REG - Essentra plc - Results for the Full Year Ended 31 December 2023
19/03/2024 07:00
For best results when printing this announcement, please click on link below:
http://newsfile.refinitiv.com/getnewsfile/v1/story?guid=urn:newsml:reuters.com:20240319:nRSS3235Ha&default-theme=true
RNS Number : 3235H Essentra plc 19 March 2024
ESSENTRA PLC
("Essentra", the "Group" or the "Company")
RESULTS FOR THE FULL YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
A resilient FY 2023 performance, progressing towards medium-term targets
Financial highlights
( ) 2023 £m 2022(2) £m change Actual FX change Constant FX
Revenue 316.3 337.9 -6.4% -4.4%
Adjusted(1) operating profit 43.2 25.1 +72.1% +85.3%
Adjusted(1) operating margin 13.7% 7.4% +630bps +660bps
Adjusted(1) pre-tax profit 40.7 7.3 >100% >100%
Adjusted(1) basic earnings per share 10.6p 1.9p >100% >100%
Adjusted(1) net cash flow from operating activities 48.2 20.2 >100% >100%
Reported operating profit / (loss) 10.9 (11.3) - -
Reported pre-tax profit / (loss) 8.4 (29.1) - -
Reported net profit / (loss) 5.8 (31.1) - -
Reported profit / (loss) per share 2.0p (10.3)p - -
Dividend per share 3.6p 3.3p +9.1% -
Reported net cash inflow from operating activities(3) 33.3 4.3 >100% >100%
Free cash flow(3) 37.3 5.7 >100% >100%
Net debt / (funding surplus)(4) 62.5 (113.8) - -
Net debt / (funding surplus) to adjusted EBITDA(4,5) 1.0x (2.3)x - -
(Presented on a continuing operations basis)
Financial and operational resilience
· FY 2023 adjusted(1) operating profit in line with expectations
· Revenue of £316.3m (2022: £337.9m); 4.4% decline at constant
currency
· Adjusted(1) operating profit increased to £43.2m (2022: £25.1m)
· Adjusted(1) operating margin expansion to 13.7% (2022: 7.4%)
· Strong pricing sustained, offsetting inflation
· Pro-active approach to cost management across the Group
· Central corporate costs re-sized, in line with the c.£13m run
rate previously guided
· Strategically aligned bolt-on acquisition of BMP TAPPI, completed
in October 2023, demonstrating continued momentum of Essentra's inorganic
strategy
Strong balance sheet and cash generation, enabling investment in growth
· Excellent adjusted(1) net cash flow from operating activities of
£48.2m; conversion of 111.6% (2022: 80.5%)
· Reported net cash inflow from operating activities of £33.3m
(2022: £4.3m)
· Net debt of £62.5m, representing leverage of 1.0x adjusted
EBITDA(4) (incl. IFRS 16 lease liabilities of £30.9m)
· Healthy bolt-on acquisition pipeline; Management remains
disciplined in the current environment
· Delivering on the commitment to return £150m to shareholders.
£89.8m special dividend paid in April 2023, and 40% of the £60m share
buyback programme completed as of 31 December 2023
· Recommended final ordinary dividend of 2.4p per share, resulting in
a full year dividend of 3.6p per share, representing dividend cover in the
order of 3.0x earnings
Confidence in delivering medium-term guidance
· 2024 performance to date is in line with expectations
· Essentra remains focussed on enhancing its hassle-free customer
proposition, delivering strong profit margins and cash conversion, and
continues to invest in growth initiatives, whilst delivering on its
sustainability goals
· The business is well positioned for when volume growth returns to
normalised levels. Management anticipates 2024 performance will be weighted
towards a recovery in the second half
· The Group remains confident of making further progress towards
its medium-term targets in 2024
(1 On a continuing operations basis, before amortisation of acquired
intangible assets and adjusting items. Further details can be found in Note 3
of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.)
(2) (Prior year has been re-presented to remove the disposed Packaging and
Filters businesses. See Note 1 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial
Statements.)
(3 A reconciliation of free cash flow and net cash inflow from operating is
set out in the Financial Review section.)
(4 Adjusted EBITDA is defined as operating profit before depreciation (and
other amounts written off property, plant and equipment), share option
expense, intangible amortisation and adjusting items.)
(5 Presented including lease liabilities.)
( )
Commenting on the Full Year results, Scott Fawcett, Chief Executive, said:
"2023 saw the delivery of Essentra's first year as a pure-play components
business. The Group navigated challenges within the external demand
environment, and achieved a resilient financial and operational performance.
These results demonstrate the strength of our business model, our agile
approach to operations and pro-active cost control, whilst making strategic
progress, highlighting the strength of our people in managing the business
through economic cycles.
The Group is making progress towards its medium-term targets. In 2023, we
delivered good margin progression, organic and M&A investment and
right-sized the corporate cost base. Our cash conversion is in excess of 100%,
and the balance sheet remains strong. We continue to focus on our hassle-free
service for our customers, and continue to demonstrate the link between
employee engagement and customer satisfaction. Our NPS score increased by 6
points to 40, and I am very pleased to see employee engagement at industry
leading levels of 82%.
The business has taken steps in 2023 to ensure it is well positioned to
benefit from a recovery in our end-markets. Trading to date is in line with
our expectations, and is showing greater stability. We have seen momentum in
new order intake trends, and anticipate an improvement in volumes in the
second half of the year. Management remain confident in making further
progress towards our medium-term targets in 2024."
Enquiries
Essentra plc FTI Consulting
Jack Clarke, Chief Financial Officer Richard Mountain
Claire Goodman, Investor Relations Manager Ariadna Peretz
Emma Reid, Company Secretary FTI_essentra@fticonsulting.com (mailto:FTI_essentra@fticonsulting.com)
Tel: +44 (0)1908 359100 Tel: +44 (0)20 3727 1340
Presentation
A copy of these results is available on www.essentraplc.com
(http://www.essentraplc.com/)
There will be a presentation to analysts and investors starting at 09:00am
(UK time, registration from 08:30am) on Tuesday 19 March 2024 at Deutsche
Numis, 45 Gresham St, London EC2V 7BF.
There are two options for participating in the event:
1. To attend in person, please e-mail your details
to investorrelations@essentra.com (mailto:investorrelations@essentra.com)
2. To join the live webcast of the presentation, please pre-register
at http://www.essentraplc.com/en/investors/company-information/webcasts-and-presentations
(http://www.essentraplc.com/en/investors/company-information/webcasts-and-presentations)
A recording of the webcast will be made available on the Company's website
later in the day.
Notes to Editors
About Essentra plc
Essentra plc is a FTSE 250 company and a leading global provider of essential
components and solutions, focusing on the manufacture and distribution of
plastic injection moulded, vinyl dip moulded and metal items.
Headquartered in the United Kingdom, Essentra's global network extends to 28
countries worldwide and includes c.3,000 employees, 14 manufacturing
facilities, 24 distribution centres and 33 sales & service centres serving
c.69,000 customers with a rapid supply of low cost but essential products for
a variety of applications in industries such as equipment manufacturing,
automotive, fabrication, electronics, medical and renewable energy.
For further information, please visit www.essentraplc.com
(http://www.essentraplc.com)
Cautionary forward-looking statement
These results contain forward-looking statements based on current expectations
and assumptions. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other
factors may cause actual results to differ from future results or developments
expressed or implied from the forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking
statement speaks only as of the date of this document. The Company accepts no
obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements publicly or
adjust them to future events of developments, whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent legally
required.
CEO Review
A resilient performance.
The Group delivered revenues of £316.3m in 2023, a reduction of 6.4% compared
to the previous year (4.4% decline on a constant currency basis). Organic
sales reduced by 8.2% year on year reflecting wider macro-environment trends,
partly offset from a contribution to revenue of 3.8% from the acquisitions of
the Wixroyd Group ("Wixroyd") and BMP s.r.l ("BMP TAPPI").
In its first year as a pure-play Components business, Essentra demonstrated
financial resilience. Adjusted operating margins significantly expanded to
13.7% (2022: 7.4%) and adjusted operating profit grew to £43.2m, from £25.1m
in 2022. Strong pricing delivery through the year enabled the business to
offset cost inflation and mitigate a portion of the volume reductions driven
by the wider macro-environment.
The Group completed a review of corporate costs during the year, and
successfully right-sized the central and corporate functional costs. £11.6m
of central corporate costs were recognised in the period compared to £23.1m
in the previous year and the ongoing run rate cost is in line with guidance of
c.£13m. A one-off cost of £1.3m was incurred relating to the restructuring
of the business and has been reported within adjusting items.
In 2023 the Group responded to changes in the macro-environment by adjusting
capacity to match demand and maintaining its agile approach to operations and
costs, demonstrating the strength of its unique business proposition.
Essentra's global manufacturing and distribution footprint provides the
flexibility to adjust demand where appropriate, and the Group remains well
positioned for when volume growth returns to normalised levels.
The Group is extremely pleased that the focus on improving the service to its
customers is reflected in the 2023 On Time In Full ("OTIF") metric which
increased to 82.2% (2022: 78.2%) and the 2023 Net Promoter Score ("NPS") which
increased to 40 (2022: 34). Closely linked to customer satisfaction, employee
engagement remains above benchmark levels at 82% (2022: 83%).
In 2023, Essentra maintained momentum with its inorganic strategy. Following
the successful acquisition and integration of Wixroyd in December 2022,
Essentra announced the completion of the acquisition of BMP TAPPI in October
2023. BMP TAPPI is a complementary and strategically aligned bolt-on
acquisition that will strengthen and enhance the Group's existing core product
range, further expand the Group's manufacturing footprint in Europe, and
deliver attractive cost and revenue synergies. This acquisition demonstrates
Essentra's disciplined approach to deal rationale with focus on bolt-on
acquisitions, targeting new product capabilities that can be cross-sold,
including existing suppliers of sourced products. We continue to actively
monitor the bolt-on acquisition pipeline, and Management remain disciplined in
the current environment.
The balance sheet remains strong and is supported by excellent cash flow of
£48.2m equating to conversion of 111.6% (2022: 80.5%). Adjusted EBITDA to net
debt leverage of 1.0x including IFRS 16 lease liabilities is within the
previously guided medium-term target range of 0x - 1.5x, and Essentra remains
well positioned to support future organic growth opportunities and drive
further value-enhancing investment with bolt-on M&A.
Group strategy and medium-term targets.
Essentra continues to be well positioned, with a unique business model in a
highly fragmented market combining manufacturing and distribution, enabling
breadth and depth of product offer alongside a hassle-free customer offering.
The business is diversified, with a high margin and scope to expand through
scale and operational effectiveness. With strong returns, and cash conversion,
the business is able to further drive growth through value enhancing M&A
and has a disciplined approach to acquisitions, integrating eleven
acquisitions in the previous thirteen years.
In November 2022, Management presented a clear strategy to drive organic
growth and market share gains. The ambition of the business is to double the
revenue and triple operating profits in the medium-term, with clear metrics to
achieve our strategy, supported by:
· A clear strategy to drive market share gains, supported by a
leading market position in a highly fragmented market
· Margin expansion from scale, operating efficiencies, and pricing
initiatives
· A highly cash generative business with continued focus on working
capital management and a strong balance sheet
· A clear capital framework to drive further shareholder returns.
In 2023, the Group demonstrated progress towards this strategy, and the
medium-term target set. The medium-term financial targets are:
Metric Medium-Term Target FY23 Actual
Organic revenue >5% CAGR -8.2%
Inorganic revenue >5% CAGR +3.8%
Adjusted operating margin c.18% 13.7%
Operating cash conversion >85% 111.6%
Net debt to adjusted EBITDA 0x - 1.5x 1.0x
ROIC >15.0% 12.4%
Dividend Maintain dividend cover in the order of 3.0x earnings 3.6p 2.9x cover
ERP implementation progress. The business continues to roll out the ERP
programme and Management focus is on fully implementing in Europe, which is
our largest region. In January 2024 the new ERP was deployed across all five
Eastern European operations, including the distribution hub in Lodz, Poland.
This latest implementation benefitted from the learnings of previous roll
outs, and the existing live sites were able to benefit from operational
improvements. Progress in 2024 will focus on further implementation in
European markets in a measured manner, shaped to capture benefits efficiently.
The costs in 2023 were £10.8m and in 2024 will be c.£10m. This more measured
approach over a longer time period will provide greater delivery assurance and
same projected benefits.
Board Changes. As announced separately today, Jack Clarke has informed the
Board of his decision to retire as Chief Financial Officer and Executive
Director of the Company. Jack joined Essentra in April 2022 and during his
tenure has completed the strategic reviews and transitional arrangements that
led to the successful sale of the Company's Packaging and Filters businesses,
and the subsequent launch of Essentra as a pure-play components business. Jack
will continue in his role until a successor is in place to ensure a smooth
transfer of responsibilities.
Strengthened Group Executive team. Following its first year as a pure-play
components business, the Group has made changes in 2024 to the Group Executive
Committee ("GEC") to support the continued progress towards its medium-term
targets.
Richard Sederman has been appointed as APAC Managing Director, effective from
January 2024. Richard has worked with Essentra for more than 20 years and has
been pivotal in the Components division acquisitions, including the recent
acquisitions of BMP TAPPI and Wixroyd in EMEA, as well as the acquisition of
Henzghu in China, and supported the integration of the Abric security seals
business in 2014. Chris Brooks has been appointed as President of the Americas
effective from February 2024. Chris was previously President of X-Rite, a
former Danaher operating company, and brings a wealth of experience with a
diverse industrial manufacturing background. He has more than 20 years of
experience as a general manager of global operations and holds various
functional enterprise expertise.
Shareholder returns. The Board announced a £60m share buyback programme in
February 2023, funded through the residual net transaction proceeds from the
disposals of its Filters and Packaging businesses, which completed in Q4 2022.
During 2023, a total of 13.36m shares were purchased, at an average purchase
price of 179.5 pence per share, totalling £24.0m. As at 31 December 2023, the
programme was c.40% complete. Of the shares purchased, 4.14m were transferred
into treasury, and 9.22m have subsequently been cancelled, which represented
3.1% of the issued share capital of the Company (excluding treasury shares)
when the programme commenced.
The Board remains committed to the share buyback programme. The finalisation
of the programme will be flexible and is dependent on the Group's capital
allocation opportunities and priorities, notably acquisitions. It is now
anticipated that the buyback will remain in place beyond the current financial
year.
As previously announced, and financed through the net proceeds arising from
the disposal of the Filters and Packaging businesses, on 27 April 2023, the
Company paid a special dividend of £89.8m to shareholders, representing
approximately 29.8 pence per ordinary share.
Ordinary Dividend. The Board of Directors is recommending a final ordinary
dividend of 2.4p per share, resulting in a 9% increase in total dividend for
FY 2023 to 3.6p (2022: 1.0p final; 3.3p total). The full year dividend is in
line with the Board's commitment to a progressive dividend policy, maintaining
dividend cover in the order of three times earnings.
