TIDMCARR
RNS Number : 5355X
Carr's Group PLC
21 December 2023
21 December 2023
CARR'S GROUP PLC
FULL YEAR RESULTS
For the year ended 2 September 2023
Carr's Group plc (CARR.L), ("Carr's, the "Company", or the
"Group") the Speciality Agriculture and Engineering Group,
announces its audited results for the year ended 2 September
2023.
Financial Highlights
Adjusted (Continuing +/-%
Operations) FY23 FY22
-------------------------------------- ------ ------- -------
Revenue (GBP'm) 143.2 124.2 +15.3
Adjusted operating profit
(GBP'm) 8.0 11.9 -33.2
Adjusted profit before
tax (GBP'm) 7.5 11.2 -33.2
Adjusted earnings per
share (p) 6.2 10.0 -38.0
Statutory (Continuing +/-%
Operations) FY23 FY22
-------------------------------------- ------ ------- -------
Revenue (GBP'm) 143.2 124.2 +15.3
Operating profit (GBP'm) 2.0 8.2 -76.3
Profit before tax (GBP'm) 1.5 7.6 -80.1
Basic earnings per share
(p)
Continuing Operations 0.4 6.4 -93.8
Discontinued Operations* (0.7) (3.5)
Reported (0.3) 2.9 -110.3
Dividend per share (p) 5.2 5.2 -
-------------------------------------- ------ ------- -------
Net cash / (debt) (GBP'm) 4.2 (14.0)
*FY22 restated in relation to the loss recognised on the
measurement to fair value less costs to sell (see note 10)
Continuing Operations Highlights
-- Engineering Division
- Adjusted operating profit of GBP5.3m (FY22: GBP5.4m) with
strong second half performance.
- Record multi-year forward order book GBP60m (FY22: GBP41m)
reflecting favourable long term macro trends supporting the nuclear
sector, power, defence and medical segments.
-- Speciality Agriculture Division
- Revenues increased 18.7% on prior year with material selling
price increases to recover input prices offsetting volume
reductions.
- Adjusted operating profit of GBP5.6m (FY22: GBP9.2m).
- Trading volumes in both key markets impacted by drought
conditions in parts of the USA and continuing high farm input costs
in the UK supressing demand.
- The challenging market conditions in both markets are
continuing, however, the Board expects to return to growth in the
medium to long term.
-- Central Costs
- Central costs of GBP3.0m (FY22: GBP2.6m).
- Cost reduction measures underway in FY24.
-- Adjusting Items
- GBP6.0m of adjusting items (pre-tax) comprising:
-- GBP4.8m of adjusting items are non-cash items, GBP3.8m of
which is a write down of goodwill and other intangible assets
arising primarily as a result of discount rate movements,
-- GBP1.2m of restructuring and other non-recurring cash
costs.
-- Net Cash / Debt
- Year end Net Cash of GBP4.2m (FY22: Net Debt GBP14.0m) -
movement driven primarily by proceeds of sale of Agricultural
Supplies division and investment of GBP8.3m in targeted working
capital and cap-ex.
- Final consideration of GBP4m from disposal of Agricultural
Supplies division received post period end.
-- Dividends
Final dividend of 2.85p per share results in dividends for the
year of 5.2p per share (FY22: 5.2p).
Strategic Highlights
-- Agricultural Supplies Division disposal completed on 26
October 2022 with total cash proceeds of GBP29.9m, before the
deduction of GBP0.8m in respect of property rental terms agreed
with Billington Group, with the final GBP4.0m received in October
2023.
-- Sale proceeds utilised to date in:
- Net Debt reduction
- Capacity improvements within Engineering Division
- Other opportunities to increase shareholder value are being
evaluated and will form part of future updates
-- Board and management transition with appointment of Tim Jones
(Non-Executive Chairman), Gillian Watson (Non-Executive Director
and Senior Independent Director), David White (Chief Executive
Officer), Gavin Manson (Chief Financial Officer) and Martin Rowland
(Executive Director of Transformation).
-- Board and new Executive team are reviewing the performance,
composition and organisation of the Group's operations.
-- Group Bank Facilities of GBP25m extended to December 2026.
Outlook
Trading conditions in agriculture remain challenging and the
Board expects this to continue through the current financial year,
while retaining confidence in prospects improving in the medium to
long term. The Engineering division delivered a strong second half
performance during FY23 and the order book levels will enable
year-on-year growth during FY24, while also providing renewed
confidence beyond the current financial year. At this early stage
in the new financial year expectations for FY24 remain
unchanged.
Quote: David White (Chief Executive Officer)
"Despite the headwinds impacting Speciality Agriculture we are
making significant progress on our plans to increase market
penetration, integrate our businesses to optimise performance and
reduce costs; and leverage supportive trends. We expect challenging
trading conditions in Speciality Agriculture to continue through
the current financial year but are focused on managing current
performance and positioning the division for growth on market
recovery. The Engineering order book levels will help deliver year
on year growth during FY24 and beyond, with operational leverage in
that division providing attractive returns."
Quote: Tim Jones (Non-Executive Chairman)
"The Carr's brand has a deservedly strong reputation which is
supported by a leading market share in the UK, an exciting range of
product innovations and new licence approvals alongside compelling
opportunities in overseas markets. Notwithstanding the challenging
conditions presently being felt across the agricultural sector the
Company is firmly focused on market penetration, the reduction of
its costs and optimising shareholder value."
+44 (0) 1228 554
Carr's Group plc 600
David White , Chief Executive Officer
Gavin Manson, Chief Financial Officer
+44 (0) 203 727
FTI Consulting 1340
Richard Mountain/ Ariadna Peretz
About Carr's Group plc:
Carr's is an international leader in manufacturing value added
products and solutions, with market leading brands and robust
market positions in Agriculture and Engineering, supplying
customers around the world. Carr's operates a business model that
empowers operating subsidiaries enabling them to be competitive,
agile, and effective in their individual markets whilst setting
overall standards and goals.
The Speciality Agriculture division manufactures and supplies
feed blocks, minerals and boluses containing trace elements and
minerals for livestock.
The Engineering division manufactures vessels, precision
components and remote handling systems, and provides specialist
engineering services, for the nuclear, defence and oil & gas
industries.
Chair's Statement
Review of the year
Since I became Chair in February 2023, I have seen first hand
the professionalism, focus and dedication of the teams working hard
to achieve the Group's aims. Though I joined at a difficult time,
the Company having recently disposed of its Agricultural Supplies
division and suffering a delayed audit which had caused its shares
to be suspended and a delay in payment of the final dividend, I
have a sense of renewed optimism and purpose.
The order book for the Engineering division is at an all-time
high - some 47% up on this time last year; and the pipeline of
opportunities across our portfolio is inspiring, both in home and
in overseas markets. Meanwhile, the Speciality Agriculture
businesses, though facing the headwinds of drought impacts in
pasture-fed USA markets, alongside the economic downturn
particularly impacting UK markets, have strong brands, compelling
intellectual property and opportunities to penetrate new markets,
to enhance productivity and to move up the value chain. The
leadership team to drive the division's dynamism and delivery
across these opportunities is coming together at pace.
I have been able to visit our Ayr site, which has established a
very successful reach particularly into Scottish markets for
Scotmin Nutrition, and our Silloth site. Our customers recognise
the quality and value they get from our products and Carr's is
proud that so many of these customers see our products as a staple
to supporting their agricultural businesses. We are particularly
pleased with the progress in manufacturing our bolus,
Tracesure(TM), at our Animax site outside Bury St Edmunds.
Automation has been implemented, productivity gains are, therefore,
significant, whilst product licensing approval has been won for EU
markets. Marketing and technical support is now being rolled out to
drive market take-up of this exciting product across the Group's
ruminant animal businesses.
I have also had the opportunity to visit the Sellafield nuclear
site, and have seen our contributions to the operations in action -
specialised fluidics pumps that deal with nuclear slurry, robotic
arms to move nuclear materials safely, precision engineered
containers to store and transport nuclear waste - allowing me to
better understand the breadth and scale of Carr's applications at
this location. Similarly, I had the privilege of being invited to
see the divisions's work at BAE's submarine construction site at
Barrow in Furness and, though I cannot be specific about all that
we do there, I was extraordinarily impressed. Across at North
Shields I saw the contribution the division makes to keeping the
country's North Sea assets safe - our high-speed manufacturing site
there produces the emergency shut-off devices that deploy in the
event that a well head needs to be urgently shut down.
There is much to be proud of across our businesses - not least
the Engineering division's acclaimed apprenticeship initiatives,
which drive the quality and availability of upcoming talent not
just for the Carr's businesses but more widely too. This is local
stakeholder engagement of truly impactful meaning. The complexities
and diversities of our businesses are as inspiring as they are
challenging and we intend to focus, improve, and deliver optimal
shareholder value through effective leadership at both operational
and Board level and we approach the next chapter with adaptability
and unity.
