TIDMCFX
RNS Number : 0694B
Colefax Group PLC
28 January 2020
AIM: CFX
28 January 2020
COLEFAX GROUP PLC
("Colefax" or the "Group")
Half Year Results
for the six months ended 31 October 2019
Colefax is an international designer and distributor of
furnishing fabrics & wallpapers and owns a leading interior
decorating business. The Group trades under five brand names,
serving different segments of the soft furnishings marketplace;
these are Colefax and Fowler, Cowtan & Tout, Jane Churchill,
Manuel Canovas and Larsen.
Highlights
-- Group sales down 5.3% to GBP42.98m (2018: GBP45.38m)
and by 7.4% on a constant currency basis
-- Core Fabric Division sales down 1.1% to GBP36.50m (2018:
GBP36.89m) and by 3.8% on a constant currency basis
-- US down by 3.0%, UK down by 5.8%, Europe down by
2.8%
-- Decorating Division sales down 26.8% to GBP5.23m (2018:
GBP7.14m) against a strong prior year comparative
-- profit before tax of GBP255,000 (2018: GBP738,000)
-- Group profit before tax down 20.4% to GBP2.88m (2018:
GBP3.62m)
-- Earnings per share decreased by 14.3% to 23.9p (2018:
27.9p)
-- Cash increased by GBP1.63m to GBP11.09m (30 April 2019:
GBP9.46m)
-- Interim dividend up by 4.0% to 2.6p per share (2018:
2.5p)
David Green, Chairman, said:
"The Group's performance over the last six months reflects
difficult trading conditions in most of our major markets. This was
not entirely unexpected given Brexit uncertainty and the low level
of high end housing transactions in the US and the UK. In addition
our Decorating Division returned to more normal levels of activity
following an exceptional performance last year.
"During the period we were able to benefit from the Brexit
related weakness of Sterling against the Dollar which may not
continue in the future. In the US a strong stock market is usually
positively correlated with sales but we have yet to see a
significant improvement in trading. Following the decisive UK
election result we detect an improvement in business confidence but
sales prospects in the UK and Europe are still linked to the
outcome of trade deal negotiations with the EU.
"The Group has a strong balance sheet with cash of GBP11.09
million. Although we expect trading conditions to remain relatively
challenging we are well placed to take advantage of any
improvements in market conditions and will continue to invest with
confidence in our portfolio of luxury brands and our worldwide
distribution network."
This announcement contains inside information within the meaning
of the Market Abuse Regulation. The person responsible for
arranging release of this announcement on behalf of Colefax Group
plc is Rob Barker, Finance Director.
Enquiries:
Colefax Group plc David Green, Chief Tel: 020 7318 6021
Executive
Rob Barker, Finance
Director
KTZ Communications Katie Tzouliadis, Dan Tel: 020 3178 6378
Mahoney
Peel Hunt LLP Adrian Trimmings, Andrew Tel: 020 7418 8900
Clark
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
Financial Results
Group sales for the six months to 31 October 2019 decreased by
5.3% to GBP42.98 million (2018: GBP45.38 million) and by 7.4% on a
constant currency basis. Pre-tax profits decreased by 20.4% to
GBP2.88 million (2018: GBP3.62 million). Earnings per share
decreased by 14.3% to 23.9p (2018: 27.9p). The Group ended the
first half of the year with cash of GBP11.09 million (30 April
2019: GBP9.46m).
The main reason for the decrease in profits in the first six
months was a reduction in profit from our Decorating Division which
made profits of GBP255,000 compared to GBP738,000 last year. In our
core Fabric Division sales declined by 1.1% and by 3.8% on a
constant currency basis reflecting challenging trading conditions
in most of our major markets.
Our interim results for the current period reflect the adoption
of IFRS 16 'Leases'. As permitted, prior year comparatives have not
been restated. Although IFRS 16 has no impact on the Group's cash
flow it does significantly alter the content of the Group's income
statement and balance sheet. Property leases which were previously
expensed as rent on a straight line basis over the life of the
lease are now recorded in the balance sheet as a right of use asset
and a corresponding lease liability. Rent expensed in the income
statement has been replaced by an amortisation charge on the right
of use asset and a notional finance charge on the lease liability.
The impact of adopting IFRS 16 is an increase in operating profit
of GBP514,000 but a decrease in profit before tax of
GBP129,000.
