REG - Cranswick PLC - Interim Results
23/11/2021 07:00
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RNS Number : 1899T Cranswick PLC 23 November 2021
CRANSWICK plc: INTERIM RESULTS
Continued positive and sustainable progress
23 November 2021
Cranswick plc ("Cranswick" or "the Company" or "the Group"), a leading UK food
producer, today announces its unaudited results for the 26 weeks ended 25
September 2021.
Commercial and strategic progress:
· Strong like-for-like† revenue growth of 6.4% driving an 11.5%
increase in adjusted EPS
· Significant uplift in Poultry sales following the successful
capacity expansion at Eye
· Expansion of Convenience category following two complementary
bolt-on acquisitions, further strengthening our non-meat range
· New £31m Breaded Poultry facility on track for completion in early
FY23
· Total capital expenditure of £41m across the Group's asset base to
support strong growth pipeline
· Unprecedented industry wide labour and supply chain challenges
being well managed with excellent customer service levels maintained
· Cost inflation being proactively managed and recovered
Sustainability highlights:
· All 14 eligible(¥) manufacturing sites now certified carbon
neutral
· Science Based Targets (SBTi) aligned with efforts to limit global
warming to 1.5 degrees under the Paris Agreement now validated, with a
commitment to halve Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions by 2030 and achieve Net Zero
status by 2040
· Sustainability linked refinancing of the Group's bank facility
successfully completed post period end
· Commitment to purchasing 100% certified deforestation-free soya(±)
Financial highlights*:
2021 2020 Change Change
(Reported) (Like-for-like†)
Revenue £993.1m £931.6m +6.6% +6.4%
Adjusted Group operating profit £69.6m £62.0m +12.3%
Adjusted Group operating margin 7.0% 6.7% +35bps
Adjusted profit before tax £68.3m £60.7m +12.5%
Adjusted earnings per share 103.5p 92.8p +11.5%
· Statutory profit before tax 17.7% higher at £63.2m (2020:
£53.7m)
· Statutory earnings per share up 16.8% to 95.7p (2020: 81.9p)
· Interim dividend increased by 7.0% to 20.0p (2020: 18.7p)
· Return on capital employed(‡) 127bps higher at 17.8% (2020:
16.6%)
· Net debt (excluding IFRS 16 lease liabilities) of £18.6m (2020:
£54.6m and March 2021: £20.8m)
· Robust balance sheet with £250m of bank facilities providing
generous headroom following refinancing
Adam Couch, Cranswick's Chief Executive Officer commented:
"We have made further positive and sustainable progress during the first half
of the year, delivering revenue and earnings growth in an incredibly
challenging operating environment.
"We continue to invest in the long-term sustainability of our business. We
have made excellent headway in delivering our Second Nature sustainability
strategy with several major milestones reached during the period. These
include achieving carbon neutral status across all 14 of our eligible
manufacturing facilities and committing to purchasing 100% deforestation-free
soya which we expect will result in a c.20% reduction in carbon compared to
the previous system.
"We also continue to invest heavily in our people, in our product range and in
capacity and capability across our asset base. Our new £31m Breaded Poultry
facility is on track for completion in early FY23; when completed, this will
be our fourth new-build production facility commission in the last five years
with a combined total investment of over £180m.
"I would like to thank our customers, suppliers and all my colleagues for
their ongoing support, understanding and resilience during this very demanding
period.
"Our outlook for the current year is unchanged and we have a solid platform
from which to continue Cranswick's successful long-term development."
(¥) Eligible sites exclude new sites commissioned or acquired in the financial
year. These sites will receive certification during the next financial year.
(±) Cranswick has committed to switching to a full mass balance soya purchasing
system. This covers 50% of the soya used by the business. The remaining 50% of
the soya is purchased from deforestation-free sources in North America.
* 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 14.
† For comparative purposes, like-for-like revenues exclude the current year
contribution from current year acquisitions prior to the anniversary of their
purchase.
‡ Return on capital employed is defined as adjusted operating profit divided by
the sum of average opening and closing net assets, net debt/(funds), pension
(surplus)/deficit and deferred tax.
Presentation
A conference call for analysts and institutional investors will take place at
9.30 am today. Slides to accompany the call will be sent to registered
participants ahead of the call. Slides will also be available on the company
website. For the dial-in details please contact Powerscourt on the details
below.
Enquiries:
Cranswick plc
Mark Bottomley, Chief Financial
Officer
01482 275 000
Powerscourt
Nick Dibden / Nick Hayns
020 7250 1446
cranswick@powerscourt-group.com
Note to Editors:
Cranswick is a leading and innovative supplier of premium, fresh and added
value food products. The business employs over 12,600 people.
Cranswick was formed in the early 1970s by farmers in East Yorkshire to
produce animal feed and has since evolved into a business which produces a
range of high quality, predominantly fresh food, including fresh pork,
poultry, convenience and gourmet products. The business develops innovative,
great tasting food products to the highest standards of food safety and
traceability. The Group supplies the major grocery multiples as well as the
growing premium and discounter retail channels. Cranswick also has a strong
presence in the 'food-to-go' sector and a substantial export business. For
more information go to: www.cranswick.plc.uk (http://www.cranswick.plc.uk)
Cranswick is committed to ensuring that its business activities are
sustainable from farm-to-fork. Its ambitious sustainability strategy 'Second
Nature' has been developed to deliver the Group's vision to become the world's
most sustainable meat business. Cranswick has committed to be a Net Zero
business across its operations by 2040. Notable achievements to date include:
a. All 14 eligible manufacturing sites certified carbon neutral
b. Meeting the Champions 12.3 target to halve edible food loss and
waste 10 years ahead of the 2030 deadline
c. Removing over 1,500 tonnes of plastic from the business, including
the removal of black plastic and PVC, and increasing the recycled content of
plastic packaging to up to 80%
d. Committing to purchase 100% certified deforestation-free soya
e. All production facilities are now powered by renewable grid
supplied electricity
f. Retaining Tier One Global Business Benchmark on Farm Animal
Welfare (BBFAW) status for the fifth consecutive year
g. Donating over 500,000 meals to local communities
h. Over 1,500 colleagues volunteering as Second Nature 'Changemakers'
to help meet the Group's sustainability goals
i. Sustainability Award Finalists in 2021: The Grocer Gold Awards,
FDF Awards
Find out more at: www.thisissecondnature.co.uk
(http://www.thisissecondnature.co.uk)
Summary
We continue to make positive and sustainable progress during the first half of
the year delivering revenue and earnings growth in an incredibly challenging
operating environment. The character and tenacity of all our colleagues has
again been ably demonstrated and we thank them, along with our customers and
suppliers, for their ongoing support, understanding and resilience.
