Final Results

Artisan (UK) PLC 11 July 2005 ARTISAN (UK) plc (AIM) (House builder & business park developer) PRELIMINARY RESULTS FOR THE YEAR TO 31 MARCH 2005 HIGHLIGHTS Key points: •122% growth in earnings per share to 0.60p (2004: 0.27p) •35% rise in operating profits to £2.72m (2004: £2.02m) •Shareholders' funds increased by 12.4% to £15.7m •No dividend recommended in order to retain available funds within the business (2004: nil) •Residential land bank expanded by over 35% •Commercial activity level increases significantly •Commercial Development operations return to profitability •Court of Appeal ruling on the Infiniteland case upholds judgment in Artisan's favour Michael W Stevens commented: 'The 2005 results are most satisfying and have exceeded the market's expectations. This reflects the rewards of building two stable platforms for our core operations both with the potential for long term profit flows. The coming year will no doubt be more challenging in the housebuilding sector, but our commercial operations are strong and underline the benefits of maintaining the two diverse business streams' Enquiries: Artisan (UK) plc 01480 436666 Chris Musselle, Finance Director Mobile: 07879 412779 Martyn Freeman, Chief Executive Bankside Consultants 020 7367 8888 Simon Rothschild Mobile: 07703 167065 Seymour Pierce Limited 020 7107 8000 Sarah Wharry CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT It is one of the more pleasant duties of a company chairman to report on a year which sees significant growth in both operating profits and pre-tax earnings. Operating profits have risen to £2.7m (2004: £2.0m). Pre-tax profits almost doubled to £2.1m from last year's £1.1m, partly due to the absence of the significant exceptional costs that were a feature of 2004, but should not disguise the real progress made by the Group in its activities in the year. The market for our commercial business parks has been active during the year under review, with a much higher level of sales achieved. The prospects for this area of the business are expected to remain positive for 2005/06. Whilst the housing market is always likely to be punctuated by short term volatility, the Board believes the long term prospects for housebuilding are strongly founded on basic economic principles, and we continue to build up land reserves at Rippon Homes and seek other opportunities to expand. Inevitably any corporate activity has been inhibited whilst the Infiniteland litigation remained open. It is to be welcomed that the Court of Appeal has upheld the judgment of the High Court finding in favour of Artisan as explained in the Financial Review that follows in this report. Your Board is looking forward to 2005/06 with confidence and, although we anticipate a more difficult and uncertain year for our housebuilding operations, we will redouble our efforts to pursue interesting prospects in the property sector. Whilst the Group is in a much better position to pursue worthwhile opportunities we will not allow our pursuit of these opportunities to compromise the stability that has been established over the past couple of years. We are determined to take the Group forward to restore a more robust market capitalisation and believe the platform to achieve this growth is now firmly founded. With this in mind, your Board does not recommend a dividend for the current year, in order that funds for investment may be retained in the business. The impressive results for the year could only have been achieved with the support of all the employees in the business, and I should like to acknowledge their efforts on behalf of the entire Board. Michael W Stevens Chairman 11 July 2005 OPERATIONAL REVIEW During the year, sales on the Group's business parks grew to £8.6m (2004: £4.8m). This included sales of serviced plots as well as completed properties, and has enabled us to make a significant reduction in the working capital employed in commercial land and stocks. This has greatly improved the return on capital employed within Artisan (UK) Developments whilst rebalancing stocks. The most notable transaction in the year was at Vantage Park in Huntingdon, where we let the three office units constructed in the previous year and concluded an investment sale at £2.4m to one of the Cambridge colleges in March 2005. Overall, the last two months of the year proved very productive for the sale of stock properties, to the extent that virtually all of these were sold by the year end. This has required the rebuilding of stock levels in the first half of 2005/06. Demand for forward sales on offices remains good at the present time particularly in the market for the smaller properties Artisan (UK) Developments offers. 