Operating Review

Overview of 2021 and impact of covid-19

If 2020 was the year of the pandemic, 2021 was a year of after-shocks and consequences. In January most of the Group's markets were still in some level of lockdown, but a wave of industrial re-stocking gathered pace in the Spring. Sharp order increases improved trading but brought supply dislocation and inflationary pressures. Management's priority for the year was again staff wellbeing and working with covid; continuing to invest for the longer term; and adjusting operations to cope with vicissitudes of supply.

Aerospace activity remained well below 2019 levels through the year, but laboratory demand increased strongly in 2021 and most other segments saw some measure of recovery. Porvair remains well positioned to address global growth trends: tightening environmental regulations; growth in analytical science; the need for clean water; carbon-efficient transportation; the replacement of plastic and steel by aluminium; and the drive for manufacturing process quality and efficiency. 

Porvair's unchanged strategic purpose is to develop specialist filtration, laboratory and environmental technologies for the benefit of all stakeholders. This statement, and the full Environmental, Social and Governance ('ESG') report that accompanies it, set out how the Group has worked for its customers, staff, shareholders, pensioners, and communities in 2021.

 

 

Financial Results

 

	2021		2020		Change
	£m		£m		%
Revenue	146.3		135.0		8
Operating profit	15.8		12.6		25
Adjusted operating profit*	15.9		13.6		17
Adjusted profit before tax*	14.8		12.6		17
Profit before tax	14.8		11.6		28
Adjusted earnings per share*	25.2p		21.6p		17
Earnings per share	26.0p		18.4p		41
Cash generated from operations	18.6		13.2
Net cash at 30 November	10.2		4.9

* see note 1 and note 3

Reported revenue increased by 8%. At constant currencies, revenue increased by 12%. Profit before tax increased 28%. Adjusted profit before tax increased by 17% as did adjusted earnings per share.

The Group invested £7.2 million (2020: £4.2 million) in acquisitions and capital expenditure in 2021.

The Group's record for growth, cash generation and investment is as follows:

	5 years		10 years	15 years
	CAGR*		CAGR*	CAGR*
Revenue growth	6%		8%	8%
Earnings per share growth	9%		14%	11%
Adjusted earnings per share growth	8%		13%	11%
	£m		£m	£m
Cash from operations	76.2		138.4	170.7
Investment in acquisitions and capital expenditure	50.3		78.1	93.1

* Compound annual growth rate

Porvair's strategy and purpose has remained consistent for 17 years, a period that now encompasses two recessions, a pandemic, and many years of growth. This longer-term record gives the Board confidence in the Group's capabilities and is the basis for longer term capital allocation and planning decisions.

Strategic statement and business model

Porvair's strategic purpose is to develop specialist filtration, laboratory and environmental technology businesses for the benefits of all stakeholders. Principal measures of success include consistent earnings growth over the medium term and selected ESG measures as set out in the full ESG report.

Porvair businesses have certain key characteristics in common:

·      Specialist design or engineering skills are required;

·      Product use and replacement is mandated by regulation, quality accreditation or a maintenance cycle; and

·      Products are typically designed into a system that will have a long life-cycle and must perform to a given specification.

Orders are won by offering the best technical solutions at an acceptable commercial cost. Technical expertise is necessary in all markets served. New products are often adaptations of existing designs with attributes validated in our own test and measurement laboratories. Experience in specific markets and applications is valuable in building customer confidence. Domain knowledge is important, as is deciding where to direct resources.

This leads the Group to:

1.   Focus on markets with long term growth potential.

2.   Look for applications where product use is mandated and replacement demand is regular.

3.   Make new product development a core business activity.

4.   Establish geographic presence where end-markets require.

5.   Invest in both organic and acquired growth.

Therefore:

·      We focus on three operating segments: Aerospace & Industrial; Laboratory; and Metal Melt Quality. All have clear long term growth drivers.

·      Our products typically reduce emissions or protect downstream systems and, as a result, are replaced regularly.  A high proportion of our annual revenue is from repeat orders.

·      Through a focus on new product development, we aim to generate growth rates in excess of the underlying market.  Where possible, we build intellectual property around our product developments.

·      Our geographic presence follows the markets we serve.  In the last twelve months: 47% of revenue was in the Americas; 20% in Asia; 22% in Continental Europe; 10% in the UK; and 1% in Africa.  The Group has plants in the US, UK, Germany, the Netherlands and China.  In the last twelve months, 49% of revenue was manufactured in the US, 29% in the UK, 18% in Continental Europe and 4% in China.

·      We aim to meet dividend and investment needs from free cash flow and modest borrowing facilities.  In recent years we have expanded manufacturing capacity in the UK, Germany, US and China and made several acquisitions.  All investments are subject to a hurdle rate analysis based on strategic and financial priorities.

Environmental, social and governance ('ESG')

The Board understands that responsible business development is essential for creating long term value for stakeholders.  Most of the products made by Porvair are used for the benefit of the environment.  Our water analysis equipment measures contamination levels in water.  Industrial filters are typically needed to reduce emissions or improve efficiency. Aerospace filters improve process reliability.  Nuclear filters confine fissile materials.  Metal Melt Quality filters reduce waste and help improve the strength to weight ratio of metal components. 

A full ESG report is published with this statement, setting out:

·      Porvair's ESG management framework and goals;

·      How a net zero carbon future might affect markets served by the Group;

·      ESG metrics and results; and

·      How the Group has acted for the benefit of its stakeholders in 2021.

 

 

Aerospace & Industrial

 

	2021		2020		Change
	£m		£m		%
Revenue	55.8		62.0		(10)
Operating profit	3.9		8.0		(51)
Adjusted operating profit*	4.4		6.3		(30)

* see note 2

The Aerospace & Industrial division designs and manufactures a wide range of specialist filtration products, demand for which is driven by customers seeking better engineered, cleaner, safer or more efficient operations.  Differentiation is achieved through design engineering; the development of intellectual property; and quality accreditations.

Revenue was 10% lower in 2021 due to falls in aerospace and gasification activity, partially offset by growth in microelectronics and petrochemical filtration. Aerospace revenue fell for a second year, down 4% in 2021 (2020: down 25%), broadly in line with wider industry metrics. As expected, there was no gasification revenue in 2021 (2020: £7 million).  In other industrial segments activity recovered through the year, with re-stocking lifting orders.  Microelectronics was particularly strong, with revenues benefitting from newly developed and patented products introduced at the start of the year. Demand in European industrial and petrochemical markets was steady.  Royal Dahlman traded well in the year, it has been fully integrated into the Group and achieved synergies with other parts of the division.

