Titon Regulatory News (TON)

11 Dec 2008 11:00



Titon Holdings Plc

Preliminary Announcement for the year ended 30 September 2008

Business Review

Financial Performance

Net Loss before Tax for the year to 30 September 2008 was £0.06 million (2007: profit £0.46 million), on Revenue 5.3% lower at £16.38 million (2007: £17.29 million). A deferred tax charge of £195,000, primarily due to the phasing out of industrial buildings allowances, has contributed significantly to a reduction in Earnings per share to -2.5p (2007: 4.2p).

In this extremely difficult year the Directors have paid great attention to preserving our cash reserves, which we have managed to successfully achieve whilst realigning our cost base to accommodate the recession. Net cash balances at the year-end were £2.5 million compared to £1.7 million at the start of the year. This prudent approach is designed to ensure that the Group will be well positioned to take advantage of new opportunities that should arise when our markets recover from their present sorry state. 

The Directors have also considered the need for tight cash control when proposing the level of final dividend that should be paid to Shareholders. Consequently, we are proposing a final dividend of 1.0p per share at the forthcoming AGM (2007: 2.3p). This, when added to the interim dividend paid in May 2008, makes a total for the year of 2.0 p (2007: 4.6p). If approved by shareholders, the dividend will be payable on 20 February 2009 to shareholders on the register on 23 January 2009. The ex dividend date is 21 January 2009.

Trading Commentary

Naturally, as our financial results suggest, it has been a disappointing trading year for Titon, and not at all in line with original expectations. The quality and profitability of orders from our customers began to weaken early in the first half putting pressure on all aspects of our business. By the half year our revenues were approximately 2% lower than the corresponding period of the previous year and it was evident that our particular markets were already moving towards recession. As the year progressed, many of our plans for the future were put on hold to enable us to address the falling market and the stresses of accommodating the many problems associated with the downsizing of our operations. Our customers experienced greatly reduced order books, which in turn has led to difficulties in payment, redundancies for their staff - and in some cases, administration. During the second half, the UK housing market has deteriorated further and more rapidly, resulting in many builders and developers literally 'shutting up shop' and severely reducing their purchases from component suppliers. What initially appeared to be solid growth in the building industry, benefiting customers, employees and shareholders alike, was eventually exposed as a dream built on massive debts. The financial institutions involved have a great deal to answer to many industries and individuals throughout the world.

In July we announced our decision to invest £675,000 in a new 'Joint Venture' with our South Korean distributors, Browntech Sales Co. Ltd. This investment involved establishing a 'Titon' manufacturing base in that country as well as purchasing a 49% stake in Browntech Sales Co. Ltd. The worldwide credit crisis has also affected South Korea and construction activity there is in decline. We are, however, encouraged by the initial contracts that are being won and by the longer-term opportunities that exist.

  Titon Holdings Plc

Preliminary Announcement for the year ended 30 September 2008

Business Review (continued)

Employees

At the start of the trading year, the number of Titon employees was 256. Although numbers had fluctuated to accommodate changing product ranges and temporary stock increases the level was, at that time, broadly compatible with overall market conditions and our plans for the future. As our markets deteriorated, and order levels reduced, it became clear that the situation was serious and our employee numbers were not sustainable. Most reluctantly, we initiated redundancies within the Group, losing a total of 44 from various departments through forced reductions. These redundancies along with natural wastage over the year have resulted in overall numbers falling by 70 to 186 at the end of the financial year - an overall 27% reduction, at a cost of £151,000. The starkness of this statement does not express my deep personal sadness for the circumstances that surround the decision on redundancies and the moral and social issues that arise. I can only give my sincere thanks to all those involved in this process, and my deep regrets to those who are no longer part of the Titon team.

Prospects

Situations continue to change almost daily, and it would be most unwise to forecast what may happen in the coming months. However, I can advise shareholders and our staff that Titon is currently financially strong and controlling its costs. We will continue to preserve cash and are optimistic about the forthcoming launch of a range of leading edge powered ventilation products. We are also proactively seeking out other opportunities in the ventilation market.

