IG Design Group PLC Trading Update (2189L)
April 18 2018 - 2:00AM
UK Regulatory
TIDMIGR
RNS Number : 2189L
IG Design Group PLC
18 April 2018
18 April 2018
IG Design Group PLC
(the "Company", the "Group" or "Design Group")
Trading update
Increasing revenue and improved margins driving strong
growth
IG Design Group plc, one of the world's leading designers,
innovators and manufacturers of gift packaging, greetings,
stationery, creative play products and giftware, announces a
trading update in relation to the year ended 31 March 2018.
The Group's trading accelerated in the second half of the year
with all regions delivering strong revenue growth and increased
profits. As a result the Board anticipates a full year of overall
progress and financial performance in line with management
expectations.
The Company's results for the full year to 31 March 2018 will be
announced on 11 June 2018.
Highlights
- The Group's gross and net margins have increased driven by
strong performances across all of the Company's global operations,
with the previously flagged cost headwinds having been effectively
mitigated
- Net cash ended the financial year positive, after having
completed the acquisition of Biscay Greetings in Australia, the
disposal of part of the Hirwaun site in the UK and with record
levels of capital expenditure invested during the year
- Average leverage during the year is expected to have been
below 1.5 x EBITDA (FY17, 2.3x EBITDA)
- The Board remains committed to its progressive dividend policy
and is considering increasing the Company's earnings pay-out ratio
in future periods, to reflect both the improved financial
performance of the Group and the positive outlook of the
Directors
Americas
In the USA, the business has delivered significant overall
profit growth during the year driven by increased revenues and
margins resulting from improvements in the mix of product
categories and customer channels.
The project to upgrade IT systems to drive further efficiencies
and provide a platform for significant further growth has
progressed on time and on budget.
Australia
In Australia, organic sales and profits have advanced driven by
growth from existing and new customers and channels. The
acquisition of Biscay Greetings, completed in January 2018 has been
swiftly integrated into the region's operations, with all
anticipated synergies on track to be delivered in FY19.
UK
In the UK the Company benefitted from the unification of its
three businesses under one leadership team, delivering increased
revenue and profits in the year.
Production of a new, related product category ('not for resale'
paper bags predominantly for the fashion and cosmetics industry)
commenced successfully in September 2017. This operation offers
incremental opportunities whilst leveraging many of the Company's
existing capabilities. The UK is now well placed for future sales
and profits growth.
Continental Europe
In Continental Europe, a record overall performance was achieved
as a result of stronger sales and improved efficiencies.
Furthermore, during the year a new high-speed printing press was
installed, which became operational in March 2018. This further
enhances both capability and capacity within the Group's
Celebrations product business.
Commenting on the year's performance, Paul Fineman, Group CEO,
said:
"We are delighted with our performance in FY18 and that we have
such positive momentum across all areas of our Group.
It is particularly pleasing to have achieved significant bottom
line growth whilst also investing in the Group. This achievement is
testament to the global nature of our business and the extent to
which we have diversified and de-risked the Group.
We look forward to continuing to build the business both
organically and by compelling M&A."
This announcement contains inside information
- Ends -
For further information, please contact:
IG Design Group plc Tel: 0152 588 7310
Paul Fineman, Chief Executive
Giles Willits, Chief Financial Officer
Cenkos Securities plc Tel: 0207 397 8900
Bobbie Hilliam
Alma PR Tel: 0203 865 9667
Rebecca Sanders-Hewett designgroup@almapr.co.uk
Susie Hudson
Sam Modlin
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
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