 

The aerospace outlook for 2022 is better. Aerospace orders started to improve in the second half of 2021 and shipping schedules in early 2022 are stronger.

 

Lower gasification and aerospace revenue suppressed operating margins in the plants directly affected, causing adjusted operating profits in the division to fall to £4.4 million (2020: £6.3 million).  Margins were to some extent protected by restructuring actions carried out in 2020.  Cash generation in the division was good as inventories fell in line with levels of activity. Capital investment was directed at productivity and capacity enhancements which should start benefiting performance in 2022.

 

Laboratory

	2021		2020		Change
	£m		£m		%
Revenue	53.2		40.1		33
Operating profit	9.6		7.0		37
Adjusted operating profit*	9.6		6.7		43

* see note 2

The Laboratory division has two operating businesses: Porvair Sciences (including JG Finneran and Kbiosystems ("Kbio")) and Seal Analytical.

·      Porvair Sciences manufactures laboratory filters, small instruments and associated consumables.  Differentiation is achieved through proprietary manufacturing capabilities and filtration media.

·      Seal Analytical is a leading supplier of instruments and consumables for environmental laboratories for which demand is driven by water quality regulations.  Differentiation is achieved through consistent new product development.

Revenue grew 33% in 2021. Like for like revenue growth (at constant currency and excluding acquisitions) was 24%, driven in part by demand for a range of products used in covid testing and analysis. Capital investment in the year focused on increasing the capacity and improving the quality of these components. Although we expect some softening of covid-related demand as the pandemic recedes, we have gained market share in this category over the last two years.

Beyond covid, Laboratory demand has been robust for much of 2021, with global expansion of diagnostic, analytic and environmental labs. The division has been further helped in the US by expanding routes to market through JG Finneran and by prior year investments in new manufacturing lines across the division. Increased demand also brought challenges around supply dislocation, inflation and staff shortages, all of which require close attention as we move into 2022.

Kbio, acquired in February 2021, makes equipment used in microplate assays for analytical laboratories, products that fit well with Porvair Sciences' microplate business and through JG Finneran's US routes to market. It has started strongly with the Group, and prospects for 2022, particularly through US channels, are promising.

Seal Analytical had a record year. Like for like revenue grew 15% with demand better in all main markets.  Seal has a strong recent track record of introducing new and differentiated products. Those launched in 2021 offer faster throughput, lower detection limits and better energy efficiency and will start to generate revenues in 2022.

 

Metal Melt Quality

	2021		2020		Change
	£m		£m		%
Revenue	37.4		32.9		14
Operating profit/(loss)	5.7		(0.2)		-
Adjusted operating profit*	5.1		2.8		82

* see note 2

The Metal Melt Quality division manufactures filters for molten aluminium, ductile iron and nickel-cobalt alloys.  It has a well differentiated product range based on patented products and a promising new product pipeline.

Revenue rose 14% in 2021, back to 2019 levels despite aerospace-related activity in this division remaining 23% below 2019. Aluminium filtration was up 33%, driven by industrial re-stocking and growing demand for aluminium from carbon-efficient transport and the move away from plastic packaging. Iron foundry sales also recovered (to 6% below 2019 levels, up 28% in 2021) with US auto production curtailments balanced by US supply chain re-shoring.

Adjusted operating profit margins were 13.6% (2020: 8.5%), with more profitable trading in China; consistent operating efficiencies; and the benefits of 2020 cost reductions all contributing. Inflationary and supply dislocation challenges were successfully navigated. Adjusted operating profit of £5.1 million is a record. As outlined at the half year, the Board does not expect margins in this division to remain at such levels once sales and marketing costs return to more normal levels post-pandemic, but nonetheless expects that underlying margins are sustainable at higher than the ten year average for this division.

Dividends

The Board re-affirms its progressive dividend policy and recommends a final dividend of 3.5 pence per share, a cost of £1.6 million (2020: 3.3 pence per share, a cost of £1.5 million).  The full year dividend increases by 6% to 5.3 pence per share, a cost of £2.4 million (2020: 5.0 pence per share, a cost of £2.3 million).  The Company had £27.8 million (2020: £17.9 million) of distributable reserves at 30 November 2021.

Staff

While perhaps less disrupted than 2020, 2021 was another challenging year and the Board is pleased to recognise and applaud the response of our staff to the many difficulties they have faced. Porvair believes in devolving management autonomy as far as possible, and our management teams do their best to monitor and promote staff wellbeing. In many respects, of our various stakeholders, it is our staff that are the most crucial.  The Board takes employee engagement seriously and, as set out in the ESG report, has a system in place to make sure it hears and responds to all staff comments. The Board is very grateful for the hard work, enthusiasm and dedication of all our staff.

Current trading and outlook

Laboratory demand increased strongly in 2021 and most other segments saw some measure of recovery except aerospace, where activity levels remain well below those of 2019.  However the spread of markets served by the Group generated a positive overall performance, supported by the strong balance sheet and long-term investment focus that are central to Porvair's strategy. The Group remains well positioned to address global growth trends: tightening environmental regulations; growth in analytical science; the need for clean water; carbon-efficient transportation; the replacement of plastic and steel by aluminium; and the drive for manufacturing process quality and efficiency.  

At the start of 2022, while order books are flattered by extended lead times through almost all supply chains, underlying orders are still better than they were a year ago, notably in aerospace and laboratory. Consistent investment is improving productivity and margins. In Laboratory, covid-related demand may settle to more regular levels as the pandemic recedes, but as it does so aerospace activity should pick up. Porvair management teams are monitoring near-term supply dislocations and inflationary pressures closely and provided these challenges are navigated successfully the outlook for 2022 is promising.

 

Ben Stocks

Group Chief Executive

28 January 2022

 

 

 

 

Financial review

 

Group results

	2021		2020		Change
	£m		£m		%
Revenue	146.3		135.0		8
Operating profit	15.8		12.6		25
Profit before tax	14.8		11.6		28
Profit after tax	11.9		8.4		42

 

Revenue was 8% higher on a reported currency basis and 12% higher at constant currency (see note 1).  Kbio contributed £5.4 million of revenue (see note 6).  Operating profit was £15.8 million (2020: £12.6 million) and profit before tax was £14.8 million (2020: £11.6 million).  Profit after tax was £11.9 million (2020: £8.4 million).

