Interim Results

Latham(James) PLC 05 December 2007 JAMES LATHAM PLC INTERIM RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2007 Chairman's statement I am very pleased to report an increase in pre-tax profit of 56% for the first half year compared with the same period last year. The interim dividend has been increased by 25%. In November the leased head office and warehouse at Hemel Hempstead was purchased for £5.25m - the balance sheet remains strong. Results These results are the first to be presented under International Financial Reporting Standards and previously reported figures have been restated. A full reconciliation is shown in the notes accompanying this statement. Sales for the 6 months to 30 September 2007 were £59,326,000 compared with £49,072,000 for the same period last year, a 21% increase. The operating profit rose by 56% to £4,209,000 compared with £2,690,000 last year. Pre-tax profit at £4,578,000 was up 56% on last year's £2,936,000. Earnings per Ordinary Share are 16.0p (2006 9.8p). Interim Dividend The Board has declared an interim dividend of 2.5p per Ordinary Share (2006 2.0p), which is covered 6.4 times (2006 4.9 times). The dividend is payable on 24 January 2008 to Ordinary shareholders on the Company's Register at the close of business on 4 January 2008. The ex-dividend date is 2 January 2008. Six Months Trading to 30 September 2007. After the strong trading performance last year, Lathams Ltd has performed well in the six months to 30 September 2007. The Company, which distributes panel products, hardwoods and softwoods, benefited from steady demand and higher prices which helped increase both the volume of sales and margins. Volumes were higher in the period July to September. Current & Future Trading The management accounts show good levels of trading in October and November - however prices have dropped slightly on products that are not in short supply and as a result margins have returned to their more usual levels. While demand from our merchant customers has slowed, other customer groups continue to show high demand levels. Trading conditions in terms of supply, demand and pricing can change rapidly in this industry; we are monitoring the markets to be in a good position to respond early to any adverse trends. The Company's strategy of becoming less dependent on commodity products, where prices and margins are prone to wide fluctuations, will be beneficial in what are becoming tougher trading conditions. The strong growth in the existing business has absorbed working capital. In addition to this, plans to relocate two depots to larger premises are progressing and we expect to announce the opening of a new site before the year end. Peter Latham Chairman 5 December 2007 For Further Enquiries: James Latham Plc Peter Latham, Chairman Tel: 01442 849 100 David Dunmow, Finance Director Tel: 01442 849 100 Blue Oar Securities Plc Mike Coe, Director, Corporate Finance Tel: 0117 933 0020 JAMES LATHAM PLC CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET As at 30 September 2007 As at 30 Sept As at 30 Sept As at 31 March 2007 unaudited 2006 unaudited 2007 unaudited Assets £000 £000 £000 Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment 11,323 11,296 11,226 Goodwill 237 395 237 Other receivables 500 4,419 500 Deferred tax assets - 866 155 Total non-current assets 12,060 16,976 12,118 Current assets Inventories 18,178 16,956 16,405 Trade receivables 23,690 19,887 20,707 Other current assets 7,320 7,729 6,733 Cash and cash equivalents 7,906 1,251 8,872 Total current assets 57,094 45,823 52,717 Total assets 69,154 62,799 64,835 Current liabilities Trade and other payables 19,563 15,957 17,407 Current portion of interest bearing loans and borrowings 735 723 737 Current tax payable 1,199 144 205 Total current liabilities 21,497 16,824 18,349 Non-current liabilities Interest bearing loans and borrowings 1,052 1,701 1,419 Retirement benefit obligation 240 4,866 3,033 Other payables 227 140 245 Long term provisions - 249 108 Deferred tax liabilities 683 - - Total non-current liabilities 2,202 6,956 4,805 Total liabilities 23,699 23,780 23,154 Net assets 45,455 39,019 41,681 Capital and reserves Issued capital 5,040 5,040 5,040 Share-based payment reserve 75 43 56 Capital reserve 3 3 3 Own shares (349) (385) (170) Accumulated profits 40,686 34,318 36,752 Total equity 45,455 39,019 41,681 The 30 September 2006 and 31 March 2007 results have been restated following the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards ('IFRS') - see note 1. JAMES LATHAM PLC CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT For the six months