Results for the year ended 31 December 2022

RNS Number : 5314U
Strix Group PLC
29 March 2023
 

29 March 2023

 

Strix Group Plc

 

("Strix", the "Group" or the "Company")

 

Preliminary results for the twelve months ended 31 December 2022

Financial Summary 1


2022

2021

Change (22 - 21)


£m

£m

%4

Revenue

106.9

119.4

-10.5%

Gross profit

41.5

47.4

-12.4%

EBITDA2

32.1

40.5

-20.7%

Operating profit

25.9

33.7

-23.1%

Profit before tax

22.2

32.2

-31.1%

Profit after tax

23.0

31.4

-26.8%

Net debt3

87.4

51.2

+70.7%

Net cash generated from operating activities

23.4

22.3

+4.9%

Basic earnings per share (pence)

10.9

15.2

-28.3%

Diluted earnings per share (pence)

10.8

14.9

-27.5%

Total dividend per share (pence)

6.00

8.35

-28.1%

 

1. Adjusted results exclude exceptional items, which include share based payment transactions, COVID-19 related costs, other reorganisation and strategic project costs. Adjusted results are non-GAAP metrics used by management and are not an IFRS disclosure.

2. EBITDA, which is defined as earnings before finance costs, tax, depreciation and amortisation, is a non-GAAP metric used by management and is not an IFRS disclosure.

3. Net debt excludes the impact of IFRS 16 lease liabilities, pension liabilities, deferred tax liabilities and earn-out provisions on satisfaction of performance conditions.

4. Figures are calculated from the full numbers as presented in the consolidated financial statements.

 

Financial Highlights

 

·

The Group reported revenue of £106.9m, a decrease of 10.5% versus the same period in prior year driven predominantly by a reduction in Kettle Controls due to market environment.

·

Adjusted EBITDA was £32.1m, a decrease of 20.7% versus the same period in prior year driven by a reduction in revenue.

·

Adjusted PAT was £23.0m which was in line with previous guidance given at the trading update on 30 November 2022 (2021: £31.4m), representing a 26.8% decrease compared to the same period last year driven by a reduced EBITDA and an increase in SONIA through the year coupled with higher net debt post the acquisition of Billi.

·

Net debt increased to £87.4m (FY 2021: £51.2m). This represents a n et debt/adjusted EBITDA ratio ( calculated on a trailing twelve-month basis)  of  2.2 x.

·

Adjusted basic earnings per share and adjusted diluted earnings per share were 10.9p (2021: 15.2p) and 10.8p (2021: 14.9p) respectively.

·

As capital allocation decisions prioritise debt reduction, the Board is proposing a final dividend of 3.25p per share (2021: 5.60p) which would represent a total dividend of 6.00p per share (2021: 8.35p).

 

 

Operational Highlights

 

·

Acquisition of Billi continues to be successfully integrated in line with plan to achieve the identified operational benefits, and the business has opened up new sales channels for Strix. Trading performance so far has been in line with budget.

·

Retained global kettle control market share by value at c. 56% (excluding Russia and other impacted territories).

·

Manufacturing operations in China are fully operational with efficiency improved by 6.1% in 2022 versus 2021.

·

Pipeline of new product launches through 2023 include an integrated tap in Billi, the Ontario desktop appliance and Aurora coffee appliance.

·

Updated ESG and Sustainability report published on 28 March 2023.

 

 

 

Strategic Highlights

 

·

Completion of the transformational acquisition of Billi in November at a reported multiple of 3.8x EBITDA at transaction date.

·

The Appliance and Water categories now account for almost 50% of pro forma Group revenue.

·

Significant progress through the year in improving the geographic diversity of the business reducing reliance on any one territory.

·

The Company has access to a range of new sales channels including to professional  customers such as restaurants, hotels, and commercial premises through Billi and a much improved B2C footprint.

·

Strong progress through the year for Aqua Optima driven by the increasing popularity of the Aurora range.

·

New EMEA Sales Director has been appointed and Global Distributions & Logistics Director role created to provide the leadership team with additional expertise in commercialization and cost optimisation.

 

 

Mark Bartlett, Chief Executive Officer of Strix Group plc, said:

 

"Following a period of uncertainty across a number of Strix's key export markets in Q4, recent sales data in 2023 indicates some green shoots are appearing and the path to a return of growth is opening across all segments.

 

The successful integration of Billi will propel Strix into a new growth phase, further diversifying away from the core Kettle Controls business with strong potential for greater top line growth and improved margins going forward.

 

Strix continues to implement a range of strategic initiatives to minimise the impact of the continued headwinds it is facing, which includes a functional streamlining programme and a focus on the reduction of inventory in order to maximise cash generation for the Group. Strix will prioritise debt reduction and free cash flow generation with a clear plan to get net debt / EBITDA to below 2.0x during 2023 and to below 1.5x during 2024."

 

For further enquiries, please contact:

 

 

Strix Group Plc

Mark Bartlett, CEO

Raudres Wong, CFO

+44 (0) 1624 829829

 

Zeus (Nominated Advisor and Joint Broker)

Nick Cowles / Jamie Peel / Jordan Warburton (Investment Banking)

 

+44 (0) 20 3829 5000

 

Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited (Joint Broker)

Matthew Blawat / Francis North

 

+44 (0) 20 7710 7600

 

IFC Advisory Limited (Financial PR and IR)
Graham Herring / Tim Metcalfe / Florence Chandler

 

+44 (0) 20 3934 6630



ABOUT STRIX GROUP PLC

 

Isle of Man based Strix, is a global leader in the design, manufacture and supply of kettle safety controls and other components and devices involving water heating and temperature control, steam management and water filtration.

 

Strix's core product range comprises a variety of safety controls for small domestic appliances, primarily kettles. Kettle safety controls require precision engineering and intricate knowledge of material properties in order to repeatedly function correctly. Strix has built up market leading capability and know-how in this field since being founded in 1982.

 

Strix trades on the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange (AIM: KETL).

 

CEO's report:  

 

Financial performance

 

The Group reported revenue of £106.9m, a decrease of 10.5% versus the same period in prior year driven predominantly by a reduction in Kettle Controls due to market environment.

 

Adjusted profit after tax was £23.0m (2021: £31.4m), representing a 26.8% decrease compared to the same period last year driven by a reduced EBITDA and an increase in SONIA through the year coupled with higher net debt post the successful acquisition of Billi.

 

Adjusted operating profit margins were diluted by 4.0% to 24.2% (FY 2021: 28.2%) compared to last year. The main reasons for the dilution in margin are attributable to lower kettle controls sales in the regulated markets that command higher margins, partially offset by a price increase implemented in the second quarter of 2022 across all kettle controls.  In addition, the water and the appliances categories showed margin improvements as appliances that were launched in 2021 had a better sales mix, supported further by Billi's contributions post completion.

 

The Group's net debt increased to £87.4m (FY 2021: £51.2m). This represents a n et debt/adjusted EBITDA ratio ( calculated on a trailing twelve-month basis)  of  2.2 x.

 

Strix is focused on its highly cash generative operating model and the management team will prioritise on the integration and the unlocking of anticipated revenue and cost synergies following the acquisition of Billi. There will be no further M&A activity or investment into new factory builds, with significantly reduced capex and working capital over the medium term. Capital allocation decisions will prioritise debt reduction and free cash flow generation with a clear plan to get net debt / EBITDA to below 2.0x during 2023 and to below 1.5x during 2024.

 

As capital allocation decisions prioritised debt reduction, the Board decided after reviewing the level of net debt to propose a final dividend of 3.25p per share (2021: 5.60p) which would represent a total dividend of 6.00p per share (2021: 8.35p).

 

 

Kettle control category

 

Overall, the kettle control category reported a decrease in revenue of 19.9% to £68.2m in 2022.

 

The key characteristic in 2022 was a continual and unprecedented worsening of the macro backdrop in Q4, but in Q1 signs of green shoots are returning.

 

Overall market softened by c.18% in 2022, with volume and value reductions experienced in all sectors. Key negative drivers included the cost of living crisis in Regulated markets, COVID shutdowns in China and the Ukraine/Russia crisis impacting Less Regulated markets.

 

In line with western government sanctions, Strix's key global brands withdrew from Russia (a significant market for them) and Strix also stopped trading directly with Russian brands. It is worth noting that excluding the effected regions, Strix's market share in Kettle Controls remained at c. 56%.

 

The  Kettle Safety Controls  category remains a resilient business and there is evidence of green shoots returning in Q1 2023.

 

These include:-

· Estimated Kettle Sales through major online retailer channel shows January and February 2023 grew by 17% versus the same period last year;

· After reduced usage at Strix's top five OEMs in H2 2022, the Group is now seeing a recovery in Q1 2023 which is particularly reassuring as this has historically been a quieter trading period; and

· Signs of a pipeline refill are returning. Historical data shows a small increase in consumer demand can have an outsized effect on the demand for Strix's components.

 

Strix has also continued to focus product development on opportunities and design improvements in a sustainable way to reduce the overall manufactured product footprint that will further strengthen Strix's position and support its market share aspirations.

 

Examples include the Series Z controls development which is maturing, with the objective to drive cost and customer benefits and the roll out of new electronic kettle features & designs with a focus on design trends, consumer energy saving and OEM cost benefits.

 

Appliance category

 

Overall, the appliance category reported growth in revenue of 12.8% to £14.5m in 2022.

 

Strix's Aqua Optima brand recorded 87% growth in appliances, driven through geographical expansion, successful Aqua Optima expansion across Europe and North America, Strix/LAICA cross selling, and new innovative product launches.

 

The Billi acquisition helps diversify positioning with a premium category offering through new channels as well as giving cross-selling opportunities to drive additional growth.

 

Other notable achievements included:-

 

·

Aurora (Strix's Instant Flow Heater technology, delivering auto-dispensed hot, boiled, and chilled filtered water at the touch of a button) won housewares award: Sustainable Product of the Year 2022;

·

Successful launch of the world's fastest sterilizer-dryer with a leading USA Baby Care brand; and

·

Successful launch of Strix innovations under the LAICA brand with the launch of the Dual Flo range. This newly launched product utilises superior, energy efficient technology and is believed to be the only combined kettle and one cup hot water dispenser.

 

Key growth initiatives for the category will be Ontario (market leading beverage station range covering hot, chilled, sparkling and coffee products), geographic expansion, optimising product mix and vertical integration.

 

Water category

 

Overall, the water category reported a growth in revenue of 12.8% to £24.1m in 2022 .

 

Both Aqua Optima & LAICA water brands have seen growth year on year due to initial geographical expansion via Amazon sales outperforming the private label business.

 

Strix now manufactures the majority of its filters in-house in two locations freeing us from 3rd party risk, whilst allowing a new level of flexibility to offer our customers.

 

Integration of Billi into the portfolio will enhance the total water solution offering for Strix and unlocks new opportunities in the 'professional' market.

 

Key growth initiatives for the category will be geographic expansion (cross selling existing LAICA & Aqua Optima products into new territories), coffee filtration expertise and using private label water products as a way to open doors into large retailers for other categories.

 

Transformational acquisition of Billi

 

Billi is a leading brand in Australia for the supply of premium instant boiling, chilled and sparking filtered water systems. A clear #2 player in the space within Australia, New Zealand and UK. With 30+ year history, Billi is renowned for its premium and innovative products. Billi has a successful history of growth, with double digit revenue CAGR over the past 5 years, attractive margins and is highly cash generative, delivering cash conversion of >70%.

 

Acquisition of Billi was for £38.9m cash and completed on 30 November following regulatory approval in Australia, New Zealand and the UK. Billi was acquired from Culligan following its merger with Waterlogic; the divestment was a condition of that merger. The acquisition multiple was 3.8x EBITDA reflecting the unique circumstances that Culligan found itself in and the progress Strix had made with the competition regulator in Australia, New Zealand and the UK . As reported in the press, there were other bidders at significantly higher valuations than Strix even at the very end of the process. The transaction was funded through a £13.0m equity raise and debt refinance consisting of an extension of the current RCF and a new acquisition facility .

 

Overview of strategic rationale

 

The acquisition materially changes the earnings profile of the Group, accelerating growth plans for the Water & Appliance categories and supporting the medium-term ambition.

 

It adds well developed and premium products in the high growth and strategically important hot tap market and increases Strix's position and portfolio of water dispenser systems. The Board expects Strix's existing technology, resource and expertise can be used to further enhance Billi's new product development roadmap.

 

Efficiencies were identified across Billi's product lifecycle and will be enhanced utilising Strix's Chinese operation to improve procurement, insourcing of certain key parts, and consolidation of the marketing group.

 

There are also opportunities for further organic growth. These include residential sales, new product development particularly in sparkling, internationalising Billi's revenue stream through Strix's global footprint, cross selling Strix products into commercial applications and growing aftermarket sales.

 

Progress since completion

 

The acquisition of Billi continues to be successfully integrated in line with plan to achieve the identified operational benefits, as the business opened up new sales channels for Strix.

 

The trading performance so far has been in line with budget.

 

Very positive progress has been made at Billi UK with elements of the TSA already removed:-

·

Head office established in Wolverhampton with all staff now transferred;

·

Showroom in London (Farringdon) due to be signed imminently;

·

Stock to be moved into Strix storage locations during March / April;

·

All HR functions now managed by Strix HR team; and

·

Agreed to move forward with Microsoft Dynamics for their ERP system with target completion in July.

 

Solid order book for Q1:-

·

New Zealand secured their largest ever contract to a hospital in the North of the island;

·

UK and Australia secured February revenue budget with encouraging 3 month & 12 month pipeline; and

·

ROW also secured February revenues.

 

NPD on track for launch in Q2. This will be a major opportunity for all markets, particularly within the residential sector.

 

Good progress has also been made with new sites identified as Strix procures smaller storage locations in New South Wales, Western Australia and South Australia.

 

Barriers to entry and d efence of intellectual property

 

Strix constantly assesses the risks posed by competitive threats and sees the real benefits of market disruption which drives its determination to constantly evolve its innovative technologies in a sustainable way by investing in its portfolio of intellectual property to protect its new products and technologies.

 

The Group actively monitors the markets in which its operates for violation of its intellectual property rights.  Strix has unique relationships with its brands, OEMs and retailers and provides its support across the value chain and throughout the product lifecycle, including product design and advice on specification and manufacturing solutions. These value-added services and existing strong relationships ensure brands, OEMs and retailers continue to rely on Strix's components and support.

 

Strix remains committed to consumer safety and continues to prompt regulatory enforcement authorities to remove unsafe and poor quality products from its major markets. Nine such actions were undertaken in 2021 resulting in product recalls and withdrawal of kettles from Bulgaria. Defence of intellectual property and regulatory enforcement remain core activities of its business and there have now been 66 in total since 2017 until the end of 2021, with 4 further regulatory and 3 intellectual property actions conducted in 2022.

 

Sustainability

 

Strix core products are associated with the consumption of critical resources, primarily electricity and water, hence Strix's drive for continual improvement has aligned it with a sustainability led agenda. Recent years have seen an increase in the emphasis and broadening of the scope of its sustainability agenda. This was highlighted by the adoption of a wide range of KPIs and associated targets in 2021.

 

One of the most challenging and differentiating goals is to achieve Scope 1&2 net zero by 2023. Key elements have been put in place with long term renewable power contracts for all key facilities and head office along with investment in solar capacity. Indeed, Strix now expects its own renewable sources to generate around 10% of the Group's total energy requirements. As a consequence, the group started 2023 in-line with its net zero agenda. This is increasingly important as its customers look to assess their own emissions footprint, of which Strix forms part of their Scope 3 inventory. Strix's position as a leader in low emissions therefore offers a potential commercial advantage over its competition. Efforts are being expanded into analysing its own Scope 3 inventory in 2023 to fully embrace its extended emissions chain. This leads to additional constructive conversation with suppliers and customers including re-assessment of operational and supply chain practices. The Group's sustainability agenda is sympathetic to changing consumer trends and hence is key for driving the roadmap and pace of new product development.

 

The Group's sustainability strategy and adopted KPIs are generating greater emphasis and efforts on a broad range of aspects. Employee training has been a focus with significant increase in training hours assisted by adoption of a more structured approach, including Kallidus e-learning system and a new training management structure in China. Health & Safety continues to be a top priority with the three year average trend continuing in a positive direction. The Company values its employees and their contribution and looks to develop their wellbeing reflected in improved facilities offered by the new Chinese facility, whilst the West has seen changes in the working week, which has also increased holiday entitlement, and the introduction of two charity days a year.

 

Strix's sustainability agenda for 2023 remains high on the agenda as it delivers on its Scope 1&2 targets, analyses its Scope 3 emissions and continues to focus on its other KPIs. The pace and delivery of these goals reflects the strong employee ethos and commitment to the agenda.  

 

Dividend policy

 

As capital allocation decisions prioritised debt reduction, the Board decided after reviewing the level of the net debt to propose a final dividend of 3.25p per share (2021: 5.60p) which would represent a total dividend of 6.00p per share (2021: 8.35p).

 

The final dividend will be paid on 11 August 2023 to shareholders on the register at 30 June 2023 and the shares will trade ex-dividend from 29 June 2023.

 

Operations review

 

The factory  within Zengcheng district in Guangzhou, China, continues to be fully operational with efficiency improved by 6.1% in 2022 versus 2021.

 

A new EMEA Sales Director was appointed and a new Global Distributions & Logistics Director role created to provide the leadership team with additional expertise in commercialisation and cost optimisation.

 

An updated ESG and Sustainability report will be published on 29 March 2023.

 

Strix continues to implement a range of strategic initiatives to minimise the impact of the headwinds it is facing, which includes a functional streamlining programme and a focus on the reduction of inventory in order to maximise cash generation for the Group.

 

Financial Position

 

Strix is focused on its highly cash generative operating model and the management team will prioritise the integration and unlocking the anticipated revenue and cost synergies following the acquisition of Billi.

