REG - Trifast PLC - Preliminary results - year ended 31 March 2015 <Origin Href="QuoteRef">TRFT.L</Origin> - Part 1

TrifastAnnouncement

16/07/2015 11:05

RNS Number : 2355Q
Trifast PLC
16 June 2015
Tuesday, 16 June 2015
WORLD OF OPPORTUNITY
A CLEAR STRATEGY FOR GROWTH
Preliminary results for the year ended 31 March 2015
"We are delighted to be able to report a record performance for the year. This is reflected in an impressive increase in terms of revenue, up 19%, and underlying profit before tax, up 56%"
HIGHLIGHTS
Year ended
31 March 2015
Year ended
31 March 2014
Change
AER^
Change
CER
 Group revenue
154.74m
129.78m
+19.2%
+22.6%
 Underlying operating profit*
15.27m
9.70m
+57.5%
+62.1%
 Underlying profit before taxation*
14.31m
9.16m
+56.2%
+61.0%
 Operating profit
12.82m
9.41m
+36.2%
+41.1%
 Profit before taxation
11.85m
8.87m
+33.6%
+38.6%
 Earnings per share:
- Basic
- Underlying diluted*
7.39p
8.68p
6.08p
5.95p
+21.5%
+45.9%

 Dividend 
- final proposed
- total for year
1.50p
2.10p
1.00p
1.40p
+50.0%
+50.0%

 Return on capital employed ('ROCE')* 
 Net debt/(cash)
18.6%
13.42m
16.3%
(2.03m)
+230bps
15.45m

* before separately disclosed items, as shown in note 2
^ Actual Exchange Rate ('AER')

 Constant Exchange Rate ('CER')