The positive progress made during the period highlights the robust and
sustainable nature of our business model. Growth has continued in our
domestic market with ongoing elevated retail demand compensating for the
current reduced level of revenue from our Far Eastern export markets,
particularly during the second quarter of the period. The unprecedented,
well publicised, industry wide labour and supply chain challenges have been
well managed with excellent customer service levels maintained. The cost
inflation we are experiencing across a number of our inputs is being
proactively managed and recovered.
The Hull Cooked Bacon facility was successfully commissioned at the beginning
of the period and is performing to plan. Work on the new Breaded Poultry
facility in Hull is progressing well and, when completed in FY23, will be the
fourth new-build production facility commissioned in the last five years.
We strengthened our Convenience category during the period with the
acquisition of Ramona's Kitchen, a supplier of authentic Mediterranean
plant-based foods; and Atlantica UK, a supplier of Spanish tortillas.
Collectively these acquisitions broaden our product offering in this
fast-growing market sector.
Results
Total revenue in the six months was £993.1m, 6.6% higher than the £931.6m
reported in the corresponding period last year. Adjusting for the
acquisition of Atlantica UK in June 2021 and Ramona's Kitchen in August 2021,
the increase in sales on a like-for-like basis was 6.4%.
Adjusted profit before tax for the period at £68.3m was 12.5% higher than the
£60.7m in the corresponding period last year. Adjusted earnings per share on
the same basis was up 11.5% at 103.5p compared to 92.8p in the equivalent
period last year.
Cash flow and financial position
Net debt, excluding IFRS 16 lease liabilities, at the end of the period fell
to £18.6m (2020: £54.6m) reflecting the strong operational performance of
the Group. Post period end the Group refinanced its banking facilities with
a new sustainability linked agreement. The new £250m facility provides
generous headroom. Further details are provided in the Finance review.
Dividend
The interim dividend is being increased by 7.0% to 20.0p per share from 18.7p
per share previously. The interim dividend will be paid on 28 January 2022
to Shareholders on the register at the close of business on 17 December 2021.
Shareholders will again have the option to receive the dividend by way of a
scrip issue.
Outlook
Notwithstanding the challenging operating conditions we are currently
experiencing, the Board is encouraged by the continued strategic and
commercial progress of the business. Our outlook for the current year is
unchanged and we have a solid platform from which to continue Cranswick's
successful long-term development.
Operating review
Revenue and adjusted operating profit
H1 21 H1 20 Change Change
(Reported) (Like-for-like)*
Revenue £993.1m £931.6m +6.6% +6.4%
Adjusted Group operating profit* £69.6m £62.0m +12.3%
Adjusted Group operating margin* 7.0% 6.7% +35bps
Group operating profit £64.5m £55.0m +17.3%
* See Note 14
Revenue
Reported revenue increased by 6.6% to £993.1m. Like-for-like revenue, which
excluded the modest contribution from Ramona's Kitchen and Atlantica UK during
the period, increased by 6.4%, with corresponding volumes ahead by 4.1%.
Exceptionally strong Poultry revenue growth and good progress in our
Convenience and Gourmet Product categories was partly offset by lower Fresh
Pork revenue, with lower retail and export revenue partly compensated by more
volume being directed into the domestic wholesale market. Like-for-like
revenue was 25.5% higher compared to the same period two years ago with all
four categories making a positive contribution.
Adjusted Group operating profit
Adjusted Group operating profit increased by 12.3% to £69.6m with adjusted
Group operating margin improving by 35bps to 7.0%. The profit uplift
reflected the combined benefits of the additional contribution from the
revenue uplift and lower COVID-19 related costs offset by a lower contribution
from Far East exports due to the ongoing suspension of the Norfolk Fresh Pork
site export licence and softer pricing in the Chinese market, particularly in
the second quarter of the period. Also, profit was dampened by inflationary
pressure across a number of cost categories, particularly wage inflation,
although good progress continues to be made in managing and recovering these
incremental costs.
Category review
Fresh Pork
Fresh Pork includes the Group's three primary processing facilities and
associated farming operations and represented 27% of Group revenue.
Like-for-like Fresh Pork revenue was 5.3% below the prior period, primarily
reflecting lower export revenues and capacity constraints resulting from the
shortage of skilled butchers. Fresh Pork retail demand remained buoyant with
volumes falling only marginally from peak pandemic levels.
Far East export revenues were 11.2% down on the same period last year,
reflecting reduced demand from China and the ongoing inability to export to
China from our Norfolk facility due to the voluntary suspension of the site's
China export licence in October 2020 following a COVID-19 outbreak at the
site. Although all necessary audits allowing the site to start exporting
again have been passed, we have no timeline on when the licence will be
reinstated. Despite these challenges, Far East exports were still 10.9% ahead
of the six months to September 2019.
African Swine Fever (ASF) continues to impact the global pig market with the
most recent cases found in the Americas, with both the Dominican Republic and
Haiti reporting cases. While the spread of the virus in Europe appears to be
well controlled, we remain acutely aware of the impact an outbreak of ASF
would have on the UK pig industry and its ability to continue exporting. The
UK industry remains on high alert with intensive biosecurity protocols in
place.
The UK standard pig price (SPP) increased from 141p/kg at the start of the
period to a peak of 161p/kg before reducing to 154p/kg by the end of
September. The increase in pig price through Q1 reflected tight supply and
strong UK and export demand. The reduction in Q2 to 154p/kg, 6p/kg below the
same point a year earlier, reflected downward pressure from lower EU pig
prices together with the well-publicised impact of skilled labour shortages on
the UK industry which limited processing capacity, with the impact expected to
continue into the second half of the year. Over the past 12 months the gap
between the UK and European pig price has widened with the EU pig price
closing at 117p/kg reflecting the continued impact of the ban on exports from
Germany into China.
Convenience
Convenience, which comprises Cooked Meats and Continental Products,
represented 39% of Group revenue. Like-for-like Convenience revenue,
excluding the contribution from acquisitions during the period, increased by
4.9%, with reported revenue growth of 5.4% reflecting increasing consumer
demand for convenient and inspirational food.
Cooked Meats delivered further revenue growth in the period reflecting the
sustained shift in consumer behaviour with elevated in-home consumption levels
continuing alongside the reopening of the food service sector. Traditional
product ranges continue to be supplemented by growth in premium ranges and
value-add products including 'slow cook' and 'sous vide'. These products
continue to meet the changing needs of consumers who are increasingly
demanding more convenient high-quality meals in the home.
