Replacement - Half-year Report

The following amendment has been made to the announcement of Interim Results released at 7.00 am on 14 November 2017 under RNS No 3786W. The Record Date for the interim dividend is 1 December 2017, and not 30 November 2017 as previously stated. All other details remain unchanged. The full corrected text of the announcement is set out below.

 

James Cropper plc

(the "Company")

The advanced materials and paper products group, is pleased to announce its

Half year results to 30 September 2017

	Half year to 30 September 2017	Half  year to   1  October    2016	Full  year to       1 April       2017
	£m	£m	£m
Revenue	47.4	45.4	92.4
Adjusted operating profit (excluding IAS19 impact)	3.0	2.6	6.9
Operating profit	2.7	2.3	6.2
Adjusted profit before tax (excluding IAS19 impact)	2.8	2.4	6.6
Impact of IAS19	(0.5)	(0.4)	(0.9)
Profit before tax	2.3	2.0	5.6
Earnings per share - basic	23.1p	17.4p	50.5p
Earnings per share - diluted	22.9p	17.2p	50.0p
Dividend per share declared	2.5p	2.5p	11.8p
Net borrowings	(4.7)	(6.6)	(7.3)
Equity shareholders' funds	23.4	16.0	21.9
Gearing % - before IAS 19 deficit	12%	19%	20%
Gearing % - after IAS 19 deficit	20%	41%	34%
Capital expenditure	1.3	2.1	5.3

 

 

Highlights

·      Adjusted PBT (prior to IAS 19 impact) at £2.8m, up 17% on prior year comparative

·      PBT at £2.3m, up 14% on prior year comparative

·      EPS (diluted) up 33% to 22.9p from 17.2p on prior year comparative

·      Revenue in TFP up 20% on prior year comparative. Total revenue up by 4.5%

·      TFP is benefitting from increased activity in the sales of products for fuel cells

·      Paper launches CupCycling™ and focused on strategy to develop mix

·      Paper endures high pulp prices and has remained resilient in the first half

·      3DP launches Colourform™ and has commenced commercial orders

 

Mark Cropper, Chairman, commented:

 

"TFP has delivered its best ever sales performance for a half year and is set to continue growth in the second half. Although Paper is facing severe headwinds from the price of pulp this year, it has so far remained resilient and I am confident that future growth prospects continue to strengthen.  3DP is still at an early stage but its potential is being proven with commercial contracts and increasing interest in the sustainable and aesthetically superior alternative it offers over plastic packaging.

Within the Group we continue to invest significantly in people, markets, innovation and equipment. This will ensure that over the long term the Group has the potential to sustain growth across all its businesses. In the nearer term, the full year is expected to deliver in line with the Board's expectations."

Enquiries:

Isabelle Maddock, Group Finance Director	Robert Finlay, Richard Johnson, Henry Willcocks
James Cropper PLC (AIM:CRPR.L)	Stockdale Securities Limited
Telephone: +44 (0) 1539 722002	Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7601 6100
www.cropper.com	www.stockdalesecurities.com

 

	Half  year to 30 September 2017	Half  year to   1  October 2016	Full  year to 1 April    2017
Summary of results	£'000	£'000	£'000
Revenue	47,446	45,397	92,363
Adjusted operating profit (excluding IAS19 impact)	2,973	2,567	6,869
Operating profit	2,688	2,304	6,188
Adjusted profit before tax (excluding IAS19 impact)	2,837	2,432	6,566
Impact of IAS19	(536)	(407)	(926)
Profit before tax	2,301	2,025	5,640

 

	Half  year to 30 September 2017	Half  year to   1 October 2016	Full  year to 1 April    2017
	£'000	£'000	£'000
Revenue
James Cropper Paper	35,283	35,279	71,024
James Cropper 3D Products	43	-	7
Technical Fibre Products	12,120	10,118	21,332
	47,446	45,397	92,363
Adjusted operating profit (excluding IAS19 impact)	2,973	2,567	6,869
Net interest (excluding IAS19 impact)	(136)	(142)	(283)
Adjusted profit before tax (excluding IAS19 impact)	2,837	2,425	6,586
Exceptional costs	-	7	(20)
Adjusted profit before tax (excluding IAS19 impact)	2,837	2,432	6,566
IAS19 pension adjustments
Net current service charge against operating profits	(285)	(270)	(661)
Finance costs charged against interest	(251)	(137)	(265)
	(536)	(407)	(926)
Profit before tax	2,301	2,025	5,640

