AFS.L Regulatory News (AFS)

RNS Number : 6921S

Amiad Filtration Systems Ltd

15 September 2010

 

15 September 2010

 

Amiad Filtration Systems Ltd.

("Amiad" or "the Company")

 

Results for the six months to 30 June 2010

 

Amiad, the producer and global supplier of water filters and filtration systems for the industrial, municipal and irrigation markets, announces its interim results for the six months to 30 June 2010.

 

Financial Summary

·; Revenue increased to $37.9m (H1 2009: $36.8m)

·; Operating profit of $2.1m (H1 2009: $5.1m)

·; Profit before tax of $1.1m (H1 2009: $5.7m)

·; Gross margins at 45% (H1 2009: 47%)

·; Fully diluted earnings per share was $0.04 (H1 2009: $0.19)

·; Interim dividend of $0.02 gross per share (H1 2009: $0.035 gross per share)

·; Cash and cash equivalents at 30 June 2010 were $11.2m (31 December 2009: $8.6m)

 

Operational Summary

·; Completed acquisition of Arkal Filtration Systems

·; Commenced post-merger integration, which is now nearing successful completion

·; Established Amiad Andina in Chile to enhance the sale and marketing of Amiad's products and solutions in Chile, Peru and Argentina

·; Increased sales in new and growing geographies

·; General economic downturn continued to impact operating profit and PBT, particularly with projects in North America and Eastern Europe

·; Implemented restructuring programme to improve effciency and streamline operations

 

Outlook

·; Improving backlog for the second half of 2010

·; Initial post-merger synergies to total approximately $2.5m ($1.3m from cancellation of capital expenditure programme and $1.2m from cost base on an annualised basis)

·; Enlarged business winning major projects in BRIC countries in the industrial and municipal segments

·; Irrigation segment returns to growth as a result of the combined business

·; Well-positioned for growth for when re-investment in water infrastructure projects gathers pace

 

Commenting on the results, Arik Dayan, Chief Executive Officer of Amiad, said:

 

"This period represents a turning point for Amiad. Whilst the detrimental effects of the global economic downturn continue to be felt, Amiad is well-positioned for when re-investment in water infrastructure projects gather pace. The completion of our acquisition of Arkal has formed an enlarged group with a greatly expanded product portfolio, geographical spread and sales team as well as contributing during May and June to the first half revenues and profit.

 

"We are delighted with the progress that has been made on the post-merger integration, which is now nearing completion, and the opportunities the combined business will be able to benefit from in the future. These developments represent milestones for the Company as we establish solid foundations for Amiad's future growth and the delivery of shareholder value in the mid to long term."

 

 

Enquiries:

 

Amiad Filtration Systems Ltd.
Arik Dayan, Chief Executive Officer Rivka Kalmanzon, Chief Financial Officer	+972 4 690 9500
Panmure Gordon
Andrew Godber, Katherine Roe	+44 20 7459 3600
Corfin Public Relations
Harry Chathli, Claire Norbury	+44 20 7596 2860

Operational Review

 

The six months to 30 June 2010 was a pivotal period for Amiad. It continued to implement its expansion strategy and restructuring programme, and to build on the successes of the previous year thereby positioning the Company for growth when market conditions improve.

 

Revenues for the first half of 2010, which include two months' contribution from Arkal for May and June, increased slightly to $37.9m (including approximately $7.0m contribution from Arkal) compared with $36.8m for the same period in the previous year. Operating profit and profit before tax declined to $2.1m (H1 2009: $5.1m) and $1.1m (H1 2009: $5.7m) respectively. The decline was largely as a result of the economic downturn curtailing investment in water infrastructure, which primarily affected projects in the industrial and municipal segments in the United States and Eastern Europe where Amiad's revenues decreased by approximately 40%.

 

Amiad continued to make progress in new and growing geographies with revenues increasing from these markets.

 

In South America, Amiad established Amiad Andina as a subsidiary in Chile to enhance the sale and marketing of the Company's products and solutions in the industrial and municipal markets in Chile, Peru and Argentina. Amiad Andina is a joint venture with CIMA, a distribution company active in the irrigation and construction industries, which has been Amiad's distributor for the municipal and industrial markets in Chile since the end of 2007. With growth in South America anticipated to continue as economic development progresses, the Company maintains its strategy of exploring opportunities for strengthening its presence in the region and expects Amiad Andina to enhance its sales in the target countries.

 

Conditions in China remained challenging during the six month period as the steel and petrochemical industries continued to suffer the effects of the global downturn. However, Amiad has seen signs of returning investment in the steel industry as well as the municipal segment in the second half of the year. In addition, Arkal is experiencing an increase in activity in China in the petrochemical industry and irrigation segment, which is contributing to the consolidated growth.