Continental Products revenue grew strongly, building on the popularity of
olives and charcuterie products throughout the pandemic. This growth has
been delivered through category expertise and leadership, complemented by the
state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Bury. Further investment in the
facility during the period to support this growth has led to several retail
business wins including a major sole-supply contract in olives and further
growth in Italian charcuterie with one of the site's premium retail customers.
With consumers looking to recreate restaurant quality experiences in the
home, the site has grown its range of sharing platters and has also launched
sharing boxes into its retail customer base and new mixed products into a
national coffee shop chain.
Katsouris Brothers revenue was modestly down year on year reflecting tough
comparatives. During the period focus centred on expanding the complementary
range of authentic Mediterranean products through the acquisition of Ramona's
Kitchen and Atlantica UK. Ramona's Kitchen offers a range of plant-based
Mediterranean foods to several retailers under the Ramona's Kitchen brand
whilst Atlantica UK supplies own brand Spanish Tortillas to the main retail
customer of Katsouris. Both acquisitions create exciting opportunities to
drive further growth in our rapidly expanding Continental Products business.
Gourmet Products
Gourmet Products, which comprise Sausage, Bacon and Pastry, represented 15% of
Group revenue. Category revenue increased by 4.5% in the period.
Sausage revenue was down year on year when set against an exceptionally strong
FY21 summer barbecue season but continued to perform well with ongoing
innovation driving sales of gourmet hot dogs and new summer inspired flavours
across premium ranges. Revenue also reflected a period of lower promotional
activity, partially offset by a recovery in food service sector volumes.
Bacon revenue grew strongly in the period underpinned by the recovery in food
service volumes together with a full contribution from new business wins
secured during the first half of the last financial year. The volume uplift
was augmented by increased sales of premium products which more than offset
lower volumes of traditional gammon and bacon joints.
Sales of Cooked Bacon commenced in the period following the commissioning of
the new Gourmet Kitchen facility in April 2021. Focus in the first half of
the year was on delivering high quality product to the site's anchor Quick
Service Restaurant customer. Progress to date has been in line with
expectations with £5m of further investment earmarked for the site given its
growth prospects.
Pastry revenue improved year on year with the recovery of the food service
business complementing resilient premium retail demand. Sales to the
national coffee shop chains and other 'food-to-go' customers also improved as
this sector gradually reopened.
Poultry
Poultry, which includes Fresh and Cooked Poultry, represented 19% of Group
Revenue. Poultry revenue increased by 35.5% during the period with strong
growth in both Fresh and Cooked Poultry.
Following the successful uplift in processing capacity at Eye to 1.4m birds
per week, retail demand from the site's anchor retail customer has remained
strong, with average volumes in excess of 1.3m birds per week up from 1.1m a
year earlier. This increase has been enabled by the investment in the
agricultural supply chain across milling, hatching and rearing operations,
alongside implementing shift pattern changes at the Eye facility. Further
investment in deboning and portioning capability for value-added portioned
products is planned in H2 to supplement the underlying uplift in processing
capacity.
Growth in Cooked Poultry was exceptionally strong, mirroring the rapid
recovery in the food service sector following the easing of lock-down
restrictions during the period. With the retail sandwich market almost
returning to pre-pandemic levels, sales into the site's major food service
customer have now fully recovered. Growth also reflected a full six-month
contribution from new business with an existing retail customer secured part
way through the corresponding period last year.
Capital expenditure
We continue to invest at pace in our capital base to support both the growth
and sustainability of the business. In the period the Group has invested £41m
across new and existing projects. Investment has centred on automation
projects to mitigate labour challenges and drive efficiency improvements,
lifting capacity and adding capability to support future growth and on 'Second
Nature' sustainability related initiatives.
Investment in growth has continued across all Poultry sites. Strong interest
in the new Hull Breaded Poultry facility, which will be commissioned in early
FY23 and be capable of servicing retail, food service and 'Food to Go'
customers, has led to additional capacity and capability being added to the
original investment case. The total planned investment has increased by £6m
to £31m, with £9m invested to date. At Eye, £2m was spent on the capacity
expansion project and investment is ongoing in additional drum and thigh
deboning capability which will come on stream in Q4. At Cooked Poultry, £1m
has been invested in expanding slicing and despatch capacity.
Investment also continues in efficiency and automation projects across the
Group. £5m has been spent at the Preston Fresh Pork facility on a new
automated 'Deboflex' leg deboning line. A further £2m was spent on additional
slicing capability at the new Cooked Bacon facility. A second convection
cooking line will be installed at this site during H2 at a cost of £5m to
support further business growth. £2m has been invested in automation
projects across all three Cooked Meats sites as well as an additional £2m on
enhanced slicing capability at the Continental and Bacon facilities. A number
of smaller projects were also progressed across the Convenience and Gourmet
businesses to upgrade plant and amenities and to drive further operating
efficiencies.
£9m has been spent on a range of projects including initiatives linked to our
Second Nature sustainability strategy and to strengthen and deepen our
agricultural supply chain. Sustainability linked projects included a new
effluent plant at the Norfolk Fresh Pork facility, solar panelling at Eye,
upgrading the refrigeration plant at Cooked Poultry and electric car charging
facilities at the majority of sites.
Sustainability
We have made further meaningful progress during the period in delivering our
'Second Nature' sustainability strategy which underpins our ambition to be the
world's most sustainable meat business.
As part of our journey to achieve Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040,
we have set a validated 1.5 degree aligned Science Based Targets (SBTi) across
Scope 1 (direct), 2 (power-related) and 3 (indirect) to reduce emissions by
50% across our entire value chain by 2030.
We announced recently that all 14 of our eligible manufacturing sites had been
certified as carbon neutral to the PAS2060 standard which verifies the carbon
reduction programme implemented to date and approves plans to further reduce
emissions. We also announced that going forward we have committed to
purchasing 100% certified deforestation-free soya which is expected to result
in a c.20% reduction in carbon compared with the previous system. This will be
achieved by moving the 50% of soya we source from South America to a 'Full
Mass Balance' system. The remaining 50% is already purchased from
deforestation-free sources in North America.
A new sustainability linked banking facility was successfully agreed on 22
November 2021. This facility links the margin payable to the achievement of
certain annual sustainability targets linked to the Group's Science Based
Targets. Further details of the facility are provided in the Finance review
below.
Finance review
Revenue
Reported revenue increased by 6.6% to £993.1m. Like-for-like revenue,
excluding the contribution from acquisitions in the period, increased by 6.4%.