 

Balance sheet summary	Half  year to 30 September 2017	Half  year to   1  October 2016	Full  year to 1 April    2017
	£'000	£'000	£'000
Non-pension assets - excluding cash	63,331	56,021	63,374
Non-pension liabilities - excluding borrowings	(20,519)	(15,286)	(18,503)
	42,812	40,735	44,871
Net IAS19 pension deficit (after deferred tax)	(14,728)	(18,072)	(15,620)
	28,084	22,663	29,251
Net borrowings	(4,685)	(6,621)	(7,364)
Equity shareholders' funds	23,399	16,042	21,887
Gearing % - before IAS19 deficit	12%	19%	20%
Gearing % - after IAS19 deficit	20%	41%	34%
Capital expenditure	1,252	2,123	5,315

 

 

 

Dear Shareholders

 

I am pleased to report that James Cropper PLC recorded a 17% increase in adjusted profit before tax (excluding the impact of IAS 19) of £2.8m for the first half of the current financial year. This compares to £2.4m in the prior year.  After the impact of IAS19, profit before tax is £2.3m, up from £2m in the prior comparative period. Meanwhile, Group revenues have increased by 4.5%.

 

The Group continues to experience increased pulp prices as first noted at the AGM in July. Since then prices have continued to rise, with corresponding impacts on margins in the Paper division.  Nevertheless, Paper has so far been able to sustain profit levels compared to the prior year. Meanwhile, TFP profits have grown in the period. Finally, 3DP has commenced full-scale production on receipt of its first commercial contracts.

 

James Cropper Paper ("Paper")

Paper revenues have been maintained compared to the comparable period last year, with the UK experiencing a small planned downturn in sales and the US picking up contracts in digital and packaging, which are delivering growth.

 

The paper division has recently launched CupCycling™, a closed loop system which recycles post-consumer coffee cups into luxury bags. Our launch partner for this new capability was Selfridges and the offer is generating significant interest from industry and customers.

 

As noted above, during the first half and into the second half, pulp prices have placed downward pressure on our margins. Accordingly, profit growth for this business for the full year will be challenging.

 

Technical Fibre Products ("TFP")

TFP grew revenue by 20% over the comparable period last year. Double digit growth was achieved in aerospace, defence and fuel cell markets.

 

With regards to the latter, TFP supplies carbon fibre based substrates, which are used as the basis for manufacturing GDL (Gas Diffusion Layer) parts for fuel cells. TFP supplies substrate for various fuel cell technologies predominantly in Europe and the USA. After many years of development, this market is beginning to deliver commercial products.

 

TFP has over 30 years of experience in designing and manufacturing bespoke advanced non-woven materials for a variety of end uses and market sectors and continues to see significant growth potential through partnerships with corporations and institutions. The group has outstanding technical and marketing expertise and expects continued growth in the second half and beyond.

 

 

James Cropper 3D Products ("3DP")  

3DP has launched Colourform™, a product range offering renewable, recyclable moulded fibre packaging in almost limitless colours, shapes and surface finishes. Colourform™ provides a sustainable alternative to plastic packaging and is beginning to catch the imagination of global and domestic brands.

The production lines are fulfilling a number of commercial contracts which will aid this year's start up performance. The Division has a larger number of projects in the development pipeline. Capacity with existing production equipment is satisfactory to meet initial demand however the Group fully expects to invest further in due course as the attention and demand for the differentiated product offer grows. The Board remains confident that 3DP provides another significant growth platform for the Group.