Alternative performance measures - profit

	2021		2020		Change
	£m		£m		%
Adjusted operating profit	15.9		13.6		17
Adjusted profit before tax	14.8		12.6		17
Adjusted profit after tax	11.6		9.9		17

 

The Group presents alternative performance measures to enable a better understanding of its trading performance (see note 1).

Adjusted operating profit and adjusted profit before tax exclude items that are considered significant and where treatment as an adjusted item provides a more consistent assessment of the Group's trading.  Adjusted operating profit excludes £0.1 million (2020: £1.0 million) of net charges from operating profit.  Adjusted items include £0.7 million (2020: £0.6 million) for the amortisation of acquired intangible assets, £0.5 million (2020: £4.9 million) for impairment of assets and restructuring costs; and a £1.3 million credit (2020: £nil) relating to the forgiveness of a loan received in the prior year under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).  Further details of these adjustments are set out in note 1.

 

Impact of exchange rate movements on performance

The international nature of the Group's business means that relative movements in exchange rates can affect reported performance.  The rates used for translating the results of overseas operations were:

	2021		2020
Average rate for translating the results:
US $ denominated operations	$1.37:£		$1.28:£
Euro denominated operations	€1.16:£		€1.13:£
Closing rate for translating the balance sheet:
US $ denominated operations	$1.32:£		$1.34:£
Euro denominated operations	€1.18:£		€1.12:£

 

The movement in average rates used for translating US dollar and Euro results into Sterling has resulted in a £4.5 million adverse revenue variance between reported and constant currency.

In the year, the Group sold $16.5 million (2020: $28.1 million) at a net rate of $1.36:£1 (2020: $1.30:£1) and €10.5 million (2020: €3.5 million) at a net rate of €1.14:£1 (2020: €1.15:£1). 

At 30 November 2021, the Group had $1.0 million and €0.3 million (2020: $1.3 million) of outstanding forward foreign exchange contracts; hedge accounting has not been applied to these contracts.

Finance costs

Net interest payable comprises bank borrowing costs, interest on lease liabilities, interest on the Group's pension deficit and the cost of unwinding discounts on provisions and other payables.  Interest increased in the year to £1.1 million (2020: £1.0 million).  Interest cover was 15 times (2020: 14 times).  Interest cover on bank finance costs was 51 times (2020: 49 times).

Tax

The Group tax charge was £2.8 million (2020: £3.1 million).  Tax on adjusting items was a credit of £0.4 million (2020: charge £0.5 million) and tax on adjusted profit before tax was £3.2 million (2020 £2.6 million). 

Eligible costs in the prior year associated with the US PPP loan were previously treated as disallowed for tax; however it has since been established that these costs are allowable in 2021.  Furthermore, the PPP income, arising on the forgiveness of the loan, in the current year does not attract US tax.  These items combined contribute to the tax credit on net adjusting items.

The effective rate of tax on adjusted profit is 22% (2020: 21%).  The increase in the year reflects the impact on deferred tax of the increase in the UK rate from 19% to 25% from 1 April 2023 (impact £0.1 million).  The Group effective tax rate is also impacted by overseas profits, which currently attract tax rates higher than the 19% in the UK.

The total tax charge comprises current tax of £2.7 million (2020: £2.3 million) and a deferred tax charge of £0.1 million (2020: £0.8 million). 

The Group has current tax provisions of £0.9 million (2020: £0.2 million). The current tax provision includes £1.1 million (2020: £1.0 million) for uncertainties relating to the interpretation of tax legislation in the Group's operating territories, offset by payments on account and amounts recoverable for overpayments of tax.

The Group carries a deferred tax asset of £1.8 million (2020: £2.6 million) and a deferred tax liability of £2.4 million (2020: £2.8 million).  The deferred tax asset relates principally to the deficit on the pension fund and share-based payments.  The deferred tax liability relates to accelerated capital allowances, capitalised development costs and other timing differences, predominantly in the US, and on acquired intangible assets arising on consolidation.

Total equity and distributable reserves

Total equity at 30 November 2021 was £108.9 million (2020: £98.2 million), an increase of 11% over the prior year. 

The net increase in total equity includes profit after tax of £11.9 million (2020: £8.4 million), together with a £1.4 million actuarial gain (2020: loss £2.0 million).  

The Company had £27.8 million (2020: £17.9 million) of distributable reserves at 30 November 2021.  The Company's distributable reserves increased in the year from dividends received from other Group companies, together with an actuarial gain, offset by head office costs and dividends paid to shareholders. 

 

 

 

Cash flow

The table below summarises the key elements of the cash flow for the year:

Cash flow	2021		2020
	£m		£m
Operating cash flow before working capital	19.4		19.5
Working capital movement	(0.8)		(6.3)
Cash generated from operating activities	18.6		13.2
Interest	(0.3)		(0.3)
Tax	(2.2)		(2.5)
Capital expenditure net of disposals	(3.2)		(3.6)
	12.9		6.8
Acquisitions	(4.0)		(0.6)
Dividends	(2.3)		(2.3)
Share issue proceeds	0.1		0.4
Purchase of EBT shares	(0.7)		(0.7)
(Decrease)/increase in bank borrowings	(3.7)		1.5
Repayment of right-of-use lease liabilities	(2.3)		(2.3)
Net cash increase in the year	-		2.8
Net debt reconciliation	2021		2020
	£m		£m
Net debt at 1 December	(8.7)		(11.2)
Decrease/(increase) in borrowings	3.7		(1.5)
Paycheck Protection Program forgiven	1.4		-
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	-		2.8
Decrease in lease liabilities	1.1		1.8
Exchange gains/(losses)	0.5		(0.6)
Net debt at 30 November	(2.0)		(8.7)
Net cash and bank debt	10.2		4.9
Lease liabilities	(12.2)		(13.6)
Net debt at 30 November	(2.0)		(8.7)

 

Generating free cash flow is key to the Group's business model and operating cash flow of £18.6 million (2020: £13.2 million) represented a 94% (2020: 80%) conversion rate of operating profit before depreciation and amortisation.  Net working capital increased by £0.8 million (2020: £6.3 million).  Receivables decreased by £0.2 million (2020: decrease £4.1 million), despite the revenue growth, with strong collections throughout the year.  Inventories increased by £0.5 million (2020: £0.3 million), as certain businesses were required to manage the impact of supply chain disruption.  Payables and provisions reduced by £0.5 million (2020: decrease of £10.1 million), despite increased trading activity in the year. 