"The impressive results in 2015 are stronger than originally expected. They reflect the operational improvements implemented by management over recent years which are now delivering growth in both revenue and profitability, together with the upturn in confidence as we progressed through the year.
There are some macroeconomic influences that we cannot control which may affect future results. This being said, as a business we remain confident in our ability to deliver our strategy and are excited about the future.
At this early stage of the year, the forward order book remains solid and the Group's trading performance has been good as it continues to benefit from the positive momentum witnessed in the second half of last year. There continue to be many opportunities, both across our key sectors and with new and existing customer partnerships, and we believe that the Group will go from strength to strength. We remain encouraged by the future growth profile of the business and our commercial progress looks set to continue positively during 2015/16."
PRELIMINARY STATEMENT ATTACHED
Results briefing will be held at 8.30am (UK) today: The Gold Room, No.1 Cornhill, London EC3V 3ND, Telephone: +44 (0)20 3008 4610
Conference dial-in facility: on request, please contact +44 (0)7785 703523 or email fiona@tooleystreet.com
Enquiries or for further details please contact:
Trifast plc
LSE Ticker: TRI 
Malcolm Diamond MBE, Executive Chairman
Today: Mobile: +44 (0) 7979 518493 (MMD)
Jim Barker, Chief Executive Officer
Mark Belton, Group Finance Director
Office: +44 (0) 1825 747630
Email: corporate.enquiries@trifast.com
TooleyStreet Communications
IR & media relations
Fiona Tooley
Tel: +44 (0)7785 703523 
Email: fiona@tooleystreet.com
Peel Hunt LLP
Stockbroker & financial adviser
Justin Jones
Mike Bell
Tel: +44 (0)20 7418 8900
Chairman's Letter 
By Executive Chairman, Malcolm Diamond MBE
I am delighted to confirm another year of outstanding performance which firmly consolidates our transition from what was once considered a recovery situation to one of delivering consistent improvement and growth. This presents shareholders with the double attraction of good potential capital growth linked to a progressive dividend policy that is now delivering a tangible positive track record.
The core dynamics of our Group are founded on:
 a proven business strategy that allows for a long term roll out on a truly global basis
 highly motivated, loyal and skilled business teams that drive our objectives in the 16 countries in which we operate
 relevant and challenging KPI's that continually 'raise the bar' 
Our foundation business model focuses on providing multinational OEMs with a high quality 'one stop shop' component supply resource whether their site assembly operations are in Europe, Asia or the USA.
Over the past five years, it has become clearly evident that these large corporations are increasingly consolidating their supplier base to a select number of providers who can offer the capacity and global footprint sufficient to meet their service and quality needs. This trend is being further accelerated by the cost advantages of extending standardisation of their products wherever they are made. Automotive car platforms are a prime example, where different models assembled in different countries utilise a common platform. One example of this is that we achieved a component supply approval in the USA, which was then specified for a different model from the manufacturer in Europe and then repeated into Asia. This multiplier effect is beginning to be a tangible contributor to the build-up of our future pipeline.
'Preferred supplier' status has now been awarded to TR by over 40 multinational OEMs which currently account for more than 60% of Group revenue. Yet our sales penetration into the total number of potential customer sites is a quarter of what is available to us, thus representing clearly achievable ongoing growth opportunities.
There is an obvious reason for these key multinational customers appointing Trifast as a 'preferred supplier' and that is our ability to provide high quality/zero-defect, low cost manufacturing and logistics resource across over 60 countries. Furthermore this is coupled with on-site assembly application and design expertise that our network of specialist engineers provide, especially in relation to new product development.
Our 'selective acquisition' strategy was rewarded on 30 May 2014 when we added Viterie Italia Centrale SPA ('VIC') to our Group. VIC, based in Italy, is the European market leader in the design and manufacture of specialist fastener assemblies for the domestic appliances sector. As a direct result of the acquisition, this market sector has grown to become a major contributor to our business representing 19% of Group revenue in 2015 (2014: 8%).
I must also take this opportunity to acknowledge the consistent continuous improvement momentum being sustained by our operational colleagues that is so essential to underpinning our margin improvement for yet another year. This 'work smarter not harder' culture touches every aspect of our business - sourcing, warehousing, logistics, IT systems, finance, manufacturing, quality control and staff development and training. All of this is enshrined in highly focused sales and marketing objectives, giving the Group its unique dynamics, motivation and optimism.
As shareholders you are aware of the importance the Board places on progression and succession at the top level of the Group as well as through the teams. Over the past two years the Board has been carefully examining and refining its future plans and requirements so as to ensure we continue to drive performance and that this is both aligned to the interests of all stakeholders and the further development of our commercial business.
The outcome of this is as follows:
Firstly, I would like to thank Neil Chapman for his six years of wise counsel and support as Senior Independent Non-Executive Director and Chairman of the Audit and Nominations Committees as he retires today (16 June 2015). We welcome Neil Warner as his successor. Neil was CFO of Chloride PLC for many years, as well as Senior Independent Non-Executive Director and Audit Committee Chairman of Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC, before he retired after 10 years' service in 2013. His current directorships are Chairman of Enteq Upstream plc and Independent Non-Executive Director and Audit Committee Chairman of Vectura Group plc, where he is also a member of the Remuneration and Nominations Committees.
Secondly, Jim Barker, Chief Executive Officer, will step down as CEO on 30 September 2015, remaining in a consultancy role with TR until 30 June 2016. With effect from 1 October 2015, Mark Belton, the current Group Finance Director, will take up the role of CEO and Clare Foster, who joined as Group Financial Controller in the year, will be appointed to the Board as Chief Financial Officer.
I would like to wish Jim and his family a long and enjoyable impending retirement and congratulate Mark and Clare on their respective promotions.
As always, I enthusiastically acknowledge and thank our shareholders for their support. As indeed I also do to our staff, customers, suppliers and all our stakeholders for playing your part in making our growth organisation the success it is.
Business review
Business & market overview 
Trifast designs, manufactures, sources and distributes a range of standard and specialist industrial fasteners together with category 'C' components. Around a third of our income derives from TR's own manufacturing. The key end markets that our products are used in are: automotive, electronics/telecoms and domestic appliances. Our customers are a mix of multinational and national companies and distributors across the world. 
As a global full service provider, we have the ability to deliver direct to the supply line on a 'just in time' basis. Combining this with high quality volume manufacturing and distribution of assembly components, gives TR a competitive advantage that we believe stands us apart from our competitors. 
Our culture is to 'work smarter' focusing on marketing our added value services such as providing high levels of customer service, global support and technical expertise across the business. This approach has been very successful in winning new customers and penetrating existing relationships. We have grown our 'preferred supplier' status amongst over 40 leading, well-established multinational OEMs. This provides a pipeline of opportunity and momentum to deliver long term growth and margin enhancement. 
Our global industry
The industrial fastener market, both nationally and globally is extremely fragmented and is estimated to be worth around $50bn per annum and growing. Of this market, we believe, $25bn is representative of our target customer sector capability.
Our performance
Our objective is to provide our customers with a high quality 'one stop solution' for their fastener assembly requirements. This encompasses providing design and application engineering support, high quality/low cost manufacturing and sourcing, supported by bespoke logistics to their plants anywhere around the world.
In FY 2015, our business delivered its strongest trading performance since it was formed over 40 years ago. This excellent result was achieved through a mix of strong, organic profitable growth combined with the additional income stream from VIC in Italy, which joined the Group on 30 May 2014. It is pleasing to report that VIC has not only integrated well into the Group but has broadened our design application capabilities, strengthened our presence within the domestic appliances sector and further enhanced our manufacturing capabilities within Europe. 
Six year history
2010-2015: "recovery to sustainable growth"

