TIDMCFX
RNS Number : 7675Z
Colefax Group PLC
27 January 2022
AIM: CFX
COLEFAX GROUP PLC
("Colefax" or the "Group")
Half Year Results
for the six months ended 31 October 2021
Colefax is an international designer and distributor of
furnishing fabrics & wallpapers and owns a leading interior
decorating business. The Group trades under five brand names,
serving different segments of the soft furnishings marketplace;
these are Colefax and Fowler, Cowtan & Tout, Jane Churchill,
Manuel Canovas and Larsen.
Highlights
-- Group sales up 24.8% to GBP46.12 million (2020: GBP37.0
million) and by 30.9% on a constant currency basis reflecting
favourable market conditions in the US and the UK
-- Group profit before tax up 33% to GBP4.49 million (2020: GBP3.37 million)
-- Earnings per share increased by 40% to 39.6p (2020: 28.2p)
-- Tender Offer and share buyback returned GBP6.7 million of
surplus capital to shareholders in September 2021
-- Fabric Division sales up 23% to GBP41.25 million (2020:
GBP33.60 million) and by 29% on a constant currency basis
o US up by 33%, UK up by 39%, Europe up by 11%
-- Decorating Division sales of GBP3.57 million (2020: GBP2.1
million) still affected by project delays and travel restrictions
but significant billing expected in second half of year.
o loss of GBP378,000 (2020: loss of GBP687,000)
-- Cash at half year end of GBP17.5 million (30 April 2021:
GBP19.3 million) with cash generation of GBP4.9 million excluding
the Tender Offer
-- Interim dividend of 2.5p (2020: nil) and return to progressive dividend policy
David Green, Chairman, said:
" Our performance over the last six months reflects very
favourable trading conditions in the US and the UK which together
account for 80% of Fabric Division sales. These conditions have
continued into the second half of the year and as a result we
remain optimistic about prospects although we expect the rate of
growth to slow as the economy gradually returns to normal. Our
Decorating Division is expected to deliver an exceptional
performance this year due to a major project completing in the
second half of the year.
"We have made good progress over the last six months and our
strong balance sheet means we can invest with confidence in our
portfolio of luxury brands and our worldwide distribution
network."
Enquiries:
Colefax Group plc David Green, Chief Tel: 020 7318 6021
Executive
Rob Barker, Finance
Director
KTZ Communications Katie Tzouliadis, Dan Tel: 020 3178 6378
Mahoney
Peel Hunt LLP Adrian Trimmings, Andrew Tel: 020 7418 8900
Clark
This announcement contains inside information for the purposes
of Article 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) 596/2014 as it
forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the European Union
(Withdrawal) Act 2018 ("MAR"), and is disclosed in accordance with
the Company's obligations under Article 17 of MAR.
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
Financial Results
Group sales for the six months to 31 October 2021 increased by
24.8% to GBP46.12 million (2020: GBP37.0 million) and increased by
30.9% on a constant currency basis. Pre-tax profits increased by
33% to GBP4.49 million (2020: GBP3.37 million). Earnings per share
increased by 40% to 39.6p (2020: 28.2p). The Group ended the half
year with cash of GBP17.5 million (2021: GBP19.9 million).
In September 2021 the Group returned GBP6.7 million of surplus
capital to shareholders by way of a Tender Offer and share buyback.
The Group purchased and cancelled 1,084,905 shares, representing
12% of the issued ordinary share capital at a price of 615p per
share.
Trading conditions during the first half of the year remained
favourable in most of our major markets and continued the positive
trend seen in the second half of last year. We attribute these
favourable conditions to a strong housing market and significant
pent up demand for home related products. The increase in constant
currency sales of 30.9% is partly explained by the adverse impact
of the initial lockdowns on the prior year when first half sales
were down by 14%. Our strongest markets have been the US and the UK
both of which started to recover from the initial impact of the
pandemic in September 2020 and have been relatively unaffected by
subsequent lockdowns.
Given the recovery in sales and reduced uncertainty about future
trading conditions the Board has decided to restart dividend
payments and propose an interim dividend of 2.5p. This will be paid
on 14 April 2022 to shareholders on the register at 18 March 2022.
In line with the Group's policy prior to the start of the pandemic
the Board intends to follow a progressive dividend policy.
Product Division
-- Fabric Division - Portfolio of five brands: "Colefax and
Fowler", "Cowtan and Tout", "Jane Churchill", "Manuel Canovas" and
"Larsen".