Sale of the Agricultural Supplies division
The year saw the completion of the sale of all of our holdings
in the Agricultural Supplies division to co-owners Edward
Billington & Son Ltd. 98% of the shareholder votes at a General
Meeting of the Company on 19 September 2022 were in favour of the
sale, which completed on 26 October 2022 , and we received the
final payment of consideration in October 2023, bringing the total
received by the Company to GBP29.9m, before the deduction of
GBP0.8m in respect of property rental terms agreed with Billington
Group . Important trading relationships have remained very positive
- a gratifying outcome for all parties involved.
FY22 year-end process
As noted in the 2022 Annual Report and Accounts there were
significant challenges during the FY22 year-end process that
impacted the Carr's team and the external auditor, Grant Thornton
UK LLP. We have extensively reviewed our internal and external
processes and real progress has been made in FY23.
Dividends
The Board is proposing a final dividend of 2.85 pence per share
which, together with the two interim dividends, makes a total
dividend of 5.20 pence per share for the full year, the same as the
prior year (2022: 5.20 pence).
Subject to approval by shareholders at the Annual General
Meeting of the Company to take place in February 2024, the final
dividend will be paid on 1 March 2024, to shareholders on the
register at close of business on 26 January 2024 and the shares
will go ex-dividend on 25 January 2024.
In order to reduce administrative costs and bring the Company
in-line with the majority of the stock market, the Board is
proposing to move to a twice-yearly dividend payment - an initial
interim dividend anticipated to be declared at the time of the
Group's interim results, typically in April and payable in June,
and then a final dividend anticipated to be declared at the time of
the Group's preliminary results, typically in December and payable
following approval at the Company's Annual General Meeting.
Strategy
The order book value is an encouraging sign of the Engineering
division's success and our attention will remain focused on
contracts with key customers, pipeline opportunities and on
optimising our production capacity across all locations.
Efficiency, sustainability, speed, and resource allocation will
remain key considerations as we capitalise on this strong business,
and drive profitability.
The agricultural landscape requires specific focus to take
advantage of available markets, product applications, opportunities
to move up the value chain and to optimise productivity gains. We
are operating in a number of mature markets with established
competitors, which means maintaining our market share demands
astuteness in branding, pricing, innovation and business
development.
Our position in the agricultural and the engineering markets
aligns with our Environmental, Social, and Governance commitments
and enables the Group to seize opportunities in areas like clean
energy, global demand for sustainable protein and emissions
reduction. These imperatives guide our path forward.
Board
During FY23 new Executive and Non-Executive Directors were
appointed to the Board, bringing fresh perspectives and
insights.
Shelagh Hancock and Stuart Lorimer were appointed as
Non-Executive Directors from 1 September 2022. I became
Non-Executive Chair on 21 February 2023 and took over from Peter
Page who stepped down as Executive Chair and, as announced on 5
August 2022, took the role of Chief Executive Officer. Peter
stepped down from the Board and left the Group on 17 November 2023.
We thank Peter for his commitment to the Group over his tenure and
wish him all the best in his future endeavours .
As announced on 13 November 2023, David White was appointed by
the Board as Chief Executive Officer with effect from 17 November
2023 having completed an orderly handover from Peter Page. David
joined the Group in January 2023 and became part of the Board on 21
February 2023 as Chief Financial Officer, taking over from Neil
Austin who left the Group in February 2023 to take up a new role.
David has been succeeded in the role of Chief Financial Officer by
Gavin Manson with effect from 13 November 2023. Gavin is not a
member of the Board but will attend Board meetings by invitation.
Martin Rowland, who was appointed to the Board as Non-Executive
Director on 6 March 2023 as a representative of Harwood Capital
Management Limited ("Harwood") pursuant to a relationship agreement
between the Company and Harwood, w as appointed Executive Director
of Transformation with effect from 13 November 2023.
We have also recently welcomed Gillian Watson to the Board.
Gillian joined as Non-Executive Director on 9 October 2023 and has
succeeded John Worby as Senior Independent Director. John retired
from the Board on 31 October 2023 after almost nine years of
diligent service for which he is warmly thanked. Company Secretary
and Legal Director Matthew Ratcliffe left the Group on 22 September
2023 to take up a new role and is succeeded by Justin Richards who
joined us on 25 September 2023 as our new Company Secretary and
Legal Director.
Further details of Board and Committee membership during FY23
can be found in the Nomination Committee Report in the 2023 Annual
Report and Accounts which will be available to shareholders
shortly.
Stakeholder engagement and statement on Section 172 of the
Companies Act 2006
Stakeholder engagement is an important aspect of our business.
Section 172 of the Companies Act 2006 requires the Directors to
promote the success of the Company for the benefit of the members
as a whole, having regard to the interests of stakeholders in their
decision-making. Directors understand the importance of taking into
account the views of stakeholders and the impact of the Company's
activities on local communities, the environment, including climate
change, and the Group's reputation.
General Meetings of the Company provide an opportunity to engage
with shareholders in person. In FY23 we held a General Meeting in
relation to the disposal of the Agricultural Supplies division. On
27 February 2023 we held our Annual General Meeting which was well
attended by shareholders, and another General Meeting followed on 2
May 2023 to, amongst other matters, approve the delayed 2022 Annual
Report and Accounts. Details of the voting at the February Annual
General Meeting and the General Meeting held in May can be found on
our website.
Aside from these formal meetings, during the past year we have
engaged with shareholders on matters such as changes to long term
incentive plan performance measures and the Remuneration Policy. We
also consulted on executive remuneration following our General
Meeting in May. Whilst our Remuneration Report was approved by a
majority at the General Meeting, there were several shareholders
who voted against approval.
The Chair of the Remuneration Committee conducted an engagement
process from which useful feedback was received and our response
has been published on our website. It is important that the Chair
and other Directors are accessible to shareholders so we can
benefit from the dialogue, challenge and exchange of views. The
Board is happy to engage with shareholders at any time on a one-to
one level and proactively engage with shareholders to keep them up
to date when appropriate to do so.
During the year, the Non-Executive Directors visited different
sites around the Group and met with members of the senior
leadership team. Peter Page also spent significant time at the
operational sites during the year meeting with employees,
customers, and strategic partners. This regular engagement with
current and prospective customers ranged from farmers at UK and US
trade events and distributors at international trade shows to site
visits in the UK, USA and Japan. We also maintain contact with
external research and development organisations and educational
institutions, ranging from the UK Atomic Energy Authority,
agriculture faculties of US and UK universities and local colleges
for skills training.
Environmental, Social and Governance
We continue to make good progress to capture our data to
identify climate related risks and opportunities, as well as
initiatives at each of our sites to reduce our impact on the
environment. The establishment of the Environmental Steering Group,
as well as the Green Teams at each of our sites has ensured that
environmental and social matters are given focus throughout the
organisation. Our governance structure supports this approach and
we ensure that responsible policies and practices underpin our
business.
Through our operations in different sectors we positively
contribute to global efforts to reduce the impact on the
environment. Our involvement in the nuclear industry contributes to
the global demand for sustainable power businesses, and our
Speciality Agriculture product range complements grass-based
systems which play such a crucial role in carbon sequestration.
People
As always, the business depends on the goodwill and commitment
of all colleagues. The whole Board is very grateful for everyone's
contribution during a year of internal change following the sale of
the Agricultural Supplies division, extraordinary challenges in
agricultural markets and significant progress on several fronts in
the Engineering division.
Outlook
The Group's capacity to address current challenges and to
harness the potential of our brands is strong. We understand the
importance of resilience, patience, and adaptability in navigating
the ebbs and flows of the market. We are committed to optimising
the value of our assets, capitalising on increasing global demand,
and advancing our clean energy initiatives.
Chief Executive's Review
During the financial year ended 2 September 2023 revenues
increased 15.3% to GBP143.2m (FY22: GBP124.2m). Adjusted operating
profit for the Group of GBP8.0m (FY22: GBP11.9m) was 33.2% down on
the prior year. Adjusted profit before tax reduced by 33.2% to
GBP7.5m (FY22: GBP11.2m). Adjusted earnings per share for
continuing operations decreased by 38.0% to 6.2p (FY22: 10.0p) for
the year. All figures and the commentary set out on the following
pages relate solely to continuing operations, except where
otherwise stated.
Divisional Review: Engineering
The Engineering division comprises specialist fabrication and
precision engineering businesses in the UK, robotics businesses in
the UK, Europe and USA, and engineering solutions businesses in the
UK and USA.
2023 2022 % Change
Revenue (GBPm) 50.6 46.2 +9.6
---- ---- --------
Adjusted operating profit
(GBPm) 5.3 5.4 -1.5
---- ---- --------
Adjusted operating margin
(%) 10.4 11.6 -1.2ppts
---- ---- --------
Forward order book (GBPm) 59.8 40.6 +47.0
---- ---- --------
Revenue performance in the division was ahead of the prior year
with a particularly strong H2 performance delivering a 24% increase
in adjusted operating profit, following a slower H1.
The order book strengthened during the year, with GBP59.8m
recorded at the year end, significantly ahead of the FY22 year-end
position of GBP40.6m. This improved position will support
performance in FY24 and FY25.