2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Revenue
85.94m
106.09m
112.51m
121.54m
129.78m
154.74m
GP%
24.4%
25.2%
25.6%
26.0%
27.7%
29.0%
Underlying operating profit*
1.07m
4.33m
5.63m
7.97m
9.70m
15.27m
Underlying EBITDA*
2.13m
5.26m
6.54m
9.23m
10.80m
16.49m
Underlying PBT*
0.92m
3.77m
5.00m
7.25m
9.16m
14.31m
ROCE %*
2.4%
8.7%
11.3%
12.1%
16.3%
18.6%
Dividend per share
-
-
0.50p
0.80p
1.40p
2.10p
Dividend increase %
-
-
-
60%
75%
50%
Dividend cover*
-
-
7.5x
5.9x
4.3x
4.1x
Underlying diluted EPS*
0.07p
3.03p
3.76p
4.73p
5.95p
8.68p
Net debt
4.68m
7.14m
8.41m
5.20m
(2.03m)
13.42m
Cash conversion % of underlying EBITDA*
145.4%
(20.0%)
67.6%
85.3%
109.5%
50.2%
Share price at 31 March
23p
45p
45p
57p
87p
103p
* Before separately disclosed items, see note 2
The delivery of our clear simple strategy laid down in 2010 to work, develop and grow with our customers across the world has been the main driver of our growth. 
Group revenue since 2010 has increased by a Compound Annual Growth Rate ('CAGR') of 12.5%, showing continual, steady, profitable growth, from an underlying profit before tax of 0.92m in 2010 to 14.31m for this financial year. ROCE has steadily grown since 2010, rising to 18.6% for the year under review, an increase of 230bps on FY 2014. Underlying diluted earnings per share ('EPS') has also continued to rise since 2010. For FY 2015 it increased to 8.68p, a growth rate of 45.9% on FY 2014 (2014: 5.95p). Basic earnings per share improved by 21.5% to 7.39 pence (2014: 6.08p). 
This achievement has been reflected in our Total Shareholder Return ('TSR') with Trifast outperforming the FTSE Small Cap and FTSE All-Share Industrial Engineering indices considerably over the 2009-2015 financial years.
Dividend policy
Given the Board's confidence in its growth strategy, the Directors are proposing, subject to shareholder approval, a final dividend of 1.50p per share. This, together with the interim dividend of 0.60p (paid on 17 April 2015) brings the total for the year to 2.10p, an increase of 50% on the prior year (2014: 1.40p). The dividend of 2.10p is covered c.4x by underlying earnings. The final dividend will be paid on 16 October 2015 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 18 September 2015. The ordinary shares will become ex-dividend on 17 September 2015.
Our return to sustainable growth over this period has been impressive, however, we are also mindful that our dividend payments historically have been relatively cautious. Returning to the dividend list in 2012 was an important milestone for Trifast and we have been able to reward shareholders with a progressive level of dividend per share since then. We now consider it appropriate to augment this by introducing a formal dividend policy. For the medium term, we believe an appropriate level of cover will be in the range of 3x to 4x. As ever, the actual level of dividend each year will take into account the working capital requirements and planned investment in the business to enable us to deliver our stated growth aspirations.
Financial results 
Revenue
Continuing operations
Year
31 March
2015 (m)
% 
of Group 
revenue
Year
31 March 
2014 (m)
% 
of Group
revenue
% 
increase 
at AER
% 
increase 
at CER
Revenue