 

There will be no further M&A activity or investment into new factory builds, with significantly reduced capex and working capital over the medium term. Capital allocation decisions will prioritise debt reduction and free cash flow generation with a clear plan to get net debt / EBITDA to below 2.0x during 2023 and to below 1.5x during 2024.

 

Over the past few years, Strix has made significant investments in acquisitions, a new factory and working capital. A primary driver of the increased exceptional costs is due to the number of acquisitions and one-off costs relating to capital expenditures.

 

HaloSource was acquired in 2019 and contributed to the exceptional costs through the associated transaction fees. LAICA was acquired in 2020 and included an earn out clause which caused exceptional costs in outer years, along with the transaction fees in 2020. The new factory in China was completed in 2021, adding to exceptional costs from large scale capital expenditure. Most recently, Billi was acquired and its transaction fees contributed to the 2022 total. As these one-off costs are not recurring, we expect cash conversion to materially improve in coming years.

 

Net working capital which includes inventories, trade and other receivables, and trade and other payables (including tax liabilities, but excluding short-term portions of long-term liabilities) increased to £27.6m (FY 2021: £18.0m), an increase on £9.6m. The main driver behind this is an increase in net working capital of c.£5.9m (including tax liabilities) recognised as part of the acquisition of Billi. The rest of the increase relates to slightly higher inventory levels from prior year as the Group looks to fuel anticipated increase in demand in the new year, evident from green shoots returning in Q1 2023 . Decreases in trade and other payables were due to lower procurement activities, partially offset by decreases in trade and other receivables which were largely due to collection of VAT receivables from the Chinese government relating to the construction and completion of the new factory in China.

 

Outlook

 

Following a period of uncertainty across a number of Strix's key export markets in Q4, recent sales data in 2023 indicates that some green shoots are appearing and the path to a return of growth is opening across all segments:-

 

·

It is anticipated that the Chinese economy will rebound in 2023, given the change in COVID policy;

·

Estimated Kettle Sales through a major online retailer channel shows January 2023 grew by 17% versus the same period last year;

·

After usage at Strix's top five OEMs in H2 2022, the Group is now seeing a recovery in Q1 2023 which is reassuring as this has historically been a quieter trading period;

·

Signs of a pipeline refill are returning, as a small increase in consumer demand can have an outsized effect on the demand for Strix's components; and

·

The Group has delivered consumer goods business growth, despite the underlying market softening and positive contracts secured in Q1 2023.

 

Strix continues to implement a range of strategic initiatives to minimise the impact of the headwinds it is facing, which includes a functional streamlining programme and a focus on the reduction of inventory in order to maximise cash generation for the Group.

 

The successful integration of Billi will propel Strix into a new growth phase, further diversifying away from the core Kettle Controls business with strong potential for greater top line growth and improved margins going forward.

 

 

Chief financial officer's review

 

Adjusted results 1

Reported results


FY 2022

FY 2021

Change %
(22 - 21)

FY 2022

FY 2021

Change %
(22 - 21)

 

£m

£m

%4

£m

£m

%4

Revenue

106.9

119.4

-10.5%

106.9

119.4

-10.5%

Gross profit

41.5

47.4

-12.4%

40.7

43.8

-7.1%

EBITDA 2

32.1

40.5

-20.7%

26.2

30.6

-14.4%

Operating profit

25.9

33.7

-23.1%

19.9

23.7

-16.0%

Profit before tax

22.2

32.2

-31.1%

16.1

21.5

-25.1%

Profit after tax

23.0

31.4

-26.8%

16.9

20.6

-18.0%

Net debt 3

87.4

51.2

+70.7%

87.4

51.2

+70.7%

Net cash generated from operating activities

23.4

22.3

+4.9%

23.4

22.3

+4.9%

Basic earnings per share (pence)

10.9

15.2

-28.3%

8.0

10.0

-20.0%

Diluted earnings per share (pence)

10.8

14.9

-27.5%

7.9

9.8

-19.4%

Total dividend per share (pence)

6.00

8.35

-28.1%

6.00

8.35

-28.1%

 

1. 

Adjusted results exclude exceptional items, which include share-based payment transactions, COVID-19 related costs, and other reorganisation and strategic project costs. Adjusted results are non-GAAP metrics used by management and are not an IFRS disclosure. A table which shows both Adjusted and Reported results is included in the Chief Financial Officer's review.

2. 

EBITDA, which is defined as earnings before finance costs, tax, depreciation and amortisation, is a non-GAAP metric used by management and is not an IFRS disclosure.

3. 

Net debt excludes the impact of IFRS 16 lease liabilities, pension liabilities, deferred tax liabilities and earn-out provisions on satisfaction of performance conditions and providing post-combination services. Net debt including earn-out provisions was £94.9m.

4. 

Figures are calculated from the full numbers as presented in the consolidated financial statements.

 

Financial performance

 

Revenues decreased by 10.5% year on year to £106.9m (FY 2021 £119.4m). This was predominantly due to a drop in sales within our kettle controls category. As stated previously in our trading updates released both in July 2022 and November 2022, revenues have been adversely impacted by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and the disruptive effect of ongoing lockdowns which were enforced in China throughout most of 2022, impacting two of our top five major OEM customers. This resulted in a decrease of c.£16.9m (19.8% decrease) for kettle controls. Despite the drop in overall sales, the water category showed an improvement in sales from last year reflecting the success of our performance from online market place launches as Strix continues to expand its online presence, together with contributions from post-acquisition sales in Billi. The appliances category also showed an uplift predominantly due to Billi's acquisition, where organic Strix appliance revenues were flat against a market that declined.

 

Adjusted gross profit decreased by 12.4% to £41.5m (FY 2021: £47.4m), in most part due to the impact of revenues for kettle controls falling as described above. The decrease was slightly offset by increases for both the water and appliances categories of £1.0m (13.8% increase) and £0.9m (18.0% increase) respectively, reflective of the increases in sales in these categories as described above. Reported gross profits decreased by 7.1% to £40.7m (FY 2021: £43.8m).

 

Adjusted gross profit margin in FY 2022 was 38.8% (FY 2021: 39.7%), showing a small margin dilution of 0.9% compared to last year. This dilution is mainly attributable to lower kettle controls sales in the regulated markets that command higher margins but helped partially by the price increase implemented in the second quarter of FY 2022 across all kettle controls.  The dilution in kettle controls was partially compensated by the water and the appliances categories that showed margin improvements of 0.3% and 1.7% respectively. The appliances that were launched in FY 2021 had better sales mixes in FY 2022, and together Billi's contributions post acquisition of one month, both helped to drive better margins. 

 

Adjusted EBITDA was £32.1m (FY 2021: £40.5m), showing a decrease of 20.7% compared to last year. The decrease is directly attributable to the decrease in revenues as described above. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as profit before depreciation, amortisation, finance costs, finance income, taxation, and exceptional items including share based payments. Reported EBITDA decreased by 14.4% to £26.2m (FY 2021: £30.6m).

 

Adjusted EBITDA margin in FY 2022 was 30.0% (FY 2021: 33.9%), representing a margin dilution of 3.9%. In addition to the margin dilution in adjusted gross profit margins described above, other various factors which then contributed to the dilution of adjusted EBITDA margins included, amongst others: 

·

Billi costs incurred post acquisition,

·

investment in human resources in our commercial areas to meet medium-term targets,

·

higher advertising and promotional costs as the Group continued to further promote water and appliances products in the market, and

·

higher stock handling and outward carriage and freight costs due to global inflationary pressures experienced in the current year.

 

Adjusted operating profits decreased by 23.1% to £25.9m (FY 2021: £33.7m), a decrease of £7.8m, attributable mainly to the drop in revenues. Reported operating profits decreased by 16.0% to £19.9m (FY 2021: £23.7m) after deducting exceptional costs of £5.9m (FY 2021: £9.9m) which decreased mainly due to reasons described in the "Costs" section further below.

 

Adjusted operating profit margins were diluted by 4.0% to 24.2% (FY 2021: 28.2%) compared to last year. Main reasons for the dilution in margin are the same as those attributable to the dilution in adjusted EBITDA margins described earlier above. Despite the margin dilution, as disclosed in the interim results released in September 2022, accounting estimates changes were made during the year relating to the reassessment of the useful lives of certain production and other assets which resulted in lower depreciation and amortisation charges of c.£1.8m being recognised in the current year compared to last year (excluding the change of accounting estimates, adjusted operating profit margins dilution year over year is 4.8%). Refer to notes 2, 11 and 12 of the consolidated financial statements below for full disclosures of the change in accounting estimates.

 

Adjusted profit before tax was £22.2m (FY 2021: £32.2m), a decrease of £10.0m (31.1% decrease) from last year. This is attributable to the reasons stated above for decreases in operating profit, and also increases in net finance costs. Net finance costs (excluding the impact of exceptional finance costs of £0.2m (FY 2021: £0.8m) relating to the discount unwinding of the present value of contingent consideration recognised on acquisition of LAICA in 2020) increased by £2.3m from last year due to an increase in the net debt to fund the Billi acquisition and a higher interest rates environment. Reported profit before tax was £16.1m (FY 2021: £21.5m).

 

Adjusted profit after tax was £23.0m (FY 2021: £31.4m), a decrease of £8.4m (26.8% decrease). The tax expense significantly decreased in the current year mainly due to tax incentive credits granted in Italy during the year, and continued adoption of certain tax measures in China with the move of operations to the new factory location in 2021 which prompted the release of previous years' tax provisions. Reported profit after tax was £16.9m (FY 2021: £20.6m).

 

Costs

 

Costs in FY 2022 generally decreased across the board compared to the prior year, mainly reflective of the decrease in the top line revenues.

 

Cost of sales (excluding exceptional costs) decreased by 9.2% to £65.4m (FY 2021: £72.0m), in line with the decrease in revenues. Positive measures taken to counter the costs pressure included price increases implemented on our kettle controls and water filtration products in the first half of the year, improved margins in our appliances category, and efficiencies realized from use of automation and lean production processes.

 

Distributions costs increased by 18.1% to £10.8m (FY 2021: £9.2m) mainly due to inflationary pressures causing higher stock handling costs, higher outward carriage and freight costs, higher payroll costs for the Group's sales and marketing function, and increased advertising and promotional costs as we continue our drive to expand our reach in the market for our water and appliance products.  Billi's consolidation of one month also contributed to the increase.  Strix's organic distribution costs increased by 16%.

 

Administration costs (excluding exceptional costs) increased by 9.0% to £5.6m (FY 2021: £5.1m), increasing mainly due to costs incurred in Billi post acquisition.  Strix's organic administration costs has reduced modestly by c.1%.

 

Exceptional costs (including exceptional finance costs for the discount unwinding of the present value of contingent consideration recognised on acquisition of LAICA in 2020, which are included in net finance costs) decreased by 43% to £6.1m (FY 2021: £10.7m). As previously stated in the interim results released in September 2022, due the completion of the new manufacturing plant in China last year, there were no material factory-related exceptional costs incurred in the current year, which is the main reason for the decrease. Exceptional costs incurred in the current year mainly related to the accrual of the employment earn-out costs payable in 2023 to vendor shareholders of LAICA per the supplemental consulting agreement signed at acquisition, and costs relating to the Billi acquisition. Other exceptional items include disaster recovery costs from the cyber incident reported in Feb 2022, COVID-related costs due to lockdowns in China in the earlier part of the current year, and reorganisation costs relating to internal streamlining.

 

Cash flow

 

Cashflows from operating activities showed a modest improvement of £1.1m despite the softening of trading performance.  This is largely due to the improvement in the changes of net working capital (£8.8m), that largely offset the downside of cashflows from operating profit (£8.4m). 

Movements in net working capital showed a decrease in cash outflows compared to the prior year.  Net working capital cash outflows decreased from £11.4m in FY 2021 to £2.6m in FY 2022. The decrease in net cash outflows from net working capital were mainly due to:

·

Stocks: diligent measures were put in place to optimise Strix's Core supply chains and procurement levels, including manufacturing and in-sourcing, and this resulted in a reduction of stock-related cash outflows to £0.7m vs prior year cash outflows of £5.3m. The increase of stocks in Billi was c.£0.5m post acquisition. This resulted in a total cash outflow of stock in the current year of £1.2m to fuel anticipated increase in demand in the new year, evident from green shoots returning in Q1 2023.

·

Debtors:  a significant improvement in debtor cash flows due to concerted efforts to tighten up accounts receivables collections and to also collect  on c.£4.0m of new factory-related VAT from the Chinese government in the year, slightly offset by increases in debtor balances in Billi post acquisition (c.£0.8m);

·

Creditors: the significant improvements in cash flows from inventories and debtors were however partially offset (marginally) by lower creditors due to lower procurement activities. 

Tax-related cash outflows decreased from £1.9m in FY 2021 to £1.2m in FY 2022 mainly due to tax incentive credits granted in Italy.

 

Cash outflows for investing activities significantly increased in the current year from £17.0m in FY 2021 to £47.8m in FY 2022 mainly due to the acquisition of Billi, which was paid for in cash and funded through refinancing of our revolving credit facility (see next paragraph below). This was partially offset by a decrease in capital expenditures because of the new Chinese manufacturing plant which was completed in the second half of the prior year.

 

Cash inflows for financing activities significantly increased by £37.1m compared to the prior year, driven by an increase in the net debt from refinancing of our revolving credit facility to fund the acquisition of Billi.

 

Balance Sheet

 

Property, plant and equipment increased to £47.4m (FY 2021: £42.8m), presenting a net increase of £4.6m (11% increase).  Part of the increase, amounting to £3.4m, is attributable to assets recognised as part of the acquisition of Billi. The remainder of the increase in property, plant and equipment is attributable to (1) additions to plant and machinery and production tools of £3.8m for improvement of automation and production efficiencies in the new factory, and an increase of fixtures, fittings, equipment (including computer hardware), motor vehicles and right-of-use assets totaling £2.1m, (2) partially offset de-recognition of assets worth £0.7m, a significantly amount of this being right-of-use assets from streamlining of offices overseas, and then also depreciation charges of £4.2m (FY 2021: £4.6m).

 

Intangible assets increased to £73.4m (FY 2021: £30.5m) reflecting a net increase of £42.9m. The net increase is mainly due to intangible assets (including goodwill) of c.£40.1m recognized in the current year as part of the purchase price allocation (PPA) exercise from the acquisition of Billi. Other notable additions to intangible assets were relating to capitalised development costs from new product development projects of circa £3.3m, and computer software and other intangible asset additions of circa £0.5m. The total amortisation charges were £2.1m (FY 2021: £2.3m), and foreign currency movements of £1.1m were recognised on translation of intangible assets denominated in foreign currencies.

 

Net working capital balance which includes inventories, trade and other receivables, and trade and other payables (including tax liabilities, but excluding short-term portions of long-term liabilities) increased to £27.6m (FY 2021: £18.0m), an increase on £9.6m. The main driver behind this is an increase in net working capital c.£5.9m (including tax liabilities) recognised as part of the acquisition of Billi. The rest of the increase relates to taxes, foreign exchange revaluation, inventory and creditors movements as largely explained above in the cash flow section.

 

Non-current liabilities (including short-term portions) increased to £141.6m (FY 2021: £85.0m), an increase of £56.6m, which is mainly driven by the further drawdowns in the year from the revolving credit facility to fund the acquisition of Billi and for payment of outstanding amounts accrued as contingent consideration (earn-out provisions set up in FY 2020) payable in FY 2023 to the previous owners of LAICA upon meeting certain performance and employment conditions.

 

Net debt

 

The Group's net debt position, excluding earn-out provisions, as at 31 December 2022 increased to £87.4m (FY 2021: £51.2m). 

Total committed debt facilities, net of arrangement fees, at 31st December 2022 amounted to £117.8m, giving a liquidity pool of £30.4m. Net debt equated to 2.18 times trailing twelve months' EBITDA, which compares favourably to our debt covenant threshold of 3.50 times.

 

Dividend

 

Given the increase in net debt due to the strategic acquisition of Billi, and with the high interest rates environment, the Board continues to take precautions to balance the capital allocation priorities. To be prudent, the Board has decided to declare a final dividend of 3.25p per share (FY 2021: 5.60p). With an interim dividend paid on October 2022, the total dividend declared for FY 2022 is 6.00p per share (FY 2021: 8.35p per share).

 

The final dividend will be paid on 11 August 2023 to shareholders on the register at 30 June 2023 and the shares will trade ex-dividend from 29 June 2023. 