Adjusted Group operating profit
Adjusted Group operating profit increased by 12.3% to £69.6m (2020: £62.0m).
Adjusted Group operating margin at 7.0% of sales was 35bps ahead of the prior
period and in line with FY21 full year.
Finance costs
Net financing costs at £1.3m were in line with the first half of the prior
year.
On 22 November 2021, the Group successfully refinanced its banking facility.
The new sustainability linked agreement is unsecured and runs to November 2025
with the option to extend by a further year and comprises a revolving credit
facility of £250m, including a committed overdraft of £20m. It also
includes the option to access a further £50m on the same terms at any point
during the term of the agreement. The facility provides the business with
generous headroom for the future. This facility replaces the previous £160m
revolving credit facility and £40m of short-term bilateral loans.
Adjusted profit before tax
Adjusted profit before tax was 12.5% higher at £68.3m (2020: £60.7m).
Taxation
The tax charge of £12.6m gives an effective tax rate of 19.9% (2020: 20.1%).
The effective tax rate is higher than the UK statutory rate of corporation tax
of 19.0% (2020: 19.0%) mainly due to the impact of depreciation on assets not
qualifying for tax relief. The effective tax charge is also impacted by the
130% "super deduction" for investment in qualifying plant and machinery from 1
April 2021 to 31 March 2023. The additional 30% super deduction reduces the
effective rate of tax but this is primarily offset by the corresponding
deferred tax liability arising on those assets, which is expected to unwind at
25%, following the substantive enactment of the 25% UK corporation tax rate,
effective from 1 April 2023.
Adjusted earnings per share
Adjusted earnings per share for the six months to 25 September 2021 rose by
11.5% to 103.5p compared to the 92.8p reported in the corresponding period in
the prior year. The average number of shares in issue was 52,796,000 (2020:
52,361,000).
Statutory profit measures
Statutory profit before tax increased by 17.7% to £63.2m (2020: £53.7m),
statutory Group operating profit was 17.3% higher at £64.5m (2020: £55.0m)
and statutory earnings per share were up 16.8% at 95.7p (2020: 81.9p). Full
reconciliations of these results to the adjusted measures can be found in Note
14.
Cash flow and net debt
Cash generated from operations in the period was £83.4m (2020: £101.6m),
reflecting higher adjusted Group operating profit offset by a working capital
outflow of £18.3m (2020: £3.7m inflow). Net debt, including the impact of
IFRS 16 lease liabilities, decreased by £5.2m in the six-month period to
£87.2m from £92.4m at 27 March 2021 reflecting the strong operational
performance of the business. Capital expenditure was £40.5m in the
period. The Group's 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 surplus on this scheme at 25 September
2021 was £8.4m compared to £5.7m at 27 March 2021. Cash contributions to the
scheme during the period were £0.9m. The present value of funded obligations
was £36.8m, and the fair value of plan assets was £45.2m. The increase in
the surplus during the period reflects the impact of employer contributions
and the update to actuarial assumptions in relation to inflation and the
liability discount rate.
The valuation of the defined benefit pension liability is dependent upon
market conditions and actuarial methods and assumptions (including mortality
assumptions). Such changes in actuarial assumptions and the performance of the
funds may result in changes to amounts charged or released through the income
statement and the Group may be required to pay increased pension contributions
in the future. The Board regularly reviews its pension strategy with reference
to the value of assets and liabilities under the pension scheme as well as the
potential impact of changes in actuarial assumptions.
Principal risks and uncertainties
The Board continues to assess the principal risks and uncertainties of the
Group on a frequent basis. This includes monitoring the continued risk the
COVID-19 pandemic has on the business. The principal risks and uncertainties
faced by the business at 27 March 2021 are set out on pages 60 to 63 of the
Report & Accounts for the 52 weeks ended 27 March 2021, dated 18 May 2021,
a copy of which is available on the Group's website. An update to these
principal risks and uncertainties at 25 September 2021 is set out in note 15.
Forward looking information
This interim report contains certain forward-looking statements. These
statements are made by the Directors in good faith based on the information
available to them at the time of their approval of this report and such
statements should be treated with caution due to the inherent uncertainties,
including both economic and business risk factors, underlying any such forward
looking information.
Group income statement (unaudited)
for the 26 weeks ended 25 September 2021
Half year 52 weeks ended
27 March 2021 (Audited) £'m
Notes 2021 2020
£'m
£'m
Revenue 993.1 931.6 1,898.4
Adjusted Group operating profit 69.6 62.0 132.5
Net IAS 41 valuation movement on biological assets (3.2) (5.3) (11.4)
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets (1.9) (1.7) (3.5)
Group operating profit 5 64.5 55.0 117.6
Finance costs (1.3) (1.3) (2.8)
Profit before tax 63.2 53.7 114.8
Taxation 6 (12.6) (10.8) (22.3)
Profit for the period 50.6 42.9 92.5
Earnings per share (pence)
On profit for the period:
Basic 7 95.7 81.9 176.4
Diluted 7 95.2 81.5 175.6
Group statement of comprehensive income (unaudited)
for the 26 weeks ended 25 September 2021
52 weeks ended
Half year 27 March
2021 2020 2021
(Audited)
£'m £'m £'m
Profit for the period 50.6 42.9 92.5
Other comprehensive income
Other comprehensive income to be reclassified to profit or loss in
subsequent periods:
Cash flow hedges
Gains arising in the period 0.2 0.8 0.2
Reclassification adjustments for gains included in
the income statement
- (0.4) (0.4)
Income tax effect - (0.1) -
Net other comprehensive income to be reclassified to 0.2 0.3 (0.2)
profit or loss in subsequent periods
Items not to be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods:
Actuarial gains/(losses) on defined benefit pension scheme 1.7 (4.2) (3.4)
Income tax effect (0.8) 0.8 0.6
Net other comprehensive income not being reclassified to profit or loss in 0.9 (3.4) (2.8)
subsequent periods
