TIDMSOLI
RNS Number : 8235H
Solid State PLC
20 November 2018
Solid State plc
("Solid State", the "Company" or the "Group")
Interim Results
Solid State plc (AIM: SOLI), the AIM listed manufacturer of
computing, power and communications products, and value added
distributor of electronic components, is pleased to announce its
Interim Results for the six months ended 30 September 2018.
Highlights in the period include:
Financial:
2018 2017 Change
Revenue GBP23.5m GBP22.5m GBP1.0m +4%
Adjusted gross profit margin 29.1% 28.4% 0.7% +70bps
Adjusted profit before tax GBP1.7m GBP1.6m GBP0.1m +6%
Adjusted diluted earnings per
share (note 6) 16.9p 16.1p 0.8p +5%
Interim dividend 4.2p 4.0p 0.2p +5%
Interim dividend cover 3.3x 3.3x 0.0x -
Operational:
-- Organic growth in the Value Added Distribution division of 26% with improved margins.
-- Revenues in the Manufacturing division are expected to be
second half weighted; however gross margins have improved in the
first half due to the sales product mix.
-- Continued investment in research & development.
-- Investment in high volume production capability for battery
packs for industrial autonomous robots has been completed, with
initial production revenues now commenced and delivery for the
initial order scheduled through to mid-2019.
-- Continued development in own brand computing products.
-- Significant contract wins previously announced have resulted
in a strong Group open order book as at 31/10/18 of GBP29.4m
(31/10/17: GBP20.1m) up 46%.
-- Securing the exclusive VPT franchise announced in April 2018
is expected to positively impact Value Added Distribution revenues
in the second half.
-- Post period end - acquisition of Pacer Technologies Limited
for GBP3.73m, subject to a net asset adjustment. On an annualised
basis the acquired business is expected to add circa GBP15.0m
revenues and GBP0.5m operating profit to the Value Added
Distribution division.
Commenting on the Results and prospects, Tony Frere, Chairman of
Solid State, said:
"These results are very pleasing and provide a good foundation
for the year as a whole. The strength of the order book and the
recent acquisition of Pacer Technologies give the Board confidence
in being able to deliver a stronger second half and continued
longer term growth."
This announcement contains inside information for the purposes
of Article 7 of EU Regulation 596/2014.
For further information please contact:
Solid State plc 01527 830 630
Gary Marsh - Chief Executive investor.information@solidstateplc.com
Peter James - Group Finance Director
WH Ireland (Nominated Adviser & Joint
Broker) 0117 945 3470
Mike Coe / Chris Savidge (Corporate
Finance)
Jasper Berry / David Kilbourn (Corporate
Broking / Sales)
finnCap (Joint Broker)
Ed Frisby (Corporate Finance)
Rhys Williams (Corporate Broking /
Sales) 020 7220 0500
Walbrook PR (Financial PR) 020 7933 8780
Tom Cooper / Paul Vann 0797 122 1972
tom.cooper@walbrookpr.com
Notes to Editors:
Solid State plc (SOLI) is a leading value added group of
companies providing specialist distribution, design-in and
manufacturing services to those acquiring computing, power and
communications products; and electronic and optoelectronic
components; for use in harsh environments.
Serving niche markets in oil & gas production, medical,
construction, security, military and field maintenance, Solid State
acts as both a component supplier to OEMs and bespoke manufacturer
of specialist units to clients with complex requirements.
Headquartered in Redditch, Solid State employs over 200 staff
across the UK with a sales office in the USA. Solid State operates
through two main divisions: Manufacturing and Value Added
Distribution.
Solid State was established in 1971 and admitted to AIM in June
1996.
Our Vision
To exploit the significant opportunities that exist in all
target markets; we aspire to double the size of the business over
the mid-term. We expect to deliver this through a combination of
organic growth and strategic acquisitions.
Our Mission
"To remain at the forefront of electronics technology,
delivering reliable, high quality products and services. Adding
value at every opportunity, from enquiry to order fulfilment;
consistently meeting customer and partner expectations."
Our Strategy
Our strategy has three key elements:
1) Investment in our people, our technical knowledge and our
capabilities, to ensure we remain at the forefront of electronics
technology and be the 'go to' technical solutions provider of
choice, enabling us to develop and maintain long term client
relationships as a trusted adviser with the sector 'know how'.
2) Continue to develop our strategic partnerships with customers
and suppliers within the electronics industry, building our
portfolio of value added services.