In line with our progressive dividend policy the Board has
decided to increase the interim dividend by 4.0% to 2.6p per share
(2018: 2.5p). The interim dividend will be paid on 9 April 2020 to
shareholders on the register at the close of business on 13 March
2020.
Product Division
-- Fabric Division - Portfolio of five brands: "Colefax and
Fowler", "Cowtan and Tout", "Jane Churchill", "Manuel Canovas" and
"Larsen".
Sales in the Fabric Division, which represent 85% of the Group's
sales, decreased by 1.1% to GBP36.50 million (2018: GBP36.89
million) and by 3.8% on a constant currency basis. Profits
decreased by 5.4% to GBP2.64 million (2018: GBP2.79 million).
Sales in the US, which represent 62% of the Fabric Division's
turnover, increased by 1.5% in reported terms but declined by 3.0%
on a constant currency basis. The profit impact of the decline in
sales was largely offset by a strong US Dollar versus Sterling
exchange rate which averaged $1.25 compared to $1.30 for the prior
year The overall US economy is healthy with a buoyant stock market
and low unemployment. We believe that the relatively difficult
trading conditions we have experienced are linked to a decline in
luxury home transactions driven by reductions in mortgage interest
relief and other property tax deductions. The impact varies by
state and is reflected in greater regional variations in sales
performance.
During the period we completed the main phase of our Los Angeles
showroom refurbishment and expect the remaining work to be finished
by February. Over the next year we will focus on moving the
majority of our US warehouse operation into our new UK warehouse
facility. Although this will involve some one-off costs it will
improve our operational efficiency and result in significantly
lower premises costs in New York.
Sales in the UK, which represent 17% of the Fabric Division's
turnover, declined by 5.8% during the period. Trading conditions
have been challenging and we mainly attribute this to a very
subdued high end housing market caused by high rates of stamp duty
and Brexit uncertainty. Whilst our business is not wholly linked to
high end housing transactions it does tend to lag changes in
activity levels. The result of the recent General Election has
removed political uncertainty and improved confidence but it will
take time for this to feed through to our business.
Sales in Continental Europe, which represent 19% of the Fabric
Division's turnover, decreased by 2.6% on a reported basis and by
2.8% on a constant currency basis. Trading in most of our European
markets has been weak and this reflects a lack of confidence in the
wider economy. In France, which is our largest market in Europe,
sales were down by 7.7% due to a significant contract order in the
prior year. Sales in Germany declined by 2.7% but Italy increased
by 4.3%. Overall sales in Europe have shown a gradual decline over
the last three years and we think this trend is likely to continue
in the short to medium term. Brexit uncertainty has not helped
business confidence and a free trade deal with the UK is very
important to the Group because there are no simple solutions for
mitigating the effect of a hard Brexit.
Sales in the Rest of the World, which represent 2% of the Fabric
Division's turnover, decreased by 14.4% on a constant currency
basis. Our major markets comprise the Middle East, China and
Australia and for different reasons all of these markets
experienced difficult trading conditions. We expect the Rest of The
World to remain a relatively small proportion of Fabric Division
sales.
-- Furniture - Kingcome Sofas
Sales for the six months to October 2019 decreased by 8.1% to
GBP1.25 million (2018: GBP1.36 million) and the Company made an
operating profit of GBP51,000 compared to GBP102,000 in 2018. The
majority of furniture sales are made in the UK, especially London
and the decline in sales and profit reflects a weak high end
housing market and Brexit uncertainty. Currently the order book is
slightly ahead of last year and we believe that the decisive
election result will have a positive impact on future trading.
Interior Decorating Division
Decorating sales, which account for just over 12% of Group
turnover, decreased by 26.8% in the period to GBP5.23 million
(2018: GBP7.14 million) and generated a first half profit of
GBP255,000 compared to a profit of GBP738,000 for the same period
last year. This performance was in line with expectations and
follows an exceptionally strong performance by the Decorating
Division last year. Decorating sales vary according to the timing
of projects and can sometimes change for reasons beyond our
control. Currently decorating deposits are significantly down
against a strong prior year comparative and trading in the second
half of the year is likely to be weaker than previously
expected.
Prospects
The Group's performance over the last six months reflects
difficult trading conditions in most of our major markets. This was
not entirely unexpected given Brexit uncertainty and the low level
of high end housing transactions in the US and the UK. In addition
our Decorating Division has experienced lower levels of activity
following an exceptional performance last year.
