Final Results
RNS Number : 0393T
Leeds Group PLC
12 November 2019
Issued on behalf of Leeds Group plc
Date: 12 November 2019
Leeds Group plc
("Leeds Group" or "the Group")
Final Results for the year ended 31 May 2019
Leeds Group reports the final results of the Group for the year to 31 May 2019.
This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of EU Regulation 596/2014 (MAR) and has been arranged for release by Jan G Holmstrom, Chairman.
Enquiries:
Leeds Group plc Cairn Financial Advisers LLP
Dawn Henderson - 07747 777055 Tony Rawlinson / Liam Murray - 020 7213 0880
Chairman's Statement
It has been an extremely difficult and disappointing year for the Group. Trading conditions have continued to be challenging with increased competition creating pressure on gross margins within both the wholesale and retail textile markets. Hemmers-Itex Textile Import Export GmbH ('Hemmers'), the main trading subsidiary, has been affected by the deterioration in both its German and external markets.
On 5th July 2018, an additional investment was made in Stoff-Ideen-KMR Gmbh ('KMR') so that the company became a wholly owned subsidiary rather than a joint venture arrangement. KMR has a limited number of retail shops in Germany and the directors had hoped that with full control of the business and synergies with Hemmers, that the company would contribute to increased profits for the Group. As the retail market in Germany has deteriorated, KMR has also been affected with sales falling during the year with no positive result contribution.
During the year the directors have therefore undertaken a further strategic review of all trading businesses within the Group. The directors see the need to further concentrate on the Group's core business, Hemmers, and have implemented plans and cost cutting measures to ensure that the company is in a good position both to face the current challenging market conditions and to respond to any improvement. A decision has been made to close Chinoh-Tex Ltd ('Chinoh-Tex'), the Chinese subsidiary of Hemmers, as it is not generating adequate profits despite recent actions taken to reduce costs. A number of measures have been implemented in KMR to further improve efficiencies and reduce the cost base, such as implementation of new IT systems and changes to how shops are staffed and managed. Management will closely monitor the performance of the KMR retail outlets and take the necessary actions to ensure satisfactory levels of profit are achieved in each.
Trading conditions remain challenging and it will be a difficult year again in 2020, as it will take time for the decisions taken this year to fully translate into improved results. Given the steps that have been taken during the year to improve efficiencies which will reduce the cost level further and enable the Group to compete with a more aggressive sales strategy to regain lost market share, the directors do believe the Group will return to acceptable levels of profit in the forthcoming years, partly because of the potential for consolidation in the market as we expect some competitors to exit the market.
On behalf of shareholders, I want to thank the management and staff of Hemmers, Chinoh-Tex and KMR who have all continued to work tirelessly in very difficult conditions.
Jan G Holmstrom
Chairman
11 November 2019
Finance and Operating Review
Group result
Group revenue in the year was £41,271,000 (2018: £41,538,000). Despite including KMR as a wholly owned subsidiary for eleven months of the year, sales are slightly lower than last year. Market conditions for all trading subsidiaries have been challenging and all companies have faced intense competition both domestically and internationally.
The Group's operating loss of £1,022,000 includes a goodwill impairment charge of £982,000. (2018: profit £1,152,000). Overheads were higher than expected and action has now been taken to realign those overheads to the reduced turnover levels. The goodwill that arose when the Group acquired Hemmers in 1999 amounting to £982,000 has been provided for in the year as an impairment and shown as an exceptional item. Therefore, the Group loss before tax this year is £1,250,000 (2018: profit £885,000).
The tax charge in the year was £43,000 (2018: £340,000). Loss per share was 4.7p (2018: earnings per share 2.0p).
Hemmers
This German-based business is engaged in the import, warehousing and wholesaling of fabrics.