 

Following the establishment of its subsidiary in India last year, Amiad continued to enhance the Company's infrastructure to expand its sales and marketing reach within the Indian continent as well as into the municipal, steel and power generation segments. Whilst the effects of the market downturn persist, the Company remains confident that, with industrial growth in India set to continue, Amiad is well-positioned to capitalise on investment in water infrastructure in the country.

 

The Company's regional base in Singapore achieved a number of operational successes during the period. The Changi NEWater plant, which uses Amiad's pre-filtration solutions and is operated by Sembcorp Utilities Pte Ltd in Singapore, is now fully-operational after beginning its first phase of production in May 2009. The proven effectiveness of this system has resulted in the introduction of Amiad's filter installations into all five of Singapore's NEWater plants. Similarly, in the Philippines, Amiad completed the installation and commissioning of its filtration system for the Butuan City Water District. This is the initial stage of an expected two-phase project to provide clean drinking water to over 290,000 citizens in the city of Butuan.

 

Amiad began to see a return to growth in Africa. In March 2010, Amiad completed the testing and commissioning phase for its water treatment facility in Waku Kungo, Angola, which was installed in early 2010. The Company believes the facility is the first combined-use water treatment plant in Africa. The water treatment plant will filter the city's main water supply, the Kave River, providing 50,000 inhabitants and the residents of 15 surrounding villages with potable water for household needs, as well as for agricultural and industrial use.

 

In the irrigation segment, continuing on from the downtrend seen in the second half of last year, the Company continued to see a low level of activity in the early part of 2010 due to the ongoing decline in investment by farmers as a result of the macroeconomic conditions. Amiad also saw some pressure on pricing persisting from the second half of 2009.

 

However, activity in this market began to improve during the second quarter of 2010 and had a strong finish to the first half of the year resulting in revenues in the irrigation segment being higher in H1 2010 compared with the same period last year. The improved performance seen in the latter part of the first half has continued into the second half of 2010 and, with the combination of Arkal's successful irrigation business with that of Amiad, the segment is expected to return to growth next year.

 

 

Acquisition of Arkal

 

To progress Amiad's growth strategy in Israel and globally, the Company completed the acquisition of the entire issued share capital of, and ownership rights in, Arkal Filtration Systems Cooperative Agricultural Society Ltd. from its existing shareholders - Kibbutz Beit Zera, including its affiliated corporations, and Bermad Industries Cooperative Agricultural Society Ltd.

 

Arkal is one of the leading suppliers of water filtration solutions, with a particular presence in the irrigation market. Its primary product is the automatic Spin Klin system, based on disc filtration technology. The addition of Arkal's product range, and sales and marketing infrastructure, has considerably enhanced Amiad's offering in the irrigation segment as well as in the industrial and municipal markets. The enlarged group has a greatly expanded product portfolio, geographical spread and sales team.

 

Following the completion of the acquisition, Amiad and Arkal have entered into a post-merger integration process, which is now nearing a successful conclusion. In the short term, Amiad has realised a capital expenditure saving of $1.3m and, going forward, expects annual payroll to be reduced by $1.2m on a combined annualised basis. The management team of the combined business is now focused on strengthening the strategic plan that will enable the new company to maximise its growth potential.

 

 

Financial Review

 

Revenues for the six months ended 30 June 2010 increased by 3% to $37.9m compared with $36.8m for the first half of 2009 and by 18% sequentially (H2 2009: $32.3m). Fully diluted earnings per share decreased to $0.04 (H1 2009: $0.19).

 

Operating profit decreased to $2.1m compared to $2.9m for the second half of 2009 and $5.1m for the period ended 30 June 2009. Profit before tax decreased to $1.1m (H1 2009: $5.7m; H2 2009: $2.9m).

 

Gross margins decreased to 45% compared with 47% for the first half of 2009.

 

As of 30 June 2010, cash and cash equivalents in the bank were $11.2m compared with $8.6m at 31 December 2009, reflecting the acquisition of Arkal, and continuing efforts to increase organisational efficiency, streamline operations and maintain tight control of costs. 

 

 

Dividend

 

The Directors have decided to declare a dividend out of the Company's profits for the six months ended 30 June 2010 of $0.02 gross per share (H1 2009: $0.035 gross per share), with an ex dividend date of 22 September 2010, a record date of 24 September 2010 and a payment date of 20 October 2010.

 

The Board of Amiad has a policy to pay a dividend of not less than 30% of profits in each year. Due to the acquisition of Arkal, the number of shares in issue has been increased to 22.5 million from approximately 19 million last year. The total interim dividend cost, at $0.02 per share, will amount to $450,000, which represents approximately 57% of the interim profits. The Board of Amiad considers that this payment properly reflects the tough economic conditions prevailing in world markets and the Company's performance in the first half of the year. The level of the final dividend will be considered in the light of the second half performance and outlook for 2011 when it is declared next year.

