TIDMHTIG
RNS Number : 1867D
Hightex Group PLC
26 March 2014
Hightex Group plc
("Hightex" or "the Group")
Unaudited Results for the Six Months Ended 30 June 2013
Hightex Group plc (AIM: HTIG), a leading systems engineering
company, which designs, fabricates and installs large area, cable
supported lightweight membrane roofs and façades worldwide,
announces its unaudited results for the six months ended 30 June
2013.
Financial Overview:
-- Turnover of EUR3.4 million (H1 2012: EUR7.9 million)
-- Gross profit down 55% to EUR0.5 million (H1 2012: EUR1.1 million)
-- Overheads (actual) down 14% to EUR1.4 million (H1 2012: EUR1.6 million)
(excluding the change in net currency gains and losses of
EUR189,000)
-- Pre-tax loss of EUR1.5 million (H1 2012: loss of EUR1.0 million)
-- Result per share - loss of 0.53c (H1 2012: loss of 0.35c)
-- Net cash balances of EUR0.7 million (H1 2012: EUR1.0 million)
Operational Highlights:
-- The installation of the roof of the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil was completed
in May 2013. Work on the Estadio Beira-Rio in Porto Alegre,
Brazil made good progress. These two contracts contributed most of
the first half revenues.
-- Hightex accounted for further revenues from Natal project of EUR 0.5 million.
-- Hightex is actively pursuing other potential significant
contracts, in the United Kingdom, North
America and Europe.
Post Balance Sheet Event and Prospects:
-- Difficulties in obtaining financial information from its
Brazilian joint venture SEPA Hightex
Coberturas Ltda. triggered material uncertainty over Brazilian
receivables. Directors
concluded to not be in a position to issue interim results for
the six months period ended 30
June 2013 resulting in a suspension from trading at AIM
effective from 26 September 2013.
-- Lacking verifiable information, Hightex has accounted for a provision on respective
receivables. The provision will be clarified following further
discussion with the Company's
auditors. The unwelcome consequences of this situation were difficulties in Hightex's
working capital. Reference is made to Note 3 "Going Concern" of
the interim financial
statements.
-- On October 2nd 2013 SolarNext announced it had raised EUR255,000 by way of a short term
loan secured over 39.2% of the share capital of SolarNext. In
December 2013 Hightex sold
30.6% of SolarNext for EUR397,000 and the terms of the original
short term loan were varied
resulting in the transfer to the lenders of 19.6% of the shares
in SolarNext. In aggregate,
50.2% of SolarNext was sold to a number of UK investors,
including management.
-- Closing a loan facility with TCA Global Credit Master Fund, LP for up to USD 10,000,000 in
March 2014.
-- At operational level all three contracts in Brazil (Maracana Stadium, Estadio Beira-Rio and
Natal) have been executed and will be ready for the World cup in
2014.
-- Further the construction of the Prince Sultan Cultural Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, had
been halted in 2013, however a new contract is now under
negotiation.
-- Signed contracts to date delivered aggregate revenues of
EUR6.7 million in the second half of
2013. Further significant contracts being pursued are expected
to deliver revenues in 2014.
-- Because of lower than expected SolarNext revenues in the first half year, and disappointing
sales in the second half of 2013 resulting from political
uncertainty on the governmental
energy policy in Germany, SolarNext incurred a loss in 2013 and
aims to achieve profitability
in 2014.
-- Hightex has submitted a number of offers in response to tender requests for projects where
membrane is an essential part of the total structure. The
Directors believe that new
membrane contracts will be won in the first half of2014.
-- It is the Directors' belief that identifying an industrial
partner with financial strength would
complement the engineering expertise and reputation of Hightex
and would be of benefit for
the Group.
