TIDMAIEA

RNS Number : 3225H

Airea PLC

27 July 2023

27 July 2023

AIREA plc

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

Interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2023

AIREA plc (AIM: AIEA), the UK design-led specialist flooring company, supplying both the UK and international markets, is pleased to announce its interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2023.

Financial highlights

 
                                         30 June 2023        30 June 2022        Change 
                                          (GBP)               (GBP)               (%) 
      Group revenue                      9,825k              8,551k              14.9 
                                   ------------------  ------------------  ------------ 
      Operating profit before 
       valuation                         836k                756k                10.5 
                                   ------------------  ------------------  ------------ 
      Profit before tax                  620k                656k                (5.4) 
                                   ------------------  ------------------  ------------ 
      EBITDA (Earnings before 
       interest tax depreciation 
       and amortisation)                 1,010k              1,016k              (0.1) 
                                   ------------------  ------------------  ------------ 
      Cash and cash equivalents          4,919k              5,450k              (9.7) 
                                   ------------------  ------------------  ------------ 
      Net cash                           2,694k              2,493k              8.1 
                                   ------------------  ------------------  ------------ 
 

Operational highlights

-- Continued focus on sales growth in existing and new territories, with key wins in export markets.

-- Successful launch of carbon-neutral products in line with market trends and demand for low-carbon products.

   --    Installation and commissioning of solar panels, reducing exposure to energy price volatility. 
   --    Appointment of Tanya Ashton, Non-Executive Director, in May 2023. 

Martin Toogood, Non-Executive Chairman of AIREA plc, commented:

"The first half of 2023 has seen continued growth in our sales fuelled by a focus on refreshing our product offering and taking advantage of new markets. The current economic environment continues to put a strain on the cost of labour, energy, and raw materials. We do however continue to take actions to manage these risks with investments for the future such as the installation of our renewable energy solutions, all with a view to capitalising on the opportunities in our markets as and when wider macro conditions improve."

- Ends -

For further information please contact:

 
 AIREA plc                                   Tel: +44 (0) 192 426 6561 
  Médéric Payne, Chief Executive 
  Officer 
  Ryan Thomas, Chief Financial Officer 
 Singer Capital Markets                      Tel: +44 (0) 20 7496 3000 
  (Nominated Adviser and Sole Broker) 
  Peter Steel / Sam Butcher 
 Yellow Jersey PR                            Tel: +44 (0) 20 3004 9512 
  (Financial media and PR) 
  Sarah Hollins / Shivantha Thambirajah 
  / Jazmine Clemens 
 

This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of article 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) 596/2014 as amended by regulation 11 of the Market Abuse (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019/310. With the publication of this announcement, this information is now considered to be in the public domain.

Notes to Editors

AIREA plc is a UK design-led specialist flooring company, supplying both UK and international markets. Since 2007, the Group has been focused solely on floor coverings and enjoys a strong and growing brand position within the commercial flooring market.

The Group's core brand Burmatex(R) is one of the UK's leading designers and manufacturers of commercial carpet tiles and planks. Burmatex(R) focuses on the design and creation of sustainable innovative flooring solutions to meet the needs of architects, specifiers and contractors with a continuously developing range to suit the education, leisure, commercial, hospitality and public sectors. The brand was acquired by AIREA in 1984.

The Group was admitted to trading on AIM of the London Stock Exchange on 12 December 2007.

For further information, please visit: https://aireaplc.com/.

Chief Executive Officer's Statement

Introduction

I am pleased to report the Group's interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2023. During this period, AIREA has made good progress and maintained momentum in both its home and export markets. We have made a positive start to the year and the Group's performance during the period is in line with management expectations.

In May 2023, the Company seized the opportunity to exhibit at the renowned Clerkenwell Design Week, which gave us the platform to showcase our new ranges and promote the Burmatex(R) brand to the market and engage with our target customer audience in this setting for the first time in over ten years.

