TIDMCWK
RNS Number : 8987F
Cranswick PLC
23 May 2017
CRANSWICK plc: PRELIMINARY RESULTS
A year of strong financial and strategic progress
23 May 2017
Cranswick plc ("Cranswick" or "the Company" or "the Group"), a
leading UK food producer, today announces its audited preliminary
results for the year ended 31 March 2017.
Financial highlights*:
-- Revenue ahead by 22.5% at GBP1,245.1m (2016: GBP1,016.3m)
-- Like-for-like revenue up 12.7%
-- Adjusted Group operating margin of 6.1% (2016: 6.4%)
-- Adjusted profit before tax increased 17.2% to GBP75.5m (2016: GBP64.4m)
-- Adjusted earnings per share 17.6% higher at 120.9p (2016: 102.8p)
-- Recommended final dividend increased by 19.7% to 31.0p (2016: 25.9p)
-- Net debt of GBP11.0m (2016: net funds of GBP17.8m)
-- Statutory profit before tax from continuing operations up 24.8% to GBP77.5m (2016: GBP62.1m)
-- Statutory earnings per share on continuing operations 25.6% higher at 124.2p (2016: 98.9p)
Commercial and strategic progress:
Corporate activity
-- Strong contribution from Crown Chicken following acquisition
in April 2016 and integration proceeding to plan
-- Acquisition of Dunbia Ballymena in November 2016 further
strengthens the Group's UK pork processing capability
-- Sale of Sandwich business in July 2016
Continued investment in existing operations
-- Record capital expenditure of GBP47m to support strong growth pipeline
-- Phase 2 upgrade to Norfolk primary processing facility completed in the year
-- Work has commenced on new GBP25m Continental Foods facility in Bury, Lancashire
Export sales
-- Further strong progress in key export markets, with Far East revenues ahead by 49%
Adam Couch, Cranswick's Chief Executive Officer commented:
"We have reported another year of strong growth in financial
results, during which we have also made further strategic and
commercial progress.
"We enter the new financial year in excellent shape having added
to our asset base, enhanced market positions and successfully
integrated our two strategically important acquisitions during the
last twelve months. We have further strengthened the solid
foundations of our business and we believe we are well placed to
continue to deliver sustainable organic growth going forward."
* Throughout this statement, 2016 results have been
restated to exclude the Sandwich business, which
was sold in July 2016 and is now treated as discontinued.
Adjusted and like-for-like references throughout
this statement refer to non-IFRS measures or Alternative
Performance Measures ('APMs'). Definitions and reconciliations
of the APMs to IFRS measures are provided in Note
11.
Presentation
A presentation of the results will be made to analysts and
institutional investors today at 10.15am at Investec Bank plc, 2
Gresham Street, London EC2V 7QP.
Enquiries:
Cranswick plc
Mark Bottomley, Finance Director 01482 372 000
Powerscourt
Nick Dibden / Lisa Kavanagh 020 7250 1446
Note to Editors:
Cranswick was formed in the early 1970s by farmers in East
Yorkshire to produce animal feed and has since evolved into a
business focused on the supply of food products to the UK food
retail and food service sectors. Well known for the production of
gourmet sausages the Company is involved in the breeding and
rearing of premium British pigs and also supplies fresh pork, fresh
chicken, cooked meats, premium cooked poultry, air-dried bacon and
gammon, continental products and pastry products. Products are sold
primarily under retailers own labels including Sainsbury's 'Taste
The Difference' and Tesco's 'Finest' as well as under a number of
brands such as 'Simply Sausages', 'The Black Farmer', 'Bodega',
'Welly' and 'Woodall's'.
Summary
The past year has been particularly positive for the business.
Cranswick has delivered another strong trading performance,
achieved record sales of over GBP1.2 billion, and made strategic
progress in a number of key areas.
Strategic progress
Strategic initiatives included the acquisition of CCL Holdings
and its subsidiary Crown Chicken ('Crown') at the beginning of the
financial year which expanded the Company's presence in poultry,
the UK's largest meat category. This was followed later in the year
by the acquisition of Dunbia Ballymena ('Ballymena') which further
strengthened Cranswick's UK pork processing capability.
The Company's Sandwich business, a non-core activity, was sold
in July 2016.
Acquisitions are an important element of Cranswick's development
strategy to date, and have been complementary to the investments
made to drive organic growth. The recent commencement of the
construction of a new site for the Continental Products business,
along with other significant investments in the asset base over the
past year amounting to GBP47 million, continue this ongoing focus
on organic growth.
Results
Total revenue from continuing operations in the year was
GBP1,245 million. This was 23 per cent ahead of the previous year
and was driven by strong increases across a number of product
categories and significant growth in exports. Like-for-like revenue
(see Note 11), excluding the benefit of acquisitions, was 13 per
cent higher than the prior year with corresponding volumes 15 per
cent ahead.
Alongside record sales it is pleasing to report that adjusted
profit before tax for the year increased 17 per cent to GBP75.5
million from GBP64.4 million previously. Adjusted earnings per
share rose 18 per cent to 120.9 pence compared to 102.8 pence in
the prior year. Details of trading are covered more fully in the
Operating and Finance reviews.
Cash flow and financial position
Cranswick's borrowings are conservatively structured and cash
generation from operating activities was once again very strong. In
November 2016, bank borrowings were refinanced, increasing the
unsecured facility to GBP160 million. This is expected to provide
generous headroom for future growth through to 2021 along with an
option to extend for a further two years. Further details are
provided in the Finance review.
Dividend
The Board is proposing to increase the final dividend to 31.0
pence per share from 25.9 pence previously, an increase of 19.7 per
cent. Together with the interim dividend, which was raised 12.9 per
cent to 13.1 pence per share, this gives a total dividend for the
year of 44.1 pence per share, an increase of 17.6 per cent on the
37.5 pence per share paid last year. This is the 27(th) continuous
year of increased dividends.
