RNS Number : 6004S
Heath(Samuel) & Sons PLC
25 July 2025
HEATH (SAMUEL) & SONS PLC
25 July 2025
PRELIMINARY RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 AND NOTICE OF AGM
CHAIR'S STATEMENT
Trading
I am pleased to report that despite revenues being 3% down, we were able to improve our operating profit appreciably through a careful review of costs. Sales for the year ended at £14.769m compared to £15.237m in 2024, a decrease of £468k. The reduction was due to the factors mentioned at the half year: namely worsened economic conditions partly caused by the UK budget and the US Presidential elections. Our gross profit margin for the year came in at 46.3% (46.6% in 2024).
Management reviewed production staffing levels, sales & marketing activity and other costs which, together with a reduction in energy bills, helped improve operating profit to £1.026m (6.9% return on sales) compared to £832k (5.5%) last year an increase of £226k. Profit after tax was £888k (2024: £768k). Selling and distribution costs reduced by 6.6% and administrative overheads decreased by 6.5% compared to prior year.
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 March 2025 increased by £485k to £2.169m, from £1.684m at 31 March 2024.
Net Assets increased to £12.30m (2024: £12.18m), net of the £150k reduction in pension surplus discussed below.
The pension scheme remains in surplus and Company contributions were reduced by £609k to £300k (2024: £909k) after agreement with the scheme's trustees. Although the asset values have reduced in value in line with the markets, the discount rate has remained strong, reducing liabilities. In IAS19 accounting terms, a surplus has been recorded of £823k (2024: £1.02m); however, the Directors wish to highlight, as previously, that it is both their and the Trustees' aim to move the scheme to a Buyout once it is viable and affordable to do so. Therefore, any surplus recognised is unlikely ever to become distributable. The latest balance, net of the related deferred tax liability, is a surplus of £617k compared to £767k in 2024, a reduction of £150k.
Outlook
The start of the new financial year in April 2025 saw the imposition of tariffs by the US administration which created volatility in a key export market, as well as weakening the dollar in relation to sterling. The Company has however been successful in passing on in full the current 10% tariff level. Employment costs have risen higher than initially forecast due to the unexpected lowering of the national insurance threshold. We are also seeing evidence of the UK luxury market being affected by tax changes impacting on high net-worth individuals and families.
On the positive, the Company's continued product development, both in new finishes and specific fittings, is helping us outperform in a difficult market overall. In 2025, we have commenced new marketing ventures, such as joining the Fuorisalone Design Week at the Brera Design District in Milan and a collaboration with a high profile British interior designer at Wow!house in the Design Centre at Chelsea Harbour. We also organised VIP events for specifiers in North America, all of which are helping us reach a wider customer base. Further new markets are under development and should contribute new sales this financial year.
Despite changes at the macro level the Board is cautiously optimistic for the current year.
The directors recommend maintaining the final dividend at 8.5625p, which will be paid on 26 September 2025 to shareholders registered as at 22 August 2025, the ex-dividend date for the payment is 21 August 2025. This will bring the total declared for the year (Interim and Final) to 13.0625p per share or £331k (2024: £305k).
Anthony Buttanshaw
Non-Executive Chair
24 July 2025
This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of the UK Market Abuse Regulation and the Directors of the Company are responsible for the release of this announcement.