For further information:
Hightex Group plc
Charles DesForges, Executive Tel: +44 (0) 20 7603
Chairman 1515
Frank Molter, Chief Executive www.hightexworld.com
Officer
FinnCap
Geoff Nash - Corporate Finance Tel: +44 (0) 20 7600
1658
Simon Starr - Broking www.finncap.com
Chairman's statement
Introduction
On 26 September 2013 Hightex Group plc ("Hightex") announced
that it had experienced difficulty in obtaining relevant financial
information from its Brazilian joint venture partner SEPA Hightex
Coberturas Ltda. In consequence the Directors then believed that
there was a material uncertainty over some of the Brazilian
receivables, which led them to conclude that they were not in a
position to issue interim results for the six months to 30 June
2013 until there was greater certainty in respect of those
receivables. As a result of this postponement of this announcement,
trading in Hightex's shares was suspended from AIM with effect from
26 September 2013.
Significant events after 1 July 2013
The lack of verifiable information and transparency of the
accounts of the Brazilian joint venture, which led to the
postponement of the interims announcement, has been resolved by
making a provision for specific debts arising in Brazil. The
provision be clarified following further discussion with the
Company's auditors. Legal advice has been sought as to appropriate
action required to resolve this situation for the ultimate benefit
of shareholders. The unwelcome consequence for Hightex was the
creation of difficulties in its working capital. Hightex has traded
judiciously through the subsequent period and is pleased to
announce that it has now signed a loan facility with TCA Global
Credit Master Fund, LP for up to USD10,000,000. The first USD
1,800,000 has been drawn down. With the aid of this facility,
Hightex has restored its sufficiency of working capital for the
foreseeable future.
As part of the Company's effort in the second half of 2013 to
provide working capital from all possible sources, an interest of
50.2% in the shareholding of SolarNext was sold to a number of UK
investors including management.
At the operational level, all of the contracts in Brazil have
been executed and the stadia will be ready for the World Cup in
June 2014. The Maracana Stadium was completed in May 2013 and used
for the Confederations Cup in 2013. The Porto Alegre stadium has
already staged a match after the President of Brazil officially
opened it in February 2014. The construction of the Saudi Arabian
structure in Riyadh, which had been halted in 2013, is now due to
be approved under a new design provision and a new contract is
under negotiation.
In the light of this announcement, the publication of the
delayed interim announcement and the signing of the loan facility
agreement, trading in the shares of Hightex is expected to be
restored with effect from today, 26 March 2014.
Commentary on 2013 interim results
In the first six months of 2013, Hightex's revenues decreased
from EUR7.9 million to EUR3.4 million. The stadia of Maracana and
of Beira Rio contributed most of the first half revenues.
Work on the Prince Sultan Cultural Centre in Riyadh, Saudi
Arabia, suffered a delay as a result of changes in the local
construction codes and therefore contributed little to first half
revenues.
The 60% fall in revenues resulted in a gross profit EUR0.5
million(2012 first half: gross profit of EUR1.1 million). This is
mainly explained by the low turnover for the Brazilian stadia of
Porto Alegre and Natal in the first half of 2013.
Management responded to the financial pressures by making
further reductions in general expenses, these being mainly achieved
in the German operating company. These expenses fell to EUR1.3
millionin the first half of 2013 (2012: EUR1.6 million).
The result before tax in the first six months was a loss of
EUR1.5 million compared with the loss of EUR1.0 million in the
first six months of 2012. Expressed in per share terms, the result
of the first six months of 2013 amounted to a loss of 0.53 cents,
compared with a loss per share of 0.35 cents in the first half of
2012.
Shareholders' funds were EUR6.4 million, compared with EUR7.7
million at 31 December 2012 and EUR7.9 million at 30 June 2012.
Cash balances as at 30 June 2013 were EUR0.7 million, compared with
EUR0.9 million as at 31 December 2012 and EUR1.0 million as at 30
June 2012.
SolarNext
In the first half of 2013 SolarNext revenues were disappointing.
The market for thermal cooling did not develop as rapidly as the
industry had forecast and it was further adversely affected by the
exceptionally cold weather in Europe during the spring of 2013. In
the second half of 2013 sales continued at a low level because of
political uncertainty on the governmental energy policy in Germany.
These factors led to most industrial sectors putting investment
plans on hold until the political complexion of the new government
became clear. However, in the early weeks of 2014, a major recovery
was seen in sales and SolarNext has already taken orders with a
higher value than for all of 2013. The new controlling shareholder
group is committed to introducing further funds into SolarNext so
as to provide working capital to match the expected increase in
turnover.