The final dividend, if approved by Shareholders, will be paid on
1 September 2017 to Shareholders on the register at the close of
business on 30 June 2017. Shareholders will again have the option
to receive the dividend by way of scrip issue.
Outlook
The business has continued to make commercial and strategic
progress over the past year and the Board believes there is a solid
platform in place from which to progress further within the pork,
poultry and associated categories of the food sector.
Cranswick's strengths include its customer relationships,
breadth of products, growing export channels and asset
infrastructure. The current year has started positively for the
Group and the Board believes that the Company is well positioned to
meet the challenges that lie ahead and to continue its successful
long-term development.
Operating review
Revenue and Adjusted operating profit
2017 2016
GBP'm GBP'm Change
Revenue 1,245.1 1,016.3 +22.5%
Adjusted Group operating profit
(Note 11) 76.1 65.1 +17.0%
Adjusted Group operating margin 6.1% 6.4% -29bps
================================= ======== ======== =========
Revenue
Reported revenue from continuing operations increased by 22.5
per cent to GBP1,245.1 million. Growth was driven by a strong
performance from each of our categories and reflected positive
contributions from the Crown Chicken and Ballymena businesses
acquired during the year. Like-for-like revenue was 12.7 per cent
higher, with corresponding volumes up 15.4 per cent. The gap
between revenue and volume growth reflected the benefit to our
customers and consumers of passing through lower input costs from
the final quarter of the previous year. New contract wins, strong
export sales and a greater number of pigs being processed through
our three primary processing facilities underpinned this strong
volume growth.
Adjusted Group operating profit
Adjusted Group operating profit increased by 17.0 per cent to
GBP76.1 million. Operating margin at 6.1% was 29 basis points lower
with the delay, as anticipated, in recovering rising input costs
through the second half of the year being partly mitigated by a
positive contribution from our rapidly growing poultry and export
businesses and a strong operational performance across each of our
businesses.
Category Review
We now disclose information about four product categories or
operating segments (Fresh Pork, Convenience, Gourmet Products and
Poultry) which are aggregated into one reportable segment (Food).
Details of category performance are provided below and we intend to
report in this way going forward.
Fresh Pork
Fresh Pork includes our three primary processing facilities and
associated farming operations and represents 32 per cent of Group
revenue. Fresh Pork revenue increased by 6.7 per cent. Excluding
the contribution from Ballymena like-for-like revenue growth was
2.1 per cent. Performance was comfortably ahead of the overall UK
fresh pork category with market data for the 52 weeks to 26 March
2017 highlighting a decline in volumes of 4%, with much of this
decline attributable to lower promotional expenditure and lower
sales of traditional roasting joints.
Total export revenue grew by 38.4 per cent reflecting growth in
Far Eastern markets of 49.3 per cent together with a 14.6 per cent
increase into other export markets. The strong growth in shipments
to the Far East reflected an increase in pig numbers processed at
our three primary processing facilities, growth in the number of
products being supplied and strong prices.
In November 2016, we acquired Dunbia Ballymena (now renamed
Cranswick Country Foods Ballymena), a leading Northern Irish pork
processing business. Ballymena operates from a modern, purpose
built facility in Country Antrim, Northern Ireland and has a
strategic, well-established supply chain with strong links to the
local farming community. This acquisition strengthens our UK pork
processing business and provides us with greater control over our
supply chain, ensuring that we can maintain the production and
processing of high quality, UK farm assured pigs which is central
to our customers' requirements. The facility immediately adds 8,000
pigs per week to our existing production capacity.
We continue to invest heavily across all three sites with a
major overhaul of our Norfolk facility being completed during the
year. Work is also underway at Ballymena to extend the butchery
operation which will enable more pigs to be processed through the
facility more efficiently. We are also planning to extend our Hull
facility with work expected to start in the next financial
year.
Following the acquisition of Ballymena, the Wayland and Wold
farming businesses now supply approximately 16 per cent of our
British pig requirements. We are the third largest pig producer in
the UK and represent 5 per cent of the total UK pig herd. Almost 90
per cent of the pigs produced from the two herds are bred outdoors,
allowing us to provide a complete farm-to-fork solution for the
premium pork ranges of our two largest retail customers. Provenance
and end-to-end supply chain integrity are important differentiators
that can enable us to lock in key long-term retail relationships.
Improvements in productivity together with rising pig prices, as
referred to below, resulted in an improved contribution from pig
production.
The UK pig price (EU-spec SPP) increased by 34 per cent during
the year rising steadily through to the end of December before
stabilising through the final quarter. This was in direct contrast
to a year earlier when pig prices fell by 15 per cent over the
course of the year. The average price for the year to 31 March 2017
was 8 per cent higher year on year. The rise in the UK price over
the summer months reflected a more pronounced increase in the EU
reference price which peaked 42 per cent higher than at the start
of the year, resulting in the EU price pushing beyond the UK price
before easing back in the autumn. The principal reason for the
increase in European prices was strong demand for European pig meat
from China and tighter supply in European markets.
Convenience
Convenience, which comprises Cooked Meats and Continental
Products, represents 38 per cent of Group revenue. Convenience
revenue increased by 20.3 per cent reflecting new business wins and
new product launches. Growth was again well ahead of the UK
market.
Cooked Meats performed strongly reflecting new business wins
coming on stream throughout the period. Three major new contracts,
with business secured for the long-term and with built in pricing
models to address raw material price movements, leave the Cooked
Meats category in robust shape heading into the new financial year.
The ongoing capital investment programme resulted in GBP19 million
being spent across the three Cooked Meats sites during the period
to upgrade the facilities, add capacity and introduce new
capability to produce 'slow cook', 'sous vide', 'food to go' and
'barbecue' ranges, which have been added to our portfolio of
products following recent contract wins.