3) Targeting strategic acquisitions which are aligned with our
core capabilities which provide access to new markets or deepen our
knowledge and ability to enhance the value we can add to our
customers.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S REPORT
I am pleased to report on a period which demonstrates further
progress in our strategy for delivering sustainable profitable
growth.
Group revenue for the period increased by 4% to GBP23.5m (2017:
GBP22.5m), reflecting good trading in both the Value Added
Distribution and Manufacturing divisions. In this period, the
Group's gross margin has marginally increased to 29.1% (H1 2017:
28.4%) reflecting improved underlying margins in both divisions.
This strong trading performance translates into a 5% increase in
earnings per share to 16.9p (2017: 16.1p).
As reported in our October trading update, the Board considers
prospects for the year to be positive and expects the Group to
deliver a strong performance in H2. This is underpinned by the
strong open order book and the resilience of the Group, which
results from its broad base of products and clients in a range of
market sectors. The Board is confident of meeting the recently
increased market expectations for the year as a whole.
The review of business below sets out the progress we have made
within our divisions in implementing our strategy.
Financial Review
Group revenue for the period increased 4% to GBP23.5m (H1 2017:
GBP22.5m).
The Value Added Distribution division has had a particularly
strong period, delivering 26% organic growth in revenues to
GBP12.0m (H1 2017: GBP9.5m) whilst slightly improving margins. In
achieving this growth, the Division benefitted from a one-off
client order of circa GBP1.0m. This significant growth meant that
Value Added Distribution generated just over half of Group revenues
in H1. Revenues in the Manufacturing division of GBP11.5m (H1 2017:
GBP12.9m) were down on the prior year, however, the gross margin
percentage improved due to a richer sales product mix in the
period.
Group margin improved 0.7% to 29.1% (H1 2017: 28.4%). A margin
increase in Manufacturing and a slight rise in the Value Added
Distribution margins enabled this improvement to be achieved
despite the change in split between the divisions. Group margin
also benefitted from foreign exchange tailwinds of approximately
GBP0.2m in the first half, (primarily benefitting the Value Added
Distribution division).
The investments made in the prior period in sales and marketing
to drive long term organic growth and margin enhancement across the
Group are delivering results as evidenced by our strong open order
book. These investments combined with cost inflation mean that
overheads have increased to GBP5.5m (H1 2017: GBP5.1m). This
primarily reflects overhead inflation of circa GBP0.2m and
additional sales overhead costs circa GBP0.2m.
Adjusted profit before tax for the first half was up 7% to
GBP1.66m (H1 2017: GBP1.55m). Reported profit before tax was up 5%
to GBP1.33m (H1 2017: GBP1.27m) which is reported after a share
based payments charge of GBP0.08m (H1 2017: GBP0.08m), amortisation
of acquisition intangibles of GBP0.11m (H1 2017: GBP0.11m) and
acquisition and re-organisation costs of GBP0.15m (H1 2017:
GBP0.10m).
Adjusted profit after tax was up 7% to GBP1.46m (2017: GBP1.37m)
and reported profit after tax was up 8% to GBP1.19m (2017:
GBP1.10m).
Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations
were up 5% to 16.9p (2017: 16.1p) with basic EPS up 7% to 14.0p
(2017: 13.1p).
Group order intake in the period increased by 38% to GBP33.3m
(2017: GBP24.2m) and as at 31 October 2018 the open order book
amounted to GBP29.4m (31 October 2017: GBP20.1m), the majority of
which is expected to be delivered in the next 12 months.
Cash flow from operations
The inflow of cash from operating activities was GBP2.2m (H1
2017 outflow GBP1.2m), primarily due to a working capital cash
inflow of GBP0.2m compared with H1 2017 outflow of GBP3.0m.
Underlying cash profit from operations before working capital was
broadly stable at GBP1.9m (H1 2017: GBP1.8m).
The underlying cash inflow from operating activities in the
period was GBP1.2m, as the working capital inflow in the first half
has benefitted from circa GBP0.9m advanced payments from customers
for projects in H2. Therefore the underlying working capital
movement is an outflow of GBP0.7m. This primarily reflects GBP0.3m
investment in inventories and an increase in underlying receivables
arising from the Value Added Distribution sales growth.
Dividends
The Directors are declaring an increased interim dividend of
4.2p per share (H1 2017: 4.0p) which is covered 3.3 times by
earnings (H1 2017: 3.3 times).
The interim dividend will be paid on 15 February 2019 to
shareholders on the register at the close of business on 25 January
2019. The shares will go ex-dividend on 24 January 2019.
Business Overview
The Solid State Group has two operating divisions; Value Added
Distribution and Manufacturing. These Divisions have distinct
characteristics in their market places; however, they have a common
mission, a clear delivery strategy, and consistent business
values.