The final dividend will be paid on 5 July 2024 to shareholders on the share
register at the record date, being 17 May 2024. The ex-dividend date will be
16 May 2024. Essentra operates a Dividend Re-Investment Programme ("DRIP"),
details of which are available from the Company's Registrars, Computershare
Investor Services PLC. The final date for DRIP elections will be 14 June 2024.
Outlook
Trading at the start of 2024 is in line with expectations. The business is
seeing greater stability and is encouraged by orderbook momentum in all three
regions. The business has taken steps in 2023 to ensure it is well positioned
in 2024 to benefit from a recovery in our end-markets, with a right-sized cost
base and robust operations to deliver operating leverage. Management
anticipate performance to be second half weighted given the short-term market
environment.
Whilst EMEA is seeing a soft macro-economic environment as previously guided
and a strong Q1 2023 comparative performance, quarter on quarter trends
continue to improve sequentially. The Americas region is seeing a more notable
improvement in trading performance, consistent with the trend seen towards the
end of Q4 2023 and distributor destocking behaviour is stabilising. APAC
continues to recover at a gradual pace.
Management remains confident that Essentra's robust and differentiated
business model will support further progress towards its medium-term targets
in 2024. It's global manufacturing and distribution footprint, market-leading
positions and focus on delivering excellent customer service will support
ongoing organic growth and profitability, whilst the continued strength of the
balance sheet will drive investment in value enhancing growth initiatives, and
disciplined bolt-on M&A.
Regional Review
EMEA
2023 % growth % growth
£m Actual FX Constant FX
Revenue 170.8 +2.3 +4.8
Gross profit 87.5 +3.6 +5.3
Gross margin 51.2% +60bps +20bps
Revenue for the full year was £170.8m, a 4.8% increase on a constant currency
basis, compared to the prior year. EMEA reported a broadly flat revenue
performance in the first half, with a 0.1% decline on a constant currency
basis compared to H1 2022. Whilst there has been evidence of softening market
trends since the end of Q2 2023, in line with the wider macro-economic
environment, comparatives eased through the second half reporting 10.9% growth
compared to H2 2022. On a LFL basis, after adjusting for the acquisition of
Wixroyd and BMP TAPPI, the region reported a decline of 2.9%.
Western Europe and Germany in particular saw lower volumes in line with wider
industrial production trends, whilst Turkey and Middle East and North Africa
have continued their growth trajectory. Eastern Europe including the Nordics
region remained robust. EMEA as a whole continues to invest in high growth
markets, with particular focus on operations in Turkey. The electrification
end-market trends continued to gain momentum, benefiting access hardware
product categories. Power generators, data servers and renewable energy remain
the fastest growing markets.
The region benefitted from two acquisitions in a thirteen-month period.
Wixroyd, acquired in December 2022, performed in line with Management
expectations, with cross-sell building traction in Europe. Integration plans
for BMP TAPPI, acquired in October 2023, are on track and will further
strengthen Essentra's product portfolio, enhancing the Group's manufacturing
footprint in Europe.
Enhancing customer service remained a focus throughout the year, and the
region has placed greater emphasis on stock availability. The region is
pleased to see an NPS improvement of 4 points to 40, and an OTIF improvement
of 120bps to 83.5% year on year.
Gross margins remained strong at 51.2% for the full year. The region as a
whole remained dynamic by adjusting capacity at regional manufacturing and
distribution facilities to meet demand, improving operational efficiency.
Whilst energy prices and labour costs remained high throughout the year,
customer pricing offset inflation and pro-active cost control supported the
mitigation of volume declines.
AMERICAS
2023 % growth % growth
£m Actual FX Constant FX
Revenue 106.2 -13.9 -13.4
Gross profit 40.3 -14.6 -13.4
Gross margin 37.9% -30bps -10bps
Revenue for the full year was £106.2m, a 13.4% reduction on a constant
currency basis compared to the prior year. As described at the half year and
in recent trading updates, distributors experienced destocking in the first
six months of the year, which led to a 12.6% decline in H1 on a constant
currency basis. Throughout H2 the region focused on the normalisation of
distributor volumes, and whilst H2 saw a decline of 14.4% on a constant
currency basis, the general industrial environment showed signs of stability
in Q4 with some customers returning to normalised levels of ordering patterns
at the end of the year.
Whilst electronics industries continued to be subdued, automotive demand
remained stable in the second half, as supply chains recovered from previous
component shortages. The region continued to focus on driving new business
across the customer base, including cross-sell and new customer acquisition.
The region is encouraged by new customer growth within the seals product
range, with re-negotiated contracts maintaining positive momentum into 2024.
The region expanded its operational footprint in 2023. Near-shoring
opportunities were accelerated, enabled by the opening of the manufacturing
facility in Monterrey, Mexico which commenced operations in H2, building
manufacturing presence to support wider growth plans, and bringing production
closer to customer demand. The region also invested in manufacturing
capabilities in Brazil, with new dip-moulding machinery that will service
customer demand in South America, improving Essentra's presence in the region.
Americas delivered improvements that increased service to our customers
throughout the year. The 2023 NPS scores improved by 12 points to 47, and the
region recorded a marked improvement in OTIF to 75.8% (2022: 65.6%).
Improvements to our customer hassle-free proposition have been supported by an
investment in inventory levels of standard parts and enhanced sample
availability.
A proactive and controlled approach to cost management was taken throughout
the year partly offsetting sales volume declines. Gross margins reduced by
30bps to 37.9% as slower market conditions have resulted in reduced
operational leverage in 2023.
APAC
2023 % growth % growth
£m Actual FX Constant FX
Revenue 39.3 -17.3 -13.1
Gross profit 14.0 -15.2 -11.1
Gross margin 35.6% +90bps +90bps
The APAC region delivered revenue of £39.3m in 2023, a reduction of 13.1% on
a constant currency basis compared to the prior year. In keeping with the
previous trading updates, performance was driven by the market dynamics in
China (c.68% of APAC revenue; c.8.5% of Group revenue) with gradual recovery
initially seen from the end of the first quarter of 2023. First half reported
sales saw a decline of 18.3% which improved to a year on year decline of 7.0%
in the second half.
There continues to be increased levels of customers interest in product
categories that support faster growing industries and infrastructure
development. The region continues to invest in these high growth markets
including renewable energy, telecommunication and data networks. In 2023, the
region reviewed its commercial and operational footprint, including the
investment in countries outside of China. In Q2 2023 the distribution centre
and operations in Perth, Australia, were moved to the existing facility in
Sydney. In June, Essentra entered the Vietnamese market, establishing a
commercial presence.
The APAC region has placed greater emphasis on improving inventory
availability, and achieved a reduction in lead times to better meet the needs
of customers. The region saw an improvement in NPS in 2023, with an increase
of 8 points in China to 51 and an increase of 23 in the Rest of Asia.
In 2021, Essentra acquired Jiangxi Hengzhu Electrical Cabinet Lock Co. Ltd
("Hengzhu"). Given previous pandemic related restrictions in China, 2023 was
the first year following the acquisition that integration activities could be
accelerated. The focus in 2023 was on investing in upgrades to manufacturing
equipment, ensuring there was a safe operating environment, and exploring
opportunities to develop the access hardware product range across the rest of
Asia.
The region remained focussed on cost management and operational efficiency in
2023 to deliver robust profit margins as markets gradually recovered. Full
year gross margin of 35.6% saw a 90bps improvement compared to 2022.
Sustainability progress and refreshed targets. In 2023, the Company delivered
significant progress across the areas of environment, social and governance
("ESG"). Essentra's ESG strategy, launched in 2022, is set out against five
pillars: our planet, our components, our customers, our culture and our
communities. These pillars are aligned to the UN sustainable development
goals, with nine goals having a direct link to how Essentra operates.
The Science Based Targets initiative ("SBTi") approved Essentra's near- and
long-term science-based emissions reduction targets including verification of
Essentra's net-zero science-based target by 2050, a key milestone in the
Company's sustainability strategy as previously announced on 21 February 2024.
Essentra has committed to an overall Net-Zero Target to reach net-zero
greenhouse gas emissions across the value chain by 2050. In the near-term,
Essentra commits to reducing absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 50% by
2030 from a 2019 base year. Essentra also commits to reducing scope 3 GHG
emissions from purchased goods and services and upstream transportation and
distribution by 55% per GBP of value added by 2030 from a 2022 base year. In
the long-term, Essentra commits to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions
by 90% by 2040 from a 2019 base year. Essentra also commits to reduce absolute
scope 3 emissions by 90% by 2050 from a 2022 base year.
The Group is making good progress against these targets. Since 2019, total
scope 1 and 2 CO2e emissions have reduced by 38%, and when indexed to revenue,
emissions intensity has declined by 41% as we continue to transition to
renewable electricity and focus on energy management programmes. Renewable
electricity is now 44% of total electricity usage, an increase of 13% compared
to 2022. 2023 saw our first on-site solar project begin generating power in
Thailand, followed by our second site in China at the end of the year. In
2023, our scope 3 near-term emissions intensity has reduced by 30% compared to
the 2022 baseline.
Essentra continues to make progress towards its goal of having all sites
achieve zero waste to landfill status by 2030. 14 sites across Essentra's
global footprint achieved zero waste to landfill (2022: 12 sites), and 94% of
waste is now diverted from landfill (2022: 76%).
The use of post-consumer recycled content materials has also increased
positively. 21% of materials are now obtained from sustainable sources across
our manufactured polymer ranges, two years ahead of our target of meeting 20%
by 2025. Essentra continues to innovate and build relationships with its
customers to recognise further opportunities, and in 2023 launched a Centre of
Excellence to accelerate the testing of recycled and bio based materials, with
the extended target of reaching 50% of materials from sustainable sources by
2030 across our manufactured polymer ranges as well as the additional target
of ensuring 100% of packaging is reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2030.
We continue to increase the number of products introduced with sustainability
criteria, and now have 7,981 products across our ranges that have
sustainability attributes, of which 750 were introduced in 2023.
Financial Review
Constant currency, Like-for-like ("LFL") and adjusted measures are provided to
reflect the underlying financial performance of Essentra. For further details
on the performance metrics used by Essentra, please refer to pages 20-21 and
36-37 of the 2022 Annual Report.
Constant foreign exchange rates. The constant exchange rate basis adjusts the
comparative to exclude the effect of currency movements, to show the
underlying performance of the Company. The principal exchange rates for
Essentra were:
-------- Average -------- -------- Closing --------
2023 2022 2023 2022
US$:£ 1.25 1.24 1.27 1.20
€:£ 1.15 1.17 1.15 1.13
Re-translating the full year 2022 actual results at 2023 average exchange
rates reduces the prior year revenue by c.£7m and reduces prior year
operating profit by c.£2m.
Like-for-like ("LFL"). The term "like-for-like" describes the performance of
the continuing business on a comparable basis, adjusting for the impact of
acquisitions, disposals and foreign exchange. The 2023 LFL results are
adjusted for the acquisition of Wixroyd on 1 December 2022, and the
acquisition of BMP TAPPI on 26 October 2023. The 2022 results have been
adjusted for the completion of the Packaging business disposal previously
announced on 3 October 2022 and the completion of the Filters business
disposal previously announced on 5 December 2022.
Discontinued Operations. Discontinued operations recognised a £0.4m post-tax
loss (2022: £152.7m loss), as reported in the Condensed Consolidated Income
Statement. Refer to Note 17 in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
for further information.
Adjusted basis. The term "adjusted" excludes the impact of amortisation of
acquired intangible assets and adjusting items, less any associated tax
impact. In 2023, amortisation of acquired intangible assets was £11.3m (2022:
£10.4m), and there was a pre-tax charge for adjusting items of £21.0m (2022:
£26.0m). 2023 adjusting items include £10.8m customisation and configuration
costs of significant 'software-as-a-service' ("SaaS") arrangements in line
with previous guidance. A net credit of £1.0m has been incurred for
gains/losses and transaction costs relating to acquisitions of businesses and
£3.4m cost has been incurred relating to impairment of non-current assets
held in China.
Also reported within adjusting items are £7.8m of costs related to legacy
items within the Group including £1.3m restructuring activities following the
disposal of Filters and Packaging divisions, £0.2m of costs associated with
the capital reduction completed in 2023, and recurring costs of £1.8m
relating to legacy pension schemes. In addition £3.7m has been reported
relating to a write-down of investment property to market value and £0.8m in
respect of indemnity provisions raised for claims. Further details on
adjusting items are shown in Note 3 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial
Statements.
Adjusted operating cash flow. Adjusted operating cash flow is net cash flow
from operating activities, excluding income tax paid, contributions to legacy
pension schemes and cash flows relating to adjusting items, less net capital
expenditure. It is a measure of the underlying cash generation of the
business. Net capital expenditure is included in this measure as Management
regard investment in operational assets (tangible and intangible) as integral
to the underlying cash generation capability of the Company.
A full reconciliation of the Group's adjusted profit measures can be found in
Note 20 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
IAS 29: Turkey Hyperinflation. International Accounting Standard ("IAS") 29,
Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies, has been applied to the
Components business in Turkey. There has been more than a 100% increase in the
Consumer Price Index in Turkey between 2019 and 2023. For the year ended 31
December 2023 a monetary gain of £1.3m (2022: £3.2m gain) was included
within net finance expense, and an increase in net assets in the year of
£0.7m (2022: £18m increase) has been recognised as a result of IAS 29.
Net finance expense. Net finance expense of £2.5m compared to £17.8m in the
prior year period. The reduction in net finance expense is led by the
previously communicated changes to the Company's main sources of funding after
the strategic review process. In January 2023 the Group reduced the US private
placement ("USPP") debt, using a portion of the disposal proceeds to repay
$247m of the $350m USPP notes initially held contributing to a £9.9m
reduction in interest on loans and overdrafts £6.0m (2022: £15.9m).
Tax. The effective tax on underlying profit before tax (before adjusting items
and amortisation of acquired intangible assets) was 23.6% (2022: 21.5%). The
underlying effective tax rate for 2023 is within the forecast tax rate range
of 23% to 25%. Consistent with the disclosure of tax rates at FY 2022, this
increased tax rate compared to the prior year is primarily driven by the
previously announced increase of the UK corporation tax rate from 19% to 25%
with effect from 1 April 2023. The overall tax position for the Group has
reported a net tax credit as a result of prior year adjustments related to
discontinued operations.
Net working capital. Net working capital is defined as Inventories plus Trade
and other receivables less Trade and other payables, adjusted to exclude
deferred contingent consideration payable, interest accruals and capital
payables ("Adjustments").
2023 2022
£m £m
Inventories 64.7 65.0
Trade and other receivables 61.5 66.4
Trade and other payables (60.7) (91.5)
Adjustments (7.7) 4.3
Net working capital 57.8 44.2
The increase in net working capital is predominately due to a reduction in
Trade and other payables as a result of re-sizing the cost base in the current
year, as well as £9.1m included in the prior year associated with the cost of
disposals. This is partly offset by a reduction in receivables, as well as
inventory rebalancing, after an initial inventory build in the prior year
period. Adjustments include deferred contingent consideration receivable,
accruals for interest and capital expenditure payable.