Revenue from Continental Products also grew strongly. The
business continues to successfully source new products from a
complex array of high quality premium suppliers across the
Mediterranean region. The 'Made in Manchester' concept highlights
the significant value add that the experienced and innovative teams
at the two Manchester facilities bring to this fast-growing
category. The two facilities, which have served the business so
well since the Continental Fine Foods business was acquired, are
now operating at full capacity. To enable the business to continue
to grow and develop, a new GBP25 million facility is being built in
the North West of England which will consolidate production from
the two existing sites. The new site, based at Bury in Lancashire,
will increase current capacity by approximately 70 per cent and
will enable existing and new product ranges to be produced more
efficiently.
Gourmet Products
Gourmet Products, which comprises sausage, bacon and pastry,
represents 19 per cent of Group revenue. Revenue increased by 16.4
per cent with all categories in growth.
Sausage sales were extremely strong. New contract wins with the
Group's two largest retail customers for their 'Butcher's Choice'
ranges, which together delivered 350 tonnes per week of incremental
volume, underpinned this robust category performance. Sausage
production recommenced at our Norfolk facility early in the year to
meet this increase in demand with over 150 tonnes of sausage being
produced each week from the site. Sales of premium beef burgers
from the Lazenby's facility also grew strongly. New mixing and
blending equipment has been successfully commissioned to support
the next phase of growth and development of the facility with GBP6
million being invested across the two sausage sites during the
year.
The premium bacon sector continues to outperform the overall
category, but slower year on year growth compared to previous
periods highlighted the recent trend by our retail customers to
move away from promotional mechanics and multi-buy offers. Growth
accelerated in the second half of the year following a new contract
win.
Pastry returned to volume growth in the second half of the year
driven by a strong promotional plan with the business' anchor
customer and a new contract win in the 'food to go' market. Further
improvements in operational efficiencies throughout the year allied
to an improved top line performance leave the pastry business well
placed to drive further volume growth in the next financial
year.
Poultry
Poultry, which includes fresh and cooked poultry, represents 11
per cent of Group revenue. Including the contribution from Crown,
revenue increased by over 180 per cent. Excluding Crown,
like-for-like revenue growth was 17.7 per cent. This was
comfortably ahead of the overall UK market in which poultry
continues to be the lead performer of the four principal meat
protein categories. Recent UK market data shows fresh poultry
growing at 6 per cent and ready to eat poultry at 8 per cent.
Sales of fresh poultry grew strongly in the period post
acquisition compared to the same period in the prior year
reflecting strong volume growth. Crown, with its fully integrated
supply chain model, made a very positive contribution to the Group
during the period and is forging strong links with our premium
cooked poultry and pig farming operations. Since acquisition, the
number of birds processed by Crown has increased by 9 per cent,
with around 15 per cent of the chicken produced by Crown now being
used internally.
Sales of premium cooked poultry also grew strongly. The GBP9
million capital investment programme which was completed at the
start of the current financial year has enabled new business to be
secured and produced more efficiently by using the latest in-line
cooking and spiral chilling techniques. This category is perfectly
suited to the latest consumer trends which are focused on quick,
easy, healthy and tasty meal solutions, with convenient protein a
core component. More recently contracts have been secured with two
of the Group's principal grocery retail customers.
Finance review
Revenue
Reported revenue from continuing operations at GBP1,245.1
million increased by 22.5 per cent compared to the previous
year.
Adjusted Group operating profit
Adjusted Group operating profit of GBP76.1 million, including
the post-acquisition contribution from Crown and Ballymena,
increased by 17.0 per cent. Adjusted Group operating margin was 6.1
per cent of sales compared to 6.4 per cent last year.
Refinancing and Finance costs
On 17 November 2016, the Group successfully refinanced its
banking facility. The new agreement, which is on improved terms, is
unsecured and runs to November 2021 with the option to extend by up
to a further two years and comprises a revolving credit facility of
GBP160 million, including a committed overdraft of GBP20 million.
It also includes the option to access a further GBP40 million on
the same terms at any point during the term of the agreement. The
facility provides the business with generous headroom for the
future.
Net financing costs at GBP0.6 million were in line with the
prior year, with lower bank base rates and improved terms following
refinancing being offset by higher average borrowings.
Adjusted profit before tax
Adjusted profit before tax was 17.2 per cent higher at GBP75.5
million (2016: GBP64.4 million).
Taxation
The tax charge of GBP15.1 million was 19.5 per cent of profit
before tax (2016: 21.0 per cent). The standard rate of UK
corporation tax was 20.0 per cent (2016: 20.0 per cent). The
effective corporation tax rate was lower than the standard rate due
to prior year adjustments, primarily relating to a capital
allowance review during the year, partially offset by disallowable
expenses. The higher than standard rate charge in the prior year
reflected the impact of disallowable expenses.
Adjusted earnings per share
Adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations rose by
17.6 per cent to 120.9 pence (2016: 102.8 pence). The average
number of shares in issue was 50,191,000 (2016: 49,601,000).
Statutory profit measures
The statutory results of the business show a 24.8 per cent
increase in profit before tax to GBP77.5 million (2016: GBP62.1
million), a 24.6 per cent increase in Group operating profit to
GBP78.1 million (2016: GBP62.7 million) and a 25.6 per cent
increase in earnings per share to 124.2 pence (2016: 98.9 pence).
Full reconciliations of these results to the adjusted measures can
be found in Note 11.
Sale of Sandwich business
On 23 July 2016, the Group sold its Sandwich business, The
Sandwich Factory Holdings Limited, to Greencore plc for net
proceeds of GBP15.7 million before costs. Further details of the
transaction are set out in Note 9. The after-tax results of the
Sandwich business for both the current and prior years, including
profit on disposal of GBP4.5 million in the current year and a
goodwill impairment charge of GBP4.6 million in the prior year, are
included in a single line item 'Profit/(loss) for the year from
discontinued operations' at the foot of the income statement.