Across the Group our depth of understanding and a collaborative
approach to client relationships have always promoted an integrated
process of product design and supply, often resulting in a trusted
adviser relationship with our customers. This co-operation and
collaboration is valued by our clients, we believe it is of
significant commercial value both to us and our customers. The
Group will continue to pursue this approach and extend it into new
relationships where appropriate.
Our stated strategy is to supplement organic growth with
selective acquisitions within the electronics industry which will
complement our existing Group companies and over time enable us to
achieve improved operating margins through the delivery of
operational efficiencies, scale and distribution.
The Group is focused on the supply and support of specialist
electronics equipment through its Value Added Distribution and
Manufacturing divisions. The Value Added Distribution division is a
market leader in delivering innovative, valuable, technical
solutions for customers seeking specialist electronic components
and displays.
The Manufacturing division is a market leader in the design,
development and supply of high specification rugged computers,
custom battery packs providing portable power and energy storage
solutions and advanced communication systems, encompassing wideband
antennas and high performance video transmission products.
The market for the Group's products and services is driven by
the need for bespoke electronic solutions to address complex needs,
typically in harsh environments where enhanced durability and
resistance to extreme and volatile humidity, temperature, pressure
and wind is vital. The drivers of value in our markets include
safety, technical performance, efficiency improvements, cost
savings, and environmental monitoring.
The Board is delighted with the recent acquisition of Pacer
Technologies Limited. Strategic acquisitions remains a key part of
the Group's mid-term growth strategy. Our acquisition strategy is
to identify targets which complement the Group's products and niche
markets, or enhance our IP or capabilities, which will deliver
additional shareholder value. The Board has, and will continue to,
apply its rigorous due diligence processes in implementing its
acquisition strategy.
Divisional Review
Manufacturing Division
Trading under the Steatite brand, our Manufacturing division is
a leading UK provider of specialist computing, power and
communications technologies. Key to its strategy is the ability to
design, manufacture and test to customer requirements, and against
the most stringent of standards and qualifications, products for
use in some of the world's harshest environments.
The Manufacturing division's strength and resilience over an
extended period has come in large part from its market diversity.
As well as market sector mix, it benefits from a wide range of
products and services which further enhance the Group's overall
resilience.
The business addresses its markets with discrete business units
in the following sectors; Computing, Power and Communications. In
our Computing business unit, we offer simple motherboard and memory
products at one end of the scale through to complex
military-certified and classified integrated bespoke computer
solutions at the other end. The Power proposition ranges from the
sale of a simple battery cell through complex industrial battery
packs to integrated energy storage solutions. Communications
encompasses the resale of third party radio products and advanced
antenna solutions that are conceived, designed, manufactured and
tested in-house. The product margins reflect the technical
complexity, the level of value added service and build times
applied.
What ties the business solutions together across all markets and
product offerings is the need to address "Size, Weight and Power
(SWaP)", together with the need for a safety first approach, domain
experience and the agility we offer as a British based supplier.
These are key decision factors for Steatite customers.
Revenue for the Manufacturing division was down on the
comparative period at GBP11.5m (H1 2017: GBP12.9m), however, gross
margin improved to 33% (H1 2017: 31%), as a result of a favourable
mix of sales and customers recognising the added value provided in
our solutions. The Manufacturing division's open order book going
into the year was second half weighted, which is expected to result
in an improved sales performance in H2.
The sales and engineering teams have been consolidated and
refocused in H1 to drive value. The sales emphasis has been on
winning more complex value added business and strengthening the
order book moving into the next year. Our experienced industry
leading engineering teams continue to invest in the development of
solutions for extreme and harsh environments, covering a broad
spectrum of technologies and applications encompassing advanced
power solutions and computing platforms.
The increased marketing effort has been applied to increase
quality lead generation, to support the focused sales activities
where we have concentrated on key account development and growing
the order book, to ensure the Division is in a position to deliver
stronger financial performance in the second half.
In parallel to building the open orderbook, operationally we
have continued to implement the planned investments in personnel,
equipment and facilities in our Power business in Crewkerne, with a
focus on automation to pave the way for enhanced sales volume in H2
and improved efficiency. This represents an important operational
cornerstone, enabling the Division to deliver the growth and margin
initiatives to drive improved performance in the second half and
future years.
Value Added Distribution Division
The Value Added Distribution division, trading under the Solid
State Supplies and Ginsbury brands, distributes specialist
components to the UK OEM community; selling semiconductors, related
components and modules for embedded processing, IoT, control and
communications, power management units and LED lighting.