to 30 September 2007 Six months to Six months to Year to 30 Sept 2007 30 Sept 2006 31 March 2007 unaudited unaudited unaudited £000 £000 £000 Revenue 59,326 49,072 99,662 Cost of sales (including warehouse costs) (48,323) (40,281) (82,031) Gross profit 11,003 8,791 17,631 Selling and distribution costs (4,423) (4,049) (8,231) Administration expenses (2,390) (2,149) (4,614) Other operating income 19 97 208 (6,794) (6,101) (12,637) Operating Profit 4,209 2,690 4,994 Finance income 424 389 861 Finance costs (55) (143) (227) Profit before tax 4,578 2,936 5,628 Income tax expense (1,388) (985) (1,533) Profit after tax 3,190 1,951 4,095 Earnings per ordinary share (basic) 16.0p 9.8p 20.6p Earnings per ordinary share (diluted) 15.9p 9.8p 20.6p The 30 September 2006 and 31 March 2007 results have been restated following the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards ('IFRS') - see note 1. JAMES LATHAM PLC CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT For the six months to 30 September 2007 Six months to Six months to Year to 30 Sept 2007 30 Sept 2006 31 March 2007 unaudited unaudited unaudited £000 £000 £000 Net cash flow from operating activities Cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities 64 (1,341) 3,240 Special contribution to pension fund - (4,500) (5,000) Interest paid (19) (135) (163) Income tax paid (336) (598) (757) Preference dividend paid (39) (39) (79) Net cash outflow from operating activities (330) (6,613) (2,759) Cash flows from investing activities Interest received and similar income 276 142 889 Purchase of property, plant and equipment (313) (76) (186) Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 7 - 3,946 Proceeds from sale of investment in subsidiary undertaking 1,019 9,281 9,228 Net cash from investing activities 989 9,347 13,877 Cash flows before financing activities Bank loans repaid during the period (357) (1,857) (2,214) Finance leases repaid during the period (13) (6) (23) Equity dividend paid (1,076) (880) (1,278) Purchase of own shares (188) (168) (130) Proceeds of sale of own shares 9 29 - Net cash outflow from financing activities (1,625) (2,882) (3,645) (Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents for the period (966) (148) 7,473 Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period 8,872 1,399 1,399 Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period 7,906 1,251 8,872 The 30 September 2006 and 31 March 2007 results have been restated following the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards ('IFRS') - see note 1. JAMES LATHAM PLC CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF TOTAL RECOGNISED INCOME AND EXPENSE For the six months to 30 September 2007 Six months to Six months to Year to 30 Sept 2007 30 Sept 2006 31 March 2007 unaudited unaudited unaudited £000 £000 £000 Profit after tax 3,190 1,951 4,095 Actual return less expected return on pension scheme assets (481) (1,029) (114) Experience gains and losses arising from pension scheme liabilities - - (1) Changes in assumptions underlying the present value of pension scheme liabilities 3,111 313 673 Movement in deferred tax relating to actuarial (gain) loss on pension scheme (811) 215 (167) Total recognised income and expense for the period 5,009 1,450 4,486 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY For the six months to 30 September 2007 Six months to Six months to Year to 30 Sept 2007 30 Sept 2006 31 March 2007 unaudited unaudited unaudited £000 £000 £000 Profit attributable to shareholders 3,190 1,951 4,095 Dividends (1,076) (880) (1,278) 2,114 1,071 2,817 Other recognised gains and losses relating to the period 1,820 (501) 391 Change in investment in own shares (179) (134) (123) Change in Share-based payment reserve 19 20 33 Movement in the period 3,774 456 3,118 Opening shareholders' funds 41,681 38,563 38,563 Closing shareholders' funds 45,455 39,019 41,681 JAMES LATHAM PLC Notes to the Half Yearly Report 1. The results presented in this report are unaudited. James Latham Plc has adopted International Financial Reporting Standards ('IFRS') this year, having previously applied UK accounting standards. This half yearly report is the first that the company has prepared under IFRS and they have been prepared in accordance with the IFRS accounting policies that management expect to apply in the 31 March 2008 IFRS-compliant full financial statements. The comparative results for the six months ended 30 September 2006 and the year ended 31 March 2007 have been restated accordingly. Reconciliations from the previously stated UK GAAP financial information together with explanations and the revised accounting policies are set out in note 5. 