Final Results

Alumasc Group PLC 11 September 2001 THE ALUMASC GROUP plc - PRELIMINARY RESULTS * Alumasc, the high specification engineering and building products group, announces a profit on continuing activities reduced to £4.1 m (2000: £10.0 m) on a turnover of £109 m (2000: £117 m) in the year ended 30 June 2001, reflecting the impact of the sale and restructuring of the Rover Group, of appalling weather conditions on UK construction during the winter months, and of a one-third decline in demand in the year from UK brewers. * Earnings per share from continuing activities were 8.3p (2000: 18.4p) and unchanged dividends per share of 8.5p are proposed, reflecting the Board's confidence in the efficacy of the recovery actions taken. * A modest second half recovery followed a very poor first half reported in February. * Plans to restore profitability have been put in place under the direction of Paul Hooper, who joined Alumasc as Group Managing Director in April 2001, following a vigorous review of the cost base, operating efficiency and product profitability of each business. * A major expansion programme for Alumasc Precision Limited is under way aiming to double the company in size over five years through a gradual expansion of its world class aluminium and zinc casting and machining services in order to supply new products to a growing international customer base. * During the year, 11% of the Company's opening issued share capital was acquired for cancellation and renewal of the Company's authority to purchase shares will be sought at the AGM. * John McCall, Chairman, stated 'Alumasc begins the new financial year having acted to reverse the trading set-backs of the financial year 2001, albeit with the prospect of weaker markets in the wake of the downturn in the US economy. The Board is determined that these actions will result in a continuing recovery in profitability, the restoration of satisfactory dividend cover, and a firm base on which to grow the Group's business and is encouraged by the strengthening order books with which the new financial year has begun.' * Paul Hooper added 'The robust end to the last financial year, combined with the strength of order books carried into the current year, gives encouragement. Should the UK, in particular, not be severely affected by any potential global economic slowdown, the Group should move forward at a sustainable rate.' Enquiries: The Alumasc Group plc 01536-383844 John McCall (Chairman) Paul Hooper (Group Managing Director) Bankside Consultants Limited Charles Ponsonby 020-7444 4166 CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT Following the progress achieved in the previous year, trading in each of the Group's divisions in the year under review was hit by market factors which are discussed in the review sections of this report. The events surrounding the sale and restructuring of the Rover Group and the impact of appalling weather conditions on UK construction during the winter months are well documented but the Group was also impacted by a severe decline in demand in the year from UK brewers. As a result of these factors, the Group's turnover from continuing operations fell by 7% from £117 million to £109 million with sales to the brewery sector 33% lower. The financial results for the year reflect a modest second half recovery from the very poor first half reported in February, and the cost of actions taken in consequence to restore the company's performance. The resulting profit before tax from continuing operations of £4.1 million (2000: £10.0 million), generating earnings per share of 8.3p (2000: 18.4p), was reduced to £3.0 million, equal to 5.8p earnings per share, by a capital and trading loss from businesses sold during the year. The Group's cash position has moved from net cash of £4.8 million at the start of the year to borrowings of £4.1 million at the year end, equivalent to 13% of shareholders' funds, principally as a result of active policies on share repurchasing and capital investment during the year. Business plans to restore profitability have been put in place following a vigorous review of the cost base, operational efficiency and product profitability of each business. The Board is recommending an unchanged final dividend of 6.05p per share, making a total of 8.5p per share for the year (2000: 8.5p) covered 1.03 times by earnings from continuing activities, reflecting its confidence in the efficacy of the recovery actions taken. Despite the trading set-backs, Alumasc has made further progress in re-shaping the Company for future growth following the major restructuring of recent years. Disposals of two non-core activities - the Crossland pressings business and the remainder of Corofil Woodall - were concluded during the second half of the year to enable a greater concentration on the Group's core activities. The Board has endorsed a major expansion programme for Alumasc Precision Limited aiming to double the Company in size over five years. This entails a gradual expansion of its world class aluminium and zinc casting and machining services in order to supply new products to a growing international customer base. Management development is the foundation for our future success and I am delighted to welcome Paul Hooper and Martin Rhodes to the Board. Paul took up the