Sales in the Fabric Division, which represent 89% of the Group's
sales, increased by 23% to GBP41.25 million (2020: GBP33.60
million) and by 29% on a constant currency basis. Profits increased
by 25% to GBP4.88 million (2020: GBP3.89 million). Prior year
operating expenses were significantly reduced during the initial
phase of the pandemic and the current half year reflects a return
to more normal levels of expenditure. In addition the current year
results include approximately GBP0.5 million of additional duty and
transport costs resulting from Brexit.
Sales in the US, which represent 62% of the Fabric Division's
turnover, increased by 24% in reported terms and by 33% on a
constant currency basis. This compares to a constant currency
decline of 5.9% in the prior half year. The US has been our
strongest market throughout the pandemic. Compared to the UK and
Europe the US experienced a much lower decline in sales at the
start of the pandemic in 2020 and a faster and stronger recovery
which has continued throughout the current year. Towards the end of
our last financial year we consolidated the majority of our US
warehouse operations into our much larger UK facilities and moved
from Manhattan to smaller premises in Brooklyn. This has simplified
the US business, reduced costs and improved efficiency and this
year we are starting to see the benefits of this
reorganisation.
Sales in the UK, which represent 18% of the Fabric Division's
turnover, increased by 39% during the period. The increase partly
reflects the significant impact of the pandemic on prior year
sales. The UK market recovered quickly after the first lockdown in
2020 and demand has remained strong throughout the second half of
last year and the first half of this year. The main driver has been
high levels of housing market transactions which we consider to be
the key external driver of our business. Historically we tend to
lag changes in housing market activity. Unlike trading in Europe we
have not suffered any additional costs in the UK as a result of
Brexit and operationally the main challenges have been due to the
impact of the pandemic on supplier lead times.
Sales in Continental Europe, which represent 18% of the Fabric
Division's turnover, increased by 7% on a reported basis and by 11%
on a constant currency basis. Overall the recovery in Europe has
been much weaker than in the US and the UK although we do not
believe this is a direct consequence of Brexit. Despite unwelcome
extra costs and complexity we have largely maintained our service
levels in Europe and attribute the slower recovery to tighter
lockdowns and a weaker housing market. Compared to last year Brexit
added approximately GBP0.5 million to our first half operating
costs primarily in the form of EU import duty on the sale of goods
of non-UK origin. Our largest markets in Europe are France, Germany
and Italy and together these three countries account for 53% of EU
sales.
Sales in the Rest of the World, which represent just 2% of the
Fabric Division's turnover, increased by 14% on a constant currency
basis. Our major markets comprise the Middle East, China and
Australia and whilst trading in these markets is starting to
recover from the pandemic we expect them to remain a small part of
overall sales.
-- Furniture - Kingcome Sofas
Sales for the six months to October 2021 increased by 4% to
GBP1.30 million (2020: GBP1.25 million) and the Company made an
operating loss of GBP11,000 compared to an operating profit of
GBP166,000 in 2020. The majority of Kingcome sales are made in the
UK and trading during the period remained strong reflecting the
favourable UK market conditions that we have seen in the Fabric
Division. Last year's profit performance was exceptional mainly due
to very low factory costs during the first UK lockdown and the
timing of sales invoicing where the pandemic delayed deliveries due
in the prior period. In addition the current year performance has
been affected by significant increases in raw materials and energy
costs. At the start of the current financial year the Kingcome
showroom had only just reopened after the post-Christmas lockdown
and the order book was down by 25%. This situation quickly
recovered and at the half year end the order book was up by 9%.
Interior Decorating Division
Decorating sales, which account for just under 8% of Group
turnover, increased by 72% in the period to GBP3.57 million (2020:
GBP2.08 million) resulting in a reduced first half loss of
GBP378,000 compared to a loss of GBP687,000 for the same period
last year. The profit on decorating projects is recognised on
invoicing and the losses incurred mainly reflect delays in the
completion of projects caused by the pandemic. Overseas projects
have been particularly affected by travel restrictions and
typically these account for around 40% of total sales. Although
billings have been relatively low customer deposits and related
work in progress both increased significantly during the period and
one particularly large UK project is expected to be invoiced in the
second half of the year.
Prospects
Our performance over the last six months reflects very
favourable trading conditions in the US and the UK which together
account for 80% of Fabric Division sales. These conditions have
continued into the second half of the year and as a result we
remain optimistic about prospects although we expect the rate of
growth to slow as the economy gradually returns to normal. Our
Decorating Division is expected to deliver an exceptional
performance this year due to a major project completing in the
second half of the year.