Fabrication and precision engineering revenues were up 16% in
the period, supported by continued high activity in the nuclear
sector, including an GBP8.4m contract to deliver instrument
cabinets and shielding blocks to one of Sellafield's new-build
major infrastructure projects, and strong order intake from the oil
and gas sector.
Revenues in the robotics business were less than last year, a
reflection of temporary lower order intake in this business during
prior year, FY22. With a significant uplift in order intake in
FY23, this part of the division's order book now stands at record
levels, including a GBP1.5m contract in the emerging nuclear
medicine sector and a prestigious GBP10m contract for the UK's
National Nuclear Laboratory, the largest single contract ever
signed by Wälischmiller, ensuring a positive outlook for FY24.
Divisional Review: Speciality Agriculture
The Speciality Agriculture division manufactures livestock
supplements including branded feed blocks, essential minerals, and
precision dose trace element boluses, sold to farmers in the UK,
Europe, North America, and New Zealand through a long-established
distribution network.
2023 2022 % Change
Revenue (GBPm) 92.6 78.1 +18.7
---- ---- ---------
Adjusted operating
profit (GBPm) 5.6 9.2 -38.5
---- ---- ---------
Adjusted operating
margin (%) 6.1 11.8 -5.7 ppts
---- ---- ---------
The increase in revenue in the period follows an increase of 21%
in average feed block selling prices to pass through substantial
raw material cost increases, adversely impacting total volumes by
16% (excluding joint ventures) compared to prior year.
In the UK, costs of the principal ingredient of feed blocks,
sugar cane molasses, have increased by 70% over the past three
years, which, with increases in other ingredients along with energy
and labour, has necessitated a 45% increase in selling prices over
the past two years. When combined with 45% increases in other feed
costs, a 180% uplift in fertiliser prices and 60% on diesel,
livestock customers limited their expenditure, particularly
impacting UK sales volumes during a mild autumn in 2022 and winter
2022-23 that supported continued grazing for longer than usual.
Feed block volumes sold in the UK were down by 18% on FY22, a
situation consistent at all distributors.
In the USA, the year-on-year increase of 24% in the selling
price of feed blocks reflected continued high raw material
ingredient costs. At the same time, the USA has been severely
impacted by three years of drought. In key market areas for feed
blocks, ranch-based cow calf herd headcount has reduced by up to
40%, in part reflecting the drought impact, but also occurring as
the US beef industry reaches the expected low point of the current
production cycle. As a result of all these factors, volumes sold
(excluding joint ventures) were 16% down on last year, limiting
scope to recover fixed costs in the business.
At the UK animal health business, revenues were down 16%
compared to the prior year, related to lower bolus volumes and
lower volumes of specialist aquaculture products manufactured under
a long-standing contract.
Although current market conditions remain challenging,
management maintains a positive longer-term outlook for the
Speciality Agriculture division. In the UK and Ireland, farm input
prices, particularly for feed and fertiliser, have declined from
recent peaks. Farmgate prices for beef and lamb are strong when
compared to 10-year historic averages, whereas the outlook for
dairy customers is affected by a lower milk price. In the USA, the
area affected by drought has reduced from 12 months previously,
whilst the cyclical outlook for US beef will slowly improve as
herds rebuild over the next five years.
Each of the Speciality Agriculture businesses is founded on
respected brands with a track record of quality, innovation and
service, that will support sales as markets recover from recent
extraordinary conditions.
Health and Safety
Health and safety continues to be a priority for management
teams. Throughout FY23, all sites have been engaged in a process of
upgrading and investment to meet the requirements of an internal
base level audit, introduced in 2022. This audit ensures that basic
safety standards are in place and understood at all locations. A
second round of audits has now commenced, aiming for a higher level
that relates to developing and establishing habits of instinctively
safe behaviour, in terms of both individual attitudes and measured
outcomes.
In the past 12 months there were two reportable incidents,
compared to nil in the prior year. Whilst the incident rate
increased over the year, it is encouraging to note a markedly
higher level of near misses and potential risks being reported and
addressed at a local level, indicating confidence in reporting
issues and resolving them promptly.
Environment
There has been significant progress in engagement in
environmental management issues. Every site now has a Green Team, a
group of colleagues who meet regularly to bring forward ideas and
suggestions for reducing the carbon footprint, reducing waste,
increasing participation in local community initiatives and
small-scale local investments to reduce consumption and impact.
At Group level, the quality and speed of reporting statutory
information has improved, along with the capability to address
shareholder and regulatory enquiries relating to environmental
matters. In 2024, there will be further progress in this area as
Scope 3 reporting develops.
Disposal of Agricultural Supplies division
As the first stage of the Group's review of strategic options,
the sale of the Agricultural Supplies division was completed on 26
October 2022, with initial receipt of GBP24.7m in cash. During
FY23, trading continued in the division for a short period, until
the completion date, for which the loss after tax was GBP1.2m. The
process to close the completion accounts for the sale was finalised
during August 2023 with a further GBP1.2m of cash received.
Deferred consideration of GBP4.0m was received in October 2023, in
line with the sale and purchase agreement. Proceeds included in the
prior year loss on fair value measurement before costs to sell
include a deduction of GBP0.8m in respect of property rental terms
agreed with Billington Group.
Divisional Outlooks
Speciality Agriculture will continue to manage historically high
input costs in 2024, whilst also facing depressed demand for
nutritional supplements as customers limit outgoings in challenging
market conditions. Longer-term prospects remain attractive, as
drought recedes and the beef cycle turns in the USA, whilst in the
UK and Europe the businesses will promote the unique attributes of
the full range of Carr's products that set them apart from
competitors.
Management is confident in the outlook for the Engineering
division beyond the current financial year, with confirmed high
value contracts continuing into FY24 and FY25, a well-balanced
spread of current orders across all the business units in the
division, and a stronger market for precision engineering. The
pipeline of opportunities and prospects beyond confirmed orders is
very encouraging. The division is increasingly focused on the
specific opportunities that match its market-leading skills,
technical strengths and high-quality manufacturing assets.
Financial Review
Continuing Operations
Alternative performance measures
This preliminary announcement includes both statutory and
alternative performance measures ("APMs"). The principal APMs
measure profitability excluding items regarded by the Directors as
adjusting items (note 3). These APMs, generally referred to as
'adjusted' measures, are used in the management and measurement of
business performance on a day-to-day basis and are also used in
assessing performance under the Group's incentive plans. A glossary
of APMs is included in note 11.
Continuing operations
The Agricultural Supplies division was treated as discontinued
operations in last year's accounts, with trading disclosed
separately and the net assets of the business categorised as held
for sale. This year's accounts contain the period of trading from 4
September 2022 to the disposal date of 26 October 2022, as well as
finalisation of the proceeds related to the disposal of this
business during the year. Full details are included in note 5. All
commentary in this review relates solely to continuing operations,
except where otherwise stated.
Discontinued operations
The results of discontinued operations were a loss of GBP1.2m
reflecting losses after tax in the year of GBP1.2m (2022: profit
after tax of GBP4.0m). The cumulative loss on the measurement to
fair value, less costs to sell is GBP10.3m of which GBP4.4m is in
respect of the non-controlling interest's share of the measurement
impairment. Full details can be found in note 5.
During the process to complete the accounting treatment of the
disposal of the Agricultural Supplies division, two adjustments
have been identified which have resulted in a prior year
restatement of the measurement of fair value less costs to sell.
The first was an adjustment to the book costs of the assets
disposed of, relating to the Group's interest in the joint venture,
Bibby Agriculture Ltd, held through the Group's shareholding in
Carrs Billington Agriculture (Sales) Ltd, together with
consolidation adjustments to the assets and liabilities included in
the overall Group net assets being disposed of. This adjustment
totalled GBP2.9m, of which GBP2.7m was included in the results
published for the period to 4 March 2023. Of this GBP2.9m, GBP1.6m
is attributable to the Group and has no impact on cash proceeds
received to date or in future.
Subsequent to the publication of the interim statement, a
further correction was identified, which was required to reflect
property rental terms agreed with the Billington Group as part of
the sale process. This increased the loss on measurement of fair
value less costs to sell by GBP1.2m, with GBP0.8m of this being
attributable to the Group. Combined, these corrections increase the
loss on measurement of fair value less costs to sell by GBP4.1m,
which included GBP1.8m in respect of the non-controlling interests
share of the measurement impairment.
The results and financial position of the Group's discontinued
operations for the year ended 3 September 2022 have been restated
to reflect this, with full details set out in note 10.
The process to close the completion accounts for the sale is
finished and the deferred consideration of GBP4m was paid in
October 2023, meaning receipt of gross cash proceeds of GBP29.9m,
in line with expectations. Proceeds included in the prior year loss
on fair value measurement before costs to sell include a deduction
of GBP0.8m in respect of property rental terms agreed with
Billington Group . Further details for discontinued operations can
be found in note 5.
Operating profit
Adjusted Group operating profit of GBP8.0m is down 33.2% on last
year (2022: GBP11.9m). As a percentage of revenues, the Group's
adjusted operating margin is 5.6% (2022: 9.6%). This decrease in
operating margin reflects the impact of higher raw material prices
in the Speciality Agriculture segment which has driven revenue up
with minimal margin improvement. Reported operating profit was
GBP2.0m (2022: GBP8.2m).
