Final Results

Hornby PLC 04 June 2004 HORNBY BOOSTED BY NEW PRODUCT RANGES AND LOOKS FORWARD TO TARGETED INTERNATIONAL GROWTH Hornby Plc, ('Hornby') the models and collectables Group, has today announced its preliminary results for the year ended 31 March 2004. Hornby's two main products are Hornby model railways and Scalextric slot car racing systems. • Pre-tax profits up 20% to £6.5 million (2003: £5.4 million) • Turnover up 14% to £39.0 million (2003: £34.1 million) • Earnings per share up 14% to 61.0p (2003: 53.3p) • 5 for 1 share split proposed • Acquisition of Spanish model train manufacturer Electrotren S.A. for £5.3 million • Proposed acquisition of certain assets of Lima S.p.A proceeding to plan • Cash position at 31 March 2003 at £5.8 million after Electrotren S.A. acquisition (2003: £7.9 million) • Final dividend of 22p declared - Total dividend up 20% to 30p (2003: 25p) Frank Martin, Chief Executive of Hornby, said, ' This is again an excellent set of results for Hornby. Sales have been boosted by our new product launches and our focus on growing our network of in-store concessions. New launches including Live Steam and the range of MotoGP Scalextric motorbikes, Scalextric Sport Digital and Scalextric Sport World have all won acclaim and will bring new hobbyists into the sector. We have proved that our extended ranges of Hornby and Scalextric appeal across the generations. ' Our recent growth has been organic. We are now at an exciting time of our development having targeted bolt-on acquisitions which are broadening sales and product line coverage overseas. Our acquisition of Electrotren in Spain has bedded down well and we have announced the proposed acquisition of certain assets of Lima, a famous Italian model train manufacturer. Once the acquisition is competed, I am confident that we will be able to replicate our successful UK strategy and re-invigorate the Lima brands. ' Looking to the future we have an excellent opportunity to continue to make considerable progress. We are confident that our move into new markets will strengthen our position in both the UK and overseas. Trading in the new financial year has again started well and we have a strong pipeline of new product developments to ensure continued growth during the current financial year and beyond. Our European acquisitions will broaden the Company's base of operations and provide a platform from which to sell more strongly in Continental European markets.' -ends- Date: 4 June 2004 For further information contact: Hornby Plc City Profile Group Frank Martin, Chief Executive Simon Courtenay John Stansfield, Finance Director 020-7448-3244 or 07958-754273 01843-233500 On 4 June: 020-7448-3244 Web: www.hornby.com or: www.scalextric.com High resolution images are available for the media to view and download free of charge from: www.vismedia.co.uk CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT I am pleased to be able to report continued encouraging progress in the past 12 months. In global markets which remained challenging, sales increased by 14% to £39.0 million. Profit before tax at £6.5 million is 20% above last year's result (£5.4 million), and basic earnings per share are up by 14% to 61.0p. Proposed share split It is proposed to subdivide the Company's existing ordinary shares of 5p each (issued and unissued) ('Existing Ordinary Shares') into five new ordinary shares of 1p each ('New Ordinary Shares'). The share split is proposed because of the Board's belief that the share price of the Existing Ordinary Shares, which has risen by over 600% since the beginning of the calendar year 2001, is now at a level that might impair their marketability and liquidity. The Directors believe that by lowering the price at which the Company's securities are traded, shareholders will benefit from their increased marketability and liquidity. Accordingly the Company will be seeking shareholder approval at the Annual General Meeting to be held on 22 July 2004 to implement the subdivision. Each shareholder's percentage holding will not be affected and, except for the change to the nominal value, the New Ordinary Shares will have the same rights as the Existing Ordinary Shares. If approved by shareholders, the share split will become effective at close of business on 30 July 2004. Further details will be contained in Hornby's annual report and accounts. Dividend Reflecting the continued strength of the Company's performance your Board is recommending a final dividend of 22p per Existing Ordinary Share. This will bring the total dividend for the year to 30p per Existing Ordinary Share, an increase of 20% over the 25p declared in the previous financial year. This dividend is payable to all shareholders on the register as at 30 July 2004 and will be paid on 20 August 2004. Business Review All of the Company's distribution channels, both in the UK and internationally, again showed good year-on-year sales growth across both Hornby and Scalextric ranges, underlining the well-balanced nature of our business. Growth in our in-store concessions, which now total 111, has exceeded expectations. This high-visibility presence throughout the year in major retail outlets has helped to underpin our retail growth. As predicted in last year's report, the introduction of exciting new products across both Hornby and Scalextric ranges has continued to attract both positive comment and, more importantly, new business. First of the new products introduced in the summer of last year, was Hornby Live Steam. This exciting innovation, in both engineering and conceptual terms, has proved highly successful. In January this year the Company was awarded the British Association of Toy Retailers Award for 'Innovative Toy of 2003'; a distinction for a model railway locomotive! Live