 

 

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

 

for the year ended 31 December 2022

 


Note

2022

2021

£000s

£000s

Revenue

7

106,920

119,410

Cost of sales - before exceptional items


(65,395)

(71,986)

Cost of sales - exceptional items

6

(847)

(3,578)

Cost of sales

 

(66,242)

(75,564)

Gross profit


40,678

43,846

Distribution costs


(10,824)

(9,168)

Administrative expenses - before exceptional items


(5,570)

(5,107)

Administrative expenses - exceptional items

6

(5,101)

(6,363)

Administrative expenses


(10,671)

(11,470)

Share of losses from joint ventures


(18)

(50)

Other operating income


751

562

Operating profit

 

19,916

23,720

Analysed as:


 


Adjusted EBITDA1


32,128

40,540

Amortisation

11

(2,063)

(2,310)

Depreciation

12

(4,201)

(4,569)

Exceptional items

6

(5,948)

(9,941)

Operating profit

 

19,916

23,720

Finance costs

8

(3,925)

(2,226)

Finance income


59

13

Profit before taxation

 

16,050

21,507

Income tax credit / (expense)

9

805

(860)



 


Profit for the year


 16,855

20,647


 


Other comprehensive income/(expense)

 

 


Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss:

 

 


Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations


 1,495

(1,693)


 

 


Total comprehensive income for the year


 18,350

18,954

 


Profit for the year attributable to:


 


Equity holders of the Company

 

 16,790

20,599

Non-controlling interests

 

 65

48


 

 16,855

20,647

Total comprehensive income for the year attributable to:

 

 


Equity holders of the Company

 

 18,324

18,736

Non-controlling interests

 

 26

218



 18,350

18,954



 


 


Earnings per share (pence)


 


Basic

10

8.0

10.0

Diluted

10

7.9

9.8

1 Adjusted EBITDA, which is defined as earnings before finance costs, tax, depreciation, amortisation, and exceptional items, is a non-GAAP metric used by management and is not an IFRS disclosure

 



 

Consolidated statement of financial position

 

as at 31 December 2022

 


Note

2022

2021

ASSETS


£000s

£000s

Non-current assets

 



Intangible assets

11

 73,374

 30,468

Property, plant and equipment

12

 47,364

 42,763

Investments in joint ventures


 19

 28

Net investments in finance leases


 16

 15

Total non-current assets


 120,773

73,274

Current assets

 

 


Inventories

15

 27,702

20,022

Trade and other receivables

16

 29,791

25,511

Current income tax receivable

16

497

-

Cash and cash equivalents

17

 30,443

19,670

Total current assets


 88,433

65,203

 


 


Total assets

 

209,206

138,477


 


EQUITY AND LIABILITIES


 


Equity

 

 


Share capital and share premium

24

 23,861

13,139

Share based payment reserve

23

 202

2,039

Retained earnings


 12,479

10,146

Non-controlling interests


 707

681

Total equity


 37,249

26,005

 


 


Current liabilities

 

 


Trade and other payables

18

 29,963

25,886

Borrowings

19

 14,734

1,064

Lease liabilities

26

 1,069

773

Contingent consideration

14

 7,532

6,082

Current income tax liabilities

18

 444

1,631

Total current liabilities


 53,742

35,436

Non-current liabilities

 

 


Lease liabilities

26

 2,819

2,598

Deferred tax liability

9

 11,387

2,303

Borrowings

19

 103,092

69,782

Contingent consideration

14

 - 

1,382

Post-employment benefits

5(c)

 917

971

Total non-current liabilities


 118,215

77,036

Total liabilities


 171,957

112,472

 


 


Total equity and liabilities

 

209,206

138,477

 

 

 


     

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

 

for the year ended 31 December 2022

 


Share capital and share premium

Share based payment reserve

Retained (deficit) / earnings

Total Equity attributable to owners

Non-controlling interests

Total Equity

 

£000s

£000s

£000s

£000s

£000s

£000s

Balance at 1 January 2021

13,130

1,913

6,290

21,333

716

22,049

Profit for the year

 -

 -

 20,599

 20,599

 48

 20,647

Other comprehensive income / (expenses)

 -

 -

 (1,863)

 (1,863)

170

 (1,693)

Total comprehensive income for the year

 -

 -

  18,736

  18,736

  218

  18,954

Dividends paid (note 25)

 -

 -

 (16,510)

 (16,510)

 -

 (16,510)

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

 -

 -

 253

 253

 (253)

-

Transfers between reserves (note 23)

 9

(1,249)

1,240

-

 -

-

Share based payment transactions (note 23)

 -

 1,549

 -

 1,549

 -

 1,549

Total transactions with owners recognised directly in equity

 9

 300

 (15,017)

 (14,708)

 (253)

 (14,961)

Other transactions recognised directly in equity (note 23)

 -

 (174)

137

(37)

-

(37)

Balance at 1 January 2022

 13,139

 2,039

 10,146

 25,324

 681

 26,005

Profit for the year

 -

 -

 16,790

16,790

 65

16,855

Other comprehensive income / (expenses)

 -

 -

 1,534

 1,534

 (39)

 1,495

Total comprehensive income for the year

 -

 -

 18,324

18,324

 26

18,350

Dividends paid (note 25)

 -

 -

 (17,300)

 (17,300)

 -

 (17,300)

Share-based payment transactions (note 23)

 -

 (491)

 -

 (491)

 -

 (491)

Transfers between reserves (note 23)

 7

 (1,210)

 1,203

 -

 -

 -

Issue of shares (note 24)

 13,000

 -

 -

 13,000

 -

 13,000

Transaction costs (note 24)

 (2,285)

 -

 -

 (2,285)

 -

 (2,285)

Total transactions with equity holders recognised directly in equity

 10,722

 (1,701)

 (16,097)

 (7,076)

 -

 (7,076)

Other transactions recognised directly in equity (note 23)

 -

 (136)

 106

 (30)

 -

 (30)

Balance at 31 December 2022

 23,861

 202

 12,479

 36,542

 707

37,249

 


   

Consolidated statement of cash flows

 

for the year ended 31 December 2022

 



2022

2021


Note

£000s

£000s

Cash flows from operating activities

 



Cash generated from operations

27

24,567

24,206

Tax paid


(1,204)

(1,916)

Net cash generated from operating activities


23,363

22,290



 


Cash flows from investing activities

 

 


Purchase of property, plant and equipment


(4,749)

(12,049)

Capitalised development costs

11

(3,326)

(3,609)

Purchase of LAICA S.p.A (deferred consideration)


(1,671)

(1,605)

Purchase of Billi, net of cash acquired

14

(37,658)

-

Purchase of other intangibles

11

(484)

(1,487)

Proceeds on sale of property, plant and equipment


-

1,750

Finance income


59

13

Net cash used in investing activities


(47,829)

(16,987)



 


Cash flows from financing activities


 


Drawdowns under credit facility

19

46,487

24,000

Repayment of borrowings

19

-

(5,820)

Finance costs paid

19

(3,263)

(1,170)

Principal elements of lease payments

26

(833)

(1,562)

Proceeds from issue of new shares, net of issuance transaction costs

24

10,715

-

Dividends paid

25

(17,300)

(16,510)

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests


-

(254)

Net cash used in financing activities


35,806

(1,316)

 


 


Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

11,340

3,987

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year


19,670

15,446

Effects of foreign exchange on cash and cash equivalents


(567)

237

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

 

30,443

19,670

 

 

   



 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

 

for the year ended 31 December 2022

 

 1.   GENERAL INFORMATION

Strix Group Plc ("the Company") was incorporated and registered in the Isle of Man on 12 July 2017 as a company limited by shares under the Isle of Man Companies Act 2006 with the registered number 014963V. The address of its registered office is Forrest House, Ronaldsway, Isle of Man, IM9 2RG.

The Company's shares were admitted to trading on AIM, a market operated by the London Stock Exchange, on 8 August 2017. The principal activities of Strix Group Plc and its subsidiaries (together "the Group") are the design, manufacture and supply of kettle safety controls and other components and devices involving water heating and temperature control, steam management, water filtration and small household appliances for personal health and wellness.

2.   PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The Group's principal accounting policies, all of which have been applied consistently to all of the years presented, are set out below.

Basis of preparation

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") and International Financial Reporting Standards Interpretation Committee ("IFRS IC") interpretations as adopted by the European Union. The financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis.

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the Group's accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the consolidated financial statements, are disclosed in note 3.

Historical cost convention

The financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for the following:

·

contingent consideration - measured at fair value

 

Going concern

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis.

The Directors have made enquiries to assess the appropriateness of continuing to adopt the going concern basis. In making this assessment the Directors have considered the following:

·

the strong historic trading performance of the Group;

·

budgets and cash flow forecasts for the period to December 2024;

·

the current financial position of the Group, including its cash and cash equivalents balances of £30.4m;

·

the availability of further funding by way of access to the AIM market afforded by the Company's admission to AIM);

·

the low liquidity risk the Group is exposed to;

·

the fact that the Group operates within a sector that is experiencing relatively stable demand for its products, despite a dip in sales due to the global COVID-19 pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine.; and

·

that there has minimal disruption to the Group's manufacturing or supply chain.

 

Based on these considerations, the Directors have concluded that there are no material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt on its ability to continue as a going concern and the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. As a result, the Directors continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the consolidated financial statements.

There are no standards, amendments to standards or interpretations that the Group has applied for the first time in the reporting period commencing 1 January 2022 that have had a material impact on the financial statements.

Standards, amendments and interpretations which are not effective or early adopted

Certain new accounting standards and interpretations have been published that are not mandatory for 31 December 2022 reporting periods and have not been early adopted by the Group. These standards are not expected to have a material impact on the entity in the current or future reporting periods and on foreseeable future transactions.

 

Basis of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements comprise the financial statements of the Company and all of its subsidiary undertakings. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control commences and are deconsolidated from the date that control ceases. The financial statements of all group companies are adjusted, where necessary, to ensure the use of consistent accounting policies.

Subsidiaries

Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Group. Control exists when the Group is exposed to or has the rights to variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity.

Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group. Consolidation of subsidiaries ceases from the date that control also ceases.

Non-controlling interests in the results and equity of subsidiaries are shown separately in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, consolidated statement of changes in equity and the consolidated statement of financial position, respectively.

Joint ventures

Joint ventures are joint arrangements of which the Group has joint control, with rights to the net assets of those arrangements. Joint control is the contractually agreed sharing of control of an arrangement, which exists only when decisions about the relevant activities require the unanimous consent of the parties sharing control. Interests in joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method of accounting (detailed below) after being recognised at cost in the consolidated statement of financial position. 

Equity method of accounting

Under the equity method of accounting, investments in joint ventures are initially recognised at cost and adjusted thereafter to recognise the Group's share of the post-acquisition profits or losses from the joint arrangement in profit or loss, and the Group's share of movements in other comprehensive income of the joint arrangement in other comprehensive income. Dividends received from joint ventures are recognised as a reduction in the carrying amount of the investment.

Unrealised gains on transactions between the Group and its joint ventures are eliminated to the extent of the Group's interest in these entities.

The carrying amount of equity-accounted investments is tested for impairment in accordance with the impairment of assets policy as described below in this note.

Transactions eliminated on consolidation

Intra-group balances, and any gains and losses or income and expenses arising from intra-group transactions, are eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements.

Business combinations

Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method as at the acquisition date with the assets and liabilities of subsidiaries being measured at their fair values. Any excess of the cost of acquisition over the fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired is recognised as goodwill. The Group measures goodwill at the acquisition date as:

·

the fair value of the consideration transferred; plus

·

the recognised amount of any non-controlling interests in the acquiree; plus

·

if the business combination is achieved in stages, the fair value of the pre-existing interest in the acquiree; less

·

the fair value of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

 

Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are, with limited exceptions, measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date. The Group recognises any non-controlling interest in the acquired entity on an acquisition-by-acquisition basis at the non-controlling interest's proportionate share of the fair value of the acquired entity's net identifiable assets. Transaction costs that the Group incurs in connection with a business combination are expensed as incurred.

If the initial accounting for a business combination is preliminary by the end of the reporting period in which the business combination occurs, provisional amounts are reported.  Those provisional amounts are adjusted during the measurement period, or additional assets or liabilities recognised retrospectively to reflect the new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as at the acquisition date, and if known, would have affected the measurement of assets and liabilities recognised at that date. Contingent consideration is classified either as equity or a financial liability. Amounts classified as a financial liability are subsequently remeasured to fair value, with changes in fair value recognised in profit or loss.

Foreign currency translation

Functional and presentational currency

Items included in the financial information of each of the Group's entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates ("the functional currency"). The consolidated financial statements are presented in Pound Sterling, which is Strix Group Plc's functional and presentation currency.

Transactions and balances

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates at the dates of the transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions, and from the translation of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at year end exchange rates, are recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income within cost of sales.

Group companies

The results and financial position of foreign operations that have a functional currency different from the presentation currency are translated into the presentation currency as follows:

·

assets, including intangible assets and goodwill arising on acquisition of those foreign operations, and liabilities for each statement of financial position presented are translated at the closing rate at the date of that statement of financial position, or at historic rates for certain line items;

·

income and expenses for each statement of comprehensive income presented are translated at average exchange rates (unless this is not a reasonable approximation of the cumulative effect of the rates prevailing on the transaction dates, in which case income and expenses are translated at the dates of the transactions); and

·

all resulting exchange differences are recognised in other comprehensive income. Such translation differences are reclassified to profit or loss only on disposal or partial disposal of the foreign operation.

Property , plant and equipment

Initial recognition and measurement

Items of property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Cost includes the original purchase price of the asset and the costs attributable to bringing the
asset to its working condition for its intended use. When parts of an item of property, plant and equipment have different useful lives, the components are accounted for as separate items.

Subsequent costs are included in the asset's carrying amount or recognised as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Group and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. Repairs and maintenance are charged to profit or loss during the reporting period in which they are incurred.

Subsequent measurement

Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method to allocate the cost of the assets, net of any residual values, over their estimated useful lives.

 

At the beginning of the year, Management reassessed the economic useful lives of certain property, plant and equipment. The reassessment was performed in light of the Group's historical usage of the assets, condition of the assets at the time of the assessment, technical and or commercial factors as well as legal and contractual terms where applicable. Based on the reassessment, the assets' useful lives were extended to appropriately reflect Management's expected use of the assets. The revision to the accounting estimate has been effected prospectively as from the beginning of the current year. Note 12 details the financial impact of the change in the useful lives of these assets.

 

The revised useful lives are shown below:

Asset class

Previous estimate

Revised estimate

· Plant and machinery

3-10 years

3-25 years

· Fixtures, fittings and equipment

2-5 years

2-10 years

· Motor vehicles

3-5 years

unchanged

· Production tools

1-5 years

1-10 years

· Right-of-use assets

2-8 years (based on the lease term)

unchanged

· Land and buildings

50 years

unchanged

 

The asset class 'Point-of-use dispensers' were acquired on acquisition of the Billi entities (notes 12 and 14) and are depreciated over 4 - 10 years.

The Group manufactures some of its production tools and equipment. The costs of construction are included within a separate category within property, plant and equipment ("assets under construction") until the tools and equipment are ready for use at which point the costs are transferred to the relevant asset category and depreciated. Any items that are scrapped are written off to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

The assets' residual values and useful lives are reviewed at the end of each reporting period.

Fixtures, fittings and other equipment includes computer hardware.

Derecognition

Property, plant and equipment assets are derecognised on disposal, or when no future economic benefits are expected from use or disposal. Gains or losses arising from derecognition of property, plant and equipment, measured as the difference between net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset, are recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income on derecognition.

Impairment

Tangible assets that are subject to depreciation are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset's carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset's fair value less costs to sell and value in use. 

Intangible assets

Initial recognition and measurement

The Group's intangible assets relate to goodwill, capitalised development costs, intellectual property, customer relationships, brands and computer software. Goodwill is the excess of the consideration paid over the fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities in a business combination and relates to assets which are not capable of being individually identified and separately recognised. Goodwill acquired is allocated to those cash-generating units ("CGUs") expected to benefit from the business combination in which the goodwill arose. Goodwill is measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses and is held in the functional currency of the acquired entity to which it relates and remeasured at the closing exchange rate at the end of each reporting period, with the movement taken through other comprehensive income. The CGUs represent the lowest level within the Group at which goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes.

Capitalised development costs are recorded as intangible assets and amortised from the point at which the asset is ready for use. Internal costs that are incurred during the development of significant and separately identifiable new products and manufacturing techniques for use in the business are capitalised when the following criteria are met:

·

it is technically feasible to complete the project so that it will be available for use;

·

management intends to complete the project and use or sell it;

·

it can be demonstrated how the project will develop probable future economic benefits;

·

adequate technical, financial, and other resources to complete the project and to use or sell the project output are available; and

·

expenditure attributable to the project during its development can be reliably measured.

Capitalised development costs include employee, travel and other directly attributable costs necessary to create, produce and prepare the asset to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management. Refer to note 6(a) for details.

Intellectual property is capitalised where it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the patent will flow to the Group, and the cost can be measured reliably. The costs of renewing and maintaining patents are expensed in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income as they are incurred.

Customer relationships, intellectual property and brands are recognised on acquisitions where it is probable that future economic benefits will flow to the Group.

Computer software is only capitalised when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the software will flow to the Group, and the cost of the software can be measured reliably. Computer software that is integral to an item of property, plant and equipment is included as part of the cost of the asset recognised in property, plant and equipment.

Other development expenditures that do not meet these criteria are recognised as an expense as incurred.

Subsequent measurement

The Group amortises intangible assets with a limited useful life using the straight-line method.

At the beginning of the year, Management reassessed the economic useful lives of certain intangible assets. The reassessment was performed in light of the Group's historical realisation of the economic benefits from the intangible assets, technical and or commercial factors as well as legal and contractual terms where applicable. Based on the reassessment, the assets' useful lives were extended to appropriately reflect Management's expected realisation of the economic benefits from the intangible assets. The revision to the accounting estimate has been effected prospectively as from the beginning of the current year. Note 11 details the financial impact of the change in the useful lives of these assets.

    The revised useful lives are shown below:

  Asset class

Previous estimate

Revised estimate

· Capitalised development costs

2-5 years

2-10 years

· Intellectual property

Lower of useful or legal life

unchanged

· Technology and software

2-10 years

unchanged

· Customer relationships

10-13 years

unchanged

· Brands

Indefinite useful life

unchanged

· Goodwill

Indefinite useful life

unchanged

 

Brands have an indefinite useful life because there is no foreseeable limit on the period during which the Group expects to consume the future economic benefits embodied in the asset.

 

The LAICA brand has been trading since inception and has been a well recognisable brand amongst the Group's trading partners, and the Group does not foresee a time limit by when these partnerships will cease.

The Billi brand is a well-established and competitive brand, being one of the top 2 brands in the Australian and New Zealand industries, and well recognised in the United Kingdom among residential and commercial clientele. The Group does not foresee a time limit by when this market presence will cease. 

 

Amortisation is charged to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives above.

 

Derecognition

Intangible assets are derecognised on disposal, or when no future economic benefits are expected from use or disposal. Gains or losses arising from derecognition of intangible assets, measured as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset, and are recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income when the asset is derecognised. Where a subsidiary is sold, any goodwill arising on acquisition, net of any impairment, is included in determining the profit or loss arising on disposal. 