Acquisition of Dunbia Ballymena
On 16 November 2016, the Group acquired the whole of the issued
share capital of Dunbia Ballymena, a leading Northern Irish pork
processing business, for an initial cash consideration of GBP16.7
million net of cash acquired, with further contingent consideration
of GBP1.25 million. Further details of the transaction are set out
in Note 10.
Cash flow and net debt
The net cash inflow from operating activities in the year was
GBP72.9 million (2016: GBP83.8 million) reflecting higher Group
operating profit offset by a working capital outflow of GBP18.6
million (2016: inflow of GBP9.0 million) reflecting the impact of
acquisitions and the increasing scale of the business. Net debt
increased by GBP28.8 million in the year to GBP11.0 million
including the GBP40.5 million net spend on corporate transactions
and the net GBP46.5 million invested in our asset base. Net debt
was just 2.6 per cent of Shareholders' funds (2016: zero per cent)
as our balance sheet continues to be conservatively managed.
Pensions
The Group operates defined contribution pension schemes whereby
contributions are made to schemes administered by major insurance
companies. Contributions to these schemes are determined as a
percentage of employees' earnings.
The Group also operates a defined benefit pension scheme which
has been closed to further benefit accrual since 2004. The deficit
on this scheme at 31 March 2017 was GBP9.5 million, compared to
GBP4.4 million at 31 March 2016, reflecting our commitment to
increased funding for the scheme over the next five years. Cash
contributions to the scheme during the year, as part of the
programme to reduce the deficit, were GBP1.3 million. The present
value of funded obligations was GBP36.1 million and the fair value
of plan assets was GBP26.6 million.
During the year, the triennial valuation of the scheme was
completed. Following a review of the valuation the Directors agreed
a new contribution schedule with the Trustees of the scheme to
further reduce the deficit. Over the period from April 2017 to
September 2022, cash contributions will be increased to GBP1.8
million per annum.
Principal risks and uncertainties
There are a number of risks and uncertainties which could impact
the business in the future. The Board considers these risks and
uncertainties to be the same as those described in the Report &
Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2016, dated 24 May 2016, a
copy of which is available on the Group's website at
www.cranswick.plc.uk. The principal risks and uncertainties
are:
Strategic Commercial Financial risks Operational
risks risks * Interest rate, curren risks
* Consumer demand * Reliance on key customers and exports cy, liquidity and credit ri * Business continuity
sk
* Competitor activity * Pig meat - availability and price * Recruitment and retention of workforce
* Business acquisitions
* Health and safety
* Disease and infection within pig herd / poultry flock
* Food scares and product contamination
* Cyber security
UK Referendum on EU Membership
The recent triggering of Article 50, which formally commenced
the UK's negotiations to leave the EU, has yet to provide stability
in currency markets or clarify the uncertainty within the European
labour market. The Group therefore continues to monitor and manage
its business risks in these areas.
Group income statement
For the year ended 31 March 2017
2017 2016
Notes GBP'000 GBP'000
Revenue 1,245,058 1,016,314
----------------------------------- ------ ---------- ------------
Adjusted Group operating
profit 76,118 65,056
Net IAS 41 valuation movement
on biological assets 4,116 (951)
Amortisation of customer
relationship intangible assets (2,108) (1,396)
Group operating profit 4 78,126 62,709
Finance revenue - 1
Finance costs (639) (640)
----------------------------------- ------ ---------- ------------
Profit before tax 77,487 62,070
Taxation (15,145) (13,022)
----------------------------------- ------ ---------- ------------
Profit for the year from
continuing operations 62,342 49,048
----------------------------------- ------ ---------- ------------
Discontinued operations:
Profit/(loss) for the year
from discontinued operations 9 4,836 (3,653)
----------------------------------- ------ ---------- ------------
Profit for the year 67,178 45,395
----------------------------------- ------ ---------- ------------
Earnings per share (pence)
On profit for the year from
continuing operations:
Basic 5 124.2p 98.9p
Diluted 5 123.7p 98.5p
----------------------------------- ------ ---------- ------------
On adjusted profit for the
year from continuing operations:
Basic 5 120.9p 102.8p
Diluted 5 120.4p 102.4p
----------------------------------- ------ ---------- ------------
On profit for the year:
Basic 5 133.8p 91.5p
Diluted 5 133.3p 91.2p
------------------------- ------- ------
On adjusted profit for the
year:
Basic 5 121.5p 104.7p
Diluted 5 121.0p 104.4p
---------------------------- ------- -------
Group statement of comprehensive income
For the year ended 31 March 2017
2017 2016
GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------------------------- ---------- ---------
Profit for the year 67,178 45,395
------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------
Other comprehensive income
Other comprehensive income to
be reclassified to profit or
loss in subsequent periods:
Cash flow hedges
Gains arising in the year 286 61
Reclassification adjustments
for (gains)/losses included
in the income statement (61) 210
Income tax effect (37) (52)
------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------
Net other comprehensive income
to be reclassified to profit
or loss in subsequent periods 188 219
------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------
Items not to be reclassified
to profit or loss in subsequent
periods:
Actuarial (losses)/gains on
defined benefit pension scheme (6,306) 14
Income tax effect 1,287 (3)
------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------
Net other comprehensive income
not to be reclassified to profit
or loss in subsequent periods (5,019) 11
------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------
Other comprehensive income,
net of tax (4,831) 230
------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------
Total comprehensive income,
net of tax 62,347 45,625
------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------
Group balance sheet
At 31 March 2017
2017 2016
Notes GBP'000 GBP'000
---------------------------------------- -------- ---------- ----------
Non-current assets
Intangible assets 158,487 139,674
Property, plant and equipment 215,660 178,477
Biological assets 953 537
Total non-current assets 375,100 318,688
---------------------------------------- -------- ---------- ----------
Current assets
Biological assets 18,656 10,530
