Final Results

Sirdar PLC 14 September 2005 Summary • Group turnover up 4% to £71.4m. • Operating profit before exceptional items up 17% to £3.2m. • Adjusted earnings per share up 1% to 3.58p. • Final dividend up 17% to 1.40p per share, making a total dividend for the year of 2.10p per share. • Net debt down £3.2m to £9.2m. • Transfer to Alternative Investment Market proposed. • Streamlined board and new management structure agreed. • Brewin Dolphin Securities appointed as financial advisors and stockbrokers. • Residential Floor Coverings operation remains an area of concern and the subject of significant focus. • Potential for profitable growth within regenerated Contract Floor Coverings operation. • Significant contribution from restructured Specialist Yarns division. • Cost of product recall in line with expectations. Sirdar PLC Preliminary results for the year ended 30th June 2005 Chairman's Statement Introduction The interim statement summarised the conclusion of our review of the group's strategy and confirmed our intention of focussing on the profitable growth of our existing operations. We are currently implementing a wide range of initiatives in pursuit of this objective. The diverse and challenging nature of the markets in which we operate requires the careful prioritisation of our transformation programme to ensure that the identified benefits are delivered within agreed timescales. Where implementation is near completion, as in the Specialist Yarns division, the benefits are clear, reaffirming our vision that exceeding customer expectations through the marketing of innovative quality products provides the greatest opportunity of delivering enhanced shareholder value. The results Turnover for the year was £71.4m (2004: £68.8m). Operating profit excluding exceptional items amounted to £3.2m (2004: £2.8m). The statutory operating profit amounted to £3.7m after exceptional income of £0.5m (2004: £1.2m after exceptional costs of £1.6m). Divisional performance reviews are contained within the Group Chief Executive's Review. Earnings and dividend per share Basic earnings per share amounted to 4.26p (2004: 1.13p). Adjusted earnings per share, which is calculated to show the underlying performance of the group and excludes the exceptional item, amounted to 3.58p per share (2004: 3.56p). The results to June 2004 benefited from a prior year tax credit of £0.5m, which was not repeated in the current year. The directors are proposing a final dividend of 1.40p (2004: 1.20p) per share. The dividend is payable on 22nd November 2005 to those shareholders on the register of members at the close of business on 28th October 2005. Regulatory status A move to the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) is proposed which would allow the group to operate within a market more appropriate to its size and resources. The move will be proposed as a resolution at an extraordinary general meeting and if the resolution is passed, will take place shortly afterwards. Management and personnel The proposal to move to AIM, coupled with the ongoing drive to reduce costs and maximise efficiencies, has led to a review of the management structure. The proposed simplification detailed below is designed to balance the requirement for a dynamic, value-adding central function with the need to control costs. Duncan Verity has indicated his wish to retire from his role as group chief executive with effect from 31st December 2005, and I would like to record the board's appreciation of his contribution to the group's development and wish him well for the future. Following his retirement, Duncan's responsibilities will be reallocated between other members of the board. Steve Harrison will resign from his role as senior independent non-executive director and will be appointed to an executive role as chief operating officer, on a part-time basis, with effect from 1st January 2006. In this role he will be directly accountable for the achievement of sales, profit and cash-flow targets for the operating businesses. Kevin Henry will continue to be responsible for finance and planning and will combine this with his responsibilities for the residential floor coverings business. Carolyn Tobin will remain a non-executive director and I will be slightly increasing my time commitment in my role as non-executive chairman to help ensure the realisation of our vision for the group. Current trading and future prospects Despite the overall gains achieved during the year, areas of concern still exist and further work is required to consolidate and strengthen the group. The slowdown in consumer spending, combined with rapidly changing fashions, continues to generate fresh challenges. Such a changeable environment creates uncertainty and