During the period we were able to benefit from the Brexit
related weakness of Sterling against the Dollar which may not
continue in the future. In the US a strong stock market is usually
positively correlated with sales but we have yet to see a
significant improvement in trading. Following the decisive UK
election result we detect an improvement in business confidence but
sales prospects in the UK and Europe are still linked to the
outcome of trade deal negotiations with the EU. A free trade deal
is particularly important to the Group because we have significant
European imports and exports. Our business is highly operationally
geared and needs modest sales growth to prosper. Our response to
difficult trading conditions has been to focus on cash flow and run
the business in a conservative manner. Over the next twelve months
the consolidation of most of our US warehouse operations in the UK
will help offset significant increases in premises costs and
improve business efficiency.
The Group has a strong balance sheet with cash of GBP11.09
million. Although we expect trading conditions to remain relatively
challenging we are well placed to take advantage of any
improvements in market conditions and will continue to invest with
confidence in our portfolio of luxury brands and our worldwide
distribution network.
David Green
Chairman
INTERIM GROUP INCOME STATEMENT
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Six months Six months Year to
to 31 to 31 30 April
Oct 2019 Oct 2018 2019
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Revenue 42,979 45,384 86,355
Profit from operations 3,515 3,623 5,070
Finance income 14 3 25
Finance expense * (647) (1) -
(633) 2 25
Profit before taxation 2,882 3,625 5,095
Tax expense (740) (906) (1,265)
Profit for the period attributable to
equity holders of the parent 2,142 2,719 3,830
Basic earnings per share 23.9p 27.9p 39.3p
Diluted earnings per share 23.9p 27.9p 39.3p
* The increase in finance expense is due to the adoption of IFRS
16 'Leases'. We have used the modified retrospective approach and
as a result, the prior year comparatives have not been
restated.
INTERIM GROUP STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE
INCOME
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Six months Six months Year to
to 31 to 31 30 April
Oct 2019 Oct 2018 2019
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Profit for the year 2,142 2,719 3,830
Other comprehensive income / (expense):
Items that will not be reclassified to
profit and loss:
Remeasurement of defined benefit pension
scheme - - (28)
Tax relating to items that will not be
reclassified to profit and loss - - 11
----------- ----------- ----------
- - (17)
Items that will or may be reclassified
to profit and loss:
Exchange differences on translation of
foreign operations (269) 838 209
Cash flow hedges:
Losses recognised directly in equity (84) (145) (157)
Transferred to profit and loss for the
year 104 73 177
Tax relating to items that will or may
be reclassified to profit and loss (13) (125) (104)
----------- ----------- ----------
(262) 641 125
Total other comprehensive income / (expense) (262) 641 108
Total comprehensive income for the period
attributable to equity holders of the
parent 1,880 3,360 3,938
---------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
INTERIM GROUP STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
At 31 Oct At 31 At 30 April
2019 Oct 2018 2019
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Non-current assets:
Right of use assets* 27,665 - -
Property, plant and equipment 8,102 8,980 8,215
Deferred tax asset 110 188 113
Pension asset - 37 -
35,877 9,205 8,328
Current assets:
Inventories and work in progress 14,554 15,963 14,923
Trade and other receivables 10,378 11,692 11,265
Cash and cash equivalents 11,086 11,078 9,458
36,018 38,733 35,646
--------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ------------
Current liabilities:
Trade and other payables 17,804 14,576 14,847
Current corporation tax 639 708 669
18,443 15,284 15,516
---------- ---------- ------------
Net current assets 17,575 23,449 20,130
---------- ---------- ------------
Total assets less current liabilities 53,452 32,654 28,458
--------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ------------
Non-current liabilities:
Lease liabilities* 25,339 - -
Deferred rent* - 1,977 1,992
Deferred tax liability 35 151 26
Pension liability 1 - 1
---------- ---------- ------------
Net assets 28,077 30,526 26,439
======================================= ========== ========== ============
Capital and reserves attributable to
equity holders of the Company:
Called up share capital 902 981 902
Share premium account 11,148 11,148 11,148
Capital redemption reserve 1,972 1,893 1,972
ESOP share reserve (114) (113) (113)
Foreign exchange reserve 1,990 2,857 2,267
Cash flow hedge reserve - (90) (16)
Retained earnings 12,179 13,850 10,279
Total equity 28,077 30,526 26,439
======================================= ========== ========== ============
* The figures for ROU assets, lease liabilities and the absence
of deferred rent are due to the adoption of IFRS 16 'Leases'. We
have used the modified retrospective approach and as a result the
prior year comparatives have not been restated.