Results

Revenue for the period increased by 15% to GBP9.8m (2022: GBP8.6m). In the UK, our sales were 9.8% ahead of the prior six-month comparative period, largely driven by a combination of cost increases being passed onto customers combined with an improved sales mix. Export sales were up 36% compared to the comparative period as demand recovered in most of our target export markets, with good progress being made in new markets. The UK market remains challenging given the economic backdrop, however, performance is encouraging as our sales mix moves towards more design-led products.

The Group's operating profit was GBP0.8m (2022: GBP0.8m). Our underlying product margins faced downward pressures due to increased energy, raw materials, and labour costs. We were restricted in passing on these cost increases in a price-sensitive market. Net finance costs increased by GBP0.1m largely because of the increased pension interest charge. After charging net finance costs of GBP0.2m (2022: GBP0.1m) and incorporating the appropriate tax charge, the net profit for the period was GBP0.5m (2022: GBP0.6m). Basic earnings per share were 1.18p (2022: 1.58p).

Operating cash flows before movements in working capital were GBP1.2m (2022: GBP0.8m). Working capital increased in the period to GBP0.5m due to an increase in inventory for new lines and higher receivables from customers (2022: GBP0.0m). Contributions to the defined benefit pension scheme were GBP0.0m (2022: GBP0.0m) in line with the agreement reached with the scheme trustees following the last triennial valuation as of 1 July 2023. Capital expenditure of GBP0.9m (2022: GBP0.2m) was spent renewing and enhancing the manufacturing plant and equipment, with an important investment in our new solar panels.

Net cash (cash less loans and borrowings) decreased by GBP0.5m in the six-month period to GBP2.7m as of 30 June 2023, from GBP3.2m as of 31 December 2022. We continue to have further liquidity available of GBP1.0m via our unutilised overdraft facility (2022: GBP1.0m unutilised). Our cash reserves and strong balance sheet enable us to invest in the future of the business and manage the impact of the continued economic uncertainty and related risks.

Update on Board composition

The Board appointed Tanya Ashton as Non-Executive Director to the Board on 10 May 2023. Tanya's appointment signals the importance that we attach to good standards of corporate governance at AIREA.

We have commenced the selection process for our new Chief Financial Officer following the resignation of Ryan Thomas on 4 July 2023. We have made good progress and expect to be in a position to make an announcement in the coming months.

We acknowledge the importance of reviewing Board composition on an ongoing basis to ensure that the Group has the required level of skills and experience to enable the business to operate efficiently and react quickly to any issues that may arise.

Outlook

The development of our sustainable products indicates the transformational change the Group is focused on to enable AIREA to be more competitive, innovative, and agile. Our marketing and sales strategy is not only UK-focused but also on growing our international sales in both existing and new territories.

As the cost pressures persist, we continue to adapt our processes and procedures to mitigate and manage the impact on the business. In some areas, this has and will continue with the need to invest in our facilities such that we reduce waste, improve productivity, and utilise energy efficiently.

Given the plans to continue to invest in the future of the business coupled with the continued levels of uncertainty in the market and the wider economy, the Group will continue to prioritise the preservation of cash. We will therefore not be proposing an interim dividend at this time (2022: GBPnil). We were pleased to have been able to declare and pay a final dividend following the 2022 results and we cautiously expect to be in the position to do similar once our 2023 results are finalised.

Finally, we would like to thank everyone associated with the AIREA Group for their support during the period.