 

 

Provisions and contingent liabilities

The Group has £4.7 million (2020: £4.6 million) of provisions for dilapidations and warranty risks. £1.0 million of warranty provisions have been created in relation to sales made in the year.  £0.9 million of warranty provisions have been released in the year, following the latest estimate of the expected costs to be incurred.

At 30 November 2021, the Group had the following advanced payment bonds (relating to monies received in advance on contracts) and performance bonds issued to customers in US dollars and Euros:

 

			$m		€m
Advanced payment bonds			-		0.3
Performance bonds			2.5		0.8
At 30 November 2021			2.5		1.1
			$m		€m
Advanced payment bonds			-		0.2
Performance bonds			2.5		0.8
At 30 November 2020			2.5		1.0

 

The uncalled performance bonds, which are classified as contingent liabilities, are expected to be called or released no later than December 2024.

Capital expenditure

Capital expenditure on property, plant and equipment was £3.2 million in the year (2020: £3.6 million), as the Group continued to invest in capital projects within each of the three divisions.

Acquisitions

On 25 February 2021, the Group purchased 100% of the share capital of Kbiosystems Limited ("Kbio") (see note 6).  Consideration paid in the year was £4.0 million (net of cash acquired).  A further £2.0 million of consideration is contingent on Kbio meeting profit targets for the years ending 31 March 2022 and 2023.

Pension schemes

The Group supports its defined benefit pension scheme in the UK ("The Plan"), which is closed to new members, and provides access to defined contribution schemes for its other employees.  

The Group's net retirement benefit obligation measured in accordance with IAS 19 Employee Benefits was £12.6 million (2020: £15.4 million).  The Plan's liabilities increased to £49.6 million (2020: £48.6 million).  The Plan's assets increased to £37.0 million (2020: £33.4 million).  An actuarial gain in the year of £1.4 million (2020: loss £2.0 million) was recognised within the statement of comprehensive income. 

The Group's cash contributions paid to The Plan were £2.3 million (2020: £2.2 million), which included deficit recovery payments of £1.6 million (2020: £1.6 million).     

The triennial actuarial valuation of The Plan determines the cash contributions that the Group makes to The Plan.  The next full actuarial valuation will be based on The Plan's position at 31 March 2021 and is expected to be completed before 30 June 2022.  

Borrowings and bank finance

At 30 November 2021, the Group had cash balances of £15.4 million (2020: £15.6 million) and borrowings of £5.2 million (2020: £10.7 million); with net cash (excluding lease liabilities) being £10.2 million (2020: £4.9 million).

On 18 May 2021, the Group agreed a €28 million (£24 million) four year secured revolving credit facility, with an option to extend by one year, plus a €17 million (£14 million) accordion facility, with Barclays Bank plc and Citibank N.A., London Branch.  The financial covenants require the Group to maintain interest cover of 3.5 times and net debt to be less than 2.5 times EBITDA.  The Group also has a £2.5 million overdraft facility provided by Barclays Bank plc. 

At 30 November 2021, the Group had €21.5 million/£18.3 million (2020: €12.6 million/£11.3 million) of unused credit facilities and an unutilised £2.5 million (2020: £2.5 million) overdraft facility.

Finance and treasury policy

The treasury function at Porvair is managed centrally, under Board supervision.  It seeks to limit the Group's trading exposure to currency movements. The Group does not hedge against the impact of exchange rate movements on the translation of profits and losses of overseas operations.

The Group finances its operations through share capital, retained profits and, when required, bank debt. It has adequate facilities to finance its current operations and capital plans for the foreseeable future.

 

James Mills

Group Finance Director

28 January 2022

 

 

Consolidated income statement

For the year ended 30 November

		Note	2021		2020
Continuing operations			£'000		£'000
Revenue		1,2	146,310		135,011
Cost of sales			(99,353)		(91,469)
Gross profit			46,957		43,542
Distribution costs			(2,391)		(2,373)
Administrative expenses			(28,724)		(28,612)
Adjusted operating profit		1,2	15,885		13,571
Adjustments:
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets		1	(740)		(611)
Other acquisition-related adjustments		1	(98)		442
Settlement of project-related warranties		1	-		4,005
Impairment of assets and restructuring costs		1	(542)		(4,850)
Paycheck Protection Program		1	1,337		-
Operating profit		1,2	15,842		12,557
Finance income			2		1
Finance costs			(1,086)		(1,001)
Profit before income tax		1,2	14,758		11,557
Adjusted income tax expense			(3,210)		(2,642)
Adjustments:
Tax effect of adjustments to operating profit		1	396		(472)
Income tax expense			(2,814)		(3,114)
Profit for the year			11,944		8,443
Earnings per share (basic)		3	26.0p		18.4p
Adjusted earnings per share (basic)		3	25.2p		21.6p
Earnings per share (diluted)		3	26.0p		18.4p
Adjusted earnings per share (diluted)		3	25.2p		21.6p

 

 

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

For the year ended 30 November

		2021 £'000		2020 £'000
Profit for the year		11,944		8,443
Other comprehensive income
Items that will not be reclassified to profit and loss
Actuarial gain/(loss) in defined benefit pension plans net of tax		1,600		(1,334)
Items that may be subsequently reclassified to profit and loss
Exchange gains/(losses) on translation of foreign subsidiaries		12		(1,713)
Changes in fair value of foreign exchange contracts held as a cash flow hedge		-		(35)
		12		(1,748)
Other comprehensive income/(expense) for the year		1,612		(3,082)
Total comprehensive income for the year attributable to the owners of Porvair plc		13,556		5,361

 

 

 