 

Pension

The Group operates three pension schemes with close to 60% of employees holding a defined contribution personal payment plan. The Group operates two funded pension schemes providing defined benefits, for a decreasing number of its employees. The IAS19 valuations, for the defined benefit schemes as at 30 September 2017, revealed a combined deficit of £18.0m, compared with £18.8m as at 1 April 2017. After deferred taxation the net deficit stands at £14.7m.

 

Earnings per share and Dividend

Diluted earnings per share increased to 22.9 pence, compared to 17.2 pence in the prior year comparative period.

 

The Board have declared an interim dividend of 2.5p per share (2016: 2.5p). The final dividend for the year to 31 March 2018 will be subject to shareholder approval at the AGM on 25 July 2018.

 

 

Outlook

 

TFP has delivered its best ever sales performance for a half year and is set to continue growth in the second half. Although Paper is facing severe headwinds from the price of pulp this year, it has so far remained resilient and I am confident that future growth prospects continue to strengthen.  3DP is still at an early stage but its potential is being proven with commercial contracts and increasing interest in the sustainable and aesthetically superior alternative it offers over plastic packaging.

Within the Group we continue to invest significantly in people, markets, innovation and equipment. This will ensure that over the long term the Group has the potential to sustain growth across all its businesses. In the nearer term, the full year is expected to deliver in line with the Board's expectations.

 

Mark Cropper

Chairman

 

 

 

 

JAMES CROPPER PLC

UN-AUDITED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

	26 week period to 30 September   2017	26 week period to 1 October   2016	52 week period    to 1 April  2017
	£'000	£'000	£'000
Continuing operations
Revenue	47,446	45,397	92,363
Operating profit	2,688	2,304	6,188
Finance costs
Interest payable and similar charges	(391)	(279)	(548)
Interest receivable and similar income	4	-	-
Profit before taxation	2,301	2,025	5,640
Taxation	(112)	(405)	(910)
Profit for the period	2,189	1,620	4,730
Earnings per share - basic	23.1p	17.4p	50.5p
Earnings per share - diluted	22.9p	17.2p	50.0p
Dividend declared in the period - pence per share	2.5p	2.5p	11.8p
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Profit for the period	2,189	1,620	4,730
Items that are or may be reclassified to profit or loss
Foreign currency translation	55	189	224
Loss on interest rate hedge	-	-	(9)
Items that will never be reclassified to profit or loss
Retirement benefit liabilities - actuarial gain/(loss)	689	(14,715)	(11,386)
Deferred tax on actuarial (gain)/loss on retirement benefit liabilities	(124)	2,796	1,847
Income tax on other comprehensive income	-	-	-
Other comprehensive income/(expense) for the year	620	(11,730)	(9,324)
Total comprehensive income for the period attributable to equity holders of the Company	2,809	(10,110)	(4,594)

 
 

JAMES CROPPER PLC

UN-AUDITED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

	30 September        2017	1 October     2016	1 April        2017
	£'000	£'000	£'000
Assets
Intangible assets	509	126	569
Property, plant and equipment	26,369	24,932	26,572
Deferred tax assets	2,303	2,901	2,270
Total non- current assets	29,181	27,959	29,411
Inventories	14,471	14,354	14,097
Trade and other receivables	21,982	16,609	23,066
Cash and cash equivalents	5,911	3,426	1,921
Total current assets	42,364	34,389	39,084
Total assets	71,545	62,348	68,495
Liabilities
Trade and other payables	19,660	13,563	18,493
Other financial liabilities	10	-	9
Loans and borrowings	1,001	792	1,570
Current tax liabilities	(81)	385	1
Total current liabilities	20,590	14,740	20,073
Long-term borrowings	9,595	9,255	7,715
Retirement benefit liabilities	17,961	22,311	18,820
Total non-current liabilities	27,556	31,566	26,535
Total liabilities	48,146	46,306	46,608
Equity
Share capital	2,370	2,364	2,367
Share premium	1,472	1,465	1,472
Translation reserve	657	567	602
Reserve for own shares	(970)	(651)	(853)
Retained earnings	19,870	12,297	18,299
Total shareholders' equity	23,399	16,042	21,887
Total equity and liabilities	71,545	62,348	68,495