Sales for the year were significantly lower than last year at £30,939,000 (2018: £38,299,000). The market in Germany has fallen considerably during the year and Hemmers has also come under increased price pressure from competitors. The gross margin percentage decreased slightly to 21.0% (2018: 22.1%) and that, together with the lower level of sales volume, has resulted in a fall in gross profit. Despite a 6% reduction in overhead expenditure, the pre-tax profit reduced to £239,000 (2018: £1,123,000). A strategic sales review coupled with a comprehensive cost review was undertaken during the financial year to ensure the cost base for Hemmers is aligned to the current market conditions. Hemmers is focused on growing its business domestically and internationally in both its wholesale and retail markets with a more aggressive sales strategy. Hemmers will thereby be in a better position to compete in the marketplace next year to regain lost market share, but it will take some time for the new strategies to be fully recognised.
Hemmers bank debt, net of cash, decreased in the year to £4,197,000 (2018: £4,963,000). This bank debt is secured on the assets of Hemmers.
KMR
On 5th July 2018, KMR became a wholly owned subsidiary within the Group. Prior to that the Group owned 50% of KMR and it was therefore accounted for as a joint venture. Up to that date, the Group's share of the post-tax loss of KMR in the year was £34,000 (2018: £107,000) and that amount is shown separately on the face of the profit and loss account. From the date of acquisition, KMR has been fully consolidated into the Group accounts.
KMR is a retail business trading in Germany. KMR's operating performance since acquisition has been well below expectations. Sales for the company for the whole year were lower than last year at £8,656,000 (2018: £9,343,000). The German retail market has fallen considerably during the year and therefore KMR sales have fallen also.
Costs were too high for the level of trading resulting in an increased loss for the year of £554,000 (2018: loss of £210,000). The integration and efficiencies expected at the start of the financial year have not yet been delivered and further actions have been taken to resolve the situation. Improved working efficiencies have been implemented including the introduction of new working patterns which should ensure that KMR achieves a breakeven position next year.
Chinoh-Tex
Chinoh-Tex is a textile trading subsidiary of Hemmers. It is based in Shanghai and has been trading for eleven years. It purchases fabric from Chinese suppliers and in 2019 sold to customers in 52 countries. 43% of sales were made to EU countries (2018: 43%). External sales revenue was considerably lower this year £2,366,000 (2018: £3,239,000). Gross margins, however, improved to 19% (2018: 15%). In line with the cost review undertaken, overhead spending was reduced as compared to last year £251,000 (2018: £388,000). Thus, despite the reduced level of sales Chinoh-Tex's result for the year was a pre-tax profit of £31,000 (2018: loss £86,000).
Chinoh-Tex has provided valuable assistance to its European parent with the purchasing, inspection and shipping of material. However internal sales revenue this year, based on arms-length prices, amounted to just £204,000 (2018: £556,000). With Chinoh-Tex also facing increased competition and decreasing sales as more customers choose to deal directly with the manufacturers in China, the directors have decided to cease trading effective 28 August 2019 with the liquidation completed by 31 December 2019. This will enable Hemmers management to entirely focus on developing the Hemmers and KMR businesses.
Fixed Assets
Capital additions in the year amounted to £550,000 (2018: £400,000). The net book amount of tangible fixed assets in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position is £9,543,000 (2018: £8,319,000). The acquisition of KMR increased fixed assets by £1,307,000, of which £864,000 related to freehold land and buildings.
Working Capital
Working capital which comprises inventories, trade and other receivables, and trade and other payables increased in the year by £1,031,000 (2018: decreased £345,000). This is due mainly to the acquisition of KMR as KMR had working capital of £1,761,000 at the date of acquisition. There were no major changes to the working capital requirements for the Group during the year. The Group continues to monitor its working capital requirements within its current banking facilities.