Inventories 62,163 46,163
Trade and other receivables 150,620 116,799
Financial assets 286 61
Cash and short-term deposits 7 4,107 17,817
---------------------------------------- -------- ---------- ----------
Total current assets 235,832 191,370
---------------------------------------- -------- ---------- ----------
Total assets 610,932 510,058
---------------------------------------- -------- ---------- ----------
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables (144,497) (121,764)
Financial liabilities (5,391) -
Provisions (60) (60)
Income tax payable (7,253) (6,507)
Total current liabilities (157,201) (128,331)
---------------------------------------- -------- ---------- ----------
Non-current liabilities
Other payables (1,116) (1,340)
Financial liabilities (15,987) (4,687)
Deferred tax liabilities (2,887) (1,781)
Provisions (2,831) (1,467)
Defined benefit pension scheme deficit (9,521) (4,449)
---------------------------------------- -------- ---------- ----------
Total non-current liabilities (32,342) (13,724)
---------------------------------------- -------- ---------- ----------
Total liabilities (189,543) (142,055)
---------------------------------------- -------- ---------- ----------
Net assets 421,389 368,003
---------------------------------------- -------- ---------- ----------
Equity
Called-up share capital 5,047 4,984
Share premium account 74,751 69,014
Share-based payments 16,683 13,033
Hedging reserve 238 50
Retained earnings 324,670 280,922
---------------------------------------- -------- ---------- ----------
Equity attributable to owners of
the parent 421,389 368,003
---------------------------------------- -------- ---------- ----------
Group statement of cash flows
For the year ended 31 March 2017
Notes 2017 2016
GBP'000 GBP'000
Operating activities
Profit for the year 67,178 45,395
Adjustments to reconcile Group profit
for the year to net cash inflows
from operating activities:
Income tax expense 15,219 13,276
Net finance costs 604 536
Gain on sale of property, plant
and equipment (117) (76)
Depreciation of property, plant
and equipment 27,715 21,224
Amortisation of intangible assets 2,108 1,396
Impairment of goodwill 9 - 4,635
Profit on sale of business 9 (4,539) -
Share-based payments 3,650 2,791
Difference between pension contributions
paid and amounts recognised in the
income statement (1,234) (1,160)
Release of government grants (215) (128)
Net IAS 41 valuation movement on
biological assets (4,116) 951
Decrease/(increase) in biological
assets 379 (229)
(Increase)/decrease in inventories (14,623) 2,962
(Increase)/decrease in trade and
other receivables (24,914) 841
Increase in trade and other payables 20,607 5,382
------------------------------------------ ------ ---------- ----------
Cash generated from operations 87,702 97,796
Tax paid (14,812) (13,962)
------------------------------------------ ------ ---------- ----------
Net cash from operating activities 72,890 83,834
------------------------------------------ ------ ---------- ----------
Cash flows from investing activities
Interest received - 1
Acquisition of subsidiaries, net
of cash acquired 10 (56,042) -
Purchase of property, plant and
equipment (46,969) (34,295)
Receipt of government grants - 229
Proceeds from sale of property,
plant and equipment 517 538
Proceeds from sale of discontinued
operations, net of cash surrendered 9 15,524 -
Net cash used in investing activities (86,970) (33,527)
------------------------------------------ ------ ---------- ----------
Cash flows from financing activities
Interest paid (528) (444)
Proceeds from issue of share capital 788 606
Issue costs of long-term borrowings (1,096) -
Repayment of borrowings - (22,000)
Proceeds from borrowings 16,000 -
Dividends paid (14,565) (14,593)
Repayment of capital element of (229) -
finance leases and hire purchase
contracts
------------------------------------------ ------ ---------- ----------
Net cash used in financing activities 370 (36,431)
------------------------------------------ ------ ---------- ----------
Net (decrease)/increase in cash
and cash equivalents 7 (13,710) 13,876
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
of year 7 17,817 3,941
------------------------------------------ ------ ---------- ----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end
of year 7 4,107 17,817
------------------------------------------ ------ ---------- ----------
Group statement of changes in equity
For the year ended 31 March 2017
Share Share Share- Hedging Retained Total
capital premium based reserve earnings equity
payments
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------- --------- --------- ---------- --------- ---------- ---------
At 31 March 2015 4,926 65,689 10,242 (169) 251,685 332,373
------------------------- --------- --------- ---------- --------- ---------- ---------
Profit for the year - - - - 45,395 45,395
Other comprehensive
income - - - 219 11 230
------------------------- --------- --------- ---------- --------- ---------- ---------
Total comprehensive
income - - - 219 45,406 45,625
Share-based payments - - 2,791 - - 2,791
Scrip dividend 16 2,761 - - - 2,777
Share options exercised
(proceeds) 42 564 - - - 606
Dividends - - - - (17,370) (17,370)
Deferred tax related
to changes in equity - - - - 343 343
Current tax related
to changes in equity - - - - 858 858
------------------------- --------- --------- ---------- --------- ---------- ---------
At 31 March 2016 4,984 69,014 13,033 50 280,922 368,003
Profit for the year - - - - 67,178 67,178
Other comprehensive
income - - - 188 (5,019) (4,831)
------------------------- --------- --------- ---------- --------- ---------- ---------
Total comprehensive
income - - - 188 62,159 62,347
Share-based payments - - 3,650 - - 3,650
Scrip dividend 23 4,989 - - - 5,012
Share options exercised
(proceeds) 40 748 - - - 788
Dividends - - - - (19,577) (19,577)
Deferred tax related
to changes in equity - - - - 112 112
Current tax related
to changes in equity - - - - 1,054 1,054
------------------------- --------- --------- ---------- --------- ---------- ---------
At 31 March 2017 5,047 74,751 16,683 238 324,670 421,389
------------------------- --------- --------- ---------- --------- ---------- ---------
Notes to the accounts
1. Basis of preparation
The results comprise those of Cranswick plc and its subsidiaries
for the year ended 31 March 2017. This preliminary announcement has
been prepared on the basis of accounting policies as set out in the
statutory accounts for the year ended 31 March 2016 (except as
detailed below) and International Financial Reporting Standards and
interpretations issued by the International Accounting Standards
Board as adopted by the European Union ("IFRS") and does not
constitute the Company's statutory accounts within the meaning of
Section 435 of the Companies Act 2006.