2. The directors propose an interim dividend of 2.5p per ordinary share which will absorb £504,000 (2006: 2.0p absorbing £403,000), payable on 24 January 2008 to shareholders on the Register at the close of business on 4 January 2008. The ex-dividend date is 2 January 2008. 3. This half yearly report does not constitute financial statutory accounts within the meaning of section 240 of the Companies Act 1985. Statutory accounts for the year ended 31 March 2007 (prepared in accordance with UK GAAP) were prepared and filed with the Registrar of Companies and received an unqualified audit report and did not contain a statement under section 237 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 1985. 4. As explained in note 1, the group will be presenting its financial statements in accordance with IFRS for the first time in the 31 March 2008 full year financial statements. Set out below are the accounting policies that differ from the full financial statements prepared at 31 March 2007 that management expect to apply in the 31 March 2008 IFRS-compliant full year financial statements. Intangible assets - goodwill Following initial recognition, goodwill is measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. For the purposes of impairment testing, goodwill is allocated to the group's cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination, irrespective of whether other assets or liabilities of the group are assigned to those units. Goodwill is reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently if there is an indication of impairment. Impairment for goodwill is determined by assessing the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the goodwill relates. Where the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit is less than the carrying value of the cash-generating unit to which the goodwill has been allocated, an impairment loss is recognised. Impairment losses to goodwill cannot be reversed in future periods. Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at banks and in hand and short term deposits with an original maturity of 3 months or less. For the purpose of the consolidated cash flow statement, cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and cash equivalents as defined above, net of outstanding bank overdrafts. Leases Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer significantly all the risks and rewards of ownership of the lessee. All other leases are classified as operating leases. Finance leases are capitalised on commencement of the lease at the lower of the fair value of the asset and the present value of the minimum lease payments. Each payment is allocated between the liability and the finance charges so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on the finance balance outstanding. The rental obligations, net of finance charges, are included in trade and other payables. The finance charges are charges to the income statement over the lease period so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability for each period. Payments under operating leases are charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis of the term of the lease. Taxation The tax expense in the income statement represents the sum of tax currently payable and deferred tax. Deferred tax is the tax expected to be payable or recoverable on differences between the carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities in the financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit, and is accounted for using the balance sheet liability method. Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all taxable temporary differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is likely that taxable profits will be available, against which deductible temporary differences can be utilised. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the temporary difference arises from goodwill or from the initial recognition (other than in a business combination) of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the tax profit nor the accounting profit. The carrying value of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each balance sheet date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered. Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rate that is expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or an asset is realised. Deferred tax is charged or credited to the income statement, except when it relates to items charged or credited directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in equity. 