Net Asset Value
Net assets decreased in the year by £1,247,000 as follows:
| Net assets £000 | Per share pence | |
| At 31 May 2018 (restated based on shares in issue at 31 May 2019) | 18,988 | 69.4 |
| Loss after tax | (1,293) | (4.7) |
| Purchase of treasury shares | (9) | - |
| Translation differences | 55 | 0.2 |
| At 31 May 2019 | 17,741 | 64.9 |
| Year ended 31 May 2019 £000 | Year ended 31 May 2018 £000 | |
| Revenue | 41,271 | 41,538 |
| Cost of sales | (32,254) | (32,526) |
| Gross profit | 9,017 | 9,012 |
| Distribution costs | (3,424) | (2,722) |
| Impairment of goodwill Administrative costs | (982) (5,644) | - (5,188) |
| Administrative costs | (6,626) | (5,188) |
| Other income | 11 | 50 |
| Operating (loss)/profit | (1,022) | 1,152 |
| Finance expense | (194) | (160) |
| Share of post-tax loss of joint venture | (34) | (107) |
| (Loss)/profit before tax | (1,250) | 885 |
| Tax charge | (43) | (340) |
| (Loss)/profit for the year attributable to the equity holders of the Parent Company | (1,293) | 545 |
| Other comprehensive income | ||
| Translation differences on foreign operations | 55 | 141 |
| Other comprehensive income for the year | 55 | 141 |
| Total comprehensive (loss)/income for the year attributable to the equity holders of the Parent Company | (1,238) | 686 |
| Year ended 31 May 2019 | Year ended 31 May 2018 | ||||||
| Basic and diluted (loss)/earnings per share (pence) | (4.7p) | 2.0p | |||||
| Company number 00067863 | 31 May 2019 £000 | 31 May 2018 £000 | |
| Assets | |||
| Non-current assets | |||
| Property, plant and equipment | 8,534 | 7,755 | |
| Investment property | 1,009 | 564 | |
| Goodwill | 72 | 1,057 | |
| Investment in joint venture | - | 734 | |
| Total non-current assets | 9,615 | 10,110 | |
| Current assets | |||
| Inventories | 11,760 | 9,621 | |
| Trade and other receivables | 4,382 | 6,252 | |
| Corporation tax recoverable | 733 | 386 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 1,065 | 572 | |
| Total current assets | 17,940 | 16,831 | |
| Total assets | 27,555 | 26,941 | |
| Liabilities | |||
| Non-current liabilities | |||
| Loans and borrowings | (2,289) | (3,708) | |
| Deferred tax | - | (277) | |
| Total non-current liabilities | (2,289) | (3,985) | |
| Current liabilities | |||
| Trade and other payables | (2,770) | (2,619) | |
| Loans and borrowings | (4,655) | (1,349) | |
| Provisions | (100) | - | |
| Total current liabilities | (7,525) | (3,968) | |
| Total liabilities | (9,814) | (7,953) | |
| TOTAL NET ASSETS | 17,741 | 18,988 |
| Capital and reserves attributable to equity holders of the Company | |||
| Share capital | 3,792 | 3,792 | |
| Capital redemption reserve | 600 | 600 | |
| Treasury share reserve | (807) | (798) | |
| Foreign exchange reserve | 2,545 | 2,490 | |
| Retained earnings | 11,611 | 12,904 | |
| TOTAL EQUITY | 17,741 | 18,988 |
| Year ended 31 May 2019 £000 | Year ended 31 May 2018 £000 | |
| Cash flows from operating activities | ||
| (Loss)/profit for the year | (1,293) | 545 |
| Adjustments for: | ||
| Depreciation of property, plant and equipment | 668 | 586 |
| Depreciation of investment property | 16 | 19 |
| Amortisation of intangible assets | 7 | 6 |
| Finance expense | 194 | 160 |
| Impairment of goodwill | 982 | - |
| Net goodwill arising on acquisition | (7) | - |
| Movement in fair value of derivatives | - | (48) |
| Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment | (5) | - |
| Share of post-tax loss of joint venture | 34 | 107 |
