TIDMTRI
RNS Number : 1314H
Trifast PLC
22 November 2022
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. Upon the
publication of this announcement via the Regulatory Information
Service, this inside information is now considered to be in the
public domain.
Tuesday, 22 November 2022
TRIFAST PLC
(Trifast, Group or Company)
Leading international specialist in the design, engineering,
manufacture, and distribution
of high-quality industrial fastenings and Category 'C'
components principally to major global assembly industries
"Innovation today for a better tomorrow - growing sustainably,
together"
HALF-YEARLY FINANCIAL REPORT
Unaudited results for the six months ended 30 September 2022
"Whilst recognising the challenges in HY1, with the initiatives
we are adopting we continue to see significant scope to build the
business and we remain confident in the fundamentals of our
business model over the medium term"
Mark Belton, Chief Executive Officer
Key financials
---------------------------- --------- -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
CER (2) CER (2) AER (2) AER (2) AER HY2021
Underlying measures HY2023 change HY2023 change AER HY2022
---------------------------- --------- -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Revenue GBP117.8m 13.5% GBP120.2m 15.8% GBP103.8m GBP81.0m
Gross profit % 24.5% (180)bps 24.6% (170)bps 26.3% 27.0%
Underlying operating
profit (UOP)(1) GBP6.0m (20.0)% GBP6.2m (16.7)% GBP7.4m GBP4.5m
Underlying operating
profit %(1) 5.1% (210)bps 5.2% (200)bps 7.2% 5.5%
Underlying profit before
tax(1) GBP5.2m (25.5)% GBP5.5m (22.1)% GBP7.0m GBP4.0m
Underlying diluted earnings
per share(1) 3.21p (27.4)% 3.33p (24.7)% 4.42p 2.27p
Adjusted net (debt)/cash GBP(40.4)m GBP(35.3)m GBP(5.1)m GBP3.4m
(3)
Return on capital employed
(ROCE)(1) 6.7% (210)bps 8.8% 5.5%
Interim dividend 0.75p 7.1% 0.70p -
---------------------------- --------- -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
GAAP measures
Operating profit GBP3.7m (34.4)% GBP5.7m GBP3.2m
Operating profit % 3.1% (240)bps 5.5% 3.9%
Profit before tax GBP3.0m (43.1)% GBP5.3m GBP2.7m
Diluted earnings per
share 1.85p (42.5)% 3.22p 1.48p
---------------------------- --------- -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
1. Before separately disclosed items (see notes 2, 6 and 7)
2. "CER" being Constant Exchange Rate, calculated by translating
the HY2023 figures by the average HY2022 exchange rate & "AER"
being Average Exchange Rate
3. Adjusted net (debt)/cash is presented excluding the impact of
IFRS16 Leases as this is how the calculation is performed for the
purposes of the Group's banking facilities. Including right-of-use
liabilities, net debt would increase by GBP(14.8)m to GBP(55.2)m
(HY2022: net debt would increase by GBP(13.4)m to GBP(18.5)m)
Operational highlights
* Revenues increased by 13.5% to GBP117.8m at CER
* Additional contract wins in the period totalling
GBP12m, reflecting market share gains and commercial
focus on faster growing niches
* Inflationary cost pressures and the lag in passing
increases through to customers has resulted in gross
margins decreasing to 24.5% at CER
* Operational improvement programme commenced to drive
recovery in HY2 and beyond
o Margins - necessary price increases and cost efficiencies to return
margin to medium term aspirations
o Inventory - normalise as supply chain uncertainty 'recedes'
o Project Atlas - roll out accelerated to finish before the end of FY2024
* Post period end - new Executive Committee formed
including new key appointments of COO and CFO to
increase the agility and pace for decision making
Presentation of HY2023 results
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 The Group will be holding a presentation to financial analysts today
at 9.15am (UK time). Further details can be obtained by contacting
TooleyStreet Communications - details are shown below. Investor enquiries
can also be made via the Company's stockbroker, Peel Hunt LLP and
its corporate access team.
2 The Company will also be presenting the HY2023 results via the Investor
Meet Company platform on Thursday, 24 November 2022 at 11.30am (UK
time). CEO Mark Belton, Interim CFO Andy Cooksey and Chief Operating
Officer Dan Jack will host this 'live' event.
Investors who follow Trifast on the IMC platform will automatically
be invited to join the event. The webcast will be available on the
Trifast website following the event. To register for the session,
you may follow this link:
https://www.investormeetcompany.com/trifast-plc/register-investor
Enquiries please contact:
---------------------------------------------------
Trifast plc
Jonathan Shearman, Non-Executive Chair
Mark Belton, Chief Executive Officer
Andy Cooksey, Interim Chief Financial Officer
Office: +44 (0) 1825 747630
Email: corporate.enquiries@trifast.com
Shareholders: companysecretariat@trifast.com
Peel Hunt LLP (Stockbroker & financial adviser)
Mike Bell
Tel: +44 (0)20 7418 8900
TooleyStreet Communications (IR & media relations)
Fiona Tooley
Tel : +44 (0)7785 703523
Email: fiona@tooleystreet.com
Editors' notes
About Trifast plc
Trifast (TR) is a leading international specialist in the design, engineering,
manufacture, and distribution of high-quality industrial fastenings and
Category 'C' components principally to major global assembly industries.
We supply to c.5,000 customers in c.75 countries across a wide range of
industries, including Light vehicle, Heavy vehicle, Health & Home, Energy,
Tech and Infrastructure (ET&I), General industrial and Distributors. As
a full-service provider to multinational OEMs and Tier 1 companies spanning
several sectors, TR delivers comprehensive support to its customers from
concept design through to technical engineering consultancy, manufacturing,
supply management and global logistics. The Group employs c.1,350 people
across 34 business locations within the UK, Asia, Europe, and the USA
including seven high-volume, high-quality, and cost-effective manufacturing
sites and three technical & innovation centres across the world.
"Innovation today for a better tomorrow - growing sustainably, together"
For more information, visit our
Investor website: www.trifast.com
Commercial website: www.trfastenings.com
LinkedIn : www.linkedin.com/company/tr-fastenings
Twitter: www.twitter.com/trfastenings
Facebook : www.facebook.com/trfastenings
Trifast, TR and TR Fastenings are registered trademarks of the Company
LEI number: 213800WFIVE6RUK3CR22
Forward-looking statements
This announcement contains certain forward-looking statements. These
reflect the knowledge and information available to the Company during
the preparation and up to the publication of this document. By their
very nature, these statements depend upon circumstances and relate to
events that may occur in the future thereby involving a degree of uncertainty.
Therefore, nothing in this document should be construed as a profit forecast
by the Company.
TRIFAST PLC
HALF-YEARLY FINANCIAL REPORT
Unaudited results for the six months ended 30 September 2022
BUSINESS REVIEW
Unless stated otherwise, current year comparisons with prior
year are calculated at constant currency (CER) and where we refer
to 'underlying', this is defined as being before separately
disclosed items (see note 2). CER calculations have been calculated
by translating the HY2023 figures by the average HY2022 exchange
rate.
The impact of foreign exchange movements has increased our AER
revenue by 2.1%, GBP2.4m (HY2022: decreased by 2.5%, GBP2.6m), our
AER underlying profit before tax by 4.5%, GBP0.2m (HY2022:
decreased by 4.0%, GBP0.3m) and our AER underlying diluted EPS
by
3.7%, 0.12p (HY2022: decreased by 3.7%, 0.17p).