strains resources, creating a difficult position from which to achieve sustainable growth. However, the management team has a collective ambition to build an increasing share of our principal markets and we remain confident that the group is well placed to exploit growth opportunities. We will continue to major on the strengths of our brands and people and promote an innovative culture to ensure the group is well positioned to meet all future challenges and take advantage of opportunities as they arise. I would like to thank all our team members for their support in addressing the challenges facing the group and dealing with the difficult market conditions in which we are operating. TIM VERNON 15th September 2005 Chairman Group Chief Executive's Review Introduction The climate of change that surrounded the group during 2004 has remained throughout the current year. Rapid evolution has been necessary to combat an increasingly competitive market place whilst maintaining profitability. The performance of the group against such a demanding backdrop provides optimism for the future. However, areas of unsatisfactory performance still exist which require attention. As outlined within the Chairman's Statement this will be my final review due to my impending retirement. My original contract ended in 2004 but, at the request of the board, I was pleased to extend that contract to oversee the significant changes that have occurred since that time. However, with those changes complete and the new board structure and personnel agreed, it is an appropriate time for me to retire and to allow the new team to take the business forward. My time at Sirdar PLC has been challenging, yet enjoyable and fulfilling and I have enjoyed contributing to the development of both the people and the businesses within the group. Floor Coverings division Turnover of the Floor Coverings division was £56.2m (2004: £54.6m) in the year to 30th June 2005. This generated an operating profit of £1.6m (2004: £3.1m). The reduction in operating profit noted in the year is a reflection of the market conditions within which we are operating, particularly in relation to residential carpets. The residential floor coverings operation, marketed under the Ryalux, Lomas and Pownall brands, remains an area of concern for group management and one of significant focus. A continuation of trends noted previously relating to increased imports, the popularity of alternative floor coverings, tough high street conditions and rising raw material and utility costs have all combined to create the most challenging environment in recent times. The number of business failures within this sector is indicative of these conditions and serves to highlight the ongoing difficulties faced by UK based manufacturers. A dedicated team, led by Kevin Henry, is striving to compete profitably in these difficult conditions. Attempts to rationalise a complex cost base continue, with progress being made in the year in establishing a leaner management structure designed to reduce costs and improve flexibility. Such changes are necessary if the business is to evolve and adapt to its current environment. Work to generate efficiencies and improve profitability is ongoing although the size and complexity of the operation is likely to slow progress. It is difficult to envisage a change within the market easing the problems we are currently facing, consequently, a significant upturn in the fortunes of this operation in the short term is unlikely. Contract floor covering products are marketed under the Burmatex, Carpet Tile Company and Burmafloors International brands. The appointment of Gordon Donald as managing director was announced in last year's annual report. Since his appointment further senior personnel changes have occurred, providing fresh impetus and a renewed drive, resulting in a new look to the business covering branding, product offering and target markets. The result of this regeneration is a strong, vibrant operation well positioned to meet the challenges of business in the twenty-first century. I am confident these changes will enable us to retain our position as a market leader and provide a platform for profitable growth. Specialist Yarns division Turnover in this division increased to £15.3m (2004: £14.2m). The increase is attributable to a combination of a gain in sales of hand knitting yarns and a planned reduction in the, lower margin, machine yarns business. This movement in the sales mix, combined with the benefits obtained from the reorganisation, resulted in an operating profit of £2.7m (2004: loss £1.4m). The Specialist Yarns division's products are marketed under the Sirdar, Tilsatec and Tilsa brands. As announced in the interim report, Russell Morris now leads