Prospects
Hightex has submitted a number of offers in response to
published tenders for projects where the membrane component is an
essential part of the total structure. The Directors believe that
new contracts will be won in the first half of 2014 and the Company
is vigorously pursuing a number of potential contracts, including
two stadia and infrastructure projects in the Middle East as well
as other identified projects in Europe and Africa. If successful,
such contract wins would increase revenues in 2014 and subsequent
years, bringing prospects for a return of Group profitability.
The Directors also believe that identifying an industrial
partner with greater financial strength would complement the
engineering expertise and the reputation of Hightex would be of
benefit to the Group, its shareholders and its employees. The Board
will also consider if necessary raising further capital from
current shareholders.
The Directors and all employees are striving to secure new
membrane and cable structure contracts and to drive SolarNext to
profitability. 2014 will no doubt be challenging but Hightex's
reputation for innovative engineering excellence places the Company
in a good position when confidence in and infrastructure investment
returns to the global economy.
Charles DesForges
Executive Chairman
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Notes 6 Months 6 Months 12 Months
30-Jun 30-Jun 31-Dec
2013 2012 2012
(Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Audited)
EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000
Continuing operations
Revenue 3,426 7,908 17,688
Cost of sales (2,932) (6,845) (15,110)
Gross profit 494 1,063 2,578
Operating expenses:
Selling and distribution
costs (380) (521) (943)
Research and development
costs (76) (104) (231)
Administrative expenses (1,064) (937) (1,591)
Underlying loss before
interest, tax, depreciation
and amortisation (1,026) (499) (187)
Depreciation and amortisation (363) (428) (823)
Operating loss (1,389) (927) (1,010)
Share option charge (7) (33) (2)
Finance income 7 4 21
Finance costs (130) (102) (311)
Share of the profit
of associates 36 59 93
Loss before tax (1,483) (999) (1,209)
Income tax (charge)/credit 4 (6) (1) (3)
Loss for the period (1,489) (1,000) (1,212)
============ ============ ==========
Loss attributable to
equity holders (1,489) (1,000) (1,212)
(1,489) (1,000) (1,212)
======== ======== ========
Loss per share (cents)
Basic 5 (0.53) (0.35) (0.43)
Diluted 5 (0.53) (0.35) (0.43)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (continued)
Other comprehensive
income
6 Months 6 Months 12 Months
30-Jun 30-Jun 31-Dec
2013 2012 2012
(Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Audited)
EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000
Loss for the period (1, 489) (1,000) (1,212)
------------ ------------ ----------
Exchange differences
in translating foreign
operations 152 (16) 34
------------ ------------ ----------
Total comprehensive
loss for the period (1,337) (1,016) (1,178)
============ ============ ==========
Total comprehensive
loss attributable to
equity holders (1,337) (1,016) (1,178)
(1,337) (1,016) (1,178)
============ ============ ==========
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
Notes 30-Jun 30-Jun 31-Dec
2013 2012 2012
(Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Audited)
EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000
Non-current assets
Goodwill 6,722 6,722 6,722
Other intangible assets 1,587 1,861 1,716
Property, plant and
equipment (net) 4,973 5,131 5,081
Other financial assets 655 629 767
Investments in associate 531 460 494
Deferred tax assets 0 2 1
------------ ------------ ----------
Total non-current assets 14,468 14,805 14,781
------------ ------------ ----------
Current assets
Inventories and work
in progress 285 247 246
Accounts receivable 5,780 6,809 7,525
Cash and cash equivalents 803 1,174 949
Total current assets 6,868 8,230 8,720
------------ ------------ ----------
Total assets 21,336 23,035 23,501
============ ============ ==========
Shareholders' equity
Share capital 3,682 3,682 3,682
Share premium 15,059 15,059 15,059
Retained losses (12,302) (10,601) (10,813)
Share option reserve 46 70 39
Translation reserve (113) (315) (265)
Total equity attributable
to equity holders 6,372 7,895 7,702
------------ ------------ ----------
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 11,030 10,463 11,796
Borrowings 1,406 1,578 1,391
------------ ------------ ----------
Total current liabilities 12,436 12,041 13,187
------------ ------------ ----------
Non-current liabilities
Borrowings 2,470 3,023 2,555
Deferred tax liability 58 76 57
Total non-current liabilities 2,528 3,099 2,612
------------ ------------ ----------