For further information:
Samuel Heath & Sons Plc
Simon Latham - Company Secretary
+44 (0)121 766 4200
Cairn Financial Advisers LLP
+44 (0)20 7213 0880
Sandy Jamieson/James Western
________________________ CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT_________________________
for the year ended 31 March 2025
2025
2024
Note
£000
£000
Revenue
3
14,769
15,237
Cost of sales
(7,930)
(8,137)
Gross profit
6,839
7,100
Selling and distribution costs
(3,711)
(3,973)
Administrative expenses
(2,163)
(2,313)
Other operating income
61
18
Operating profit
1,026
832
Finance income
137
64
Finance cost
-
(12)
Profit before taxation
1,163
884
Taxation
4
(275)
(116)
Profit for the year attributable to owners of the Parent Company
888
768
Basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share
6
35.0p
30.3p
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
for the year ended 31 March 2025
£000
£000
Profit for the year
888
768
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss:
Actuarial gain on defined benefit pension scheme
(531)
693
Deferred taxation on actuarial gain
133
(174)
(398)
519
Total comprehensive income for the year
490
1,287
__________________STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION_____________________
31 March 2025
Group
2025
2024
£000
£000
Non-current assets
Intangible assets
1,059
911
Property, plant and equipment
4,755
4,733
Retirement benefit scheme
617
767
6,431
6,411
Current assets
Inventories
4,622
4,842
Trade and other receivables
1,951
2,071
Derivative financial instruments
32
-
Current tax receivable
61
-
Cash and cash equivalents
2,169
1,684
8,835
8,597
Total assets
15,266
15,008
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
(1,813)
(1,989)
Lease liabilities
(74)
(60)
(1,887)
(2,049)
Non-current liabilities
Lease liabilities
(128)
(25)
Deferred tax liability
(949)
(759)
(1,077)
(784)
Total liabilities
(2,964)
(2,833)
Net assets
12,302
12,175
Equity
Called up share capital
254
254
Capital redemption reserve
109
109
Revaluation reserve
1,044
1,146
Retained earnings
10,895
10,666
Total equity attributable to owners of the Parent Company
12,302
12,175
_____________ CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY __________________
for the year ended 31 March 2025
Attributable to owners of the Parent Company
Share
Capital redemption reserve
Revaluation reserve
Retained
Total
capital
Earnings
Equity
£000
£000
£000
£000
£000
Balance at 31 March 2023
254
109
1,220
9,610
11,193
Transactions with owners
Equity dividends paid
(305)
(305)
Transfer to retained earnings
Reclassification of depreciation on revaluation
(74)
74
-
Profit for the year
-
-
-
768
768
Other comprehensive income for the year
-
-
-
519
519
Total comprehensive income for the year
-
-
(74)
1,361
1,287
Balance at 31 March 2024
254
109
1,146
10,666
12,175
Total transactions with owners
Equity dividends paid
-
-
-
(331)
(331)
Transfer to retained earnings
Reclassification of depreciation on revaluation
-
-
(70)
70
-
Disposal of revalued asset
-
-
(32)
-
(32)
-
-
(102)
70
(32)
Profit for the year
-
-
-
888
888
Other comprehensive income for the year
-
-
-
(398)
(398)
Total comprehensive income for the year
-
-
-
490
490
Balance at 31 March 2025
254
109
1,044
10,895
12,302
__________________________STATEMENTS OF CASHFLOWS _____________________________
for the year ended 31 March 2025
Group
2025
2024
£000
£000
Cash flow from operating activities
Profit for the year before taxation
1,163
884
Adjustments for:
Depreciation
540
535
Amortisation
227
154
(Profit)/loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
(36)
1
Interest paid
-
10
Interest charge on capitalised leases
2
2
Net finance costs
(107)
(64)
Defined benefit pension scheme expenses
25
38
Contributions to defined benefit pension scheme
(300)
(909)
Fair value gain on derivative financial instruments
(32)
-
Operating cash flows before movements in working capital
1,482
651
Changes in working capital:
(Increase) in inventories
220
(455)
(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables
59
(442)
Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables
(184)
345
Cash generated from operations
1,577
99
Taxation paid
-
38
Net cash generated from operating activities
1,577
137
Cash flows used in investing activities
Payments to acquire property, plant and equipment
(402)
(476)
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment
-
1
Payments to acquire intangible assets
(375)
(374)
Net finance income/(cost)
107
62
(670)
(787)
Cash flows from financing activities
Lease payments
(76)
(71)
Dividends paid
(331)
(305)
(407)
(376)
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
500
(1,026)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
1,674
2,717
Effect of exchange rate differences on cash and cash equivalents
(5)
(7)
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
2,169
1,684
NOTES TO THE PRELIMINARY ANNOUNCEMENT
1. Basis of preparation
The Group has prepared its consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 in accordance with UK-adopted International Accounting Standards. The accounting policies applied are consistent with those included in the financial statements of the Group for the year ended 31 March 2024.
The financial information contained in this preliminary announcement does not constitute the Group's statutory accounts within the meaning of Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006.
The annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 were approved by the Board of Directors on 24 July 2025 along with this preliminary announcement. The annual report and financial statements will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies after the Annual General Meeting.
The statutory accounts of Samuel Heath & Sons PLC for the year ended 31 March 2024 have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The auditor's reports on the statutory accounts for the years ended 31 March 2025 and 31 March 2024 were unqualified and did not contain a statement under section 498 of the Companies Act 2006.
2. Key areas of judgment and sources of estimation uncertainty
Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.
The Group makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates and assumptions will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The Group has evaluated the estimates and assumptions that have been made in relation to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in these financial statements.