Impairment

Intangible assets that are subject to amortisation are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset's carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset's fair value less costs to sell and value in use.

Goodwill and intangible assets that have an indefinite useful life are not subject to amortisation and are tested annually for impairment, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that they might be impaired.

An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset's carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset's fair value less costs of disposal and value in use. For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash inflows which are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets (cash-generating units). Non-financial assets other than goodwill that suffered an impairment are reviewed for possible reversal of the impairment at the end of each reporting period.

Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives impairment assessments

Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives arising on business combinations are allocated to the relevant CGU and are treated as the foreign operation's assets.

Impairment reviews are performed at least annually, or more frequently if there are indicators that goodwill might be impaired. The Group has assessed the carrying values of goodwill and brands to determine whether any amounts have been impaired. The recoverable amount of the underlying CGU was based on a value in use model where future cashflows were discounted using a weighted average cost of capital as the discount rate with terminal values calculated applying a long-term growth rate. In determining the recoverable amount, the Group considered several sources of estimation uncertainty and made certain assumptions or judgements about the future. Future events could cause the assumptions used in the impairment review to change with an impact on the results and net position of the group.

Leases

The leasing activities of the Group and how these are accounted for

The Group leases office space, workshops, warehouses and factory space. Rental contracts are typically made for periods of 3 - 10 years, but may have extension options. Lease terms are negotiated on an individual basis and contain a wide range of different terms and conditions. The lease agreements do not impose any covenants, but leased assets may not be used as security for borrowing purposes.

Leases are recognised as a right-of-use ("ROU") assets and a corresponding liability at the date at which the leased asset is available for use by the Group. Each lease payment is allocated between the liability, finance costs and foreign exchange (where the lease is denominated in a foreign currency). The finance cost is charged to profit or loss over the lease period so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability for each period. The right-of-use asset is depreciated over the shorter of the asset's useful life and the lease term on a straight-line basis.

Measurement of future lease liabilities

Assets and liabilities arising from a lease are initially measured on a present value basis. Future lease liabilities include the net present value of the following lease payments:

·

fixed payments (including in-substance fixed payments), less any lease incentives receivable

·

variable lease payments that are based on an index or a rate

·

amounts expected to be payable by the lessee under residual value guarantees

·

the exercise price of a purchase option if the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise that options, and

·

the payment of penalties for terminating the lease, if the lease term reflects the lessee exercising that option.

The lease payments are discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease. If that rate cannot be readily determined, which is generally the case for leases in the Group, the lessee's incremental borrowing rate is used, being the rate that the individual lessee would have to pay to borrow the funds necessary to obtain an asset of similar value to the right-of-use asset in a similar economic environment with similar terms, security and conditions.

Lease payments are allocated between principal and finance cost. The finance cost is charged to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income over the lease period so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability for each period.

Measurement of right-of-use assets

Right-of-use assets are measured at cost comprising the following:

·

the amount of the initial measurement of lease liability

·

any lease payments made at or before the commencement date less any lease incentives received

·

any initial direct costs, and

·

restoration costs

Right-of-use assets are generally depreciated over the shorter of the asset's useful life and the lease term on a straight-line basis.

Payments associated with short-term leases and leases of low-value assets are recognised on a straight-line basis as an expense in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. Short-term leases are leases with a lease term of 12 months or less. Low-value assets comprise primarily IT equipment.

Extension and termination options

Extension and termination options are included in a number of property leases across the Group. These terms are used to maximise operational flexibility in terms of managing contracts.

Lease income

Lease income from operating leases where the Group is a lessor, and where substantially all the risks and rewards associated with the leased asset remain with the Group, is recognised in other income on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Financial assets

Classification

The Group classifies its financial assets as financial assets held at amortised cost.  Management determines the classification of its financial assets at initial recognition.

The Group classifies its financial assets as at amortised cost only if both of the following criteria are met:

·

the asset is held within a business model whose objective is to collect the contractual cash flows; and

·

the contractual terms give rise to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest.

 

Financial assets held at amortised cost are initially recognised at fair value, and are subsequently stated at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Financial assets at amortised cost comprise cash and cash equivalents and trade and other receivables (excluding prepayments and the advance purchase of commodities). Trade receivables are amounts due from customers for products sold performed in the ordinary course of business. They are due for settlement either on a cash in advance basis, or generally within 45 days, and are therefore all classified as current. Other receivables generally arise from transactions outside the usual operating activities of the Group.

Impairment of financial assets

The Group assesses, on a forward-looking basis, the expected credit losses associated with its debt instruments carried at amortised cost. The impairment methodology applied depends on whether there has been a significant increase in credit risk.

The Group applies the expected credit loss model to financial assets at amortised cost. For trade receivables, the Group applies the simplified approach permitted by IFRS 9, which requires expected lifetime losses to be recognised from initial recognition of the receivables. Given the nature of the Group's receivables, expected lifetime losses are not material.

Financial liabilities

With the exception of contingent consideration, the Group initially recognises its financial liabilities at fair value net of transaction costs where applicable and subsequently they are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Financial liabilities comprise trade payables, payments in advance from customers and other liabilities. They are initially recognised at transaction price, unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Contingent consideration is measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognised in profit or loss.

Trade payables are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Trade payables are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Other liabilities include rebates.

Borrowing costs

Borrowing costs or arrangement fees, including option-type arrangements, are recognised initially at fair value. Borrowing costs including option-type borrowing arrangements are subsequently measured at amortised cost. The establishment of such option-type arrangements are recognised as a 'right to borrow' asset, and together with other borrowing costs or arrangement fees are amortised over the period of the facilities to which the fees relate, and are deducted from the carrying value of the financial liability.

General and specific borrowing costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset are capitalised during the period of time that is required to complete and prepare the asset for its intended use or sale. Qualifying assets are assets that necessarily take a substantial period of time to get ready for their intended use or sale. Investment income earned on the temporary investment of specific borrowings, pending their expenditure on qualifying assets, is deducted from the borrowing costs eligible for capitalisation. Other borrowing costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances and call deposits with a maturity of three months or less. While cash and cash equivalents are also subject to the impairment requirements of IFRS 9, impairment losses are not material.

Employee benefits

The Group provides a range of benefits to employees, including annual bonus arrangements, paid holiday entitlements and defined benefit and contribution pension plans.

Short-term benefits

Short-term benefits, including holiday pay and similar non-monetary benefits, are recognised as an expense in the period in which the service is rendered. The Group recognises a liability and an expense for bonuses where contractually obliged or where there is a past practice that has created a constructive obligation.

Pensions

Subsidiary companies operate both defined contribution and defined benefit plans for the benefit of their employees.

A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which the Group pays fixed contributions into a separate entity. The Group has no legal or constructive obligations to pay further contributions if the fund does not hold sufficient assets to pay all employees the benefits relating to employee service in the current and prior periods. The Group has no further payment obligations once the contributions have been paid. The contributions are recognised as employee benefit expense when they are due. A defined benefit plan is a pension plan that is not a defined contribution plan.

Typically, defined benefit plans define an amount of pension benefit that an employee will receive on retirement, usually dependent on one or more factors, such as age, years of service or compensation.

The liability recognised in the consolidated statement of financial position in respect of the defined benefit scheme is the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the statement of financial position date less the fair value of the scheme assets, together with adjustments for unrecognised actuarial gains or losses and past service costs. The defined benefit obligation is calculated by qualified independent actuaries using the projected unit method. The present value of the defined benefit obligation is determined by discounting the estimated future cash outflows using interest rates of high-quality corporate bonds that are denominated in the currency in which the benefits will be paid, and that have terms to maturity approximating to the terms of the related pension liability.

The net pension finance cost is determined by applying the discount rate, used to measure the defined benefit pension obligation at the beginning of the accounting period, to the net pension obligation at the beginning of the accounting period taking into account any changes in the net pension obligation during the period as a result of cash contributions and benefit payments.

Pension scheme expenses are charged to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income within administrative expenses. Actuarial gains and losses are recognised immediately in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. Net defined benefit pension scheme deficits before tax relief are presented separately in the consolidated statement of financial position within non-current liabilities.

Share-based payments

The Group has issued conditional equity settled share-based options and conditional share awards under a Long-Term Incentive Plan ("LTIP") in the parent company to certain employees. Under the LTIP, the Group receives services from employees as consideration for equity instruments of the Group. The fair value of the employee services received in exchange for the grant of the options is recognised as an expense.

The total amount to be expensed is determined by reference to the fair value of the options granted:

·

including any market performance conditions such as the requirement for the Group's shares to be above a certain price for a pre-determined period;

·

excluding the impact of any service and non-market performance vesting conditions, including earnings per share targets, dividend targets, and remaining an employee of the Group over a specified period of time; and

·

including the impact of any non-vesting conditions, where relevant.

 

These awards are measured at fair value on the date of the grant using an option pricing model and expensed in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, after making an allowance for the estimated number of shares that will not vest. The level of vesting is reviewed and adjusted bi-annually in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, with a corresponding adjustment to equity.

If the terms of an equity settled award are modified, at a minimum, an expense is recognised as if the terms had not been modified. An additional expense is recognised for any modification that increases the total fair value of the share-based payment, or is otherwise beneficial to the employee, as measured at the date of modification.

If an equity award is cancelled by forfeiture, where the vesting conditions (other than market conditions) have not been met, any expense not yet recognised for that award as at the date of forfeiture is treated as if it had never been recognised. At the same time, any expense previously recognised on such cancelled equity awards is reversed, effective as at the date of forfeiture.

The dilutive effect, if any, of outstanding options is included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share.

Further details on the awards is included in note 23.

Inventories

Inventories consist of raw materials and finished goods which are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is determined using the weighted average cost formula. Cost comprises expenditure which has been incurred in the normal course of business in bringing the products to their present location and condition including applicable supplier rebates, and include all related production and engineering overheads at cost. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less applicable selling expenses. At the end of each reporting period, inventories are assessed for impairment. If inventory is impaired, the identified inventory is reduced to its selling price less costs to complete and an impairment charge is recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

Supplier rebates

The Group enters into agreements with suppliers whereby volume-related allowances and various other fees and discounts are received in connection with the purchase of goods from those suppliers. Most of the income received from suppliers relates to commercially agreed rebates based on historic sales volumes.

Rebates are recognised when earned by the Group, which occurs when all obligations conditional for earning income have been discharged, and the income can be measured reliably based on the terms of the contract. The income is recognised as a credit within cost of sales.

Where the income earned relates to inventories which are held by the Group at the year end, the income is included within the cost of those inventories, and recognised in cost of sales upon sale of those inventories. Amounts due relating to supplier rebates are recognised within trade and other receivables.

Revenue

The Group primarily recognises revenue from the sale of goods and services to its customers as well as from licensing arrangements. The transaction price is based on the sales agreement with the customer. Revenue is reported net of sales taxes, discounts, rebates and after eliminating intra-group sales. Rebates are based on a certain volume of purchases by a customer within a given period and are recognised on an expected value approach.

Revenue is measured based on the consideration to which the Group expects to be entitled in a contract with a customer and is recognised when the performance obligations have been fulfilled. The Group recognises revenue from the sale of goods and services either at a point in time or over time, based on the nature of the contract terms. The Group recognises revenue from three main categories namely kettle safety controls, water and appliances.

Kettle safety controls

The performance obligation is the delivery of the goods to customers, and revenue is recognised on dispatch, otherwise it is recognised when the products have been shipped to a specific location, or when the risks of obsolescence and loss have been transferred to the Original Equipment Manufacturer ('OEM') or wholesaler. All of the amounts recognised as revenue are based on contracts with customers. No element of financing is deemed present because the sales are made under normal credit terms, which is consistent with market price.

Payment terms for the majority of customers in this category are to pay cash in advance of the goods being delivered. The Group recognises the advance payments within trade and other payables on the consolidated statement of financial position as "Payments in advance from customers". At the point the revenue is recognised, these balances are transferred from "Payments in advance from customers" to revenue. For the majority of other customers payment is normally due within 30 to 45 days from the date of sale.

Water and appliances

The Group recognises revenue from the following major sources under water and appliances categories:

·

Sale of components and devices involving water heating and temperature control, steam management and water filtration;

·

Sale of Point-of-use (POU) water and coffee machines; 

·

Rental of Point-of-use (POU) dispensers and coffee machines;

·

Servicing of Point-of-use (POU) units; and

·

Sale of consumables

 

Sale of components, devices and consumables

Sales are either 'direct' to the end user customers or 'indirect' to wholesale and retail distributors. Revenue from the supply of goods is recognised once control of the goods has been transferred to the customer, being when goods have been delivered to a customer site or in the case of indirect sales, when the goods have been delivered to the wholesale distributor.

Rental of dispensers

Rental income is made up of revenue from the supply of goods where the Group is lessor in an operating lease and is recognised over time, with the transaction price allocated to this service released on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease. Included in the transaction price for the rental of dispensers, in some contracts, is the installation of those dispensers. The rental and installation elements of the contract are considered to be one deliverable, as they are highly interrelated, and therefore there is no allocation of a portion of the transaction price to the installation.

Rental income from operating leases is recognised on a straight-line basis over the term of the relevant lease. Initial direct costs incurred in negotiating and arranging an operating lease (except where immaterial) are added to the carrying amount of the leased asset and recognised on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Commissions on new contracts are capitalised and depreciated over one and a half times the initial lease term. 

Rental agreements run for a minimum period of twelve months and typically for three to five years. Some rental agreements have no fixed end date and may be cancelled by either party subject to a minimum notice period or early termination penalty. The average useful economic life for a POU water device is approximately four to ten years whilst refurbishment can extend the life of some devices to eleven years or more. For this reason, existing rental agreements are not judged to transfer substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessee.

Combined rental and service contracts

The Group has in place some contracts that cover both the rental and servicing and maintenance of dispensers. The transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation to reflect the amount of consideration to which the Group is entitled to, in exchange for transferring the promised goods or services to the customer. The Group allocates combined rental and service income to the separate rental and service categories based on a percentage allocation method, which is calculated for each business unit. The percentage allocation, which is recalculated periodically, is based on the transaction price being allocated to each performance obligation in proportion to its stand-alone selling price.

Servicing of POU units

Sale of services are recognised proportionally over the duration of the service period, provided a right to consideration has been established.

Deferred revenue

Revenue recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income but not yet invoiced is held in the statement of financial position within 'Trade receivables. Revenue invoiced but not yet recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income is held on the consolidated statement of financial position within 'Payments in advance from customers'.

Licensing income

 

The Group holds a substantial portfolio of issued and registered intellectual property rights relating to certain aspects of its hardware devices, accessories, goods, software and services. This includes patents, designs, copyrights, trademarks and other forms of intellectual property rights registered in the U.K. and various foreign countries.

 

From time to time, the Group enters into term-based and exclusive licensing arrangements with some of its customers in respect of its intellectual property. Revenue from the licensing contracts is variable and is recognised at the amount to which the Group expects to be entitled when control of the intellectual property is transferred to its customers. Control is generally transferred when the Company has a present right to payment and title and the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the intellectual property, products or services are transferred to its customers.

 

The licensing income is recognised at a point in time or over time based on the following assessment. Where the licensing arrangement is a distinct performance obligation, Management assess whether the licensing contract gives the customer either:

 

·

the right to access the Group's intellectual property as it exists throughout the licence period; or

·

right to use the Group's intellectual property as it exists at the point in time at which the licence is granted.

 

Revenue from a licencing contract which is considered to provide a right to the customer to access the Group's intellectual property as it exists throughout the licence period is recognised over time, as and when the related performance obligation is satisfied.

 

A licensing contract gives the customer the right to access the Group's intellectual property as it exists throughout the license period when all the following are met:

 

·

the contract requires, or the customer reasonably expects, that we will undertake activities that significantly affect the intellectual property to which the customer has rights; and

·

the rights granted by the licence directly expose the customer to any positive or negative effects of the entity's activities identified above; and

·

those activities do not result in the transfer of a good or a service to the customer as those activities occur. 

 

Revenue relating to a licensing contract which does not meet the above criteria is recognised at a point in time, which is usually the point at which the licence is granted to the customer but not before the beginning of the period during which the customer is able to use and benefit from the licence.

Cost of sales

Cost of sales comprise costs arising in connection with the manufacture of thermostatic controls, cordless interfaces, and other products such as water dispensers, taps, jugs and filters. Cost is based on the cost of purchases on a first in, first out basis and includes all direct costs and an appropriate portion of fixed and variable overheads where they are directly attributable to bringing the inventories into their present location and condition. This also includes an allocation of non-production overheads, costs of designing products for specific customers and amortisation of capitalised development costs.

Research and development

Research expenditure is written off to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income within cost of sales in the year in which it is incurred. Development expenditure is written off in the same way unless the Directors are satisfied as to the technical, commercial and financial viability of the individual projects. In this situation, the expenditure is classified on the consolidated statement of financial position as a capitalised development cost.

Finance income

Finance income comprises bank interest receivable on funds invested. Finance income is recognised using the effective interest rate method.

Finance costs

Finance costs directly attributable to the acquisition or construction of a qualifying asset are capitalised. Qualifying assets are those that necessarily take a substantial period of time to prepare for their intended use.  All other borrowing cost are recognised in the consolidated statement of income in finance costs. Finance costs comprise interest charges on lease liabilities, interest on borrowings, the unwind of discounts on the present value of liabilities, and finance charges relating to letters of credit. Finance costs are determined using the effective interest rate method.

Income tax

Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the statement of financial position date in the countries where the Company and its subsidiaries operate and generate taxable income, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.

Current and deferred tax is recognised in profit or loss, except to the extent that it relates to items recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity. In this case, the tax is also recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, respectively.

Deferred income tax is provided in full, using the liability method, on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements. However, deferred tax liabilities are not recognised if they arise from the initial recognition of goodwill.

Deferred income tax is also not accounted for if it arises from initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction other than a business combination that, at the time of the transaction, affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss. Deferred income tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period and are expected to apply when the related deferred income tax asset is realised or the deferred income tax liability is settled.