Adjusted operating cash flow from continuing operations. Adjusted operating
cash flow from continuing operations of £48.2m equated to an operating cash
conversion of 111.6% (2022: 80.5%). Free cash flow increased year on year to
£37.3m (2022: £5.7m).
2023 2022
£m £m
Adjusted operating profit 43.2 25.1
Depreciation and amortisation of non-acquired intangible assets 14.0 16.6
Right-of-use asset depreciation 5.9 5.6
Share option expense / other movements 0.9 (0.1)
Change in working capital (2.6) (14.2)
Net capital expenditure (excluding disposal proceeds relating to adjusting (13.2) (12.8)
items)
Adjusted operating cash flow from continuing operations 48.2 20.2
Tax(1) (4.5) 1.7
Cash outflow in respect of adjusting items(1,2) (23.6) (30.4)
Add back: net capital expenditure 13.2 12.8
Net cash inflow from operating activities(3) 33.3 4.3
Adjusted operating cash flow from continuing operations 48.2 20.2
Tax(1) (4.5) 1.7
Net interest paid (6.4) (16.2)
Free cash flow 37.3 5.7
(1 In 2022 tax paid excludes the tax paid/received in relation to adjusting
items and discontinued operations. In 2022 this is included within the cash
outflow in respect of adjusting items and discontinued operations.)
(2 Pension contribution of £3.7m in 2023 for legacy pension schemes has been
included within cash outflow in respect of adjusting items (2022: £0.7m).)
(3 Statutory cash flows from operating activities can be found in the
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.)
Net funding surplus / debt. Net debt at the end of the period was £62.5m
compared to a net funding surplus of £113.8m at 31 December 2022 (including
lease liabilities). The overall increase in net debt was mainly driven by
shareholder capital returns previously communicated at the FY 2022 results,
offset by free cash flow generated in the period less cash paid for the
acquisition of BMP TAPPI.
The Group's financial ratios remain healthy. Net debt to adjusted EBITDA
including lease liabilities was 1.0x (2022: net funding surplus of 2.3x on a
continuing basis). The ratio of net debt to adjusted EBITDA excluding lease
liabilities was 0.5x (2022: net funding surplus 3.3x on a continuing basis).
2023
£m
Net funding surplus as at 1 January 2023 (113.8)
Free cash flow (37.3)
Cash flow from discontinued businesses including disposal costs 21.6
Cash outflow in respect of adjusting items 23.6
Special dividend to equity holders 89.8
Ordinary dividend to equity holders 6.5
Share buyback 24.0
Acquisitions less cash acquired 33.3
Lease liability movements 14.0
Movement in loan hedging derivatives 0.3
Foreign exchange 0.5
Net debt as at 31 December 2023 62.5
Banking facilities. One of the main sources of funding for the Company is a
Revolving Credit Facility ("RCF") provided by a group of six highly rated
banks totalling £200.0m. As at 31 December 2023, £15.2m was drawn. The
Company also holds $102.5m of long dated US Private Placement debt ("USPP") at
an average coupon rate of 3.8%.
Type Amount Interest Rate Maturity
RCF £200.00m Floating October 2026
USPP $32.80m 3.62% July 2028
USPP $34.85m 3.91% July 2031
USPP $34.85m 4.00% July 2033
Treasury policy and controls. Essentra has a centralised treasury function to
manage funding, liquidity and exposure to interest rate and foreign exchange
risk. Treasury policies are approved by the Board and cover the nature of the
exposure to be hedged, the types of derivatives that may be employed and the
criteria for investing and borrowing cash. The Company intends to use
derivatives to manage foreign currency and interest rate risk arising from
underlying business activities. Whilst some transactions may be of a more
speculative nature, they are in place with a view to manage exchange rate risk
only. Underlying policy assumptions and activities are reviewed by the
Treasury Committee. Controls over exposure changes and transaction
authenticity are in place, and dealings are restricted to those banks with the
relevant combination of geographical presence, expertise and suitable credit
rating.
Foreign exchange risk. The majority of Essentra's net assets are in currencies
other than sterling. The Company's normal policy is to reduce the translation
exposure and the resulting impact on shareholders' funds through measures such
as borrowing in those currencies in which the Group has significant net
assets. The majority of Essentra's transactions are carried out in the
functional currencies of its operations, and therefore transaction exposure is
limited. However, where such exposure does occur, Essentra uses derivatives to
hedge its exposure to movements in the exchange rates on its highly probable
forecast foreign currency sales and purchases over a period of up to 18
months.
2023 FULL YEAR RISK DISCLOSURE
The Company has established a risk and internal control framework designed to
manage the delivery of its strategic objectives. The objectives of this
framework are to:
· identify the Company's Principal and Emerging Risks and
appropriate mitigating actions
· formulate the risk appetite and ensure that our business profile
and plans are consistent with it
· develop plans to bring any exposures that are outside agreed
appetite in line with it
· ensure that growth plans are properly supported by an effective
risk management process
· help management teams to improve the control and co-ordination of
risk-taking across the Company.
The risk framework, along with the Company's Principal and Emerging risks,
will be described in detail in the "Risk Management Report" section of the
Company's Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023,
available on 28 March 2024 on the Company website: www.essentraplc.com
(http://www.essentraplc.com)
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Condensed Consolidated Income Statement
For the year ended 31 December 2023
Note 2023 2022
£m
£m
Revenue 2 316.3 337.9
Gross profit 2 141.8 148.2
Operating profit/(loss)1 2 10.9 (11.3)
Finance income 4 11.0 7.1
Finance expense 4 (13.5) (24.9)
Profit/(loss) before tax 8.4 (29.1)
Income tax expense (2.6) (2.0)
Profit/(loss) for the year from continuing operations 5.8 (31.1)
Loss from discontinued operations 17 (0.4) (152.7)
Profit/(loss) for the year 5.4 (183.8)
Attributable to:
Equity holders of Essentra plc 5.4 (188.0)
Non-controlling interests - 4.2
Profit/(loss) for the year 5.4 (183.8)
Earnings per share attributable to equity holders of Essentra plc:
Basic 5 1.8p (62.4)p
Diluted 5 1.8p (62.4)p
Earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to equity holders
of Essentra plc:
Basic 5 2.0p (10.3)p
Diluted 5 2.0p (10.3)p
Adjusted profit measure: continuing operations Note 2023 2022
£m
£m
Operating profit/(loss) 10.9 (11.3)
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets 2 11.3 10.4
Adjusting items 3 21.0 26.0
Adjusted operating profit(2) 43.2 25.1
(Notes:)
(1. Includes impairment charge on trade receivables of £0.4m
(2022: £0.8m).)
(2. See Note 20 for further details of the adjusted profit
measure.)
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the year ended 31 December 2023
Note 2023 2022
£m
£m
Profit/(loss) for the year 5.4 (183.8)
Other comprehensive (expense)/income:
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods:
Remeasurement of defined benefit pension schemes 12 (1.3) (20.5)
Deferred tax on remeasurement of defined benefit pension schemes 0.3 5.1
(1.0) (15.4)
Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods:
Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges:
Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges transferred to the income 2.4 (16.4)
statement
Ineffective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges transferred - 1.0
to the income statement
Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges (1.8) 16.1
Foreign exchange translation differences:
Attributable to equity holders of Essentra plc:
Arising on translation of foreign operations (19.4) 54.6
Recycling of foreign currency translation reserve - (38.7)
Arising on effective net investment hedges 0.7 (21.7)
Net income tax credit 0.6 0.9
Attributable to non-controlling interests - (0.1)
(17.5) (4.3)
Total other comprehensive expense for the year, net of tax (18.5) (19.7)
Total comprehensive expense for the year (13.1) (203.5)
Attributable to:
Equity holders of Essentra plc (13.1) (207.6)
Non-controlling interests - 4.1
Total comprehensive expense for the year (13.1) (203.5)
Attributable to:
Continuing operations (12.7) (12.1)
Discontinued operations (0.4) (191.4)
Total comprehensive expense for the year (13.1) (203.5)
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
At 31 December 2023
Note 31 December 31 December
2023 2022
£m £m
Assets
Property, plant and equipment 6 68.1 65.2
Lease right-of-use asset 8 27.9 21.0
Investment properties 6 3.3 7.0
Intangible assets 7 215.0 206.6
Long-term receivables 10.1 11.6
Derivative assets 4.2 8.3
Deferred tax assets 12.2 11.7
Retirement benefit assets 12 7.9 7.9
Total non-current assets 348.7 339.3
Inventories 9 64.7 65.0
Income tax receivable 1.4 1.1
Trade and other receivables 10 61.5 66.4
Derivative assets - 0.2
Cash and cash equivalents 59.7 421.4
Total current assets 187.3 554.1
Total assets 536.0 893.4
Equity
Issued share capital 14 73.3 75.6
Merger reserve 14 - 385.2
Capital redemption reserve 14 2.4 0.1
Other reserve (132.8) (132.8)
Cash flow hedging reserve (0.2) (0.8)
Translation reserve (70.5) (52.4)
Retained earnings 401.0 129.2
Attributable to equity holders of Essentra plc 273.2 404.1
Total equity 273.2 404.1
Liabilities
Interest bearing loans and borrowings 95.5 85.0
Lease liabilities 23.8 18.0
Retirement benefit obligations 17.5 18.5
Provisions 0.2 1.1
Other financial liabilities - 2.4
Deferred tax liabilities 12.4 7.6
Total non-current liabilities 149.4 132.6
Interest bearing loans and borrowings - 208.0
Lease liabilities 7.1 4.9
Derivative liabilities - 1.3
Income tax payable 12.0 16.2
Trade and other payables 11 60.7 91.5
Other financial liabilities 28.0 24.1
Provisions 5.6 10.7
Total current liabilities 113.4 356.7
Total liabilities 262.8 489.3
Total equity and liabilities 536.0 893.4
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
For the year ended 31 December 2023
2023
Note Issued Merger Capital Other Cash flow Translation Retained Non- Total
capital
reserve
redemption
reserve
hedging and
reserve
earnings
controlling
equity
reserve
cost of
interests
£m £m
£m
hedging £m £m
£m
£m
reserves £m
£m
At 1 January 2023 75.6 385.2 0.1 (132.8) (0.8) (52.4) 129.2 - 404.1
Profit for the year - - - - - - 5.4 - 5.4
Other comprehensive (expense)/income - - - - 0.6 (18.1) (1.0) - (18.5)
Total comprehensive (expense)/income for the year - - - - 0.6 (18.1) 4.4 - (13.1)
Share option expense - - - - - - 1.4 - 1.4
Tax relating to share-based incentives - - - - - - (0.3) - (0.3)
Net impact of hyperinflation1 - - - - - - 1.4 - 1.4
Purchase of own shares - - - - - - (24.0) - (24.0)
Cancellation of shares (2.3) - 2.3 - - - - - -
Reduction of capital - (385.2) - - - - 385.2 - -
Dividends paid 18 - - - - - - (96.3) - (96.3)
At 31 December 2023 73.3 - 2.4 (132.8) (0.2) (70.5) 401.0 - 273.2
2022
Note Issued Merger Capital Other Cash flow Translation Retained Non- Total
capital
reserve
redemption
reserve
hedging and
reserve
earnings
controlling
equity
reserve
cost of
interests
£m £m
£m
hedging £m £m
£m
£m
reserves £m
£m
At 1 January 2022 75.6 385.2 0.1 (132.8) (1.5) (47.5) 333.6 16.2 628.9
Loss for the year - - - - - - (188.0) 4.2 (183.8)
Other comprehensive (expense)/income - - - - 0.7 (4.9) (15.4) (0.1) (19.7)
Total comprehensive (expense)/income for the year - - - - 0.7 (4.9) (203.4) 4.1 (203.5)
Recycling of non-controlling interest 17 - - - - - - - (18.4) (18.4)
Share option expense - - - - - - 3.1 - 3.1
Tax relating to share-based incentives - - - - - - (0.6) - (0.6)
Net impact of hyperinflation1 - - - - - - 15.5 - 15.5
Dividends paid 18 - - - - - - (19.0) (1.9) (20.9)
At 31 December 2022 75.6 385.2 0.1 (132.8) (0.8) (52.4) 129.2 - 404.1
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
For the year ended 31 December 2023
Note 2023 2022
£m £m
Operating activities
Profit/(loss) for the year from:
Continuing operations 5.8 (31.1)
Discontinued operations (0.4) (152.7)
Profit/(loss) for the year 5.4 (183.8)
Adjustments for:
Income tax credit (1.1) (2.0)
Net finance expense 4 2.5 18.4
Intangible amortisation 7 14.2 19.6
Adjusting items 3 13.9 26.0
Loss on business disposals 17 3.7 19.0
Impairment of acquired intangible assets on discontinued operations - 182.7
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 6 11.1 29.5
Lease right-of-use asset depreciation 8 5.9 10.1
Loss on disposal of right of use asset - 0.2
Loss on disposal of fixed assets - 0.3
Impairment of fixed assets 3 7.1 0.5
Share option expense 1.4 2.6
Hedging activities and other movements (0.5) 0.8
Increase in inventories (3.1) (27.4)
Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables 10.0 (35.5)
(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables (10.1) 41.2
Cash outflow in respect of adjusting items 20 (23.6) (23.7)
Movement in provisions (2.8) 1.0
Adjustment for pension contributions - 0.2
Movement due to hyperinflation - (3.2)
Cash inflow from operating activities 34.0 76.5
Income tax paid (4.5) (12.5)
Net cash inflow from operating activities 29.5 64.0
Investing activities
Interest received 3.5 2.3
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment3 (12.4) (39.7)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment - 0.5
Payments for intangible assets (0.8) (1.0)
Acquisition of businesses net of cash acquired1 16 (33.3) (27.9)
Proceeds from sale of businesses net of cash disposed2 17 - 416.9
Cash outflow from cost of business disposals 17 (17.8) (31.5)
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from investing activities (60.8) 319.6
Financing activities
Interest paid (9.9) (19.5)
Dividends paid to equity holders 18 (96.3) (19.0)
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests - (1.9)
Repayment of short-term loans (208.0) -
Repayments of long-term loans (46.9) (124.2)
Proceeds from long-term loans 61.8 65.0
Proceeds from early settlement of derivative contracts - 6.5
Lease liability principal repayments (5.4) (11.5)
Purchase of own shares (24.0) -
Net cash outflow from financing activities (328.7) (104.6)
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents (360.0) 279.0
Net cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 421.4 136.3
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents (360.0) 279.0
Net effect of currency translation on cash and cash equivalents (1.7) 6.1
Net cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 15 59.7 421.4
(Notes:)
(1. Acquisition of businesses is net of cash acquired of
£5.3m (2022: £3.5m). See Note 16.)
(2. In 2022 proceeds from sale of businesses is net of cash
disposed of £45.7m. See Note 17.)
(3. Acquisition of property, plant and equipment includes
capex accrual movements of £nil (2022: £0.4m).)