Consolidated balance sheet

As at 30 November

	Note		2021 £'000		2020 £'000
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment			21,235		20,716
Right-of-use assets			11,014		12,762
Goodwill and other intangible assets	5		74,103		70,039
Deferred tax asset			1,821		2,614
			108,173		106,131
Current assets
Inventories			24,650		23,355
Trade and other receivables			21,344		20,674
Derivative financial instruments			-		23
Cash and cash equivalents			15,442		15,563
			61,436		59,615
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables			(21,702)		(20,197)
Current tax liabilities			(853)		(192)
Borrowings			-		(1,379)
Lease liabilities			(2,207)		(2,007)
Derivative financial instruments			(20)		-
Provisions	7		(4,372)		(4,365)
			(29,154)		(28,140)
Net current assets			32,282		31,475
Non-current liabilities
Borrowings			(5,217)		(9,303)
Deferred tax liability			(2,425)		(2,839)
Retirement benefit obligations			(12,602)		(15,395)
Other payables			(945)		-
Lease liabilities			(10,024)		(11,609)
Provisions	7		(296)		(268)
			(31,509)		(39,414)
Net assets			108,946		98,192
Capital and reserves
Share capital			924		923
Share premium account			37,078		36,927
Cumulative translation reserve			7,657		7,645
Retained earnings			63,287		52,697
Equity attributable to owners of the parent			108,946		98,192
Total equity			108,946		98,192

 

 

Consolidated cash flow statement

For the year ended 30 November

	Note		2021 £'000		2020 £'000
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations	9		18,624		13,220
Interest paid			(307)		(347)
Tax paid			(2,215)		(2,551)
Net cash generated from operating activities			16,102		10,322
Cash flows from investing activities
Interest received			2		1
Acquisition of subsidiaries (net of cash acquired)	6		(3,968)		(588)
Purchase of property, plant and equipment			(3,182)		(3,458)
Purchase of intangible assets	5		(47)		(166)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment			9		-
Net cash used in investing activities			(7,186)		(4,211)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issue of ordinary shares			152		425
Purchase of EBT shares			(716)		(726)
Receipt of Payment Protection Plan loan			-		1,507
Repayment of revolving credit facility borrowings			(3,687)		-
Dividends paid to shareholders	4		(2,345)		(2,253)
Repayments of lease liabilities			(2,292)		(2,297)
Net cash used in financing activities			(8,888)		(3,344)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents			28		2,767
Exchange losses on cash and cash equivalents			(149)		(93)
			(121)		2,674
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 December			15,563		12,889
Cash and cash equivalents at 30 November			15,442		15,563

 

Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net debt

		2021 £'000		2020 £'000
Net debt at 1 December		(8,735)		(11,204)
Decrease/(increase) in borrowings		3,687		(1,507)
Paycheck Protection Plan loan waiver		1,337		-
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents		28		2,767
Decrease in lease liabilities		1,147		1,778
Effects of exchange rate changes		530		(569)
Net debt at 30 November		(2,006)		(8,735)

 

Net cash and bank debt		10,225		4,881
Lease liabilities		(12,231)		(13,616)
Net debt at 30 November		(2,006)		(8,735)

 

 

 Consolidated statement of changes in equity

	Share capital £'000	Share premium account £'000	Cumulative translation   reserve £'000	Retained earnings £'000	Total £'000
Balance at 30 November 2019	921	36,504	9,358	48,552	95,335
Profit for the year	-	-	-	8,443	8,443
Other comprehensive expense	-	-	(1,713)	(1,369)	(3,082)
Total comprehensive income for the year	-	-	(1,713)	7,074	5,361
Consideration paid for purchase of own shares (held in trust)	-	-	-	(726)	(726)
Employee share option schemes:
- value of employee services net of tax	-	-	-	50	50
Proceeds from shares issued	2	423	-	-	425
Dividends paid (note 4)	-	-	-	(2,253)	(2,253)
Total transactions with owners recognised directly in equity	2	423	-	(2,929)	(2,504)
Balance at 30 November 2020	923	36,927	7,645	52,697	98,192
Profit for the year	-	-	-	11,944	11,944
Other comprehensive income	-	-	12	1,600	1,612
Total comprehensive income for the year	-	-	12	13,544	13,556
Consideration paid for purchase of own shares (held in trust)	-	-	-	(716)	(716)
Employee share option schemes:
- value of employee services net of tax	-	-	-	107	107
Proceeds from shares issued	1	151	-	-	152
Dividends paid (note 4)	-	-	-	(2,345)	(2,345)
Total transactions with owners recognised directly in equity	1	151	-	(2,954)	(2,802)
Balance at 30 November 2021	924	37,078	7,657	63,287	108,946

 

Notes

 

1.             Alternative performance measures

 

Alternative performance measures are used by the Directors and management to monitor business performance internally and exclude certain cash and non-cash items which they believe are not reflective of the normal course of business of the Group. The Directors believe that disclosing such non-IFRS measures enables a reader to isolate and evaluate the impact of such items on results and allows for a fuller understanding of performance from year to year. Alternative performance measures may not be directly comparable with other similarly titled measures used by other companies.

 

Alternative revenue measures

		2021		2020		Growth
Aerospace & Industrial		£'000		£'000		%
Revenue at constant currency		54,888		59,787		(8)
Exchange		888		2,193
Revenue as reported		55,776		61,980		(10)
Laboratory
Underlying revenue		46,863		37,829		24
Acquisitions		5,428		-
Revenue at constant currency		52,291		37,829		38
Exchange		885		2,298
Revenue as reported		53,176		40,127		33
Metal Melt Quality
Revenue at constant currency		36,225		30,020		21
Exchange		1,133		2,884
Revenue as reported		37,358		32,904		14
Group
Underlying revenue		137,976		127,636		8
Acquisitions		5,428		-
Revenue at constant currency		143,404		127,636		12
Exchange		2,906		7,375
Revenue as reported		146,310		135,011		8

 

Revenue at constant currency is derived from translating overseas subsidiaries results at budgeted fixed exchange rates.  In 2021 and 2020 the rates used were $1.4:£1 and €1.2:£1, compared with reported rates of $1.37:£1 (2020: $1.28:£1) and €1.16:£1 (2020: €1.13:£1).

 

Underlying revenue is revenue at constant currency adjusted for the impact of acquisitions made in the current and prior year.

 

The acquisition line relates to the revenue in relation to the acquisition of Kbio, which was acquired in February 2021.