 

 

 

 

 

JAMES CROPPER PLC

UN-AUDITED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

 

	26 week period to 30 September        2017	26 week period to 1 October 2016	52 week period to 1 April      2017
	£'000	£'000	£'000
Cash flows from operating activities
Net profit	2,189	1,620	4,730
Adjustments for:
Tax	112	405	910
Depreciation and amortisation	1,363	1,099	2,297
Net IAS 19 pension adjustments within Statement of comprehensive income	536	407	926
Past service pension deficit payments	(706)	(681)	(1,362)
Foreign exchange differences	38	112	84
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment	-	15	14
Profit on disposal of investments	-	(178)	-
Net bank interest expense	136	142	282
Share based payments	186	142	283
Changes in working capital:
(Increase) / decrease in inventories	(408)	(150)	105
Decrease / (increase)  in trade and other receivables	408	2,971	(4,113)
Increase / (decrease)  in trade and other payables	1,363	(1,526)	3,932
Interest received	5	1	2
Interest paid	(140)	(148)	(293)
Tax paid	(356)	(657)	(1,081)
Net cash generated from operating activities	4,726	3,574	6,716
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of intangible assets	(19)	-	(486)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(1,253)	(2,123)	(4,828)
Profit on disposal of investments	-	178	-
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	-	2	4
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,272)	(1,943)	(5,310)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issue of ordinary shares	3	444	454
Proceeds from issue of new loans	2,456	2,451	2,450
Repayment of borrowings	(903)	(3,179)	(4,115)
Purchase of LTIP investments	(117)	(479)	(510)
Dividends paid to shareholders	(864)	(648)	(881)
Net cash generated / (used) in financing activities financingactactivitiesactivities	575	(1,411)	(2,602)
Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	4,029	220	(1,196)
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash held	(39)	20	(69)
Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	3,990	240	(1,265)
Cash and cash equivalents at the start of the period	1,921	3,186	3,186
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period	5,911	3,426	1,921
Cash and cash equivalents consists of:
Cash at bank and in hand	5,911	3,426	1,921

 

 

JAMES CROPPER PLC

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

 

	Share capital	Share premium	Translation reserve	Own shares	Retained earnings	Total
	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000
2 April 2016	2,306	1,079	378	(343)	23,273	26,693
Profit for the period	-	-	-	-	4,730	4,730
Exchange differences	-	-	224	-	-	224
Actuarial losses on retirement benefit liabilities (net of deferred tax)	-	-	-	-	(9,539)	(9,539)
Loss on interest rate hedge	-	-	-	-	(9)	(9)
Total other comprehensive income	-	-	224	-	(9,548)	(9,548)
Dividends paid	-	-	-	-	(881)	(881)
Share based payment charge	-	-	-	-	283	283
Tax on share options	-	-	-	-	634	634
Proceeds from issue of ordinary shares	61	393	-	-	-	454
Distribution of own shares	-	-	-	192	(192)	-
Consideration paid for own shares	-	-	-	(702)	-	(702)
Total contributions by and distributions to owners of the Group	61	393	-	(510)	(156)	(212)
At 1 April 2017	2,367	1,472	602	(853)	18,299	21,887
Profit for the period	-	-	-	-	2,189	2,189
Exchange differences	-	-	55	-	-	55
Actuarial gains on retirement benefit liabilities (net of deferred tax)	-	-	-	-	565	565
Total other comprehensive income	-	-	55	-	565	620
Dividends paid	-	-	-	-	(864)	(864)
Share based payment charge	-	-	-	-	183	183
Proceeds from issue of ordinary shares	3	-	-	-	-	3
Distribution of own shares	-	-	-	324	(502)	(178)
Consideration paid for own shares	-	-	-	(441)	-	(441)
Total contributions by and distributions to owners of the Group	3	-	-	(117)	(1,183)	(1,297)
At 30 September 2017	2,370	1,472	657	(970)	19,870	23,399