( )
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
1. Basis of preparation
The financial information set out in this document does not constitute
statutory accounts for Essentra plc for the year ended 31 December 2023 but is
extracted from the 2023 Annual Report.
The Annual Report for 2023 will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies in
due course. The auditors' report on those accounts are unqualified and neither
drew attention to any matters by way of emphasis nor contained a statement
under either section 498(2) of Companies Act 2006 (accounting records or
returns inadequate or accounts not agreeing with records and returns), or
section 483(2) on 498(3) of Companies Act 2006 (failure to obtain necessary
information and explanations).
The Group's condensed consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31
December 2023 have been prepared in accordance with UK-adopted International
Accounting Standards and comply with the requirements of the Companies Act
2006.
These condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared under the
historical cost convention unless otherwise stated. The preparation of
financial statements that conform with adopted IFRS requires the use of
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts
of income and expense during the reporting period. Although these estimates
are based on management's best knowledge of the amount, event or actions,
actual results may ultimately differ from those estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis.
Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the
estimate is revised and future periods if relevant. For the purposes of these
financial statements "Essentra" or "the Group" means Essentra plc (the
"Company") and its subsidiaries.
The principal accounting policies used in the preparation of the condensed
consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 are
detailed below. These policies, except those set out below under the heading
'Changes in accounting policies' adopted during the year, have been
consistently applied to all periods presented.
In preparing the condensed consolidated financial statements, management have
taken into account the potential effects of climate changes, including medium-
to longer-term transitional risks resulting from the relative uncertainty
created by the global shift towards a more sustainable, net-zero economy,
which include regulatory, geopolitical and social pressures that may impact
the operations of the business in future. Management have considered the
potential effects of climate related changes in its assessment of going
concern, and longer term viability of the business, in preparing the Group's
future cash flow forecasts underpinning impairment testing, and in its
assessment of the residual values of property, plant and equipment. Management
have determined that, other than the expected capital expenditure due to the
future spend on machine replacement and efficiency upgrades factored into the
Group's cash flow forecasts, there is no material impact on these financial
statements.
Going concern
The Directors have prepared the condensed consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2023 on a going concern basis. In adopting the
going concern basis, the Directors have considered the Group's balance sheet
position, forecast earnings and cash flows for a period of 18 months from the
date of approval of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
At 31 December 2023, the Group's external financing arrangements amounted to
£280.7m, comprising United States Private Placement Loan Notes ("USPP") of
US$102.5m (with a range of expiry dates from July 2028 to July 2033) and a
multi-currency revolving credit facility ("RCF") of £200.0m (expiring in
October 2026).
£15.2m was drawn under the RCF as at 31 December 2023, with the available
undrawn balance amounting to £184.8m. The facility is subject to two
covenants, which are tested semi-annually: net debt to EBITDA (leverage) and
EBITA to net finance charges. Despite the significant economic and operational
challenges in the recent years, the Group has not sought to change either of
the two covenants. The Directors believe that the Group is well placed to
manage its business risks and, after making enquiries including a review
of forecasts and predictions, taking account of reasonably possible changes
in trading performances and considering the existing borrowing facilities,
including the available liquidity, have a reasonable expectation that the
Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the next
18 months following the date of approval of the financial statements, and no
breaches of covenants are expected.
As part of the going concern assessment, the Board has considered a downside
scenario that includes severe, but reasonably plausible changes in
macro-economic conditions. The results of this scenario show that there is
sufficient liquidity in the business for a period of 18 months from the date
of approval of these financial statements, and does not indicate any covenant
breach during the test period. The downside scenario assumes a period of
prolonged revenue decline in 2024, and subsequently delays in market recovery
to 2025. The downside scenario also assumes a higher inflationary cost
environment, the impacts of which are not fully offset by price increases and
also includes transition risks associated with a "middle of the road scenario"
without the inclusion of any opportunities from the climate change
quantitative analysis. The financial impact of the severe but plausible
downside scenario in 2024 and 2025 is a reduction in adjusted operating
profits by 24.5% and 19.0%, respectively, compared to the Group strategic
plan.
The overall level of liquidity (defined as available undrawn borrowing
facility plus cash and cash equivalent) at 31 December 2023 was £244.5m.
Adjusting for share repurchases of £36.0m under the remainder of the buyback
programme of £60.0m, this still leaves overall liquidity at £208.5m. Capital
expenditure, sales and general overhead, and working capital will continue to
be managed closely to ensure sufficient liquidity.
The scenarios do not indicate a material uncertainty which may cast
significant doubt over the Company's and Group's ability to continue as a
going concern. The Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company
has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the
foreseeable future, and accordingly, have adopted the going concern basis in
preparing the condensed consolidated financial statements. This disclosure has
been prepared in accordance with the Financial Reporting Council's UK
Corporate Governance Code.
Changes in accounting policies
Other pronouncements
The Group adopted the following new pronouncements during 2023, which did not
have a material impact on the Group's financial statements:
· Amendments to IAS 12 - Deferred Tax Related to Assets and
Liabilities Arising from a Single Transaction;
· Amendments to IAS1 - Disclosure of Accounting Policies; and
· Amendments to IAS 8 - Definition of Accounting Estimates.
The following standards and amendments, issued before 31 December 2023 with an
effective date on or after 1 January 2024, have not been early adopted by the
Group, they do not have a material impact on the Group's financial
statements:
· Amendment to IFRS 16 - Leases on sale and leaseback;
· Amendment to IAS 1 - Non-current liabilities with covenants;
· Amendment to IAS 7 and IFRS 7 - Supplier finance;
· Amendments to IAS 21 - Lack of Exchangeability.
2. Segment analysis
The Group has determined its operating segments based upon the information
reported to the Board of Directors ("Board"), which is the Group's Chief
Operating Decision Maker. Segment information is reported on a geographical
basis consistent with the basis upon which the Group manages its operations,
allocates resources, and assesses performance. Central corporate costs
include executive and non-executive management, investor relations, corporate
development, corporate reward, governance, risk and assurance, group finance,
tax, treasury and related information technology costs.
Following the disposal of the Packaging and Filters businesses during the year
ended 31 December 2022, the Group has changed the way its information is
reported to the Board. Previously performance was reported on a divisional
basis. Performance is now managed on a geographical basis with Gross profit
introduced as an additional segment profit measure. Central corporate costs
(previously disclosed as Central Services) now exclude certain costs that are
now regarded as attributable to the operating segments.
2023
EMEA Americas APAC Unallocated Continuing Discontinued Total
operations
£m £m £m items(1)
operations(3) £m
£m
£m £m
Income statement information
External revenue 170.8 106.2 39.3 - 316.3 - 316.3
Gross profit 87.5 40.3 14.0 - 141.8 - 141.8
Adjusted operating profit/(loss) before corporate costs 53.9 19.5 3.5 (22.1) 54.8 (0.4) 54.4
Central corporate costs2 (11.6) (11.6) - (11.6)
Adjusted operating profit/(loss) 53.9 19.5 3.5 (33.7) 43.2 (0.4) 42.8
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets (4.0) (5.5) (1.8) - (11.3) - (11.3)
Adjusting items 0.8 (1.5) (3.4) (16.9) (21.0) - (21.0)
Operating profit/(loss) 50.7 12.5 (1.7) (50.6) 10.9 (0.4) 10.5
Balance sheet information
Segment assets 110.8 70.2 25.8 28.8 235.6 - 235.6
Intangible assets 147.0 53.3 9.0 5.7 215.0 - 215.0
Unallocated items 4 85.4 85.4 - 85.4
Total assets 257.8 123.5 34.8 119.9 536.0 - 536.0
-
Segment liabilities 44.2 27.9 7.7 45.6 125.4 - 125.4
Unallocated items 4 137.4 137.4 - 137.4
Total liabilities 44.2 27.9 7.7 183.0 262.8 - 262.8
Other segment information
Capital expenditure (cash spend) 3.7 6.3 1.7 1.5 13.2 - 13.2
Depreciation of plant, property and equipment 4.3 2.8 1.9 2.1 11.1 - 11.1
Average number of employees 1,180 727 950 194 3,051 - 3,051
(re-presented) 2022
EMEA Americas APAC Unallocated Continuing Discontinued Total
items(1)
operations
operations(3)
£m £m £m
£m
£m £m £m
Income statement information
External revenue 167.0 123.4 47.5 - 337.9 653.9 991.8
Gross profit 84.5 47.2 16.5 - 148.2 116.9 265.1
Adjusted operating profit/(loss) before corporate costs 51.3 25.3 5.8 (20.5) 61.9 38.4 100.3
Central corporate costs2 (23.1) (23.1) - (23.1)
Adjusted operating profit/(loss) after allocation of central costs to 51.3 25.3 5.8 (43.6) 38.8 38.4 77.2
discontinued operations5
Operating expenses allocated to discontinued operations - - - (13.7) (13.7) 13.7 -
Adjusted operating profit/(loss) 51.3 25.3 5.8 (57.3) 25.1 52.1 77.2
Amortisation and impairment of acquired intangible assets (2.6) (5.9) (1.9) - (10.4) (189.2) (199.6)
Adjusting items (1.4) (0.5) - (24.1) (26.0) - (26.0)
Operating profit/(loss) 47.3 18.9 3.9 (81.4) (11.3) (137.1) (148.4)
Balance sheet information
Segment assets 103.0 63.3 32.9 37.0 236.2 - 236.2
Intangible assets 122.7 61.9 14.3 7.7 206.6 - 206.6
Unallocated items4 450.6 450.6 - 450.6
Total assets 225.7 125.2 47.2 495.3 893.4 - 893.4
-
Segment liabilities 40.9 18.7 15.9 77.2 152.7 - 152.7
Unallocated items4 336.6 336.6 - 336.6
Total liabilities 40.9 18.7 15.9 413.8 489.3 - 489.3
Other segment information
Capital expenditure (cash spend) 5.5 3.4 2.1 2.5 13.5 27.5 41.0
Depreciation of plant, property and equipment 3.6 2.8 2.1 5.4 13.9 15.6 29.5
Average number of employees 1,211 821 1,011 305 3,348 4,067 7,415
(Notes:)
(1. Unallocated items include operating expenses related to the
regions that are managed at a total trading level rather than by individual
segment. Assets, liabilities and employees also managed at a total trading
level are presented within Unallocated operating expenses. Segment assets of
£28.8m (2022: £37.0m) includes investment property of £3.3m (2022:
£7.0m).)
(2. Central corporate costs (previously disclosed as Central
Services) include executive and non-executive management, investor relations,
corporate development, governance, risk and assurance, group finance, tax,
treasury, and related information technology costs. The comparative numbers
have been re-presented to exclude certain costs that, following the completion
of the strategic review, are now regarded as attributable to the operating
segments. The effect of this change is to reallocate £1.8m of costs
previously included within Central Services in 2022, to Operating expenses. )
(3. Operating loss from discontinued operations (see Note 17)
excludes the loss on disposal of £3.7m (2022: £19.0m).)
(4. The unallocated assets relate to income and deferred tax assets,
retirement benefit assets, derivatives, other financial assets and cash and
cash equivalents. The unallocated liabilities relate to interest bearing loans
and borrowings, retirement benefit obligations, derivatives, deferred tax
liabilities and income tax payable. Intersegment transactions are carried out
on an arm's-length basis.)
(5. Adjusted operating profit of £38.8m in 2022 includes costs that
would have otherwise been allocated to the Packaging and Filters businesses
had those businesses not been disposed. Had those additional costs been
adjusted for the adjusted operating profit would have been £43.0m.)
On a continuing basis, no customer accounted for more than 10% of revenue in
either 2023 or 2022. Non-current assets in the UK (the Company's country of
domicile) total £93.6m (2022: £91.1m), with the other significant location
being the USA with £106.2m (2022: £114.2m). Total Group net finance
expense of £2.5m (2022: £18.4m) and total Group income tax credit of £1.1m
(2022: £2.0m) cannot be meaningfully allocated by segment. The Group
revenue does not include any variable consideration which is constrained.
Disaggregation of revenue
% of Total Continuing External Revenue 2023 2022
Revenue by channel
End users 78% 79%
Distributors 22% 21%
Revenue by offer type
Standard 63% 64%
Configured 31% 28%
Custom 6% 8%
Revenue by customer segment
Industrial manufacturers 71% 72%
Large consumer manufacturers 20% 21%
SME consumers 9% 7%
Revenue by geographical location
External revenue presented in the table below, on a continuing basis, by
location of the Group operation where the sales originated.
2023 2022
£m £m
UK (country of domicile) 30.2 22.1
US 94.6 111.1
China 26.9 32.6
Turkey 23.6 21.6
Germany 22.4 23.7
Italy 14.8 14.4
France 15.1 17.4
The Netherlands 13.8 14.7
Spain 12.3 12.3
Poland 10.9 10.7
Rest of World 51.7 57.3
Total continuing Group 316.3 337.9
3. Adjusting items from continuing operations
Adjusting items are separately presented from other items by virtue of their
nature, size and/or incidence. They are identified separately in order for the
reader to obtain a clearer understanding of the underlying results of the
ongoing Group's operations, by excluding items which, in management's view, do
not form part of the Group's underlying operating results, such as gains,
losses or costs arising from business acquisition and disposal activities,
significant restructuring and closure costs, and costs of major Software as a
Service projects, items which are non-recurring or one-off in nature (such as
the costs of fundamental strategic review and reorganisation), one-off
impairments of non-current assets and charges relating to the Group's legacy
defined benefit pension schemes, and the related tax effect.
2023 2022
£m £m
Costs relating to restructuring following disposals of businesses1 1.3 10.4
(Gains)/losses and transaction costs relating to acquisitions of businesses2 (1.0) 0.3
Acquisition integration and restructuring costs - 0.2
Customisation and configuration costs of significant software as a service 10.8 12.4
("SaaS") arrangements3
Defined benefit pension scheme charges4 1.8 2.0
Impairment of non-current assets5 7.1 -
Other6 1.0 0.7
Adjusting items before tax 21.0 26.0
Tax (4.3) 2.8
Adjusting items after tax 16.7 28.8
2023 2022
£m £m
Reconciliation of cash flows from adjusting items:
Adjusting items 21.0 26.0
Non-cash charge in adjusting items (5.9) (2.0)
Pension contribution adjustment 1.9 -
Utilisation of prior year and acquired accruals and provisions 6.6 (0.3)
Cash outflow from adjusting items 23.6 23.7
(Notes:)
(1. Costs of £1.3m (2022: £9.9m), in relation to major
restructuring activities to "right size" the continuing operations of the
business following the disposal of the Filters and Packaging businesses; a
charge of £nil (2022: £0.5m) in relation to the acceleration of share
options in respect of certain senior management employees leaving the business
following the completion of the strategic review.)
(2. A credit of £1.0m (2022: £0.3m charge) relating to
acquisitions, of which £0.6m cost relates to the acquisition of BMP TAPPI in
October 2023, and a £1.6m credit (2022: £0.3m charge) relating to the
acquisition of Wixroyd Group, acquired in December 2022, comprising costs of
£0.6m and a credit of £2.2m for the reduction in contingent consideration
payable.)