1.1 (3.1) (3.0)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
51.7 39.8 89.5
Total comprehensive income, net of tax
Group balance sheet (unaudited)
at 25 September 2021 As at
Half year 27 March
Notes 2021 2020 2021
(Audited)
£'m £'m £'m
Non-current assets
Intangible assets 210.4 205.6 203.8
Defined benefit pension scheme surplus 8.4 4.0 5.7
Property, plant and equipment 395.2 364.5 376.7
Right-of-use assets 65.4 65.1 68.8
Biological assets 1.2 1.6 2.4
Total non-current assets 680.6 640.8 657.4
Current assets
Biological assets 46.7 43.7 41.1
Inventories 89.9 87.0 81.8
Trade and other receivables 236.4 216.5 221.7
Income tax receivable - 0.4 -
Financial assets 0.2 0.7 0.9
Cash and short-term deposits 11 6.4 25.0 39.0
Total current assets 379.6 373.3 384.5
Total assets 1,060.2 1,014.1 1,041.9
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables (228.6) (214.3) (217.2)
Lease liabilities (12.8) (9.6) (12.5)
Financial liabilities (3.0) (7.1) (1.0)
Provisions (1.3) (0.1) (0.1)
Income tax payable (0.6) - (1.4)
Total current liabilities (246.3) (231.1) (232.2)
Non-current liabilities
Other payables (0.9) (1.1) (0.8)
Lease liabilities (55.8) (57.5) (59.1)
Financial liabilities (25.0) (79.6) (59.8)
Deferred tax liabilities (13.4) (5.5) (2.7)
Provisions (1.2) (1.2) (1.2)
Total non-current liabilities (96.3) (144.9) (123.6)
Total liabilities (342.6) (376.0) (355.8)
Net assets 717.6 638.1 686.1
Equity
Called-up share capital 5.3 5.2 5.3
Share premium account 109.5 101.5 106.4
Share-based payments 40.8 34.5 37.4
Hedging reserve 0.1 0.4 (0.1)
Retained earnings 561.9 496.5 537.1
Equity attributable to owners of the parent 717.6 638.1 686.1
Group statement of cash flows (unaudited)
for the 26 weeks ended 25 September 2021
52 weeks ended 27 March
Half year
Notes 2021 2020 2021
(Audited)
£'m £'m £'m
Operating activities
Profit for the period 50.6 42.9 92.5
Adjustments to reconcile Group profit for the period to net cash inflows from
operating activities:
Income tax expense 12.6 10.8 22.3
Net finance costs 1.3 1.3 2.8
(Gain)/loss on sale of property, plant and equipment (0.1) (0.2) 0.1
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 23.2 28.5 51.9
Depreciation of right-of-use assets 6.5 5.7 12.3
Amortisation of acquired intangibles 1.9 1.7 3.5
Share-based payments 3.4 2.9 6.0
Difference between pension contributions paid and amounts recognised in the (0.8) (0.9) (2.0)
income statement
Release of government grants (0.1) (0.1) (0.2)
Net IAS 41 valuation movement on biological assets 3.2 5.3 11.4
Increase in biological assets (7.6) (4.9) (9.2)
Increase in inventories (7.9) (11.5) (6.3)
Increase in trade and other receivables (13.5) (2.8) (7.8)
Increase in trade and other payables 10.7 22.9 26.2
Cash generated from operations 83.4 101.6 203.5
Tax paid (4.0) (10.7) (22.1)
Net cash from operating activities 79.4 90.9 181.4
Cash flows from investing activities
Acquisition of subsidiary, net of cash acquired 9 (5.6) (4.0) (10.7)
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (40.5) (35.2) (71.9)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 0.7 0.4 0.6
Receipt of government grants - 0.2 0.2
Net cash used in investing activities (45.4) (38.6) (81.8)
Cash flows from financing activities
Interest paid (0.3) (0.3) (0.5)
Proceeds from issue of share capital 1.0 0.5 3.0
Repayment of borrowings 11 (35.0) (23.0) (43.0)
Dividends paid (25.0) (20.3) (27.9)
Payment of lease capital (6.2) (4.6) (11.4)
Payment of lease interest (1.1) (1.1) (2.3)
Net cash used in financing activities (66.6) (48.8) (82.1)
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents 11 (32.6) 3.5 17.5
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 11 39.0 21.5 21.5
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 11 6.4 25.0 39.0
Group statement of changes in equity (unaudited)
for the 26 weeks ended 25 September 2021
Share Share Share- Hedging Retained Total
capital premium based reserve earnings equity
payments
£'m £'m £'m £'m £'m £'m
At 27 March 2021 5.3 106.4 37.4 (0.1) 537.1 686.1
Profit for the period - - - - 50.6 50.6
Other comprehensive income - - - 0.2 0.9 1.1
Total comprehensive income - - - 0.2 51.5 51.7
Share-based payments - - 3.4 - - 3.4
Scrip dividend - 2.1 - - - 2.1
Share options exercised - 1.0 - - - 1.0
Dividends - - - - (27.1) (27.1)
Deferred tax relating to changes in equity - - - - (0.1) (0.1)
Corporation tax relating to changes in equity - - - - 0.5 0.5
At 25 September 2021 5.3 109.5 40.8 0.1 561.9 717.6
At 29 March 2020 5.2 98.5 31.6 0.1 479.1 614.5
Profit for the period - - - - 42.9 42.9
Other comprehensive income - - - 0.3 (3.4) (3.1)
Total comprehensive income - - - 0.3 39.5 39.8
Share-based payments - - 2.9 - - 2.9
Scrip dividend - 2.5 - - - 2.5
Share options exercised - 0.5 - - - 0.5
Dividends - - - - (22.8) (22.8)
Deferred tax relating to changes in equity - - - - (0.1) (0.1)
Corporation tax relating to changes in equity - - - - 0.8 0.8
At 26 September 2020 5.2 101.5 34.5 0.4 496.5 638.1
(Audited)
At 28 March 2020 5.2 98.5 31.6 0.1 479.1 614.5
Profit for the year - - - - 92.5 92.5
Other comprehensive income - - - (0.2) (2.8) (3.0)
Total comprehensive income - - - (0.2) 89.7 89.5
Share-based payments - - 6.0 - - 6.0
Scrip dividend - 4.8 - - - 4.8
Share options exercised 0.1 2.9 - - - 3.0
Share transfer - 0.2 (0.2) - - -
Dividends - - - - (32.7) (32.7)
Deferred tax relating to changes in equity - - - - 0.4 0.4
Corporation tax relating to changes in equity - - - - 0.6 0.6
At 27 March 2021 5.3 106.4 37.4 (0.1) 537.1 686.1
Responsibility statement
The directors confirm that these condensed interim financial statements have
been prepared in accordance with UK adopted International Accounting Standard
34, 'Interim Financial Reporting' and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency
Rules sourcebook of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority and that
the interim management report includes a fair review of the information
required by DTR 4.2.7 and DTR 4.2.8, namely:
· an indication of important events that have occurred during the
first six months and their impact on the condensed set of financial
statements, and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the
remaining six months of the financial year; and
· material related-party transactions in the first six months and any
material changes in the related-party transactions described in the last
annual report.