INTERIM GROUP STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Six months Six months Year to
to 31 Oct to 31 Oct 30 April
2019 2018 2019
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Operating activities
Profit before taxation 2,882 3,625 5,095
Finance income (14) (3) (25)
Finance expense 647 1 -
(Profit) / loss on disposal of property,
plant and equipment (17) (7) 8
Amortisation of lease liabilities 2,127 - -
Depreciation 1,353 1,406 2,800
----------- ----------- ----------
Cash flows from operations before changes
in working capital 6,978 5,022 7,878
Decrease / (increase) in inventories
and work in progress 377 (1,687) 1,765
Decrease / (increase) in trade and other
receivables 929 (280) 47
(Decrease) / increase in trade and other
payables (2,035) 535 (1,783)
Cash generated from operations 6,249 3,590 7,907
----------- ----------- ----------
Taxation paid
UK corporation tax paid (351) (20) (374)
Overseas tax paid (427) (503) (606)
-----------
(778) (523) (980)
----------- ----------- ----------
Net cash inflow from operating activities 5,471 3,067 6,927
----------- ----------- ----------
Investing activities
Payments to acquire property, plant
and equipment (1,203) (1,271) (2,046)
Receipts from sales of property, plant
and equipment 27 7 14
Interest received 14 3 25
Net cash outflow from investing (1,162) (1,261) (2,007)
----------- ----------- ----------
Financing activities
Cash payment of lease liabilities (2,526) - -
Purchase of own shares - - (4,421)
Interest paid - (1) -
Equity dividends paid (242) (253) (497)
Net cash outflow from financing (2,768) (254) (4,918)
----------- ----------- ----------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 1,541 1,552 2
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
of period 9,458 9,177 9,177
Exchange gains / (losses) on cash and
cash equivalents 87 349 279
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
period 11,086 11,078 9,458
------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
NOTES
1. The Group prepares its annual financial statements in accordance
with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). These
interim results have been prepared in accordance with the accounting
policies expected to be applied in the next annual financial
statements for the year ending 30 April 2020.
These standards and interpretations are subject to ongoing review
and endorsement by the EU or possible amendment by interpretive
guidance from the International Financial Reporting Interpretations
Committee ('IFRIC') and are therefore still subject to change.
2. During the financial period ended 31 October 2019, the Company
paid a final dividend for the year ended 30 April 2019 of 2.70p
per ordinary share amounting to GBP242,000.
The proposed interim dividend of 2.60p (2018: 2.50p) per share
is payable on 9 April 2020 to qualifying shareholders on the
register at the close of business on 13 March 2020.
3. Basic earnings per share have been calculated on the basis of
earnings of GBP2,142,000 (2018: GBP2,719,000) and on 8,962,000
(2018: 9,747,000) ordinary shares being the weighted average
number of ordinary shares in issue during the period.
4. Diluted earnings per share have been calculated on the basis
of earnings of GBP2,142,000 (2018: GBP2,719,000) and on 8,962,000
(2018: 9,747,000) ordinary shares being the weighted average
number of ordinary shares in the period adjusted to assume conversion
of all dilutive potential ordinary shares of nil (2018: nil).
5. The financial information for the year ended 30 April 2019 does
not constitute the full statutory accounts for that period. The
Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 30
April 2019 have been filed with the Registrar of Companies. The
Independent Auditors' Report on the Annual Report and Financial
Statements for the year ended 30 April 2019 was unqualified,
did not draw attention to any matters by way of emphasis, and
did not contain a statement under 498(2) or 498(3) of the Companies
Act 2006.
6. Copies of the interim report are being sent to shareholders and
will be available from the Group's website on www.colefaxgroupplc.com.
Copies will also be made available on request to members of the
public at the Company's registered office at 19-23 Grosvenor
Hill, London W1K 3QD.
This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the
London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct
Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United
Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution
of this information may apply. For further information, please
contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.
END
IR KKOBNOBKDPDB
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