(3. Costs of significant SaaS arrangements which, in the view of
management, represents investment in upgrading the Group's technological
capability, were expensed as adjusting items in accordance with the Group's
accounting policies. In the current year, costs of £10.8m (2022: £12.4m)
were attributable to major SaaS projects and relate primarily to the costs of
implementing a new cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) system
within the Group.)
(4. Costs of £1.8m (2022: £2.0m) were incurred in relation to
defined benefit pension scheme charges which, following the outcome of the
strategic review in 2022, no longer pertain to the continuing operations of
the Group.)
(5. Includes impairment loss of £3.7m relating to a write-down of
investment property to market value and a £3.4m impairment loss in relation
to non-current assets held within the APAC segment.)
(6. Costs of £0.2m for professional fees relating to the capital
reduction completed during 2023 and £0.8m provision relating to a historic
indemnity claim. 2022 comprises a £0.6m write-down of centrally held IT
assets following completion of the strategic review and £0.6m costs of
restructuring activities within the continuing European and Americas
businesses, offset by a £0.5m credit relating to adjustments to the carrying
value of lease right-of-use assets.)
4. Net finance expense from continuing operations
Note 2023 2022
£m £m
Finance income
Bank deposits 3.5 1.4
Other finance income1 7.0 5.1
Net interest on pension scheme assets 12 0.5 0.6
Total finance income 11.0 7.1
Finance expense
Interest on loans and overdrafts (6.0) (15.9)
Amortisation of bank facility fees - (4.7)
Other finance expense2 (4.9) (2.2)
Net interest on pension scheme liabilities 12 (0.8) (0.6)
Interest on leases 8 (1.8) (1.5)
Total finance expense (13.5) (24.9)
Net finance expense (2.5) (17.8)
(Notes:)
(1. Included within Other finance income is £5.7m (2022: £1.8m)
relating to exchange gains on cash, borrowings and leases and £1.3m (2022:
£3.2m) relating to monetary gains on Hyperinflationary economies.)
(2. Included within Other finance expense is £2.3m (2022: £0.9m)
relating to loss on derivative financial instruments, £nil (2022: £0.8m) of
hedge ineffectiveness, and £2.6m (2022: £0.3m) relating to exchange losses
on cash, borrowings and leases.)
5. Earnings per share
Note 2023 2022
£m £m
Earnings from continuing operations
Profit/(loss) attributable to equity holders of the Company 5.8 (31.1)
Adjustments:
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets 11.3 10.4
Tax on amortisation of acquired intangible assets (2.7) (2.4)
Adjusting items 3 21.0 26.0
Tax relief on adjustments 3 (4.3) 2.8
Adjusted earnings attributable to equity holders of the Company1 31.1 5.7
Earnings from discontinued operations
Earnings attributable to equity holders of Essentra plc (0.4) (156.9)
(Notes:)
(1. Adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations is
provided to reflect the underlying performance of the Group.)
2023 2022
Weighted average number of shares
Basic weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding (million)1 294.6 301.1
Dilutive effect of employee share option plans (million) 2.4 2.0
Diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares (million) 297.0 303.1
Earnings per share from continuing operations (pence)
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations 2.0p (10.3)p
Adjustment 8.6p 12.2p
Basic adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations 10.6p 1.9p
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations 2.0p (10.3)p
Adjustment 8.5p 12.2p
Diluted adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations 10.5p 1.9p
Earnings per share from discontinued operations (pence)
Basic earnings per share (0.2)p (52.1)p
Diluted earnings per share (0.2)p (52.1)p
Total Earnings per share attributable to equity holders of the Company (pence)
Basic earnings per share 1.8p (62.4)p
Diluted earnings per share 1.8p (62.4)p
(Notes:)
(1. The basic weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue
excludes shares held in treasury and shares held by the employee benefit
trust.)
6. Investment Properties, Property, plant and equipment
2023 2023
Note Total Land and Plant and Fixtures, fittings Total
Investment properties(5)
buildings
machinery
and equipment
Property,
plant and equipment
£m £m £m £m
£m
Cost
Beginning of year 7.0 37.7 125.6 72.0 235.3
Acquisitions8 16 - - 4.2 - 4.2
Additions - 1.3 7.0 4.1 12.4
Disposals - (0.1) (14.1) (7.4) (21.6)
Currency translation3 - 0.1 (4.6) (0.2) (4.7)
End of year 7.0 39.0 118.1 68.5 225.6
Accumulated depreciation and impairment
Beginning of year - 14.2 95.7 60.2 170.1
Charge in period6 - 1.6 5.6 3.9 11.1
Disposals - (0.1) (14.1) (7.3) (21.5)
Impairment4,5 3.7 - 0.9 - 0.9
Currency translation3 - 0.7 (3.6) (0.2) (3.1)
End of year 3.7 16.4 84.5 56.6 157.5
Net book value at end of year1 3.3 22.6 33.6 11.9 68.1
2022 2022
Total Land and Plant and Fixtures, fittings Total
Investment
buildings
machinery
and equipment
properties(5)
£m
£m £m £m
£m
Cost
Beginning of year - 79.4 386.5 78.9 544.8
Acquisitions - 0.5 0.7 0.2 1.4
Additions - 2.5 33.1 4.0 39.6
Disposals - (0.7) (9.4) - (10.1)
Business Disposals - (43.5) (324.5) (14.4) (382.4)
Transfers7 7.0 (7.0) - - (7.0)
Currency translation3 - 6.5 39.2 3.3 49.0
End of year 7.0 37.7 125.6 72.0 235.3
Accumulated depreciation and impairment
Beginning of year - 18.0 223.7 48.8 290.5
Charge in period6 - 2.8 18.5 8.2 29.5
Disposals - (0.7) (8.7) - (9.4)
Business Disposals - (9.0) (161.2) (0.1) (170.3)
Impairment4 - - 0.1 0.4 0.5
Currency translation3 - 3.1 23.3 2.9 29.3
End of year - 14.2 95.7 60.2 170.1
Net book value at end of year1 7.0 23.5 29.9 11.8 65.2
(Notes:)
(1. Included within land and buildings, plant and machinery and
fixtures, fittings and equipment are assets in the course of construction of
£2.3m (2022: £0.3m) which were not depreciated during the year.)
(2. Contractual commitments to purchase property, plant and equipment
amounted to £0.3m at 31 December 2023 (2022: £0.3m).)
(3. Currency translation movement for the year includes a £1.8m
increase (2022: £3.2m increase) in respect of adjustments for
hyperinflation.)
(4. Property, plant and equipment with a net book value of £2.9m
(2022: £0.6m) was impaired by £0.9m (2022: £0.6m) to a recoverable amount
of £nil (2022: £nil), which represented fair value less cost to sell. £0.9m
(2022: £0.6m) of this impairment has been charged to adjusting items (see
Note 3).)
(5. As at 31 December 2023, the fair value of the investment property
was £3.3m and as consequence, a reduction of £3.7m has been recorded as an
expense to adjusting items (see Note 3).)
(6. Included within the depreciation charge for the period is £11.1m
(2022: £13.9m) relating to continuing operations.)
(7. During the year to 31 December 2022, land and buildings with a
net book value of £7.0m, were reclassified as investment properties. The
transfer follows the disposal of the Filters business which held a
pre-existing property lease arrangement with the continuing Group. At the date
of disposal of the Filters business on 3 December 2022, the continuing Group
ceased owner-occupation. Following its assessment of the remaining useful
economic life associated to investment properties at the balance sheet date,
the Group is depreciating the building element of the long-term leasehold
owned investment property at 2% on a straight-line basis.)
(8. Acquisitions in 2023 include £4.0m relating to the acquisition
of BMP TAPPI, and £0.2m final purchase price allocation adjustment relating
to the acquisition of Wixroyd Group.)
Investment property valuation
The property has a market value of £3.3m and is valued based on a level 3 of
fair value hierarchy. The valuation was performed by an independent valuer who
holds a recognised and relevant professional qualification and has recent
experience in the location and category of the investment property. The
valuation took into account the contractual terms of the current tenant, who
has occupation until 2027 with an option to extend until 2032 with an
estimated amount for typical market rent based on a 5 year term. The valuation
applies a market yield of 7% until 2027 and 10% beyond 2027. The valuation
takes into account, among other factors, marketability, demand, energy
performance, rating assessment, size, location and condition.
No amounts were received in respect of rental income during the year.
7. Intangible assets
2023
Goodwill Customer Other intangible assets(1,2) Total
£m relationships(6) £m £m
£m
Cost
Beginning of year 140.1 159.3 24.8 324.2
Acquisitions8 (Note 16) 14.5 16.9 0.8 32.2
Additions - - 0.8 0.8
Disposals - - (1.0) (1.0)
Currency translation(7) (6.0) (6.9) (0.8) (13.7)
End of year 148.6 169.3 24.6 342.5
Amortisation and impairment
Beginning of year 4.5 99.1 14.0 117.6
Charge for the year3 - 10.7 3.5 14.2
Impairment5 - 2.2 - 2.2
Disposal - - (1.0) (1.0)
Currency translation7 (0.3) (4.6) (0.6) (5.5)
End of year 4.2 107.4 15.9 127.5
Net book value at end of year 144.4 61.9 8.7 215.0
2022
Goodwill Customer Other intangible assets1,2 Total
£m relationships6 £m £m
£m
Cost
Beginning of year 354.9 423.2 26.4 804.5
Acquisitions 20.7 8.2 0.6 29.5
Additions - - 1.0 1.0
Disposals - - (1.4) (1.4)
Business disposals4 (271.9) (319.2) (2.7) (593.8)
Currency translation7 36.4 47.1 0.9 84.4
End of year 140.1 159.3 24.8 324.2
Amortisation and impairment
Beginning of year 27.9 280.9 12.2 321.0
Charge for the year3 - 16.6 3.0 19.6
Business disposals4 (214.6) (228.0) (1.1) (443.7)
Impairment5 181.6 1.1 - 182.7
Disposal - - (0.8) (0.8)
Currency translation7 9.6 28.5 0.7 38.8
End of year 4.5 99.1 14.0 117.6
Net book value at end of year 135.6 60.2 10.8 206.6
(Notes:)
(1. Other intangible assets principally comprise trade names acquired
with Reid Supply, developed technology acquired with Richco, order backlog,
software development and e-Commerce development costs. Salary costs of £nil
(2022: £0.2m) were capitalised as part of other intangible assets during the
year.)
(2. Included within other intangible assets at 31 December 2023, are
assets in the course of construction of £0.8m (2022: £nil) which were not
amortised during the year. )
(3. Amortisation charged on other intangible assets (which includes
e-Commerce development and software development costs not acquired through a
business combination), is included within operating profit before amortisation
of acquired intangibles and adjusting items. Amortisation charged on customer
relationships acquired in a business combination is excluded from the Group's
adjusted operating profit measure. Included within the amortisation charge for
the period is £14.2m (2022: £13.1m) relating to continuing operations.
)
(4. The Group disposed of the Packaging business and the Filters
business during the year to 31 December 2022. The goodwill disposed was
£35.6m and £21.7m, respectively.)
(5. In 2023 an impairment charge of £2.2m relates to the Hengzhu
CGU. In 2022, an impairment charge of £181.6m was recognised following the
Group's impairment assessment in respect of the carrying value of goodwill
allocated to the Packaging business prior to its disposal. An impairment
charge of £1.1m was also recognised relating to intangible assets held in
India following an impairment review triggered by the divestment of the
Packaging business. These impairment charges have been included within the
result from discontinued operations for the year ended 31 December 2022.
)
(6. The weighted average remaining useful lives of customer
relationships and other intangible assets at the end of the year were 8.5
years and 3.9 years (2022: 5.8 years and 4.3 years), respectively.
)
(7. Currency translation movement for the year includes a £1.1m
increase (2022: £13.9m increase) in respect of adjustments for
hyperinflation. )
(8. Acquisitions includes goodwill of £15.0m and customer
relationships and other intangibles of £17.7m relating to the acquisition of
BMP TAPPI, less an adjustment of £0.5m relating to the finalisation of the
purchase price allocation relating to the acquisition of Wixroyd Group in 2022
(see Note 16).)
(9. Included within other intangible cost is £16.4m (2022:
£16.7m) that was internally generated with a accumulated amortisation of
£10.2m (2022: £8.4m). Internally generated additions amounted to £0.8m
(2022: £0.7m) and amortisation £2.9m (2022: £2.7m).)
Essentra tests intangible assets annually for impairment, or more frequently
if there are indications of impairment. A discounted cash flow analysis is
computed to compare the discounted estimated future operating cash flows to
the net carrying value of the goodwill and other intangible and tangible
assets for each cash generating unit or group of cash generating units
as appropriate. Following an impairment assessment of the carrying value of
goodwill held by the Group's operations performed by management at 31 December
2023, no impairment of goodwill was required to be recognised on the Group's
continuing operations.
Goodwill is allocated to groups of cash generating units, being the operating
segments, as follows:
Goodwill(1) 2023
£m
EMEA 109.3
Americas 35.1
144.4
(Notes:)
(1. Following the disposal of the Packaging and Filters businesses in
2022, the only goodwill remaining was for the Components division which is now
monitored by geographical operating segment (EMEA, Americas and APAC).)
Customer relationships and other intangible assets are allocated to the
businesses to which they relate, as follows:
Business 2023 2022
£m £m
Businesses of former Moss and Skiffy 7.2 8.3
Businesses of former Richco 9.0 13.4
Business of former Mesan 0.4 0.9
Business of former Abric 4.3 5.9
Business of former Micro Plastics, Inc 3.2 3.8
Industrial Supply 0.3 0.7
Innovative Components 5.5 6.6
Hengzhu 4.8 8.3
Wixroyd 7.9 8.8
BMP TAPPI 17.4 -
e-Commerce development costs 4.9 5.9
Other businesses 2.9 3.7
Components Sweden 1.9 2.5
Software and development costs 0.9 2.2
70.6 71.0
Management have reviewed the cash-generating-units ("CGUs") across the Group,
and have concluded that the CGUs for the remaining Components business
continue to be primarily the manufacturing and distribution sites.
The individual CGUs were assessed for impairment and due to the underlying
economic environment impacting the APAC region, there was an indicator of
impairment within the CGU impacting Hengzhu. As a consequence an impairment
charge of £3.4m was recognised on net assets within APAC of £28.9m,
comprising customer relationship intangibles (£2.2m), property, plant and
equipment (£0.9m), and right of use assets (£0.3m).
Following the disposal of the Packaging and Filters businesses, the goodwill
associated with those operating segments was also disposed. The remaining
goodwill, previously allocated to the Components segment, has now been
reallocated to the newly created geographical segments: EMEA, Americas and
APAC. The allocation was made by calculating the notional goodwill for each
CGU by deducting its identifiable net assets from its recoverable amount and
allocating the goodwill to each CGU in the ratio: CGU notional goodwill to
total notional goodwill of the three geographical segments. These new
operating segments, represented by groups of cash-generating-units (the
manufacturing and distribution sites), are considered to represent
the lowest level within the Group at which goodwill is monitored for internal
management purposes.
