000   GBP'000 
  ----------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ------------  -----------  -------------  -------- 
   Balance at 
   1 October 
    2016 (Audited)     6,539     2,473   (4,411)     (399)         4,280       20,359       (11,296)    17,545 
   Total 
   comprehensive 
   income 
   for the period          -         -         -         -             -            -          7,430     7,430 
   Issue of 
    share capital          8         9         -         -             -            -              -        17 
   Dividends               -         -         -         -             -            -        (4,808)   (4,808) 
   Own shares 
    purchased 
    in the period          -         -       (8)         -             -            -              -       (8) 
   Own shares 
    issued in 
    the period             -         -         8         -             -            -            (8)         - 
   Credit to 
    equity for 
    equity-settled 
    share based 
    payments               -         -         -         -           251            -             38       289 
   Deferred 
    tax on 
    share-based 
    payment 
    transactions           -         -         -         -             -            -          (172)     (172) 
  ----------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ------------  -----------  -------------  -------- 
   Balance at 
   1 April 2017 
   (Unaudited)         6,547     2,482   (4,411)     (399)         4,531       20,359        (8,816)    20,293 
  ----------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ------------  -----------  -------------  -------- 
 
 
 
 
  For the 26 weeks ended 2 April 2016 
 
 
                      Equity attributable to equity 
                       holders of the parent 
   ----------------  -----------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  -------- 
                                                              Share-based      Capital 
                        Share     Share       Own    Merger       payment   redemption   Retained     Total 
                      capital   premium    shares   reserve       reserve      reserve   earnings    equity 
                      GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000       GBP'000      GBP'000    GBP'000   GBP'000 
   ----------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ------------  -----------  ---------  -------- 
    Balance at 
    3 October 
     2015 (Audited)     6,457     1,906     (630)     (399)         2,820       20,359   (19,715)    10,798 
    Total 
    comprehensive 
    income 
    for the period          -         -         -         -             -            -      8,009     8,009 
    Issue of 
     share capital         30         8         -         -          (29)            -          -         9 
    Dividends               -         -         -         -             -            -    (4,366)   (4,366) 
    Own shares 
     purchased 
     in the period          -         -   (2,007)         -             -            -          -   (2,007) 
    Credit to 
     equity for 
     equity-settled 
     share based 
     payments               -         -         -         -           508            -          -       508 
    Deferred 
     tax on 
     share-based 
     payment 
     transactions           -         -         -         -             -            -       (57)      (57) 
   ----------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ------------  -----------  ---------  -------- 
    Balance at 
    2 April 2016 
    (Unaudited)         6,487     1,914   (2,637)     (399)         3,299       20,359   (16,129)    12,894 
   ----------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ------------  -----------  ---------  -------- 
 
 
   Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 
   (continued) 
 
 
   For the 52 weeks ended 1 October 2016                   Equity attributable to equity 
                       holders of the parent 
   ----------------  -----------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  -------- 
                                                              Share-based      Capital 
                        Share     Share       Own    Merger       payment   redemption   Retained     Total 
                      capital   premium    shares   reserve       reserve      reserve   earnings    equity 
                      GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000       GBP'000      GBP'000    GBP'000   GBP'000 
   ----------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ------------  -----------  ---------  -------- 
    Balance at 
    3 October 
     2015 (Audited)     6,457     1,906     (630)     (399)         2,820       20,359   (19,715)    10,798 
    Total 
    comprehensive 
    income 
    for the period          -         -         -         -             -            -     15,531    15,531 
    Issue of 
     share capital         82       567         -         -           (7)            -          -       642 
    Dividends               -         -         -         -             -            -    (6,296)   (6,296) 
    Own shares 
     purchased 
     in the period          -         -   (4,415)         -             -            -          -   (4,415) 
    Own shares 
     issued in 
     the period             -         -       634         -             -            -      (634)         - 
    Credit to 
     equity for 
     equity-settled 
     share based 
     payments               -         -         -         -         1,467            -        448     1,915 
    Deferred 
     tax on 
     share-based 
     payment 
     transactions           -         -         -         -             -            -      (630)     (630) 
   ----------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ------------  -----------  ---------  -------- 
    Balance at 
    1 October 
     2016 
    (Audited)           6,539     2,473   (4,411)     (399)         4,280       20,359   (11,296)    17,545 
   ----------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ------------  -----------  ---------  -------- 
 
 
 