new role of Group Managing Director in April 2001, following his successful earlier career with BTR, Williams and Rexam. Martin joined the Board in February 2001 and has the principal responsibility for driving the development of Alumasc Precision in his role of Managing Director of that division. Alumasc continued to employ an active policy of share repurchase during the year, acquiring 11% of the Company's issued share capital for cancellation and will seek to renew its authority at this year's AGM. The Board seeks to operate this policy in the best interest of the Group's shareholders, giving due consideration to such factors as the market for its shares, alternative investment opportunities available to the Group, business conditions and the Group's balance sheet ratios. Alumasc begins the new financial year having acted to reverse the trading set-backs of 2000/01, albeit with the possibility of weaker markets in the wake of the downturn in the US economy. The Board is determined that these actions will result in a continuing recovery in profitability, the restoration of satisfactory dividend cover, and a firm base on which to grow the Group's business and is encouraged by the strengthening order books with which the new financial year has begun. GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR'S REVIEW The Group strategy continues to focus on specialised solutions to meet customer needs. The strong Alumasc brand names, innovative products and reputation for servicing customers have continued to create growth opportunities for both the engineering and the building products businesses. Getting closer to customers, understanding their needs and contributing to cost-effective solutions, often by being involved at a project's concept stage, create a supply partner of choice. As customers increasingly look to reduce the number of their suppliers, Alumasc is well positioned to benefit. In order to grow successfully, it is, of course, important to operate as efficiently as possible. Much effort continues to be made to simplify company structures and to use state of the art manufacturing techniques to ensure that profitable growth can occur. Operating businesses in a lean manner with a continued emphasis on lowering overhead costs creates the opportunity to generate new business. Such a philosophy allows success to breed success. At the same time, the investment made in equipment and training ensures that the Group is at the forefront of supplying innovative solutions, encouraging customers to transfer more of their own in-house work to Alumasc. Creating the reputation for handling complex manufacturing operations and supplying complete solutions has been particularly beneficial to Alumasc Precision. Much of the benefit of the above activity and investment did not manifest itself during the year under review for a number of reasons, many of which are believed to be non-recurring. ENGINEERING PRODUCTS Precision Components As previously reported, the start of the financial year suffered a negative impact with the temporary suspension of production at MG Rover's Longbridge plant following the reorganisation of this, the division's largest, customer. Simultaneously, Ford's purchase of Land Rover created some further supply disruption whilst its Solihull facility was being reorganised in preparation for the Freelander launch into North America. Although overall sales volumes recovered in the second half year, it was not until the final couple of months that these reached the planned recovery levels. In fact, the uplift in these months was at a higher than anticipated level, albeit not adequate to make up for the shortfalls from earlier in the year. The Group continued to support investment into a major expansion programme aimed at doubling the Precision Components' business in the medium term. Consistent with this plan has been the investment in additional state of the art diecasting and CNC machining equipment. The Precision Components' management team continued to be very successful at securing new business and the Company has, for instance, commenced supply as one of only eight UK component suppliers to the newly opened BMW Hams Hall engine plant. Another separate success has been the nomination for the supply of components on the new Mini Cooper S, to be built at BMW's Oxford plant. The benefits of these two new opportunities will accrue mainly in the new financial year. Alumasc Precision also won business from new major customers including Filtronic in the telecommunications sector, and global systems manufacturers such as Denso Marston and Garretts. Additionally, working with US owned Perkins Engines has created opportunities at the parent company, Caterpillar, with shipments anticipated to start in the new financial year. Attracted by the product and service capability of this division, Giroflex became a new customer in the year. A precision manufactured component began to be supplied in the final quarter for inclusion on a range of very high specification office chairs. All Alumasc Precision's sites were upgraded in quality certification to QS 9000 during the year and this company will be the first in its field in the UK to be recommended for registration of TS 16949. The Company took the opportunity to consolidate one operating unit (Wrexham) into