 

 

Outlook

 

Certain of Amiad's traditional key markets continue to experience the negative effects of the difficult macro economic conditions with reduced investment being seen in North America and Eastern Europe.

 

However, the Company has seen increasing signs of interest in water projects in the second half of 2010 with levels of backlog higher compared with the equivalent period last year. The Company's strategy of forming local alliances and increasing its presence in growth markets that are expected to invest in water infrastructure projects is helping to offset some of the loss of revenues in Amiad's traditional key territories.

 

The product offering of the combined business is already bearing fruit in the municipal and industrial markets. Notable project wins were seen in the municipal segment in Latin America; in the naval industry in North America; in three countries in Eastern Europe; in the Far East to provide irrigation and potable water; and a project in India to provide pre-filtration through to desalination, based on Arkal technolgy.

 

As a result of the Arkal contribution, the improving offering in the irrigation market and the introduction of products for the new segments, as well as improved backlog, the Directors believe that Amiad is well-positioned to deliver shareholder value in the mid to long term.

AMIAD FILTRATION SYSTEMS LTD.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

JUNE 30, 2010

 

 

	June 30,		December 31,
	2010	2009	2009
	(Unaudited)		(Audited)
	U.S. dollars in thousands

 

A s s e t s
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	11,191	6,266	8,575
Short term deposit		1,000
Financial assets at fair value through profit
or loss	2,692	295	254
Accounts receivable and accruals:
Trade	31,413	21,133	20,348
Other	2,394	1,702	1,869
Inventories	19,843	17,100	15,964
Income tax assets	1,268	1,824	1,128
T o t a l current assets	68,801	49,320	48,138
NON-CURRENT ASSETS:
Loan to a related party	620	651	650
Severance pay fund	19	135	125
Long-term receivables	364	164	200
Property and equipment	6,703	3,714	3,440
Investments in associates	10
Deferred income tax assets	1,308	1,357	1,682
Goodwill and other intangible assets	19,446	6,652	6,471
T o t a l non-current assets	28,470	12,673	12,568
T o t a l assets	97,271	61,993	60,706

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

	June 30,		December 31,
	2010	2009	2009
	(Unaudited)		(Audited)
	U.S. dollars in thousands

 

Liabilities and equity
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Short-term credit and borrowings from banks	11,168	11,403	9,669
Accounts payable and accruals:
Trade	17,555	8,176	7,616
Other	6,770	7,024	6,080
Dividend payable	968
Current income tax liability	1,205	1,930	1,751
T o t a l current liabilities	37,666	28,533	25,116
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Borrowings from banks and others
(net of current maturities)	13,235	1,926	1,537
Put option liability	2,071	1,801	1,931
Deferred income tax liabilities	933
T o t a l non-current liabilities	16,239	3,727	3,468
T o t a l liabilities	53,905	32,260	28,584
EQUITY:
Capital and reserves attributable to
equity holders of the Company:
Share capital	2,780	2,342	2,342
Capital reserves	24,467	13,305	13,305
Currency translation reserve	(78)	(37)	243
Retained earnings	15,866	14,049	16,085
	43,035	29,659	31,975
NON CONTROLLING INTEREST	331	74	147
T o t a l equity	43,366	29,733	32,122
T o t a l liabilities and equity	97,271	61,993	60,706

 

.

 

AMIAD FILTRATION SYSTEMS LTD.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

FOR THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2010

 

 

	Six months ended		Year ended
	June 30,		December 31,
	2010	2009	2009
	(Unaudited)		(Audited)
	U.S dollars in thousands except per share data

 

REVENUE	37,944	36,839	69,102
COST OF SALES	20,833	19,402	35,863
GROSS PROFIT	17,111	17,437	33,239
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPEMEMNT	419
SELLING AND MARKETING COSTS	9,345	8,365	16,843
ADMINISTRATIVE AND GENERAL EXPENSES	5,218	3,941	8,338
OTHER LOSSES (INCOME) NET	3	51	119
OPERATING PROFIT	2,126	5,080	7,939
FINANCE INCOME	72	1,478	1,719
FINANCE COSTS	(1,071)	(819)	(984)
FINANCE INCOME (COST), NET	(999)	659	735
PROFIT BEFORE INCOME TAX	1,127	5,739	8,674
INCOME TAX EXPENSES	340	2,091	2,216
PROFIT FOR THE PERIOD	787	3,648	6,458
ATTRIBUTED TO:
Equity holders of the Company	749	3,652	6,393
Non controlling interest	38	(4)	65
	787	3,648	6,458

 

 

 

 

	U.S dollars
EARNINGS PER SHARE
Attributable to the equity holders of
the Company during the period:
Basic	0.037	0.190	0.332
Diluted	0.037	0.190	0.332

 

 

 

AMIAD FILTRATION SYSTEMS LTD.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