CER CER AER AER
Underlying measures HY2023 change HY2023 change HY2022 HY2021
---------------------------- --------- -------- --------- -------- --------- --------
Revenue GBP117.8m 13.5% GBP120.2m 15.8% GBP103.8m GBP81.0m
Gross profit % 24.5% (180)bps 24.6% (170)bps 26.3% 27.0%
Underlying operating profit
(UOP)(1) GBP6.0m (20.0)% GBP6.2m (16.7)% GBP7.4m GBP4.5m
Underlying operating profit
%(1) 5.1% (210)bps 5.2% (200)bps 7.2% 5.5%
Underlying profit before
tax(1) GBP5.2m (25.5)% GBP5.5m (22.1)% GBP7.0m GBP4.0m
Underlying diluted earnings
per share(1) 3.21p (27.4)% 3.33p (24.7)% 4.42p 2.27p
Return on capital employed
(ROCE)(1) 6.7% (210)bps 8.8% 5.5%
---------------------------- --------- -------- --------- -------- --------- --------
GAAP measures
Operating profit GBP3.7m (34.4)% GBP5.7m GBP3.2m
Operating profit % 3.1% (240)bps 5.5% 3.9%
Profit before tax GBP3.0m (43.1)% GBP5.3m GBP2.7m
Diluted earnings per share
(DEPS) 1.85p (42.5)% 3.22p 1.48p
---------------------------- --------- -------- --------- -------- --------- --------
1. Before separately disclosed items (see notes 2, 6 and 7)
Group performance
HY2023 has proved to be one of challenge and opportunity against
the global uncertainties surrounding industrial markets. Whilst our
operations in Asia and North America have both produced a solid
performance and are in line with expectations, we have experienced,
as a result of weakened consumer demand, a slowdown in particular
within the Health & home sector in UK and Europe. Volumes have
improved across our other key markets with Light vehicle and
General industrial showing the strongest growth over the same
period last year, followed by the Distributors and Energy, tech
& infrastructure sectors (ET&I).
Revenue overall increased year on year by 13.5% to GBP117.8m
(AER: 15.8% to GBP120.2m) with growth in all sectors except Health
& home. Organic growth was 9.9%, with 3.6% arising from the
full period impact of our North American acquisition, TR Falcon
(completed in August 2021).
Gross margins in the first half of the year have reduced to
24.5% compared to 26.3% reflecting the continuing inflationary cost
pressures, the lag in passing these inflationary increases through
to revenue, the impact of the Ukraine conflict on the Health &
homes volumes in Europe and the Covid-19 lockdowns in Shanghai in
the first two months of the year.
Reflecting the pressures on gross margins, the UOP margin has
decreased by 210bps to 5.1% (AER: decrease 200bps to 5.2%; HY2022:
7.2%). UOP decreased by 20.0% to GBP6.0m (HY2022: GBP7.4m). We have
continued to make targeted investment in overheads to support the
growth of the business into new customers and sectors.
Underlying profit before tax (UPBT) is down 25.5% at CER to
GBP5.2m (AER: down 22.1% to GBP5.5m, HY2022: GBP7.0m). Interest has
increased year on year by GBP0.3m reflecting the higher level of
net debt and an increase in interest rates. This coupled with a
rise in our underlying effective tax rate has resulted in a
decrease of 27.4% in our underlying diluted earnings per share
(UDEPS) at CER to 3.21p (HY2022: 4.42p) and at AER, down 24.7% to
3.33p (HY2022: 4.42p).
Profit before tax has decreased 43.1% at AER to GBP3.0m (HY2022:
GBP5.3m). In addition to the movements explained above, profit has
been further reduced by Project Atlas spend of GBP0.8m, acquired
intangible amortisation of GBP0.9m and CFO exit costs of GBP0.5m.
The resultant DEPS has decreased by 42.5% to 1.85p (HY2022:
3.22p).
Inventory has increased by GBP13.9m (including GBP4.8m of FX) in
the first half of the year to support growth and secure supply, but
has also been impacted by some customer order deferment arising
from microchip shortages coupled with a decline in demand from our
Health & home customer base. This has resulted in adjusted net
debt increasing from GBP23.8m to GBP40.4m at the end of September
2022. We continue to have undrawn facilities of GBP10.5m (FY2022:
GBP29.3m), and an available accordion facility for a further
GBP40m, providing us with the security and flexibility to continue
to operate and invest in our future growth.
Revenue (CER)
Total revenue in HY2023 increased 13.5% to GBP117.8m (AER 15.8%
to GBP120.2m; HY2022: GBP103.8m), however there has been mixed
demand by region and sector.
Against this mixed backdrop, the Group continues to win new
contracts and has secured a further GBP12m of contractual wins in
HY2023 across our key sectors with the largest uplift being in
Light vehicles. The majority of these wins are engineering led
through new and existing global customers.
Within Europe we have seen an 8.8% increase in sales to a record
regional half year level of GBP43.3m (AER 6.1% to GBP42.2m; HY2022:
GBP39.8m). With the exception of Health & home, all sectors
delivered growth and with particularly strong performances in the
Light vehicles, General industrial and ET&I sectors.
Significant revenue growth was recorded in Germany, Hungary,
Holland, Sweden and Spain, with again record sales being recorded
in a number of these countries. The one noticeable exception is
Italy, which has been negatively impacted in the Heath & home
sector by the downturn in customer sentiment and the indirect
impact the Ukraine conflict is having on some of our customers
leading to a reduction in volumes produced in our Italian
manufacturing operation.
In the UK, revenues have increased by 5.5% to GBP42.5m (HY2022:
GBP40.3m). The largest increases have been due to higher
distributor (Lancaster and PTS) volumes and increased transactional
pricing. Light vehicle sales have shown a 20.8% increase in the
period reflecting new customer wins, however the automotive sector
as a whole continues to be impacted by semi-conductor
shortages.
Asia has seen an increase in revenue of 14.1% to GBP29.9m (AER:
22.8% to GBP32.2m; HY2022: GBP26.3m), this is despite the impact of
the Shanghai Covid-19 lockdowns in the first two months of the
year, which impacted Chinese revenues by c.GBP1.1m. We experienced
significant year on year increases in the Light vehicle,
Distributor and Health & home sectors. Taiwan continues to see
strong distributor sales in key European end markets. These gains
were partly offset by declines in the General industrial and
ET&I sectors.
USA, with the full year impact of the TR Falcon acquisition, has
seen revenue growth of 80.8% to GBP12.1m (AER: 103.5% to GBP13.6m;
HY2022: GBP6.7m). Organic growth was 23.6%, reflecting increases in
Light vehicle, General industrial and ET&I. TR Falcon now
represents 39% of our North American revenue. Chip shortage and
other related supply chain shortages continue to impact the
automotive industry, so pent up demand remains for this sector. In
addition, we are actively progressing a strong pipeline of new
opportunities.
Underlying operating profit (CER)
Region HY2023 HY2022 Movement HY2023 HY2022 Movement
UOP UOP UOP margin UOP margin
Europe GBP0.7m GBP2.5m GBP(1.8)m 1.7% 6.2% (450)bps
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------ ---------
UK GBP3.0m GBP4.0m GBP(1.0)m 7.1% 10.0% (290)bps
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------ ---------
Asia GBP4.8m GBP3.3m GBP1.5m 16.1% 12.6% 350bps
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------ ---------
USA GBP(0.1)m GBP(0.2)m GBP0.1m (0.6)% (3.3)% 270bps
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------ ---------
Despite the increase in Group sales, underlying operating profit
(UOP) has been impacted by the ongoing inflationary challenges and
the lag in recouping these cost increases resulting in UOP reducing
to GBP6.0m (HY2022: GBP7.4m) and an UOP margin of 5.1% (HY2022:
7.2%).
In Europe, despite the 8.8% increase in revenues, we have seen
an overall 450bps reduction in UOP margins to 1.7%, and operating
profit of GBP0.7m (HY2022: 6.2%, GBP2.5m). Most of the negative
movement in the UOP has occurred in TR VIC, which has been hard hit
by reduced volumes arising from a loss of sales indirectly due to
the Ukraine conflict and a significant softening in the Health
& home sector, the main channel of Italian sales. Coupled with
the resulting impact of reduced volumes in plant utilisation, the
site has had to battle major input cost increases, most noticeable
in energy, freight and commodity products. Actions are being taken,
both on the sales and cost side to improve operational efficiencies
and increase prices in the second half of the year.
In the UK, UOP margins have decreased year-on-year by 290bps to
7.1%, GBP3.0m (HY2022: 10.0%, GBP4.0m). The increased volumes and
transactional pricing has improved margins at the distributor
companies. However, this has been more than offset by cost input
pressures at TR Fastenings (UK) and the lag in recouping the cost
increases as discussions with customers are taking time to come to
fruition. We expect that the margins will recover in the second
half of the year.