Deferred tax assets are recognised only if it is probable that future taxable amounts will be available to utilise those temporary differences and losses.

Deferred tax liabilities and assets are not recognised for temporary differences between the carrying amount and tax bases of investments in foreign operations where the company is able to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences and it is probable that the differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset where there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets and liabilities and where the deferred tax balances relate to the same taxation authority. Current tax assets and tax liabilities are offset where the entity has a legally enforceable right to offset and intends either to settle on a net basis, or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Share capital and share premium

Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new ordinary shares are shown in equity as a deduction from the proceeds. Share premium arising on the issue of shares is distributable. Share capital and share premium have been grouped for the purposes of financial statement presentation.

Dividends

Dividends are recognised when they become legally payable. In the case of interim dividends to equity shareholders, this is when declared by the Directors. In the case of final dividends, this is when approved by the shareholders at the AGM.

Segment reporting

Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision maker. The chief operating decision maker, who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing the performance of the operating segments, has been identified as the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors consists of the Executive Directors and the Non-Executive Directors.

Government grants

Subsidiary companies receive grants from the Isle of Man and Chinese governments towards revenue and capital expenditure. Government grants are recognised at their fair value where there is a reasonable assurance that the grant will be received and all attached conditions complied with.

Revenue grants are recognised as income over the period necessary to match the grant on a systematic basis to the costs that it is intended to compensate. The grant income is presented within other operating income in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

Capital grants are initially recognised as deferred income liabilities when received, and subsequently recognised as other income in profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the useful life of the related asset. The grants are dependent on the subsidiary company having fulfilled certain operating, investment and profitability criteria in the financial year, primarily relating to employment.

 

EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA - non-GAAP alternative performance measures

In the reporting of financial information, the Directors have adopted Earnings before Interest, Taxation, Depreciation and Amortisation ("EBITDA") and adjusted EBITDA when assessing the operating performance of the Group. Exceptional items are excluded from EBITDA to calculate adjusted EBITDA. The Directors primarily use the adjusted EBITDA measure when making decisions about the Group's activities

EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP measures and may not be calculated in the same way and hence may not be directly comparable to those reported by other entities. In determining the adjusting items, the following criteria is also considered:  

·

if a certain event (defined as exceptional) had not occurred, the costs would not have been incurred or the income would not have been earned; or

·

the costs attributable to the event have been identified using a reliable methodology of splitting amounts on an ongoing basis; and economic resources have been expended or diverted in order to directly contribute towards the related activities; and

·

costs have been incurred that cannot be recovered due to the event and the related activities.

 

An item is treated as exceptional if it relates to certain costs or income that derive from events or transactions that fall within the normal activities of the Group but which, individually or, if of a similar type, in aggregate, are excluded from the Group's Alternative Performance Measures (APMs) by virtue of their nature or size, in order to better reflect management's view of the underlying trends and operating performance of the Group that is more comparable over time.

 

3.   CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS AND ESTIMATES

In the application of the Group's accounting policies, which are described in Note 2, the directors are required to make judgements (other than those involving estimations) that have a significant impact on the amounts recognised and to make estimates and assumptions about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates. There is no change in applying accounting policies for critical accounting estimates and judgements from the prior year.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

Critical judgements in applying the entity's accounting policies

Functional currency

The Directors consider the factors set out in paragraphs 9, 10 and 11 of IAS 21, "The effects of changes in foreign currency" to determine the appropriate functional currency of its overseas operations. These factors include the currency that mainly influences sales prices, labour, material and other costs, the competitive market serviced, financing cash flows and the degree of autonomy granted to the subsidiaries.

The Directors have applied judgement in determining the most appropriate functional currency for all entities to be Pound Sterling, with the exception of Strix (Hong Kong) Ltd which has a Hong Kong Dollar functional currency, Strix (USA), Inc. which has a United States Dollar functional currency, HaloSource Water Purification Technology (Shanghai) Co. Ltd which have a Chinese Yuan functional currency, LAICA S.p.A and LAICA Iberia Distribution S.L. which both have a Euro functional currency, and LAICA International Corp.; Taiwan LAICA Corp. which both have a Taiwan Dollar functional currency, Billi Australia (Pty) Ltd which has an Australian Dollar functional currency and Billi New Zealand Ltd which has a New Zealand dollar functional currency. This may change as the Group's operations and markets change in the future.

Capitalisation of development costs

The Directors consider the factors set out in the paragraphs entitled 'Intangible assets - initial recognition and measurement' in note 2 with regard to the timing of the capitalisation of the development costs incurred. This requires judgement in determining when the different stages of development have been met.

Alternative performance measures (APMs) - Exceptional items

Management and the Board consider the quantitative and qualitative factors in classifying items as exceptional and exercise judgement in determining the adjustments to apply to IFRS measures. This assessment covers the nature of the item, cause of occurrence, frequency, predictability of occurrence of the item or related event, and the scale of the impact of that item on reported performance.  Reversals of previous exceptional items are assessed based on the same criteria.

 

An analysis of the exceptional items included in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income are disclosed in note 6(b).

Acquisition of Billi entities - fair value measurements

A determination of the provisional fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisition, and the useful lives of intangible assets and property, plant and equipment acquired is required. This exercise is a substantial undertaking which requires the use of various valuation techniques. Future events could cause underlying assumptions to change which could have a significant impact on the Group's financial results. Refer to Note 14 for further details regarding the acquisition, including estimations used in determining the provisional fair values for the acquired assets and liabilities assumed.

Impairment of indefinite lived intangible assets and goodwill

Determining whether goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are impaired requires an estimation of the value in use or the fair value less costs to sell of the cash generating unit (CGU) to which the goodwill or intangible asset has been allocated. The value in use calculation requires management's estimation of the future cash flows expected to arise from the CGU. Refer to Note 11 for the sensitivity analysis of the assumptions used in the impairment analysis of goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives.

4.  SEGMENTAL REPORTING

Management has determined the operating segments based on the operating reports reviewed by the Board of Directors that are used to assess both performance and strategic decisions. Management has identified that the Board of Directors is the chief operating decision maker in accordance with the requirements of IFRS 8 'Operating Segments'.

The Group's activities consist of the design, manufacture and sale of thermostatic controls, cordless interfaces, and other products such as water, dispensers, jugs and filters, primarily to Original Equipment Manufacturers ("OEMs"), commercial and residential customers based in China, Italy, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

The Board of Directors has identified 3 reportable segments from a product perspective, namely: kettle controls, water category and appliances. The Board of Directors primarily uses a measure of gross profit to assess the performance of the operating segments, broken down into revenue and cost of sales for each respective segment which is reported to them on a monthly basis. Information about segment revenue is disclosed below, as well as in note 7.


Reported gross profit

2022

(£000s)

Kettle controls

Water category

Appliances

Total

Revenue

68,243

24,135

14,542

106,920

Cost of sales

(41,108)

(16,303)

(8,831)

(66,242)

Gross profit

27,135

7,832

5,711

40,678

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reported gross profit

2021

(£000s)

Kettle controls

Water category

Appliances

Total

Revenue

85,117

21,404

12,889

119,410

Cost of sales

(52,880)

(14,617)

(8,067)

(75,564)

Gross profit

32,237

6,787

4,822

43,846

 


Adjusted gross profit*

2022

(£000s)

Kettle controls

Water category

Appliances

Total

Revenue

 68,243

 24,135

 14,542

 106,920

Cost of sales

(40,306)

(16,277)

(8,812)

(65,395)

Gross profit

 27,937

 7,858

 5,730

 41,525

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted gross profit*

2021

(£000s)

Kettle controls

Water category

Appliances

Total

Revenue

85,117

21,404

12,889

119,410

Cost of sales

(49,455)

(14,500)

(8,031)

(71,986)

Gross profit

35,662

6,904

4,858

47,424

* Adjusted gross profit excludes exceptional items as detailed in note 6(b). Adjusted results are non-GAAP metrics used by management and are not an IFRS disclosure.

Assets and liabilities

No analysis of the assets and liabilities of each operating segment is provided to the Board of Directors as part of monthly management reporting. Therefore, no analysis of segmented assets or liabilities is disclosed in this note.

Non-current assets (i) attributed to country of domicile and (ii) attributable to all other foreign countries

A geographical analysis of revenue from external customers has not been presented, as the OEMs to whom the majority of sales are made are primarily based in China and Italy.

In accordance with IFRS 8, the following table discloses the non-current assets located in both the Company's country of domicile (the Isle of Man) and foreign countries, primarily China, Italy, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom where the Group's principle subsidiaries are domiciled.


2022

2021


£000s

£000s



Country of domicile

 


Intangible assets

 11,354

 9,756

Property, plant and equipment

 3,151

 2,742

Total country of domicile non-current assets

 14,505

 12,498


 


Foreign countries

 


Intangible assets

 62,020

 20,712

Property, plant and equipment

 44,213

 40,021

Total foreign non-current assets

106,233

 60,733

 

 


Total non-current assets

120,738

73,231

  Major customers

In 2022, there were two major customers that individually accounted for at least 10% of total revenues (2021: two customers). The revenues relating to these customers in 2022 were £13,587,000 and £9,538,000 (2021: £15,390,000 and £12,133,000).

5.  EMPLOYEES AND DIRECTORS

(a) Employee benefit expenses


2022

2021


£000s

£000s

Wages and salaries

27,500

28,167

Defined contribution pension cost (note 5(c)(i))

782

684

Employee benefit expenses

28,282

28,851




Share based payment transactions (note 23)

(491)

1,549

Total employee benefit expenses

27,791

30,400

 

 (b) Key management compensation

The following table details the aggregate compensation paid in respect of the key management, which includes the Directors and the members of the Operational Board, representing members of the senior management team from all key departments of the Group.

 


2022

2021


£000s

£000s

Salaries and other short-term employee benefits

2,069

2,025

Post-employment benefits

181

149

Termination benefits

74

-

Share based payment transactions

(348)

311


1,976

2,485

 

- There are no defined benefit schemes for key management. Pension costs under defined contribution schemes are included in the post-employment benefits disclosed above.

 

 (c) Retirement benefits

(i) The Strix Limited Retirement Fund

The Strix Limited Retirement Fund is a defined contribution scheme under which the assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Group in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents costs payable by the Group to the fund and amounted to £782,000 (2021: £684,000).

  (ii) LAICA S.p.A. Termination Indemnity

LAICA S.p.A. operates a defined benefit plan for its employees in accordance with the Italian Termination Indemnity (named "Trattamento di Fine Rapporto" or "TFR") provisions defined by the National Civil Code (Article 2120). In accordance with IAS 19, the TFR provision is a defined benefit plan, which is based on the principle to allocate the final cost of benefits over the periods of service which give rise to an accrual of deferred rights under each particular benefit plan.

The calculation of the liability is based on both the length of service and on the remuneration received by the employee during that period of service. Article 2120 states that severance pay is due to the employee by the companies in any case of termination of the employment contract. For each year of service, severance pay accruals are based on total annual compensation divided by 13.05. Although the benefit is paid in full by the employer, part (0.5% of pay) of the annual accrual is paid to INPS by the employer, and is subtracted from the severance pay accruals for the contribution reference period. As of 31st December of every year, the severance pay accrued as of 31st December of the preceding year is revalued by an index stipulated by law as follows: 1.5% plus 75% of the increase over the last 12 months in the consumer price index, as determined by the Italian Statistical Institute.

In accordance with IAS 19, the determination of the present value of the liability is carried out by an independent actuary under the projected unit method. This method considers each period of service provided by workers at the company as a unit of additional right. The actuarial liability must therefore be quantified based on seniority reached at the valuation date and re-proportioned based on the ratio between the years of service accrued at the reference date of the assessment and the overall seniority reached at the time scheduled for the payment of the benefit. Furthermore, this method provides to consider future salary increases, due to any cause (inflation, career, contract renewals, etc.), up to the time of termination of the employment relationship.

 

The below chart summarises the defined benefit pension liability of LAICA S.p.A. at 31st December 2022:

 


2022

2021


£000s

£000s

Liability as at 1 January

897

898

Current service cost for the period

(113)

58

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

48

(59)

Liability as at 31 December

832

897

The key actuarial assumptions used in arriving at these figures include:

annual discount rate of 3.77% (2021: 0.87%)

annual price inflation of 2.3% (2021: 1.6%)

annual TFR increase of 3.2% (2021: 2.7%)

demographic assumptions based on INPS published data

 

The remainder of the post-employment benefit liability of £85,000 (2021: £74,000) as at 31 December 2022 is made up of contractual post-employment liabilities within LAICA S.p.A. that do not meet the definition of a defined benefit plan in accordance with IAS 19.

6.  EXPENSES

(a) Expenses by nature


2022

2021


£000s

£000s

Employee benefit expense (note 5(a))

 28,282

28,851

Depreciation charges

 4,201

4,569

Amortisation and impairment charges

 2,063

2,310

Exceptional items (see below)

 5,948

9,941

Foreign exchange losses

 188

186

 

Research and development expenditure totalled £4,888,000 (2021: £5,324,000), and £3,326,000 (2021: £3,609,000) of development costs have been capitalised during the year.

(b) Exceptional items

The main categories of exceptional items relate to major exceptional events or projects impacting the Group's underlying operations, namely strategic projects relating to mergers and acquisitions with particular reference to the acquisition of the Billi entities in the current year and LAICA in 2020 and their continued integration into the Group, disaster recovery costs due to a cyber incident, COVID-19 related costs and related impacts on Group operations, reorganisation and restructuring projects, and the Group's share incentive initiatives for conditional share options and awards issued to certain employees of the Group (refer to note 23 for further details).

Exceptional items have been broken down as follows:


2022

2021


£000s

£000s

Exceptional items in cost of sales:

 


Assets written off due to relocation to new factory

 - 

1,679

Other costs relating to relocation to new factory

 - 

1,596

COVID-19 related costs

 485

226

Reorganisation costs

 362

77

 

 847

3,578

Exceptional items in administrative expenses:

 


Share-based payments

(491)

1,549

Other costs relating to relocation to new factory

 - 

1,140

Mergers and acquisitions related costs

 3,992

2,749

COVID-19 related costs

 673

819

Disaster recovery

 377

-

Reorganisation and restructuring costs

 550

106


5,101

6,363


 


Total exceptional items

5,948

 9,941

Also included as an exceptional item are finance costs of £180,000 (2021: £780,000) relating to the discount unwinding of the present values of contingent liabilities recognised per note 14. These costs have been included within finance costs in note 8.

Mergers and acquisitions exceptional costs relate mainly to the accrual of consultancy and other acquisition related exceptional costs amounting to £2,703,000 from the acquisition of the Billi entities in November 2022 as well as an accrual of £2,481,000 for 2022 as part of a supplemental consulting arrangement with the vendor shareholders of LAICA relating to compensation for post-combination services as these services are rendered to LAICA in 2022 (refer to note 14). Within the exceptional costs for mergers and acquisitions is a reversal of £1,267,000 relating to the estimated contingent consideration which was recognised at acquisition date when the Group acquired LAICA. The adjustment is due to a revision of the estimate in relation to the performance earn-out. LAICA's performance in the current year was lower than originally expected at the date of acquisition. Other mergers and acquisitions costs totalling £75,000 relate to legal and consultancy fees incurred on integration of LAICA into the Group.

COVID-19 related exceptional costs are those items that are incremental and directly attributable to COVID-19. These are costs that would not have been incurred if the COVID-19 pandemic had not occurred and are not expected to recur once the effects have largely receded. In the current year, these mainly consisted of incremental labour costs as a result of the COVID lockdowns mainly in China where the Group has significant operations. Other COVID-19 exceptional costs included mothballing of certain activities as resources were reorganised in response to the impact of COVID-19 on the Group's operations, additional cleaning and sanitation costs incurred as part of combined infection control or prevention efforts, and exceptional freight and carriage costs paid to fill shortages of supplies, materials and products directly caused by impacts of COVID-19 on shipping and freight supply chains.

Disaster recovery costs relate to staff and non-staff costs incurred in response to a cyber incident which occurred in February 2022. The Group engaged external specialists, took precautionary measures with its IT infrastructure and implemented its business continuity plan. The systems were successfully restored and are fully operational. The Group continues to monitor its exposure.

 

Reorganisation and restructuring costs include costs to re-qualify an alternative supplier due to a natural disaster in the form of flooding at one of the Group's suppliers as well as redundancy and relocation costs which arose during the year.

 

In the prior year, costs relating to the new Chinese factory project were made up of assets written off with a net book value of £1.7m which could not be relocated as they would not be fit for the manufacturing operations at the new factory, and other relocation costs totalling £2.7m relating to disassembly of machinery at the old factory, moving costs, reassembly of machinery at the new factory, labour costs incurred for the relocation, set-up and cleaning costs, logistics services, approvals and inspections, consultancy and security services, and other costs directly related to the relocation.

 (c) Auditor's remuneration

During the year the Group (including its subsidiaries) obtained the following services from the Company's auditor as detailed below:


2022

2021


£000s

£000s

Fees payable to Company's auditor and its associates for the audit of the consolidated financial statements

245

201

Fees payable to Company's auditor and its associates for other services:

 


 - the audit of Company's subsidiaries

 8

8

 - other assurance services

 3

56

 - tax compliance and other

 5

4


261

269

7.   REVENUE

The following table shows a disaggregation of revenue into categories by product line:


2022

2021


£000s

£000s

Kettle controls

68,243

85,117

Water category

24,135

21,404

Appliances

14,542

12,889

Total revenue

106,920

119,410

Included within the revenue from the appliances category is licensing fee income relating to intellectual property amounting to £1,442,000 (2021: nil).

8.  FINANCE COSTS


2022

2021


£000s

£000s

Letter of credit charges

 94

95

Right-of-use lease interest

 92

105

Discount unwinding of present value of contingent consideration

 180

780

Borrowing costs

 3,559

1,246

Total finance costs

 3,925

2,226

The discount unwinding of present values relating to the contingent consideration recognised on acquisition of LAICA S.p.A. (see note 14). The amount has been included in finance costs as an exceptional item (refer to note 6).