a larger facility during the earlier part of the year, creating further efficiency opportunities. R & A G Crossland was sold in March 2001 and is treated as discontinued in the Group's accounts. Crossland manufactures metal pressings mainly for the automotive industry. Its sale has enabled Alumasc to focus on its principal precision components' business, Alumasc Precision Limited. Industrial Products The UK brewing industry represents a major market for this division. Interbrew S.A.'s acquisition of Bass Brewing during the year, followed by the disinvestment order made by the Office of Fair Trading and its subsequent overruling, has led to a long period of uncertainty. In the circumstances, Alumasc Grundy and Alumasc Dispense (the former A G Standard) took actions to lower their costs and to innovate successfully into associated products and services such as display coolers. Several reasonably sized projects, which were delayed during the year, are expected to materialise in the future. A major development led to a new generation of taps which will benefit sales in the new financial year. Brock saw an overall increase in sale volumes of its zinc and aluminium alloys, the effects of which balanced the impact of some erosion of margins arising from both competitive pressures and fuel cost increases. Against a UK background of over capacity, Brock's ongoing success reflects the efficiency of its innovative alloying processes and the resolutely commercial approach taken by its management. The continued strength of sterling during the year had an impact on Bissell. A new management team has already begun to reposition the business towards value-added spring steel products and to improve operational efficiencies. Customer focus is leading to new opportunities. BUILDING PRODUCTS Exterior Building Products Alumasc Exterior Building Products had a challenging year, not least due to the exceptionally poor weather conditions that prevailed during the winter months. In addition, the squeeze on margins created by the competitive environment which prevailed at such a time of low activity compounded the situation. Sales increased in the final quarter of the year although at a lower level than previously expected. Efforts have increasingly been made to simplify this Company's business structure and to reduce substantially its overheads. As part of this initiative, it has been announced that two satellite manufacturing units will be closed. At the same time, the company is reorganising itself to be more responsive to customers' requirements. Alumasc Exterior Building Products has a premium product range and strong brand names. These were strengthened during the year with the acquisition of Armaseam, an aluminium standing seam roofing business and Alumasc now provides the most comprehensive range of premium products in the UK for the roofing sector. A loss-making satellite operation which remained following the earlier disposal of Corofil Woodall was sold in May 2001. Interior Building Products Alumasc Interior Building Products achieved a reasonable result, having a strong final quarter following a change in most of its management team. In addition to the accelerating generation of orders, the new team has set about reducing overhead costs and implementing operational efficiencies. New marketing campaigns and the rollout into other geographical and allied marketplaces have widened the Pendock brand awareness and its unique offering to satisfy customers' casing and enclosure requirements. Actions taken in the final quarter of the year both to improve operational efficiencies and to generate new business should create a strong platform for 2001/02. Construction Products Alumasc Construction Products suffered from the delay of several UK projects, mainly due to the previously mentioned prevailing weather conditions. A lack of airport work also impacted upon Gatic covers and Slotdrain sales. Meanwhile, export sales showed encouraging growth and culminated in the award of a large contract for the Terminal 9 container port at Tsing Yi Island in Hong Kong. The work will be phased across the next two years. This latest success adds to the Company's growing list of high profile achievements in the region that include the supply of products to the new Hong Kong airport at Chek Lap Kok, the River Trade container terminal at Tuen Mun, new airports in Macao and Kuala Lumpur as well as additional works associated with the continued development of Changi airport in Singapore. A new lightweight aluminium inspection cover was launched under the Halliday brand name in response to particular Health and Safety and Environmental regulations. Scaffold and Construction Products successfully began to source components from South East Asia to enable it to grow the sales of its expanded range of support products. Overall, actions taken in the final quarter to improve operational efficiencies combined with the strongest order book for several years give encouragement for 2001/02. Leonardo The Group continued to incur development costs in Leonardo, the Group's 70% owned building products internet search engine. In addition, the Group has taken the opportunity to write off the goodwill associated with this investment. Leonardo has been relaunched early in the new financial year in a much faster