Statutory accounts for the years ended 31 March 2017 and 31
March 2016 have been reported on by the auditors who issued an
unqualified opinion in respect of both periods and the auditors'
reports for 2017 and 2016 did not contain statements under 498(2)
or 498(3) of the Companies Act 2006. Statutory accounts for the
year ended 31 March 2016 have been filed with the Registrar of
Companies. The statutory accounts for the year ended 31 March 2017,
which were approved by the Board on 23 May 2017, will be delivered
to the Registrar of Companies following the Company's Annual
General Meeting.
2. Accounting policies
The accounting policies applied by the Group in this preliminary
announcement are the same as those applied by the Group in the
financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2016.
New standards and interpretations applied
The application of other new and revised standards and
interpretations has not had a material effect on the net assets,
results and disclosures of the Group.
3. Business and geographical segments
IFRS 8 requires operating segments to be identified on the basis
of the internal financial information reported to the Chief
Operating Decision Maker (CODM). The Group's CODM is deemed to be
the Executive Directors on the Board, who are primarily responsible
for the allocation of resources to segments and the assessment of
performance of the segments.
The CODM assesses profit performance principally through
adjusted profit measures consistent with those disclosed in the
Annual Report and Accounts.
For the purposes of managing the business, the Group is
organised into one reportable segment, being Food: manufacture and
supply of food products to UK grocery retailers, the food service
sector and other UK and global food producers.
The reportable segment 'Food' represents the aggregation of four
operating segments which are aligned to the product categories of
the Group; Fresh Pork, Convenience, Gourmet Products and Poultry,
all of which manufacture and supply food products through the
channels described above. These operating segments have been
aggregated into one reportable segment as they share similar
economic characteristics. The economic indicators which have been
assessed in concluding that these operating segments should be
aggregated include the similarity of long-term average margins;
expected future financial performance; and operating and
competitive risks. In addition, the operating segments are similar
with regard to the nature of the products and production process,
the type and class of customer, the method of distribution and the
regulatory environment.
4. Group operating profit
Group operating costs comprise:
Continuing Discontinued Total
operations operations
---------------------
2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------------- ---------- --------- --------- --------- ---------- ----------
Cost of sales excluding
net IAS 41 valuation movement
on biological assets 1,086,206 879,696 16,588 46,222 1,102,794 925,918
Net IAS 41 valuation movement
on biological assets* (4,116) 951 - - (4,116) 951
---------------------------------- ---------- --------- --------- --------- ---------- ----------
Cost of sales 1,082,090 880,647 16,588 46,222 1,098,678 926,869
---------------------------------- ---------- --------- --------- --------- ---------- ----------
Gross profit 162,968 135,667 2,173 7,068 165,141 142,735
--------------------------------- ---------- --------- --------- --------- ---------- ----------
Selling and distribution
costs 50,949 39,511 1,171 3,303 52,120 42,814
--------------------------------- ---------- --------- --------- --------- ---------- ----------
Administrative expenses
excluding amortisation
of customer relationship
intangible assets and
impairment of goodwill 31,785 32,051 666 2,632 32,451 34,683
Amortisation of customer
relationship intangible
assets 2,108 1,396 - - 2,108 1,396
Impairment of goodwill - - - 4,635 - 4,635
--------------------------------- ---------- --------- --------- --------- ---------- ----------
Administrative expenses 33,893 33,447 666 7,267 34,559 40,714
--------------------------------- ---------- --------- --------- --------- ---------- ----------
Total operating costs 1,166,932 953,605 18,425 56,792 1,185,357 1,010,397
--------------------------------- ---------- --------- --------- --------- ---------- ----------
* This represents the difference between operating profit
prepared under IAS 41 and operating profit prepared under
historical cost accounting, which forms part of the reconciliation
to adjusted operating profit.
5. Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share amounts are calculated by dividing net
profit for the year attributable to members of the parent company
of GBP67,178,000 (2016: GBP45,395,000) by the weighted average
number of shares outstanding during the year. In calculating
diluted earnings per share amounts, the weighted average number of
shares is adjusted for the weighted average number of ordinary
shares that would be issued on the conversion of all dilutive
potential ordinary shares into ordinary shares.
The weighted average number of ordinary shares for both basic
and diluted amounts was as per the table below:
2017 2016
Thousands Thousands
----------------------------------------- ---------- ----------
Basic weighted average number of shares 50,191 49,601
Dilutive potential ordinary shares -
share options 195 191
----------------------------------------- ---------- ----------
50,386 49,792
----------------------------------------- ---------- ----------
Adjusted earnings per share are calculated using the weighted
average number of shares for both basic and diluted amounts as
detailed above (see Note 11).
6. Dividends
Subject to Shareholders' approval the final dividend will be
paid on 1 September 2017 to Shareholders on the register at the
close of business on 30 June 2017.