The Group's share of the adjusted post-tax result in its joint
ventures was GBP1.4m, up 71.5% (2022: GBP0.8m). The Group's share
of the adjusted post-tax result in its associate is included within
discontinued operations as part of the disposal group.
Adjusted operating profit per division and as a percentage of
divisional revenues are as follows:
Adjusted* operating profit 2023
Adjusted operating
profit 2023 GBPm 2023 % 2022 GBPm 2022 %
Speciality Agriculture 5.6 6.1 9.2 11.8
---------- ------- ---------- -------
Engineering 5.3 10.4 5.4 11.6
---------- ------- ---------- -------
Central (3.0) (2.6)
---------- ------- ---------- -------
Total 8.0 11.9
---------- ------- ---------- -------
* Segmental reported profit figures can be found in note 2.
Adjusting items
The Group reported a charge for adjusting items of GBP6.0m
(2022: GBP3.7m). This year's charge includes impairment of goodwill
and intangible assets of GBP3.8m, amortisation of acquired
intangibles of GBP0.9m, ERP system implementation costs of GBP0.6m
and restructuring costs of GBP0.6m. Further details are included in
note 3 .
Impairment of goodwill and Intangibles
During the year end accounting and statutory audit process, the
Group conducts impairment reviews of goodwill associated with
previous acquisitions. These reviews use projected cash flows for
each business, based on current management forecasts, interest
rates and associated external market data, in accordance with
International Financial
Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). Economic conditions at the year
end required higher discount rates than at the previous year
end.
For FY23, this results in a non-cash impairment charge of
GBP1.7m against goodwill paid for Animax Limited, an animal health
business which was acquired in 2018. While action has been taken to
improve the performance of the business, the challenging conditions
in agriculture mean that the Board believes that the full remaining
goodwill in the business should be written off based on the
estimated recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit. A further
GBP0.3m of other intangible assets of Animax were also written
down. In the Engineering division, the valuation of goodwill
acquired on the acquisition of NW Total Engineered Solutions Ltd
has been written down by GBP1.8m as a result of changed discount
rates and other non-company specific assumptions, despite the
business's prospects improving from last year. As these items do
not relate to the underlying trading performance of each business
the impairments have been treated as adjusting items (note 3)
consistent with prior years.
Finance costs
Net finance costs of GBP0.4m were lower than the prior year
(2022: GBP0.7m). Interest cover was 4.4 times based on reported
profit (17.9 times on an adjusted profit basis) compared to 12.4
times in 2022.
Profit before tax
Adjusted profit before tax at GBP7.5m was 33.2% below the
previous year (2022: GBP11.2m). Reported profit before taxation was
GBP1.5m (2022: GBP7.6m).
Taxation
The Group's effective tax charge on adjusted profit from
activities after net finance costs and excluding results from joint
ventures, which are recorded after tax was 27.5% (2022: 17.9%). The
increase is driven by deferred tax, including the impact of
unrecognised deferred tax on trading losses.
Earnings per share
The profit attributable to the equity holders of the Company in
respect of continuing operations amounted to GBP0.4m (2022:
GBP6.0m), and basic earnings per share was 0.4p (2022: 6.4p).
Adjusted earnings per share of 6.2p (2022: 10.0p) is calculated
by dividing the adjusted profit attributable to equity holders for
the year in respect of continuing operations by the weighted
average number of shares in issue during the year.
Cash flow and net cash/(debt)
Cash of GBP2.1m was generated from operating activities for the
year, compared to cash generation of GBP2.9m in the previous year.
The working capital outflow in the current year of GBP4.7m (2022:
GBP8.7m) was driven by a GBP3.2m increase in receivables,
predominantly in the Engineering division. Following the year-end,
the Group's net cash position has been supplemented by the receipt
of GBP4.0m of deferred consideration in October 2023, related to
the disposal of the Agricultural Supplies division. The main
banking facilities were extended in December 2023, and now expire
on 20 December 2026. The previously held invoice discounting
facility was solely for the Agricultural Supplies division and is
no longer in place following the disposal on 26 October 2022.
Pensions
The Group operates its current pension arrangements on a defined
benefit and defined contribution basis. The defined benefit scheme
is closed to new members and closed to future accrual. The scheme
currently has 61 deferred members and 214 current pensioners.
The valuation on an IAS 19 accounting basis showed a surplus
before the related deferred tax liability in the scheme at 2
September 2023 of GBP5.3m (2022: GBP6.8m). This is after an
actuarial loss of GBP2.1m (2022: GBP2.6m) which has been recognised
in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. Following a
review of the Scheme rules the Directors believe there is an
unconditional right to a refund of surplus from the defined benefit
pension plan in the event there are surplus assets during the
lifetime of the plan or when it winds up. The Group and Company
have therefore recognised the surplus in full on the balance
sheet.
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
for the year ended 2 September 2023
2022
2023 (restated)
(2)
Notes GBP'000 GBP'000
Continuing operations
Revenue 2 143,214 124,240
Cost of sales (110,924) (94,632)
Gross profit 32,290 29,608
Other operating income - 1,731
Distribution costs (7,507) (5,338)
Administrative expenses (24,273) (18,609)
Share of post-tax results of joint ventures 1,441 840
Adjusted (1) operating profit 2 7,950 11,906
Adjusting items 3 (5,999) (3,674)
Operating profit 2 1,951 8,232
Finance income 876 351
Finance costs (1,320) (1,017)
Adjusted (1) profit before taxation 2 7,506 11,240
Adjusting items 3 (5,999) (3,674)
Profit before taxation 2 1,507 7,566
Taxation 4 (1,111) (1,524)
Adjusted (1) profit for the year from
continuing operations 5,836 9,374
Adjusting items 3 (5,440) (3,332)
Profit for the year from continuing
operations 396 6,042
Discontinued operations
Loss for the year from discontinued
operations (including held for sale) 5 (1,157) (6,335)
Loss for the year (761) (293)
========== ===========
(Loss)/profit attributable to:
Equity shareholders (226) 2,710
Non-controlling interests (3) (535) (3,003)
----------
(761) (293)
========== ===========
Basic earnings per ordinary share (pence)
Profit from continuing operations 6 0.4 6.4
Loss from discontinued operations 6 (0.7) (3.5)
---------- -----------
6 (0.3) 2.9
========== ===========
Diluted earnings per ordinary share
(pence)
Profit from continuing operations 0.4 6.4
Loss from discontinued operations (0.7) (3.5)
---------- -----------
(0.3) 2.9
========== ===========
(1) Adjusted results are consistent with how business
performance is measured internally and is presented to aid
comparability of performance. Adjusting items are disclosed in note
3. An alternative performance measures glossary can be found in
note 11.
(2) See note 10 for an explanation of the prior year
restatements in relation to the loss recognised on the measurement
to fair value less costs to sell in respect of discontinued
operations.
(3) Non-controlling interests relate to businesses included in
the disposal group.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
for the year ended 2 September 2023
2022
2023 (restated)
(2)
GBP'000 GBP'000
Loss for the year (761) (293)
---------- ------------
Other comprehensive (expense)/income
Items that may be reclassified subsequently
to profit or loss:
* Foreign exchange translation (losses)/gains arising
on translation
of overseas subsidiaries (3,141) 4,288
* Net investment hedges - 60
* Taxation charge on net investment h edges - (11)
Items that will not be reclassified subsequently
to profit or loss:
- Actuarial losses on retirement benefit
asset:
- Group (2,058) (2,576)
- Share of associate (included within disposal
group) (717) (287)
* Taxation credit on actuarial losses on retirement 515 644
benefit asset: 179 72
- Group
- Share of associate (included within disposal
group)
Other comprehensive (expense)/income for
the year, net of tax (5,222) 2,190
---------- ------------
Total comprehensive (expense)/income for
the year (5,983) 1,897
========== ============
Total comprehensive (expense)/income attributable
to:
Equity shareholders (5,448) 4,900
Non-controlling interests (1) (535) (3,003)
(5,983) 1,897
========== ============
Total comprehensive (expense)/income attributable
to:
Continuing operations (4,288) 8,447
Discontinued operations (1,695) (6,550)
---------- ------------
(5,983) 1,897
========== ============
(1) Non-controlling interests relate to businesses included in
the disposal group.