2004/05 was a profitable but disjointed year for house sales at Rippon Homes. From July 2004 the market in the East Midlands stood still for three months whilst prospective purchasers nervously watched for signs of a fall in house prices and estate agents sought to re-align asking prices for less desirable older properties. Despite a rally in the New Year, the business finished the year with 118 houses sold, compared with 126 sales in the previous year when customer demand was at an exceptionally high level. Demand has calmed since the early-spring revival and results for the year to 31 March 2006 will be significantly impacted by the condition of the market in the autumn. However, Rippon Homes enjoys a low exposure to the troubled apartments sector and buy-to-let investors, and its houses are attractive to the more traditional buyer. Typically this means Rippon Homes does not operate on the higher percentage of forward-sales reported by volume housebuilders, and it remains difficult to forecast sales volumes in the current cautious market. Our land buying strategy has allowed Rippon Homes to offer a higher percentage of less expensive properties. We have also expanded with more sites in the conurbations west of Nottingham and Yorkshire where we expect demand will be more resilient. One factor having an influence across both our business streams is the growing popularity of purchasing property through private pension plans (SIPPs). From April 2006 the fiscal rules are set to change to enable a wider range of property investments, including housing, to be purchased in this manner although restricting the size of the related mortgages. Whilst the influence of these Treasury policies on the markets is unclear, it may be that some purchasers will await the start date for certain types of house purchase. Shareholders will be aware that Artisan has been exploring the expansion of the housebuilding business through a possible corporate acquisition. During the year talks were held with several different companies, but these did not lead to fruition. We have continued to invest in the housing land bank at Rippon Homes and during the year we increased our landholdings by over 35%, ending the year with 230 plots owned or contracted, (2004 - 168 plots). Future commercial development capacity stands at over 17,000 square metres of developable floorspace, which is approaching three years production, and new outlets are being sourced for 2006/ 07. The year to 31 March 2005 has demonstrated the Group's ability to return a good level of operating profits through its operations and provided a sound base for future years. Martyn Freeman Chief Executive 11 July 2005 FINANCIAL REVIEW Results The Group operating profit has improved to £2.72m (2004: £2.02m) an increase of 35%. In particular the commercial activity at the year end was very successful with over £3.0m of sales achieved in the last month. Profit has grown as a result of the improvement in commercial trading activity supported by a rise in the margins achieved on residential sales. Earnings per share have increased by 122% to 0.60p (2004: 0.27p) Group turnover for the year to 31 March 2005 reduced to £27.3m (2004: £32.1m) due in part to the weakness of the residential housing market compared to the prior year despite the excellent recovery in business park development activity. In the year to 31 March 2004 the turnover was enhanced by the sales of older Living Heritage stock accounting for much of the reduction in turnover. Summary of operating results Residential Commercial Property Central Total Dealing Turnover - 2005 £18.7m £8.6m - - £27.3m - 2004 £26.6m £4.8m £0.7m - £32.1m Operating profit - 2005 £3.1m £1.1m - £(1.3)m £2.9m - 2004 £3.3m £(0.1)m - £(1.0)m £2.2m The analysis of profit is before group management charges and excludes goodwill. There has been some additional exceptional expenditure in respect of disposals of group undertakings in previous years. This is largely in respect of the litigation continuing through the year over the Group's sale of Bickerton Construction Limited. Share Capital In the year there has been no share capital issued. Balance Sheet The net assets of the Group have continued to grow with an increase from £14.0m to £15.7m as a result of the retained profit for the year. At 31 March 2005 the Group had net cash balances