Steam was available in the market place for the Christmas season 2003 and contributed to sales and profitability in the financial year recently ended. Other major innovations for the Scalextric ranges included MotoGP, Scalextric Sport Digital and Scalextric Sport World. Sales of these products will contribute to the current year's earnings. In the United States it was again pleasing to see sales grow by 9% to $5.4 million. Pre-tax profit was also up over 25% on the previous year. This progress was achieved against the background of a generally weak US economy. Our commitment to developing the US market continues and with the advent of Live Steam a limited range of Hornby products will also be marketed through our US distribution channels. European Acquisitions The Company's growth in recent years, across both Hornby and Scalextric ranges, has been organic. The Board believes that there exist substantial opportunities for further broadening of both product ranges and to continue to grow profitability within our core hobby business. Having consolidated Hornby's position in the UK over the past 3 years, the Board believed it appropriate to explore suitable acquisition opportunities. In the collectibles/models sector, European markets tend to be fragmented with highly specialised operators. The opportunity to consolidate certain parts of the market and to apply the lessons learned by Hornby in the UK led to the announcements earlier this year of Hornby's intention to expand into both the Spanish and Italian markets. Electrotren S.A., based in Madrid, and acquired on 31 March 2004, is a leading company servicing the European railway modelling sector with particular emphasis on the Spanish and trans-European railway markets. Since acquiring Electrotren we continue to be impressed by the incumbent management and by the opportunities for future growth in the business. Similarly, in Italy, your Board believes that the potential acquisition of certain assets of Lima S.p.A (in liquidation) will provide Hornby with the opportunity to re-invigorate the Lima, Jouef and Rivarossi brands and the quality of their products. Lima has a tradition of producing desirable European product in the railway modelling sector. Clearly, as both opportunities develop, your Board will consider the marketing opportunities for our other products in these markets. Property In December last year the Secretary of State refused permission for the development of our current Margate site as a D.I.Y. superstore. However I am happy to be able to report that the business is not constrained by continuing to operate from the present facilities. Global Context At the time of the last Annual Report it appeared that the two major issues affecting global confidence were in the process of becoming resolved. With our manufacturing base in China we were naturally concerned about the potential impact of the SARS virus. This matter happily appears now to be under control and we do not anticipate any significant related issues. Despite the speedy conclusion of the war in Iraq in 2003 the world continues to suffer the after-effects. In particular the impact on oil prices is a concern to all trading operations. Your Board continues to monitor these issues closely. Product Development The past year has seen some significant developments in both product ranges, as referred to earlier in this report. Both brands continue to focus significant resources on new product development and enhancement of current product ranges. These initiatives will continue to bear fruit during the coming year. We will also, of course, focus on product improvement and development in Electrotren and Lima (once acquired). Outlook Sales growth momentum is now well established in both the UK and our international target markets. Trading in the new financial year has again started well and we have a strong pipeline of new product developments to ensure continued growth during the current financial year and beyond. Our European acquisitions will broaden the Company's base of operations and provide a platform from which to sell more strongly in Continental European markets. I should like once again to thank Frank Martin our chief executive, our directors and all our staff for their dedicated support and hard work. They can be satisfied that their efforts have produced excellent results. Neil Johnson 4 June 2004 CONSOLIDATED PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2004 2004 2003 £'000 £'000 TURNOVER 38,970 34,142 Cost of sales (20,083) (18,369) _______ _______ GROSS PROFIT 18,887 15,773 Net operating expenses (12,524) (10,417) _______ _______ OPERATING PROFIT 6,363 5,356 Net interest receivable 106 55 _______ _______ PROFIT ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES BEFORE TAXATION 6,469 5,411 Tax on profit on ordinary activities (1,974) (1,519) _______ _______ PROFIT ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES AFTER TAXATION 4,495 3,892 Dividends (2,199) (1,830) _______ _______ RETAINED PROFIT FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 2,296 2,062 _______ _______ ATTRIBUTED TO: The Company (30) (45) Subsidiary undertakings 2,326 2,107 _______ _______ 2,296 2,062 _______ _______ EARNINGS PER ORDINARY SHARE Basic 61.02p 53.32p Diluted 58.20p 52.00p All of the activities of the Group are continuing. STATEMENT OF GROUP TOTAL RECOGNISED GAINS AND LOSSES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2004 2004 2003 £'000 £'000 Profit for the financial year 4,495 3,892 Exchange adjustments offset in reserves (33) (21) _______ _______ Total recognised gains for the year 4,462 3,871 _______ _______ CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AT 31 MARCH 2004 2004 2003 £'000 £'000 As restated FIXED ASSETS Intangible assets 4,017 31 Tangible assets 