(2) See note 10 for an explanation of the prior year
restatements in relation to the loss recognised on the measurement
to fair value less costs to sell in respect of discontinued
operations.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
as at 2 September 2023
2022
2023 (restated)(1)
Notes GBP'000 GBP'000
Assets
Non-current assets
Goodwill 19,161 23,609
Other intangible assets 3,318 4,635
Property, plant and equipment 29,950 33,204
Right-of-use assets 7,323 8,223
Investment property 2,640 74
Interest in joint ventures 6,101 6,065
Other investments 27 32
Contract assets - 316
Financial assets
- Non-current receivables 21 23
Retirement benefit asset 5,316 6,828
Deferred tax asset 26 213
73,883 83,222
--------- --------------
Current assets
Inventories 26,613 26,990
Contract assets 7,915 7,564
Trade and other receivables 24,592 19,015
Current tax assets 3,895 3,866
Financial assets
- Cash and cash equivalents 23,123 22,515
Assets included in disposal
group classified as held for
sale 5 - 144,389
--------- --------------
86,138 224,339
--------- --------------
Total assets 160,021 307,561
--------- --------------
Liabilities
Current liabilities
Financial liabilities
- Borrowings (13,714) (12,734)
- Leases (1,264) (1,416)
- Derivative financial instruments (4) (62)
Contract liabilities (5,194) (2,426)
Trade and other payables (16,556) (21,000)
Current tax liabilities (131) (711)
Liabilities included in disposal
group classified as held for
sale 5 - (101,566)
--------- --------------
(36,863) (139,915)
--------- --------------
Non-current liabilities
Financial liabilities
- Borrowings (5,206) (23,805)
- Leases (5,559) (6,128)
Deferred tax liabilities (4,447) (5,048)
Other non-current liabilities (71) (336)
--------- --------------
(15,283) (35,317)
--------- --------------
Total liabilities (52,146) (175,232)
--------- --------------
Net assets 107,875 132,329
========= ==============
Shareholders' equity
Share capital 2,354 2,350
Share premium 10,664 10,500
Other reserves 94,857 105,283
--------- --------------
Total shareholders' equity 107,875 118,133
Non-controlling interests - 14,196
--------- --------------
Total equity 107,875 132,329
========= ==============
(1) See note 10 for an explanation of the prior year
restatements in relation to the loss recognised on the measurement
to fair value less costs to sell in respect of discontinued
operations
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
for the year ended 2 September 2023
Equity Foreign Total Non-
Share Share Compensation Exchange Other Retained Shareholders' controlling Total
Capital Premium Reserve Reserve Reserve Earnings Equity Interests Equity
1 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
--------- --------- -------------- ---------- --------- ---------- --------------- ------------- ---------
At 29 August
2021 2,343 10,155 480 1,931 195 102,295 117,399 17,152 134,551
--------- --------- -------------- ---------- --------- ---------- --------------- ------------- ---------
Profit/(loss)
for the year
(restated) (1) - - - - - 2,710 2,710 (3,003) (293)
Other
comprehensive
income/(expense) - - - 4,337 - (2,147) 2,190 - 2,190
--------- --------- -------------- ---------- --------- ---------- --------------- ------------- ---------
Total
comprehensive
income/(expense)
(restated)(1) - - - 4,337 - 563 4,900 (3,003) 1,897
Dividends
paid - - - - - (4,687) (4,687) - (4,687)
Equity-settled
share-based
payment
transactions - - 199 - - - 199 50 249
Excess deferred
taxation on
share-based
payments - - - - - (30) (30) (3) (33)
Allotment of
shares 7 345 - - - - 352 - 352
Transfer - - (151) - (3) 154 - - -
At 3 September
2022
(restated)(1) 2,350 10,500 528 6,268 192 98,295 118,133 14,196 132,329
========= ========= ============== ========== ========= ========== =============== ============= =========
As previously
reported at
3 September
2022 2,350 10,500 528 6,268 192 100,657 120,495 15,976 136,471
Prior year
adjustment(1) - - - - - (2,362) (2,362) (1,780) (4,142)
--------- --------- -------------- ---------- --------- ---------- --------------- ------------- ---------
At 4 September
2022
(restated)(1) 2,350 10,500 528 6,268 192 98,295 118,133 14,196 132,329
--------- --------- -------------- ---------- --------- ---------- --------------- ------------- ---------
Loss for the
year - - - - - (226) (226) (535) (761)
Other
comprehensive
expense - - - (3,141) - (2,081) (5,222) - (5,222)
--------- --------- -------------- ---------- --------- ---------- --------------- ------------- ---------
Total
comprehensive
expense - - - (3,141) - (2,307) (5,448) (535) (5,983)
Dividends
paid - - - - - (4,889) (4,889) - (4,889)
Equity-settled
share-based
payment
transactions - - (85) - - - (85) (7) (92)
Excess deferred
taxation on
share-based
payments - - - - - (4) (4) - (4)
Allotment of
shares 4 164 - - - - 168 - 168
Sale of disposal
group - - - - - - - (13,654) (13,654)
Transfer - - (179) - (2) 181 - - -
At 2 September
2023 2,354 10,664 264 3,127 190 91,276 107,875 - 107,875
========= ========= ============== ========== ========= ========== =============== ============= =========
(1) See note 10 for an explanation of the prior year
restatements in relation to the loss recognised on the measurement
to fair value less costs to sell in respect of discontinued
operations
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
for the year ended 2 September 2023
2023 2022
Notes GBP'000 GBP'000
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from continuing operations 7 3,155 4,473
Interest received 564 179
Interest paid (1,320) (986)
Tax paid (278) (805)
Net cash generated from operating activities
in continuing operations 2,121 2,861
Net cash used in operating activities
in discontinued operations (3,040) (6,901)
Net cash used in operating activities (919) (4,040)
Cash flows from investing activities
Sale of disposal group (net of cash 25,619 -
disposed and costs to sell)
Acquisition of subsidiaries (net of
cash acquired) - (426)
Dividends received from joint ventures 1,390 2,250
Purchase of intangible assets (193) (342)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant
and equipment 48 31
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (3,194) (3,696)
Proceeds from sale of investment property - 149
----------
Net cash generated from/(used in) investing
activities in continuing operations 23,670 (2,034)
Net cash used in investing activities
in discontinued operations (487) (2,749)
Net cash generated from/(used in) investing
activities 23,183 (4,783)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issue of ordinary share
capital 167 352
New financing and drawdowns on RCF 5,574 10,051
Repayment of RCF drawdowns (21,741) (8,000)
Lease principal repayments (1,545) (1,550)
Repayment of borrowings (4,263) (2,840)
Dividends paid to shareholders (4,889) (4,687)
---------- ----------
Net cash used in financing activities
in continuing operations (26,697) (6,674)
Net cash (used in)/generated from financing
activities in discontinued operations (9,599) 20,324
Net cash (used in)/generated from financing
activities (36,296) 13,650
Effect of exchange rate changes (54) 332
---------- ----------
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and
cash equivalents (14,086) 5,159
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
of the year 24,855 19,696
---------- ----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
the year 10,769 24,855
========== ==========
NOTES TO THE PRELIMINARY ANNOUNCEMENT
1. Basis of preparation and going concern
The financial information in this preliminary announcement does
not constitute the Company's statutory accounts for the years ended
2 September 2023 or 3 September 2022. Statutory accounts for 2022
have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies, and those for
2023 will be delivered in due course. The auditor has reported on
those accounts; their reports were (i) unqualified, (ii) did not
include a reference to any matters to which the auditor drew
attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their report and
(iii) did not contain a statement under section 498 (2) or (3) of
the Companies Act 2006.
Going concern
The financial information in this preliminary announcement has
been prepared on a going concern basis which the Directors consider
to be appropriate for the following reasons.
The Directors have reviewed the Group's operational forecasts
and projections for the three years to 31 August 2026 as used for
the viability assessment, taking account of reasonably possible
changes in trading performance, together with the planned capital
investment over that same period. The Group is expected to have a
sufficient level of financial resources available through operating
cash flows and existing bank facilities for the period to 20
December 2024 ("the going concern period"). The Group has operated
within all its banking covenants throughout the year. In addition,
the Group's main banking facility is in place until December
2026.
For the purpose of assessing the appropriateness of the
preparation of the Group's accounts on a going concern basis, the
Directors have prepared financial forecasts for the Group,
comprising profit before and after taxation, balance sheets and
cash flows covering the period to 20 December 2024. The forecasts
consider the current cash position, the availability of banking
facilities and an assessment of the principal areas of risk and
uncertainty. These forecasts have been sensitised on a combined
basis for severe but plausible downside scenarios. The scenarios
tested included significant reductions in profitability and
associated cashflows linked to the two principal risks of: customer
demand and reliance on key customers; and supply chain constraints
and delays impacting operations. The results of this stress-testing
showed that, due to the stability of the core business, the Group
would be able to withstand the impact of these severe but plausible
downside scenarios occurring over the period of the financial
forecasts. In addition to testing these severe but plausible
downside scenarios, reverse stress testing was also applied to the
sensitised forecasts, to understand what level of downside scenario
the Group would not be able to withstand. The scenarios which
created going concern uncertainty were deemed extreme and
implausible.
Several other mitigating measures remain available and within
the control of the Directors that were not included in the
scenarios. These include withholding discretionary capital
expenditure and reducing or cancelling future dividend
payments.
In all the scenarios, the Group complies with its financial bank
covenants, operates within its renewed bank facilities, and meets
its liabilities as they fall due.
Consequently, the Directors are confident that the Group and the
Company will have sufficient funds to continue to meet their
liabilities as they fall due until 20 December 2024 and therefore
have prepared the financial information in this preliminary
announcement on a going concern basis.