 

 

 

Alternative profit measures

 

A reconciliation of the Group's adjusted performance measures to the reported IFRS measures is presented below:

 

				2021							2020
		Adjusted £'000		Adjustments £'000		Reported £'000				Adjusted £'000	Adjustments £'000		Reported £'000
Operating profit			15,885		(43)	15,842			13,571		(1,014)	12,557
Finance income			2		-	2			1		-	1
Finance costs			(1,086)		-	(1,086)			(1,001)		-	(1,001)
Profit before income tax			14,801		(43)	14,758			12,571		(1,014)	11,557
Income tax expense			(3,210)		396	(2,814)			(2,642)		(472)	(3,114)
Profit for the year			11,591		353	11,944			9,929		(1,486)	8,443

 

An analysis of adjusting items is given below:

	2021		2020
Affecting operating profit	£'000		£'000
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets	(740)		(611)
Other acquisition-related adjustments	(98)		442
Settlement of project-related warranties	-		4,005
Impairment of assets and restructuring costs	(542)		(4,850)
Paycheck Protection Program	1,337		-
	(43)		(1,014)
Affecting tax
Tax effect of adjustments to operating profit	396		(472)
Total adjusting items	353		(1,486)

 

Adjusted operating profit and adjusted profit before tax exclude:

• The amortisation of intangible assets arising on acquisition of businesses of £0.7 million (2020: £0.6 million);
• Other acquisition-related costs of £0.1 million (2020: £0.4 million credit) in relation to the acquisition of Kbio; 
• Provision releases of £nil million (2020: £5.1 million) arising from the settlement of outstanding warranty issues and the cancellation of performance bonds related to the large gasification projects.  Related to the release in the prior year, the Group wrote-off a £1.1 million receivable due;
• Covid-19 related impairment of assets and restructuring costs of £0.5 million, principally within the Aerospace & Industrial division. The prior year consisted of a £2.3 million charge in relation to the Metal Melt Quality operations in China, together with other covid-related restructuring and plant reconfigurations across the Group; and
• A credit of £1.3 million (2020: £nil) relating to the monies received in the prior year from the Truist Bank under the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”).  The PPP loan was forgivable provided the proceeds were used for eligible purposes, including maintaining payroll levels. US operations used this money to keep jobs open and active through the 2020 downturn and the eligible costs associated were recognised in 2020. However, formal forgiveness of the loan was not received until 2021, leading to a timing difference between the costs incurred and recognised in 2020; and the income recognised in 2021.

A tax charge or credit has been calculated on each adjusting credit or charge using the Group tax rate prevailing in each of the local territories where it arises. Eligible costs in the prior year associated with the US PPP loan were previously treated as disallowed for tax; however it has since been established that these costs are allowable in 2021.  Furthermore, the PPP income, arising on the forgiveness of the loan, in the current year does not attract US tax.  These items combined contribute to the 2021 tax credit on net adjusting items.

 

 

Return on capital employed

The Group uses two return measures to assess the return it makes on its investments: 

·      Return on capital employed of 13% (2020: 12%) is the tax adjusted operating profit as a percentage of the average capital employed.  Capital employed is the average of the opening and closing Group net assets less the average of the opening and closing net cash position; and

·      Return on operating capital employed of 31% (2020: 29%) is calculated on the same basis except that the capital employed is adjusted to remove the average of the opening and closing goodwill and the opening and closing pension deficit to give a measure of the operating capital.

2.             Segment information

 

The chief operating decision maker has been identified as the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has instructed the Group's internal reporting to be based around differences in products and services, in order to assess performance and allocate resources.  Management have determined the operating segments based on this reporting.

 

As at 30 November 2021, the Group is organised on a worldwide basis into three operating segments:

 

1)    Aerospace & Industrial - principally serving the aviation, and energy and industrial markets;

 

2)    Laboratory - principally serving the bioscience and environmental laboratory instrument and consumables market; and

 

3)    Metal Melt Quality - principally serving the global aluminium, North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) iron foundry and super-alloys markets.

Other Group operations' costs, assets and liabilities are included in the "Central" division. Central costs mainly comprise Group corporate costs, including new business development costs, some research and development costs and general financial costs.  Central assets and liabilities mainly comprise Group retirement benefit obligations, tax assets and liabilities, cash and borrowings.  

 

 

The segment results for the year ended 30 November 2021 are as follows:

 

 

2021	Aerospace & Industrial		Laboratory		Metal Melt Quality		Central		Group
	£'000		£'000		£'000		£'000		£'000
Total segment revenue	55,918		54,965		37,358		-		148,241
Inter-segment revenue	(142)		(1,789)		-		-		(1,931)
Revenue	55,776		53,176		37,358		-		146,310
Adjusted operating profit/(loss)	4,399		9,649		5,074		(3,237)		15,885
Adjustments:
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets	(396)		(344)		-		-		(740)
Other acquisition-related adjustments	-		-		-		(98)		(98)
Impairment of assets and restructuring costs	(542)		-		-		-		(542)
Paycheck Protection Program	407		295		635		-		1,337
Operating profit/(loss)	3,868		9,600		5,709		(3,335)		15,842
Net finance costs	-		-		-		(1,084)		(1,084)
Profit/(loss) before income tax	3,868		9,600		5,709		(4,419)		14,758
Adjusted income tax expense	-		-		-		(3,210)		(3,210)
Tax effect of adjustments to operating profit	-		-		-		396		396
Income tax expense	-		-		-		(2,814)		(2,814)
Profit/(loss) for the year	3,868		9,600		5,709		(7,233)		11,944

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2020	Aerospace & Industrial		Laboratory		Metal Melt Quality		Central		Group
	£'000		£'000		£'000		£'000		£'000
Total segment revenue	61,990		42,012		32,904		-		136,906
Inter-segment revenue	(10)		(1,885)		-		-		(1,895)
Revenue	61,980		40,127		32,904		-		135,011
Adjusted operating profit/(loss)	6,279		6,718		2,803		(2,229)		13,571
Adjustments:
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets	(467)		(144)		-		-		(611)
Other acquisition-related adjustments	-		442		-		-		442
Settlement of project- related warranties	4,005		-		-		-		4,005
Impairment of assets and restructuring costs	(1,833)		(55)		(2,962)		-		(4,850)
Operating profit/(loss)	7,984		6,961		(159)		(2,229)		12,557
Net finance costs	-		-		-		(1,000)		(1,000)
Profit/(loss) before income tax	7,984		6,961		(159)		(3,229)		11,557
Adjusted income tax expense	-		-		-		(2,642)		(2,642)
Tax effect of adjustments to operating profit	-		-		-		(472)		(472)
Income tax expense	-		-		-		(3,114)		(3,114)
Profit/(loss) for the year	7,984		6,961		(159)		(6,343)		8,443