UOP margins in Asia have been particularly strong, increasing by
350bps to 16.1%, GBP4.8m (HY2022: 12.6%, GBP3.3m). A key driver of
the improvement has been in Taiwan which has seen exceptionally
strong growth on the back of high distributor sales to key European
and USA end markets.
In the USA, UOP margins have improved by 270bps, although these
remain negative at (0.6)%, GBP(0.1)m (HY2022: (3.3)%, GBP(0.2)m).
TR Falcon has delivered a solid performance; however, the Houston
operation in particular is having to manage a lag in recovering
substantial cost increases particularly in relation to freight
costs. Again, we expect margins to improve in the second half of
the year as the lag in prices reduces and cost inputs soften.
Operating profit (AER)
The operating profit and margin (at AER) have been impacted as
per the UOP by the inflationary cost factors and the lag in
recouping the cost increases in revenues. This results in Group
operating profit reducing from GBP5.7m to GBP3.7m and operating
margin from 5.5% to 3.1%. Operating profit includes GBP2.5m of
costs not included in UOP (primarily acquired intangible
amortisation, Project Atlas costs and personnel termination
costs).
At a regional level, the movements at operating profit and
margins broadly follow the movements at UOP level:
Region HY2023 HY2022 Movement HY2023 HY2022 Movement
Operating Operating Operating Operating
profit profit margin margin
Europe GBP0.1m GBP1.9m GBP(1.8)m 0.2% 4.9% (470)bps
------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------
UK GBP2.8m GBP3.3m GBP(0.5)m 6.7% 8.1% (140)bps
------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------
Asia GBP5.2m GBP3.3m GBP1.9m 16.0% 12.5% 350bps
------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------
USA GBP(0.2)m GBP(0.3)m GBP0.1m (1.8)% (3.7)% 190bps
------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------
Net financing costs (AER)
Net financing costs have increased to GBP0.7m (HY2022: GBP0.4m)
due to the increase in average net debt during the period and
higher interest rates.
Taxation (AER)
The HY2023 underlying effective tax rate (UETR) has increased to
17.7% compared to 13.7% in HY2022 as last year included a one-off
benefit relating to the UK tax change to 25% and the resulting
increase in the deferred tax asset. The effective tax rate (ETR) at
16.5%, is similar to 16.4% in HY2022 as the UK tax change benefit
in HY2022 is offset by HY2023 favourable movements in adjustments
in respect of previous years.
Subject to future tax changes and excluding adjustments in
respect of prior years, our normalised underlying ETR is expected
to be in the range of 22-25% going forward.
Earnings per share (AER)
The decrease in underlying profit before tax and the increase in
our UETR, has reduced the underlying diluted EPS by 24.7% to 3.33p
(HY2022: 4.42p). Diluted EPS has decreased by 42.5% to 1.85p
(HY2022: 3.22p).
Dividend
The Company has declared an interim dividend of 0.75p (HY2022:
0.70p) which will be paid on 13 April 2023 to members on the
register as at 17 March 2023.
We continue to consider that an appropriate level of dividend
cover is in the range of 3.0x to 4.0x.
Return on Capital Employed (AER)
As at 30 September 2022, the Group's shareholders' equity
increased to GBP143.3m (FY2022: GBP139.1m). The GBP4.2m uplift
reflects profit for the period of GBP2.5m (HY2022: GBP4.4m), a
dividend payment of GBP(2.8)m, a net movement in share based
payments of GBP(0.5)m and a foreign exchange reserve gain of
GBP5.0m (most notably sterling weakening against SGD, TWD, EUR and
USD).
Over this increased asset base and given the reduction in
profits, our ROCE has decreased (160)bps from 31 March 2022 to 6.7%
(FY2022: 8.3%).
At 30 September 2022, the number of ordinary shares held by the
Employee Benefit Trust (EBT) to honour future equity award
commitments is 2,194,470, unchanged from FY2022.
Adjusted net debt (AER)
As at 30 September 2022, the Group had an adjusted net debt
position of GBP40.4m, which is an increase in net debt of GBP16.6m
since FY2022 (GBP23.8m). The increase is fundamentally due to the
increase in our inventory of GBP13.9m, reflecting a mix of foreign
exchange (GBP4.8m), commodity price increases (GBP2.0m) and the
need to ensure ongoing continuity of supply to our customers, but
also ensure we have the ability to service the new contract wins in
the latter part of the last financial year and the new contract
wins this year, which will be coming on stream over the course of
the coming months. While supply chain issues remain, we are seeing
signs of an easing with a softening in lead times and freight
costs. In line with this, we are working hard to ensure inventory
levels are reduced over the remainder of the financial year and
hence expect our net debt to reduce in line with this inventory
reduction. The proceeds of new loans of GBP13.9m are drawdowns from
the existing RCF facility, see note 26 in the 31 March 2022
consolidated financial statements.
Supporting the Board's ongoing strategic investments for growth,
capital expenditure in the period amounted to GBP2.6m (HY2022:
GBP2.1m) including GBP0.4m in relation to Project Atlas.
Including the impact of IFRS16 Leases, the Group's net debt
position is GBP55.2m (FY2022: net debt of GBP37.5m).
Other key balance sheet movements
Property, plant and equipment increased by GBP1.7m to GBP22.0m
(FY2022: GBP20.3m) due to additions of GBP2.0m (predominantly the
capacity expansion plan in TR VIC), depreciation charge of
GBP(1.4)m and effects of movement on foreign exchange of
GBP1.1m.
Intangibles has increased by GBP1.7m to GBP44.6m (FY2022:
GBP43.0m) due to effects of movements in foreign exchange of
GBP2.3m, amortisation charge of GBP(1.0)m and additions of GBP0.6m
less disposals of GBP(0.2)m.
Trade and other receivables has increased by GBP5.5m to GBP66.0m
(FY2022: GBP60.5m) due to effects of movements in foreign exchange
of GBP2.5m, increase in other debtors (GBP1.6m) and increased
trading levels (GBP1.4m). This, combined with the increase in our
inventory (see adjusted net debt) has seen working capital as a %
of sales increase to 49.3% (FY2022: 46.5%).
Project Atlas
Project Atlas, a key driver of future growth and cost
efficiencies, has continued to progress over FY2023. The phased
roll-out at our highest revenue trading subsidiary TR Fastenings
(UK) is expected to be completed by the end of this financial year.
Significant benefits of Atlas, both expected and unexpected, are
being seen within the business. We anticipate that Project Atlas
will close as a project with the roll-out to the remaining
distribution countries during Q4 of FY2024.
We have incurred direct costs of GBP1.2m in HY2023 (cumulatively
GBP16.1m), largely relating to project team, consultancy, localised
testing and training costs. We have excluded GBP0.8m of these costs
from our underlying results, to reflect the unusual scale and
one-off nature of this project. In line with accounting standards,
we have also recognised the remaining GBP0.4m (cumulatively
GBP7.6m) as intangible assets on the balance sheet at 30 September
2022.
Acquisitions
A truly global fastenings business needs a North America region
(the largest fastenings market in the world), of credible scale and
reach. Currently, with the USA forming less than 15% of the Group's
revenue we have significant appetite to acquire in the region. In
the short term, the current macro-economic backdrop makes
acquisition appraisal more challenging and so we will continue to
take a highly disciplined approach and only progress opportunities
that have a very clear value enhancement case.
A successful first step on the journey was taken with the
acquisition of TR Falcon, an established fastenings distributor
located in North Carolina (and Kentucky). Following our successful
integration and the solid performance delivered by TR Falcon, we
remain keen to continue our acquisition journey, with a focus on
our strategic initiatives of rebalancing the regions alongside
establishing supply chain support through more on/near-shoring
manufacturing capabilities to help deliver economic and
environmental benefits.
People
The Board would like to acknowledge and thank the teams around
the globe who in challenging times continue to work in partnership
with commitment and focus to deliver the quality of service and
supply that our customers expect.
The Group is in the process of undertaking a strategic
restructure to deliver ambitious growth plans which will protect
against any potential global recession. With such ambition comes
the absolute need for pace and agility in our decision making
structures.