On behalf of the Board
Tim Smith Mark Bottomley
Chairman Chief
Financial Officer
23 November 2021
Notes to the interim accounts
1. Basis of preparation
The Group is presenting its condensed consolidated interim financial
statements for the 26 weeks to 25 September 2021 with comparative information
for the 26 weeks to 26 September 2020 and the 52 weeks to 27 March 2021. This
interim report was approved by the Directors on 23 November 2021.
On 31 December 2020, IFRS as adopted by the European Union at that date was
brought into UK law and became UK-adopted International Accounting Standards,
with future changes being subject to endorsement by the UK Endorsement Board.
The Group transitioned to UK-adopted International Accounting Standards in its
consolidated financial statements on 1 January 2021. This change constituted a
change in accounting framework. However, there is no impact on recognition,
measurement or disclosure in the period reported as a result of the change in
framework.
The interim report has been prepared in accordance with the UK-adopted
International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting' and the
Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook of the United Kingdom's
Financial Conduct Authority.
The information does not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of
Section 435 of the Companies Act 2006. The statutory accounts for the 52 weeks
ended 27 March 2021 were prepared in accordance with International Financial
Reporting Standards (IFRS) adopted pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002 as
it applies in the European Union. The Group financial statements were prepared
in accordance with international accounting standards in conformity with the
requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and have been filed with the Registrar
of Companies.
The report of the auditors on the statutory accounts was not qualified and did
not contain a statement under Section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.
The interim report is unaudited but has been subject to an independent review
by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP pursuant to the Auditing Practices Board
guidance contained in ISRE 2410 (UK and Ireland) "Review of Interim Financial
Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity".
Going concern
The Group's business activities, together with the factors likely to affect
its future development, performance and position are set out in the Operating
review. The financial position of the Group, its cash flows, liquidity
position and borrowing facilities are described in the Finance review. The
Group has considerable financial resources together with strong trading
relationships with its key customers and suppliers. As a consequence, the
Directors believe that the Group is well placed to manage its business risks
successfully.
The Board's going concern assessment has utilised the Group's latest forecasts
and has taken into account the Group's current position, future prospects and
the potential impact of the principal risks of the Group. Sensitivity
analysis was carried out on the Group's forecasts to quantify the financial
impact of these risks on the strategic plan and on the Group's viability
against specific measures including liquidity, credit rating and bank
covenants. Modelled risks included, but were not limited to, further impact of
the COVID-19 pandemic and an outbreak of African Swine Fever in the UK.
Given the strong liquidity of the Group, the diversity of operations and the
£250m of committed bank facilities in place at the time of approving these
interim statements, the results of the sensitivity analysis highlighted that
the Group would be able to withstand the impact of the most severe, but
plausible, combination of the risks modelled by making adjustments to its
strategic plan and discretionary expenditure, with strong headroom against
available facilities and full covenant compliance in all modelled scenarios.
Based on the results of this analysis, and after making enquiries, the
Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources
to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this
reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the
condensed consolidated interim financial statements.
2. Accounting policies
The accounting policies applied by the Group in this interim report are the
same as those applied by the Group in the financial statements for the 52
weeks ended 27 March 2021 except for:
Taxation
Taxes for the interim periods are accrued using the tax rate that is expected
to be applicable to total earnings for the full year based on enacted tax
rates at the interim date.
3. Significant estimates and judgements
In preparing these condensed interim financial statements, the significant
judgements made by management in applying the Group's accounting policies and
the key sources of estimation uncertainty were the same as those that applied
to the consolidated financial statements for the 52 weeks ended 27 March 2021.
This includes assumptions made around goodwill impairment testing. At 27 March
2021, the Livestock cash-generating unit (CGU) was the most sensitive to a
reasonably possible change in the key assumptions, on which management based
their calculations, which could cause the CGU's carrying amount to exceed its
recoverable amount. At 25 September 2021 management have not identified any
indicators of impairment. At 27 March 2021, the Livestock CGU's recoverable
amount exceeded its carrying value by £21m. The key assumptions used in the
calculation were the discount rate and gross margin. A 1.4% increase in the
discount rate or a 0.7% reduction in gross margin percentage would have
reduced the CGU's recoverable amount to a level equal to its carrying value.
4. Segmental analysis
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.
The revenue of the Group is not significantly impacted by seasonality.
Geographical segments
The following table sets out revenues by destination, regardless of where the
goods were produced:
52 weeks ended
Half year 27 March
2021 2020 2021
£'m £'m £'m
UK 945.1 878.8 1,805.3
Continental Europe 21.4 25.1 47.0
Rest of world 26.6 27.7 46.1
993.1 931.6 1,898.4
In addition to the non-UK sales disclosed above the Group also made sales to
export markets through UK-based meat trading agents totalling £34.4 million
(2020: £40.2 million). Including these sales, total sales to export markets
were £82.4 million for the year (2020: £93.0 million).
Customer concentration
The Group has three customers (2020: three) which individually account for
more than 10 per cent of the Group's total revenue. These customers account
for 22 per cent, 16 per cent and 12 per cent respectively. In the prior year
these same three customers accounted for 25 per cent, 17 per cent and 10 per
cent respectively.
5. Group operating profit
Group operating costs comprise: 52 weeks ended 27 March
Half year
2021 2020 2021
£'m £'m £'m
Cost of sales excluding net IAS 41 valuation movement on biological assets 856.0 806.6 1,629.2
Net IAS 41 valuation movement on biological assets* 3.2 5.3 11.4
Cost of sales 859.2 811.9 1,640.6
Gross profit 133.9 119.7 257.8
Selling and distribution costs 38.5 34.4 69.0
Administrative expenses excluding amortisation of intangible assets 29.0 28.6 67.7
Amortisation of intangible assets 1.9 1.7 3.5
Administrative expenses 30.9 30.3 71.2
Total operating costs 928.6 876.6 1,780.8
* 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 of adjusted operating profit.
6. Taxation
The tax charge for the period was £12.6m (2020: £10.8m) and represents an
effective tax rate of 19.9% (2020: 20.1%). The tax charge for the period was
higher than the standard rate of corporation tax primarily due to the impact
of disallowed expenses, largely relating to non-qualifying depreciation.
An increase in the UK corporation tax rate from 19% to 25% (effective 1 April
2023) was substantively enacted on 24 May 2021. This will increase the
company's future current tax charge accordingly. Deferred tax has been
calculated based on these rates, reflecting the expected timing of reversal of
the related temporary differences (2020: 19%).
7. Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share are based on profit for the period attributable to
Shareholders and on the weighted average number of shares in issue during the
period of 52,796,000 (27 March 2021: 52,469,000, 26 September 2020:
52,361,000). The calculation of diluted earnings per share is based on
53,093,000 shares (27 March 2021: 52,713,000, 26 September 2020: 52,585,000).
8. Dividends
52 weeks ended
Half year 27 March
2021 2020 2021
£'m £'m £'m
Interim dividend for year ended 27 March 2021 of 18.7p per share - - 9.8
Final dividend for year ended 27 March 2021 of 51.3p (2020: 43.7p) 22.9
per share 27.1 22.8
27.1 22.8 32.7
The interim dividend for the year ending 26 March 2022 of 20.0p per share was
approved by the Board on 23 November 2021 for payment to Shareholders on 28
January 2022 and therefore has not been included as a liability at 25
September 2021.
9. Acquisitions
On 18 June 2021, the Group acquired 100 per cent of the issued share capital
of Atlantica UK Limited, an importer of Continental foods. On 3 August 2021,
the Group acquired 100 per cent of the share capital of Ramona's Kitchen
Limited, a producer of dips and Mediterranean foods. The two businesses were
acquired for a combined initial cash consideration of £6.4m.
The following table sets out the fair values of the identifiable assets and
liabilities acquired by the Group in relation to Atlantica UK Limited and
Ramona's Kitchen. The fair values have been provisionally determined at the
balance sheet date.
Provisional fair value
£'m
Net assets acquired:
Customer relationships 2.6
Trademark 1.0
Property, plant and equipment 0.3
Right-of-use asset 0.2
Inventories 0.2
Trade and other receivables 1.0
Bank and cash balances 0.8
Trade and other payables (0.5)
Lease liability (0.2)
Corporation tax liability (0.1)
Deferred tax liability (0.9)
4.4
Goodwill arising on acquisition 4.9
Total consideration 9.3
Satisfied by:
Initial cash consideration 6.4
Deferred contingent consideration 2.9
9.3
Net cash outflow arising on acquisition:
Cash consideration paid 6.4
Cash and cash equivalents acquired (0.8)
5.6
The fair values on acquisition are provisional due to the timing of the
transactions and will be finalised within twelve months of the acquisition
dates.
All of the trade receivables acquired are expected to be collected in full.
Included in the £4.9m of goodwill recognised above are certain intangible
assets that cannot be individually separated from the acquirees 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 acquisitions of £0.2m have been expensed
within administrative expenses.
From the date of acquisition to 25 September 2021, the combined external
revenues of Atlantica UK Limited and Ramona's Kitchen Limited were £1.7m and
the businesses contributed net profit after tax of £0.2m to the Group. Had
the acquisitions taken place at the beginning of the financial year revenue
would have been £3.9m with profit after tax of £0.5m.
Contingent Consideration
The agreement includes contingent consideration payable in cash to the
previous owners of Atlantica UK Limited and Ramona's Kitchen Limited based on
the performance of the businesses in the period to 30 June 2024. The amount
payable will be between £nil and £3m.
The fair value of the contingent consideration on acquisition was estimated at
£2.9m and was estimated calculating the present value of the future expected
cashflows.
10. Financial instruments
The Group's activities expose it to a number of financial risks which include
foreign currency risk, interest rate risk, credit risk and liquidity risk. The
Board considers the Group's financial instruments risk management strategy to
be the same as described within the Directors' Report on page 112 of the
Report & Accounts for the 52 weeks ended 27 March 2021.
Fair value of financial instruments
All financial instruments are shown in the balance sheet at fair value as
follows:
Half year
2021 2020 52 weeks ended
27 March 2021
Book Fair Book Fair Book Fair
value value value value value value
£'m £'m £'m £'m £'m £'m
Forward currency contracts (0.1) (0.1) (0.6) (0.6) 0.1 0.1
Deferred consideration 2.9 2.9 7.0 7.0 - -
The book value of trade and other receivables, trade and other payables, cash
balances, overdrafts and amounts outstanding under the revolving credit
facility equates to fair value to the Group.
Reconciliation of deferred consideration:
£'m
At 27 March 2021 -
Accrued in the period 2.9
At 25 September 2021 2.9
Fair value hierarchy
The Group uses the following hierarchy for determining and disclosing the fair
value of financial instruments by valuation technique:
Level 1: quoted (unadjusted) prices in active markets for identical assets or
liabilities.
Level 2: other techniques for which all inputs which have a significant effect
on the recorded fair value are observable, either directly or indirectly.
Level 3: techniques which use inputs which have a significant effect on the
recorded fair value that are not based on observable market data.
Transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy are deemed to have
occurred at the end of the reporting period. There were no such transfers in
the period.
The Group's forward currency contracts are measured using Level 2 of the fair
value hierarchy. The valuations are provided by the Group's bankers from
their proprietary valuations models and are based on mid-market levels as at
close of business on the Group's reporting date.
Deferred consideration was measured using Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy
and related to future amounts payable on acquisitions. Amounts payable were
based on agreements within purchase contracts, management's expectations of
the future profitability of the acquired entity and the timings of the
payments.
11. Analysis of Group net debt
At Cash Non-cash At
27 March flow movements 25 September
2021 2021
£'m £'m £'m £'m
Cash and cash equivalents 39.0 (32.6) - 6.4
Revolving credit (59.8) 35.0 (0.2) (25.0)
Net debt excluding IFRS 16 leases liability (20.8) 2.4 (0.2) (18.6)
Lease liabilities (71.6) 7.3 (4.3) (68.6)
Total net debt (92.4) 9.7 (4.5) (87.2)
Net debt is defined as cash and cash equivalents and loans receivable less
interest-bearing liabilities (including IFRS 16 lease liabilities) net of
unamortised issue costs.
12. Related party transactions
During the period the Group entered into transactions, in the ordinary course
of business, with its subsidiaries which are related parties. Balances and
transactions with subsidiaries are eliminated on consolidation.
13. Property, plant and equipment
Additions to owned property, plant and equipment during the period totalled
£42.0m (2020: £35.5m). Future capital expenditure under contract at 25
September 2021 was £27.8m (2020: £15.8m).
Additions to right-of-use assets in the period totalled £3.2m (2020: £6.0m).
At 25 September 2021, the Group had no signed leases for right-of-use assets
which commence after the balance sheet date (2020: £0.4m).
