REG - Luceco PLC - H1 2024 Trading Update

LucecoAnnouncement

23/07/2024 07:00

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RNS Number : 3667X  Luceco PLC  23 July 2024

23 July 2024

 

 

 

LUCECO PLC - H1 2024 TRADING UPDATE

 

 

 Strong first half with healthy revenue and operating profit growth

  Improving performance against a continued challenging market backdrop

 Full year expectations unchanged

 

Luceco plc ("Luceco" or "the Group"), the supplier of wiring accessories, EV
chargers, LED lighting, and portable power products, is pleased to provide the
following update for the six months ended 30 June 2024 ("H1 2024" or the
"first half").

 

 

H1 2024 Trading

 

·   The Group has performed strongly in the first half of the year.

·    H1 2024 revenue grew 8% year on year to c. £109m (+ c. 3.5% on a
like-for-like basis).

·   Adjusted operating profit expected to be in the region of £12.5m, + c.
15% year on year.

·   Adjusted operating margin improvement of over 80 basis points year on
year to c. 11.5%.

 

Balance Sheet

 

·    Covenant Net Debt : EBITDA ratio at 1.2x remains at the lower end of
our stated target range of 1-2x, despite the acquisition of D-Line in February
2024.

·    Strong balance sheet and cash flow generation provides optionality
for further organic and M&A opportunities consistent with the Group's
stated capital allocation policy.

 

Outlook

·   The Board is encouraged by the strong start to the year with
performance expectations for the full year in line with market expectations.

·   We continue to closely monitor the cost of container shipping, which
has recently increased significantly.

·    Key industry metrics remain weak, however, we remain confident that
growth in our core markets will return in the not too distant future.

 

Commenting on trading, Chief Executive Officer, John Hornby said:

 

"Luceco performed strongly in the first half against a challenging market
backdrop. The Group's diverse portfolio and channels have ensured that we
continue to deliver progress, with adjusted operating profit up around 15% in
H1 2024.  Our acquisition of D-Line, which completed in February 2024, is
expected to add circa £15m of sales this year and has integrated well into
the Group. The balance sheet remains strong with debt levels towards the lower
end of our target range, giving us flexibility to pursue new organic and
M&A opportunities in line with our indicated capital allocation policy."

 

 

 

 Luceco plc                            Contact
 John Hornby, Chief Executive Officer  (Via MHP)
 Will Hoy, Chief Financial Officer     (Via MHP)

 MHP                                   Contact
 Tim Rowntree                          07817 458804
 Ollie Hoare

 

 

For the purposes of MAR and Article 2 of Commission Implementing Regulation
(EU) 2016/1055, this announcement is being made on behalf of Luceco plc by
Will Hoy, Chief Financial Officer.

 

Note to Editors

 

Luceco plc - Bringing Power To Life

 

Luceco plc (LSE:LUCE) is a supplier of wiring accessories, EV chargers, LED
lighting, and portable power products.

 

For more information, please visit www.lucecoplc.com
(https://protect.checkpoint.com/v2/___http:/www.lucecoplc.com___.bXQtcHJvZC1jcC1ldXcyLTE6bmV4dDE1OmM6bzoxOTNlNDlhMDUwZTAwYWRhZDA4ZTViZjQzYzMyNmM4ODo2OmE4YmU6OTYwMjE1YzE2YzEyY2NkN2UwZWIzYTZmOTk1MWQ1YWE4MDhmYzJjMjk5YWI5MzlmMjM4NjRjZTAxNzlmZWMzMTpwOlQ6Tg)
.

 

Forward-looking statements

 

This announcement contains forward‑looking statements that are subject to
risk factors associated with, among other things, the economic and business
circumstances occurring from time to time in the countries, sectors and
markets in which the Group operates. It is believed that the expectations
reflected in these statements are reasonable, but they may be affected by a
wide range of variables which could cause actual results to differ materially
from those currently anticipated. No assurances can be given that the
forward‑looking statements in this announcement will be realised.

 

The forward‑looking statements reflect the knowledge and information
available at the date of preparation of this announcement and the Company
undertakes no obligation to update these forward‑looking statements. Nothing
in this announcement should be construed as a profit forecast.

 

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