Global markets are currently suffering a major upheaval, unprecedented during Titon's existence. Our business is directly exposed to the housing market in the UK and it is the recovery of this market which is the key to our future. However, we will continue our fight for success, and we will continue to pursue all available business in the manner that is the trademark of the Group. Whilst there are a few encouraging signs in some markets, the next 12 months is certain to be a most challenging period.

Statement of Directors' responsibilities 

The Directors confirm that this preliminary announcement of the consolidated financial statements has been prepared in accordance with LR 9.7A.1. 

The Directors of Titon Holdings Plc are listed in the Titon Holdings Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2007. A list of current directors is maintained on the Group's website: www.titonholdings.com . 

On behalf of the Board 

J N Anderson D A Ruffell

Chairman Chief Executive

10 December 2008

Titon Holdings Plc

Preliminary Announcement for the year ended 30 September 2008

Unaudited Consolidated Income Statement

for the year ended 30 September 2008

Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Recognised Income and Expense 

for the year ended 30 September 2008

Titon Holdings Plc

Preliminary Announcement for the year ended 30 September 2008

Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheet

at 30 September 2008

Titon Holdings Plc

Preliminary Announcement for the year ended 30 September 2008

Unaudited Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

for the year ended 30 September 2008

Titon Holdings Plc

Notes to the Preliminary Announcement for the year ended 30 September 2008

1   Earnings per ordinary share

The calculation of the basic and diluted earnings per share is based on the following data:

2   Dividends

The Directors are proposing a final dividend of 1.0 pence (2007: 2.3 pence) per share. This results in a final dividend totalling £106,000 (2007 : after the waiver of dividend on 2,012,802 shares this resulted in a final dividend totalling £196,000), subject to approval by the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting. This dividend has not been accrued at the balance sheet date.

  Titon Holdings Plc

Notes to the Preliminary Announcement for the year ended 30 September 2008

3   Analysis of cash and cash equivalents

The table below provides an analysis of net cash and cash equivalents during the year ended 30 September 2008:

Revenue and segmental information

For management and internal reporting purposes, the Group's operations are currently analysed according to geographical regions. This is the basis on which the Group reports its primary segment information.

The Group's business is comprised of the following reportable geographic segments:

United Kingdom

Rest of the World

Inter-segment pricing is determined on an arm's length basis. Segment results include items directly attributable to a segment as well as those that can be allocated on a reasonable basis.

  Titon Holdings Plc

Notes to the Preliminary Announcement for the year ended 30 September 2008

Revenue and segmental information (continued)

Segment information about the geographic regions is presented below.

Geographic segments 

  Titon Holdings Plc

Notes to the Preliminary Announcement for the year ended 30 September 2008

5 Tax Expense

The effective tax rate for the year is 347% (2007: 3.3%)

The total tax charge for the year is affected by the adjustment for Industrial Buildings Allowances (IBAs) which, under IFRS, will be phased out over a period of four years.

  Titon Holdings Plc

Notes to the Preliminary Announcement for the year ended 30 September 2008

6 Basis of Preparation

The accounting polices of the Group under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) are set out in detail in the 2007 Financial Statement which is available from the Group's website at www.titonholdings.com. There have been no changes to the accounting policies during the year.

The financial information set out above does not constitute the Group's statutory accounts for the years ended 30 September 2008 or 2007. The financial information for the year ended 30 September 2007 is derived from the statutory accounts for that year which have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The auditors have reported on those accounts; their report was unqualified, did not include references to any matters to which the auditors drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their report and did not contain statements under the Companies Act 1985, s 237(2) or (3). The statutory accounts for 2008, on which the auditors have not yet reported, will be finalised on the basis of the financial information presented by the Directors in this preliminary announcement and will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies following the Company's Annual General Meeting which will be held on 17 February 2009.

Titon Holdings Plc

Registered Office: International House, Peartree Road, Stanway, Colchester, Essex CO3 0JL. Registered in England and Wales (registered no. 1604952).