Today, under a separate announcement released this morning via
the regulatory news service, we have announced Main Board and
Senior Management appointments, including a new post of Chief
Operating Officer created within a more focused Executive
Committee.
http://www.rns-pdf.londonstockexchange.com/rns/1314H_1-2022-11-21.pdf
Outlook
In HY2023, the Group has operated in a challenging environment
given the general macroeconomic background. Significant progress
has been made on our strategic growth initiatives through a mix of
customer service, technical innovation, investment and capturing
key commercial opportunities. Continued contract wins across our
key sectors should give the basis for year on year growth in
revenue. We also expect the lag between cost increase and recovery
to improve leading to an overall improvement in both the gross and
operating margins in the second half of the year.
Trading since the end of September 2022 has been in line with
management expectations both in terms of revenue and operating
margins.
The unprecedented political and economic times coupled with a
looming recession make the short-term outlook for the Group
challenging to predict and therefore we are increasing our focus on
taking steps to mitigate these risks through a mix of operational
efficiencies, price increases, profit enhancements and working
capital (primarily inventory) improvements.
As a group, we continue to see significant scope to build the
business and we remain confident in the fundamentals of our
business model over the medium term.
RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
The Directors do not consider that the principal risks and
uncertainties of the Group have changed since the publication in
July 2022 of the Group's Annual Report for the year ended 31 March
2022. The principal risks and uncertainties include: the
macroeconomic environment, supply chain challenges, a breach of
cyber security, stock obsolescence and personnel and resources. A
copy of this publication can be found on the website
www.trifast.com.
No system can fully eliminate risk and therefore the
understanding of operational risk is central to the management
process within the Group. The Group operates a system of internal
control and risk management to provide assurance that we are
managing risk whilst achieving our business objectives. Risk
assessment reviews are regularly carried out by management, with
responsibilities for monitoring and mitigating personally allocated
to a broad spread of individual managers. These reviews are
analysed and discussed at Audit & Risk Committee meetings
chaired by our Senior Independent Non-Executive Director.
As with all businesses, the Group faces risks, with some not
wholly within its control, which could have a material impact on
the Group, and may affect its performance with actual results
becoming materially different from both forecast and historic
results. There are indications that the macroeconomic climate is
still under pressure, and so, we continue to remain vigilant for
any indications that could adversely impact expected results going
forward.
The long term success of the Group depends on the ongoing
review, assessment and management of the key business risks it
faces.
Trifast plc - responsibility statement
We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:
-- the condensed set of financial statements has been prepared
in accordance with UK adopted International Accounting Standard 34
and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the United
Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.
-- the interim management report includes a fair review of the information required by:
a. DTR 4.2.7R of the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, being
an indication of important events that have occurred during the first
six months of the financial year and their impact on the condensed set
of financial statements; and a description of the principal risks and
uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year; and
b. DTR 4.2.8R of the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, being
related party transactions that have taken place in the first six months
of the current financial year and that have materially affected the financial
position or performance of the entity during that period; and any changes
in the related party transactions described in the last annual report
that could do so.
Mark Belton Jonathan Shearman
Chief Executive Non-Executive Chair
Officer
21 November 2022
Condensed consolidated interim income statement
Unaudited results for the six months ended 30 September 2022
Six months Six months Year
ended ended ended
30 September 30 September 31 March
2022 2021 2022
Notes GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
--------------------------------------------- ------- ------------- ------------- ---------
Continuing operations
Revenue 3, 9 120,232 103,792 218,618
Cost of sales (90,683) (76,538) (160,189)
--------------------------------------------- ------- ------------- ------------- ---------
Gross profit 29,549 27,254 58,429
Other operating income 154 246 565
Distribution expenses (3,171) (2,350) (5,296)
--------------------------------------------- ------- ------------- ------------- ---------
Administrative expenses before separately
disclosed items (20,333) (17,704) (38,952)
Acquired intangible amortisation 2 (892) (725) (1,593)
Project Atlas 2 (771) (512) (1,041)
Settlement for loss of office 2 (538) - -
Aborted acquisition costs 2 (253) - -
Acquisition costs 2 - (495) (508)
Total administrative expenses (22,787) (19,436) (42,094)
--------------------------------------------- ------- ------------- ------------- ---------
Operating profit 3,745 5,714 11,604
--------------------------------------------- ------- ------------- ------------- ---------
Financial income 41 20 31
Financial expenses (790) (468) (1,018)
--------------------------------------------- ------- ------------- ------------- ---------
Net financing costs 3 (749) (448) (987)
--------------------------------------------- ------- ------------- ------------- ---------
Profit before tax 3 2,996 5,266 10,617
Taxation 4 (496) (861) (1,640)
--------------------------------------------- ------- ------------- ------------- ---------
Profit for the period
(attributable to equity shareholders of the
Parent Company) 2,500 4,405 8,977
--------------------------------------------- ------- ------------- ------------- ---------
Earnings per share
Basic 6 1.85p 3.23p 6.61p
Diluted 6 1.85p 3.22p 6.56p
--------------------------------------------- ------- ------------- ------------- ---------
Condensed consolidated interim statement of comprehensive
income
Unaudited results for the six months ended 30 September 2022
Six months Six months Year
ended ended ended
30 September 30 September 31 March
2022 2021 2022
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
---------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ---------
Profit for the period 2,500 4,405 8,977
Other comprehensive income for the period:
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit
or loss:
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations 7,413 1,882 2,907
Loss on a hedge of a net investment taken to equity (2,429) (244) (147)
---------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ---------
Other comprehensive income for the period 4,984 1,638 2,760
---------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ---------
Total comprehensive income recognised for the period
(attributable to equity shareholders of the parent
company) 7,484 6,043 11,737
---------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ---------
Condensed consolidated interim statement of changes in
equity
Unaudited results for the six months ended 30 September 2022
Merger Own
Share Share reserve shares Translation Retained Total
capital premium GBP000 held reserve earnings equity
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
--------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- ------- ----------- --------- -------
Balance at 1 April 2022 6,804 22,512 16,328 (3,487) 12,284 84,704 139,145
Total comprehensive income
for the period:
Profit for the period - - - - - 2,500 2,500
Other comprehensive income
for the period - - - - 4,984 - 4,984
Total comprehensive income
for the period - - - - 4,984 2,500 7,484
--------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- ------- ----------- --------- -------
Transactions with owners,
recorded directly
in equity:
Issue of share capital 1 17 - - - - 18
Share-based payment transactions
(net of tax) - - - - - (530) (530)
Dividends (note 5) - - - - - (2,812) (2,812)
--------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- ------- ----------- --------- -------
Total transactions with
owners 1 17 - - - (3,342) (3,324)
--------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- ------- ----------- --------- -------
Balance at 30 September
2022 6,805 22,529 16,328 (3,487) 17,268 83,862 143,305
--------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- ------- ----------- --------- -------
Merger Own
Share Share reserve shares Translation Retained Total
capital premium GBP000 held reserve earnings equity
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
--------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- ------- ----------- --------- -------
Balance at 1 April 2021 6,802 22,461 16,328 (595) 9,524 77,284 131,804
Total comprehensive income
for the period:
Profit for the period - - - - - 4,405 4,405
Other comprehensive income
for the year - - - - 1,638 - 1,638
Total comprehensive income
for the period - - - - 1,638 4,405 6,043
--------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- ------- ----------- --------- -------
Transactions with owners,
recorded directly
in equity:
Issue of share capital - 11 - - - - 11
Share-based payment transactions
(net of tax) - - - - - (379) (379)
Movement in own shares
held - - - (1,420) - (26) (1,446)
Dividends (note 5) - - - - - (2,156) (2,156)
--------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- ------- ----------- --------- -------
Total transactions with
owners - 11 - (1,420) - (2,561) (3,970)
--------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- ------- ----------- --------- -------
Balance at 30 September
2021 6,802 22,472 16,328 (2,015) 11,162 79,128 133,877
--------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- ------- ----------- --------- -------
