16 Jun 2009 07:00
Preliminary Results
Tricorn Group plc (the 'Group'), the AIM listed tube manipulation specialist, today announces its preliminary results for the year ended 31 March 2009.
Summary of results
|
| 2009 | 2008 | change |
|
| £'000 | £'000 | % |
| Sales revenue | 22,245 | 20,829 | 6.8 |
| Adjusted operating profit* | 1,430 | 1,661 | (13.9) |
| Adjusted profit before tax* | 1,234 | 1,414 | (12.7) |
| Adjusted earnings per share - basic* | 3.16p | 3.55p | (11.0) |
| Restructuring costs | 239 | - | |
*before restructuring costs, intangible amortisation, share based charges and interest rate swap charge
Summary
| - | Results significantly impacted by market downturn in second half of the year |
| - | The Group has acted decisively to reduce operating costs |
| - | Improved cash flow from operating activities |
| - | Cash and equivalents increased 80% to £713k |
| - | Further reductions in gearing and net debt |
Nick Paul, Tricorn Chairman commented:
"After a strong first half, the Group has acted decisively in reducing its operating costs in response to the sharp decline in trading conditions experienced in the later part of the year. With these actions nearing completion and with a strong focus on cash generation, the Group is well positioned to respond to the current challenging conditions and to take advantage of the upturn in demand when it occurs."
Chairman and Chief Executive's statement
Performance in year ended 31 March 2009
After a strong performance in the first half of the year, the Group saw a significant deterioration in trading conditions through the later part of the year particularly impacting on its more profitable businesses. Despite decisive action being taken to reduce costs, operating profit (before restructuring costs, intangible amortisation and share based charges) decreased by 13.9% to £1,430k (2008: £1,661k) and adjusted basic earnings per share dropped 11.0% to 3.16p (2008: 3.55p). Notwithstanding the adverse economic conditions, the Group continues to strengthen its balance sheet and it is pleasing to report net debt reduced by 28% to £2,064k (2008: £2,870k) and EBITDA adjusted interest cover increased to 9.2 times (2008: 8.1 times). Cash in hand at the year end was £713k.
Malvern Tubular Components (MTC) had seen record sales and orders through the first half of the year which had more than compensated for the weaker demand experienced at Redman Fittings. However, as the second half developed, orders at MTC dropped by some 30% and the weak housing market saw the run rate at Redman reduce further. Sales at Redman ended the year down nearly £1.5m against prior year, impacting upon operating profits by approximately £400k.
Maxpower Automotive was acquired in June 2007. By the end of the first half of the current year, the vast majority of planned resourcing of components to lower cost countries had been completed and significant gains had been made through improved productivity ensuring that the business was performing in line with expectations. Given that the final quarter saw markets drop by nearly 40% compared to earlier in the year, the business did well to return to underlying profitability by the close of the period.
At RMDG Aerospace, demand levels have held up relatively well with output up in the final quarter when compared to earlier in the year. Nonetheless, given the current lower operating margins within this business and some softening in demand anticipated, restructuring of the business took place towards the end of the period.
Focus for 2009
The Group highlighted in its interim results statement in December 2008 that it was starting to see some evidence of a slow down and its trading update of February 2009 and pre close statement in April 2009 confirmed that market conditions had deteriorated further. Whilst there is a degree of resilience in some markets, sales for the three months to the end of April 2009 were some 35% lower than the corresponding period last year. The Group does not anticipate demand levels to significantly increase through the remainder of 2009.
The Group has taken swift and decisive steps to respond to the challenges that this deterioration in its end markets has presented and actions continue to be focussed in three key areas:
| 1. | Capacity Alignment |
The Group has rapidly re-sized its operations to reflect lower activity levels by a combination of headcount reduction, short time working arrangements and extended shutdowns. Order levels are reviewed on a weekly basis and hours adjusted in accordance with this. This approach has enabled productivity to be maintained and will enable the Group to respond quickly to any increase in demand.
| 2. | Cost Reduction |
In addition to ensuring direct head count is fully aligned to demand, the Group has focussed on significant reductions in overheads. Plans to combine back office functions within the Group, introduce shared services and reduce overheads have been accelerated and are now largely complete. Short time working for staff has also been implemented at Maxpower, MTC and Redman with corresponding reductions in pay. Bonus plans/merit awards have been suspended across the Group and all other spend remains under close scrutiny. The Group enters the current year with indirect headcount reduced by over 20% and operating costs reduced by 28%.
| 3. | Cash Optimisation |
The Group is focussed on its balance sheet and has implemented even tighter controls around cash conversion. Significant inventory reductions across the Group are being targeted which, combined with capital expenditure targeted at less than 50% of depreciation, will ensure the retention of a strong balance sheet. Operating cash flow for the three months ended April 2009 was £240k, driven by the working capital reduction programme which is very much on track.