 

9.  TAXATION

 

 

2022

2021

Analysis of (credit) / charge in year 

£000s

£000s

Current tax (overseas) and deferred tax

 


Current tax on overseas profits for the year

 491

1,115

Adjustments to prior years' overseas tax provisions

(1,323)

-

Movement in deferred tax assets and liabilities

 27

(255)

Total tax (credit) / charge

(805)

860

Overseas tax relates primarily to tax payable by the Group's subsidiaries in China, Australia, New Zealand, Italy and the UK.

In relation to the prior year's tax provision adjustments, during 2015, the Group's Chinese subsidiary took a prudent measure to make tax provisions following a benchmarking assessment by the Chinese tax authorities relating to the contract processing model adopted by the businesses in the years 2009 to 2014. The potential additional liabilities for 2015 to 2018 of £876,000 had been included within the current tax liability balance up to the end of the prior year. Based on the independent recommendations, and as a more acceptable tax model by the Chinese tax authorities, the Chinese subsidiary converted to an import processing model in 2019, which is also largely in use by the majority of the OEMs in China. As result of this, the subsidiary obtained a tax certificate from the in-charge tax bureau in the current year which confirmed that all tax matters in the subsidiary have been settled. As such the prior year tax provisions were therefore released in the current year as they were no longer required.

In addition, withholdings taxes of £447,000 relating to anticipated dividends payable by the Chinese subsidiary to its immediate holding company in the Isle of Man had been accrued in previous years. In light of the recent developments in the Group's operations in China, Management decided in the current year to invest more into the new China factory in terms of capital expenditure, thereby keeping profits within the Chinese subsidiaries. As a result of this decision, the anticipated dividends were no longer payable and the relating tax provisions were consequently released.

Reconciliation of the movement in deferred tax liabilities has been presented below:

Deferred tax liabilities:

 

 

2022

2021

 

 

£000

£000

Deferred tax liability on 1 January


2,303

2,558

Deferred tax liabilities recognised on acquisition of Billi (note 14)


9,011

-

Reversal of deferred tax on utilisation of temporary differences


73

(255)

Deferred tax liability as at 31 December


11,387

2,303

The balance comprises temporary differences attributable to intangible assets recognised on acquisition of LAICA in FY 2020 and Billi in the current year.

The Group has an immaterial deferred tax asset. Refer to note 16 for details.

As the most significant subsidiary in the Group is based on the Isle of Man, this is considered to represent the most relevant standard rate for the Group. The tax assessed for the year is different to the standard rate of income tax in the Isle of Man of 0% (2021: 0%). The differences are explained below:

 

2022

2021

 

£000s

£000s

Profit on ordinary activities before tax

16,050

21,507

Profit on ordinary activities multiplied by the rate of income tax in the Isle of Man of 0% (2021: 0%)

 - 

-

Impact of higher overseas tax rate

518

860

Adjustments in relation to prior years' overseas tax provisions

(1,323)

-

Total taxation (credit)/charge

(805)

860

The Group is subject to Isle of Man income tax on profits at the rate of 0% (2021: 0%), UK income tax on profits at a rate of 19% (2021:19%), Chinese income tax on profits at the rate of 25% (2021: 25%), and Italian income tax on profits at a rate of 27.9% (2021: 27.9%). Following the acquisition of the Billi entities, the group is subject to Australian income tax on profits at the rate of 30% and New Zealand income tax on profits at the rate of 28%.

10.  EARNINGS PER SHARE

The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share is based on the following data.


2022

2021

Earnings (£000s)

 


Earnings for the purposes of basic and diluted earnings per share

16,790

20,599

Number of shares (000s)

 


Weighted average number of shares for the purposes of basic earnings per share

209,911

206,271

Weighted average dilutive effect of share awards

2,585

3,381


 


Weighted average number of shares for the purposes of diluted earnings per share

212,496

209,652

Earnings per ordinary share (pence)

 


Basic earnings per ordinary share

8.0

10.0

Diluted earnings per ordinary share

7.9

9.8

Adjusted earnings per ordinary share (pence) (1)

 


Basic adjusted earnings per ordinary share (1)

10.9

15.2

Diluted adjusted earnings per ordinary share (1)

10.8

14.9

The calculation of basic and diluted adjusted earnings per share is based on the following data:


2022

2021


£000s

£000s

Profit for the year

16,790

20,599

Add back exceptional items included in (note 6(b)):

 


Cost of sales

847

3,578

Administrative expenses

5,101

6,363

Finance costs

180

780

Adjusted earnings (1)

22,918

31,320

1. Adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings per share exclude exceptional items, which include share-based payment transactions, COVID-19-related costs reorganisation costs and other strategic project costs. Adjusted results are non-GAAP metrics used by management and are not an IFRS disclosure

The denominators used to calculate both basic and adjusted earnings per share are the same as those shown above for both basic and diluted earnings per share.


11.  INTANGIBLE ASSETS


2022

Development costs

Software

Intellectual Property

Customer relationships

Brands

Goodwill

Intangible assets under construction

Total

 

£000s

£000s

£000s

£000s

£000s

£000s

£000s

£000s

At 1 January

 








Cost

15,971

4,186

1,128

2,232

6,174

8,736

66

38,493

Accumulated amortisation and impairment

(6,565)

(1,153)

(111)

(196)

-

-

-

(8,025)

Net book value

9,406

3,033

1,017

2,036

6,174

8,736

66

30,468

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Period ended 31 December

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additions

3,326

178

272

-

-

-

34

3,810

Acquisition of Billi (note 14)

3

4

-

15,912

13,283

10,885

-

40,087

Transfers

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Disposals (cost)

(20)

-

-

-

-

-

-

(20)

Disposals (accumulated amortisation)

1

-

-

-

-

-

-

1

Amortisation charge

(1,103)

(605)

(145)

(210)

-

-

-

(2,063)

Exchange differences

99

25

82

108

328

446

3

1,091

Closing net book value

11,712

2,635

1,226

17,846

19,785

20,067

103

73,374

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At 31 December

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost

19,428

4,452

1,482

18,549

19,785

20,067

103

83,866

Accumulated amortisation and impairment

(7,716)

(1,817)

(256)

(703)

-

-

-

(10,492)

Net book value

11,712

2,635

1,226

17,846

19,785

20,067

103

73,374

 

Amortisation charges have been treated as an expense, and are allocated to cost of sales (£1,707,000), distribution costs £NIL and administrative expenses (£356,000) in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

 

The Group's goodwill, customer relationships and brands predominantly relate to those arising on the acquisition of LAICA which was completed in 2020, and also on the acquisition of the Billi entities (including pre-existing intangibles assets), which were acquired in the current year (note 14). The goodwill, customer relationships and brands recognised on acquisition of the Billi entities have been measured on a provisional basis to allow for any potential adjustments resulting from any new information obtained within one year of the date of acquisition about facts and circumstances that existed at the date of acquisition.

In the current year, the carrying values of existing goodwill and brands have been subject to an annual impairment test, and the recoverable amounts assessed at each cash generating unit (CGU) level determined on the basis of value-in-use calculations over a five-year forecast period. The key assumptions applied in the value-in-use calculations for LAICA are a discount rate of 12%, variable trading margins, variable revenue growth rates as well as the terminal growth rate of 2%. Based on these calculations, there is sufficient headroom over the carrying values of goodwill and brands hence no impairment has been recognised in the current year and there were no reversals of prior year impairments during the year (2021: same). An impairment test of the intangibles arising on the acquisition of the Billi entities has not been performed given that they were acquired on 30 November 2022.

The results of the Group impairment tests are dependent upon estimates and judgements, particularly in relation to the key assumptions described above. Sensitivity analysis to a reasonable and possible change in the most sensitive assumption, being the discount rate, was undertaken. An increase of 1% would decrease the headroom by circa £3.4m but still leave headroom over the carrying values of the goodwill and brands (circa £23.4m).

As highlighted in Note 2, Management revised the useful lives of certain assets at the beginning of the year. As part of this assessment, the useful lives of capitalised development costs were reassessed and extended with the resulting impact being a decrease in amortisation of £694,000 for the full year 2022. Going forward, the amortisation charges will be in line with the revised useful life.

 


2021

Development costs

Software

Intellectual Property

Customer relationships

Brands

Goodwill

Intangible assets under construction

Total

 

£000s

£000s

£000s

£000s

£000s

£000s

£000s

£000s

At 1 January

 








Cost

12,346

3,286

834

2,406

6,643

9,906

-

35,421

Accumulated amortisation and impairment

(4,999)

(710)

(64)

-

-

-

-

(5,773)

Net book value

7,347

2,576

770

2,406

6,643

9,906

-

29,648

 









Period ended 31 December









Additions

3,609

950

299

-

-

-

238

5,096

Acquisition of LAICA S.p.A. (note 14)

-

-

-

-

-

(487)

-

(487)

Transfers

-

-

-

-

-

-

(172)

(172)

Disposals (cost)

(29)

(8)

(1)

-

-

-

-

(38)

Disposals (accumulated amortisation)

-

8

-

-

-

-

-

8

Amortisation charge

(1,563)

(495)

(47)

(205)

-

-

-

(2,310)

Exchange differences

42

2

(4)

(165)

(469)

(683)

-

(1,277)

Closing net book value

9,406

3,033

1,017

2,036

6,174

8,736

66

30,468

 









At 31 December









Cost

15,971

4,186

1,128

2,232

6,174

8,736

66

38,493

Accumulated amortisation and impairment

(6,565)

(1,153)

(111)

(196)

-

-

-

(8,025)

Net book value

9,406

3,033

1,017

2,036

6,174

8,736

66

30,468

 

Amortisation charges were treated as an expense, and allocated to cost of sales (£2,029,000), distribution costs £NIL and administrative expenses (£281,000) in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

£172,000 worth of intangible assets under construction were reclassified to property plant and equipment.

12.  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT


2022

Plant & machinery

Fixtures, fittings & equipment

Motor vehicles

Production tools

Land & Buildings

Right-of-use assets
(note 26)

Point of use dispensers

Assets under construction

Total

 

£000s

£000s

£000s

£000s

£000s

£000s

£000s

£000s

£000s

At 1 January

 









Cost

 26,093

 5,833

 218

 12,829

 20,541

 6,450

 -

 2,176

 74,140

Accumulated depreciation

(13,812)

(3,084)

(185)

(10,564)

(529)

(3,203)

-

 - 

(31,377)

Net book value

 12,281

 2,749

 33

 2,265

 20,012

 3,247

-

 2,176

 42,763

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Period ended 31 December

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additions

2,904

1,503

23

864

125

505

-

(78)

5,846

Acquisition of Billi (note 14)

419

211

17

-

-

1,237

1,386

144

3,414

Transfers

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Disposals (cost)

(90)

(237)

(1)

-

-

(698)

-

-

(1,026)

Disposals (accumulated depreciation)

53

157

1

-

-

125

-

-

336

Depreciation charge

(1,402)

(883)

(23)

(484)

(426)

(920)

(63)

-

(4,201)

Exchange differences

48

20

(6)

(1)

1

129

36

5

232

Closing net book value

14,213

3,520

44

2,644

19,712

3,625

1,359

2,247

47,364


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At 31 December

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost

29,988

8,124

375

13,693

20,690

8,678

1,430

2,247

85,225

Accumulated depreciation

(15,775)

(4,604)

(331)

(11,049)

(978)

(5,053)

(71)

-

(37,861)

Net book value

14,213

3,520

44

2,644

19,712

3,625

1,359

2,247

47,364

 

Point-of-use dispensers were acquired as part of the acquisition of Billi. Refer to Note 14.

Depreciation charges are allocated to cost of sales (£3,149,000), distribution costs (£184,000) and administrative expenses (£868,000) in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. In addition, borrowing costs of £nil (2021: £306,000), calculated at prevailing rates of the revolving credit facility (note 19), have been capitalised to land and buildings in the year.

As highlighted in Note 2, Management revised the useful lives of certain assets at the beginning of the year. As part of this assessment, the useful lives of fixtures and fittings, plant and machinery and production tools were reassessed and extended with the resulting impact being a decrease in depreciation of £1,098,000 for the full year 2022. Going forward, the depreciation charges will be in line with the revised useful lives.

 


2021

Plant & machinery

Fixtures, fittings & equipment

Motor vehicles

Production tools

Land & Buildings

Right-of-use assets
(note 26)

Assets under construction

Total

 

£000s

£000s

£000s

£000s

£000s

£000s

£000s

£000s

At 1 January

 








Cost

22,750

4,367

137

14,013

3,737

6,533

16,751

68,288

Accumulated depreciation

(12,686)

(3,428)

(95)

(12,140)

(129)

(2,605)

 - 

(31,083)

Net book value

10,064

939

42

1,873

3,608

3,928

16,751

37,205

Period ended 31 December









Additions

86

2,474

20

1

-

1,474

10,086

14,141

Transfers

 5,257

-

 -

 1,183

 18,386

 - 

(24,654)

 172

Disposals (cost)

(7,021)

(1,238)

(5)

(901)

(2,297)

(1,469)

 - 

(12,931)

Disposals (accumulated depreciation)

 5,720

 1,140

 4

 833

 322

 772

 - 

 8,791

Depreciation charge

(1,776)

(568)

(27)

(724)

(78)

(1,396)

 - 

(4,569)

Exchange differences

(49)

 2

(1)

 - 

 71

(62)

(7)

(46)

Closing net book value

 12,281

 2,749

 33

 2,265

 20,012

 3,247

 2,176

 42,763










At 31 December









Cost

 26,093

 5,833

 218

 12,829

 20,541

 6,450

 2,176

 74,140

Accumulated depreciation

(13,812)

(3,084)

(185)

(10,564)

(529)

(3,203)

 - 

(31,377)

Net book value

 12,281

 2,749

 33

 2,265

 20,012

 3,247

 2,176

 42,763

 

Depreciation charges in the prior year were allocated to cost of sales (£3,821,000), distribution costs (£90,000), and administrative expenses (£658,000) in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.


13.  PRINCIPAL SUBSIDIARY UNDERTAKINGS AND JOINT ARRANGEMENTS OF THE GROUP

A list of all subsidiary undertakings controlled by the Group, and existing joint arrangements the Group is currently part of, which are all included in the consolidated financial statements, is set out below.

Name of entity

Nature of business

Country of incorporation

% of ordinary shares held by the Group

Nature of shareholding




Sula Limited

Holding company

IOM

100

Subsidiary

Strix Limited

Manufacture and sale of products

IOM

100

Subsidiary

Strix Guangzhou Limited

Dormant company

China

100

Subsidiary

Strix (U.K.) Limited

Holding company and group's sale and distribution centre

United Kingdom

100

Subsidiary

Strix Hong Kong Limited

Sale and distribution of products

Hong Kong

100

Subsidiary

Strix (China) Limited

Manufacture and sale of products 

China

100

Subsidiary

HaloSource Water Purification Technology (Shanghai) Co. Limited

Manufacture and sales of products

China

100

Subsidiary

Strix (USA), Inc.

Research and development, sales, and distribution of products

USA

100

Subsidiary

LAICA S.p.A.

Manufacture and sales of products

Italy

100

Subsidiary

LAICA Iberia Distribution S.L.

Sale and distribution of products

Spain

100

Subsidiary

LAICA International Corp.

Sale and distribution of products

Taiwan

67

Subsidiary

Taiwan LAICA Corp.

Sale and distribution of products

Taiwan

67

Subsidiary

Foshan Yilai Life Electric Appliances Co. Limited.

Sale and distribution of products

China

45

Joint venture

LAICA Brand House Limited

Holding and licensing of trademarks

Hong Kong

45

Joint venture

Strix Australia Pty Limited

Holding company

Australia

100

Subsidiary

Billi UK Limited

Manufacture and sale of products

United Kingdom

100

Subsidiary

Billi Australia Pty Limited

Manufacture and sale of products

Australia

100

Subsidiary

Billi New Zealand Limited

Manufacture and sale of products

New Zealand

100

Subsidiary

Billi R&D Limited

Research and development

Australia

100

Subsidiary

Billi Financial Services Limited

Financial Services

Australia

100

 

Incorporation of Strix Australia Pty Limited

On 26 October 2022, Strix Australia Limited was incorporated in Australia and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Strix (U.K.) Limited. The entity was incorporated for the purpose of effecting the acquisition of Billi.

Acquisition of Billi

On 30 November 2022, the Group completed the acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Billi Australia Pty Ltd, Billi New Zealand Ltd and Billi UK Ltd (together "Billi"). Details of the acquisition are disclosed in note 14 below.

 

Group restrictions

Cash and cash equivalents held in China are subject to local exchange control regulations. These regulations provide for restrictions on exporting capital from those countries, other than through normal dividends. The carrying amount of the cash and cash equivalents included within the consolidated financial statements to which these restrictions apply is £3,568,000 (2021: £3,681,000). There are no other restrictions on the Group's ability to access or use the assets and settle the liabilities of the Group's subsidiaries.

14.  ACQUISITIONS

Acquisitions made in the current year

On 30 November 2022, the Group, through its subsidiaries, Strix (U.K.) Limited and newly incorporated Strix Australia Pty Limited, acquired 100% of the share capital of Billi Australia Pty Ltd, Billi New Zealand Ltd, and certain assets and liabilities through a newly acquired company, Billi UK Ltd, (all together referred to as "Billi"). The total consideration for the acquisition was £38,912,000 paid in cash.

Goodwill of £10,885,000 has been recognised as the difference between the purchase consideration of £38,912,000 and the provisional fair values of the net assets acquired of £28,027,000. The goodwill is attributable to new growth opportunities, workforce and synergies of the combined business operations, and it is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

The objective of the acquisition is to accelerate the Group's growth plans for its water and appliance categories and provide an entry into the high growth and strategically important hot tap market. Billi is a leading brand supplying premium filtered and non-filtered instant boiling, chilled and sparkling water systems with manufacturing operations based in Australia.