The first half of FY 2018 saw the benefits of the investments
made in prior years. The Value Added Distribution division has
delivered a 26% increase in reported revenues at GBP12.0m (H1 2017:
GBP9.5m). This reflects a one-off client order of circa GBP1.0m as
well as underlying organic growth of circa 15% across the customer
base as a whole with the military market sector showing
particularly strong growth.
The added value margin enhancement programmes continue to be
effective and the improvement in underlying margins was achieved
despite downward competitive pressure on prices. Reported margins
however have improved further as a result of the foreign exchange
tailwinds in the first half.
The Division has made good progress in developing its key
customer accounts. Increased revenues attest to the wider range of
products now available and recognise the increasing value of the
Division to its customer base. Examples of the value added services
are sourcing and obsolescence, which have started to contribute at
meaningful levels. The device programming services deliver strong
repeat bookings and billings, demonstrating the real value of these
services in maintaining customers and in providing higher margin
business.
The investment in technical sales personnel continues to pay
dividends in finding and securing new business, whilst at the same
time increasing customers' confidence in the expertise of the
Division. Attracting and securing the exclusive VPT franchise
announced in April 2018 attests to this and this new franchise is
expected to positively impact the second half.
The progress made in line with our strategy means our Value
Added Distribution division continues to outperform all metrics
published by the industry association body ECSN and is well
positioned for a strong second half.
Acquisition of Pacer Technologies Limited - post period end
On 9 November 2018, the Group acquired Pacer Technologies
Limited ('Pacer') for a cash consideration of up to GBP3.73m
subject to a net asset adjustment. The consideration was settled
out of Group resources and new banking facilities provided by
Lloyds Bank plc.
Pacer was established in 1989 to specialise in the distribution
and custom design of optoelectronic components, lasers and displays
to the OEM market in the medical, military, commercial, industrial
and security sectors. Serving an international client base, Pacer
has a reputation for supplying high quality components in a
customer-centric manner, often involving custom design and
manufacturing to address individual needs.
Pacer operates in two areas, Components and Displays, supplying
world class blue chip companies. The Components business is
distribution based with a smaller proportion of its sales derived
from manufacturing, own brand and assembly based products. Products
include industrial LEDs and light sources, lasers and laser range
finders, photon detection and counting equipment. The Displays
business complements and enhances that of Solid State Supplies.
Products include industrial and commercial grade displays.
Geographically, Pacer has an established US business which is
based in Florida which provides the Group with an opportunity to
further develop its US activities. In the UK, Pacer operates from
offices in Pangbourne, a value added production facility in
Weymouth, and a sales office in Crawley.
For the year ended 31 March 2018, Pacer reported revenue of
GBP15.2m, and a profit before tax of GBP0.43m. At as 31 March 2018
Pacer had net assets of GBP1.06m and net debt of GBP1.53m.
In completing this deal, the Group's primary banker Lloyds Bank
plc has put in place committed facilities comprising GBP6.0m of
term loans and a GBP3.5m revolving credit facility to fund the
consideration and the working capital requirements of the enlarged
Group. These new facilities replace the Group's GBP2.0m overdraft
and has enabled the Group to refinance Pacer's GBP3.5m invoice
discounting and term loan facilities on favourable terms.
Outlook
The Group has a broad base of clients, products and markets
which give a high degree of confidence in the stability and
resilience of the Group.
Looking forward, the operational investments in personnel and
production equipment, combined with the strong open order book in
the Power business unit, are anticipated to result in an improved
Manufacturing revenue performance in the second half.
The success of our strategy is amply demonstrated by the 26%
organic growth in the Value Added Distribution division in the
period and the strengthening open order book. The open order book
at 31 October 2018 was GBP29.4m which is 46% up on the prior year
of GBP20.1m. The Directors are pleased with the new business
pipeline and level of new contract awards across the Group.
The Board is excited by the opportunities that the acquisition
of Pacer Technologies brings to the Group. The acquisition builds
on the previous acquisitions of 2001 and Ginsbury and the objective
to create a distribution division of meaningful scale in its
industry.
Pacer's expertise and product set are complementary to the
existing Solid State Group and have the added benefit of enhancing
the Group's value added operations and exposure to high growth
markets such as the niche medical sector. In addition, Pacer has an
established US business which provides the Group with an
opportunity to further develop its US activities.