and more user-friendly format. This will be accompanied by a wider range of web services. The Company has targeted to break even in the second half of the new financial year. PROSPECTS In order to improve upon the disappointing performance of the past financial year, the Group is increasingly focused on improving the structure and operational efficiency of its individual businesses in combination with an emphasis on bringing innovative and cost-effective solutions to customers. Business improvement plans, including analyses of cost structures and product profitability, have been produced by each operating company. Actions from these plans have continued into the new financial year. Once targeted growth has been consistently achieved, consideration will be given to augmenting the Group's performance with closely targeted bolt-on acquisitions that leverage market strengths. The robust end to the last financial year, combined with the strength of order books carried into the forthcoming year, gives encouragement. Should the UK, in particular, not be severely affected by any potential global economic slowdown, the Group should move forward at a sustainable rate. FINANCIAL REVIEW RESULT Profits before tax from continuing activities fell to £4.1 million (2000: £ 10.0 million) on turnover down from £117 million to £109 million for the reasons explained in the Group Managing Director's Review, a disappointing result after the significant improvement of the previous year. The severity of the turnover decline, and our belief that a part of the decline was likely to reverse in the current financial year, meant that costs could not be reduced sufficiently to maintain gross margin levels, resulting in a 2.6% drop in gross margin. The Group has carried out a thorough review of its cost base, operational efficiency and product profitability, and has developed business improvement plans to support profit increases in the current year. The result includes £ 0.6 million of provisions for redundancy and closure costs of some satellite operations as the Group acted to reduce costs. Trading improved steadily during the second half, giving further encouragement to hopes for better prospects for 2001/02. EARNINGS AND TAX Earnings per share from continuing activities were 8.3p (2000: 18.4p) after a tax charge of 26.8% (2000: 27.3%). DIVIDEND The directors are recommending an unchanged final dividend of 6.05p per share after an unchanged interim dividend bringing the year's total to 8.5p (2000: 8.5p), covered 1.03 times by earnings from continuing activities, an indication of their confidence in the prospects for a recovery in the current year. The Board is committed to restoring satisfactory dividend cover. ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS Armaseam, an aluminium standing seam roofing business, was acquired during the year for £0.3 million and incorporated into Alumasc Exterior Building Products, thus extending its product range. Two businesses were sold during the second half of the year; proceeds of disposal amount to £1.8 million, of which £0.6 million was deferred until the following year. Combined trading losses and losses on disposals amounted to £1.0 million (2000: £0.6 million profit) before tax. BALANCE SHEET Shareholders' funds decreased to £32.3 million (2000: £38.8 million) primarily as a result of the repurchase of 4.3 million shares for cancellation. NET BORROWINGS AND CASH FLOW A net cash position of £4.8 million at the beginning of the year moved to net debt of £4.1 million at the end of the year, as the reduced earnings were absorbed by tax and dividend payments, leaving £5.8 million of share purchases and the £1.5 million excess of capital expenditure over depreciation to be funded by bank borrowings. In addition, shares purchased in June 2000 were paid for in July 2000, explaining the main part of the £0.9 million (2000: £ 3.3 million) increase in working capital; the £0.8 million cost of those shares was held as a creditor at the end of the previous year. All remaining loan notes and fixed borrowing amounting to £0.8 million were redeemed during the year. Cash flow included £1.2 million (2000: £4.6 million) inflow from disposal of businesses. Gearing at 30 June 2001 was 12.6% (2000: nil). The balance sheet position remains healthy, and the Group intends to utilise its strength to support a continuing programme of investment during the coming year. Interest costs increased marginally in the year as the decrease in net cash exceeded the improvement of the previous year, but the cost benefited from rate reductions. The net interest cost remains higher than might have been expected from reported borrowing, illustrating the use of the overdraft facility to finance the normal monthly trading cycle. CAPITAL EXPENDITURE Capital expenditure during the year amounted to £5.1 million (2000: £3.9 million) compared with depreciation of £3.6 million (2000: £4.0 million). Capital expenditure included £3.1 million (2000: £2.2 million) in respect of Alumasc Precision where the Group sees excellent opportunities for organic growth supported by appropriate investment. PURCHASE OF OWN SHARES The Group has purchased a total of 4.3 million shares for cancellation during the year at an average price of £1.34 per share (2000: 1.2 million shares at an average