UK
65.46
42.3
63.24
48.7
3.5
3.5
Asia
38.65
25.0
38.36
29.6
0.8
4.9
Europe (exc. VIC)
26.75
17.3
25.36
19.5
5.5
16.3
USA
4.31
2.8
2.82
2.2
53.0
55.1
Organic revenue
135.17
87.4
129.78
100.0
4.2
7.6
VIC acquisition
19.57
12.6
-
-
-
-
Total revenue
154.74
100.0
129.78
100.0
19.2
22.6
The Group's total revenue for the year ended 31 March 2015 increased by 19.2% to 154.74m (2014: 129.78m), with growth at CER of 22.6%.
Organically during the year the Group grew steadily, culminating (as reported in April) in a very strong Q4, particularly within our UK and Asian regions. Revenue growth at CER was impressive at 7.6% and at AER was a creditable 4.2% uplift to 135.17m (2014: 129.78m). Currency headwinds played their part, with Europe impacted the most, particularly in the second half, as the Euro continued its sharp decline. Our Asian businesses, whose currencies are loosely linked to the US dollar also suffered, however, the strengthening of the US dollar in the latter part of the year lessened this impact.
Margin improvements
The improvement in revenue dropped directly through to the margin, with gross profit increasing by 130 bps to 29.0% (2014: 27.7%). During the year procurement prices remained fairly stable, however, we are mindful that an ongoing weakness in the Euro against the US dollar could affect the Group's purchasing costs from Asia, particularly within the European region.
Continuing operations
Full Year
31 March 
2015 (m)
Operating margin %
Full Year
31 March 
2014 (m)
Operating margin %
% 
increase
AER
% 
increase
CER
Underlying operating result






UK
5.83
8.9
5.46
8.6
6.8
6.8
Asia
5.73
14.8
5.27
13.7
8.7
13.1
Europe (exc. VIC)
2.03
7.6
1.73
6.8
17.7
29.7
USA
0.33
7.6
0.25
8.9
32.4
34.8
Central costs
(3.08)

(3.01)

(2.3)
(2.3)
Organic operating result
10.84
8.0
9.70
7.5
11.8
16.4
VIC acquisition
4.43
22.6
-
-
-
-
Total underlying operating result
15.27
9.9
9.70
7.5
57.5
62.1
Distribution and administration costs ('D&A'), pre-separately disclosed items, increased by 12.7%. This is due to the acquisition of VIC and the investment in new staff and capabilities to reinforce our sales and marketing initiatives. Although Group headcount has gone up to 1,165 at 31 March 2015 (2014: 1,038), overall these D&A costs have reduced as a percentage of revenue from 20.5% in the comparable year to 19.4% in the year under review.
In addition to the currency impact on translating our overseas results, the Group also incurred a foreign exchange transactional cost of 0.56m (excluding the separately disclosed gain on the deferred consideration), as a direct result of the weakening Euro on the Group's monetary assets. This represented a negative swing of 0.95m on the previous year.
Operating profit
Underlying operating profit increased by 5.57m to 15.27m (2014: 9.70m), an increase of 57.5%, of which 4.43m was in relation to the VIC acquisition. Organically, the business grew underlying operating profit by 11.8% at AER or 16.4% at CER and the Group's underlying operating margin increased by 240bps to 9.9% (2014: 7.5%).
Separately disclosed items