The impairment tests for goodwill and intangible assets (and in the case of
Hengzhu, other non-current assets) are based first on the Board approved
business plan (the "Plan") and then have been risk-adjusted for impairment
testing purposes. The recoverable amount of each CGU (and Groups of CGUs) was
determined by performing a value-in-use calculation taking into account the
wider market conditions and revenue growth projections within the industry the
Group operates in. The risk-adjusted cash flow projections are over five years
based on the approved annual budget for the first year and subsequent years
based on the Group Strategic Plan. The key assumptions in the cash flow
projections for the risk-adjusted Plan are set out below.
Region Average annual growth Terminal Improvement in Pre-tax
rate over five-year
average operating
discount rate
growth rate
forecast period
profit over
from 2028 onwards
five-year period
Groups of cash-generating-units:
EMEA 6.2% 3.1% 620 bps 16.9%
AMERICAS 5.8% 2.2% 770 bps 15.3%
Cash-generating-unit assumptions:
HENGZHU (individual CGU) 6.0% 2.0% 600 bps 14.1%
Operating margin is primarily based upon the historical levels achieved,
adjusted by targets set for revenue expansion and cost control and reduction
within the Plan period. The values assigned to these assumptions represent
management's assessment of market condition and scope for cost and
profitability improvement, taking into account realisable synergies resulting
from integration activities. The estimated cash flows are discounted using a
pre-tax discount rate based upon Essentra's estimated pre-tax weighted average
cost of capital by operating segment.
For the Hengzhu CGU the recoverable amount remaining is sensitive to
reasonably possible changes in the underlying cash flows and key assumptions.
After taking into account the £3.4m impairment, and based upon the
assumptions above, the recoverable amount aligns to its carrying value.
Management considered the following reasonably possible changes in the key
assumptions, in the context of the macro-economic conditions in China, and the
associated impact on the impairment assessment, in relation to the Hengzhu
CGU:
Sensitivities impacting Hengzhu CGU Impairment
£m
50 bps increase in pre-tax discount rate 0.5
100 bps reduction in terminal growth rate 0.4
100 bps reduction in each year's growth rate 0.1
100 bps reduction in operating profit margin in the terminal year 0.9
No sensitivities are presented for the Group's other CGUs or the other two
Groups of CGUs (being Americas and EMEA geographical segments) given no
reasonably possible changes in inputs would lead to an impairment, there being
significant headroom between their carrying amounts and respective recoverable
amounts.
8. Lease right-of-use assets
2023
Land and Plant and Fixtures, fittings Total
buildings
machinery
and equipment
£m
£m £m £m
Cost
Beginning of year 40.3 2.9 0.2 43.4
Additions, extensions and surrenders 12.3 1.8 - 14.1
Terminations (2.2) (1.6) (0.1) (3.9)
Currency translation(4) (1.6) 0.1 - (1.5)
End of year 48.8 3.2 0.1 52.1
Accumulated depreciation and impairment
Beginning of year 20.4 1.9 0.1 22.4
Charge for the year3 4.9 0.9 0.1 5.9
Impairment5 - 0.3 - 0.3
Terminations (2.2) (1.6) (0.1) (3.9)
Currency translation4 (0.6) 0.1 - (0.5)
End of year 22.5 1.6 0.1 24.2
Net book value at end of year 26.3 1.6 - 27.9
2022
Land and Plant and Fixtures, fittings Total
buildings
machinery
and equipment
£m
£m £m £m
Cost
Beginning of year 100.5 13.4 0.4 114.3
Additions, extensions and surrenders 7.6 2.7 - 10.3
Terminations (6.9) (1.5) (0.1) (8.5)
Business disposals (71.2) (12.4) (0.2) (83.8)
Currency translation4 10.3 0.7 0.1 11.1
End of year 40.3 2.9 0.2 43.4
Accumulated depreciation and impairment
Beginning of year 56.6 7.0 0.3 63.9
Charge for the year3 7.4 2.5 0.2 10.1
Terminations (6.7) (1.3) (0.1) (8.1)
Disposal of businesses (40.4) (6.8) (0.2) (47.4)
Impairment write back1 (0.6) - - (0.6)
Currency translation4 4.1 0.5 (0.1) 4.5
End of year 20.4 1.9 0.1 22.4
Net book value at end of year 19.9 1.0 0.1 21.0
(Notes:)
(1. During the year, an impairment write back of £nil (2022: £0.6m)
was recognised in adjusting items (refer to Note 3). The assets were uplifted
to their recoverable amount, which represented their fair value.)
(2. Contractual commitments to lease property, plant and equipment
amounted to £nil at 31 December 2023 (2022: £nil).)
(3. Depreciation charge of £5.9m (2022: £10.1m) in the year
includes an amount of £5.9m (2022: £5.6m) relating to continuing operations
and £nil (2022: £4.5m) relating to discontinued operations.)
(4. Currency translation as at 31 December 2023 includes net book
value movement of £0.2m decrease (2022: £2.7m increase) in respect of
adjustments for hyperinflation.)
(5. During the year, an impairment of £0.3m was recognised in
adjusting items (refer to Note 3). The assets were written down to their
recoverable amount.)
The income statement includes the following amounts relating to leases:
On continuing operations Notes 2023 2022
£m £m
Lease right-of-use asset depreciation 20 5.9 5.6
Interest expense (included in finance costs)(1) 4 1.8 1.5
Exchange losses (included in finance costs) 4 2.2 1.2
Expense relating to short-term leases (included in cost of goods sold and - 0.1
administrative expenses)(2)
Expense relating to leases of low-value assets that not shown above as 0.1 0.1
short-term leases (included in operating expenses)
10.0 8.5
(Notes:)
(1. For the year ended 31 December 2023, the weighted average
lessee's incremental borrowing rate applied to lease liabilities was 8.6%
(2022: 7.1%).)
(2. The short-term leases expense for the year ending 31 December
2024 is not expected to be materially different to the expense disclosed
above.)
The total cash outflow for leases and analysis of movements in lease
liabilities are included in Note 15.
9. Inventories
2023 2022
£m £m
Raw materials and consumables 7.7 10.6
Work-in-progress 6.0 4.3
Finished goods and goods held for resale 51.0 50.1
Total 64.7 65.0
(Notes:)
(1. Following the disposal of its Packaging and Filters businesses in
2022, and based upon the most recent reliable information, the Group has
updated the inputs into its inventory provisioning calculations in order to
ensure that inventories continue to be measured at the lower of cost and net
realisable value. The impact on inventory provisioning resulted in a £4.3m
increase in inventories and a resultant credit to gross profit.)
(2. Inventories with a total value of £nil (2022: £nil) were
written down in the year.)
10. Trade and other receivables
2023 2022
£m £m
Trade receivables 43.5 45.3
Other receivables(1) 14.7 17.7
Prepayments and accrued income 3.3 3.4
Total 61.5 66.4
(Notes: )
(1. Other receivables includes £9.7m (2022: £nil) of contingent
consideration for an earnout receivable (following the disposal of the Filters
business in 2022).)
11. Trade and other payables
2023 2022
£m £m
Trade payables 23.8 31.9
Other tax and social security contributions 5.4 9.5
Other payables 3.4 7.9
Accruals 28.1 42.2
Total 60.7 91.5
12. Employee benefits
Post-employment benefits
The Group operates a number of defined benefit and defined contribution
pension schemes around the world, the latter covering many of its employees.
The Group also has a number of other post-employment obligations in certain
countries, some of which are required under local law.
The defined benefit plans are administered by boards of trustees and the
assets are held independently from Essentra. The boards of trustees comprise
member nominated trustees, employer nominated trustees and independent
advisory trustees. The articles of the plans prohibit a majority on the boards
to be established by either the member or employer nominated trustees.
Pension costs of the defined benefit schemes are assessed in accordance with
the advice of independent professionally qualified actuaries. Full triennial
actuarial valuations were carried out on the principal European defined
benefit schemes as at 5 April 2021 and annual actuarial valuations are
performed on the principal US defined benefit schemes. The assets and
liabilities of the defined benefit schemes have been updated to the balance
sheet date from the most recently completed actuarial valuations taking
account of the investment returns achieved by the schemes and the level of
contributions.
In June 2023, the UK High Court (Virgin Media Limited v NTL Pension Trustees
II Limited) ruled that certain historical amendments for contracted out
defined benefit schemes were invalid if they were not accompanied by the
correct actuarial confirmation. The judgment is subject to appeal. The Trustee
and Group are monitoring developments and will consider if there are any
implications for the UK Pension Fund, if the ruling is upheld.
The principal European defined benefit schemes entitle remaining members to a
pension calculated on 1.25% or 2% of their capped final pensionable pay
multiplied by the number of pensionable years of service. Some members have
historical entitlements to accrual rates of 1.67%-1.9% and 3% for certain
tranches of their service. The principal US defined benefit schemes entitle
certain former participating employees to annuity benefits equal to 50% of
final average pensionable salary, reduced for years of service less than 30,
and other participating employees to annuity benefits equal to $49 per month
for each year of service.
The amounts included in the condensed consolidated financial statements on a
total group basis (including discontinued operations) are as follows:
2023 2022
£m £m
Amounts expensed against operating profit
Defined contribution schemes 2.7 7.0
Defined benefit schemes - current service cost 1.8 2.0
Defined benefit schemes - curtailment gain - -
Other post-employment obligations 0.1 0.4
Total operating expense 4.6 9.4
Amounts included as finance (income)/expense
Net interest on defined benefit scheme assets1 (0.5) (0.6)
Net interest on defined benefit scheme liabilities2 0.8 0.7
Net finance expense 0.3 0.1
Amounts recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income
Return on defined benefit scheme assets excluding amounts in net finance (2.3) 108.5
income
Impact of changes in assumptions and experience to the present value of 3.6 (88.0)
defined benefit scheme liabilities
Remeasurement losses of defined benefit schemes 1.3 20.5
(Notes:)
(1. Net interest income on defined benefit scheme assets on a
continuing basis (Note 4) was £0.5m (2022: £0.6m).)
(2. Net interest expense on defined benefit scheme liabilities
on a continuing basis (Note 4) was £0.8m (2022: £0.6m)).
During the year, the Group incurred service cost expenses totalling £1.8m
(2022: £2.0m) which, in management's judgement, are not considered to be
part of the Group's ongoing operations. As such, these expenses have been
classified as adjusting items and have been presented separately (see Note 3).
During 2015, the principal defined benefit pension schemes in the UK and the
US were closed to future accrual. Following the closure of the Group's
principal defined benefit pension schemes to future accruals, the schemes are
funded by the Group's subsidiaries and employees are not required to make any
further contribution. The funding of these schemes is based on separate
actuarial valuations for funding purposes for which the assumptions may differ
from those used in the valuation for IAS 19 Employee Benefits purposes.
In April 2022, the Company, Essentra Components Limited and Essentra Pension
Trustees Limited (the trustee of the UK Essentra Pension Plan) entered into a
flexible apportionment agreement ("FAA") subject to UK legislation such that
Essentra Packaging and Security Limited (a former participating employer and
Group subsidiary disposed of as part of the Packaging business), and Essentra
Filter Products Limited and Essentra Pte Limited (both former participating
employers and Group subsidiaries disposed of as part of the Filters business)
transferred all defined benefit pension liabilities to Essentra Components
Limited, a continuing participating employer of the UK Essentra Pension Plan.
In consideration for the trustee entering into the FAA, it was agreed that
Essentra Components Limited pay the following amounts into the Essentra
section of the UK Essentra Pension Plan: (i) £0.7m (this was paid during
2022); (ii) £1.3m payable upon completion of the divestiture of the Packaging
business in the year of disposal which was paid in 2023, and make further cash
payments of £0.6m in each of the six years after the year of divestiture; and
(iii) £1.3m payable upon completion of the divestiture of the Filters
business in the year of disposal which was paid in 2023, and make further
payments of £0.6m in each of the six years after the year of divestiture.
The Group's contributions to its defined benefit pension schemes are
determined in consultation with trustees, taking into consideration actuarial
advice, investment conditions and other local conditions and practices. The
outcome of these consultations can impact the timing of future cash flows.
Contributions payable by the Group to its defined benefit pension schemes
during the year to 31 December 2023 amounted to £nil (2022: £nil) to its
US schemes and £3.8m (2022: £0.7m) in respect of the Group's European
schemes. In 2024, the Group expects to make defined benefit contributions of
$2.4m to its US schemes and £0.7m in respect of the Group's European schemes.
During the year, the Group's total contributions to defined contribution
schemes amounted to £2.7m (2022: £7.0m). Contributions on continuing
operations of £2.7m (2022: £2.9m) were paid in 2023. A similar amount is
expected to be payable during the ending 31 December 2024.
The principal assumptions used by the independent qualified actuaries for the
purposes of IAS 19 are as follows:
2023 2022
Europe US Europe US
Increase in salaries (pre-2010)1 n/a n/a n/a n/a
Increase in salaries (post-2010)1 n/a n/a n/a n/a
Increase in pensions1
at RPI capped at 5% 2.9% n/a 3.0% n/a
at CPI capped at 5% 2.6% n/a 2.7% n/a
at CPI minimum 3%, capped at 5% 3.4% n/a 3.3% n/a
at CPI capped at 2.5% 2.0% n/a 2.2% n/a
Discount rate 4.6% 4.8% 4.8% 5.0%
Inflation rate - RPI2 3.0% n/a 3.1% n/a
Inflation rate - CPI2 2.6% n/a 2.7% n/a
(Notes:)
(1. For service prior to April 2010, pension at retirement is
linked to salary at retirement. For service after April 2010, pension is
linked to salary at April 2010 with annual increases capped at 3%.)
(2. During 2021, the Group changed its methodology and
assumptions relating to inflation applied to the UK defined benefit pension
scheme (included within Europe) pertaining to the Retail Prices Index ("RPI")
and the Consumer Prices Index (CPI). This follows the government's
announcement in November 2020 that RPI inflation will be aligned with CPIH
inflation (CPI plus housing) from 2030. As such, the actuary derived the
inflation assumption based on a 'term-based' curve approach, by weighing the
Scheme's projected cash flows with the gilt-based RPI curve.)
(3. Due to the timescale covered, the assumptions applied may
not be borne out in practice.)
The life expectancy assumptions (in number of years) used to estimate defined
benefit pension obligations at the year-end are as follows:
2023 2022
Europe US Europe US
Male retiring today at age 65 22.4 20.7 22.0 20.5
Female retiring today at age 65 24.8 22.6 24.4 22.5
Male retiring in 20 years at age 65 23.7 22.2 23.3 22.1
Female retiring in 20 years at age 65 26.2 24.1 25.9 24.0
The allocation of assets between different classes of investment is reviewed
regularly and is a key factor in the trustees' investment policies. The
allocation of assets is arrived at taking into consideration current market
conditions and trends, the size of potential returns relative to investment
risk and the extent to which asset realisation needs to match liability
maturity. There are risks underlying these considerations. If asset returns
fall below the returns required for scheme assets to match the present value
of scheme liabilities, a scheme deficit results. Persistent deficits represent
an obligation the Group has to settle through increased cash contributions. If
asset maturities are not properly matched with liability maturities, there is
also the risk that the Group could be required to make unplanned short-term
cash contributions to resolve resulting liquidity issues. Scheme assets are
invested by the trustees in asset classes and markets that are considered to
be reasonably liquid, so through this matching liquidity risk is considered to
be sufficiently mitigated.