Outlook
The global economic downturn has resulted in extremely challenging market conditions across many of the Group's markets. However the Group has responded swiftly to reduce its cost base and this combined with a focus on further strengthening its balance sheet ensures that profits and cashflows are being delivered in line with management's expectations. Our improved operational efficiency positions the Group well to deliver strong earnings growth when markets improve.
Financial review
Income Statement
Despite the adverse market conditions, the Group delivered a good set of results with revenue increasing by £1,416k (6.8%) to £22,245k. The 2007/08 results did not include a full years revenue from Maxpower which we acquired in June 2007. Excluding Maxpower from both years, underlying turnover increased by £182k.
Operating profit was down £159k (12.9%) to £1,073k after taking account of restructuring costs, intangible asset amortisation and share based charges. During the year, the Group undertook a strategic review of its operations and re-sized its businesses in the light of economic conditions, which resulted in one-off restructuring costs of £239k.
Net interest charges for the year were £296k, which is £37k higher than the 2007/08 charge. However, included within this figure is £100k (2008: £12k) relating to an interest rate swap fair value adjustment on the Group's borrowing arrangements. This adjustment is a non-cash, accounting adjustment required under IAS39 and does not, therefore, reflect the underlying trading performance of the Group. Excluding this adjustment, the Group's net interest charge reduced by £51k (20.6%) to £196k.
The resultant profit before tax finished the year at £777k (2008: £973k). Basic EPS fell to 1.77p (2008: 2.56p), after adjusting for one-off costs EPS stood at 3.16p (2008: 3.55p).
Balance Sheet
Total fixed assets of the Group reduced £150k to £2,884k, largely as a result of the amortisation of intangible assets. The Group continues to invest in capital programmes that deliver improved operational efficiencies, and capital expenditure investment for 2008/09 totalled £347k including those funded by lease finance.
Net working capital increased £3k to £4,581k. Overall inventory increased in the year by £270k. However, the Group committed to reducing inventory levels during the second half of 2008/09, and throughout 2009/10, and this year on year increase masks an actual second half reduction of £271k.
The net debt position of the Group reduced by £806k in the year from £2,870k to £2,064k. With solid cash generation in the year cash and cash equivalents increased by £316k to £713k, whilst steady progress was made in reducing borrowing on the term loan and invoice discounting facility. Gearing, measured as long term debt to equity, reduced to 16.0% from 26.6% in 2007/08.
The Group's term loan is scheduled for final repayment in 2012, whilst the invoice discounting facility is due for renewal in November 2009, and the Directors do not expect any issues in renewing this facility. Both are subject to covenants within which the Group is performing comfortably.
Continued focus will be placed on generating strong cashflows during 2009/10, with good profit to cash conversion and significant inventory reductions being key to delivery.
Enquiries:
| Tricorn Group plc | |
| Mike Welburn, Chief Executive | Tel +44 (0)1684 569956 |
| Collins Stewart Europe Limited | |
| Tom Hulme/ Adam Cowen/Adam Miller | Tel + 44 (0)207 523 8350 |
Group income statement
For year ended 31 March 2009
| Note | 2009 | 2008 | |
| £'000 | £'000 | ||
| Restated | |||
| Revenue | 3 | 22,245 | 20,829 |
| Cost of sales | (14,750) | (13,672) | |
| Gross profit | 7,495 | 7,157 | |
| Distribution costs | (947) | (912) | |
| Administration costs | (5,118) | (4,584) | |
| Operating profit before amortisation, share based remuneration and restructuring costs | 3 | 1,430 | 1,661 |
| Amortisation | (118) | (94) | |
| Share based payment charge | - | (335) | |
| Restructuring costs | (239) | - | |
| Operating profit | 3 | 1,073 | 1,232 |
| Finance income | 20 | 10 | |
| Finance costs | (316) | (269) | |
| Profit before tax | 777 | 973 | |
| Income tax expense | (192) | (174) | |
| Profit for the year | 3 | 585 | 799 |
| Attributable to: | |||
| Equity holders of the parent | 585 | 799 | |
| Earnings per share: | |||
| Basic earnings per share | 4 | 1.77p | 2.56p |
| Diluted earnings per share | 4 | 1.71p | 2.27p |
The income statement for 31 March 2008 has been restated to reduce cost of sales by £913,000 and increase administration costs by £913,000. This has been done to better reflect the direct costs of production of the Group. There has been no effect on retained profit or the net assets of the Group as at 31 March 2008 due to this adjustment.