2015
2014


000
000
IFRS2 share based payment charge

(741)
(67)
Intangible amortisation

(551)
(221)
Net acquisition costs

(750)
-
Costs on exercise of executive share options

(511)
-
Release of closure provision for TR Formac (Suzhou) Co. Ltd

94
-
Total

2,459
288
Financing
Net financing costs increased in the year from 0.53m to 0.97m, of which 0.43m was in relation to the acquisition of VIC. Interest cover being defined as underlying EBITDA to net interest was 17x (2014: 20x).
Profit before tax 
Profit before tax from continuing operations was 11.85m (2014: 8.87m). Underlying profit before tax, amortisation, acquisition costs and other separately disclosed items was 14.31m, an increase at AER of 56.2% from 2014.
Taxation
Tax in the year was 3.46m (2014: 2.28m), which equates to an Effective Tax Rate ('ETR') of 29.2% (2014: 25.6%) and an underlying ETR of 27.9% (2014: 25.6%). The increase in this rate primarily reflects the acquisition of VIC, whose ETR was c. 34%.
Regional Trading Performance
 UK - representing 42% of Group revenue
The UK business, the largest region within the Trifast portfolio saw revenue up 3.5% to 65.46m (2014: 63.24m) in the year, driven substantially from the automotive sector as new projects that were under development with customers in previous years came into production. This momentum looks set to continue. The electronics/telecoms sector also performed well benefitting from an increase in demand from businesses supporting 4G technology.
Operating profit improved by 6.8% to 5.83m (2014: 5.46m) whilst the operating margin increased 30 bps to 8.9% (2014: 8.6%). In addition to top line growth dropping down into the margin, further operating efficiencies have been achieved through:
 the management structure- the UK is now managed under one management team, this ensures 'best practice' is delivered across the region
 better procurement - the new commercial team structure put in place to focus on resourcing initiatives, has been successful in identifying additional commercial purchasing opportunities
 more efficient logistics- we have invested in two automated storage systems in our South East site. These have had the added benefit of more than halving the pick times in the warehouse and therefore improving productivity. More units are intended to be rolled out in the UK in the short to medium term
During the new financial year, additional investment in our people and equipment will be made to further enhance productivity and personal development. We strongly support the view that continual improvement initiatives should lead to future margin enhancements for the business in the future.
 Asia - representing 25% of Group revenue
Our Singapore and Taiwan businesses delivered the largest growth in the region.
The Singaporean manufacturing plant, which specialises in high quality, small diameter fasteners has seen strong growth from its customers within the domestic appliances and electronics/telecoms sectors. Our new territories of Thailand and India are overseen by the experienced Singapore management team. Trading within these areas has been in line with expectations and we are continuing to identify potential opportunities for further growth at these sites.
In Taiwan, following the surge in growth experienced over the last few years, our local manufacturing site is close to achieving full capacity. In January 2015, the Trifast Board approved a capital investment project to extend an existing building on site and purchase new plant. This investment is expected to become operational in Q3 this financial year and will increase capacity by a further 15%.
China has done well to recover from the setback we reported upon a couple of years ago when one of its largest customers went into Chapter 11, resulting in a loss of business. Our business refocused its efforts and has subsequently been able to develop relationships with existing and new customers which is giving us a more evenly spread sector base. Going forward, we have already secured a strong automotive 'pipeline in waiting' whilst also preparing ourselves for new 5G technology, which is on the horizon.
In Malaysia, our operations experienced a slight softening in their key markets during the year under review. However, in the short to medium term, we see this trend reversing as the development work that PSEP has put in with some major automotive OEMs bears fruit. As part of our quest to further drive operational efficiencies and share 'best practice' initiatives, we have pooled the skills and technical know-how of our two Malaysian management teams to create a more effective self-managing group able to take the business forward over the next few years. They will benefit from working as one team enabling them to share ideas and work together more effectively. In addition, at PSEP, as part of our capital investment programme last year and covered in our review in 2014, we anticipate taking delivery of a state-of-the-art large diameter cold forging machine weighing 42 tonnes and costing 1m, with the intention of it becoming operational during the latter part of this new financial year. This multi-stage former is being manufactured in Japan and will provide a quantum leap in our production capability, in particular with regard to the complexity and accuracy of customised components.