The key accounting judgements and sources of estimation uncertainty with a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to assets and liabilities in the next 12 months include the following:
Pensions - movements in equity markets, interest rates and life expectancy could materially affect the level of surpluses and deficits in the defined benefit pension scheme. The key assumptions used to value pension assets and liabilities are set out in note 23 "Retirement benefit scheme". Where a surplus on a defined benefit scheme arises, the rights of the Trustees to prevent the Group obtaining a refund of that surplus in the future are considered in determining whether it is necessary to restrict the amount of the surplus that is recognised. The Retirement benefit scheme is in surplus at 31 March 2025. The directors have made the judgement that these amounts meet the requirements of recoverability and a gross surplus of £823k (£617k net) has been recognised.
Valuation of property, plant and equipment - the Group reviews the value, useful economic lives and residual values attributed to assets on an on-going basis to ensure they are appropriate. Changes in market value, economic lives or residual values could impact the carrying value and charges to the income statement in future periods.
Provisions - using information available at the balance sheet date, the Directors make judgements based on experience on the level of provision required against assets. Provisions are initially determined by evaluating the expected sales of each inventory line over the subsequent 12-month period. No provision is made for inventory expected to be sold within this timeframe. Where no sales are anticipated, a 100% provision is made. The Directors subsequently review the initial provisions and adjust them manually, particularly in cases involving inventory acquired within the past 12 months, or where a minimum order quantity is greater than the expected use over a 12-month period. The stock provision at year end was £3.240m (2024: £3.287m).
Research and development - the Group reviews the projects worked on during the year and capitalises the costs of those projects deemed to generate profits in future years, £350,000 was capitalised in the year (2024: £354,000). The Company takes full advantage of available taxation support.
3. Revenue by geographic market
2025 £000
2024 £000
Overseas
7,348
7,316
UK
7,421
7,921
14,769
15,237
4. Income taxes
2025 £000
2024 £000
Current taxes:
Current year
-
-
Adjustments in respect of prior periods
-
-
-
-
Deferred taxes:
Origination and reversal of temporary differences
306
203
Adjustments in respect of prior periods
(31)
(87)
275
116
Total income taxes
275
116
Corporation tax is calculated at 25% (2024: 25%) of the estimated assessable profit for the year.
Tax reconciliation
2025 £000
2024 £000
Profit for the year
1,163
884
Corporation tax charge thereon at 25% (2024: 25%)
290
221
Adjusted for the effects of:
Prior year adjustments
(31)
(87)
Research and development claim
5
(71)
Patent Box
(42)
-
Fixed asset differences
39
42
Revaluation
-
-
Other adjustments
14
11
Total income taxes
275
116
5. Dividends
2025
2024
£000
£000
Final dividend for the year ended 31 March 2024 of 8.5625 pence per share (2023: 7.5625 pence per share)
218
192
Interim dividend for the year ended 31st March 2025 of 4.50 pence per share (2024: 5.50 pence per share)
113
113
331
305
The directors are recommending a final dividend for 2025 of 8.5625 pence per share amounting to £218,000. The proposed final dividend is subject to approval at the Annual General Meeting and hence has not been included as a liability in these accounts.
6. Earnings per share
The basic and diluted earnings per share are calculated by dividing the relevant profit after taxation of £888,000 (2024: £768,000) by the average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year being 2,534,322 (2024: 2,534,322). The number of shares used in the calculation is the same for both basic and diluted earnings.
7. Notice of annual general meeting
Notice is hereby given that the 2025 Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held at the registered office of the Company, Leopold Street, Birmingham, on 11 September 2025 at 12.00 noon.
8. Posting of accounts
The report and accounts are being posted to shareholders today where requested, and are available on the Company's website, at www.samuel-heath.com/investor-relations.
Note:
Certain statements made in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts but rather are based on the Company's current expectations, estimates, and projections about its industry; its beliefs; and assumptions. Words such as 'anticipates,' 'expects,' 'intends,' 'plans,' 'believes,' 'seeks,' 'estimates,' and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are not a guarantee of future performance and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, some of which are beyond the Company's control, are difficult to predict, and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements. The Company cautions security holders and prospective security holders not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect the view of the Company only as of the date of this announcement. The forward-looking statements made in this announcement relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made. The Company will not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions or updates to these forward-looking statements to reflect events, circumstances, or unanticipated events occurring after the date of this announcement except as required by law or by any appropriate regulatory authority.
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