Condensed consolidated interim statement of financial
position
Unaudited results for the six months ended 30 September 2022
30 September 30 September 31 March
2022 2021 2022
Notes GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
-------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ --------
Non-current assets
Property, plant, and equipment 21,983 19,360 20,297
Right-of-use assets 13,890 12,509 12,757
Intangible assets 44,633 42,823 42,981
Deferred tax assets 3,039 2,885 2,787
-------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ --------
Total non-current assets 83,545 77,577 78,822
-------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ --------
Current assets
Inventories 102,833 73,434 88,933
Trade and other receivables 65,956 56,093 60,520
Cash and cash equivalents 7 29,023 23,819 26,741
Total current assets 197,812 153,346 176,194
-------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ --------
Total assets 3 281,357 230,923 255,016
-------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ --------
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 45,352 45,258 45,249
Right-of-use liabilities 7 3,424 2,796 3,028
Tax payable 2,739 2,598 2,455
Dividends payable 5 1,875 2,156 -
Total current liabilities 53,390 52,808 50,732
-------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ --------
Non-current liabilities
Other interest-bearing loans and borrowings 7 69,382 28,906 50,507
Right-of-use liabilities 7 11,337 10,563 10,683
Provisions 1,088 1,088 1,088
Deferred tax liabilities 2,855 3,681 2,861
-------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ --------
Total non-current liabilities 84,662 44,238 65,139
-------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ --------
Total liabilities 3 138,052 97,046 115,871
-------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ --------
Net assets 143,305 133,877 139,145
-------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ --------
Equity
Share capital 6,805 6,802 6,804
Share premium 22,529 22,472 22,512
Merger reserve 16,328 16,328 16,328
Own shares held 8 (3,487) (2,015) (3,487)
Translation reserve 17,268 11,162 12,284
Retained earnings 83,862 79,128 84,704
-------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ --------
Total equity 143,305 133,877 139,145
-------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ --------
Condensed consolidated interim statement of cash flows
Unaudited results for the six months ended 30 September 2022
Six months Six months Year
ended ended ended
30 September 30 September 31 March
2022 2021 2022
Notes GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
-------------------------------------------------- ----- ------------- ------------- ---------
Cash flows from operating activities
Profit for the period 2,500 4,405 8,977
Adjustments for:
Depreciation, amortisation, and impairment 2,420 1,926 4,125
Right-of-use asset amortisation 1,747 1,457 3,131
Unrealised foreign currency (gain)/loss (40) 153 (34)
Financial income (41) (20) (31)
Financial expense (excluding right-of-use
liabilities) 602 329 692
Right-of-use liabilities' financial expense 188 139 326
Loss/(gain) on sale of property, plant &
equipment, intangibles 127 (12) 6
Equity settled share-based payment transactions (530) (379) 772
Taxation charge 496 861 1,640
Operating cash inflow before changes in
working capital and provisions 7,469 8,859 19,604
Change in trade and other receivables (1,793) (1,464) (5,950)
Change in inventories (9,141) (16,306) (31,716)
Change in trade and other payables (1,519) 2,809 2,922
Change in provisions - - -
Cash used in operations (4,984) (6,102) (15,140)
Tax paid (1,795) (1,137) (2,757)
-------------------------------------------------- ----- ------------- ------------- ---------
Net cash used in operating activities (6,779) (7,239) (17,897)
-------------------------------------------------- ----- ------------- ------------- ---------
Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds from sale of property, plant & equipment 42 35 36
Interest received 34 22 31
Acquisition of subsidiary, net of cash acquired - (5,850) (5,847)
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment,
and intangibles (2,591) (2,145) (5,248)
Net cash used in investing activities (2,515) (7,938) (11,028)
-------------------------------------------------- ----- ------------- ------------- ---------
Cash flows from financing activities
Net proceeds from the issue of share capital 18 11 53
Purchase of own shares - (1,446) (3,035)
Proceeds from new loan 13,924 11,479 32,980
Repayment of right-of-use liabilities (1,913) (1,520) (2,977)
Dividends paid (937) - (2,156)
Interest paid (656) (221) (805)
-------------------------------------------------- ----- ------------- ------------- ---------
Net cash generated from financing activities 10,436 8,303 24,060
-------------------------------------------------- ----- ------------- ------------- ---------
Net change in cash and cash equivalents 1,142 (6,874) (4,865)
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 April 26,741 30,265 30,265
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash
held 1,140 428 1,341
-------------------------------------------------- ----- ------------- ------------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 7 29,023 23,819 26,741
-------------------------------------------------- ----- ------------- ------------- ---------
NOTES TO THE 2023 HALF-YEARLY FINANCIAL REPORT
Unaudited results for the six months ended 30 September 2022
1 . Basis of preparation
These condensed consolidated interim financial statements have
been prepared in accordance with the Disclosure and Transparency
Rules (DTR) of the Financial Conduct Authority and UK-adopted
International Accounting Standard ("IAS") 34: Interim Financial
Reporting. They do not include all the information required for
full annual financial statements, and should be read in conjunction
with the consolidated financial statements of the Group as at, and
for, the year ended 31 March 2022. The annual financial statements
of the Group are prepared in accordance with UK--adopted
International Accounting Standards and with the requirements of the
Companies Act 2006 as applicable to companies reporting under those
standards.
This statement does not comprise full financial statements
within the meaning of Section 495 and 496 of the Companies Act
2006. The statement is unaudited but has been reviewed by BDO LLP
and their Report is set out at the end of this document.
The comparative figures for the financial year ended 31 March
2022 are not the Company's statutory accounts for that financial
year and have been extracted from the full Annual Report and
Accounts for that financial year. Those accounts have been reported
on by the Company's auditor and delivered to the Registrar of
Companies. The Report of the Auditors was (i) unqualified, (ii) did
not include a reference to any matters to which the auditor drew
attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their Report, and
(iii) did not contain a statement under section 498 (2) or (3) of
the Companies Act 2006.
These condensed consolidated interim financial statements have
been prepared on the basis of accounting policies set out in the
full Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March
2022.
Going concern
The Group's business activities, together with the factors
(including the impact of COVID-19) likely to affect its future
development, performance and position are set out in the
accompanying Business Review. The financial position of the Group,
its cash flows, liquidity position and borrowing facilities are
also described in the same report. In addition, note 26 to the
Group's previously published financial statements for the year
ended 31 March 2022 includes the Group's objectives, policies and
processes for managing its capital; its financial risk management
objectives; details of its financial instruments and hedging
activities; and its exposures to credit risk and liquidity
risk.
Current trading and forecasts show that the Group will continue
to be profitable and generate cash. The banking facilities and
covenants (leverage and interest cover) that are in place provide
appropriate headroom against forecasts. The Directors do not
consider there to be material uncertainties relating to events or
conditions that may be relevant to the next 12 months from signing
of the half-yearly financial report, which cast doubt on the going
concern status. This is also the case after performing sensitivity
analysis, reverse stress testing scenarios to break point for the
covenants and understanding what this would equate to either
increasing net debt or reducing EBITDA. Thus the Directors have a
reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to
continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and
hence they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting
in preparing the half-yearly financial report.
Estimates and judgements
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRSs
requires management to make estimates, judgements and assumptions
that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of
assets and liabilities, income and expenses. The estimates and
associated assumptions take account of the circumstances and facts
at the period end, historical experience of similar situations and
other factors that are believed to be reasonable and relevant, the
results which form the basis of making the judgements about
carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily
available from other sources. Actual results may differ from these
estimates.
In preparing these condensed consolidated interim financial
statements, the significant judgements made by management in
applying the Group's accounting policies and the key sources of
estimation uncertainty include those disclosed in the consolidated
financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2022, except for
fair value of assets acquired in a business combination.
A key judgement made by management relates to Project Atlas
costs meeting the capitalisation criteria under IAS 38 Intangible
Assets, also considering the March 2021 IFRS IC agenda decision
update on 'Configuration and customisation costs in a cloud
computing arrangement', allowing directly attributable costs to be
capitalised.
No other key judgements have been made, other than those
involving estimations. The key sources of estimation uncertainty
are inventory valuation and recoverability of goodwill.