Total liabilities 14,964 15,140 15,799
------------ ------------ ----------
Total liabilities and
equity 21,336 23,035 23,501
============ ============ ==========
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
6 Months 6 Months 12 Months
30-Jun 30-Jun 31-Dec
2013 2012 2012
(Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Audited)
EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000
Cash flows from operating
activities
Operating loss for the period: (1,389) (927) (1,010)
Adjustments for:
Loss for disposal 16 - (2)
Foreign exchange differences 155 (15) 28
Bad debts written off 4 - 105
Depreciation 233 284 543
Amortisation and impairment
of intangibles 130 144 280
Operating cash flows before
movements in working capital (851) (514) (56)
------------ ------------ ----------
Increase in inventories (39) (32) (31)
(Increase) / decrease in
accounts receivable 1,741 670 (150)
Increase / (decrease) in
accounts payable (737) 304 1,637
------------ ------------ ----------
Cash generated / (used in)
from operating activities 114 428 1,400
Interest paid (130) (102) (311)
Income tax paid (2) (1) (22)
Net cash generated / (used
in) from operating activities (18) 325 1,067
------------ ------------ ----------
Cash flows from investing
activities
Acquisition of other financial
assets (144) (120) (258)
Acquisition of intangible - (9) -
assets
Acquisition of property,
plant and equipment (145) (186) (392)
Interest received 7 4 21
------------ ------------ ----------
Net cash used in investing
activities (282) (311) (629)
------------ ------------ ----------
Cash flows from financing
activities
Payment of finance lease
liabilities (14) (45) (88)
Proceeds from loan 256 - 27
Repayment of loans (161) (1,208) (1,654)
------------ ------------ ----------
Net cash (used in) / generated
from financing activities 81 (1,253) (1,715)
------------ ------------ ----------
Net decrease in cash and cash
equivalents (219) (1,239) (1,277)
Cash and cash equivalents,
beginning of period/year 917 2,189 2,189
Effect of foreign exchange
on cash and cash equivalent (3) - 5
------------ ------------ ----------
Cash and cash equivalents,
end of period / year 695 950 917
------------ ------------ ----------
Cash at bank and in hand
comprises:
Cash and cash equivalents 79 144 160
Cash lodged under performance
and warranty bonds 724 1,030 789
Bank overdraft (108) (224) (32)
------------ ------------ ----------
695 950 917
------------ ------------ ----------
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN CONSOLIDATED SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(Unaudited)
Share Share Retained Share Foreign Total
capital premium losses option currency
reserve translation
reserves
EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000
Balances at 1 January
2012 3,682 15,059 (9,601) 37 (299) 8,878
--------- --------- ----------- --------- ------------- ----------
Loss for the period - - (1,000) - - (1,000)
Currency translation
differences - - - - (16) (16)
--------- --------- ----------- --------- ------------- ----------
Total comprehensive
income for the period - - (1,000) - (16) (1,016)
Share option charge - - - 33 - 33
Balances at 30 June
2012 3,682 15,059 (10,601) 70 (315) 7,895
--------- --------- ----------- --------- ------------- ----------
Loss for the period - - (212) - - (212)
Currency translation
differences - - - 50 50
--------- --------- ----------- --------- ------------- ----------
Total comprehensive
income for the period - - (212) - 50 (162)
Share option charge - - - (31) - (31)
Balances at 31 December
2012 3,682 15,059 (10,813) 39 (265) 7,702
--------- --------- ----------- --------- ------------- ----------
Loss for the period - - (1,489) - - (1,489)
Currency translation
differences - - - - 152 152
--------- --------- ----------- --------- ------------- ----------
Total comprehensive
income for the period - - (1,489) - 152 (1,337)
Share option charge - - - 7 - 7
Balances at 30 June
2013 3,682 15,059 (12,302) 46 (113) 6,372
--------- --------- ----------- --------- ------------- ----------
1. General information
Hightex Group Plc was incorporated on 28 June 2006 under the
Companies Act 1985. The Company was registered under the number
5860429. The Company's registered office is located at Masters
House, 107 Hammersmith Road, London W14 0QH. The Company is
domiciled in the United Kingdom.
The consolidated financial information is presented in Euros
(EUR).
2. Basis of preparation
The next annual financial statements of Hightex Group ('the
Group') will be prepared in accordance with International Financial
Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted for use in the EU applied in
accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006.