Movement in fair value of post-employment obligations recognised during the
year
2023 2022
Defined benefit Other(1) Total Defined benefit Other(1) Total
pension schemes
pension schemes
£m £m £m £m
Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities
£m £m £m £m
Beginning of year 198.3 (208.7) (0.2) (10.6) 305.9 (293.1) (3.8) 9.0
Current service cost and administrative expense2 (1.8) - (0.1) (1.9) (1.8) (0.2) (0.4) (2.4)
Employer contributions 3.7 0.1 - 3.8 0.7 0.2 - 0.9
Return on plan assets excluding amounts in net finance income3 2.3 - - 2.3 (108.5) - - (108.5)
Actuarial (losses)/gains arising from change in financial assumptions - (3.9) - (3.9) - 95.5 - 95.5
Actuarial gains/(losses) arising from change in demographic assumptions - 0.6 - 0.6 - (1.9) - (1.9)
Actuarial losses arising from experience adjustment - (0.3) - (0.3) - (5.6) - (5.6)
Finance income/(expense) 9.3 (9.6) - (0.3) 6.3 (6.3) (0.1) (0.1)
Benefits paid (11.4) 11.4 - - (11.5) 11.5 - -
Currency translation (2.9) 3.8 - 0.9 7.2 (9.4) (0.1) (2.3)
Business combinations4 - (0.2) - (0.2) - 0.6 4.2 4.8
End of year 197.5 (206.8) (0.3) (9.6) 198.3 (208.7) (0.2) (10.6)
Defined benefit schemes - net retirement benefit assets/(obligations) (9.3) (10.4)
(Notes:)
(1. Included within the other category above are other
post-employment obligations outside of Europe and the US which are required
under local law.)
(2. During the period, the Group incurred administrative expenses
totalling £1.8m (2022: £2.0m) which, in management's judgement, are not
considered to be part of the Group's ongoing operations. As such, these
expenses have been classified as adjusting items and have been presented
separately (see Note 3).)
(3. For 2022, included within reduction on plan assets is an
actuarial loss of £10.8m relating to an investment decision to purchase a
bulk purchase annuity ("buy-in") contract. A premium of £38.2m was paid to
purchase buy-in to insure against liabilities within the UK defined benefits
scheme. The loss represented the difference between the premium paid and the
estimated present value of the obligations and was included within other
comprehensive income.)
(4. In 2023 £0.2m pension obligation relates to BMP TAPPI
acquisition. In 2022 the Group disposed of the Packaging business and the
Filters business. The participating employers in the UK Essentra Pension Plan
of the divested businesses transferred their defined benefit pension
liabilities to Essentra Components Limited as part of the FAA executed in
April 2022.)
Sensitivity
For the significant assumptions used in determining defined benefit costs and
liabilities, the following sensitivity analysis gives the estimate of the
impact on the measurement of the scheme liabilities.
(Increase)/decrease in schemes net liabilities as at 31 December 2023
Europe US Total
£m £m £m
3.0% decrease in the discount rate (74.3) (31.3) (105.6)
3.0% increase in the rate of inflation (23.2) n/a (23.2)
1.0% increase in rate of salary/pension increases n/a n/a n/a
1 year increase in life expectancy (4.4) (1.9) (6.3)
1 year decrease in life expectancy 5.2 1.9 7.1
3.0% increase in the discount rate 39.9 18.6 58.5
1.0% decrease in rate of salary/pension increases n/a n/a n/a
3.0% decrease in the rate of inflation 16.5 n/a 16.5
13. Financial risk management
Total financial assets and liabilities
The table below sets out Essentra's accounting categories and fair value for
each class of financial asset and liability.
2023 2022
Fair Amortised cost Total carrying value Fair Amortised cost Total
value
value
£m £m
£m carrying value
£m £m
£m
Trade and other receivables2 - 48.5 48.5 - 63.0 63.0
Cash and cash equivalents - 59.7 59.7 - 421.4 421.4
Interest bearing loans and borrowings3 - (95.5) (95.5) - (293.0) (293.0)
Lease liabilities - (30.9) (30.9) - (22.9) (22.9)
Trade and other payables - (55.3) (55.3) - (82.0) (82.0)
Level 2 of fair value hierarchy 4.2 - 4.2 8.5 - 8.5
Derivative assets5
Derivative liabilities5 - - - (1.3) - (1.3)
Level 3 of fair value hierarchy 19.0 19.0 11.6 - 11.6
Other financial assets6
Other non-current financial liabilities4 - - - (2.4) - (2.4)
Other current financial liabilities7 (28.0) - (28.0) (24.1) - (24.1)
Total Group (including discontinued operations in 2022) (4.8) (73.5) (78.3) (7.7) 86.5 78.8
(Notes:)
(1. Financial assets and liabilities held at amortised cost
mostly have short terms to maturity. For this reason, their carrying amounts
at the reporting date approximate the fair values.)
(2. Total trade and other receivables carried at £61.5m
(2022: £66.4m) include prepayments of £3.3m (2022: £3.4m) which are not
financial assets and are therefore excluded from the above analysis and £9.7m
included within level 3 of fair value hierarchy other financial assets.)
(3. Included within interest bearing loans and borrowings are
$103m (2022: $350m) US Private Placement Loan Notes. The Loan Notes are held
at amortised cost with a carrying value of £80.3m (2022: £293.0m). The Group
estimates that the total fair value of the Loan Notes at 31 December 2023 is
£70.0m (2022: £277.7m). Unsecured bank loans amounting to £15.2m (2022:
£nil), included within interest bearing loans and borrowings, incur interest
at floating rates and as a result their carrying amounts also approximate
their fair values at the reporting date.)
(4. Included within other non-current financial liabilities
(classified as level 3 in the fair value hierarchy), is an amount of £nil
(2022: £2.4m) representing deferred consideration payable in respect of
acquisitions (2022: £2.4m).)
(5. Fair values of forward foreign exchange contracts and
cross currency interest rate swaps have been calculated at year end forward
exchange rates compared to contracted rates using observable market data from
third party financial institutions.)
(6. Other financial assets includes deferred contingent
consideration receivable amounting to £19.0m (2022: £10.6m) following the
disposal of the Filters business, £9.3m of which is due greater than 1 year
and £9.7m due less than 1 year. The consideration, which is structured as
an earn-out, has been classified as a long-term receivable in the condensed
consolidated financial statements. The fair value has been determined at the
balance sheet date based on management's best estimate of the Filters business
achieving future performance targets to which the earn-out is linked with
forecast earnings being a critical unobservable input into the fair value
measurement. Management have assessed and concluded that for 2022 any
difference in fair value between completion date (the date at which the
valuation was carried out) and 31 December 2022 would have been immaterial.)
(7. Other current financial liabilities include £23.0m (2022:
£18.0m) which represents management's best estimate of the combined expected
settlement payable by the Group through the respective completion accounts
mechanisms linked to both the Filters business and Packaging business
disposals. The amount recognised is based on the facts and circumstances that
were present and known at the balance sheet date. Other current financial
liabilities also include deferred contingent consideration of £5.0m (2022:
£6.1m) in respect of acquisitions.)
(8. During the year, a fair value loss of £nil (2022: £nil)
was recognised in respect of financial instruments at level 3 fair value
hierarchy, and £nil (2022: £nil) was settled in cash. No other fair value
gains or losses were recorded in profit or loss and other comprehensive
income.)
14. Issued share capital
2023 2022
£m £m
Issued, authorised and fully paid ordinary shares of 25p (2022: 25p) each:
Beginning of year 75.6 75.6
Cancellation of shares of 9,223,493 shares of 25p each: (2.3) -
End of year 73.3 75.6
Number of ordinary shares in issue
Beginning of year 302,590,708 302,590,708
Cancellation of shares (9,223,493) -
End of year 293,367,215 302,590,708
Purchase and cancellation of own shares
During the year, 13,364,814 (2022: nil) 25p Ordinary Shares ("shares") were
purchased by the Company for total cash consideration of £24.0m (2022:
£nil) at a weighted average price of 179.5 pence per share, of which
9,223,493 shares with an aggregate nominal value of £2.3m were cancelled,
and £2.3m transferred from issued share capital to the capital redemption
reserve.
At 31 December 2023, the Company held 5,039,265 (2022: 897,944) of its own
shares with a nominal value of £1.3m (2022: £0.2m) in treasury. This
represents 1.7% (2022: 0.3%) of the number of ordinary shares in issue.
Capital reduction
The capital reduction, comprising the merger reserve, was approved by
shareholders at a General Meeting held on 14 November 2023. In connection with
the capitalisation of the merger reserve, resolutions authorising the
Directors to allot one new B ordinary share (the "Capital Reduction Share"),
and to subsequently cancel the Capital Reduction Share were passed at the
General Meeting. On 4 December 2023, the amount of £385,219,535 standing to
the credit of the merger reserve of the Company was capitalised and applied in
paying up in full at par one Capital Reduction Share with a nominal value of
£385,219,535. On 14 December 2023, Essentra announced that the capital
reduction had become effective following the confirmation by the Court
approval on 5 December 2023 and the registration of the Court order with the
Registrar of Companies on 7 December 2023.
15. Analysis of net debt
1 January Cash flow Business Business Lease Exchange Non-cash 31 December
2023
disposals
additions
2023
£m
acquisitions
movements movements(1,2,4)
£m £m
£m
£m
£m £m £m
Cash at bank and in hand 421.4 (308.9) (17.8) (33.3) - (1.7) - 59.7
Cash and cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows 421.4 (308.9) (17.8) (33.3) - (1.7) - 59.7
Derivative financial instruments hedging private placement loans 8.3 (0.3) - - - (3.8) - 4.2
Debt due within one year (208.0) 208.0 - - - - - -
Debt due after one year (85.0) (14.9) - - - 4.4 - (95.5)
Lease liabilities due within one year3 (4.9) 7.2 - - (2.0) - (7.4) (7.1)
Lease liabilities due after one year3 (18.0) - - - (12.0) 0.6 5.6 (23.8)
Debt from financing activities (307.6) 200.0 - - (14.0) 1.2 (1.8) (122.2)
Net (debt)/funding surplus 113.8 (108.9) (17.8) (33.3) (14.0) (0.5) (1.8) (62.5)
1 January Cash flow Business Business Lease Exchange Non-cash 31 December
2022
disposals
acquisitions
additions
movements
movements(1,2,4)
2022
£m
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Cash at bank and in hand 123.9 (115.7) 434.9 (27.9) - 6.2 - 421.4
Short-term deposits and investments 12.4 5.7 (18.0) - - (0.1) - -
Cash and cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows 136.3 (110.0) 416.9 (27.9) - 6.1 - 421.4
Derivative financial instruments hedging private placement loans - (6.5) - - - 13.4 1.4 8.3
Debt due within one year - - - - - (1.2) (206.8) (208.0)
Debt due after one year (313.3) 59.2 - - - (31.2) 200.3 (85.0)
Lease liabilities due within one year3 (11.6) 14.3 7.5 - (2.9) (0.9) (11.3) (4.9)
Lease liabilities due after one year3 (46.1) - 30.1 - (7.4) (3.3) 8.7 (18.0)
Debt from financing activities (371.0) 67.0 37.6 - (10.3) (23.2) (7.7) (307.6)
Net (debt)/funding surplus (234.7) (43.0) 454.5 (27.9) (10.3) (17.1) (7.7) 113.8
(Notes:)
(1. The non-cash movements in debt due after one year represents the
amortisation and write down of prepaid facility fees of £nil (2022: £4.8m
amortisation of prepaid facility fees) and the revaluation of loan to fair
value of £nil (2022: £1.7m). In the year ended 31 December 2022 loans of
£185.0m were reallocated to debt due within one year following an agreement
to repay on demand in January 2023.)
(2. The net non-cash movements in lease liabilities represents lease
surrenders of £nil (2022: £0.2m) due to renegotiated lease terms, offset by
interest on leases of £1.8m (2022 £2.8m).)
(3. During the year, £5.6m (2022: £8.7m) of lease liabilities moved
from due after one year to due within one year.)
(4. Included within non-cash movements for derivative financial
instruments hedging private placement loans is outflow of £2.3m (2022: £1.4m
inflow) relating to the fair value movements on cross currency interest rate
swaps.)
The net cash outflow relating to lease liabilities for low value, short term
and variable lease payments was £0.1m (2022: £0.2m, see Note 8).
16. Acquisitions
Acquisition of BMP s.r.l ("BMP TAPPI")
On 26 October 2023, Essentra acquired 100% of the equity interests of BMP
TAPPI, a global provider of essential components and solutions, to strengthen
the Essentra's product portfolio, unlock further cross-selling opportunities,
and to enhance the Group's manufacturing footprint in Europe. The Group
acquired BMP TAPPI for an initial cash consideration of €39.5m (£34.3m), up
to €3.5m (£3.0m) deferred contingent consideration, and €0.7m (£0.6m)
adjustment for net working capital and financial position. The deferred
contingent consideration is conditional on achieving certain performance
criteria over a two-year period commencing 1 January 2023.
On acquisition, the assets and liabilities of the business acquired were
adjusted to reflect their fair value to Essentra. The most significant fair
value adjustment arising on the acquisition of BMP TAPPI related to the
attribution of fair value to the acquired customer relationships intangible
asset. In determining the fair value of the intangible asset, the Group used
an external valuation specialist whose assessment considered forecast cash
flows from BMP TAPPI's customer contracts, expected attrition rates based on
an analysis of historic customer sales data, and the application of an
appropriate discount rate specific to the customer relationship asset. The
resulting analysis indicated a provisional fair value for the customer
relationships asset of £16.9m, with a corresponding provisional deferred tax
liability in relation to the intangible asset of £4.8m.
Under IFRS 3 Business Combinations, the fair value of assets and liabilities
must be finalised within a 12-month "measurement period" from the date of
acquisition. At the reporting date, the purchase price allocation and fair
value adjustments are provisional. The acquired business contributed revenues
of £1.8m and net profit of £nil to the Group for the period from 26 October
to 31 December 2023 and these results are included within these condensed
consolidated financial statements. Had the acquisition completed on 1 January
2023, the contribution to the Group's revenue and operating profit would have
been £12.5m and £2.5m higher, respectively.
Acquisition-related costs of £0.6m are included within adjusting items in the
consolidated income statement (see Note 3) and in operating cash flows in the
consolidated statement of cash flows.