Asia's revenue was up 4.9% in CER terms although on AER it increased to 38.65m (2014: 38.36m), up 0.8%. Overall, the operating margin in Asia improved 110bps to 14.8% (2014: 13.7%) and the region delivered an operating profit of 5.73m, an increase of 13.1% at CER and 8.7% at AER over last year. This increase clearly demonstrates the operating leverage that our manufacturing sites enjoy. 
 Europe - representing 30% of Group revenue
Overall, Europe produced revenue of 46.32m and an operating profit of 6.46m at a margin of 13.9%.
Organic
Europe's organic revenue grew 5.5% in the year to 26.75m (2014: 25.36m) and at CER saw excellent growth of 16.3%.
This top line growth has dropped directly down to the bottom line increasing operating margin to 7.6%, up 80 bps (2014: 6.8%). Operating profit increased 17.7% to 2.03m at AER (2014: 1.73m) and 29.7% at CER demonstrating the large impact that the weakening of the Euro has had on our results for FY 2015. 
During the year, Hungary continued its strong growth, further increasing our presence in the electronics/telecoms sectors. Holland witnessed its prior years' momentum continue with a number of new automotive projects, where production has commenced. These are providing a platform for this encouraging trend to continue. Our performance in the Nordic countries, particularly Norway, despite all our efforts, has been affected by the challenging economic conditions in the oil and gas industry.
VIC
The acquisition of VIC was completed on 30 May 2014. It is pleasing to report that its results have exceeded our expectations producing revenues of 19.57m and an operating profit of 4.43m, representing a very respectable 22.6% operating profit margin. 
This strong performance has triggered the maximum adjusted post-tax profit earn out of 5.00m, detailed in the Acquisition Agreement in May 2014. These monies (less the agreed indemnity claims) will be paid from the Group's cash resources during the first half of the current financial year. 
 North America - representing 3% of Group revenue
Our US business grew 53.0% at AER, producing revenue of 4.31m (2014: 2.82m) with an operating profit of 0.33m (2014: 0.25m). This growth, although from a small starting position, reflects our stated Group strategy to grow our presence within the multinational OEM arena in the automotive sector. As we carry 'preferred supplier' status with a number of multinational OEMs, we have been able to respond quickly to their demands to supply locally as the European automotive platforms gradually transfer to the US.
Being local but operating globally underpins our competitive advantage.
Balance sheet & cash flow 
As at 31 March 2015, the Group's shareholder equity amounted to 71.68m, an increase of 10.01m on 31 March 2014. Of this, 7.70m came from retained earnings less dividends paid in the year and 2.86m from the issue of new shares, being a mixture of options exercised and shares issued with respect to the acquisition of VIC. 
Property, plant and equipment increased by 3.80m and intangibles by 15.20m predominantly as a result of the acquisition of VIC. The intangible assets purchased on the acquisition were made up of goodwill of 9.26m and customer related and technology based intangibles of 8.11m, which will be amortised over a weighted average life of 13.11 years.
Inventories, receivables and payables have largely all increased due to the VIC acquisition. Net inventory weeks have remained relatively stable at 19.4 weeks (2014: 19.1 weeks). 
Net debtor days have increased from 65 days in FY 2014 to 72 days (H1 2015: 71 days) reflecting both the general increase in business, particularly in the final quarter and VIC's receivables, which historically have a longer collection cycle. Although VIC has the ability to factor receivables 'without recourse', we are consciously not currently using this facility to full effect. Elsewhere, cash collection remains effective with minimal bad debts during the year under review. The increase in payables includes the contingent consideration relating to VIC of 3.62m which is payable at the end of June 2015.
Capital expenditure rose in the year to 1.41m (2014: 0.84m) and we would expect to see higher levels of investment in the current financial year.
Cash generated from operations (before separately identified items) was 8.27m (2014: 11.83m) giving a cash conversion rate of 50.2%. Although this was below the prior year's rate of 109.5%, it was considerably up on H1 2015 (4.7%), where cash was being used in operations to both supplement growth and absorb the reduced factoring in VIC.
Cash flow summary