7. Analysis of changes in net (debt)/funds
At Cash Other At
31 March flow non-cash 31 March
2016 changes 2017
Group GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------- ---------- --------- ---------- ----------
Cash and cash equivalents 17,817 (13,710) - 4,107
Revolving credit - (14,904) (91) (14,995)
Finance lease and hire
purchase contracts - 229 (370) (141)
--------------------------- ---------- --------- ---------- ----------
Net (debt)/funds 17,817 (28,385) (461) (11,029)
--------------------------- ---------- --------- ---------- ----------
Net (debt)/funds is defined as cash and cash equivalents less
interest-bearing liabilities net of unamortised issue costs.
8. Related party transactions
During the year the Group and Company entered into transactions,
in the ordinary course of business, with related parties, including
transactions between the Company and its subsidiary undertakings.
In the Group accounts transactions between the Company and its
subsidiaries are eliminated on consolidation but these transactions
are reported for the Company below:
Services Interest Dividends
rendered paid to received
to related related from related
Company party party party
GBP'000
GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------ ------------ --------- --------------
Related party - Subsidiaries
2017 24,701 3,921 24,902
2016 20,200 4,071 14,593
Amounts owed by or to subsidiary undertakings are unsecured and
repayable on demand.
9. Discontinued operations
On 23 July 2016, the Group sold its shareholding in The Sandwich
Factory Holdings Limited ('The Sandwich Factory'). The sale allows
the Group to focus on its portfolio of high growth, premium product
categories.
The results of discontinued operations, which have been
separately disclosed as a single line item at the foot of the Group
income statement, were as follows:
2017 2016
Results of discontinued operations GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Revenue 18,761 53,290
Expenses (18,425) (52,157)
Impairment of goodwill - (4,635)
-------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Operating profit/(loss) 336 (3,502)
Finance income 35 103
-------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Profit/(loss) before tax from
discontinued operations 371 (3,399)
Income tax expense on ordinary activities
of the discontinued operations (74) (254)
Profit on sale of business 4,539 -
------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Profit/(loss) after tax from discontinued
operations 4,836 (3,653)
-------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Earnings per share from discontinued
operations
Basic earnings per share 9.6 (7.4)
Diluted earnings per share 9.6 (7.3)
====================================== ==== ======
Statement of cash flows
The statement of cash flows includes the following
amounts relating to discontinued operations:
Operating activities (1,267) 559
Investing activities (386) (722)
Financing activities 35 103
--------------------------------------- -------- ------
Net cash from discontinued operations (1,618) (60)
--------------------------------------- -------- ------
A profit of GBP4.5 million arose on the sale of The Sandwich
Factory, being the difference between the cash proceeds and the
carrying value of net assets plus attributable goodwill as
follows:
GBP'000
------------------------------------------------- --------
The net assets which were sold were as follows:
Intangible assets - Goodwill 6,967
Property, plant and equipment 2,601
Inventories 1,086
Trade and other receivables 9,311
Trade and other payables (8,980)
------------------------------------------------- --------
10,985
------------------------------------------------- --------
GBP'000
--------------------------------------- --------
Cash proceeds received 16,238
Cash and cash equivalents surrendered (534)
Legal costs incurred, settled in cash (180)
15,524
--------------------------------------- --------
Profit on sale of business 4,539
---------------------------- ------
10. Acquisitions
Cranswick Country Foods Ballymena
On 16 November 2016, the Group acquired 100 per cent of the
issued share capital of Dunbia Ballymena (renamed Cranswick Country
Foods Ballymena) for a total consideration of GBP18.1 million
including GBP3.4 million settlement of intercompany creditors due
to the previous owner and a deferred consideration of GBP1.3
million. The principal activity of Cranswick Country Foods
Ballymena is primary pig processing. The acquisition enhances
Cranswick's pig processing capability and establishes a significant
presence in Northern Ireland.
Fair values of the net assets at the date of acquisition were as
follows:
Provisional
fair
value
GBP'000
-------------------------------------------- ------------
Net assets acquired:
Customer relationships 1,701
Property, plant and equipment 1,746
Inventories 598
Trade and other receivables 8,219
Bank and cash balances 212
Trade and other payables (6,333)
Corporation tax liability (368)
Deferred tax liability (252)
Provisions (274)
-------------------------------------------- ------------
5,249
Goodwill arising on acquisition 9,528
-------------------------------------------- ------------
Cost of acquisition 14,777
-------------------------------------------- ------------
Satisfied by:
Cash 13,527
Contingent consideration 1,250
-------------------------------------------- ------------
Net cash outflow arising on acquisition:
Cash consideration paid 13,527
Creditors repaid 3,353
Cash and cash equivalents acquired (212)
-------------------------------------------- ------------
16,668
-------------------------------------------- ------------
Intercompany loans were repaid on completion giving a total
consideration for the acquisition of GBP18,130,000. The fair values
on acquisition are provisional due to the timing of the transaction
and will be finalised within twelve months of the acquisition
date.
All of the trade receivables acquired are expected to be
collected in full.
Included in the GBP9,528,000 of goodwill recognised above are
certain intangible assets that cannot be individually separated
from the acquiree and reliably measured due to their nature. These
items include the expected value of synergies and an assembled
workforce.
Transaction costs in relation to the acquisition of GBP0.3
million have been expensed within administrative expenses.
Contingent consideration
The agreement includes contingent consideration payable in cash
to the previous owners of Cranswick Country Foods Ballymena based
on obtaining a licence to export to China. The amount payable will
be either GBPnil or GBP1.25 million. The fair value of the
contingent consideration on acquisition was estimated at GBP1.25
million, undiscounted in the table above.
Crown Chicken
On 8 April 2016, the Group acquired 100 per cent of the issued
share capital of CCL Holdings Limited and its wholly owned
subsidiary Crown Chicken Limited ('Crown') for net cash
consideration of GBP39.4 million. The principal activities of Crown
Chicken Limited are the breeding, rearing and processing of fresh
chicken, as well as the milling of grain for the production of
animal feed. The acquisition provides the Group with a fully
integrated supply chain for its growing poultry business.