the division, with the appointment of a new sales and marketing director providing fresh impetus. The transformation from a manufacturing business to a customer focused, innovative, marketing and distribution led operation was well managed and has proven successful. Further work is now required to consolidate the considerable progress made to date and to explore additional value adding opportunities. Conclusion The factors underpinning the achievements of the Specialist Yarns division in the year are still present. By utilising the experience gained to date we can further enhance our product offering and processes and are confident of building on our success. The residential floor coverings operation will remain an area of focus for the board and subsidiary management. The complexity of the operation, combined with tough market conditions, further complicates the revitalisation process and will increase the time necessary to achieve this. The contract floor coverings business is being operated from a simpler structure and is being supported by a more buoyant market. The changes occurring within this business are therefore capable of faster implementation and are likely to have a more immediate impact on profitability. The degree of change, both internally and externally, throughout this and the previous year appears now to be indicative of the nature of our markets and our industry. Evolving and adapting to these changes is a necessary skill to thrive in such an environment. The planned changes to a more streamlined board structure, complemented by a move to AIM, should provide sufficient flexibility to ensure we can capitalise on the opportunities this environment of change presents. Finally, I would like to thank all the group's employees and everyone connected with Sirdar PLC for their support throughout my time with the group and wish them a prosperous future. DUNCAN VERITY 15th September 2005 Group Chief Executive Enquiries: Duncan Verity 01924 371501 Group Chief Executive, Sirdar PLC Kevin Henry 01924 371501 Group Finance Director, Sirdar PLC Consolidated Profit and Loss Account year ended 30th June 2005 Note 2005 2004 £000 £000 Turnover 2 71,422 68,770 Operating costs (68,186) (66,004) Exceptional income/(costs) 3 452 (1,606) Net operating costs (67,734) (67,610) Operating profit 2 3,688 1,160 Net interest payable and similar charges (690) (783) Profit before taxation 2,998 377 Taxation (1,028) 147 Profit for the year 1,970 524 Dividends 4 (971) (832) Retained profit/(loss) for the year 999 (308) Earnings per share (basic and diluted) 5 4.26p 1.13p There were no recognised gains or losses in the year other than the profit/ (loss) shown above. The results shown in the profit and loss account derive wholly from continuing activities. There is no difference between the profit on ordinary activities before taxation and the retained profit/(loss) for the year stated above and their historical cost equivalents. Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 30th June 2005 2005 2004 £000 £000 £000 £000 Fixed assets Intangible 13,737 14,617 Tangible 15,694 16,421 29,431 31,038 Current assets Stocks 17,344 16,853 Debtors 15,638 14,694 Cash at bank and in hand 485 614 33,467 32,161 Creditors (due within one year) (19,877) (18,126) Net current assets 13,590 14,035 Total assets less current liabilities 43,021 45,073 Creditors (due after more than one year) (3,733) (6,772) Deferred taxation (3,247) (3,259) 36,041 35,042 Equity shareholders' funds Called up share capital 11,561 11,561 Share premium account 504 504 Capital redemption reserve 2,395 2,395 Profit and loss account 21,581 20,582 36,041 35,042 Consolidated Cash Flow Statement year ended 30th June 2005 2005 2004 Note £000 £000 £000 £000 Net cash inflow from operating activities 6 5,995 5,823 Interest paid and similar charges (720) (754) 5,275 5,069 Corporation tax paid (122) (1,994) Capital expenditure Purchase of tangible fixed assets (1,415) (1,464) Sale of tangible fixed assets 340 429 (1,075) (1,035) Equity dividends paid (879) (2,127) Cash inflow/(outflow) before financing 3,199 (87) Financing Redemption of loan notes (118) (137) Repayment of bank loans (2,921) (2,827) (3,039) (2,964) Increase/(decrease) in cash 7 160 (3,051) A reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net debt is set out in note 8. Notes 1. Basis of preparation These preliminary financial statements, which have been prepared on a basis consistent with the previous year, do not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of section 240 of the Companies Act 1985. The information for the year ended 30th June 2005 is an extract from the group's statutory financial statements on which the company's auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, have given an unqualified opinion in accordance with Section 235 of the Companies Act 1985, and are to be delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The announcement has been agreed with the company's auditors for release. 