Accordingly, the interim financial information in this report
has been prepared using accounting policies consistent with IFRS.
IFRS is subject to amendment and interpretation by the
International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and the
International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC)
and there is ongoing process of review and endorsement by the
European Commission. The financial information has been prepared on
the basis of IFRS that the directors expect to be applicable as at
31 December 2013.
The financial information has been prepared under the historical
cost convention. The principal accounting policies set out below
have been applied to all periods presented.
The consolidated interim financial information has been prepared
assuming that the Group will continue as a going concern. Reference
is made to Note 3. "Going Concern" below.
The same accounting policies, presentation and methods of
computation have been followed in these unaudited interim financial
statements as those which were applied in the preparation of the
Group's annual financial statements for the year ended 31 December
2012.
The interim financial information for the six months ended 30
June 2013 was approved by the directors on 24 March 2014.
3. Going concern
Due to difficulties in obtaining relevant financial information
from its Brazilian joint venture SEPA Hightex Coberturas Ltda. and
material uncertainty over some of the Brazilian receivables Hightex
faced difficulties in its working capital due to lack of cash
receipts from these projects after the balance sheet date 30 June
2013. In order to restore the going concern assumption the Company
has taken the following material measures:
-- sale of 50.2% of the shares in SolarNext AG
-- signing a loan facility with TCA Global Credit Master Fund,
LP for up to USD 10,000,000, of which the first USD 1,800,000 has
been drawn down.
Based on the financial forecasts for 2014 and 2015 and the
Group's economic prospects the directors of Hightex Group have made
the assessment, that these measures provide sufficient working
capital in order to overcome the period until Hightex Group is able
to earn operating positive cash flows from new projects in 2014. In
assessing whether the going concern assumption is appropriate, the
directors have taken into account all available information for the
foreseeable future; in particular for the twelve months from the
date of issue of the interim financial information. This included
the nature of the business in which Hightex operates, the
contracted revenues for the remainder of 2013, expected contract
wins in 2014, as well as the aforementioned financing facilities
available to the Group.
4. Taxation
30-Jun 30-Jun 31-Dec
2013 2012 2012
EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000
(Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Audited)
Deferred taxation (4) - 19
Current taxation (2) (1) (22)
------------- ------------- ----------
Corporate taxation charge (6) (1) (3)
============= ============= ==========
5. Earnings per share
Six months Six months Year
ended ended ended
30 June 30 June 31 December
2013 2012 2012
EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000
(Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Audited)
Earnings
Earnings for the purpose
of basic and
diluted earnings per share
being net loss
attributable to equity
shareholders (1,489) (1,000) (1,212)
Number of shares
Weighted average number
of ordinary shares
for basic earnings per
share 282,820,727 282,820,727 282,820,727
Share options - - -
Warrants - - -
Weighted average number
of ordinary shares
for diluted earnings per
share 282,820,727 282,820,727 282,820,727
Earnings per share (cents)
Basic (0.53) (0.35) (0.43)
Diluted (0.53) (0.35) (0.43)
6. Dividend
The directors do not propose the payment of an interim dividend
(2012: nil).
7. Contingent liabilities
The group had contingent liabilities of EUR893,000 (31 December
2012: EUR529,000) under contracted performance and warranty bonds
and advance payments.
8. Post balance sheet events
The following material post balance sheet events have incurred
to date:
At operational level all three contracts in Brazil (Maracana
Stadium, Estadio Beira-Rio and Natal) have been executed and will
be ready for the World cup in 2014.
Difficulties in obtaining financial information from its
Brazilian joint venture SEPA Hightex Coberturas Ltda. triggered
material uncertainty over Brazilian receivables. Directors
concluded to be not in a position to issue interim results for the
six months period ended 30 June 2013 resulting in a suspension from
trading at AIM effective from 26 September 2013.
Lacking verifiable information Hightex has accounted for a
provision on respective Brazilian receivables. The provision will
be clarified following further discussion with the Company's
auditors. The consequences of this situation were difficulties in
Hightex' working capital.
Providing working capital from all possible sources in the
second half of 2013 included the sale of 50.2% of the shares in
SolarNext AG and signing a loan facility with TCA Global Credit
Master Fund, LP for up to USD 10,000,000 in March 2014.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
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