 

 

 

The segment assets and liabilities at 30 November 2021 are as follows: 

 

30 November 2021	Aerospace & Industrial		Laboratory		Metal Melt Quality		Central		Group
	£'000		£'000		£'000		£'000		£'000
Segmental assets	70,038		51,720		30,087		2,322		154,167
Cash and cash equivalents	-		-		-		15,442		15,442
Total assets	70,038		51,720		30,087		17,764		169,609
Segmental liabilities	(19,242)		(12,675)		(5,747)		(5,180)		(42,844)
Retirement benefit obligations	-		-		-		(12,602)		(12,602)
Borrowings	-		-		-		(5,217)		(5,217)
Total liabilities	(19,242)		(12,675)		(5,747)		(22,999)		(60,663)

 

The segment assets and liabilities at 30 November 2020 are as follows: 

 

 

30 November 2020	Aerospace & Industrial		Laboratory		Metal Melt Quality		Central		Group
	£'000		£'000		£'000		£'000		£'000
Segmental assets	73,459		42,926		30,860		2,938		150,183
Cash and cash equivalents	-		-		-		15,563		15,563
Total assets	73,459		42,926		30,860		18,501		165,746
Segmental liabilities	(22,013)		(11,875)		(5,548)		(2,041)		(41,477)
Retirement benefit obligations	-		-		-		(15,395)		(15,395)
Borrowings	-		-		-		(10,682)		(10,682)
Total liabilities	(22,013)		(11,875)		(5,548)		(28,118)		(67,554)

 

Geographical analysis

	2021				2020
	By destination £'000		By origin £'000		By destination £'000		By origin £'000
Revenue
United Kingdom	14,886		42,652		13,990		41,343
Continental Europe	31,534		25,873		24,136		23,118
United States of America	64,673		71,695		54,121		63,811
Other NAFTA	2,647		-		5,296		-
South America	2,642		-		1,883		-
Asia	28,688		6,090		34,562		6,739
Africa	1,240		-		1,023		-
	146,310		146,310		135,011		135,011

 

 

 

3.             Earnings per share

	2021				2020
Total	£'000	Weighted average number of shares	Per share amount (pence)		£'000	Weighted average number of shares	Per share amount (pence)
Profit for the year - attributable to ordinary shareholders	11,944				8,443
Number of ordinary shares in issue		46,170,094				46,069,323
Number of ordinary shares owned by the Employee Benefit Trust		(198,822)				(106,316)
Basic EPS	11,944	45,971,272	26.0		8,443	45,963,007	18.4
Dilutive impact of share options outstanding	-	38,370	-		-	21,666	-
Diluted EPS	11,944	46,009,642	26.0		8,443	45,984,673	18.4

 

In addition to the above, the Group also calculates an earnings per share based on adjusted profit as the Board believes this to be a better measure to judge the progress of the Group, as discussed in note 1.

 

 

	2021				2020
Adjusted	£'000	Weighted average number of shares	Per share amount (pence)		£'000	Weighted average number of shares	Per share amount (pence)
Profit for the year - attributable to ordinary shareholders	11,944				8,443
Adjusting items (note 1)	(353)				1,486
Adjusted profit -  attributable to equity holders of the parent	11,591				9,929
Basic EPS	11,591	45,971,272	25.2		9,929	45,963,007	21.6
Diluted EPS	11,591	46,009,642	25.2		9,929	45,984,673	21.6

 

 

4.             Dividends per share

	2021			2020
	Per share	£'000		Per share	£'000
Final dividend paid - in respect of prior year	3.30p	1,517		3.20p	1,472
Interim dividend paid - in respect of current year	1.80p	828		1.70p	781
	5.10p	2,345		4.90p	2,253

 

The Directors recommend the payment of a final dividend of 3.5 pence per share (2020: 3.3 pence per share) to be paid on 1 June 2022 to shareholders on the register on 29 April 2022; the ex-dividend date is 28 April 2022.  This makes a total dividend for the year of 5.3 pence per share (2020: 5.0 pence per share).

 

 

5.             Goodwill and other intangible assets

	Goodwill		Development expenditure capitalised		Software capitalised				Trademarks, knowhow and other intangibles			Total
	£'000		£'000			£'000				£'000			£'000
Net book amount at 30 November 2020	64,871		82			818				4,268			70,039
Additions	-		-			47				-			47
Acquisitions	3,089		-			-				2,232			5,321
Disposals	-		-			(2)				-			(2)
Disposals amortisation	-		-			2				-			2
Amortisation charges	-		(47)			(226)				(800)			(1,073)
Exchange differences	(114)		(2)			(22)				(93)			(231)
Net book amount at 30 November 2021	67,846		33			617				5,607			74,103

 

At 30 November 2021	Goodwill		Development expenditure capitalised		Software capitalised		Trademarks, knowhow and other intangibles		Total
	£'000		£'000		£'000		£'000		£'000
Cost	86,489		896		1,800		9,645		98,830
Accumulated amortisation and impairment	(18,643)		(863)		(1,183)		(4,038)		(24,727)
Net book amount	67,846		33		617		5,607		74,103

 

 

6.             Acquisitions

Acquisition of Kbio

On 25 February 2021 the Group purchased 100% of the share capital of Kbiosystems Limited ("Kbio").  Kbio is based in Basildon, UK and specialises in the design and manufacture of laboratory instruments, with particular expertise in automated microplate handling systems. 

 

The total maximum consideration is £6.9 million; consisting of initial, deferred and contingent consideration. 

£3.0 million was paid in cash on acquisition.  Deferred consideration of £1.3 million, representing cash acquired and a working capital adjustment, was paid in June 2021.  Management has forecast that payment of 100% of the contingent consideration is the most probable outcome, of which £1.0 million was earned in the period and also paid in June 2021.  The balance is contingent on Kbio meeting profit targets for the years ending 31 March 2022 and 2023.  The remaining consideration has been discounted to £1.8 million using a discount rate of 10%. 

 

In the period since acquisition, the business has contributed £5.4 million of revenue and £1.3 million of adjusted operating profit to the Group results.  The direct costs of acquisition charged to the income statement were £0.1 million and are disclosed as adjusting items in note 1.  Had the acquisition been consolidated from 1 December 2020, the income statement would show revenue of £148.7 million and adjusted operating profit of £16.4 million.