4,436 3,569 _______ _______ 8,453 3,600 _______ _______ CURRENT ASSETS Stocks 7,369 6,150 Debtors 6,217 5,222 Cash at bank and in hand 5,806 7,909 _______ _______ 19,392 19,281 CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year (9,886) (7,187) _______ _______ NET CURRENT ASSETS 9,506 12,094 _______ _______ TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 17,959 15,694 CREDITORS: Amounts falling due after more than one year (103) (22) PROVISIONS FOR LIABILITIES AND CHARGES (527) (486) _______ _______ NET ASSETS 17,329 15,186 _______ _______ CAPITAL AND RESERVES Called up share capital 370 367 Capital redemption reserve 55 55 Share premium account 4,797 4,696 Revaluation reserve 757 774 Other reserves 1,688 1,688 Profit and loss account 9,662 7,606 _______ _______ EQUITY SHAREHOLDERS' FUNDS 17,329 15,186 _______ _______ CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2004 2004 2003 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Net cash inflow from operating activities 8,210 5,814 Returns on investments and servicing of finance - net interest received 106 55 Taxation (1,864) (1,662) Capital expenditure and financial investment - purchase of fixed assets (1,370) (1,219) - sale of fixed assets 27 60 - purchase of own shares (224) (192) ______ ______ (1,567) (1,351) Acquisitions - purchase of subsidiary undertakings (5,303) - - cash held upon acquisition 222 - - payment of deferred consideration - (49) ______ ______ (5,081) (49) Equity dividends paid (1,968) (1,524) ______ ______ Net cash (outflow)/inflow before financing (2,164) 1,283 Financing Issue of ordinary shares 104 175 Capital element of finance lease payments (26) (17) ______ ______ (Decrease)/increase in cash in the year (2,086) 1,441 ______ ______ RECONCILIATION OF NET CASH FLOW TO MOVEMENT IN NET FUNDS 2004 2003 £'000 £'000 (Decrease)/increase in cash in the year (2,086) 1,441 Cash outflow from decrease in lease financing 26 17 _______ _______ Change in net funds resulting from cash flows (2,060) 1,458 New finance leases (105) (28) New finance leases upon acquisition (12) - Exchange movements (17) (9) _______ _______ Movement in net funds in the year (2,194) 1,421 Net funds at 1 April 2003 7,867 6,446 _______ _______ Net funds at 31 March 2004 5,673 7,867 _______ _______ NOTES TO THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 2004 2003 £'000 £'000 Operating profit 6,363 5,356 Depreciation charges 1,364 1,266 Amortisation of goodwill 3 3 Loss/(profit) on sale of tangible fixed assets 2 (18) (Increase) in stocks (830) (615) (Increase) in debtors (401) (374) Increase in creditors 1,659 341 Increase/(decrease) in sales returns provision 50 (145) _______ _______ Net cash inflow from operating activities 8,210 5,814 _______ _______ SEGMENTAL INFORMATION The directors consider there to be one class of business, being the development, manufacture and distribution of model products. BY ORIGIN Turnover Profit before tax Net assets 2004 2003 2004 2003 2004 2003 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 As restated United Kingdom 36,028 30,680 6,399 5,347 15,762 14,951 United States of America 2,942 3,462 70 64 254 235 Spain - - - - 1,313 - ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ Group 38,970 34,142 6,469 5,411 17,329 15,186 ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ TURNOVER BY DESTINATION 2004 2003 £'000 £'000 United Kingdom 30,961 26,473 Rest of World 8,009 7,669 ______ ______ Group 38,970 34,142 ______ ______ NOTES 1. The calculation of basic earnings per ordinary share is based on the profit attributable to ordinary shareholders for the financial year of £4,495,000 (2003 - £3,892,000) and the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year of 7,366,417 (2003 - 7,299,894). 2004 2003 Earnings Earnings Earnings Earnings £'000 per share £'000 per share pence pence Earnings per share Basic 4,495 61.02 3,892 53.32 Diluted 58.20 52.00 The following table shows a reconciliation of the weighted average number of shares used for calculating the basic and diluted earnings per share. 2004 2003 Number Number of shares of shares Used for calculating basic earnings per share 7,366,417 7,299,894 Dilution due to share option schemes 356,362 185,147 _________ ________ Used for calculating diluted earnings per share 7,722,779 7,485,041 _________ _________ 2. The proposed dividend will be paid on 20 August 2004 to members on the register as at 30 July 2004. The ex-dividend date will be 28 July 2004. 3. The profit and loss account, statement of group total recognised gains and losses and balance sheet set out above for the year ended 31 March 2004 are not statutory accounts, are abridged and audited. Full audited accounts will be filed with the Registrar of Companies in due course. Full audited accounts for the year ended 31 March 2003 containing an unqualified audit report have been filed with the Registrar of Companies. 4. The preliminary financial information has been prepared on the basis of accounting policies set out in the Report & Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2003 except that UTIF 38 has been adopted this year and as a result the comparatives have been restated accordingly. £192,000 previously shown as an investment has been restated and shown as a deduction from the profit and loss account reserve. A further £224,000 has been used to purchase shares as part of this plan in the current year and shown as a deduction from the profit and loss account reserve. 5. This preliminary announcement was approved by the Board on 4 June 2004. 6. Copies of this preliminary announcement are available from J W Stansfield, Finance Director, Hornby Plc, Westwood, Margate, Kent, CT9 4JX. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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