In the 31 March 2022 consolidated financial statements, in note
13, specific disclosure was made around sensitivity to changes in
key assumptions relating to impairment testing for the
recoverability of goodwill relating to TR VIC (HY2023: GBP3.0m;
FY2022: GBP2.9m). This was based on post-tax discount rate being
above average in recent years (FY2020: 10.8%; FY2019: 11.2%;
FY2016-2018 average: c.9.3%), noting that if the discount rate
returns to FY2019/2020 levels, or above, then it is possible that
this might lead to an impairment of VIC's goodwill. The post-tax
discount rate at HY2023 has increased to 10.8% (FY2022: 8.9%),
decreasing headroom. In addition to the discount rates sensitivity,
VIC has faced a challenging period with significant cost increases
and reduced sales volumes, in part due the impact of the Ukraine
conflict. Management are in the process of implementing a number of
measures including price increases, improving the cost base and
production efficiencies. Based on these detailed plans and actions,
management believe there is no need to impair VIC's goodwill on an
operational profitability point of view, However, the successful
outcome of these actions will only become clear over the coming
months and this will inform a further impairment review in the
second half of the year.
The methodology for calculating the inventory provision has
remained consistent with year end. Inventories are stated at the
lower of cost and net realisable value with a provision being made
for obsolete and slow-moving items. Initially, management makes a
judgement on whether an item of inventory should be classified as
standard or customer specific. This classification then largely
determines when a provision is recognised. Management then
estimates the net realisable value of the stock for each individual
classification. In most circumstances, a provision is made earlier
for customer--specific stock (compared to standard) because it
generally carries a greater risk of becoming obsolete or slow
moving given the fastenings are designed specifically for an
individual customer.
The key sensitivity to the carrying amount of customer-specific
inventory relates to the future demand levels for specific products
stocked for individual customers. In the event that an individual
customer's demand for products specific to them unexpectedly
reduced, the Company might be required to increase the inventory
provision. Although one customer taking such action is unlikely to
result in a material adjustment, multiple customers taking such
action over a short timescale could result in a material
adjustment. The range of possible outcomes includes a write off of
the carrying amount at 30 September 2022, to a write back of the
customer-specific inventory provision at period end (HY2023: GBP7.0
m; HY2022: GBP5.6m; FY2022: GBP6.1m).
G overnment grants
Included in the consolidated income statement is GBPnil (HY2022:
GBP59k) of government grants obtained.
2. Underlying profit before tax and separately disclosed
items
Six months Six months Year
ended ended ended
30 September 30 September 31 March
2022 2021 2022
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
------------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ---------
Underlying profit before tax 5,450 6,998 13,759
Separately disclosed items within administrative
expenses:
Acquired intangible amortisation (892) (725) (1,593)
Project Atlas (771) (512) (1,041)
Settlement for loss of office (538) - -
Aborted acquisition costs (253) - -
Acquisition costs - (495) (508)
Profit before tax 2,996 5,266 10,617
------------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ---------
Six months Six months Year
ended ended ended
30 September 30 September 31 March
2022 2021 2022
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Underlying EBITDA 9,474 10,104 20,409
Separately disclosed items within administrative
expenses:
Project Atlas (771) (512) (1,041)
Settlement for loss of office (538) - -
Aborted acquisition costs (253) - -
Acquisition costs - (495) (508)
EBITDA 7,912 9,097 18,860
--------------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ---------
Acquired intangible amortisation (892) (725) (1,593)
Depreciation (including right-of-use depreciation)
and non-acquired amortisation (3,275) (2,658) (5,663)
--------------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ---------
Operating profit 3,745 5,714 11,604
--------------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ---------
Consistent with prior periods, management feel it is appropriate
to remove separately disclosed items as included above to allow the
reader of the accounts to understand the underlying trading
performance of the Group. Management use judgement in assessing
which items, due to their size or incidence, should be disclosed as
separately disclosed items. This is consistent with the way
financial information is presented to the Board. Further
reconciliations of underlying measures to IFRS measures and the
cash flow impact of separately disclosed items can be found in note
7.
Event driven/one-off separately disclosed items
Project Atlas is a multi-year investment into our IT
infrastructure and underlying business processes. We have excluded
these costs (primarily relating to training and project team costs)
from our underlying results, to reflect the unusual scale and
one-off nature of this project. We anticipate continuing to do so
in order to provide shareholders with a better understanding of our
underlying trading performance during this period of investment.
This investment will be recorded as a combination of capital
expenditure and separately disclosed items, dependent on accounting
convention.
Settlement for loss of office costs of GBP0.5m (HY2022: GBPnil)
were recognised in the year from the CFO leaving the Group with
immediate effect on 31 August 2022. The costs include payment in
lieu of notice, compensation for loss of office and loss of
contractual benefits. We have excluded these costs from our
underlying results both due to their size and incidence.
Aborted acquisition costs of GBP0.3m (HY2022: GBPnil) were
incurred in the year in relation to a potential target which was
aborted in July 2022. They are excluded from underlying results to
help provide a better understanding of the trading performance of
the Group.
Net acquisition costs of GBPnil (HY2022: GBP0.5m) were incurred
in the period. In HY2022, GBP0.5m of costs were incurred in
relation to the acquisition of TR Falcon on 31 August 2021. They
were excluded from underlying results to help provide a better
understanding of the trading performance of the Group.
Recurring items
Acquired intangible amortisation has increased by GBP0.2m to
GBP0.9m (HY2022: GBP0.7m) mainly due to the acquisition of TR
Falcon. This is excluded from underlying results to provide a more
consistent understanding of the trading performance of those
entities when compared to those that have grown organically in the
Group.
3. Geographical operating segments
The Group is comprised of the following main geographical
operating segments:
-- UK
-- Europe: includes Norway, Sweden, Germany, Hungary, Ireland,
Italy, Holland, Spain and Poland
-- USA: includes USA and Mexico
-- Asia: includes Malaysia, China, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand,
Philippines, and India
In presenting information on the basis of geographical operating
segments, segment revenue and segment assets are based on the
geographical location of our entities across the world and are
consolidated into the four distinct geographical regions, which the
Operational Executive Board uses to monitor and assess the Group.
Interest is reported on a net basis rather than gross as this is
how it is presented to the Chief Operating Decision Maker. All
material non-current assets are located in the country the relevant
Group entity is incorporated in.
Segment revenue and results under the primary reporting format
for the six months ended 30 September 2022 and 2021 are disclosed
in the table below:
Central
costs,
assets
and
UK Europe USA Asia liabilities Total
September 2022 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
-------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------------ ---------
Revenue*
Revenue from external customers 38,984 40,462 13,486 27,300 - 120,232
Inter segment revenue 3,546 1,762 111 4,939 - 10,358
-------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------------ ---------
Total revenue 42,530 42,224 13,597 32,239 - 130,590
-------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------------ ---------
Underlying operating profit
(see note 7) 3,016 610 (42) 5,173 (2,558) 6,199
Net financing costs (108) (150) (108) (9) (374) (749)
-------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------------ ---------
Underlying profit before
tax 2,908 460 (150) 5,164 (2,932) 5,450
Separately disclosed items
(see note 2) (2,454)
-------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------------ ---------
Profit before tax 2,996
-------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------------ ---------
Specific disclosure items
Depreciation and amortisation (1,063) (1,592) (436) (887) (189) (4,167)
Assets and liabilities
Non-current asset additions 377 2,959 39 1,144 524 5,043
Segment assets 78,518 86,159 28,399 76,389 11,892 281,357
Segment liabilities (26,294) (19,045) (3,643) (15,930) (73,140) (138,052)
-------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------------ ---------
Central
costs,
assets
and
UK Europe USA Asia liabilities Total
September 2021 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
-------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------------ --------
Revenue*
Revenue from external customers 36,923 38,781 6,613 21,475 - 103,792
Inter segment revenue 3,395 1,003 69 4,780 - 9,247
-------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------------ --------
Total revenue 40,318 39,784 6,682 26,255 - 113,039
-------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------------ --------
Underlying operating profit
(see note 7) 4,023 2,463 (221) 3,303 (2,122) 7,446
Net financing costs (47) (61) (31) (17) (292) (448)
-------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------------ --------
Underlying profit before
tax 3,976 2,402 (252) 3,286 (2,414) 6,998
Separately disclosed items
(see note 2) (1,732)
-------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------------ --------
Profit before tax 5,266
-------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------------ --------
Specific disclosure items
Depreciation and amortisation (1,030) (1,304) (158) (839) (52) (3,383)
Assets and liabilities
Non-current asset additions 471 1,411 - 541 733 3,156
Segment assets 66,329 72,109 18,318 62,238 11,929 230,923
Segment liabilities (25,506) (19,955) (3,742) (15,069) (32,774) (97,046)
-------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------------ --------
* Revenue is derived from the manufacture and logistical supply
of industrial fasteners and category 'C' components.