| Tax charge | 43 | 340 |
| Cash flows from operating activities before changes in working capital and provisions | 639 | 1,715 |
| Decrease in inventories | 441 | 597 |
| Decrease in trade and other receivables | 140 | 583 |
| Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables | 450 | (835) |
| Cash generated from operating activities | 1,670 | 2,060 |
| Income taxes paid | (430) | (411) |
| Net cash flows from operating activities | 1,240 | 1,649 |
| Investing activities | ||
| Purchase of property, plant and equipment | (550) | (400) |
| Purchase of subsidiary net of debt | 75 | - |
| Proceeds from the sale of fixed assets | 6 | - |
| Net cash used in investing activities | (469) | (400) |
| Financing activities | ||
| Purchase of treasury shares | (9) | - |
| Bank borrowings repaid | (1,358) | (2,102) |
| Bank borrowings drawn down | 1,287 | - |
| Bank interest paid | (194) | (160) |
| Net cash used in financing activities | (274) | (2,262) |
| Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 497 | (1,013) |
| Translation (loss)/gain on cash and cash equivalents | (4) | 18 |
| Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year | 572 | 1,567 |
| Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year | 1,065 | 572 |
| Share capital £000 | Capital redemption reserve £000 | Treasury share reserve £000 | Foreign exchange reserve £000 | Retained earnings £000 | Total equity £000 | |
| At 31 May 2017 | 3,792 | 600 | (798) | 2,349 | 12,359 | 18,302 |
| Profit for the year | - | - | - | - | 545 | 545 |
| Other comprehensive income | - | - | - | 141 | - | 141 |
| Total comprehensive income | - | - | - | 141 | 545 | 686 |
| At 31 May 2018 | 3,792 | 600 | (798) | 2,490 | 12,904 | 18,988 |
| Loss for the year | - | - | - | - | (1,293) | (1,293) |
| Other comprehensive income | - | - | - | 55 | - | 55 |
| Total comprehensive income/(loss) | - | - | - | 55 | (1,293) | (1,238) |
| Transaction with Shareholders: Purchase of treasury shares | - | - | (9) | - | - | (9) |
| At 31 May 2019 | 3,792 | 600 | (807) | 2,545 | 11,611 | 17,741 |
| Reserve | Description and purpose |
| Share capital | The nominal value of issued ordinary shares in the Company. |
| Capital redemption reserve | Amounts transferred from share capital on redemption of issued shares. |
| Treasury share reserve | Cost of own shares held in treasury. |
| Foreign exchange reserve | Gains/losses arising on retranslation of the net assets of overseas operations into sterling. |
| Retained earnings | Cumulative net gains/losses recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income after deducting the cost of cancelled treasury shares. |
| €000 | £000 | |||
| As at 5 July 2018: | ||||
| Fair value share of original joint venture | 650 | 572 | ||
| Carrying value of investment in consolidated financial statements | 792 | 697 | ||
| Loss on fair valuing of joint venture investment | 142 | 125 | ||
| €000 | £000 | |||
| Fair value share of original 50% joint venture | 650 | 572 | ||
| Fair value of the consideration paid to obtain control | 500 | 440 | ||
| Cost of investment | 1,150 | 1,012 | ||
| €000 | £000 | |||
| Fair value of net assets as at 5 July 2018: | ||||
| Fixed assets | 1,485 | 1,307 | ||
| Stock | 3,138 | 2,762 | ||
| Cash | 335 | 295 | ||
| Debtors | 259 | 228 | ||
| Creditors | (1,731) | (1,524) | ||
| Loans | (2,186) | (1,924) | ||
| Fair value of assets acquired | 1,300 | 1,144 | ||
| €000 | £000 | |||
| Cost of investment | 1,150 | 1,012 | ||