 
 Condensed Statement of Cash 
  Flows 
 for the 26 weeks ended 1 
  April 2017 
                                          26 weeks      26 weeks    52 weeks 
                                             ended         ended       ended 
                                           1 April       2 April   1 October 
                                              2017          2016        2016 
                                           GBP'000       GBP'000     GBP'000 
                                       (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Audited) 
------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 Cash flow from operating 
  activities 
 Profit for the period                       7,430         8,009      15,531 
 Taxation                                    2,081         2,044       4,451 
 Finance costs                                 475           597       1,176 
 Investment revenue                           (16)         (233)        (85) 
 Group operating profit                      9,970        10,417      21,073 
 Adjustments for: 
 Depreciation of property, 
  plant and equipment                        3,174         2,812       5,832 
 Impairment of property, 
  plant and equipment                          263            77         152 
 Share option charge                           251           508       1,701 
 Decrease in trade and other 
  receivables                                  552         1,841       1,334 
 (Increase)/decrease in inventories        (1,259)           177       1,740 
 Decrease in payables                      (1,315)       (2,437)     (1,916) 
------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 Cash generated by operations               11,636        13,395      29,916 
 Interest paid                             (1,585)         (440)     (1,045) 
 Taxation paid                             (2,933)       (1,910)     (4,648) 
------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 Net cash from operating 
  activities                                 7,118        11,045      24,223 
 Investing activities 
 Interest received                              16            43          84 
 Purchase of property, plant 
  and equipment                            (4,121)       (4,730)    (10,577) 
 Purchase of own shares                          -       (2,007)     (4,383) 
------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 Net cash used in investment 
  activities                               (4,105)       (6,694)    (14,876) 
 Financing activities 
 Dividends paid                            (4,808)       (4,366)     (6,296) 
 Proceeds from issue of share 
  capital                                       10             9         613 
 Drawdown/(Repayment) of 
  bank loans                                 5,000       (5,000)    (10,000) 
 Net cash generated from 
  /(used in) financing activities              202       (9,357)    (15,683) 
 Net increase/(decrease) 
  in cash and cash equivalents               3,215       (5,006)     (6,336) 
------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents 
  at beginning of period                    10,228        16,564      16,564 
------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents 
  at end of period                          13,443        11,558      10,228 
------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 

1. General information

The interim report was approved by the Board on 23 May 2017. The financial information for the 26 weeks ended 1 April 2017 has been reviewed by the company's auditor. Their report is included within this announcement. The financial information for the 52 week period ended 1 October 2016 has been based on information in the audited financial statements for that period.

The comparative figures for the 52 week period ended 1 October 2016 are an abridged version of the Group's full financial statements and, together with other financial information contained in these interim results, do not constitute statutory financial statements of the Group as defined in section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. A copy of the statutory accounts for that 52 week period has been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The auditor has reported on those accounts: their report was unqualified, did not draw attention to any matters by way of emphasis and did not contain a statement under s498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

This condensed set of consolidated financial statements has been prepared for the 26 weeks ended 1 April 2017 and the comparative period has been prepared for the 26 weeks ended 2 April 2016.

Basis of preparation and accounting policies

The annual financial statements of Topps Tiles Plc are prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union. The unaudited condensed consolidated set of financial statements included in this half-yearly financial report has been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 'Interim Financial Reporting', as adopted by the European Union. The same accounting policies, presentation and methods of computation are followed in the condensed set of financial statements as applied in the Group's latest annual audited financial statements.

Going concern

Based on a detailed review of the risks and uncertainties contained within the risks and uncertainties section above, the financial facilities available to the Group, management's latest revised forecasts and a range of sensitised scenarios the Board believe the Group will continue to meet all of its financial commitments as they fall due and will be able to continue as a going concern. The Board, therefore, consider it appropriate to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis.

2. Business segments

IFRS 8 requires operating segments to be identified on the basis of internal reports about components of the Group that are regularly reviewed by the Chief Executive to allocate resources to the segments and to assess their performance. As there is one segment, being the operation of retail stores in the UK, and the Chief Executive bases decisions on the performance of the Group as a whole, separate operating segments have not been identified.

 
 
 

3. Taxation

 
                                     26 weeks      26 weeks    52 weeks 
                                         ended         ended       Ended 
                                       1 April       2 April   1 October 
                                          2017          2016        2016 
                                       GBP'000       GBP'000     GBP'000 
                                   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Audited) 
  ------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
   Current tax - charge for 
    the period                           2,135         1,706       3,906 
   Current tax - adjustment 
    in respect of previous 
    periods                                  -             -         148 
   Deferred tax - effect of 
    reduction in UK corporation 
    tax rate                                 -          (76)           - 
   Deferred tax - (credit) 
    /charge for the period                (54)           414         302 
   Deferred tax - adjustment 
    in respect of previous 
    periods                                  -             -          95 
                                         2,081         2,044       4,451 
  ------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 
 

4. Interim dividend

An interim dividend of 1.10p (2016: 1.00p) per ordinary share has been declared payable on 14 July 2017 to shareholders on the register at 15 June 2017; in accordance with IFRS the dividend will be recorded in the financial statements in the second half of the period. A final dividend of 2.50p per ordinary share was approved and paid in the period, in relation to the 52 week period ended 1 October 2016.

5. Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share for the 26 weeks ended 1 April 2017 were 3.86p (2016: 4.17p) having been calculated on earnings (after deducting taxation) of GBP7,430,000 (2016: GBP8,009,000) and on ordinary shares of 192,264,018 (2016: 192,055,438), being the weighted average of ordinary shares in issue during the period.