Fair values of the net assets at the date of acquisition were as
follows:
Fair
value
GBP'000
-------------------------------------------- ---------
Net assets acquired:
Customer relationships 2,938
Property, plant and equipment 17,501
Biological assets 4,805
Inventories 1,865
Trade and other receivables 9,946
Bank and cash balances 3,946
Trade and other payables (7,900)
Corporation tax liability (584)
Deferred tax liability (2,548)
Finance lease obligations (370)
-------------------------------------------- ---------
29,599
Goodwill arising on acquisition 13,721
-------------------------------------------- ---------
Total consideration 43,320
-------------------------------------------- ---------
Satisfied by:
Cash 43,320
Net cash outflow arising on acquisition:
Cash consideration paid 43,320
Cash and cash equivalents acquired (3,946)
-------------------------------------------- ---------
39,374
-------------------------------------------- ---------
All of the trade receivables acquired have been collected in
full.
Included in the GBP13,721,000 of goodwill recognised above are
certain intangible assets that cannot be individually separated
from the acquiree and reliably measured due to their nature. These
items include the expected value of synergies and an assembled
workforce and the strategic benefits of vertical integration
including security of supply.
Transaction costs in relation to the acquisition of GBP0.4
million have been expensed within administrative expenses.
11. Alternative performance measures
The Board monitors performance principally through adjusted and
like-for-like performance measures. Adjusted profit and earnings
per share measures exclude certain non-cash items including the net
IAS 41 valuation movement on biological assets, amortisation of
acquired intangible assets, profit on sale of a business and
goodwill impairment charges. Free cash flow is defined as net cash
from operating activities less net interest paid and like-for-like
revenue is defined as total revenue less revenue from entities
acquired during the year.
The Board believes that such alternative measures are useful as
they exclude volatile (net IAS 41 valuation movement on biological
assets), one-off (impairment of goodwill and profit on sale of a
business) and non-cash (amortisation of intangible assets) items
which are normally disregarded by investors, analysts and brokers
in gaining a clearer understanding of the underlying performance of
the Group when making investment and other decisions. Equally,
like-for-like revenue provides these same stakeholders with a
clearer understanding of the organic sales growth of the
business.
Like-for-like revenue
2017 2016 Change
GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------- ---------- ---------- -------
Revenue 1,245,058 1,016,314 +22.5%
Crown Chicken (82,561) -
Ballymena (17,260) -
Like-for-like revenue 1,145,237 1,016,314 +12.7%
----------------------- ---------- ---------- -------
Adjusted operating profit
2017 2016 Change
GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------------------- --------- --------- -------
Group operating profit 78,126 62,709 +24.6%
Net IAS 41 valuation movement (4,116) 951
Amortisation of customer relationship
intangible assets 2,108 1,396
Adjusted Group operating profit 76,118 65,056 +17.0%
--------------------------------------- --------- --------- -------
Adjusted profit before tax
2017 2016 Change
GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------------------- --------- --------- -------
Profit before tax 77,487 62,070 +24.8%
Net IAS 41 valuation movement (4,116) 951
Amortisation of customer relationship
intangible assets 2,108 1,396
Adjusted profit before tax 75,479 64,417 +17.2%
--------------------------------------- --------- --------- -------
Adjusted earnings per share
2017 2017 2017 2016 2016 2016
Basic Diluted Basic Diluted
GBP'000 pence pence GBP'000 pence pence
----------------------------------- --------- ------- --------- --------- ------- ---------
On profit for the year
from continuing operations 62,342 124.2 123.7 49,048 98.9 98.5
Amortisation of customer
relationship intangible
assets 2,108 4.2 4.2 1,396 2.8 2.8
Tax on amortisation of
customer relationship intangible
assets (379) (0.7) (0.7) (251) (0.5) (0.5)
Net IAS 41 valuation movement (4,116) (8.2) (8.2) 951 1.9 1.9
Tax on net IAS 41 valuation
movement 700 1.4 1.4 (171) (0.3) (0.3)
On adjusted profit for
the year from continuing
operations 60,655 120.9 120.4 50,973 102.8 102.4
----------------------------------- --------- ------- --------- --------- ------- ---------
2017 2017 2017 2016 2016 2016
Basic Diluted Basic Diluted
GBP'000 pence pence GBP'000 pence pence
--------------------------------- --------- ------- --------- --------- ------- ---------
On profit for the year 67,178 133.8 133.3 45,395 91.5 91.2
Amortisation of customer
relationship intangible assets 2,108 4.2 4.2 1,396 2.8 2.8
Tax on amortisation of customer
relationship intangible assets (379) (0.7) (0.7) (251) (0.5) (0.5)
Net IAS 41 valuation movement (4,116) (8.2) (8.2) 951 1.9 1.9
Tax on net IAS 41 valuation
movement 700 1.4 1.4 (171) (0.3) (0.3)
Impairment of goodwill - - - 4,635 9.3 9.3
Profit on sale of business (4,539) (9.0) (9.0) - - -
On adjusted profit for the
year 60,952 121.5 121.0 51,955 104.7 104.4
--------------------------------- --------- ------- --------- --------- ------- ---------
Free cash flow
2017 2016 Change
GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------ --------- --------- -------
Net cash from operating activities 72,890 83,834 -13.1%
Net interest paid (528) (443)
==================================== ========= ========= =======
Free cash flow 72,362 83,391 -13.2%
------------------------------------ --------- --------- -------
12. Report and accounts
The Report and Accounts will be available on the Company's
website at www.cranswick.plc.uk on 23 June 2017. Further copies
will be available upon request from the Company Secretary,
Cranswick plc, 74 Helsinki Road, Sutton Fields, Hull, HU7 0YW.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
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