The broader product range and increased scale of distribution
have been the cornerstones in enabling the recent significant
organic growth of the Value Added Distribution division. The
addition of Pacer's opto-electronics product range to the Group
provides a further step change in broadening our offering, which
can be leveraged by the Group to facilitate the development of new
larger franchise relationships and customer growth.
The Board is confident that the prospects for the remainder of
the year are positive and it expects the Group to deliver a strong
performance in the second half of the year. In addition, it
believes the Group is well positioned for future growth and to
deliver enhanced value for the Company and its shareholders.
Finally, on behalf of the Board, I would like to acknowledge the
significant contribution of our staff to Solid State's continued
progress.
Gary Marsh
Chief Executive Officer
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
for the six months ended 30 September 2018
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Six months Six months Year to
to to 31 Mar
30 Sept 30 Sept 18
18 17 GBP'000
GBP'000 GBP'000
Continuing Operations
Revenue 23,545 22,455 46,268
Cost of sales (16,697) (16,076) (33,525)
_______ _______ _______
Gross profit 6,848 6,379 12,743
Sales, general and administration
expenses (5,510) (5,106) (10,229)
_______ _______ _______
Profit from operations 1,338 1,273 2,514
Finance costs (11) (7) (33)
_______ _______ _______
Profit before taxation 1,327 1,266 2,481
Tax expense (140) (161) (238)
_______ _______ _______
Adjusted profit after tax 1,458 1,370 2,663
Adjustments to profit (271) (265) (420)
_______ _______ _______
Profit after taxation 1,187 1,105 2,243
_______ _______ _______
PROFIT ATTRIBUTABLE TO EQUITY HOLDERS
OF THE PARENT 1,187 1,105 2,243
Other comprehensive income - - -
_______ _______ _______
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE
PERIOD 1,187 1,105 2,243
_______ _______ _______
Earnings per share (see below)
Basic EPS from profit for the period 14.0p 13.1p 26.5p
Diluted EPS from profit for the
period 13.8p 13.0p 26.0p
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
for the six months ended 30 September 2018
(unaudited)
Share Share Capital Shares
Capital premium Redemption Retained held
reserve Reserve Earnings in Total
Treasury
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Balance at 31 March 2017 425 3,629 5 12,826 (243) 16,642
Total comprehensive income
for the period - - - 1,105 - 1,105
Issue of new shares - - - - - -
Dividends - - - (677) - (677)
Share based payment expense - - - 75 - 75
_______ _______ _______ _______ _______ _______
Balance at 30 September
2017 425 3,629 5 13,329 (243) 17,145
Total comprehensive income
for the period - - - 1,138 - 1,138
Issue of new shares - - - - - -
Dividends - (338) - (338)
Share based payment expense - - - 75 - 75
_______ _______ _______ _______ _______ _______
Balance at 31 March 2018 425 3,629 5 14,204 (243) 18,020
Total comprehensive income
for the period - - - 1,187 - 1,187
Issue of new shares 2 (2) - - - -
Dividends - - - (679) - (679)
Share based payment expense - - - 75 - 75
_______ _______ _______ _______ _______ _______
Balance at 30 September
2018 427 3,627 5 14,787 (243) 18,603
_______ _______ _______ _______ _______ _______
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
as at 30 September 2018
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
as at as at as at
30 Sept 30 Sept 31 Mar
18 17 18
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
ASSETS
NON-CURRENT ASSETS
Property, plant and equipment 2,133 2,386 2,253
Intangible assets 5,947 6,190 6,167
_______ _______ _______
TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS 8,080 8,576 8,420
CURRENT ASSETS
Inventories 7,146 8,013 6,823
Trade and other receivables 9,728 9,247 10,048
Cash and cash equivalents 1,794 - 575
_______ _______ _______
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 18,668 17,260 17,446
_______ _______ _______
TOTAL ASSETS 26,748 25,836 25,866
LIABILITIES
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Bank overdraft - (1,336) -
Trade and other payables (5,642) (6,152) (5,718)
Contract liabilities (1,551) (392) (1,317)
Corporation tax liabilities - - (384)
_______ _______ _______
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES (7,193) (7,880) (7,419)
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
Trade and other payables - - -
Corporation tax liabilities (576) (470) -
Deferred tax liability (376) (341) (427)
_______ _______ _______
TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES (952) (811) (427)
_______ _______ _______
TOTAL LIABILITIES (8,145) (8,691) (7,846)
_______ _______ _______
TOTAL NET ASSETS 18,603 17,145 18,020
CAPITAL AND RESERVES ATTRIBUTABLE
TO EQUITY HOLDERS OF THE PARENT
Share capital 427 425 425
Share premium reserve 3,627 3,629 3,629
Capital redemption reserve 5 5 5
Retained earnings 14,787 13,329 14,204
Shares held in treasury (243) (243) (243)
_______ _______ _______
TOTAL EQUITY 18,603 17,145 18,020
_______ _______ _______
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT
for the six months ended 30 September 2018
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
as at as at as at
30 Sept 30 Sept 31 Mar
18 17 18
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Profit before taxation 1,327 1,266 2,481
Adjustments for:
Depreciation 236 238 489
Amortisation 370 192 406
Profit on disposal of property, plant and
equipment 4 (2) (11)
Loss on disposal of intangible fixed assets - - -
Share based payment expense 75 75 150
Finance costs 11 7 33
Other - - -
_______ _______ _______
Profit from operations before changes in working
capital and provisions 2,023 1,776 3,548
Increase in inventories (323) (2,436) (1,246)
Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables 320 (1,161) (1,723)
Increase in trade and other payables 160 635 779
_______ _______ _______
Cash generated from/(absorbed by) operations 2,180 (1,186) 1,358
Income taxes paid - - (6)
Income taxes recovered - - 39
_______ _______ _______
Cash flows from operating activities 2,180 (1,186) 1,391
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (165) (247) (402)
Purchase of intangible assets (150) (158) (349)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and
equipment 44 30 77
Consideration paid on acquisition of subsidiaries - - -
Cash with subsidiaries over which control - - -
has been obtained
_______ _______ _______
Net cash flow from investing activities (271) (375) (674)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Issue of ordinary shares - - -
Interest paid (11) (7) (33)
Dividends paid to equity shareholders (679) (677) (1,018)
_______ _______ _______
Net cash flow from financing activities (690) (684) (1,051)
_______ _______ _______
INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 1,219 (2,245) (334)
Cash and cash equivalents brought forward 575 909 909
_______ _______ _______
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS CARRIED FORWARD 1,794 (1,336) 575
_______ _______ _______
Represented by:
Cash at bank and in hand 1,794 - 575
Bank overdrafts - (1,336) -
_______ _______ _______
1,794 (1,336) 575
NOTES TO THE INTERIM REPORT
for the six months ended 30 September 2018
1. Basis of preparation of interim financial information
General information
Solid State PLC ("the Company") is a public company
incorporated, domiciled and registered in England and Wales in the
United Kingdom. The registered number is 00771335 and the
registered address is: 2 Ravensbank Business Park, Hedera Road,
Redditch, B98 9EY.
The interim financial statements are unaudited and do not
constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of Section 434 of
the Companies Act 2006. Statutory accounts for the year ended 31
March 2018, prepared in accordance with IFRS, have been filed with
the Registrar of Companies. The Auditors' Report on these accounts
was unqualified, did not include any matters to which the Auditors
drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their report
and did not contain any statements under section 498 of the
Companies Act 2006.
Basis of preparation
These condensed interim financial statements for the six months
ended 30 September 2018 have been prepared in accordance with IAS
34, 'Interim financial reporting', as adopted by the European
Union. The condensed interim financial statements should be read in
conjunction with the annual financial statements for the year ended
31 March 2018, which have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs as
adopted by the European Union.
The consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared
in accordance with the recognition and measurement principles of
International Financial Reporting Standards as endorsed by the
European Union ("IFRS") and expected to be effective at the year
end of 31 March 2019.
Going concern
The Directors, after making enquiries, and considering the
available resources, the financial forecast together with available
cash and committed borrowing facilities, have formed a judgement
that there is a reasonable expectation that the Company and the
Group have adequate resources to continue operating for the
foreseeable future and therefore the going concern basis has been
adopted in preparing these financial statements.
In reaching this conclusion, the Board has considered the
magnitude of potential impacts resulting from uncertain future
events or changes in conditions, the likelihood of their occurrence
and the likely effectiveness of mitigating actions that the
Directors would consider undertaking.
2. Accounting policies
The accounting policies are unchanged from the financial
statements for the year ended 31 March 2018.
Recent accounting developments
The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those of the
previous financial year except as described below:
The Group adopted IFRS 9 on 1 April 2018. IFRS 9 relates to the
accounting for financial instruments and covers: classification and
measurement; impairment; and hedge accounting. Except for hedge
accounting, retrospective application is required with any
adjustment being made to reserves on 1 April 2018. The Group has
not restated its 2017 comparative information.