Year ended 
31 March
2015
2014
Underlying EBITDA*
16.49m
10.80m
Underlying working capital changes* 
(8.22m)
1.03m
Underlying operating cash flows* 
8.27m
11.83m
Cash conversion*
50.2%
109.5%
Cash paid out on separately disclosed items
(1.50m)
-
Cash generated from operations
6.77m
11.83m
Net capital expenditure
(1.39m)
(0.83m)
Taxation paid
(4.64m)
(1.81m)
Net interest
(0.97m)
(0.53m)
Adjusted free cash flow
(0.23m)
8.66m
Acquisition consideration (net of cash acquired)
(16.24m)
-
Proceeds from shares issued (net of VIC issue)
0.49m
0.08m
Dividends paid
(1.57m)
(0.87m)
Net change in net debt
(17.55m)
7.87m
Net cash/(debt) as at 1 April
2.03m
(5.20m)
Effect of exchange rate on net cash/(debt)
2.10m
(0.64m)
Net (debt)/cash at 31 March
(13.42m)
2.03m
* Before separately disclosed items, see note 2
Banking facilities and covenants 
Group net cash balances as at 31 March 2015 were 15.01m (2014: net cash of 15.50m).
Outside of acquisition loans, the Group has combined banking facilities within the UK of 27.18m, made up of a 17.18m Asset Based Lending ('ABL') facility of which 8.61m was utilised as at 31 March 2015 and a 10.00m Revolving Credit Facility ('RCF'), which to date still remains unutilised. 
In May 2014, the Company drew down in full a 25.00m five year loan, which was used to fund the acquisition of VIC. Interest on this is at EURIBOR plus a margin (initially 2.40%) and is ratcheted from six months after drawdown based on the ratio of the Group's net debt to underlying EBITDA. By Q4 this led to a reduced interest rate margin of 1.65%. The additional loan resulted in gross debt increasing to 28.43m as at 31 March 2015 (2014: 13.47m), whilst net debt also increased to 13.42m (2014: net cash 2.03m) and gearing was 18.7% as at 31 March 2015. 
Group Outlook
The impressive results in 2015 are stronger than originally expected. They reflect the operational improvements implemented by management over recent years which are now delivering growth in both revenue and profitability, together with the upturn in confidence as we progressed through the year.
There are some macroeconomic influences that we cannot control which may affect future results. This being said, as a business we remain confident in our ability to deliver our strategy and are excited about the future.
At this early stage of the year, the forward order book remains solid and the Group's trading performance has been good as it continues to benefit from the positive momentum witnessed in the second half of last year. There continue to be many opportunities, both across our key sectors and with new and existing customer partnerships, and we believe that the Group will go from strength to strength. We remain encouraged by the future growth profile of the business and our commercial progress looks set to continue positively during 2015/16.
World of Opportunity - A clear strategy for growth
Market research indicates that global demand for mechanical fasteners will continue to grow over the next five years.
Our growth opportunity is firmly built around the enticing knowledge that Trifast has less than 1% of the global industrial fastener market. Our offering on an international scale is an attractive USP to many OEMs.
Rolling out a winning formula
Today, we are confident that as a result of the strong action over recent years from our restructured operational management teams, we have established a well-defined strategic business model and path that can be implemented on an ongoing roll out basis, virtually anywhere around the world where there is a strong demand for assembly fasteners and related high quality volume components.
The competitive pressures constantly endured by the automotive, electronics/telecoms and domestic appliances sectors force their suppliers to embrace continuous improvement in every element of their processes. The combination of our peoples' technical skills, world-class manufacturing facilities and sophisticated service and logistics is well proven to be ideally placed for the ever increasing supply chain efficiencies being demanded by our high volume assembly customers.
As a business, we are totally committed to the 'can always do better' philosophy and culture. We consider we are 'ready to go' and can deliver what the market both needs and expects. Trifast's head start was the far reaching process and management changes arising from the savage downturn suffered in 2007-2009. This was truly a case of a cloud developing a silver lining.
Our people
The Group employs over 1,100 motivated and talented people. Every colleague around the world is a valued member of the TR family who on a daily basis work together to deliver a high quality service for all of our customers.
It is our people working together to support each others' development, combined with their understanding of their part in our strategy, that underpins the Group's positive momentum and impressive trading results. 
On behalf of the Main Board and all stakeholders, we take this opportunity to welcome new colleagues into the business who joined us during the year under review. We thank them and also every one of our people (some of whom have been with us for many years), who, through their hard work and commitment, are continuously helping us to deliver on our strategy.
Strategic pillars 
-Our strategy explained:
Investment driven growth
Our consistent ability to improve margins and generate cash allows us to plan ahead with confidence on future proofing our business resources. These include smarter management information systems (MIS), space efficient storage and materials handling equipment, lean logistics processes, modular packaging, manufacturing plant upgrades and refining our sales and marketing targeting as well as payback effectiveness. Our 'recovery phase' implemented in 2009 is completed and now three years behind us. Looking forward, we have the headroom to combine progressive profitability and growing dividend returns with a clear, well defined investment programme that will provide tangible continued momentum to our progress.
Core strategy - focus on multinational OEMs
Our core business is supplying high volume assembly multinational OEMs around the world with components. They demand consistent high quality, price and availability in order to supply automotive assemblies, mobile phone base stations, computer enclosures, cash dispensers and other equipment, in their often numerous sister plants spread globally.
Over 60% of Group sales come from multinational OEMs. We carry 'preferred supplier' status to over 40 such multinationals, several of which own more than 200 plants making comparable or identical finished products. Our average penetration into each network is at the moment around 25% of their sites, therefore developing this pipeline is the backbone of our overall growth strategy. 
"Competitive" = Value add 
Value is not just about price. What TR offers to the market is high quality products, reliable supply logistics and sound inventory management. We pride ourselves on our consistently high levels of service and our commitment to finding the solutions that our customers are looking for. This approach can see us stepping in to help with an urgent supply issue at short notice, or using our engineering know-how to generate production line efficiencies for our customers in the longer term. What TR is able to offer is a complete value add package at a price that benefits both our customers and our shareholders.
Acquisitions
Trifast has shown it is capable of delivering a firm trend of healthy organic growth. However, as we have clearly stated over the last five years, this is not enough to maximise the opportunities available to us in what is a fragmented market sector.
The acquisitions of PSEP (2011) and VIC (2014) exemplify what constitute ideal targets for the business, namely knowledge and skills, capable self-managing and ongoing management teams, niche market positioning, growing revenue and profitability and earnings enhancing. Our search continues for similar businesses which meet our criteria and support our growth plans and ambitions.
It's all about our people and planning for the future
Developing our peoples' talents will identify our leaders of the future. It is paramount that through training we retain and diversify skills as these underpin our reputation and competitive edge in what is an increasingly limited labour market globally.
All TR operations are managed on a day-to-day basis by country Directors who represent the core foundation for our succession planning. Looking back over our 40+ years in the business, it is clear that our best and most successful succession planning has come from within. For this reason attention is paid to performance management, training and mentoring to ensure that our business growth, customer partnerships and all round continuity can be reliably sustained.
Consolidated income statement
for the year ended 31 March 2015