Group balance sheet
At 31 March 2009
| Note | 2009 | 2008 | |
| £'000 | £'000 | ||
| Assets | |||
| Non current | |||
| Goodwill | 591 | 591 | |
| Other intangible assets | 911 | 1,029 | |
| Property, plant and equipment | 1,382 | 1,414 | |
| 2,884 | 3,034 | ||
| Current | |||
| Inventories | 3,817 | 3,547 | |
| Trade and other receivables | 3,661 | 5,728 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 713 | 397 | |
| 8,191 | 9,672 | ||
| Total assets | 3 | 11,075 | 12,706 |
| Liabilities | |||
| Current | |||
| Trade and other payables | (2,897) | (4,697) | |
| Financial liabilities at fair value through the income statement | (112) | (12) | |
| Borrowings | (2,029) | (2,180) | |
| Corporation tax | (292) | (273) | |
| (5,330) | (7,162) | ||
| Non-current | |||
| Borrowings | (748) | (1,087) | |
| Deferred tax | (319) | (364) | |
| (1,067) | (1,451) | ||
| Total liabilities | 3 | (6,397) | (8,613) |
| Net assets | 3 | 4,678 | 4,093 |
| Equity | |||
| Share capital | 3,302 | 3,302 | |
| Share premium account | 1,448 | 1,448 | |
| Merger reserve | 1,388 | 1,388 | |
| Share based payment reserve | 193 | 193 | |
| Profit and loss account | (1,653) | (2,238) | |
| Total equity | 4,678 | 4,093 | |
Group statement of changes in equity
For year ended 31 March 2009
|
| Share capital | Share premium | Merger reserve | Share based payment reserve | Profit and loss account | Total |
|
| £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | £'000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Balance at 1 April 2007 | 3,102 | 1,371 | 1,388 | 52 | (3,231) | 2,682 |
| -------------- | -------------- | -------------- | -------------- | -------------- | -------------- | |
| Profit for the year | 799 | 799 | ||||
| -------------- | -------------- | -------------- | -------------- | -------------- | -------------- | |
| Total recognised income and expense for the year | - | - | - | - | 799 | 799 |
| Share based payment charge | - | - | - | 335 | - | 335 |
| Share options exercised in year | - | - | - | (194) | 194 | - |
| Issue of new shares | 200 | 77 | - | - | - | 277 |
| -------------- | -------------- | -------------- | -------------- | -------------- | -------------- | |
| Balance at 31 March 2008 | 3,302 | 1,448 | 1,388 | 193 | (2,238) | 4,093 |
| Profit for the year | - | - | - | - | 585 | 585 |
| -------------- | -------------- | -------------- | -------------- | -------------- | -------------- | |
| Total recognised income and expense for the year | - | - | - | - | 585 | 585 |
| -------------- | -------------- | -------------- | -------------- | -------------- | -------------- | |
| Balance at 31 March 2009 | 3,302 | 1,448 | 1,388 | 193 | (1,653) | 4,678 |
| ======= | ======= | ======= | ======= | ======= | ======= |
Group cash flow statement
For year ended 31 March 2009
| | | 2009 £’000 | 2008 £’000 |
| | | | |
| Cash flows from operating activities | | | |
| Profit after taxation | | 585 | 799 |
| Adjustment for: | | | |
| Depreciation | | 379 | 344 |
| Net finance costs in income statement | | 296 | 259 |
| Profit on sale of plant and equipment | | - | (2) |
| Amortisation charge | | 118 | 94 |
| Share based charge | | - | 335 |
| Taxation expense recognised in income statement | | 192 | 174 |
| Decrease/ (increase) in trade and other receivables | | 1,889 | (918) |
| (Decrease)/ increase in trade payables and other payables | | (1,600) | 1,064 |
| Increase in inventories | | (270) | (685) |
| | | | |
| Cash generated from operations | | 1,589 | 1,464 |
| Interest paid | | (216) | (257) |
| Income taxes paid | | (218) | (208) |
| | | | |
| Net cash from operating activities | | 1,155 | 999 |
| | | | |
| Cash flows from investing activities | | | |
| | | | |
| Acquisition of subsidiaries | | (195) | (1,537) |
| Cash acquired with subsidiary undertaking | | - | 28 |
| Purchase of plant and equipment | | (263) | (148) |
| Proceeds from sale of plant and equipment | | - | 2 |
| Interest received | | 20 | 10 |
| Net cash used in investing activities | | (438) | (1,645) |
| | | | |
| Cash flows from financing activities | | | |
| Issue of ordinary share capital | | 178 | 100 |
| Repayment of short term borrowings | | (140) | (244) |