4. Taxation
Six months Six months Year
ended ended ended
30 September 30 September 31 March
2022 2021 2022
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
-------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ---------
Current tax on income for the period
UK tax - - -
Foreign tax 1,013 1,234 2,562
Deferred tax income (362) (194) (630)
Adjustments in respect of prior years (155) (179) (292)
-------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ---------
496 861 1,640
-------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ---------
The HY2023 underlying effective tax rate (UETR) has increased to
17.7% compared to 13.7% in HY2022 as last year had a one-off
benefit relating to the UK tax change to 25% and the resulting
increase in the deferred tax asset. The effective tax rate (ETR) at
16.5%, is similar to 16.4% in HY2022 as the UK tax change benefit
in HY2022 is offset by HY2023 favourable movements in adjustments
in respect of previous years. Tax rates have been determined using
a weighted average of tax rated across jurisdictions. An increase
in the UK tax rate from 19% to 25% (effective 1 April 2023) was
substantively enacted on 24 May 2021. This will increase the
Group's future current tax charge accordingly.
Deferred tax asset has increased by GBP0.2m to GBP3.0m (FY2022:
GBP2.8m) due to an increase in deferred tax relating to provision
on inventories and tax losses, offset by a decrease in deferred tax
on IFRS2 Share-based payments. Deferred tax liabilities at GBP2.9m
has remained in line with the year end balance (GBP2.9m).
5. Dividends
The dividend payable of GBP1.9m represents the final dividend
for the year ended 31 March 2022 which was approved by Shareholders
at the AGM on 7 September 2022 and paid on 14 October 2022 to
members on the Register on 16 September 2022. The Company paid an
HY2022 interim dividend of 0.70p (HY2021: nil) on 14 April 2022
totalling GBP0.9m to Shareholders on the register as at 18 March
2022. The Company has declared an HY2023 interim dividend of 0.75p
(HY2022: 0.70p) which will be paid on 13 April 2023 to Shareholders
on the Register as at 17 March 2023.
6. Earnings per share
The calculation of earnings per 5 pence ordinary share is based
on profit for the period after taxation and the weighted average
number of shares in the period of 134,891,184 (net of own shares
held) (HY2022: 136,184,256, FY2022: 135,880,620).
The calculation of the fully diluted earnings per 5 pence
ordinary share is based on profit for the period after taxation. In
accordance with IAS 33 the weighted average number of shares in the
period has been adjusted to take account of the effects of all
dilutive potential ordinary shares (net of own shares held). The
number of shares used in the calculation amount to 134,902,422
(HY2022: 136,836,491 FY2022: 136,864,935).
The underlying diluted earnings per share, which in the
Directors' opinion best reflects the underlying performance of the
Group, is detailed below:
Six months Six months Year
ended ended ended
30 September 30 September 31 March
2022 2021 2022
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
----------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ---------
Profit after tax for the period 2,500 4,405 8,977
Separately disclosed items:
Acquired intangible amortisation 892 725 1,593
Project Atlas 771 512 1,041
Settlement for loss of office 538 - -
Aborted acquisition costs 253 - -
Acquisition costs - 495 508
Tax charge on adjusted items above (468) (97) (607)
Tax adjusted items - - (386)
Underlying profit after tax 4,486 6,040 11,126
----------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ---------
Basic EPS 1.85p 3.23p 6.61p
Diluted EPS 1.85p 3.22p 6.56p
Underlying diluted EPS 3.33p 4.42p 8.13p
----------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ---------
7. Alternative Performance Measure
The half-yearly financial report includes both IFRS measures and
Alternative Performance Measures (APMs), the latter of which are
considered by management to better allow the readers of the
accounts to understand the underlying performance of the Group. A
number of these APMs are used by management to measure the KPIs of
the business (see the Business Review) and are therefore aligned to
the Group's strategic aims. They are also used at Board level to
monitor financial performance throughout the year.
The APMs used in the half-yearly financial report (including the
basis of calculation, assumptions, use and relevance) are detailed
in note 2 (underlying profit before tax, EBITDA and underlying
EBITDA) and below .
-- Underlying figures
The Group believes that underlying measures provide additional
guidance to statutory measures to help understand the underlying
trading performance of the business during the financial period.
The term 'underlying' is not defined under Adopted IFRS. It is a
measure that is used by management to assess the underlying
performance of the business internally and is not intended to be a
substitute measure for Adopted IFRSs' GAAP measures.
It should be noted that the definitions of underlying items
being used in these financial statements are those used by the
Group and may not be comparable with the term 'underlying' as
defined by other companies within the same sector or elsewhere.
Explanations for the items removed from the underlying figures
are provided in note 2.
-- Constant Exchange Rate (CER) figures
These are used in the Business Review and give the readers a
better understanding of the performance of the Group, regions and
entities from a trading perspective. They have been calculated by
translating the HY2023 income statement results (of subsidiaries
whose presentation currency is not sterling) using HY2022 average
exchange rates to provide a comparison which removes the foreign
currency translational impact. The impact of translational gains
and losses made on non-functional currency net assets held around
the Group have not been removed.
-- Underlying diluted EPS
A key measure for the Group as it is one of the measures used to
set the Directors' variable remuneration. The calculation is
disclosed in note 6.
-- Return on capital employed (ROCE)
Return on capital employed is a key metric used by investors to
understand how efficient the Group is with its capital employed.
The calculation is a rolling 12 month underlying EBIT divided by
average capital employed (net assets + gross debt) over this
period, multiplied by 100%. Underlying EBIT has been reconciled to
operating profit below.
Six months Six months Year
ended ended ended
30 September 30 September 31 March
2022 2021 2022
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
------------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ---------
Underlying EBIT/Underlying operating profit 6,199 7,446 14,746
Separately disclosed items within administrative
expenses:
Acquired intangible amortisation (892) (725) (1,593)
Project Atlas (771) (512) (1,041)
Settlement for loss of office (538) - -
Aborted acquisition costs (253) - -
Acquisition costs - (495) (508)
Operating profit 3,745 5,714 11,604
------------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ---------
-- Underlying cash conversion as a percentage of underlying
EBITDA
This is another key metric used by investors to understand how
effective the Group was at converting profit into cash. Since the
underlying cash conversion is compared to underlying EBITDA, which
has removed the impact of separately disclosed items (see note 2),
the impact of these have also been removed from the underlying cash
conversion. The adjustments made to arrive at underlying cash
conversion from cash generated from operations are detailed below.
To reconcile operating profit to underlying EBITDA, see note 2.
Six months Six months Year
ended ended ended
30 September 30 September 31 March
2022 2021 2022
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
----------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ---------
Underlying cash conversion (4,068) (5,245) (13,630)
Expensed Project Atlas costs paid (853) (488) (983)
Settlement for loss of office (33) - -
Aborted acquisition costs (30) - -
Acquisition costs paid - (350) (508)
Restructuring costs - (19) (19)
Cash used in operations (4,984) (6,102) (15,140)
----------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ---------
-- Underlying effective tax rate
This is used in the underlying diluted EPS calculation. It
removes the tax impact of separately disclosed items in the year to
arrive at a tax rate based on the underlying profit before tax.