Médéric Payne

Chief Executive Officer

26 July 2023

 
 Consolidated Income Statement 
 6 months ended 30 June 2023 
 
                                                          Unaudited 6        Unaudited               Audited 
                                                         months ended         6 months             12 months 
                                                              30 June            ended              ended 31 
                                                                 2023          30 June              December 
                                                                                  2022                  2022 
                                                               GBP000           GBP000                GBP000 
----------------------------------------  ---------------------------  ---------------  -------------------- 
 Revenue                                                        9,825            8,551                18,483 
 Operating costs                                              (9,301)          (7,935)              (17,111) 
 Other operating income                                           312              140                   280 
----------------------------------------  ---------------------------  ---------------  -------------------- 
 Operating profit before valuation 
  gain                                                            836              756                 1,652 
 Unrealised valuation gain                                          -                -                    -- 
----------------------------------------  ---------------------------  ---------------  -------------------- 
 Operating profit                                                 836              756                 1,652 
 Finance income                                                    39                8                    32 
 Finance costs                                                  (255)            (108)                 (251) 
----------------------------------------  ---------------------------  ---------------  -------------------- 
 Profit before taxation                                           620              656                 1,433 
 Taxation                                                       (130)             (45)                 (138) 
----------------------------------------  ---------------------------  ---------------  -------------------- 
 Profit attributable to shareholders 
  of the Group                                                    490              611                 1,295 
----------------------------------------  ---------------------------  ---------------  -------------------- 
 Earnings per share (basic and diluted) 
  for the Group                                                 1.18p            1.58p                 3.36p 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income 
6 months ended 30 June 2023 
                                               Unaudited  Unaudited      Audited 
--------------------------------------------- 
                                                6 months   6 months    12 months 
--------------------------------------------- 
                                                   ended      ended        ended 
                                                 30 June    30 June  31 December 
                                                    2023       2022         2022 
                                                  GBP000     GBP000       GBP000 
---------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ----------- 
Profit attributable to shareholders 
 of the Group                                        490        611        1,295 
Items that will not be reclassified 
 to profit or loss 
 Actuarial gain/(loss) recognised in 
 the pension scheme                                  513         35      (1,247) 
Related deferred taxation                          (128)        (7)          318 
---------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ----------- 
                                                     385         28        (929) 
---------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ----------- 
Items that will be reclassified subsequently 
 to profit or loss when specific conditions 
 are met 
 Revaluation of property                               -          -         (25) 
Related deferred taxation                              -          -            5 
---------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ----------- 
                                                       -          -         (20) 
---------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ----------- 
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)              385         28        (949) 
---------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ----------- 
Total comprehensive income attributable 
 to shareholders of the Group                        875        639          346 
---------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ----------- 
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheet 
as at 30 June 2023 
 
                                                    Unaudited 30        Unaudited                Audited 
                                                            June          30 June            31 December 
                                                            2023             2022                   2022 
                                                          GBP000           GBP000                 GBP000 
------------------------------  --------------------------------  ---------------  --------------------- 
Non-current assets 
Property, plant and equipment                              5,976            5,307                  5,272 
Intangible assets                                             59               51                     71 
Investment property                                        4,000            4,000                  4,000 
Right-of-use asset                                           754              943                    917 
Deferred tax asset                                           763              682                    879 
------------------------------  --------------------------------  ---------------  --------------------- 
                                                          11,552           10,983                 11,139 
Current assets 
Inventories                                                6,560            6,132                  5,895 
Trade and other receivables                                2,871            2,370                  2,351 
Cash and cash equivalents                                  4,919            5,450                  5,762 
------------------------------  --------------------------------  ---------------  --------------------- 
                                                          14,350           13,952                 14,008 
------------------------------  --------------------------------  ---------------  --------------------- 
Total assets                                              25,902           24,935                 25,147 
------------------------------  --------------------------------  ---------------  --------------------- 
Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables                                 (3,986)          (3,683)                (3,316) 
Provisions                                                  (74)            (175)                   (77) 
Lease liabilities                                          (127)            (124)                  (131) 
Loans and borrowings                                       (736)            (731)                  (734) 
------------------------------  --------------------------------  ---------------  --------------------- 
                                                         (4,923)          (4,713)                (4,258) 
Non-current liabilities 
Deferred tax                                             (1,144)          (1,047)                (1,040) 
Pension deficit                                          (1,000)                -                (1,345) 
Lease liabilities                                          (140)            (212)                  (202) 
Loans and borrowings                                     (1,489)          (2,226)                (1,858) 
------------------------------  --------------------------------  ---------------  --------------------- 
                                                         (3,773)          (3,485)                (4,445) 
------------------------------  --------------------------------  ---------------  --------------------- 
Total liabilities                                        (8,696)          (8,198)                (8,703) 
------------------------------  --------------------------------  ---------------  --------------------- 
Net assets                                                17,206           16,737                 16,444 
------------------------------  --------------------------------  ---------------  --------------------- 
Equity 
Called up share capital                                   10,339           10,339                 10,339 
Share premium account                                        504              504                    504 
Own Shares                                               (1,805)          (2,000)                (2,000) 
Share-based payment reserve                                 --80                -                    --- 
Capital redemption reserve                                 3,617            3,617                  3,617 
Revaluation reserve                                        3,096            3,150                  3,096 
Retained earnings                                          1,375            1,127                    888 
------------------------------  --------------------------------  ---------------  --------------------- 
Total equity                                              17,206           16,737                 16,444 
------------------------------  --------------------------------  ---------------  --------------------- 
 