| Proceeds from bank borrowing | | - | 1,400 |
| Fees in relation to bank borrowings | | - | (37) |
| Repayment of bank borrowings | | (300) | (100) |
| Payment of finance lease liabilities | | (139) | (111) |
| Net cash (used in)/ generated by financing activities | | (401) | 1,008 |
| | | | |
| Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | | 316 | 362 |
| | | | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year | | 397 | 35 |
| | | | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of year | | 713 | 397 |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Notes to the consolidated interim financial statements
| 1. | Nature of operations and general information |
Tricorn Group plc and subsidiaries' (the 'Group') principal activities include the development and manufacturing of pipe solutions to a growing and increasingly international customer base.
The Group's customer base includes major blue chip companies with world-wide activities in key market sectors, including Pipefittings, Power Generation, Aerospace, Off Highway, and Automotive. The products supplied to the last four sectors share common means of production and are classified as 'Tube Manipulation'. Refer to note 3 for further information about Tricorn Group's operating segments.
Tricorn Group plc is the Group's ultimate parent company. It is incorporated and domiciled in the United Kingdom. The address of Tricorn Group plc's registered office, which is also its principal place of business, is Spring Lane, Malvern, Worcestershire, United Kingdom, WR14 1DA. Tricorn Group plc's shares are listed on the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange.
The financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2009 (including the comparative for the year ended 31 March 2008) were approved by the Board of directors on 15 June 2009. Amendments to the financial statements are not permitted after they have been approved.
The financial information set out in this preliminary announcement does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in section 240 of the Companies Act 1985. The group income statement, the group balance sheet, the group statement of changes in equity, the group cash flow statement and the associated notes for the year ended 31 March 2009 have been extracted from the group's financial statements upon which the auditor's opinion is unqualified and does not include any statement under Section 237 of the Companies Act 1985. The statutory accounts for the year ended 31 March 2009 will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies following the Group's Annual General Meeting.
| 2. | Basis of preparation |
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared under the required measurement bases specified under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and in accordance with applicable IFRS as adopted by the European Union and IFRS as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.
| 3. | Segment analysis |
The Group operates two main business segments:
| - | Tube Manipulation: the activities undertaken by Tube Manipulation comprise the supply of steel, plastic, titanium, and hybrid tube fabrications and fittings for, amongst others areas, diesel engine, generator set, jet engine and niche automotive applications. |
| - | Pipefittings: the Pipefittings sector produces innovative jointing systems for polyethylene pipes, typically within the utility industry. |
These activities may be analysed as follows:
| Tube Manipulation | Pipe fittings | Total | |||
| £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | |||
| Year to 31 March 2009 | |||||
| Revenue | 21,068 | 1,177 | 22,245 | ||
| Operating profit before amortisation and restructuring costs | 1,171 | 259 | 1,430 | ||
| Amortisation | (118) | ||||
| Restructuring costs | (239) | ||||
| Operating profit | 1,073 | ||||
| Finance charge, net | (296) | ||||
| Tax charge | (192) | ||||
| Profit for the year | 585 | ||||
| Year to 31 March 2008 | |||||
| Revenue | 18,164 | 2,665 | 20,829 | ||
| Operating profit before amortisation and share based payment remuneration | 994 | 667 | 1,661 | ||
| Amortisation | (94) | ||||
| Share based remuneration | (335) | ||||
| Operating profit | 1,232 | ||||