14. 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 and amortisation of acquired intangible assets and, where
relevant, 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 acquired 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.
A reconciliation to relevant GAAP measures is given below:
Free cash flow
52 weeks ended
Half year 27 March
2021 2020 2021
£'m £'m £'m
Net cash from operating activities 79.4 90.9 181.4
Net interest paid (0.3) (0.3) (0.5)
Free cash flow 79.1 90.6 180.9
Like-for-like revenue 52 weeks ended
Half year 27 March
2021 2020 2021
£'m £'m £'m
Revenue 993.1 931.6 1,898.4
Current year acquisitions (1.7) - -
Like-for-like revenue 991.4 931.6 1,898.4
Adjusted gross profit 52 weeks ended
Half year 27 March
2021 2020 2021
£'m £'m £'m
Gross profit 133.9 119.7 257.8
Net IAS 41 valuation movement on biological assets 3.2 5.3 11.4
Adjusted Group operating profit 137.1 125.0 269.2
Adjusted Group operating profit and adjusted EBITDA 52 weeks ended
Half year 27 March
2021 2020 2021
£'m £'m £'m
Group operating profit 64.5 55.0 117.6
Net IAS 41 valuation movement on biological assets 3.2 5.3 11.4
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets 1.9 1.7 3.5
Adjusted Group operating profit 69.6 62.0 132.5
Depreciation of plant, property and equipment 23.2 28.5 51.9
Depreciation of right-of-use assets 6.5 5.7 12.3
Adjusted EBITDA 99.3 96.2 196.7
Adjusted profit before tax 52 weeks ended
Half year 27 March
2021 2020 2021
£'m £'m £'m
Profit before tax 63.2 53.7 114.8
Net IAS 41 valuation movement on biological assets 3.2 5.3 11.4
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets 1.9 1.7 3.5
Adjusted profit before tax 68.3 60.7 129.7
Adjusted earnings per share
On adjusted profit for the period: Half year 52 weeks ended
27 March
2021 2021 2020 2020 2021 2021
Basic pence Diluted pence Basic pence Diluted pence Basic pence Diluted pence
On profit for the period 95.7 95.2 81.9 81.5 176.4 175.6
Net IAS 41 valuation movement on biological assets 6.0 6.0 10.1 10.1 21.7 21.7
Tax on net IAS 41 valuation movement on biological assets (1.1) (1.1) (1.9) (1.9) (4.1) (4.1)
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets 3.6 3.6 3.3 3.3 6.6 6.6
Tax on amortisation of acquired intangible assets (0.7) (0.7) (0.6) (0.6) (1.3) (1.3)
On adjusted profit for the period 103.5 103.0 92.8 92.4 199.3 198.5
15. Principal risks and uncertainties
The Group has a structured and mature approach to risk management which
facilitates the identification, evaluation and mitigation of key risks facing
the business. The principal risks and uncertainties facing the Group are set
out in detail on pages 60 to 63 of the Report & Accounts for the 52 weeks
ended 27 March 2021, dated 18 May 2021 a copy of which is available on the
Group's website.
These risks include:
- Reliance on key customers & exports - Labour availability & cost
- Disease & infection within livestock - COVID-19 pandemic
- Consumer demand - Brexit disruption
- Recruitment & retention of senior management - Competitor activity
- Climate change - Health & Safety
- Food scares & product contamination - Interest rate, currency, liquidity & credit risk
- Disruption to Group operations - IT systems & cyber security
- Growth & change - Pig meat availability & price
The Board considers the principal risks and uncertainties at September 2021 to
be the same as those described in the Report & Accounts for the 52 weeks
ended 27 March 2021. However, to provide greater focus, the potential impacts
to the Group of adverse media attention has been classified as a Principal
Risk at 25 September 2021, rather than being previously embedded within the
risk registers. The Group continues to monitor the COVID-19 risk and in
particular the impact of recent rising infection rates, the effectiveness of
the booster program and the potential for infection rates to spike over the
winter months.
16. Events after the balance sheet date
Bank facility
On 22 November 2021, the Group refinanced its banking facility, taking out a
new agreement with Lloyds Bank plc, National Westminster Bank plc, HSBC UK
Bank plc, Rabobank London and Bank of China Limited, with Lloyds Bank plc
acting as agent and HSBC UK Bank plc acting as sustainability coordinator.
The new facility, which runs to November 2025 with the potential to extend for
a further year, comprises a revolving credit facility of £250m, including a
committed overdraft facility of £20m, with an option to extend the facility
by a further £50m on the same terms.
Independent review report to Cranswick plc
Report on the condensed consolidated interim financial statements
Our conclusion
We have reviewed Cranswick plc's condensed consolidated interim financial
statements (the "interim financial statements") in the interim results of
Cranswick plc for the 26 week period ended 25 September 2021 (the "period").
Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to
believe that the interim financial statements are not prepared, in all
material respects, in accordance with UK adopted International Accounting
Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting' and the Disclosure Guidance and
Transparency Rules sourcebook of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct
Authority.
What we have reviewed
The interim financial statements comprise:
· the Group balance sheet as at 25 September 2021;
· the Group income statement and the Group statement of comprehensive
income for the period then ended;
· the Group statement of cash flows for the period then ended;
· the Group statement of changes in equity for the period then ended;
and
· the explanatory notes to the interim financial statements.
The interim financial statements included in the interim results of Cranswick
plc have been prepared in accordance with UK adopted International Accounting
Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting' and the Disclosure Guidance and
Transparency Rules sourcebook of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct
Authority.
Responsibilities for the interim financial statements and the review
Our responsibilities and those of the directors
The interim results, including the interim financial statements, is the
responsibility of, and has been approved by the directors. The directors are
responsible for preparing the interim results in accordance with the
Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook of the United Kingdom's
Financial Conduct Authority.
Our responsibility is to express a conclusion on the interim financial
statements in the interim results based on our review. This report, including
the conclusion, has been prepared for and only for the company for the purpose
of complying with the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook of
the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority and for no other purpose. We
do not, in giving this conclusion, accept or assume responsibility for any
other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is shown or into
whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in
writing.
What a review of interim financial statements involves
We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review
Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410, 'Review of Interim Financial Information
Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity' issued by the Auditing
Practices Board for use in the United Kingdom. A review of interim financial
information consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for
financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review
procedures.
A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance
with International Standards on Auditing (UK) and, consequently, does not
enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant
matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express
an audit opinion.
We have read the other information contained in the interim results and
considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material
inconsistencies with the information in the interim financial statements.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Accountants
Leeds
23 November 2021
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