The Group's provisional assessment of the fair value of assets and liabilities
recognised as part of the acquisition of BMP TAPPI are detailed below:
Provisional fair value
£m
Intangible assets1 17.7
Property, plant and equipment 4.0
Inventories 0.2
Trade and other receivables 3.2
Cash and cash equivalents 5.3
Trade and other payables (2.0)
Retirement benefit obligations (0.2)
Corporation tax payable (0.4)
Deferred tax liabilities (4.9)
Net identifiable assets acquired 22.9
Goodwill2 15.0
Total consideration 37.9
Cash consideration 34.3
Deferred consideration3 3.6
Total consideration 37.9
(Notes:)
(1. Intangible assets comprise customer relationships of £16.9m and
other intangible assets of £0.8m.)
(2. Goodwill recognised of £15.0m represents the expected operating
and financial synergies, and the value of the assembled workforce acquired.
Goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes.)
(3. Deferred consideration includes £3.0m of deferred contingent
consideration and £0.6m of adjustments to the purchase price for net
financial capital and financial position.)
Acquisition of Wixroyd Group
On 1 December 2022, Essentra acquired 100% of the equity interests of Wixroyd
Holdings Limited (the "Wixroyd Group"), a leading UK supplier of industrial
parts for the engineering sector for an initial consideration of £31.4m. The
consideration payable for the Wixroyd Group comprised an initial cash
consideration of £31.4m and up to £7.0m deferred contingent consideration.
The deferred earn-out consideration was conditional on achieving certain
performance criteria for the 12 month period commencing 1 January 2023.
During 2023, Essentra reassessed the fair value adjustments and made changes
to property, plant and equipment, inventories and tax. The impact of this on
goodwill is a decrease of £0.5m. The process of allocating the purchase
price, including the split between goodwill and intangible assets and fair
value adjustments, has been concluded. Accordingly, the purchase price
allocation presented in these financial statements is now final.
On finalisation of the trading performance over 2023, a reduction in the fair
value of deferred contingent consideration payable was recognised resulting in
a credit of £2.2m (2022: £nil) being recognised in the income statement for
the year. Furthermore, a payment of £0.2m in relation to the resolution of an
uncertain tax position was made to the vendor during the year. As a result,
the deferred consideration recognised for Wixroyd at 31 December 2023 was
£0.2m (2022: £2.6m).
Acquisition of Hengzhu
On 2 August 2021, Essentra acquired the trade and assets of Jiangxi Hengzhu
Electrical Cabinet Lock Co., Ltd ("Hengzhu"), an access hardware manufacturer
and distributor in China via a newly incorporated entity, Essentra Hengzhu
Precision Components Co Ltd, which acquired 100% of the business for ¥103m
(approximately £11.8m). Essentra had subscribed and paid up 73% of the issued
share capital of Essentra Hengzhu Precision Components Co Ltd with the
remaining 27% stake subject to put and call options exercisable 6 months after
issuance of the subsidiary's audit report for 2022. The remaining 27% stake
did not confer any shareholder right (including, entitlement to dividends and
right to transfer to other parties) to the vendor shareholder. Therefore, it
was concluded that the amount payable under the put option of £4.7m, as of 31
December 2022, in substance represented deferred consideration and was
accounted for as a financial liability as at 31 December 2022. No
non-controlling interest was recognised in respect of this acquisition. During
the year ended 31 December 2023, the remaining amount due under the put option
was paid in full leaving a balance of £nil (2022: £4.7m) in respect of
deferred consideration relating to this acquisition.
Acquisition of Micro Plastics
On 12 December 2017, Essentra acquired 100% of the share capital of Micro
Plastics, Inc. The transaction was settled with cash consideration of £19.7m
and deferred consideration of £3.7m, of which £1.2m (31 December 2022:
£1.3m) remains payable to the vendor.
17. Discontinued operations
Disposal of Packaging and Filters businesses
On 1 October 2022, the Group completed its sale of ESNT Packaging &
Securing Solutions Limited and Essentra Packaging US Inc and their respective
subsidiary companies (together the 'Packaging business'). On 3 December 2022,
the Group also completed the sale of Essentra Filter Holdings Limited and its
respective subsidiary companies (the 'Filters business'). Financial
information relating to these discontinued operations is set out below. On 28
September 2022, the Group also completed the sale of its Packaging business in
India for cash consideration of £1.1m.
Income statement analysis of discontinued operations
Total discontinued operations 2023 2022
£m £m
Revenue - 653.9
Operating loss1 (0.4) (137.1)
Finance income - 1.5
Finance expense - (2.1)
Loss before tax on discontinued activities (0.4) (137.7)
Loss before tax on disposal2 (3.7) (19.0)
Total loss before tax on discontinued operations (4.1) (156.7)
Income tax credit 3.7 4.0
Total loss for the year from discontinued operations (0.4) (152.7)
(Notes:)
(1. For the year ended 31 December 2023 the operating loss from
discontinued operations includes gross income of £5.5m and costs of £5.9m.)
(2. For the year ended 31 December 2023, the loss on disposal of
discontinued operations includes a charge of £3.7m based upon the Group's
latest estimate of amounts due to the respective purchasers of the Packaging
and Filters businesses. For the year ended 31 December 2022 refer to page 180
of the 2022 Essentra plc Annual Report for the calculation of the loss on
disposal of discontinued operations of £19.0m.)
The results from discontinued operations are attributable entirely to the
equity holders of Essentra plc. The results for the year ended 31 December
2023 include profit after tax attributable to non-controlling interests of
£nil (2022: £4.2m). The earnings per share of discontinued operations are
disclosed in Note 5.
Cash flows of discontinued operations
Total discontinued operations 2023 2022
£m £m
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from operating activities (3.8) 59.7
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from investing activities1 (17.8) 358.8
Net cash outflow from financing activities - (10.3)
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents (21.6) 408.2
(Notes:)
(1. Included within investing activities in 2023 is £5.3m for
settlement of deferred consideration on the disposal of the Packaging business
and £12.5m (2022: £31.5m) on cash outflow from costs of business disposal.
In 2022, proceeds from the disposal of businesses of £462.6m, net of cash
disposed of £45.7m was £416.9m.)
18. Dividends
Per share Total
2023 2022 2023 2022
p p £m £m
2022 interim: paid 28 October 2022 2.3 6.9
2022 special dividend: paid 27 April 20231 29.8 89.8
2022 proposed final: paid 30 June 2023 1.0 3.0
2023 interim: paid 27 October 2023 1.2 3.5
2023 proposed final: payable 5 July 20242 2.4 7.0
(Notes:)
(1. The special dividend paid on 27 April 2023 amounted to £89.8m,
and therefore this figure has been re-presented)
(2. Subject to approval at the Annual General Meeting on 23 May 2024,
the proposed final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2023 will be paid
on 5 July 2024 to shareholders on the register of the Company on 17 May 2024.
The ordinary shares will be quoted ex-dividend on 16 May 2024.)
19. Related parties
During the year, the Company paid £47,937, and granted 6,364 SAYE share
options to the wife of Scott Fawcett, CEO of Essentra plc, in respect of her
employment by the Group. Scott's wife was employed by the Group prior to his
appointment as a director of Essentra plc on 1 January 2023.
ITC Essentra Limited was 50% owned by the Group until its disposal on 3
December 2022. Until that date, its results were fully consolidated within the
Group's results as it was deemed Essentra had control up to the date of
disposal by virtue of its having control of the board. At the date of
disposal, the entity had gross assets of £34.0m and gross liabilities of
£14.6m. Operating profit for the period to disposal was £6.9m and cash
decreased by £0.5m.
China Tobacco Essentra (Xiamen) Filters Co., Ltd was 49% owned by the Group
until its disposal on 3 December 2022. Until that date, its results were fully
consolidated within the Group's results as it was deemed Essentra had control
up to the date of disposal by virtue of its having control of the board. As
the date of disposal, the entity had gross assets of £30.0m and gross
liabilities of £12.7m. Operating profit for the period to disposal was £2.4m
and cash decreased by £0.9m.
20. Adjusted performance measures
The Group presents alternative performance measures, including adjusted
operating profit, adjusted operating profit after allocation of central costs,
adjusted operating cash flow and adjusted earnings per share, which are not
defined or specified in accordance with UK adopted International Financial
Reporting Standards. These non-GAAP measures enable management to reflect the
underlying performance of the continuing operations of the Group and provides
investors with a more meaningful comparison of how the business is managed and
measured on a periodic basis.
The adjusted performance measures presented below cannot be derived directly
from the Group's condensed consolidated financial statements, and therefore a
reconciliation of the adjusted performance measure to the most directly
comparable reported measure in accordance with UK adopted International
Financial Reporting Standards has been provided.
Reconciliation to the Group's adjusted profit measures
Continuing operations 2023 2022
£m £m
Operating profit/(loss) Reported statutory measure 10.9 (11.3)
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets 11.3 10.4
Adjusting items Note 3 21.0 26.0
Adjusted operating profit Adjusted performance measure 43.2 25.1
Finance income Note 4 11.0 7.1
Finance expenses Note 4 (13.5) (24.9)
Adjusted profit before income tax Adjusted performance measure 40.7 7.3
Tax on adjusted profit (9.6) (1.6)
Adjusted net income Adjusted performance measure 31.1 5.7
Reconciliation of reported statutory measures to the Group's segment analysis
2023
EMEA Americas APAC Unallocated operating expenses Central corporate costs Continuing operations Discontinued operations3 Total
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Operating profit/(loss) Reported statutory measure 50.7 12.5 (1.7) (39.0) (11.6) 10.9 (0.4) 10.5
Adjusting items Note 3 (0.8) 1.5 3.4 16.9 - 21.0 - 21.0
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets 4.0 5.5 1.8 - - 11.3 - 11.3
Adjusted operating profit/(loss) Adjusted performance measure 53.9 19.5 3.5 (22.1) (11.6) 43.2 (0.4) 42.8
20221
EMEA Americas APAC Unallocated operating expenses2 Central corporate costs Continuing operations Discontinued operations3 Total
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Operating profit/(loss) Reported statutory measure 47.3 18.9 3.9 (58.3) (23.1) (11.3) (137.1) (148.4)
Adjusting items Note 3 1.4 0.5 - 24.1 - 26.0 - 26.0
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets 2.6 5.9 1.9 - - 10.4 189.2 199.6
Adjusted operating profit/(loss) Adjusted performance measure 51.3 25.3 5.8 (34.2) (23.1) 25.1 52.1 77.2
(Notes:)
(1. Following the disposal of the Packaging and Filters businesses
during the year ended 31 December 2022, the Group has changed its segment
analysis from a divisional to a geographical basis, and therefore this note
has been re-presented.)
(2. Includes £13.7m of operating expenses that were allocated
previously to discontinued operations.)
(3. Discontinued operations includes £nil (2022: £6.5m) of
intangible amortisation and £nil (2022: £182.7m) relating to impairments.)
Net (debt)/funding surplus
Net (debt)/funding surplus is defined as cash and cash equivalents (including
short-term liquid investments) and derivatives against hedging placement
loans, net of lease liabilities and interest bearing loans and borrowings. It
is a measure that provides additional information on the Group's financial
position.
2023 2022
£m £m
Cash and cash equivalents Reported statutory measure 59.7 421.4
Debt liabilities (95.5) (293.0)
Lease liabilities Note 13 (30.9) (22.9)
Derivative financial instruments hedging placement loans 4.2 8.3
Net (debt)/funding surplus Adjusted performance measure (62.5) 113.8
Reconciliation to the Group's adjusted operating cash flow measure
Adjusted operating cash flow from continuing operations is presented to
exclude the impact of tax, adjusting items, interest and other items not
impacting operating profit. Net capital expenditure is included in this
measure as management regards investment in operational assets (tangible and
intangible) as integral to the underlying cash generation capability of the
Group, except amounts relating to adjusting items.
2023 2022
£m £m
Net cash inflow from operating activities Reported statutory measure 29.5 64.0
Adjusted for: net cash inflow/(outflow) from Note 17 3.8 (59.7)
discontinued operations
Operating net cash inflow from continuing activities 33.3 4.3
Cash outflow from adjusting items Note 3 23.6 23.7
Net tax paid on continuing operations 4.5 5.0
Net capex expenditure on continuing operations Note 2 (13.2) (12.8)
Adjusted operating cash inflow from continuing operations Adjusted performance measure 48.2 20.2
2023 2022
£m £m
Adjusting operating profit from continuing operations Adjusted performance measure 43.2 25.1
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 11.1 13.9
Lease right-of-use asset depreciation 5.9 5.6
Amortisation of non-acquired intangible assets 2.9 2.7
Share option expense 1.4 1.4
Other non-cash items1 (0.5) (1.5)
Working capital movements (2.6) (14.2)
Net capital expenditure (13.2) (12.8)
Adjusted operating cash inflow from continuing operations Adjusted performance measure 48.2 20.2
Reconciliation of cash flows from adjusting items:
Adjusting items Note 3 21.0 26.0
Non-cash expenses/credits in adjusting items2 Note 3 (5.9) (2.0)
Adjustment for pension contributions Note 3 1.9 -
Cash outflow on adjusting items recognised in the year Adjusted performance measure 17.0 24.0
Utilisation of prior year end acquired accruals and provisions Note 3 6.6 (0.3)
Cash outflow from adjusting items Adjusted performance measure 23.6 23.7
(Notes:)
(1. Other non-cash items comprise impairment of fixed assets £nil
(2022: £0.5m), outflow from hedging activities and other movements £0.5m
(2022: £1.1m outflow), movement in provisions £nil (2022: £0.1m) less
movement due to hyperinflation £nil (2022 £3.2m).)
(2. Non-cash expenses/credits in adjusting items includes £3.7m
(2022: £nil) investment property impairment, £3.4m (2022: £nil) impairment
of non-current assets following impairment review less £1.3m (2022: add
£2.0m) other non-cash movements in adjusting items.)
21. Cautionary forward-looking statements
This Report contains forward-looking statements based on current expectations
and assumptions. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other
factors may cause actual results to differ from any future results or
developments expressed or implied from the forward-looking statements. Each
forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this document. The
Company accepts no obligation to publicly revise or update these
forward-looking statements or adjust them to future events or developments,
whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to
the extent legally required.
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 (mailto:rns@lseg.com)
or visit
www.rns.com (http://www.rns.com/)
.
RNS may use your IP address to confirm compliance with the terms and conditions, to analyse how you engage with the information contained in this communication, and to share such analysis on an anonymised basis with others as part of our commercial services. For further information about how RNS and the London Stock Exchange use the personal data you provide us, please see our
Privacy Policy (https://www.lseg.com/privacy-and-cookie-policy)
. END FR JPMBTMTIBTJIRecent news on Essentra
See all newsREG - Essentra plc - Transaction in Own Shares
AnnouncementREG - Essentra plc - Transaction in Own Shares
AnnouncementREG - Essentra plc - Transaction in Own Shares
AnnouncementREG - Essentra plc - Director/PDMR Shareholding
AnnouncementREG - Essentra plc - Transaction in Own Shares
Announcement