 
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement 
6 months ended 30 June 2023 
 
                                                           Unaudited        Unaudited               Audited 
                                                            6 months         6 months             12 months 
                                                            ended 30            ended              ended 31 
                                                                June          30 June              December 
                                                                2023             2022                  2022 
                                                              GBP000           GBP000                GBP000 
---------------------------------------------  ---------------------  ---------------  -------------------- 
Cash flow from operating activities 
Profit for the period                                            490              611                 1,295 
Depreciation                                                     165              165                   309 
Depreciation of right-of-use assets                              124              126                   260 
Amortisation                                                      15               14                    29 
Movement in Provision                                            (3)             (70)                 (168) 
Share-based payment expense/(credit)                              80            (157)                 (157) 
Net Finance costs                                                216              100                   219 
Profit on disposal of property, plant 
 and equipment                                                     -             (77)                  (77) 
Tax charge                                                       130               45                   138 
Operating cash flows before movements 
 in working capital                                            1,217              757                 1,848 
(Increase)/decrease in inventory                               (665)               18                   255 
Increase in trade and other receivables                        (520)            (483)                 (464) 
Increase in trade and other payables                             670              425                    66 
---------------------------------------------  ---------------------  ---------------  -------------------- 
Cash generated from operations                                   702              717                 1,705 
Contributions to defined benefit pension                           -                -                   --- 
 scheme 
---------------------------------------------  ---------------------  ---------------  -------------------- 
Net cash generated from operating activities                     702              717                 1,705 
---------------------------------------------  ---------------------  ---------------  -------------------- 
Cash flows from investing activities 
Payments to acquire intangible fixed 
 assets                                                          (4)             (10)                  (45) 
Payments to acquire tangible fixed 
 assets                                                        (868)            (167)                 (312) 
Receipts from sales of tangible fixed 
 assets                                                            -               77                    77 
---------------------------------------------  ---------------------  ---------------  -------------------- 
Net cash used in investing activities                          (872)            (100)                 (280) 
---------------------------------------------  ---------------------  ---------------  -------------------- 
Cash flows from financing activities 
Interest paid on lease liabilities                               (5)              (4)                  (11) 
Interest paid on borrowings                                     (82)             (69)                 (142) 
Interest received                                                 39                8                    32 
Principal paid on lease liabilities                             (66)             (67)                 (141) 
Repayment of loans and borrowings                              (366)            (569)                 (935) 
Equity dividends paid                                          (193)            (154)                 (154) 
---------------------------------------------  ---------------------  ---------------  -------------------- 
Net cash used in financing activities                          (673)            (855)               (1,351) 
---------------------------------------------  ---------------------  ---------------  -------------------- 
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and 
 cash equivalents                                              (843)            (238)                    74 
Cash and cash equivalents at start 
 of the period                                                 5,762            5,688                 5,688 
---------------------------------------------  ---------------------  ---------------  -------------------- 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of 
 the period                                                    4,919            5,450                 5,762 
---------------------------------------------  ---------------------  ---------------  -------------------- 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 
   6 months ended 30 June 2023 
                                                    Share                       Share-based       Capital                         Profit 
                                        Share       premium         Own          payment          redemption   Revaluation           and 
                                      capital       account         Shares       reserve          reserve          reserve          loss  Total 
                                                                                                                                 account  equity 
                                       GBP000        GBP000        GBP000            GBP000           GBP000        GBP000        GBP000  GBP000 
---------------------------------------------  ------------  -------------  ---------------  ---------------  ------------  ------------  ------ 
At 1 January 2022 
 10,339                                                 504          (555)              157            3,617         3,150         (803)  16,409 
Comprehensive income 
   for the year 
Profit for the year 
 -                                                        -              -                -                -             -         1,295  1,295 
Actuarial loss recognised 
                        on the pension scheme 
                                            -             -              -                -                -             -         (929)  (929) 
Revaluation of property 
 -                                                        -              -                -                -          (25)             5   (20) 
---------------------------------------------  ------------  -------------  ---------------  ---------------  ------------  ------------  ------ 
   Total comprehensive 
    income for the year 
    -                                                     -              -                -                -          (25)           371    346 
 