Accounting policies
The accounting policies are consistent with those of the prior
year.
Prior year restatements
During the process to complete the accounting treatment of the
disposal of the Agricultural Supplies division, two adjustments
have been identified which have resulted in a prior year
restatement of the measurement of fair value less costs to sell.
The first was an adjustment to the book costs of the assets
disposed, relating to the Group's interest in the joint venture,
Bibby Agriculture Ltd, held through the Group's shareholding in
Carrs Billington Agriculture (Sales) Ltd, together with
consolidation adjustments to the assets and liabilities included in
the overall Group net assets being disposed of.
Subsequent to the publication of the interim statement, a
further correction was identified, which was required to reflect
property rental terms agreed with the Billington Group as part of
the sale process.
Further details of the effect of the prior year restatements can
be found in note 10.
2. Segmental information
The segmental information for the year ended 2 September 2023 is
as follows:
Speciality Continuing Discontinued
Agriculture Engineering Central Group operations
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Total segment revenue 93,960 50,609 - 144,569 53,212
Inter-segment revenue (1,320) (35) - (1,355) (1)
Revenue from external customers 92,640 50,574 - 143,214 53,211
============= ============== ========== =========== =============
Adjusted(1) EBITDA(2) 6,117 7,678 (2,850) 10,945 (1,821)
Depreciation, amortisation
and profit/(loss) on disposal
of non-current assets (1,916) (2,394) (126) (4,436) -
Share of post-tax results
of associate and joint ventures 1,441 - - 1,441 466
Adjusted(1) operating profit/(loss) 5,642 5,284 (2,976) 7,950 (1,355)
Adjusting items (note 3) (3,315) (2,283) (401) (5,999) 3
-------------
Operating profit/(loss) 2,327 3,001 (3,377) 1,951 (1,352)
------------- -------------- ---------- ----------- -------------
Finance income 876 -
Finance costs (1,320) (186)
Adjusted(1) profit/(loss)
before taxation 7,506 (1,541)
Adjusting items (note 3) (5,999) 3
------------------------------------- ------------- -------------- ---------- ----------- -------------
Profit/(loss) before taxation 1,507 (1,538)
------------------------------------- ------------- -------------- ---------- ----------- -------------
Taxation of discontinued
operations 381
------------------------------------- ------------- -------------- ---------- -----------
Loss for the year from discontinued
operations (note 5) (1,157)
------------------------------------- ------------- -------------- ---------- ----------- -------------
(1) Adjusted results are consistent with how business
performance is measured internally and is presented to aid
comparability of performance. Adjusting items are disclosed in note
3
(2) Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation,
profit/(loss) on the disposal of non-current
assets and before share of post-tax results of associate and joint ventures
The segmental information for the year ended 3 September 2022 is
as follows. Prior year disclosures have been restated in respect of
discontinued operations. Further details of the prior year
restatements of discontinued operations can be found in note
10.
Discontinued
Speciality Continuing operations
Agriculture Engineering Central Group (restated)
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Total segment revenue 84,321 46,347 - 130,668 343,844
Inter-segment revenue (6,244) (184) - (6,428) (6)
Revenue from external customers 78,077 46,163 - 124,240 343,838
============== ============== ========== ============= =============
Adjusted(1) EBITDA(2) 9,869 7,693 (2,487) 15,075 7,586
Depreciation, amortisation
and profit/(loss) on disposal
of non-current assets (1,532) (2,326) (151) (4,009) (2,693)
Share of post-tax results
of associate (adjusted(1)
) and joint ventures 840 - - 840 2,016
Adjusted(1) operating profit/(loss) 9,177 5,367 (2,638) 11,906 6,909
Adjusting items (note 3) 131 (3,351) (454) (3,674) (11,877)
Operating profit/(loss) 9,308 2,016 (3,092) 8,232 (4,968)
-------------- -------------- ---------- ------------- -------------
Finance income 351 -
Finance costs (1,017) (756)
Adjusted(1) profit before
taxation 11,240 6,153
Adjusting items (note 3) (3,674) (11,877)
Profit/(loss) before taxation 7,566 (5,724)
------------------------------------- -------------- -------------- ---------- ------------- -------------
Taxation of discontinued
operations (611)
------------------------------------- -------------- -------------- ---------- -------------
Loss for the year from discontinued
operations (note 5) (6,335)
------------------------------------- -------------- -------------- ---------- ------------- -------------
(1) Adjusted results are consistent with how business
performance is measured internally and is presented to aid
comparability of performance. Adjusting items are disclosed in note
3
(2) Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation,
profit/(loss) on the disposal of non-current assets and before
share of post-tax results of associate and joint ventures
3. Adjusting items
In reporting financial information, the Group presents
alternative performance measures ("APMs"), which are not defined or
specified under the requirements of IFRS. These APMs are consistent
with how business performance is measured internally and therefore
the Group believes that these APMs provide stakeholders with
additional useful information on the performance of the business.
The following adjusting items have been added back to reported
profit measures.
2023 2022
Discontinued
Continuing Discontinued Continuing Operations
operations operations operations (restated)
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Amortisation of acquired intangible
assets (i) 947 - 940 -
Adjustments to contingent consideration - - (1,320) -
(ii)
Restructuring/closure costs 607 - - -
(iii)
Strategic review costs (iv) - - 455 -
Acquisition-related costs (v) - - - 20
Gain on acquisition of Afgritech - - (733) -
(vi)
(Profit)/loss on fair value
measurement less costs to sell
(vii) - (3) - 10,518
Cloud configuration and customisation
costs - Group (viii) 602 - 113 974
Cloud configuration and customisation
costs - share of associate (viii) - - - 365
Goodwill and other intangible
assets impairment (ix) 3,843 - 4,219 -
------------- ---------------
Included in profit before taxation 5,999 (3) 3,674 11,877
Taxation effect of the above
adjusting items (559) - (342) (186)
------------- --------------- ------------- -------------
Included in profit/(loss) for
the year 5,440 (3) 3,332 11,691
============= =============== ============= =============
(i) Amortisation of acquired intangible assets which do not
relate to the underlying profitability of the Group but rather
relate to costs arising on acquisition of businesses.
(ii) Adjustments to contingent consideration arose from the
revaluation of contingent consideration in respect of acquisitions
to fair value at the prior year end.
(iii) Restructuring/closure costs include redundancy costs.
(iv) Strategic review costs include external adviser fees
incurred in the development of the Group's strategy.
(v) Acquisition-related costs relate to legal fees incurred in
respect of an aborted acquisition.
(vi) In the prior year the Group acquired the remaining 50%
shareholding in Afgritech Ltd and the financial position and
performance of the business, together with that of its 100% owned
subsidiary Afgritech LLC, was fully consolidated from the date of
acquisition. The Group's joint venture interest was effectively
disposed of at this acquisition date with a gain of GBP197,000,
being the difference between the carrying value and the fair value
of the joint venture interest, recognised. Also included in the
amount in the table above are foreign exchange gains of GBP559,000
that were recycled from the foreign exchange reserve to the income
statement on disposal, acquisition-related costs of GBP27,000 and
negative goodwill of GBP4,000.
(vii) The Group disposed of its interest in the Carr's
Billington Agricultural business on 26 October 2022. The
(profit)/loss on fair value measurement less costs to sell in this
year arises from the structure of the sale and offsets the retained
earnings from discontinued operations between 3 September 2022 and
completion date.
At the prior year end the carrying value of the assets and
liabilities included in the disposal group classified as held for
sale exceeded the fair value less costs sell. As a result the net
assets of the disposal group were reduced to the fair value less
costs to sell resulting in a loss of GBP10,518,000 (restated) being
recognised. This included a loss attributable to the
non-controlling interests of GBP4,383,000 (restated) together with
costs to sell of GBP175,000 recognised within the accounts of Carrs
Billington Agriculture (Sales) Ltd. Further details of the prior
year restatements can be found in note 10.
(viii) Costs relating to material spend in relation to the
implementation of the Group's, and associate's, ERP system that
have now been expensed following the adoption of the IFRIC agenda
decision.
(ix) Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets in
respect of the Animax Ltd cash-generating unit and impairment of
goodwill in respect of the NW Total Engineered Solutions Ltd
cash-generating unit. In the prior year the impairment of goodwill
was in respect of the Chirton profit centre and Wälischmiller
Engineering GmbH cash-generating units.