| Fair value of net assets acquired | 1,300 | 1,144 | ||
| Negative goodwill arising on consolidation | 150 | 132 | ||
| €000 | £000 | |||
| Cash | 335 | 295 | ||
| Cost of purchase | (250) | (220) | ||
| Net cash effect | 85 | 75 | ||
| Since there are no outstanding share options, there is no difference between basic and diluted earnings per share. | Year ended 31 May 2019 | Year ended 31 May 2018 |
| Numerator | ||
| (Loss)/profit for the year from continuing operations, being the earnings used in earnings per share | £(1,293,000) | £545,000 |
| Denominator | ||
| Weighted average number of shares used in earnings per share (excluding treasury shares) | 27,330,788 | 27,350,843 |
| Basic and diluted (loss)/earnings per share | (4.7p) | 2.0p |
| Year ended 31 May 2019 | Hemmers £000 | KMR £000 | Chinoh-Tex £000 | Inter segmental £000 | Total Hemmers £000 | Parent Company £000 | Goodwill Impairment £000 | Total Group £000 |
| External revenue | 30,939 | 7,966 | 2,366 | - | 41,271 | - | - | 41,271 |
| Inter-segmental revenue | 1,852 | - | 204 | (2,056) | - | - | - | - |
| Cost of sales | (25,911) | (6,092) | (2,093) | 1,842 | (32,254) | - | - | (32,254) |
| Gross profit/(loss) | 6,880 | 1,874 | 477 | (214) | 9,017 | - | - | 9,017 |
| Distribution costs | (2,027) | (1,202) | (195) | - | (3,424) | - | - | (3,424) |
| Admin expenses | (4,231) | (1,119) | (251) | 193 | (5,408) | (236) | (982) | (6,626) |
| Other income | 11 | - | - | - | 11 | - | - | 11 |
| Operating profit/(loss) | 633 | (447) | 31 | (21) | 196 | (236) | (982) | (1,022) |
| Finance expense | (155) | (39) | - | - | (194) | - | - | (194) |
| Internal interest | (239) | - | - | - | (239) | 239 | - | - |
| Share of JV loss | (34) | - | - | - | (34) | - | - | (34) |
| Profit/(loss) before tax | 205 | (486) | 31 | (21) | (271) | 3 | (982) | (1,250) |
| At 31 May 2019 | Hemmers £000 | KMR £000 | Chinoh-Tex £000 | Inter segmental £000 | Total Hemmers £000 | Parent Company £000 | Total Group £000 |
| Total assets | 22,330 | 4,609 | 838 | (331) | 27,446 | 109 | 27,555 |
| Total liabilities | (10,130) | (2,450) | (195) | - | (12,775) | 2,961 | (9,814) |
| Total net assets | 12,200 | 2,159 | 643 | (331) | 14,671 | 3,070 | 17,741 |
| Year ended 31 May 2018 | Hemmers £000 | Chinoh- Tex £000 | Inter segmental £000 | Total Hemmers £000 | Parent Company £000 | Total Group £000 |
| External revenue | 38,299 | 3,239 | - | 41,538 | - | 41,538 |
| Inter-segmental revenue | 1 | 556 | (557) | - | - | - |
| Cost of sales | (29,839) | (3,231) | 544 | (32,526) | - | (32,526) |
| Gross profit/(loss) | 8,461 | 564 | (13) | 9,012 | - | 9,012 |
| Distribution costs | (2,460) | (262) | - | (2,722) | - | (2,722) |
| Admin expenses | (4,530) | (388) | - | (4,918) | (270) | (5,188) |
| Other income | 50 | - | - | 50 | - | 50 |
| Operating profit/(loss) | 1,521 | (86) | (13) | 1,422 | (270) | 1,152 |
| Finance expense | (160) | - | - | (160) | - | (160) |
| Internal interest | (238) | - | - | (238) | 238 | - |
| Share of JV profit | (107) | - | - | (107) | - | (107) |
| Profit/(loss) before tax | 1,016 | (86) | (13) | 917 | (32) | 885 |
| At 31 May 2018 | Hemmers £000 | Chinoh- Tex £000 | Inter segmental £000 | Total Hemmers £000 | Parent Company £000 | Goodwill £000 | Total Group £000 |
| Total assets | 24,386 | 1,463 | (37) | 25,812 | 149 | 980 | 26,941 |
| Total liabilities | (10,189) | (414) | - | (10,603) | 2,927 | (277) | (7,953) |
| Total net assets | 14,197 | 1,049 | (37) | 15,209 | 3,076 | 703 | 18,988 |