AGM trading update

RNS Number : 0257Q

Epwin Group PLC

16 June 2020

 

16 June 2020

Epwin Group Plc

AGM trading update

Epwin Group Plc (AIM: EPWN) ("Epwin" or the "Group"), the leading manufacturer of low maintenance building products, supplying the Repair, Maintenance and Improvement ("RMI"), new build and social housing sectors will make the following statement in respect of current trading at today's Annual General Meeting.

"Since our announcement on 28 May 2020, the Group has continued to return its manufacturing and distribution sites to operation. All sites are now operational to some degree as we ramp up activity cautiously to meet demand levels.  Market demand is returning, albeit at significantly lower levels than before the COVID-19 pandemic and that which would usually be expected at this time of the year. 

The Group's balance sheet remains strong.  Available cash and facility headroom as at 16 June 2020 remains at c.£45 million, unchanged from the level as at 31 March 2020 reported in the Group's final results announcement of 23 April 2020.

The Group's banking facilities, which were increased last year, total £75 million. The Board has not sought to increase these bank facilities further nor access other sources of funding, as it believes its available headroom provides sufficient liquidity based on current analysis and the support of its various stakeholders. 

As previously stated, the impact of COVID-19 will inevitably have a material impact on trading for the current year and it is still too soon to quantify this at this stage. Therefore, in line with other businesses in the sector, all market guidance and forecasts remain withdrawn. 

The m edium-term drivers for the RMI market remain positive, with an ageing and underinvested housing stock, as well as environmental and safety concerns driving legislation and initiatives that will require improvements to homes on a larger scale than just essential maintenance. The new build housing sector is anticipated to grow, driven by underlying demand and government incentives. Social new build is also expected to see growth.

The Board will update shareholders further in our half year trading update ."

Contact information

Epwin Group Plc Jon Bednall, Chief Executive Chris Empson, Group Finance Director	0203 128 8572
Shore Capital (Nominated Adviser and Joint Broker) Corporate Advisory Edward Mansfield / Daniel Bush / Hugo Masefield Corporate Broking Fiona Conroy Zeus Capital Limited (Joint Broker) John Gould / Dominic King	0207 408 4090 0203 829 5000
MHP Communications Reg Hoare / Charlie Barker / Florence Mayo	0203 128 8572

About Epwin

Epwin is the leading manufacturer of low maintenance building products with significant market shares, supplying the Repair, Maintenance and Improvement ("RMI"), new build and social housing sectors.

The Company is incorporated, domiciled and operates principally in the United Kingdom.

Information for investors can be accessed www.epwin.co.uk/investors/

 

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