The Group has adopted the simplified approach to provide for
losses on receivables and contract assets resulting from
transactions within the scope of IFRS 15 applying credit ratings
and business information to determine the expected credit losses on
receivables. The adoption of the expected credit loss approach has
not resulted in a significant impairment loss for trade receivables
as at 30 September 2018.
The impact of the adoption of IFRS 9 is immaterial, however,
there are a number of changes to the required disclosures which
will be incorporated in to our 31 March 2019 annual report.
Standards issued but not yet applied IFRS 16 'Leases' is
effective and will be applied for the financial year beginning on 1
January 2019. The interim results for FY19/20 will be IFRS 16
compliant with the first annual report published in accordance with
IFRS 16 being the 31 March 2020 report.
On the adoption of IFRS 16, lease agreements will give rise to
both a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for future lease
payables.
The lease liability will be initially measured based on the
present value of lease payments to be made, excluding any
contingent rentals, over the lease term. The lease term includes
any extension options reasonably certain of being exercised.
The right-of-use asset will be initially measured at the value
of the lease liability plus any initial direct costs, less any
impairment provisions and will be depreciated on a straight-line
basis over the life of the lease.
Interest will be recognised on the lease liability as the
discount unwinds, resulting in a higher interest expense in the
earlier years of the lease term. The total expense recognised in
the Income Statement over the life of the lease will be unaffected
by the new standard. However, IFRS 16 will result in the timing of
lease expense recognition being accelerated for leases which would
be currently accounted for as operating leases.
The group has a portfolio of leased properties, the minimum
lease commitments on these have been disclosed in the annual
report. The group is in the process of quantifying the full impact
of this standard, working through a comprehensive transition
exercise across the group.
The group plans to adopt a modified retrospective transition
approach and so comparative information will not be adjusted.
Rather the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard is
recognised as an adjustment to the opening balance sheet.
On transition the group will measure the right-of-use asset will
be initially measured at the value of the lease liability plus any
initial direct costs, less any impairment provisions.
The group also plans to take advantage of the following
practical expedients in adopting IFRS 16:
-- application of a single discount rate to a portfolio of
leases with similar characteristics; and,
-- electing not to apply IFRS 16 requirements to leases with a
lease term that ends within 12 months of the date of initial
application.
Based on our initial view we expect there to be a material
change in the balance sheet on adoption of IFRS 16. Based on our
current transition exercise we expect IFRS 16 to recognise a
material right to use asset and a corresponding lease liability
grossing up the balance sheet assets and liabilities.
Financial Instruments
The carrying value of cash, trade and other receivables, other
equity instruments, trade and other payables and borrowings also
represent their estimated fair values. There are no material
differences between carrying value and fair value at 30 September
2018.
Additional disclosure of the basis of measurement and policies
in respect of financial instruments are described on pages 72 to 77
of our 2018 Annual Report and remain unchanged at 30 September
2018.
Estimates
The preparation of interim financial statements requires
management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that
affect the application of accounting policies and the reported
amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expense. Actual
results may differ from these estimates.
In preparing these condensed interim financial statements, the
significant judgements made by management in applying the group's
accounting policies and the key sources of estimation uncertainty
were the same as those that applied to the consolidated financial
statements for the year ended 31 March 2018.
Impairment
No Impairment charges have been recognised in the period to 30
September 2018.
3. Principal risks and uncertainties
The principal risks and uncertainties impacting the Group are
described on pages 8 to 11 of our 31 March 2018 Annual Report and
remain unchanged at 30 September 2018.
They include: Acquisition, product / technology change, supply
chain interruption, retention of key employees, competition,
financial liquidity, legislative environment and compliance,
failure or malicious damage to IT systems and natural
disasters.