of £nil (2004: £0.4m) reflecting the funding basis of our new banking facilities whereby all positive bank balances in the group are offset against loan drawdown. This is particularly advantageous in reducing net interest payable. The Group has borrowings of £7.1m (2004: £4.7m). The gearing ratio is now 44.9% (2004: 31.4%) reflecting the continued investment in trading stocks as your Board seeks to improve the depth of the residential land bank. Your Board expects to take advantage of the opportunities to be gained by increasing this gearing ratio as worthwhile new projects are identified in both residential and commercial activities. Work in Progress Work in progress has increased from £18.7m to £21.8m reflecting the continued investment in residential land bank, whilst commercial work in progress has been successfully reduced through profitable trading. The investment in commercial work in progress will increase from the low point following the successful sales of finished units at the year end as further stock is developed for sale. As the completion of two of the office parks can be now be foreseen, further investment in new business park sites is expected. Non-Core Assets Artisan has, as indicated last year, essentially finalised the disposal of its non core assets with the realisations of its holdings in Stratus Services Group Inc and Partners in Property Solutions plc, both modestly in excess of balance sheet value. Artisan retains a small number of common stock shares in Stratus. Litigation The dispute with Infiniteland Limited over the sale of Bickerton Construction Limited continued to be a distraction during the year. After enduring the long and expensive High Court hearing which found in favour of Artisan in the previous financial year, Infiniteland were granted leave to appeal to the Court of Appeal. The appeal hearing was heard in February 2005 and judgment handed down in June 2005, again in favour of Artisan, dismissing Infiniteland's claims and upholding Artisan's right to collect the £503,000 debt outstanding together with substantial costs and interest. The Court of Appeal did not grant leave to Infiniteland to appeal this judgment, but as Infiniteland intend to seek leave to appeal directly to the House of Lords, the full outstanding debt remains provided for whilst litigation continues and no assumption of any funds recoverable has been made. Also as we previously reported, the liquidator of Bickerton Construction Limited has made enquiries into management charges from Artisan around the time of the sale of Bickerton. At the end of 2004 the liquidator threatened legal action in respect of management charges of £1,400,000 paid by Bickerton to Artisan in June 2001. If proceedings are issued Artisan intends to defend its position on the validity of the management charges. If the defence is unsuccessful, the matter may result in a repayment by Artisan of an amount equal to all or part of the management charges plus costs. Bankers The new corporate banking facilities agreed with The Royal Bank of Scotland plc have proven to be of significant benefit to the Group. Following the completion of the first year on 30 June 2005, the £5m top slice of funding has been renewed for a further year, the balance having been drawn down on a three year committed revolving credit facility. The new facility has been entered into with the clear understanding that it is Artisan's intention to improve its land banks and seek acquisitions. Chris Musselle Finance Director 11 July 2005 ARTISAN (UK) PLC GROUP PROFIT & LOSS ACCOUNT For The Year Ended 31 March 2005 31 Mar 2005 31 Mar 2004 £ £ TURNOVER 27,326,235 32,116,765 COST OF SALES (22,606,419) (28,325,253) __________ __________ GROSS PROFIT 4,719,816 3,791,512 Administrative expenses (2,031,523) (1,775,720) Other operating income 33,826 6,254 __________ __________ GROUP OPERATING PROFIT 2,722,119 2,022,046 Loss on sale of group undertaking in prior year (7,640) (20,343) Exceptional provisions in respect of sale of group undertakings in previous years (125,000) (554,504) Exceptional profits arising on current asset 69,476 108,236 investments and loan notes __________ __________ 2,658,955 1,555,435 Interest payable (536,538) (486,958) Interest receivable and similar income 12,631 36,409 __________ __________ PROFIT ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES BEFORE TAXATION 2,135,048 1,104,886 Taxation (397,565) (336,084) __________ __________ RETAINED PROFIT FOR THE YEAR 1,737,483 768,802 __________ __________ Basic earnings