Contributions by and

distributions to owners

 
Dividend paid               - - -                                 - - - (154)                                   (154) 
Share-based payment         - - -                               (157) - - -                                     (157) 
   Own share 
    transfer 
    Revaluation             - - (1,445)                           - - - 1,445                                     - 
    Reverse 
    Transfer                 - - -                                 - - (29) 29                                    - 
--------------------  ----------------------------------  ---------------------------------------------------  ------- 
Total contributions 
 by and 
 distributions 
 to owners               -            -          (1,445)        (157)            -          (29)        1,320    (311) 
--------------------  ----  -----------  ---------------  -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------  ------- 
At 31 December 
 2022 
        and 1 January 2023 
                    10,339          504          (2,000)            -        3,617         3,096          888   16,444 
--------------------------  -----------  ---------------  -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------  ------- 
   Comprehensive income 
    for the period 
    Profit for the period 
    - 
    Actuarial gain 
    recognised                        -             -               -            -             -          490     490 
    on the pension scheme 
    -                                 -             -               -            -             -          385     385 
Revaluation of property               -           -                 -            -             -            -     - 
 - 
--------------------------  -----------  ---------------  -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------  ------- 
   Total comprehensive 
    income for the period 
    -                                 -             -               -            -             -         875      875 
Contributions 
 by and 
 distributions 
 to owners 
Dividend paid -                       -           -                 -            -             -        (193)   (193) 
Share-based payment 
 -                                    -           -                80            -             -            -    80 
Own Shares Transfer 
 -                                    -              195            -            -             -     (195)        - 
--------------------------  -----------  ---------------  -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------  ------- 
   Total contributions 
    by and distributions 
    to 
    owners -                          -              195           80            -             -      (388)      (113) 
--------------------------  -----------  ---------------  -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------  ------- 
At 30 June 2023 10,339              504          (1,805)           80        3,617       3,096       1,375     17,206 
--------------------------  -----------  ---------------  -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------  ------- 
 

Notes to the Financial Statements

1. BASIS OF PREPARATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The financial information for the six months ended 30 June 2023 and the six months ended 30 June 2022 have not been audited and do not constitute full financial statements within the meaning of Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006.

The financial information relating to the year ended 31 December 2022 does not constitute full financial statements within the meaning of Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. This information is based on the Group's statutory accounts for that period. The statutory accounts were prepared in accordance with UK adopted International Accounting Standards and received an unqualified audit report and did not contain statements under Section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006. These financial statements have been filed with the Registrar of Companies.

These interim financial statements have been prepared using the recognition and measurement principles of UK adopted International Accounting Standards. The accounting policies used are the same as those used in preparing the financial statements for the period ended 31 December 2022. These policies are set out in the annual report and accounts for the period ended 31 December 2022 which is available on the Company's website at www.aireaplc.co.uk.

Further copies of this report are available from the Company Secretary at the registered office at Victoria Mills, The Green, Ossett, Wakefield, West Yorkshire WF5 0AN and are also available, along with this announcement, on the company's website at www.aireaplc.co.uk.

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