4. Segmental information
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Six months Six months Year to
to to 31 Mar
30 Sept 30 Sept 18
18 17 GBP'000
GBP'000 GBP'000
Revenue
Manufacturing 11,543 12,930 26,583
Value Added Distribution 12,002 9,525 19,685
_______ _______ _______
Group revenue 23,545 22,455 46,268
_______ _______ _______
5. Adjusted profit measures
Unaudited Unaudited
Six months Six months Audited
to to Year
30 Sept 30 Sept to
18 17 31 Mar
GBP'000 GBP'000 18
GBP'000
Continuing operations
Acquisition and re-organisation costs in - - -
cost of sales
Acquisition and re-organisation costs in
sales, general and administration 149 100 150
Total acquisition and re-organisation costs 149 100 150
Amortisation of acquisition intangibles 110 110 219
Share based payments 75 75 150
Taxation effect (63) (20) (99)
_______ _______ _______
Total adjustments to profit 271 265 420
_______ _______ _______
Reported gross profit from continuing operations 6,848 6,379 12,743
Adjusted gross profit from continuing operations 6,848 6,379 12,743
Reported gross margin percentage from continuing
operations 29.1% 28.4% 27.5%
Adjusted gross margin percentage from continuing
operations 29.1% 28.4% 27.5%
Reported operated profit from continuing
operations 1,338 1,273 2,514
Adjusted operated profit from continuing
operations 1,672 1,558 3,033
Reported operating margin percentage from
continuing operations 5.7% 5.7% 5.4%
Adjusted operating margin percentage from
continuing operations 7.1% 6.9% 6.6%
Reported profit before tax from continuing
operations 1,327 1,266 2,481
Adjusted profit before tax from continuing
operations 1,661 1,551 3,000
Reported profit after tax from continuing
operations 1,187 1,105 2,243
Adjusted profit after tax from continuing
operations 1,458 1,370 2,663
6. The earnings per share
The earnings per share is based on the following:
Unaudited Unaudited
Six months Six months Audited
to to Year
30 Sept 30 Sept to
18 17 31 Mar
GBP'000 GBP'000 18
GBP'000
Adjusted continuing earnings post tax 1,458 1,370 2,663
Reported continuing earnings post tax 1,187 1,105 2,243
Discontinued earnings post tax - - -
Adjusted total earnings post tax 1,458 1,370 2,663
Reported total earnings post tax 1,187 1,105 2,243
_______ _______ _______
Weighted average number of shares 8,472,070 8,464,582 8,459,118
Diluted weighted average number of shares 8,632,114 8,528,217 8,618,468
_______ _______ _______
Reported EPS
Basic EPS from continuing operations 14.0p 13.1p 26.5p
Basic EPS from discontinued operations - - -
Basic EPS from profit for the year 14.0p 13.1p 26.5p
Diluted EPS from continuing operations 13.8p 13.0p 26.0p
Diluted EPS from discontinued operations - - -
Diluted EPS from profit for the year 13.8p 13.0p 26.0p
Adjusted EPS
Adjusted basic EPS from continuing operations 17.2p 16.2p 31.5p
Adjusted basic EPS from discontinued - - -
operations
Adjusted basic EPS from profit for the
year 17.2p 16.2p 31.5p
Adjusted diluted EPS from continuing
operations 16.9p 16.1p 30.9p
Adjusted diluted EPS from discontinued - - -
operations
Adjusted diluted EPS from profit for
the year 16.9p 16.1p 30.9p
7. Dividends
Dividends paid during the period from 1 April 2017 to 30
September 2018 were as follows:
22 September 2017 Final dividend year ended 31 March 2017 8.00p
per share
16 February 2018 Interim dividend year ended 31 March 2018 4.00p
per share
20 September 2018 Final dividend year ended 31 March 2018 8.00p
per share
The Directors are intending to pay an interim dividend for the
year ended 31 March 2019 on 15 February 2019 of 4.20p per share.
This dividend has not been accrued at 30 September 2018.
8. Share capital
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Six months Six months Year to
to to 31 Mar
30 Sept 30 Sept 18
18 17 No.
No. No.
------------
Allotted issued and fully paid
Number of ordinary 5p shares 8,532,878 8,496,512 8,496,512
Unaudited Unaudited
Six months Six months Audited
to to Year to
30 Sept 30 Sept 31 Mar
18 17 18
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Allotted issued and fully paid
Ordinary 5p shares 427 425 425
9. Related party transactions
Consistent with the year ended 31 March 2018 the only related
party transactions in the period were those with the trading
companies which are used by the non-executive directors for their
consultancy services. These transactions are disclosed in note 5 in
the annual report to the 31 March 2018 and will be updated in the
full year report to the 31 March 2019. There are no other related
party transactions.
10. Post balance sheet events
As announced on the 9 November 2018 the Group acquired Pacer
Technologies Limited for a cash consideration of up to GBP3.73m
subject to a net asset adjustment. The consideration was settled
out of Group resources and new banking facilities provided by
Lloyds Bank plc.
For the year ended 31 March 2018, the Pacer Group reported
revenue of GBP15.2m, and a profit before tax of GBP0.43m. As at 31
March 2018 Pacer had net assets of GBP1.06m and net debt of
GBP1.53m
The statement will be available to download on the Company's
website: www.solidstateplc.com
This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the
London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct
Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United
Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution
of this information may apply. For further information, please
contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.
END
IR UKUBRWBAAAAA
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