5. Explanation of transition to IFRS The reconciliations of equity at 1 April 2006 (date of transition to IFRS), at 31 March 2007 (date of last UK GAAP financial statements) and at 30 September 2006 have been included below to enable a comparison of the 2007 half yearly figures with those published in the corresponding period of the previous year. In addition there is also a reconciliation of the UK GAAP profit for the year ended 31 March 2007 and the six months ended 30 September 2006 to the profit restated under IFRS. The significant changes as a result of the transition to IFRS and of adopting the IFRS group accounting policies are described below. a. FRS 3 Business combinations IFRS 3 prohibits the amortisation of goodwill. The standard requires goodwill to be carried at cost less impairment. Goodwill has been restated at the original value of the business combination at 1 April 2006 and any amortisation previously charged has been reversed. As permitted by IFRS1, business combinations prior to 1 April 2006 have not been restated. b. IAS 12 Income taxes IAS 12 requires entities to calculate deferred taxation based on temporary differences, which are defined as the difference between the carrying amount of assets/liabilities and their tax base. The increase in deferred tax liabilities as a result of the transition to IFRS is from the potential gain on the revaluation of fixed assets, the potential gain on the roll-over relief claimed on certain fixed assets and the removal of the discount applied to the deferred tax liability under UK GAAP c. IAS 16 Property, plant and equipment In accordance with IFRS 1, the group has elected, where appropriate, to take the revalued carrying amount of certain properties as the 'deemed cost' on transition to IFRS. d. IAS 19 Employee benefits As the group has an obligation to its employees to pay accrued holiday entitlement, IAS 19 requires it to accrue for holidays earned by its employees, but not taken, by the balance sheet date. Under UK GAPP, the defined benefit pension scheme was presented in the balance sheet net of deferred tax. IAS 19 also requires the defined pension scheme to be shown gross with the deferred tax asset relating to the pension scheme liability being presented as part of the deferred tax asset or liability. e. IAS 39 Financial instruments: recognition and measurement IAS 39 requires the group to provide for currency hedges that mature after the period end. Reconciliations The following tables reconcile the previously reported UK GAAP numbers with those now presented under IFRS. 6. Copies of this statement will be sent to all shareholders and will also be available on written applications to the Company Secretary, James Latham plc, Unit 3 Swallow Park, Finway Road, Hemel Hempstead, Herts, HP2 7QU. Reconciliation of UK GAAP profit to IFRS profit for the period ended 30 September 2006 IAS 19 IFRS 3 Employee Business As at benefits - combinations - 30 Sept. holiday pay goodwill 2006 IFRS £000 £000 £000 £000 Revenue 49,072 49,072 Cost of sales (including warehouse (40,281) (40,281) costs) Gross profit 8,791 8,791 Selling and distribution costs (4,049) (4,049) Administration expenses (2,180) 21 10 (2,149) Other operating income 97 97 (6,132) 21 10 (6,101) Operating Profit 2,659 21 10 2,690 Finance income 389 389 Finance costs (143) (143) Profit before tax 2,905 21 10 2,936 Income tax expense (985) (985) Profit after tax 1,920 21 10 1,951 Earnings per ordinary share (basic) 9.5p 9.8p Earnings per ordinary share 9.5p 9.8p (diluted) Reconciliation of UK GAAP profit to IFRS profit for the six months ended 31 March 2007 IAS 19 IFRS 3 IAS 39 IAS 12 Employee Business Financial Income benefits - combinations - instruments taxes - holiday pay goodwill - currency deferred As at hedging tax 31 March IFRS 2007 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 Revenue 99,662 99,662 Cost of sales (including warehouse (82,031) (82,031) costs) Gross profit 17,631 17,631 Selling and distribution costs (8,231) (8,231) Administration expenses (4,536) (3) (33) (42) (4,614) Other operating income 208 208 (12,559) (3) (33) (42) (12,637) Operating Profit 5,072 (3) (33) (42) 4,994 Finance income 861 861 Finance costs (227) (227) Profit before tax 5,706 (3) (33) (42) 5,628 Income tax expense (1,635) 102 (1,533) Profit after tax 4,071 (3) (33) (42) 102 4,095 Earnings per ordinary share 20.5p 20.6p (basic) Earnings per ordinary share 20.4p 20.6p (diluted) Reconciliation of UK GAAP equity shareholders' funds to IFRS equity shareholders' funds at 1 April 2006 IAS 12 IAS19 Income Employee IAS 19 IFRS 3 taxes - benefits - IAS 16 Employee Business deferred