4. Taxation
2023 2022
Discontinued
Continuing Discontinued Continuing Operations
operations operations operations (restated)
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Analysis of the charge/(credit)
in the year
Current tax:
UK corporation tax
Current year - (343) 119 316
Adjustment in respect of prior
years (42) 58 164 51
Foreign tax
Current year 784 - 1,607 -
Adjustment in respect of prior
years (331) - (1) -
------------- --------------- ------------- -------------
Group current tax 411 (285) 1,889 367
------------- --------------- ------------- -------------
Deferred tax:
Origination and reversal of
timing differences
Current year 228 (57) 10 224
Adjustment in respect of prior
years 472 (39) (375) 20
------------- --------------- ------------- -------------
Group deferred tax 700 (96) (365) 244
------------- --------------- ------------- -------------
Tax charge/(credit) for the
year 1,111 (381) 1,524 611
============= =============== ============= =============
Profit/(loss) before taxation 1,507 (1,538) 7,566 (5,724)
------------- --------------- ------------- -------------
Tax at 21.5% (2022: 19%) 324 (331) 1,438 (1,088)
Effects of:
Tax effect of share of results
of associate and joint ventures (310) (100) (160) (314)
Tax effect of expenses that
are not allowable in determining
taxable profit
Tax effect of non-taxable
income 1,114 56 1,213 2,033
Effects of different tax rates
of foreign subsidiaries (407) (11) (1,183) (143)
Effects of deferred tax rates 7 - 149 -
Unrecognised deferred tax
on losses (20) (14) 68 52
Withholding taxes suffered 304 - 99 -
Adjustment in respect of prior
years - - 112 -
99 19 (212) 71
------------- --------------- ------------- -------------
Total tax charge/(credit) for
the year 1,111 (381) 1,524 611
============= =============== ============= =============
The tax effect of expenses that are not allowable in determining
taxable profit includes share-based payments, depreciation of
non-qualifying assets, disregarded foreign exchange net loss
movements, other expenses disallowable for UK corporation tax,
goodwill impairment (note 3) and, in respect of discontinued
operations in the prior year, it includes the loss recognised on
the measurement to fair value less costs to sell of the disposal
group (notes 3 and 5).
The tax effect of non-taxable income includes adjustments to
contingent consideration (note 3), the effect of income within the
patent box regime, disregarded foreign exchange net gain movements,
adjustments to profit before taxation for research and development
expenditure credits in respect of prior years and the 30% benefit
of the super deduction for capital allowances.
5. Discontinued operations and non-current assets held for sale
On 31 August 2022, the Group entered into a conditional
agreement to dispose of its interests in the Carr's Billington
Agricultural business to Edward Billington & Son Limited. In
accordance with IFRS 5 'Non-current assets held for sale and
discontinued operations', the assets and liabilities related to the
business were classified as a disposal group held for sale at 3
September 2022. The sale was conditional on approval by the Group's
shareholders which was given at a General Meeting held on 19
September 2022. The disposal completed on 26 October 2022.
On completion, the Company received GBP24.7m initial cash
proceeds (before costs to sell) following certain working capital
adjustments since the announcement on 31 August 2022. Following the
finalisation of the completion accounts mechanism the Company has
received a further GBP1.2m cash proceeds. On 26 October 2023 the
Company received GBP4.0m of deferred consideration.
Total cash consideration was GBP29.9m, of which GBP4.0m was
received post year end 2023. The proceeds included in the
calculation of loss on the measurement to fair value less costs to
sell have been reduced by GBP0.8m to reflect rent free periods on
properties leased by the Group to the Billington Group
post-disposal. This has been reflected in the prior year adjustment
(note 10) within total comprehensive income attributable to equity
shareholders in respect of property rental terms. Costs of disposal
of GBP0.3m have been deducted from disposal proceeds in the current
year. The net assets of the disposal group at the date of disposal
were GBP42.4m, including GBP(0.6)m cash and cash equivalents.
Included in other comprehensive income in the year is 0.5m (2022:
GBP0.2m) of actuarial losses net of tax in respect of the disposal
group. The net assets of the disposal group at 3 September 2022,
when they were classified as held for sale, reflected consolidation
adjustments of GBP1.3m.
The tables below show the results of the discontinued operations
and the profit/(loss) recognised on the remeasurement to fair value
less costs to sell, together with the classes of assets and
liabilities comprising the operations held for sale in the Group
balance sheet as at 3 September 2022.
2023 2022 (restated)
GBP'000 GBP'000
Revenue 53,211 343,838
Expenses (55,218) (340,870)
--------- ----------------
(2,007) 2,968
Share of post-tax results of associate 378 1,165
Share of post-tax results of joint venture 88 486
--------- ----------------
(Loss)/profit before taxation of discontinued
operations (1,541) 4,619
Taxation (note 4) 381 (611)
(Loss)/profit after taxation of discontinued
operations (1,160) 4,008
--------- ----------------
Pre-taxation gain/(loss) recognised on the measurement
to fair value less costs to sell 3 (10,343)
Taxation - -
--------- ----------------
After taxation gain/(loss) recognised on the
measurement to fair value less costs to sell 3 (10,343)
--------- ----------------
Loss for the year from discontinued operations (1,157) (6,335)
========= ================
In the prior year the pre-taxation loss recognised on the
measurement to fair value less costs to sell included GBP4,383,000
(restated) in respect of the non-controlling interest's share of
the measurement impairment.
The prior year loss recognised on the measurement to fair value
less costs to sell had previously been determined based on the
difference between estimated proceeds receivable and net assets of
the two businesses where the direct shareholding was being sold.
This has been corrected, by a prior year restatement, to also
include the Group's interest in the joint venture, Bibby
Agriculture Ltd, indirectly held by the Company through its
ownership of Carrs Billington Agriculture (Sales) Ltd. A further
correction has been made to reflect
property rental terms agreed with the Billington Group as part
of the sale process. Further details of these restatements can be
found in note 10.
The net assets relating to the disposal group that were
classified as held for sale at 3 September 2022 in the Group
balance sheet are shown below:
GBP'000
(restated)
Assets of the disposal group
Goodwill 5,285
Property, plant and equipment 8,539
Right-of-use assets 8,267
Investment in associate 15,218
Interest in joint ventures 2,870
Other investments 45
Deferred tax asset 177
Inventories 34,442
Trade and other receivables 65,946
Current tax assets 101
Cash and cash equivalents 12,074
Loss on fair value measurement before costs to sell (8,575)
Total assets 144,389
============
Liabilities of the disposal group
Borrowings (24,415)
Leases (8,196)
Trade and other payables (68,955)
Total liabilities (101,566)
============
Net assets 42,823
============
Costs to sell of GBP1,768,000 were incurred by the parent
Company in the prior year and were therefore excluded from the loss
on fair value measurement shown above. The loss on fair value
measurement before costs to sell included GBP4,383,000 (restated)
in respect of the non-controlling interest's share of the
measurement impairment.
6. Earnings per ordinary share
Basic earnings per share are based on profit attributable to
shareholders and on a weighted average number of shares in issue
during the year of 94,058,319 (2022: 93,873,465). The calculation
of diluted earnings per share is based on 94,773,283 shares (2022:
95,133,662).
Adjusting items disclosed in note 3 that are charged or credited
to profit do not relate to the underlying profitability of the
Group. The Board believes adjusted profit before these items
provides a useful measure of business performance. Therefore an
adjusted earnings per share is presented as follows:
2023 2022
2023 Earnings 2022 Earnings
Earnings per Earnings per
GBP'000 share GBP'000 share
pence pence
Continuing operations
Earnings per share - basic 396 0.4 6,042 6.4
Adjusting items:
Amortisation of acquired intangible
assets 947 1.0 940 1.0
Adjustments to contingent
consideration - - (1,320) (1.4)
Restructuring/closure costs 607 0.6 - -
Strategic review costs - - 455 0.5
Gain on acquisition of Afgritech - - (733) (0.8)
Cloud configuration and customisation
costs - Group 602 0.6 113 0.1
Goodwill and other intangible
assets impairment 3,843 4.1 4,219 4.5
Taxation effect of the above (559) (0.5) (342) (0.3)
Earnings per share - adjusted 5,836 6.2 9,374 10.0
============= ============ =========== ==========
2023 2022 (restated)
Earnings Earnings
2023 per 2022 (restated) per
Earnings share Earnings share
GBP'000 pence GBP'000 pence
Discontinued operations
Earnings per share - basic (622) (0.7) (3,332) (3.5)
Adjusting items:
Acquisition-related costs - - 20 -
(Profit)/loss on fair value
measurement less costs to
sell (3) - 10,518 11.2
Cloud configuration and customisation
costs - Group - - 974 1.0
Cloud configuration and customisation
costs - share of associate - - 365 0.4
Taxation effect of the above - - (186) (0.2)
Non-controlling interest in
the above - - (4,865) (5.2)
Earnings per share - adjusted (625) (0.7) 3,494 3.7
----------- ----------- ------------------ ----------------
Total (basic) (226) (0.3) 2,710 2.9
=========== =========== ================== ================
Total (adjusted) 5,211 5.5 12,868 13.7
=========== =========== ================== ================
7. Cash generated from continuing operations
2023 2022
GBP'000 GBP'000
Profit for the year from continuing
operations 396 6,042
Adjustments for:
Tax 1,111 1,524
Tax credit in respect of R&D (695) (1,553)
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 3,023 2,778
Depreciation of right-of-use assets 1,308 1,276
Depreciation of investment property 67 5
Intangible asset amortisation 1,004 988
Goodwill and other intangible assets
impairment 3,843 4,219
Profit on disposal of property, plant
and equipment (23) (17)
Loss/(profit) on disposal of right-of-use
assets 4 (5)
Profit on disposal of investment property - (76)
Gain on acquisition of Afgritech - (764)
Adjustments to contingent consideration - (1,320)
Net fair value (credit)/charge on share-based
payments (78) 148
Other non-cash adjustments (894) (119)
Finance costs:
Interest income (876) (351)
Interest expense and borrowing costs 1,376 1,077
Share of results of joint ventures (1,441) (840)
IAS19 income statement credit in respect (400) -
of employer contributions
IAS19 income statement charge (excluding
interest):
Administrative expenses 166 126
Changes in working capital (excluding
the effects of acquisitions):
Increase in inventories (481) (6,153)
Increase in receivables (3,173) (218)
Decrease in payables (1,082) (2,294)
-------- --------
Cash generated from continuing operations 3,155 4,473
======== ========
8. Pensions (continuing operations)
The Group operates its current pension arrangements on a defined
benefit and defined contribution basis. The valuation of the
defined benefit scheme under the IAS19 accounting basis showed a
surplus in the scheme at 2 September 2023 of GBP5.3m (2022:
GBP6.8m).