Housing market conditions have been very strong and are the main
external driver of Group sales. Over the last six months we have
started to experience significant cost inflation in many areas of
the business and this will offset some of the sales progress we
have made. As far as possible we are trying to mitigate the impact
of these above average cost increases although in Europe Brexit has
added some unavoidable customs duty and transport costs.
We have made good progress over the last six months and our
strong balance sheet means we can invest with confidence in our
portfolio of luxury brands and our worldwide distribution network.
The last six months have been extremely operationally challenging
for all our staff, customers and suppliers and I would like to
thank them for their hard work, loyalty and support.
David Green
Chairman
COLEFAX GROUP PLC
INTERIM GROUP INCOME STATEMENT
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Six months Six months Year
to to to
31 Oct 2021 31 Oct 2020 30 April
2021
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------------------- ------------ -------------- ---------------
Revenue 46,122 36,968 77,908
Cost of sales (21,302) (15,777) (33,971)
----------------------------------- ------------ -------------- ---------------
Gross profit 24,820 21,191 43,937
Operating expenses (19,784) (17,816) (38,910)
Other income - 539 1,462
----------------------------------- ------------ -------------- ---------------
Profit from operations 5,036 3,914 6,489
Finance expense (545) (544) (1,067)
----------------------------------- ------------ -------------- ---------------
(545) (544) (1,067)
----------------------------------- ------------ -------------- ---------------
Profit before taxation 4,491 3,370 5,422
Tax expense (1,056) (842) (1,376)
----------------------------------- ------------ -------------- ---------------
Profit for the period attributable
to equity holders of the parent 3,435 2,528 4,046
----------------------------------- ------------ -------------- ---------------
Basic earnings per share 39.6p 28.2p 45.1p
Diluted earnings per share 39.6p 28.2p 45.1p
----------------------------------- ------------ -------------- ---------------
INTERIM GROUP STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Six months Six months Year
to to to
31 Oct 2021 31 Oct 2020 30 April
2021
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------------------------- ------------------ --------------- -----------------
Profit for the period 3,435 2,528 4,046
----------------------------------------- ------------------ --------------- -----------------
Other comprehensive income / (expense):
Items that will or may be reclassified
to profit and loss:
Exchange differences on translation
of foreign operations (167) (535) (1,251)
Tax relating to items that will or
may be reclassified to profit and
loss (12) 38 103
----------------------------------------- ------------------ --------------- -----------------
Total other comprehensive income /
(expense) (179) (497) (1,148)
----------------------------------------- ------------------ --------------- -----------------
Total comprehensive income for the
period attributable to equity holders
of the parent 3,256 2,031 2,898
----------------------------------------- ------------------ --------------- -----------------
INTERIM GROUP STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
As at As at As at
31 Oct 31 Oct 30 April
2021 2020 2021
Notes GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ------------------ ----------------
Non-current assets:
Right of use assets 26,276 24,170 28,506
Property, plant and equipment 6,762 7,334 7,029
Deferred tax asset 34 165 35
--------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ------------------ ----------------
33,072 31,669 35,570
--------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ------------------ ----------------
Current assets:
Inventories and work in progress 17,766 12,527 16,025
Trade and other receivables 4 8,123 7,560 8,631
Current corporation tax 427 - 513
Cash and cash equivalents 17,539 19,940 19,344
--------------------------------------- ------
43,855 40,027 44,513
--------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ------------------ ----------------
Current liabilities:
Trade and other payables 5 20,568 14,309 18,343
Lease liabilities 4,760 3,896 3,992
Other loans - 947 -
Current corporation tax - 459 -
--------------------------------------- ------ ----------
25,328 19,611 22,335
--------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ------------------ ----------------
Net current assets 18,527 20,416 22,178
--------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ------------------ ----------------
Total assets less current liabilities 51,599 52,085 57,748
--------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ------------------ ----------------
Non-current liabilities:
Lease liabilities 23,681 21,834 26,323
Deferred tax liability 333 11 317
Net assets 27,585 30,240 31,108
======================================= ====== ========== ================== ================
Capital and reserves attributable
to equity holders of the Company:
Called up share capital 794 902 902
Share premium account 11,148 11,148 11,148
Capital redemption reserve 2,081 1,972 1,972
ESOP share reserve (113) (114) (113)
Foreign exchange reserve 1,010 1,841 1,190