2. Segmental information Analysis of results by class of business Net operating Turnover Operating profit assets 2005 2004 2005 2004 2005 2004 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 Floor Coverings 56,162 54,605 1,614 3,143 35,807 38,098 Specialist Yarns 15,260 14,165 2,671 (1,414) 8,144 8,789 71,422 68,770 4,285 1,729 43,951 46,887 Central group (costs)/assets (597) (569) 1,784 1,177 Total net operating assets 45,735 48,064 Operating profit 3,688 1,160 Net interest payable and similar charges (690) (783) Profit before taxation 2,998 377 Net operating assets are stated excluding inter-company financing and are derived from the balance sheet total by excluding bank borrowings, loans and loan notes totalling £9,694,000 (2004: £13,022,000). 3. Exceptional item Exceptional operating (income)/charges 2005 2004 £000 £000 Raw materials and consumables (72) 434 Other external charges (239) 380 Staff costs (76) 792 Settlement of legal action (250) - Profit on sale of fixed assets (332) - Fizz recall costs 517 - (452) 1,606 The exceptional cost in the year relates to the recall of the fashion hand knitting yarn, Fizz. The cost includes the write off of stock on hand and stock held at retailers, an estimate of the cost of recalling product already sold by retailers and other associated costs. The exceptional income in the year relates to settlement following legal action for breach of contract against former directors, profit on the sale of fixed assets associated with the decision to cease manufacturing and the release of provisions associated with the reorganisation of the Specialist Yarns division. The exceptional costs incurred in the year ended 30th June 2004 related principally to redundancies, stock write downs and provisions for additional charges associated with the reorganisation of the Specialist Yarns division. 4. Dividends 2005 2004 £000 £000 Interim - 0.70p per share (2004: 0.60p) 324 277 Proposed final - 1.40p per share (2004: 1.20p) 647 555 971 832 5. Earnings per share The calculation of basic earnings per share is based on earnings of £1,970,000 (2004: £524,000) and on 46,242,455 (2004: 46,242,455) ordinary shares, being the weighted average number in issue during the year. Adjusted earnings per share, as set out below, is calculated after excluding exceptional items of £316,000, net of tax, consisting of the cost of the product recall of the fashion hand knitting yarn Fizz, offset by a settlement following legal action for breach of contract against former directors, profit on the sale of fixed assets associated with the decision to cease manufacturing and the release of provisions associated with the reorganisation of the Specialist Yarns division. Adjusted earnings per share for the year ended 30th June 2004 is calculated after excluding exceptional costs of £1,124,000, net of tax, incurred during the reorganisation of the Specialist Yarns division. The adjusted earnings per share is presented in order to demonstrate the underlying performance of the group. 2005 2004 Earnings Earnings Earnings Earnings per share per share £000 pence £000 pence Earnings and basic earnings per share 1,970 4.26 524 1.13 Exceptional item (316) (0.68) 1,124 2.43 Adjusted earnings and basic earnings per share 1,654 3.58 1,648 3.56 There is no dilution caused by share options. 6. Reconciliation of operating profit to net cash inflow from operating activities 2005 2004 £000 £000 Operating profit 3,688 1,160 Depreciation 2,022 2,278 Goodwill amortisation 880 880 Profit on sale of tangible fixed assets (357) (286) (Increase)/decrease in stocks (491) 1,038 Increase in debtors (1,625) (418) Increase in creditors 1,878 1,171 Net cash inflow from operating activities 5,995 5,823 Net operational exceptional cashflows amounted to an inflow of £350,000 (2004: outflow £605,000). 7. Analysis of changes in net debt 2005 Cash flows Loan note redemption 2004 £000 £000 £000 £000 Cash at bank 485 (129) - 614 Bank overdrafts (2,923) 289 - (3,212) (2,438) 160 - (2,598) Loan notes (394) - 118 (512) Bank loans (6,377) 2,921 - (9,298) Total net debt (9,209) 3,081 118 (12,408) 8. Reconciliation of movement in net debt 2005 2004 £000 £000 Increase/(decrease) in cash 160 (3,051) Redemption of loan notes 118 137 Repayment of bank loans 2,921 2,827 Movement in net debt 3,199 (87) Net debt at start of year (12,408) (12,321) Net debt at end of year (9,209) (12,408) This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange SLSISEDU

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