per share 0.60p 0.27p Diluted earnings per share 0.60p 0.27p All recognised gains and losses in the current and prior year are included in the profit and loss account. ARTISAN (UK) PLC GROUP BALANCE SHEET As at 31 March 2005 31 Mar 2005 31 Mar 2004 £ £ FIXED ASSETS Intangible fixed assets 2,471,206 2,628,190 Tangible fixed assets 340,199 368,178 __________ __________ 2,811,405 2,996,368 __________ __________ CURRENT ASSETS Investments 5,000 177,037 Stocks and work in progress 21,786,214 18,726,086 Debtors 6,791,533 5,079,480 Cash at bank and in hand 5,207 355,653 __________ __________ 28,587,954 24,338,256 CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year (8,094,628) (12,409,645) __________ __________ NET CURRENT ASSETS 20,493,326 11,928,611 __________ __________ TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 23,304,731 14,924,979 CREDITORS: Amounts falling due after more (7,060,746) (52,320) than one year Provisions for liabilities and charges (528,843) (895,000) __________ __________ NET ASSETS 15,715,142 13,977,659 __________ __________ CAPITAL AND RESERVES Called up share capital 1,442,647 1,442,647 Share premium account 9,456,668 9,456,668 Merger reserve 515,569 515,569 Capital redemption reserve 91,750 91,750 Profit and loss account 4,208,508 2,471,025 __________ ___________ EQUITY SHAREHOLDERS' FUNDS 15,715,142 13,977,659 __________ ___________ ARTISAN (UK) PLC GROUP CASH FLOW STATEMENT For The Year Ended 31 March 2005 31 Mar 2005 31 Mar 2004 £ £ NET CASH (OUTFLOW)/INFLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES (2,121,632) 6,517,922 RETURNS ON INVESTMENTS AND SERVICING OF FINANCE Interest received 12,631 36,409 Interest paid (489,149) (486,958) ________ ________ NET CASH OUTFLOW FROM RETURNS ON INVESTMENTS AND SERVICING OF FINANCE (476,518) (450,549) TAXATION UK Corporation tax paid (520,064) (237,295) CAPITAL EXPENDITURE AND FINANCIAL INVESTMENT Sale of tangible fixed assets 4,894 34,284 Purchase of tangible fixed assets (25,294) (31,813) ________ ________ NET CASH (OUTFLOW)/INFLOW FROM (20,400) 2,471 INVESTING ACTIVITIES ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS Disposal of subsidiary undertaking in prior year (7,640) (20,343) ________ ________ NET CASH OUTFLOW FROM ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS (7,640) (20,343) ________ ________ NET CASH (OUTFLOW)/INFLOW BEFORE USE OF LIQUID RESOURCES AND FINANCING (3,146,254) 5,812,206 MANAGEMENT OF LIQUID RESOURCES Sale of current asset investments 477,966 817,897 FINANCING Movement in borrowing 6,042,362 (8,655,115) Capital element of finance leases (5,892) (17,413) __________ __________ NET CASH INFLOW/(OUTFLOW )FROM FINANCING 6,036,470 (8,672,528) __________ __________ INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN CASH 3,368,182 (2,042,425) __________ __________ Notes 1 EARNINGS PER SHARE The basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit for the financial year attributable to shareholders by the weighted average number of shares in issue. The weighted average number of shares were 31 Mar 2005 31 Mar 2004 Number Number Basic weighted average number of shares 288,529,426 288,332,705 There were no dilutive potential ordinary shares in 2005 or 2004 2. The financial information set out in this document, which summarises the results of the group, does not amount to statutory accounts within the meaning of Section 240 of the Companies Act 1985. The group's auditors have audited the statutory accounts and have issued an unqualified report thereon within the meaning of Section 235 and have not made any statement under Section 237(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 1985 for the year ended 31 March 2005. 3. Statutory accounts for the year ended 31 March 2004 have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. Statutory accounts for the year ended 31 March 2005 will be delivered to the Registrar following the Annual General Meeting. No changes have been made to accounting policies. 4. The Annual General Meeting will be held at Butchers Hall, 87 Bartholomew Close, London, EC1A 9HP at 11.00am on 7 September 2005. Copies of this announcement will be available to the public, free of charge, from the offices of Seymour Pierce Ltd, Bucklersbury House, 3 Queen Victoria Street, London, EC4N 8EL during normal office hours, with the exception of Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays, for 14 days from today. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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