	Six months ended June 30,		Year ended December 31,
	2010	2009	2009
	(Unaudited)		(Audited)
	U.S dollars in thousands

 

Profit for the period	787	3,648	6,458
Other comprehensive income
Currency translation differences	(347)	233	517
Total comprehensive income for the period	440	3,881	6,975

 

Total comprehensive income attributable to:
Equity holders of the Company	428	3,884	6,905
Non controlling interest	12	(3)	70
Total	440	3,881	6,975

 

 

AMIAD FILTRATION SYSTEMS LTD.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

FOR THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2010

	Attributable to equity holders of the Company
	Number of shares	Share capital	Capital reserve	Currency translation reserve	Retained earning	Total	Non controlling interest	Total shareholders equity
		U.S dollars in thousands

 

BALANCE AT JANUARY 1, 2010 (audited)	19,237,531	2,342	13,305	243	16,085	31,975	147	32,122
CHANGES DURING THE SIX MONTH ENDED JUNE 30, 2010 (unaudited):
Comprehensive income :
Profit for the year					749	749	38	787
Other comprehensive income :
Currency translation differences				(321)		(321)	(26)	(347)
Total comprehensive income				(321)	749	428	12	440
Transaction with owners :
Dividend ($ 0.043 per share)					(968)	(968)		(968)
Issue of ordinary shares related to business combination	3,284,159	438	11,162			11,600		11,600
Non controlling interest arising on business combination							172	172
Total transactions with owners		438	11,162		(968)	10,632	172	10,804
BALANCE AT JUNE 30, 2010 (unaudited)	22,521,690	2,780	24,467	(78)	15,866	43,035	331	43,366
BALANCE AT JANUARY 1, 2009 (audited)	19,237,531	2,342	13,305	(269)	11,224	26,602	77	26,679
CHANGES DURING THE SIX MONTH ENDED JUNE 30, 2009 (unaudited):
Comprehensive income :
Profit for the year					3,652	3,652	(4)	3,648
Other comprehensive income :
Currency translation differences				232		232	1	233
Total comprehensive income	19,237,531	2,342	13,305	232	3,652	3,884	(3)	3,881
Transaction with owners :
Dividend ($ 0.043 per share)					(827)	(827)		(827)
BALANCE AT JUNE 30, 2009 (unaudited)	19,237,531	2,342	13,305	(37)	14,049	29,659	74	29,733

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AMIAD FILTRATION SYSTEMS LTD.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2010

 

 

 

Balance at 1 January 2009	19,237,531	2,342	13,305	(269)	11,224	26,602	77	26,679
Comprehensive income :
Profit for the year	-	-	-	-	6,393	6,393	65	6,458
Other comprehensive income :
Currency translation differences	-	-	-	512		512	5	517
Total comprehensive income	19,237,531	2,342	13,305	512	6,393	6,905	70	6,975
Transaction with owners :
Dividend ($0.078 per share)	-	-	-	-	(1,501)	(1,501)	-	(1,501)
Share-based payment - Value of employee services	-	-	-	-	(31)	(31)	-	(31)
Total transaction with owners	-	-	-	-	(1,532)	(1,532)	-	(1,532)
Balance at 31 December 2009	19,237,531	2,342	13,305	243	16,085	31,975	147	32,122

AMIAD FILTRATION SYSTEMS LTD.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2010

 

	Six months ended				Year ended
	June 30,				December 31,
	2010		2009		2009
	(Unaudited)				(Audited)
	U.S dollars in thousands
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Cash generated from operations	6,320	3,189		8,595
Interest paid	(277)	(283)		(421)
Income tax paid	(1,042)	(983)		(1,809)
Net cash generated from operating activities	5,001	1,923		6,365
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of subsidiaries	(9,341)
Acquisition of associates	(10)
Purchases of property and equipment	(573)	(356)		(757)
Purchases of intangible assets	(50)	(213)		(326)
Investments grants received				29
Investment in financial assets at fair value through
profit or loss, net	9
Investment in short-term deposit		(1,000)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	85	125		241
Collection of long-term loan granted to a related party	(28)	(31)		(94)
Net cash generated from (used in) investing activities	(9,908)	(1,475)		(907)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Dividends paid to equity holders of the Company		(827)		(1,501)
Receipt of long-term borrowings and other liabilities	11,026	17		23
Repayments of long term borrowings	(995)	(817)		(1,416)
Short-term borrowings from banks, net	(2,403)	794		(749)
Net cash generated from (used in) financing activities	7,628	(833)		(3,643)
EXCHANGE LOSS (GAIN) ON CASH AND CASH
EQUIVALENTS	(105)	142		251
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH
EQUIVALENTS	2,616	(243)		2,066
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR	8,575	6,509		6,509
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR	11,191	6,266		8,575

 

 

 

 

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