Six months ended Six months ended
30 September 2022 30 September 2021
----------------------------- ----------------------- --------------------------
Profit Tax Profit
impact impact ETR impact Tax impact ETR
GBP000 GBP000 % GBP000 GBP000 %
----------------------------- ------- ------- ----- ------- ---------- -----
Profit before tax 2,996 (496) 16.5% 5,266 (861) 16.4%
Separately disclosed items 2,454 (468) 19.1% 1,732 (97) 5.6%
Underlying profit before tax 5,450 (964) 17.7% 6,998 (958) 13.7%
----------------------------- ------- ------- ----- ------- ---------- -----
-- Adjusted net cash/(debt) and adjusted net cash/(debt) to
Underlying EBITDA ratio
This removes the impact of IFRS16 from both net cash/(debt) and
Underlying EBITDA and IFRS 2 Share-based Payments from underlying
EBITDA to better reflect the banking facility covenant
calculations. Other adjustments are made to meet the calculations
specified in the facility agreement. Underlying EBITDA is
reconciled to operating profit in note 2.
At At At
30 September 30 September 31 March
2022 2021 2022
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ---------
Net cash and cash equivalents 29,023 23,819 26,741
------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ---------
Debt due within one year (3,424) (2,796) (3,028)
Debt due after one year (80,719) (39,469) (61,190)
------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ---------
Gross debt (84,143) (42,265) (64,218)
------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ---------
Net debt (55,120) (18,446) (37,477)
------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ---------
Right-of-use lease liabilities 14,761 13,359 13,711
------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ---------
Adjusted net debt (40,359) (5,087) (23,766)
------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ---------
Six months Six months Year
ended ended ended
30 September 30 September 31 March
2022 2021 2022
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
--------------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ---------
Underlying EBITDA 9,474 10,104 20,409
IFRS2 share-based payment charge and other related
costs (555) (398) 760
Operating lease rentals (1,996) (1,666) (3,560)
--------------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ---------
Adjusted underlying EBITDA 6,923 8,040 17,609
--------------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ---------
-- Working capital as a percentage of revenue
This is calculated as current assets excluding cash, less
current liabilities excluding debt like items as a percentage of
Group revenue. It is a KPI for the Group as it remains a key focus
to ensure efficient allocation of capital on the balance sheet to
improve quality of earnings and reduce the additional investment
needed to support organic growth.
8. Own shares held
The own shares held reserve comprises the cost of the Company's
shares held by the Group. At 30 September 2022, the Group held
2,194,470 of the Company's shares (HY2022: 1,269,059; FY2022:
2,194,470).
9. Disaggregation of revenue
In line with IFRS15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers we
have included the disaggregation of external revenue by sector,
breaking this down by our geographical operating segments.
September 2022 UK Europe USA Asia Total
--------------------------------- ---- ------- ---- ----- ------
Light vehicle 5% 11% 4% 5% 25%
Health & home 2% 10% - 7% 19%
Distributors 11% 1% 1% 7% 20%
Energy, tech & infrastructure 6% 5% 3% 3% 17%
General industrial 5% 5% 2% 1% 13%
Heavy vehicle 2% 3% 1% - 6%
--------------------------------- ---- ------- ---- ----- ------
Revenue from external customers
(AER) 31% 35% 11% 23% 100%
--------------------------------- ---- ------- ---- ----- ------
September 2021 UK Europe USA Asia Total
--------------------------------- ---- ------- ---- ----- ------
Light vehicle 5% 12% 4% 4% 25%
Health & home 3% 13% - 6% 22%
Distributors 13% - - 6% 19%
Energy, tech & infrastructure 7% 5% 1% 4% 17%
General industrial 6% 6% - 1% 13%
Heavy vehicle 2% 2% - - 4%
--------------------------------- ---- ------- ---- ----- ------
Revenue from external customers
(AER) 36% 38% 5% 21% 100%
--------------------------------- ---- ------- ---- ----- ------
10. Financial instruments
There is no significant difference between the fair values and
the carrying values shown in the balance sheet.
11. IFRS2 Share-based payments
During the period, a gain of GBP0.6m (HY2022: gain of GBP0.4m)
was recognised in relation to IFRS2 Share-based payments due to the
reversal of the cumulative charge relating to the 2020 Board, OEB
and Senior Manager LTIP shares as the non-market performance
conditions are unlikely to be met.
12. Related parties
Transactions between subsidiaries of the Group, are not
disclosed in this note as they have been eliminated on
consolidation. The CFO's contract was terminated on 30 August 2022
with settlement costs of GBP0.5m being agreed and recognised as
separately disclosed items in the income statement (see note 2).
For the Executive Directors in the period, remuneration was moved
to the median of those of the FTSE Small Cap Index, as signposted
in the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31
March 2022 on pages 112 and 113.
For the remaining key management personnel (OEB members), there
is no significant change in the components of the compensation that
would materially affect that disclosed in note 28 of the
consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 March
2022.
In the period, there were share options granted to key
management personnel totalling 1,910,554 (HY2022: 1,365,467). There
were lapses relating to the Board LTIP share options granted on 23
July 2019 totalling 549,879 (HY2022: 493,333) as the performance
conditions had not been met.
Electronic communications
The Company is not proposing to bulk print and distribute hard
copies of this half-yearly financial report for the six months
ended 30 September 2022. Copies can be requested via
Companysecretariat@trifast.com, or by writing to, The Company
Secretary, Trifast plc, Trifast House, Bellbrook Park, Uckfield,
East Sussex, TN22 1QW. News updates, Regulatory News and Financial
statements, can also be viewed and downloaded from the Group's
website, www.trifast.com.
INDEPENDENT REVIEW REPORT TO TRIFAST PLC
Conclusion
Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that
causes us to believe that the condensed set of financial statements
in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 30
September 2022 is not prepared, in all material respects, in
accordance with UK adopted International Accounting Standard 34 and
the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the United
Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.
We have been engaged by the company to review the condensed set
of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the
six months ended 30 September 2022 which comprises the condensed
consolidated interim income statement, the condensed consolidated
interim statement of comprehensive income, the condensed
consolidated interim statement of changes in equity, the condensed
consolidated interim statement of financial position, the condensed
consolidated interim statement of cash flows and the related
notes.
Basis for conclusion
We conducted our review in accordance with International
Standard on Review Engagements (UK) 2410, "Review of Interim
Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the
Entity" ("ISRE (UK) 2410"). A review of interim financial
information consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons
responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying
analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially
less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with
International Standards on Auditing (UK) and consequently does not
enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all
significant matters that might be identified in an audit.
Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.
As disclosed in note 1, the annual financial statements of the
group are prepared in accordance with UK adopted international
accounting standards. The condensed set of financial statements
included in this half-yearly financial report has been prepared in
accordance with UK adopted International Accounting Standard 34,
"Interim Financial Reporting".
Conclusions relating to going concern
Based on our review procedures, which are less extensive than
those performed in an audit as described in the Basis for
conclusion section of this report, nothing has come to our
attention to suggest that the directors have inappropriately
adopted the going concern basis of accounting or that the directors
have identified material uncertainties relating to going concern
that are not appropriately disclosed.
This conclusion is based on the review procedures performed in
accordance with ISRE (UK) 2410, however future events or conditions
may cause the group to cease to continue as a going concern.
Responsibilities of directors
The directors are responsible for preparing the half-yearly
financial report in accordance with the Disclosure Guidance and
Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct
Authority.
In preparing the half-yearly financial report, the directors are
responsible for assessing the company's ability to continue as a
going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going
concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the
directors either intend to liquidate the company or to cease
operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditor's responsibilities for the review of the financial
information
In reviewing the half-yearly report, we are responsible for
expressing to the Company a conclusion on the condensed set of
financial statement in the half-yearly financial report. Our
conclusion, including our Conclusions Relating to Going Concern,
are based on procedures that are less extensive than audit
procedures, as described in the Basis for Conclusion paragraph of
this report.
Use of our report
Our report has been prepared in accordance with the terms of our
engagement to assist the Company in meeting the requirements of the
Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's
Financial Conduct Authority and for no other purpose. No person is
entitled to rely on this report unless such a person is a person
entitled to rely upon this report by virtue of and for the purpose
of our terms of engagement or has been expressly authorised to do
so by our prior written consent. Save as above, we do not accept
responsibility for this report to any other person or for any other
purpose and we hereby expressly disclaim any and all such
liability.
BDO LLP
Chartered Accountants
Gatwick
21 November 2022
BDO LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England
and Wales (with registered number OC305127).
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IR BFLLLLFLBFBK
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