The acquisition has been accounted for as a business combination in accordance with IFRS 3. As at the date of these financial statements, the initial accounting for the acquisition of Billi is preliminary, and fair values amounts are provisional, given the short period of time since the date the acquisition was completed. Fair values approximate gross contractual amounts. A reassessment will be performed within twelve months post acquisition and final amounts of fair values of assets and liabilities acquired will be reported in the next reporting period.

Certain intangible assets were recognised on acquisition including brands and customer relationships. The fair values of the intangible assets were calculated using an income approach (multi-period excess earnings method for customer related assets and the royalty relief method for brands) based on a discounted cash flow model that reflects the expected future income they will generate. The discount rates applied to customer related assets were based on the assessed Weighted Average Cost of Capital for each territory of operations ranging from 14.9% to 16.2%, with a 1% premium applied to brands, and a growth rate based on forecasted revenues.  The economic life of brands and customer relationships applied within the model range from 11 years to 15 years. A deferred tax liability has been recognised on the fair value adjustments to intangible assets at the applicable corporate tax rates.

Acquisition costs included within 'Administration expenses - exceptional items' in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income amounted to £2.6m. These have been designated as a 'separate transaction' per IFRS 3 and therefore not included as part of the purchase consideration.

Net cash flows on acquisition of the business are as follows:


2022


£000s

Consideration transferred on acquisition

38,912

less: Net cash acquired with business

 (1,254)


 37,658

Billi contributed revenues of £2.7m and an adjusted profit after tax of £0.6m to the Group for the period from 30 November 2022 to 31 December 2022. If Billi had been acquired at the beginning of the year its contribution to revenues and adjusted profits after tax would have been £38.8m and £5.6m respectively. The following table details the Sterling equivalent provisional fair values of assets and liabilities as acquired:


Book values

FV Adjustments

Fair values


£'000

£'000

£'000

Non-current assets

 



Intangible assets

5,993

23,209

29,202

Property, plant and equipment

3,609

(195)

3,414

Other non-current assets

130

-

130

Total non-current assets

9,732

23,014

32,746

Current assets

 


 

Inventories

6,461

(376)

6,085

Trade and other receivables

9,152

-

9,152

Cash and cash equivalents

1,254

-

1,254

Total current assets

16,867

(376)

16,491

Total assets

26,599

22,638

49,237

Non-current liabilities

 


 

Lease liabilities more than 1 year

900

-

900

Deferred tax liability

654

8,357

9,011

Total non-current liabilities

1,554

8,357

9,911

Current liabilities

 


 

Trade and other payables

10,919

-

10,919

Lease liabilities more than 1 year

380

-

380

Total current liabilities

11,299

-

11,299

Total liabilities

12,853

8,357

21,210

Net assets acquired

13,746

14,281

28,027

Values have been translated at the closing exchange rates as at the acquisition date.

Acquisitions in prior years:

Acquisition of Laica

The Group acquired 100% of the issued share capital of LAICA S.p.A. in October 2020. The total consideration transferred for the acquisition was £24.4m (€26.9m), made up of £11.7m (€13.0m) paid in cash, the issue of 3,192,236 Strix Group plc ordinary shares of £0.01 each with a total fair value of £7.3m (€8.0m), and a further contingent consideration with a fair value of £5.4m (€5.9m) representing an amount payable in cash subject to certain conditions being met, including threshold financial targets for the financial years ending 31 December 2021 and 2022. Based on a post year-end arbitration process which was finalised in February 2023 and the financial results of LAICA S.p.A. for the year ended 31 December 2022, the actual fair value of the estimated contingent consideration payable to the vendor shareholders has been recorded at £4.9m (€5.6m) (2021: estimated fair value (2021: £5.8m (€6.9m)).

In addition, a supplemental consulting arrangement was entered into with the vendor shareholders of LAICA under which total costs amounting to £4.4m (€4.9m) were payable in the financial years ending 31 December 2021 and 2022, relating to compensation for post-combination services contingent on the vendors remaining in service. These costs have been accrued as the services are rendered to LAICA. As at 31 December 2022, £2.6m (€2.9m) (2021: £1.7m (€2.0m)) was accrued for services rendered to date.

The accruals relating to both the contingent consideration and the compensation for the supplemental consulting agreement are reflected as current liabilities as at 31 December 2022.

15.  INVENTORIES


2022

2021


£000s

£000s

Raw materials and consumables

 11,242

12,139

Finished goods and goods in transit

 16,460

7,883


 27,702

20,022

The cost of inventories recognised as an expense and included in cost of sales amounted to £44,241,000 (2021: £52,396,000). The provision for impaired inventories is £1,034,000 (2021: £2,063,000). There were no inventory write-downs in 2022 (2021: £246,000).

16.  TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES AND CURRENT INCOME TAX RECEIVABLES


 

2022

2021


 

£000s

£000s

Amounts falling due within one year:

 



Trade receivables - current


 15,967

10,958

Trade receivables - past due


 3,580

2,493

Trade receivables - gross

 

 19,547

13,451

Loss allowance


(158)

(104)

Trade receivables - net

 

 19,389

13,347

Prepayments


2,335

496

Advance purchase of commodities


2,344

5,389

VAT receivable


1,279

5,261

Tax receivable


497

-

Other receivables


4,444

1,018



30,288

25,511

Trade and other receivables carrying values are considered to be equivalent to their fair values. The amount of trade receivables impaired at 31 December 2022 is equal to the loss allowance provision (2021: same).

The advance purchase of commodities relates to a payment or payments in advance to secure the purchase of key commodities at an agreed price to mitigate the commodity price risk.

Other receivables include receivables from licencing income recognised in the current year of £1,191,000 (2021: nil) and £2,184,000 (2021: nil) rebates receivable from suppliers from procurements made in prior years. Settlement of the rebates receivable from suppliers will be via net cash settlement of future purchases.

Deferred tax assets as at year end were £313,000 (2021: £258,000).

Government grants due amounted to £nil (2021: £300,000). There were no unfulfilled conditions in relation to these grants at the year end, although if the Group ceases to operate or leaves the Isle of Man within 10 years from the date of the last grant payment, funds may be reclaimed.

The Group's trade and other receivables are denominated in the following currencies:


 

2022

2021


 

£000s

£000s

Pound Sterling


7,773

 5,471

Chinese Yuan


2,520

 9,465

US Dollar


3,993

 1,478

Euro


8,401

 8,668

Hong Kong Dollar


120

 118

Australian Dollar


6,839

-

New Zealand Dollar


512

-

Taiwan Dollar


130

 311



30,288

 25,511

 

Movements on the Group's provision for impairment of trade receivables and the inputs and estimation technique used to calculate expected credit losses have not been disclosed on the basis the amounts are not material. The provision at 31 December 2022 was £158,000 (2021: £104,000).

17.  CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

The carrying amounts of the cash and cash equivalents are denominated in the following currencies:

 


2022

2021

 

£000s

£000s

Pound Sterling

 15,155

 4,424

Chinese Yuan

 2,506

 3,622

US Dollar

 6,959

 8,183

Euro

 4,471

 2,584

Hong Kong Dollar

 211

 207

Australian Dollar

 616

 - 

New Zealand Dollar

 159

 - 

Taiwan Dollar

 366 

 650


 30,443

 19,670

 

18.  TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES AND CURRENT INCOME TAX LIABILITIES

 


2022

2021


£000s

£000s

Trade payables

10,010

11,060

Current income tax liabilities

444

1,631

Social security and other taxes

368

352

Customer rebates provisions

745

2,152

Capital creditors

2,848

2,256

VAT liabilities

546

130

Other liabilities

7,308

3,204

Payments in advance from customers

2,270

1,936

Accrued expenses

5,868

4,796


30,407

27,517

 

The fair value of financial liabilities approximates their carrying value due to short maturities. Other liabilities include goods received not invoiced amounts of £1,189,000 (2021: £2,123,000), and an accrual of costs incurred as part of the Billi acquisition of £3,356,000 (2021: nil). Deferred government grants amounted to £nil (2021: £583,000). There were no unfulfilled conditions in relation to these grants at the year end. Movement in payments in advance from customers were all driven by normal trading, with the full amounts due at beginning of the year released to revenues in the current year.

The carrying amounts of the Group's trade and other payables are denominated in the following currencies:


2022

2021


£000s

£000s

Pound Sterling

10,069

13,604

Chinese Yuan

7,228

7,249

US Dollar

1,051

1,951

Euro

4,461

4,030

Hong Kong Dollar

198

253

Australian Dollar

6,408

-

New Zealand Dollar

881

-

Taiwan Dollar

111

430


30,407

27,517

 

19.  BORROWINGS


2022

2021


£000s

£000s

Total current borrowings

14,734

 1,064

Total non-current borrowings

103,092

 69,782

Current bank borrowings comprise small individual short-term arrangements for financing purchases and optimising cash flows within the Italian subsidiary and were entered into by LAICA S.p.A. prior to acquisition by the Group.

Current and non-current borrowings are shown net of loan arrangement fees of £956,000 (2021: £181,000) and £1,770,000 (2021: £513,000), respectively.

Term and debt repayment schedule for long term borrowings


Currency

Interest rate

Maturity date

31 December 2022

31 December 2021

Revolving Credit Facility

GBP

SONIA + 2.15% to 4%

25-Oct-25

80,000

70,000

Term loan

GBP

SONIA + 2.15% to 4%

30-Nov-25

39,000

-

Unicredit facility

EUR

EURIBOR 6M + 1,2%

28-Jun-24

133

210

Banco BPM

EUR

1.45%

30-Nov-23

167

329

BNP Paribas

EUR

0.7945%

03-Feb-23

436

-

Credito Emiliano

EUR

1.10%

04-Jan-23

221

-

Banco BPM

EUR

1.69%

03-Jan-23

112

-

Banco BPM

EUR

0.01692

03-Jan-23

54

-

Banco BPM

EUR

1.00%

28-Feb-23

432

-

BNP Paribas

EUR

0.18%

30-Apr-22

-

172

Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena

EUR

0.19%

31-Jan-22

-

414

Banco BPM

EUR

0.19%

31-Mar-22

-

404

Hedging

EUR



(3)

11

 

 

 

 

120,552

71,540

In the current year, the existing revolving credit facility ('RCF') agreement was further refinanced and amended on 25 October 2022 as follows:

New lenders - Barclays Bank Plc and HSBC Bank Plc came on board as new lenders under the restated agreement.

Revolving credit facility - This relates to the RCF of £80,000,000. The termination date has been revised to three years after the fourth restatement date, 25 October 2025, with an option to extend the term initially by twelve months and a further twelve months thereafter. The purpose of the extended facility was to finance the acquisition of Laica as well as other significant capital projects including the new factory in China and ongoing working capital needs of the Group. Under the amended agreement, the purpose of the RCF remains the same. As at 31 December 2022, the total facility available is £80,000,000 (2021: £80,000,000).

Term loan - The Company obtained further funding on 30 November 2022 in the form of a three-year term loan of £49,000,000 payable initially by a lump sum of £10,000,000 followed by eleven fixed repayments thereafter with the first quarterly repayment of £3,545,000 due and payable on 31 March 2023. The purpose of the term loan was to finance the acquisition of Billi. The £10m repayment was made towards the term loan on 30 November 2022. As at 31 December 2022, the outstanding balance on the term loan is £39,000,000 (2021: £nil).

Interest applied to the revolving credit facility and term loan is calculated as the sum of the margin and SONIA. The margin under the amended agreement shall be 3.5% until 31 March 2023, and then 2.85% from 1 April 2023 to 30 June 2023, and thereafter margin will be dependent on the net leverage of the Group.

All amounts become immediately repayable and undrawn amounts cease to be available for drawdown in the event of a third-party gaining control of the Company. The Company and its material subsidiaries have entered into the agreement as guarantors, guaranteeing the obligations of the borrowers under the agreement (2021: same).

Transactions costs amounting to £2,324,000 (2021: £875,000) incurred as part of refinancing and amending the RCF agreement were capitalised and are being amortised over the period of three years.

The various agreements contain representations and warranties which are usual for an agreement of this nature. The agreement also provides for the payment of a commitment fee, agency fee and arrangement fee, contains certain undertakings, guarantees and covenants (including financial covenants) and provides for certain events of default. During 2022, the Group has not breached any of the financial covenants contained within the agreements - see note 22(d) for further details. (2021: same)

The fair values of the borrowings are not materially different from their carrying amounts, since the interest payable on those borrowings is either close to current market rates or the borrowings are of a short-term nature.

20.  CAPITAL COMMITMENTS


2022

2021


£000s

£000s

Contracted for but not provided in the consolidated financial statements - Property, plant and equipment

695

2,001

The above commitments include capital expenditure of £547,000 (2021: £1,639,000) relating to plant and machinery and production equipment for the factory in China.

21.  CONTINGENT ASSETS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

There continues a number of ongoing intellectual property infringement cases initiated by the Group, as well as patent validation challenges brought by the defendants. All of these cases are still subject to due legal process in the countries in which the matters have been raised. As a result, no contingent assets have been recognised at 31 December 2022 (2021: same), as any receipts are dependent on the final outcome of each case. There are also no corresponding contingent liabilities at 31 December 2022 (2021: same).

22.  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

The Group's activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: market risk (including currency risk, interest rate risk and commodity price risk), credit risk, liquidity risk and capital management risk.

Risk management is carried out by the Directors. The Group uses financial instruments where required to provide flexibility regarding its working capital requirements and to enable it to manage specific financial risks to which it is exposed. Transactions are only undertaken if they relate to actual underlying exposures and hence cannot be viewed as speculative.

(a) Market risk

(i) Foreign exchange risk

The Group operates predominantly in the IOM, UK, EU, US, Australia, New Zealand and China and is therefore exposed to foreign exchange risk. Foreign exchange risk arises on sales and purchases made in foreign currencies and on recognised assets and liabilities and net investments in foreign operations.

The Group monitors its exposure to currency fluctuations on an ongoing basis. The Group uses foreign currency bank accounts to reduce its exposure to foreign currency translation risk, and the Group is naturally hedged against foreign exchange risk as it both generates revenues and incurs costs in the major currencies with which it deals. The major currencies the Group transacts in are:

British Pounds (GBP)

Chinese Yuan (CNY)

United States Dollar (USD)

Euro (EUR)

Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)

Australian Dollar (AUD)

New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

Taiwan Dollar (TWD)

 

In December 2022, the Group entered into USD/GBP and USD/EUR forward exchange rate contracts to sell the notional amount of US$8,500,000 and hence mitigate the risk and impact of volatile exchange rate movements seen during the year on group profits. The fair value of these contracts at year-end is considered not material. 

Exposure by currency is analysed in notes 16, 17 and 18.

  (ii) Interest rate risk

The Group is exposed to interest rate risk on its long-term borrowings, being the revolving credit facility term loan and other borrowings disclosed in note 19. The interest rates on the revolving credit facility are variable, based on SONIA and certain other conditions dependent on the financial condition of the Group, which exposes the Group to cash flow interest rate risk which is partially offset by cash held at variable rates. Other borrowings are made up of both fixed rate loans and variable loans based on EURIBOR.

 (iii) Price risk

The Group is exposed to price risk, principally in relation to commodity prices of raw materials. The Group enters into forward commodity contracts or makes payments in advance in order to mitigate the impact of price movements on its gross margin. The Group has not designated any of these contracts as hedging instruments in either 2022 or 2021 as they relate to physical commodities being purchased for the Group own use. At 31 December 2022 and 2021, payments were made in advance to buy certain commodities at fixed prices, as disclosed in note 16.

 (iv) Sensitivity analysis

· Foreign exchange risk: The Group is primarily exposed to exchange rate fluctuations between GBP and USD, CNY, HKD, EUR, TWD, AUD and NZD. Assuming a reasonably possible change in FX rates of +10% (2021: +10%), the impact on profit would be a decrease of £319,000 (2021: a decrease of £751,000), and the impact on equity would be a decrease of £738,000 (2021: decrease of £1,877,000). A -10% change (2021: -10%) in FX rates would cause an increase in profit of £390,000 (2021: an increase in profit of £918,000) and a £902,000 increase in equity (2021: £1,603,000 increase in equity). This has been calculated by taking the profit generated by each currency and recalculating a comparable figure on a constant currency basis, and by retranslating the amounts in the consolidated balance sheet to calculate the effect on equity.

· Interest rate risk: The Group is exposed to interest rate fluctuations on its non-current borrowings, as disclosed in note 19. Assuming a reasonably possible change in the SONIA/EURIBOR rate of ±0.5% (2021: ±0.5%), the impact on profit would be an increase/decrease of £476,000 (2021: £313,000), and the impact on equity would be an increase/decrease of £72,000 (2021: £138,000). This has been calculated by recalculating the loan interest using the revised rate to calculate the impact on profit, and recalculating the year end loan interest balance payable using the same rate.

· Commodity price risk: The Group is exposed to commodity price fluctuations, primarily in relation to copper and silver. Assuming a reasonably possible change in commodity prices of ±13% for silver (2021: ±14%) and ±15% for copper (2021: ±14%) based on volatility analysis for the past year, the impact on profit would be an increase/decrease of £1,346,000 (2021: £3,766,000). The Group does not hold significant quantities of copper and silver inventory, therefore the impact on equity would be the same as the profit or loss impact disclosed (2021: same). This has been calculated by taking the average purchase price of these commodities during the year in purchase currency and recalculating the cost of the purchases with the price sensitivity applied.

(b) Credit risk

The Group has policies in place to ensure that sales of goods are made to clients with an appropriate credit history. The Group uses letters of credit and advance payments to minimise credit risk. Management believe there is no further credit risk provision required in excess of the normal provision for doubtful receivables, as disclosed in note 16. The amount of trade and other receivables written off during the year amounted to less than 0.07% of revenue (2021: less than 0.08% of revenue).