pension Property, benefits - combinations - tax scheme plant and UK GAAP holiday pay goodwill equipment IFRS £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 Assets Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment 11,438 11,438 Goodwill 362 33 395 Other receivables 5,919 5,919 Deferred tax assets 693 (1,287) 2,111 1,517 Total non-current assets 18,412 33 (1,287) 2,111 19,269 Current assets Inventories 13,746 13,746 Trade receivables 18,025 18,025 Other current assets 13,355 13,355 Cash and cash equivalents 1,399 1,399 Total current assets 46,525 46,525 Total assets 64,937 33 (1,287) 2,111 65,794 Current liabilities Trade and other payables 14,773 85 14,858 Current portion of interest bearing loans and borrowings 2,227 2,227 Current tax payable 623 623 Total current liabilities 17,623 85 17,708 Non-current liabilities Interest bearing loans and 2,060 2,060 borrowings Retirement benefit obligation 4,927 2,111 7,038 Other payables 268 268 Long term provisions 157 157 Total non-current liabilities 7,412 2,111 9,523 Total liabilities 25,035 85 2,111 27,231 Net assets 39,902 (85) 33 (1,287) - 38,563 Capital and reserves Issued capital 5,040 5,040 Share-based payment reserve 16 16 Capital reserve 3 3 Revaluation reserve 758 (227) (531) - Own shares (40) (40) Accumulated profits 34,125 (85) 33 (1,060) 531 33,544 Total equity 39,902 (85) 33 (1,287) - 38,563 Reconciliation of UK GAAP equity shareholders' funds to IFRS equity shareholders' funds at 30 September 2006 IAS 12 IAS19 Income Employee IAS 19 IFRS 3 taxes - benefits - IAS 16 Employee Business deferred pension Property, benefits - combinations - tax scheme plant and UK GAAP holiday pay goodwill equipment IFRS £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 Assets Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment 11,296 11,296 Goodwill 352 43 395 Other receivables 4,419 4,419 Deferred tax assets 693 (1,287) 1,460 866 Total non-current assets 16,760 43 (1,287) 1,460 16,976 Current assets Inventories 16,956 16,956 Trade receivables 19,887 19,887 Other current assets 7,729 7,729 Cash and cash equivalents 1,251 1,251 Total current assets 45,823 45,823 Total assets 62,583 43 (1,287) 1,460 62,799 Current liabilities Trade and other payables 15,893 64 15,957 Current portion of interest bearing loans and borrowings 723 723 Current tax payable 144 144 Total current liabilities 16,760 64 16,824 Non-current liabilities Interest bearing loans and 1,701 1,701 borrowings Retirement benefit obligation 3,406 1,460 4,866 Other payables 140 140 Long term provisions 249 249 Total non-current liabilities 5,496 1,460 6,956 Total liabilities 22,256 64 1,460 23,780 Net assets 40,327 (64) 43 (1,287) - 39,019 Capital and reserves Issued capital 5,040 5,040 Share-based payment reserve 43 43 Capital reserve 3 3 Revaluation reserve 758 (227) (531) - Own shares (385) (385) Accumulated profits 34,868 (64) 43 (1,060) 531 34,318 Total equity 40,327 (64) 43 (1,287) - 39,019 Reconciliation of UK GAAP equity shareholders' funds to IFRS equity shareholders' funds at 31 March 2007 IAS 39 IAS 12 IAS19 Financial Income Employee IAS 19 instruments - taxes - benefits - IAS 16 Employee currency deferred pension Property, benefits - hedging tax scheme plant and UK GAAP holiday pay equipment IFRS £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 Assets Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment 11,226 11,226 Goodwill 237 237 Other receivables 500 500 Deferred tax assets 430 (1,185) 910 155 Total non-current assets 12,393 (1,815) 910 12,118 Current assets Inventories 16,405 16,405 Trade receivables 20,707 20,707 Other current assets 6,733 6,733 Cash and cash equivalents 8,872 8,872 Total current assets 52,717 52,717 Total assets 65,110 (1,185) 910 64,835 Current liabilities Trade and other payables 17,277 88 42 17,407 Current portion of interest bearing loans and borrowings 737 737 Current tax payable 205 205 Total current liabilities 18,219 88 42 18,349 Non-current liabilities Interest bearing loans and 1,419 1,419 borrowings Retirement benefit obligation 2,123 910 3,033 Other payables 245 245 Long term provisions 108 108 Total non-current liabilities 3,895 910 4,805 Total liabilities 22,114 88 42 910 23,154 Net assets 42,996 (88) (42) (1,185) - 41,681 Capital and reserves Issued capital 5,040 5,040 Share-based payment reserve 56 56 Capital reserve 3 3 Revaluation reserve 758 (227) (531) - Own shares (170) (170) Accumulated profits 37,309 (88) (42) (958) 531 36,752 Total equity 42,996 (88) (42) (1,185) - 41,681 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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