Diluted earnings per share for the 26 weeks ended 1 April 2017 were 3.80p (2016: 4.15p) having been calculated on earnings (after deducting taxation) of GBP7,430,000 (2016: GBP8,009,000) and on ordinary shares of 195,742,070 (2016: 193,057,423), being the weighted average of ordinary shares in issue during the period.

Adjusted earnings per share for the 26 weeks ended 1 April 2017 were 4.11p (2016: 4.29p) having been calculated on adjusted earnings after tax of GBP7,898,000 (2016: GBP8,235,000) being earnings (after deducting taxation) of GBP7,430,000 adjusted for the post-tax impact of the following items; forward currency contracts fair value gain of GBPnil (2016: GBP150,000), impairment of property, plant and equipment of GBP206,000 (2016: GBP61,000), a net charge impact of onerous lease provision reductions and restructuring costs of GBP262,000 (2016: GBP315,000).

6. Bank loans

 
                                            26 weeks   26 weeks    52 weeks 
                                               ended      ended       ended 
                                             1 April    2 April   1 October 
                                                2017       2016        2016 
                                             GBP'000    GBP'000     GBP'000 
                                      (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Audited) 
     ------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
      Bank loans (all sterling)            39,749        39,622      34,691 
     ------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
                                               The borrowings are repayable 
                                                                as follows: 
      On demand or within one                   -             -           - 
                                                                       year 
 
                                                     In the second to fifth 
       year                                40,000        40,000      35,000 
     ------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
                                           40,000        40,000      35,000 
                                                    Less: total unamortised 
       issue costs                          (251)         (378)       (309) 
     ------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
                                           39,749        39,622      34,691 
                                                Issue costs to be amortised 
       within 12 months                       116           116         116 
     ------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
                                                  Amount due for settlement 
       after 12 months                     39,865        39,738      34,807 
 
 
 
 
 The Group has in place a GBP50.0 million committed 
  revolving credit facility, expiring 31 May 2019. 
  As at 1 April 2017, GBP40.0 million of this facility 
  was drawn (2016: GBP40.0 million), with a further 
  GBP10.0 million of undrawn financing available (2016: 
  GBP10.0 million). The loan facility contains financial 
  covenants which are tested on a biannual basis. 
 
 
  7. Contingent liabilities 
  The directors are not aware of any contingent liabilities 
  faced by the Group as at 1 April 2017. 
 
  8. Events after the balance sheet date 
  There were no events after the balance sheet date 
  to report. 
 

9. Share capital

The issued share capital of the Group as at 1 April 2017 amounted to GBP6,547,000 (2 April 2016: GBP6,487,000). The Group issued 268,019 shares during the period increasing the number of shares from 196,153,770 to 196,421,789.

10. Seasonality of sales

Historically there has not been any material seasonal difference in sales between the first and second half of the reporting period, with approximately 50% of annual sales arising in the period from October to March.

11. Related party transactions

S.K.M Williams is a related party by virtue of his 10.5% shareholding (20,593,950 ordinary shares) in the Group's issued share capital (2016: 9.9% shareholding of 19,343,950 ordinary shares).

At 1 April 2017 S.K.M Williams was the landlord of two properties leased to Multi Tile Limited, a trading subsidiary of Topps Tiles Plc, for GBP114,000 (2016: three properties for GBP187,000) per annum.

No amounts were outstanding with S.K.M. Williams at 1 April 2017 (2016: GBPnil). The lease agreements on all properties are operated on commercial arm's length terms.

Transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries, which are related parties, have been eliminated on consolidation and are not disclosed in this note, in accordance with the exemption available under IAS24.

INDEPENT REVIEW REPORT TO TOPPS TILES PLC

We have been engaged by the company to review the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the 26 week period ended 1 April 2017 which comprises the Consolidated Statement of Financial Performance, the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity, the Statement of Cash Flows and related notes 1 to 11. We have read the other information contained in the half-yearly financial report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the condensed set of financial statements.

This report is made solely to the company in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410 "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Auditing Practices Board. Our work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company those matters we are required to state to it in an independent review report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company, for our review work, for this report, or for the conclusions we have formed.

Directors' responsibilities

The half-yearly financial report is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the directors. The directors are responsible for preparing the half-yearly financial report in accordance with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.

As disclosed in note 1, the annual financial statements of the Group are prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union. The condensed set of financial statements included in this half-yearly financial report has been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 "Interim Financial Reporting" as adopted by the European Union.

Our responsibility

Our responsibility is to express to the Company a conclusion on the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report based on our review.

Scope of review

We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410 "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the United Kingdom. A review of interim financial information consists of making inquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

Conclusion

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the 26 week period ended 1 April 2017 is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 as adopted by the European Union and the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.

Deloitte LLP

Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor

Manchester, United Kingdom

23 May 2017

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

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