Cash and cash equivalents are held with reputable institutions. All material cash amounts are deposited with financial institutions whose credit rating is at least B based on credit ratings according to Standard & Poor's. At year-end, £19,456,000 (2021: £11,490,000) was held with one financial institution with a credit rating of BBB. The following table shows the external credit ratings of the institutions with whom the Group has cash deposits:


2022

2021


£000s

£000s

AA

 797

-

A

4,132

3,989

BBB

 25,450

15,633

B

 27

11

n/a

 37

37


 30,443

19,670

 

 (c) Liquidity risk

The Group maintained significant cash balances throughout the period and hence suffers minimal liquidity risk. Cash flow forecasting is performed for the Group by the finance function, which monitors rolling forecasts of the Group's liquidity requirements to ensure it has sufficient cash to meet operational needs and so that the Group minimises the risk of breaching borrowing limits or covenants on any of its borrowing facilities. The Group has revolving credit facilities to provide access to cash for various purposes. The facilities were fully utilised as at 31 December 2022 (2021: headroom of £10,000,000).

The table below analyses the group's financial liabilities as at 31 December 2022 into relevant maturity groupings based on their contractual maturities for all non-derivative financial liabilities. There are no derivative financial liabilities. The amounts disclosed in the table are the contractual undiscounted cash flows. Balances due within 12 months equal their carrying balances as the impact of discounting is not significant.


Less than 6 months

6 - 12 months

Between 1 and 2 years

Between 2 and 5 years

Over 5 years

Total contractual cash flows

Carrying amount (assets) / liabilities


£000s

£000s

£000s

£000s

£000s

£000s

£000s

Trade and other payables

30,407

-

-

-

-

30,407

30,407

Borrowings

8,478

7,212

14,226

90,636

-

120,552

117,826

Lease liabilities

535

534

1,247

1,645

-

3,961

3,888

Contingent consideration

7,532

-

-

-

-

7,532

7,532

Total financial liabilities

46,952

7,746

15,473

92,281

-

162,452

159,653

 

The table below analyses the respective financial liabilities as at 31 December 2021 (the prior year):


Less than
6 months

6 - 12
months

Between
1 and 2
years

Between
2 and 5
years

Over
5 years

Total
contractual
cash flows

Carrying
amount
(assets) /
liabilities


£000s

£000s

£000s

£000s

£000s

£000s

£000s

Trade and other payables

27,517

-

-

-

-

27,517

27,517

Borrowings

2,540

1,551

1,666

70,635

-

76,392

70,846

Lease liabilities

548

533

963

2,427

293

4,764

3,371

Contingent consideration

6,081

-

3,994

-

-

10,075

7,464

Total financial liabilities

36,686

2,084

6,623

73,062

293

118,748

109,198

 

(d) Capital risk management

The Group manages its capital to ensure its ability to continue as a going concern and to maintain an optimal capital structure to reduce the cost of capital. The aim of the Group is to maintain sufficient funds to enable it to make suitable capital investments whilst minimising recourse to bankers and/or shareholders. In order to maintain or adjust capital, the Group may adjust the amount of cash distributed to shareholders, return capital to shareholders, issue new shares or raise debt through its access to the AIM market.

Capital is monitored by the Group on a monthly basis by the finance function. This includes the monitoring of the Group's gearing ratios and monitoring the terms of the financial covenants related to the revolving credit facilities as disclosed in note 19. These ratios are formally reported on a quarterly basis. The financial covenants were complied with throughout the period. At 31 December 2022 these ratios were as follows:

·

Debt Service Cover ratio (DSCR): circa 7.00x (2021: n/a) - minimum per facility terms is 1.1x; and

·

Leverage ratio: 2.24x (2021: 1.31x) - maximum per facility terms is 3.5x.

(e) Fair value hierarchy

This section explains the judgements and estimates made in determining the fair values of the financial instruments that are recognised and measured at fair value in the financial statements. To provide an indication about the reliability of the inputs used in determining fair value, the group has classified its financial instruments into the three levels prescribed under the accounting standards. An explanation of each level is as follows:

Level 1:

The fair value of financial instruments traded in active markets (such as publicly traded derivatives, and equity securities) is based on quoted market prices at the end of the reporting period. The quoted market price used for financial assets held by the group is the current bid price. These instruments are included in level 1.

Level 2:

The fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market (for example, over-the-counter derivatives) is determined using valuation techniques which maximise the use of observable market data and rely as little as possible on entity-specific estimates. If all significant inputs required to fair value an instrument are observable, the instrument is included in level 2.

Level 3:

If one or more of the significant inputs is not based on observable market data, the instrument is included in level 3. This is the case for unlisted equity securities.

 

As part of the consideration for the acquisition of Laica S.p.A. which occurred in October 2020, the Group agreed to pay a contingent consideration of up to £6.4m (€7.1m) subject to certain conditions being met, including threshold financial targets for the financial years ending 31 December 2021 and 2022. Based on a post year-end arbitration process which was finalised in February 2023, the actual fair value of the contingent consideration payable to the vendor shareholders was set at £4,968,000 (€5,619,000) (2021: estimated fair value of £5,785,000). In the previous year and prior to this final arbitration, the fair value was estimated by calculating the present value of future probability weighted cashflows using a discount rate of 12.7%. The accrual for the contingent consideration as at year end reflects the final amount payable which is considered to be the fair value. The contingent consideration has been classified as Level 3 (2021: same).

There have been no movements into or out of any levels during the year.

The carrying amounts reflected in these financial statements for cash and cash equivalents, current trade and other receivables/payables and the fixed and floating rate bank borrowings approximate their fair values.

23.  SHARE BASED PAYMENTS

Long term incentive plan terms

As part of the admission to trading on AIM in August 2017, the Group granted a number of share options to employees of the Group. All of the shares granted are subject to service conditions, being continued employment with the Group until the end of the vesting period. The shares granted to the executive Directors and senior staff also include certain performance conditions which must be met, based on predetermined earnings per share, dividend pay-out, or share price targets for the three financial years from grant date. Further awards have been made since August 2017 under the same scheme on similar terms, with additional ESG-related performance conditions added on for certain senior members of management.

During 2020, the Group amended the terms of the Isle of Man share options to conditional share awards.

Participation in the plan is at the discretion of the Board and no individual has a contractual right to participate in the plan or to receive any guaranteed benefits. Where the employee is entitled to share options, these remain exercisable until the ten-year anniversary of the award date. Where the employee is entitled to conditional share awards, these are exercised on the vesting date.

The dividends that would be paid on a share in the period between grant and vesting reduce the fair value of the award if, in not owning the underlying shares, a participant does not receive the dividend income on these shares during the vesting period.

All of the options and conditional share awards are granted under the plan for nil consideration and carry no voting rights. A summary of the options and conditional share awards is shown in the table below:

 

 

2022

2021

 

 

Number of Shares

Number of Shares

At 1 January


3,054,161

3,590,383

Granted during the year


600,131

1,095,107

Exercised during the year


(734,608)

(925,651)

Forfeited during the year


(1,265,017)

(705,678)

As at 31 December


1,654,667

3,054,161

The Group has recognised a total gain of £491,000 (2021: expense of £1,549,000) in respect of equity-settled share-based payment transactions in the year ended 31 December 2022.

For each of the tranches, the first day of the exercise period is the vesting date and the last day of the exercise period is the expiry date, as listed in the valuation model input table below. The weighted average contractual life of options and conditional share awards outstanding at 31 December 2022 was 8.7 years (2021: 8.4 years).

Valuation model inputs

The key inputs to the Black-Scholes-Merton model for the purposes of estimating the fair values of the share options outstanding at the end of the year are as follows:

Grant date

Share price on grant date
(p)

Expiry date

Weighted average probability of meeting performance criteria

Share options outstanding at
31 December 2022

Share options outstanding at
31 December 2021

20 May 2019

 157.80

20 May 2029

36.8%

-

525,602

06 April 2020

 170.00

06 April 2030

100.0%

-

310,867

01 May 2020

 183.40

01 May 2030

0.0%

-

502,495

06 May 2020

 181.00

06 May 2030

0.0%

-

36,364

21 April 2021

 290.00

21 April 2031

0.0%

 803,919

820,285

01 January 2022

303.50

01 January 2032

100.0%

 9,164

-

21 April 2022

 208.50

21 April 2032

0.0%

 382,359

-

Total Share Options




1,195,442

2,195,613

 

The key inputs to the Black-Scholes-Merton model for the purposes of estimating the fair values of the conditional share awards outstanding at the end of the year are as follows:

Grant date

Share price on grant date (p)

Vesting date

Weighted average probability of meeting performance criteria

Conditional share awards outstanding at
31 December 2022

Conditional share awards outstanding at
31 December 2021

20 May 2019

157.80

01 April 2022

36.8%

 -

 304,254

19 August 2019

158.00

01 April 2022

28.0%

 -

 4,250

24 February 2020

179.80

24 April 2022

100.0%

 -

 10,772

06 April 2020

170.00

06 April 2022

100.0%

 -

 90,104

01 May 2020

183.40

31 December 2022

0.0%

 -

 165,759

06 May 2020

181.00

31 December 2022

100.0%

 -

 28,481

21 April 2021

290.00

31 December 2023

29.0%

 225,204

 229,515

06 December 2021

296.50

31 December 2023

0.0%

 16,090

 16,090

06 December 2021

296.50

31 December 2024

0.0%

 9,323

 9,323

21 April 2022

208.50

31 December 2024

0.0%

 208,608

-

Total conditional share awards


459,225

858,548

Total share options and conditional share awards

1,654,667

3,054,161

The reduction in the fair value of the awards as a consequence of not being entitled to dividends reduced the charge for the options granted during the year by £nil (2021: £nil) and the expected charge over the life of the options by a total of £nil (2021: £nil).

The other factors in the Black-Scholes-Merton model do not affect the calculation and have not been disclosed, as the share options were issued for nil consideration and do not have an exercise price. The weighted average fair value of the options outstanding at the period end was £2.5719 (2021: £2.1217).

The movement within the share-based payments reserve during the period is as follows:

 

 

2022
£000s

2021
£000s

Shared-based payments reserves as at 1 January

2,039

1,913

Share based payments transactions (note 5(a))

(491)

1,549

Other share-based payments

(136)

(174)

Share based payments transferred to other reserves upon exercise/vesting

(1,210)

(1,249)

Shared-based payments reserves as at 31 December

202

2,039

 

Other movements

Other transactions recognised directly in equity include the settlement of dividend entitlements previously accrued as part of the LTIP programme and employer contributions to national insurance for vested LTIPs.

 

24.  SHARE CAPITAL AND SHARE PREMIUM

 

Number of shares

Par value

Share premium

Total

 

(000s)

£000s

£000s

£000s

Allotted and fully paid: ordinary shares of 1p each





Balance at 1 January 2022

206,672

2,066

11,073

13,139

Shares issues during the year

11,304

113

12,887

13,000

Transaction costs

-

-

(2,285)

(2,285)

Share options exercised during the year (note 23)

735

7

-

7

Balance at 31 December 2022

218,711

2,186

21,675

23,861

 

Under the Isle of Man Companies Act 2006, the Company is not required to have an authorised share capital.

 

The shares issued during the year consist of 11,304,347 shares issued to finance the acquisition of the Billi entities as noted in note 14 and the remaining shares relate to employee share-based payments as noted in note 23. £13,000,000 was raised on the share issue to finance the acquisition of Billi with £113,000 recognised in share capital and £12,887,000 recognised as share premium. Associated transaction costs recognised directly in share premium amounted to £2,285,000.

 

The holders of ordinary shares are entitled to receive dividends as declared from time to time and are entitled to one vote per share at meetings of the Company. All shares rank pari passu in all respects including voting rights and dividend entitlement.

 

See note 23 for further information regarding share-based payments which may impact the share capital in future periods.

 

25.  DIVIDENDS

The following amounts were recognised as distributions in the year:

 

 

2022

2021

 

 

£000s

£000s

Interim 2022 dividend of 2.75p per share (2021: 2.75p)


 5,699

5,679

Final 2021 dividend of 5.6p per share (2020: 5.25p)


 11,601

10,831

Total dividends recognised in the year

 

 17,300

16,510

 

In addition to the above dividends, since year end the Directors have proposed the payment of a final dividend of 3.25p per share (2021: 5.6p). The aggregate amount of the proposed final dividend expected to be paid on 11 August 2023 out of retained earnings at 31 December 2022, but not recognised as a liability at year end, is shown in the table below. The payment of this dividend will not have any tax consequences for the Group.

 

 

 

2022

2021

 

 

£000s

£000s

Final 2022 dividend of 3.25p per share (2021: 5.6p)


7,108

11,574

Total dividends proposed but not recognised in the year, and estimated to be recognised in the following year.

 

7,108

11,574

 

26.  LEASES

a) Amounts recognised in the consolidated statement of financial position

The consolidated statement of financial position shows the following amounts relating to leases:

 

 

2022

2021

 

 

£000s

£000s

Right-of-use assets

 



Land and buildings


3,625

3,247

Total right-of-use assets

 

3,625

3,247

Current future lease liabilities (due within 12 months)


1,069

773

Non-current future lease liabilities (due in more than 12 months)


2,819

2,598

Total future lease liabilities


3,888

3,371

 

Additions to the right-of-use liabilities during the 2022 financial year were £505,000 (2021: £1,474,000). Disposals of right-of-use liabilities during the current year were £586,000 (2021: £735,000)

 

Short-term leases and leases of low values were recognised directly in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, amounting to £106,000 (2021: £209,000).

 

Total cash outflows relating to all lease payments, including short-term leases and leases of low values were £939,000 (2021: £1,771,000).

 

The movement in lease liabilities is as follows:

 

 

 

2022

2021

 

 

£000s

£000s

Balance as at 1 January

 

 3,371

4,100

Additions


 505

1,474

Disposals


(586)

(735)

Adjustments due to lease modifications


 - 

35

Acquisition of Billi entities (note 14)


 1,284

-

Repayments


(833)

(1,562)

Interest expense (included in finance cost)


 92

105

Sub-lease income


 - 

(40)

Foreign exchange differences


 55 

(6)

Balance as at 31 December


 3,888

3,371

 

b) Amounts recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income

The statement of consolidated comprehensive income shows the following amounts relating to leases:

 

 

2022

2021

 

 

£000s

£000s

Depreciation of right-of-use assets


(920)

(1,396)

Short-term and low value leases


(106)

(209)

Interest expense (included in finance cost)


(92)

(105)

Foreign exchange gains


-

6

Total cost relating to leases


(1,118)

(1,704)

 

27.  STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS NOTES

 

a) Cash generated from operations

 


2022

2021

 

Note

£000s

£000s

Cash flows from operating activities

 



Operating profit


19,916

  23,720

Adjustments for:

 

 


Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

12

3,281

  3,173

Depreciation of right-of-use assets

12

920

  1,396

Amortisation of intangible assets

11

2,063

  2,310

Share of losses from joint ventures


18

  50

Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

12

-

  1,679

Other non-cash flow items


1,275

  1,703

Share based payment transactions

23

(491)

  1,400

Net exchange differences

 6(a)

188

  186



27,170

  35,617

Changes in working capital:

 

 


Increase in inventories


(1,213)

(5,320)

Decrease / (increase) in trade and other receivables


3,159

(6,649)

(Decrease) / increase in trade and other payables

 

(4,549)

  558

Cash generated from operations

 

24,567

  24,206

 

Other non-cash flow items include accrual of amounts relating to compensation for post-combination services, which were accrued part of the acquisition of LAICA as the services were rendered (see note 14).

 

Share-based payment transactions include other transactions recognised directly in equity included in the statement of changes of equity.

 

b) Movement in net debt




Non-cash movements

 


At

01 January 2022

Cash flows

Currency movements

Other movements

At

31 December 2022


 000s

 000s

 000s

 000s

 000s

Borrowings, net of loan arrangement fees

(70,846)

(46,487)

(292)

(201)

(117,826)

Lease liabilities

(3,371)

833

(55)

(1,295)

(3,888)

Total liabilities from financing activities

(74,217)

(45,654)

(347)

(1,496)

(121,714)

Cash and cash equivalents

19,670

11,340

(567)

-

30,443

Net debt

(54,547)

(34,314)

(914)

(1,496)

(91,271)

 

28.  ULTIMATE BENEFICIAL OWNER

There is not considered to be any ultimate beneficial owner, as the Company is listed on AIM. No single shareholder beneficially owns more than 25% of the Company's share capital.

 

29.  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

(a) Identity of related parties

Related parties include all of the companies within the Group, however, these transactions and balances are eliminated on consolidation within the consolidated financial statements and are not disclosed, except for related party balances held with Joint Ventures which are not eliminated.

The Group also operates a defined contribution pension scheme which is considered a related party.

 (b) Related party balances


Balance due from

Balance due to


 

 

2022

2021


2022

2021


£000s

£000s


£000s

£000s

Related party

 





Foshan Yilai Life Electric Appliances Co. Limited

-

165

 

-

-

LAICA Brand House Limited

26

25

 

-

-

(c) Related party transactions

The following transactions with related parties occurred during the year:

 

 

2022

2021

Name of related party

£000s

£000s

Transactions with related parties

 


Revenue earned from Foshan Yilai Life Electric Appliances Co. Limited

261

298

Revenue earned from LAICA Brand House Limited

3

3

Contributions paid to The Strix Limited Retirement Fund (note 5(c)(i))

(782)

(684)

 

Further information is given on the related party balances and transactions below:

·

Key management compensation is disclosed in note 5(b).

·

Information about the pension schemes operated by the Group is disclosed in note 5(c), and transactions with the pension schemes operated by the Group relate to contributions made to those schemes on behalf of Group employees.

·

Information on dividends paid to shareholders is given in note 25.

 

30.  POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS

The Group does not have any material events after the reporting period to disclose.

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