In the year, the retirement benefit charge, excluding interest,
in respect of the Carr's Group Pension Scheme (defined benefit
section) was GBP166,000 (2022: GBP126,000).
9. Analysis of net cash/(debt) and leases
Other At 2
At 4 September Cash Non-Cash Exchange September
2022 Flow Changes Movements 2023
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Cash and cash
equivalents 22,515 662 - (54) 23,123
Bank overdrafts (9,734) (2,620) - - (12,354)
--------------- --------- ---------- ----------- -----------
12,781 (1,958) - (54) 10,769
Loans and other borrowings:
- current (3,000) 1,698 (48) (10) (1,360)
- non-current (23,805) 18,732 (8) (125) (5,206)
Net (debt)/cash (14,024) 18,472 (56) (189) 4,203
=============== ========= ========== =========== ===========
Leases:
- current (1,416) - 152 - (1,264)
- non-current (6,128) 1,545 (1,006) 30 (5,559)
Leases (7,544) 1,545 (854) 30 (6,823)
=============== ========= ========== =========== ===========
Net (debt)/cash
and leases (21,568) 20,017 (910) (159) (2,620)
=============== ========= ========== =========== ===========
10. Prior year restatements
During the process to complete the accounting treatment of the
disposal of the Agricultural Supplies division, two adjustments
have been identified which have resulted in a prior year
restatement of the measurement of fair value less costs to sell.
The first was an adjustment to the book costs of the assets
disposed of relating to the Group's interest in the joint venture,
Bibby Agriculture Ltd, held through the Group's shareholding in
Carrs Billington Agriculture (Sales) Ltd, together with
consolidation adjustments to the assets and liabilities included in
the overall Group net assets being disposed of. This adjustment
totalled GBP2.9m, of which GBP2.7m was included in the results
published for the period to 4 March 2023. Of this GBP2.9m, GBP1.6m
is attributable to the Group and has no impact on cash proceeds
received to date or in future.
Subsequent to the publication of the interim statement, a
further correction was identified, which was required to reflect
property rental terms agreed with the Billington group as part of
the sale process. This increased the loss on measurement of fair
value less costs to sell by GBP1.2m, with GBP0.8m of this being
attributable to the Group. Combined, these corrections increase the
loss on measurement of fair value less costs to sell by GBP4.1m,
which includes GBP1.8m in respect of the non-controlling interest's
share of the measurement impairment.
The results and financial position of the Group's discontinued
operations for the year ended 3 September 2022 have been restated
to reflect this.
This restatement of the prior year has resulted in shareholders'
equity at 3 September 2022 being reduced by GBP2.4m and increases
the loss for the period from discontinued operations (GBP4.1m) in
the year to 3 September 2022.
The prior year restatements to discontinued operations are
reflected in note 5.
The affected financial statement line items are as follows:
Restatement
Restatement in respect
3 September in respect of 3 September
2022 of net assets property 2022 (restated)
(previously disposed rental terms GBP'000
reported) GBP'000 GBP'000
GBP'000
Income Statement
Loss for the year
from discontinued
operations (including
held for sale) (2,193) (2,944) (1,198) (6,335)
Profit/(loss) for
the year 3,849 (2,944) (1,198) (293)
Profit attributable
to:
Equity shareholders 5,072 (1,553) (809) 2,710
Non-controlling
interests (1,223) (1,391) (389) (3,003)
Basic EPS (pence):
Loss from discontinued
operations (1.0) (1.6) (0.9) (3.5)
Diluted EPS (pence):
Loss from discontinued
operations (1.0) (1.6) (0.9) (3.5)
------------------------- -------------- ---------------- -------------- ------------------
Restatement
Restatement in respect
3 September in respect of 3 September
2022 of net assets property 2022 (restated)
(previously disposed rental terms GBP'000
reported) GBP'000 GBP'000
GBP'000
Statement of Comprehensive
Income
Profit/(loss) for
the year 3,849 (2,944) (1,198) (293)
Total comprehensive
(expense)/income
for the year 6,039 (2,944) (1,198) 1,897
Total comprehensive
income attributable
to:
Equity shareholders 7,262 (1,553) (809) 4,900
Non-controlling
interests (1,223) (1,391) (389) (3,003)
Total comprehensive
income attributable
to:
Discontinued operations (2,408) (2,944) (1,198) (6,550)
---------------------------- -------------- ---------------- -------------- ------------------
Restatement
Restatement in respect
3 September in respect of
2022 (previously of net assets property 3 September
reported) disposed rental terms 2022 (restated)
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Balance Sheet
Assets included in
disposal group classified
as held for sale 148,531 (2,944) (1,198) 144,389
Total current assets 228,481 (2,944) (1,198) 224,339
Total assets 311,703 (2,944) (1,198) 307,561
Net assets 136,471 (2,944) (1,198) 132,329
Other reserves 100,657 (1,553) (809) 98,295
Total shareholders'
equity 120,495 (1,553) (809) 118,133
Non-controlling interests 15,976 (1,391) (389) 14,196
Total equity 136,471 (2,944) (1,198) 132,329
---------------------------- ------------------ ---------------- -------------- -----------------
As there is no impact to the opening balance sheet for the prior
year a third balance sheet has not been presented.
11. Alternative performance measures glossary
The preliminary announcement includes alternative performance
measures ("APMs"), which are not defined or specified under the
requirements of IFRS. These APMs are consistent with how business
performance is measured internally and are also used in assessing
performance under the Group's incentive plans. Therefore the
Directors believe that these APMs provide stakeholders with
additional useful information on the Group's performance.
Alternative performance
measure Definition and comments
------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------------
Adjusted EBITDA Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation,
amortisation, profit/(loss) on the disposal
of non-current assets, before share of post-tax
results of the associate and joint ventures
and excluding items regarded by the Directors
as adjusting items. This measure is reconciled
to statutory operating profit and statutory
profit before taxation in note 2. EBITDA allows
the user to assess the profitability of the
Group's core operations before the impact
of capital structure, debt financing and non-cash
items such as depreciation and amortisation.
------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------------
Adjusted operating Operating profit after adding back items regarded
profit by the Directors as adjusting items. This
measure is reconciled to statutory operating
profit in the income statement and note 2.
Adjusted results are presented because if
included, these adjusting items could distort
the understanding of the Group's performance
for the year and the comparability between
the years presented.
------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------------
Adjusted profit Profit before taxation after adding back items
before taxation regarded by the Directors as adjusting items.
This measure is reconciled to statutory profit
before taxation in the income statement and
note 2. Adjusted results are presented because
if included, these adjusting items could distort
the understanding of the Group's performance
for the year and the comparability between
the years presented.
------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------------
Adjusted profit Profit after taxation after adding back items
for the year regarded by the Directors as adjusting items.
This measure is reconciled to statutory profit
after taxation in the income statement. Adjusted
results are presented because if included,
these adjusting items could distort the understanding
of the Group's performance for the year and
the comparability between the years presented.
------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------------
Adjusted earnings Profit attributable to the equity holders
per share of the Company after adding back items regarded
by the Directors as adjusting items after
tax divided by the weighted average number
of ordinary shares in issue during the year.
This is reconciled to basic earnings per share
in note 6.
------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------------
Net cash/(debt) The net position of the Group's cash at bank
and borrowings per the balance sheet. Details
of the movement in net cash/(debt) is shown
in note 9.
------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------------
12. The Board of Directors approved the preliminary announcement on 20 December 2023.
13. The full 2023 Annual Report and Accounts will shortly be
available for inspection via the National Storage Mechanism at
https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism and on the
Company's website at www.carrsgroup-ir.com . The Company will post
a copy of the 2023 Annual Report and Accounts to shareholders who
have elected to receive paper communications in January 2024. The
full 2023 Annual Report and Accounts will also be available in
January 2024 upon request from the Company Secretary, Carr's Group
plc, Old Croft, Stanwix, Carlisle, CA3 9BA.
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END
FR FEEEESEDSEFE
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
December 21, 2023 02:00 ET (07:00 GMT)
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