Retained earnings 12,665 14,491 16,009
Total equity 27,585 30,240 31,108
======================================= ====== ========== ================== ================
INTERIM GROUP STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Six months Six months Year
to 31 Oct to 31 Oct to 30
2021 2020 April
2021
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------------- ----------- ---------------- ----------------
Operating activities
Profit before taxation 4,491 3,370 5,422
Finance expense 545 544 1,067
(Profit) / loss on disposal of property,
plant and equipment (12) (13) (30)
Non-cash movement arising from loan
waiver - - (922)
Depreciation on right of use assets 2,293 2,153 2,912
Rent concessions - - (77)
Impairment of right of use asset - - 312
Depreciation 1,121 1,557 4,329
------------------------------------------- ----------- ---------------- ----------------
Cash flows from operations before
changes in working capital 8,438 7,611 13,013
Decrease / (increase) in inventories
and work in progress (1,654) 2,927 (678)
(Increase) / decrease in trade and
other receivables 475 (1,105) (2,366)
Increase / (decrease) in trade and
other payables 1,790 2,998 7,378
-------------------------------------------
Cash generated from operations 9,049 12,431 17,347
------------------------------------------- ----------- ---------------- ----------------
Taxation paid
UK corporation tax paid (902) 24 (224)
Overseas tax paid (60) (83) (877)
------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------------
(962) (59) (1,101)
------------------------------------------- ----------- ---------------- ----------------
Net cash inflow from operating activities 8,087 12,372 16,246
------------------------------------------- ----------- ---------------- ----------------
Investing activities
Payments to acquire property, plant
and equipment (812) (514) (1,888)
Receipts from sales of property, plant
and equipment 13 13 34
Net cash outflow from investing (799) (501) (1,854)
------------------------------------------- ----------- ---------------- ----------------
Financing activities
Purchase of own shares (6,779) - -
Principal paid on lease liabilities (1,873) (2,749) (4,853)
Interest paid on lease liabilities (545) (538) (1,061)
Other interest paid (1) (6) (6)
Net cash outflow from financing (9,198) (3,293) (5,920)
------------------------------------------- ----------- ---------------- ----------------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents (1,910) 8,578 8,472
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
of period 19,344 11,538 11,538
Exchange (losses) / gains on cash
and cash equivalents 105 (176) (666)
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
period 17,539 19,940 19,344
------------------------------------------- ----------- ---------------- ----------------
COLEFAX GROUP PLC
NOTES
1. The Group prepares its annual financial statements in accordance
with International Accounting Standards (IFRS) in conformity
with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. These interim
results have been prepared in accordance with the accounting
policies expected to be applied in the next annual financial
statements for the year ending 30 April 2022.
2. Basic earnings per share have been calculated on the basis of
earnings of GBP3,435,000 (2020: GBP2,528,000) and on 8,685,000
(2020: 8,962,000) ordinary shares being the weighted average
number of ordinary shares in issue during the period.
3. Diluted earnings per share have been calculated on the basis
of earnings of GBP3,435,000 (2020: GBP2,528,000) and on 8,685,000
(2020: 8,962,000) ordinary shares being the weighted average
number of ordinary shares in the period adjusted to assume conversion
of all dilutive potential ordinary shares of nil (2020: nil).
4 Trade and other receivables As at As at As at
31 Oct 31 Oct 30 Apr
2021 2020 2021
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Trade debtors 5,198 5,144 4,868
Other debtors 1,559 994 2,558
Prepayments and accrued income 1,366 1,422 1,205
8,123 7,560 8,631
================================ ======== ======== ========
5 Trade and other payables As at As at As at
31 Oct 31 Oct 30 Apr
2021 2020 2021
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Trade creditors 5,773 4,102 4,718
Payments received on account 8,604 4,263 6,004
Other taxes and social security
costs 322 720 559
Other creditors 1,266 1,207 1,172
Accruals 4,603 4,017 5,890
20,568 14,309 18,343
================================= ======== ======== ========
6. The financial information for the year ended 30 April 2021 does
not constitute the full statutory accounts for that period. The
Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 30
April 2021 have been filed with the Registrar of Companies. The
Independent Auditors' Report on the Annual Report and Financial
Statements for the year ended 30 April 2021 was unqualified,
did not draw attention to any matters by way of emphasis, and
did not contain a statement under 498(2) or 498(3) of the Companies
Act 2006.
7. Copies of the interim report are being sent to shareholders and
will be available from the Group's website on www.colefaxgroupplc.com.
Copies will also be made available on request to members of the
public at the Company's registered office at 19-23 Grosvenor
Hill, London W1K 3QD.
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