| Finance charge, net | (259) | ||||
| Tax charge | (174) | ||||
| Profit for the year | 799 | ||||
Further information on the segments are given below:
|
|
| Tube Manipulation | Pipe fittings | Total |
|
|
| £'000 | £'000 | £'000 |
| Year to 31 March 2009 |
|
|
|
|
| Segment assets |
| 10,890 | 145 | 11,035 |
| Unallocated assets |
|
|
| 40 |
| Consolidated total assets |
|
|
| 11,075 |
|
|
|
|
| |
| Segment liabilities |
| 4,606 | 53 | 4,659 |
| Unallocated liabilities |
|
|
| 1,738 |
| Consolidated total liabilities |
|
|
| 6,397 |
| Capital expenditure |
| 330 | 17 | 347 |
| Depreciation |
| 362 | 17 | 379 |
| Amortisation |
| 118 | - | 118 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Year to 31 March 2008 |
|
|
|
|
| Segment assets |
| 11,399 | 858 | 12,257 |
| Unallocated assets | 449 | |||
| Consolidated total assets | 12,706 | |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Segment liabilities |
| 5,608 | 703 | 6,311 |
| Unallocated liabilities |
|
|
| 2,302 |
| Consolidated total liabilities |
|
|
| 8,613 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Capital expenditure |
| 177 | 66 | 243 |
| Depreciation |
| 332 | 12 | 344 |
| Amortisation |
| 94 | - | 94 |
Segment details by geographic segments are as follows:
| United Kingdom | Europe | Rest of the World | Total | |||
| £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | |||
| Year to 31 March 2009 | ||||||
| Revenue (by destination) | 17,702 | 2,758 | 1,785 | 22,245 | ||
| Assets | 11,075 | - | - | 11,075 | ||
| Liabilities | (6,397) | - | - | (6,397) | ||
| Net assets | 4,678 | - | - | 4,678 | ||
| Capital additions | 347 | - | - | 347 | ||
| Year to 31 March 2008 | ||||||
| Revenue (by destination) | 16,919 | 2,744 | 1,166 | 20,829 | ||
| Assets | 12,706 | - | - | 12,706 | ||
| Liabilities | (8,613) | - | - | (8,613) | ||
| Net assets | 4,093 | - | - | 4,093 | ||
| Capital additions | 243 | - | - | 243 |
| 4. | Earnings per share |
The calculation of the basic earnings per share is based on the earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue during the year.
The calculation of diluted earnings per share is based on the basic earnings per share, adjusted to allow for the issue of shares and the post tax effect of dividends and/or interest, on the assumed conversion of all dilutive options and other dilutive potential ordinary shares.
Reconciliations of the earnings and weighted average number of shares used in the calculations are set out below.
| Year to 31 March 2009 | |||
| Profit | Weighted average number of shares | Earnings per share | |
| £'000 | Number '000 | Pence | |
| Basic earnings per share | 585 | 33,020 | 1.77p |
| Dilutive shares | - | 1,198 | - |
| Diluted earnings per share | 585 | 34,218 | 1.71p |
| Year to 31 March 2008 | |||
| Profit | Weighted average number of shares | Earnings per share | |
| £'000 | Number '000 | Pence | |
| Basic earnings per share | 799 | 31,228 | 2.56p |
| Dilutive shares | - | 3,977 | - |
| Diluted earnings per share | 799 | 35,205 | 2.27p |
The directors consider that the following adjusted earnings per share calculation is a more appropriate reflection of the group performance.
| Year to 31 March 2009 | |||
| Profit | Weighted average number of shares | Earnings per share | |
| £'000 | Number '000 | Pence | |
| Basic earnings per share | 585 | 33,020 | 1.77p |
| Amortisation | 118 | - | - |
| Restructuring costs | 239 | - | - |
| Interest rate swap loss | 100 | - | - |
| Adjusted earnings per share | 1,042 | 33,020 | 3.16p |
| Dilutive shares | - | 1,198 | - |
| Diluted adjusted earnings per share | 1,042 | 34,218 | 3.05p |
| Year to 31 March 2008 | |||
| Profit | Weighted average number of shares | Earnings per share | |
| £'000 | Number '000 | Pence | |
| Basic earnings per share | 799 | 31,228 | 2.56p |
| Amortisation | 94 | - | - |
| Interest rate swap loss | 12 | - | - |
| Share based charge | 335 | - | - |
| Taxation credit on options exercised | (131) | - | - |
| Adjusted earnings per share | 1,109 | 31,228 | 3.55p |
| Dilutive shares | - | 3,977 | - |
| Diluted adjusted earnings per share | 1,109 | 35,205 | 3.15p |
| 5. | Dividends |
The Directors do not recommend the payment of a dividend (2007/08: Nil).