price of £1.11 per share). This is the second year in which the Group has pursued an active share repurchasing programme, and brings the total repurchases to date to 5.5 million shares equivalent to 13.7% of issued capital as at 30 June 1999 at a cost of £7.1 million. APPLICATION OF NEW ACCOUNTING POLICIES The Group has complied with the transitional disclosure requirements of FRS 17 (retirement benefits). CONSOLIDATED PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT for the year ended 30 June 2001 2001 2000 Continuing Discontinued Continuing Discontinued activities activities Total activities activities Total £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 Turnover 108,987 7,607 116,594 117,463 18,577 136,040 Cost of sales 82,861 6,644 89,505 86,293 15,007 101,300 Gross profit 26,126 963 27,089 31,170 3,570 34,740 Selling and 9,103 559 9,662 9,043 1,216 10,259 distribution costs Administrative 12,651 886 13,537 12,014 2,193 14,207 expenses Operating 4,372 (482) 3,890 10,113 161 10,274 profit/(loss) Share of operating 8 - 8 111 - 111 profit in associates Loss)/profit on sale of business activities - (562) (562) - 426 426 Interest receivable 72 - 72 58 - 58 Interest payable (400) - (400) (329) - (329) Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities before taxation 4,052 (1,044) 3,008 9,953 587 10,540 Taxation 1,085 (157) 928 2,714 243 2,957 charge/(credit) Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities after taxation 2,967 (887) 2,080 7,239 344 7,583 Equity 65 - 65 145 - 145 minority interest Profit/(loss) for the financial year attributable to the members of the parent company 3,032 (887) 2,145 7,384 344 7,728 Dividends 2,948 - 2,948 3,323 - 3,323 Retained (loss)/profit for the financial year 84 (887) (803) 4,061 344 4,405 Earnings per share and diluted earnings per share (see note 1) 8.3p (2.5p) 5.8p 18.4p 0.9p 19.3p STATEMENT OF TOTAL RECOGNISED GAINS AND LOSSES There are no recognised gains or losses in the year ended 30 June 2001 other than the profits attributable to shareholders of the Company of £2,145,000 (2000: £7,728,000). CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET at 30 June 2001 2001 2000 £000 £000 Fixed assets Intangible assets 74 356 Tangible assets 29,120 28,490 Investments 432 451 29,626 29,297 Current assets Stocks 10,896 11,744 Debtors 23,579 28,821 Cash at bank and in hand - 5,623 34,475 46,188 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Trade and other creditors 25,893 28,527 Taxation 495 1,899 Proposed dividend 2,098 2,358 28,486 32,784 Net current assets 5,989 13,404 Total assets less current liabilities 35,615 42,701 Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year 2,794 3,433 Provisions for liabilities and charges 451 228 Equity minority interest 114 224 Net assets 32,256 38,816 Capital and reserves Called up share capital 4,352 4,889 Share premium 26,907 26,907 Revaluation reserve 2,168 2,271 Capital redemption reserve 693 156 Profit and loss account (1,864) 4,593 Equity shareholders' funds 32,256 38,816 CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT for the year ended 30 June 2001 2001 2000 £000 £000 Net cash inflow from operating activities 6,307 10,213 Returns on investments and servicing of finance Interest received 72 58 Interest paid (400) (328) Interest element of finance lease payments - (1) Net cash outflow from returns on investments and servicing of (328) (271) finance Taxation UK corporation tax paid (2,325) (1,951) Capital expenditure and financial investment Purchase of tangible fixed assets (5,052) (3,919) Proceeds from sale of tangible fixed assets 547 149 Proceeds from sale of investments - 441 (4,505) (3,329) Acquisitions and disposals Proceeds from sale of business activities 1,220 4,604 Purchase of subsidiary undertaking (6) (802) Net cash acquired with subsidiary undertaking - 750 Purchase of business activities (314) - 900 4,552 Equity dividends paid (3,208) (3,405) Cash (outflow)/inflow before use of liquid resources and (3,159) 5,809 financing Financing Issue of ordinary share capital - 18 Repurchase of ordinary share capital (5,752) (562) Repayment of amounts borrowed (784) (125) Capital element of finance lease payments - (38) (6,536) (707) (Decrease)/increase in cash in the year (9,695) 5,102 NOTES 1 EARNINGS PER SHARE Both the earnings per share and the diluted earnings per share are based on the profit after tax and minority interest for the financial year of £ 2,145,000 (2000: £7,728,000) and on the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year ended 30 June 2001 of 36,718,322 (2000: 40,008,259). 2 AUDITED ACCOUNTS The above financial information is derived from the statutory accounts for the year ended 30 June 2001 and 30 June 2000, on both of which the auditors have issued an unqualified opinion. The information does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in Section 240 of the Companies Act 1985. The accounts for the year ended 30 June 2000 have been filed with the Registrar of Companies; those for the year ended 30 June 2001 will be filed in due course. Copies of the Annual Report and Accounts will be posted to all shareholders. Copies will be available from the Company Secretary, The Alumasc Group plc, Burton Latimer, Northamptonshire NN15 5JP.
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