 

The following table sets out the initial consideration, together with the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed:

			Total
Purchase consideration:			£'000
Initial cash consideration			3,000
Deferred cash consideration Contingent consideration			1,274 2,646
Total purchase consideration			6,920
Fair value of net assets acquired (below)			(3,831)
Goodwill			3,089

    

			Fair value
Fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed:			£'000
Property, plant and equipment (including right-of-use-assets)			519
Customer order book and relationships (included within intangible assets)			2,232
Inventory			822
Trade and other receivables			1,110
Cash			1,306
Lease liabilities			(407)
Trade and other payables and tax liabilities			(1,751)
Fair value of net assets acquired			3,831
Purchase consideration settled in cash			5,274
Cash acquired			(1,306)
Net cash outflow on acquisition			3,968

 

An independent valuation of the identifiable intangible assets has been carried out in the period.  Acquisition-related intangible assets comprise the customer order book of £0.1 million and customer relationships of £2.1 million.

 

The goodwill is attributable to the non-contractual relationships, the synergies between the business acquired and the operations of the Group and the potential to develop the technologies acquired. None of these meet the criteria for recognition of intangible assets separable from goodwill. The goodwill recognised is attributable to the Laboratory division and is not expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. 

 

The fair value of trade and other receivables of £1.1 million includes net trade receivables of £0.9 million, all of which is expected to be collectible.

 

 

7.             Provisions

				Dilapidations		Warranty		Total
				£'000		£'000		£'000
At 30 November 2020				268		4,365		4,633
Acquired				-		130		130
Charged/(credited) to the consolidated income statement:
-       Unwinding of discount				28		-		28
-       Warranty release				-		(896)		(896)
-       Warranty charge				-		971		971
Utilised:
-       Warranty				-		(194)		(194)
Exchange				-		(4)		(4)
At 30 November 2021				296		4,372		4,668

 

				Dilapidations		Warranty		Total
				£'000		£'000		£'000
At 30 November 2019				242		9,526		9,768
Charged/(credited) to the consolidated income statement:
-       Unwinding of discount				26		-		26
-       Warranty release				-		(5,091)		(5,091)
-       Warranty charge				-		652		652
Utilised:
-       Warranty				-		(720)		(720)
Exchange				-		(2)		(2)
At 30 November 2020				268		4,365		4,633

 

 

 

Provisions arise from potential claims on major contracts, sale warranties, and discounted dilapidations for leased property.  The amount charged in the year of £971,000 arose on additional sales made and long-term projects delivered in the year.  The amount released in the year of £896,000 follows management's latest estimate of the expected costs to be incurred under warranty. 

 

	2021		2020
Analysis of total provisions	£'000		£'000
Current	4,372		4,365
Non-current	296		268
Net book value at 30 November	4,668		4,633

 

 

8.             Contingent liabilities

 

At 30 November 2021, the Group had the following advanced payment bonds (relating to monies received in advance on contracts) and performance bonds:

			$'000		€'000
Advanced payment bonds			-		320
Performance bonds			2,549		811
At 30 November 2021			2,549		1,131

 

			$'000		€'000
Advanced payment bonds			-		162
Performance bonds			2,549		842
At 30 November 2020			2,549		1,004

 

$2,520,000 (2020: $2,520,000) of the performance bonds relate to the contracts for filtration systems provided for gasification projects.  These projects are being commissioned, a process which is taking several years.  The Group has provided its best estimate of the amount of any potential loss arising from rectification and claims arising on these contracts within the £4.4 million warranty provisions disclosed in note 7.  The maximum potential unprovided exposure under these contracts is limited to £10.3 million.  The uncalled performance bonds are expected to be called or released no later than December 2024.

 

 

9.             Notes to the cashflow

 

Cash generated from operations

			2021 £'000		2020 £'000
Operating profit			15,842		12,557
Adjustments for:
- Post-employment benefits			(1,585)		(1,288)
- Payment Protection Program loan waiver			(1,337)		-
- Fair value movement of derivatives through profit and loss			43		(10)
- Share-based payments			247		89
- Depreciation of property, plant and equipment and amortisation of intangibles			3,662		3,706
- Depreciation of right-of-use assets			2,138		2,055
- Impairment of property, plant and equipment			195		2,261
- Impairment of right-of-use assets			150		-
- Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment and intangibles			68		162
Operating cash flows before movement in working capital			19,423		19,532
Changes in working capital (excluding the effects of exchange differences on consolidation):
Increase in inventories			(476)		(276)
Decrease in trade and other receivables			215		4,139
Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables			(256)		(5,084)
Decrease in provisions			(282)		(5,091)
Decrease in working capital			(799)		(6,312)
Cash generated from operations			18,624		13,220

 

 

10.          Basis of preparation 

 

The results for the year ended 30 November 2021 have been prepared in accordance International Accounting Standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and International Financial Reporting Standards adopted pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002 as it applies in the European Union.  The financial information contained in this announcement does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006.  The financial information has been extracted from the financial statements for the year ended 30 November 2021, which have been approved by the Board of Directors and on which the auditors have reported without qualification.  The financial statements will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies after the Annual General Meeting.  The financial statements for the year ended 30 November 2020, upon which the auditors reported without qualification, have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies.

 

11.          Annual general meeting

 

The Company's Annual General Meeting will be held at 11.00 a.m. on Thursday 14 April 2022 at the offices of Buchanan Communications, 107 Cheapside, London, EC2V 6DN.

 

12.          Related parties

There were no related party transactions in the year ended 30 November 2021 other than Directors' compensation.

 

 

13.          Responsibility Statement

Each of the Directors confirms, to the best of their knowledge, that:

·      the financial statements, on which this announcement is based, have been prepared in accordance with applicable law and International Financial Reporting Standards adopted pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002 as it applies in the European Union, and give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position, and profit or loss of the Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole; and

·      the review of the business includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that they face.

The Directors of Porvair are listed in the Porvair Annual Report for the year ended 30 November 2020. A list of current Directors is maintained on the Porvair plc website, www.porvair.com.  Since the publication of the Annual Report for the year ended 30 November 2020, James Mills has joined the Group as Group Finance Director.  This followed the decision by Chris Tyler to step back from his position as Group Finance Director and continue, in a part-time role, as Company Secretary.  Both changes became effective following the Company's AGM in April 2021.

 

Copies of full accounts will be sent to shareholders in March 2022.  Additional copies will be available from www.porvair.com.