Note
2015 
000
2014 
000
Continuing operations



Revenue
3
154,741
129,775
Cost of sales

(109,866)
(93,809)
Gross profit

44,875
35,966
Other operating income
4
352
312
Distribution expenses

(3,108)
(2,927)
Administrative expenses before separately disclosed items

(26,845)
(23,655)
IFRS2 charge
2
(741)
(67)
Intangible amortisation
2
(551)
(221)
Net acquisition costs
2, 14
(750)
-
Costs on exercise of executive share options
2
(511)
-
Release of closure provision for TR Formac (Suzhou) Co. Ltd
2
94
-
Total administrative expenses

(29,304)
(23,943)
Operating profit

12,815
9,408
Financial income

97
85
Financial expenses

(1,063)
(619)
Net financing costs

(966)
(534)
Profit before taxation
2, 3
11,849
8,874
Taxation
6
(3,455)
(2,276)
Profit for the period(attributable to equity shareholders of the Parent Company)

8,394
6,598
Earnings per share



Basic
13
7.39p
6.08p
Diluted
13
7.07p
5.76p
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
for the year ended 31 March 2015
Group
2015
000
2014
000
Profit for the year
8,394
6,598
Other comprehensive income for the year:


Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:


Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations
(2,726)
(5,083)
Gains on a hedge of a net investment taken to equity
2,180
-
Other comprehensive expense recognised directly in equity 
(546)
(5,083)
Total comprehensive income recognised for the year
(attributable to the equity shareholders of the Parent Company)
7,848
1,515
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
for the year ended 31 March 2015

Share
capital
000
Share
premium
000
Translation
reserve
000
Retained
earnings
000
Total
equity
000
Balance at 31 March 2014
5,435
18,488
6,888
30,856
61,667
Total comprehensive income for the year:





Profit for the year
-
-
-
8,394
8,394
Other comprehensive expense for the year
-
-
(546)
-
(546)
Total comprehensive (expense)/income recognised for the year
-
-
(546)
8,394
7,848
Issue of share capital 
374
2,490
-
-
2,864
Share based payment transactions (including tax)
-
-
-
870
870
Dividends (note 12)
-
-
-
(1,569)
(1,569)
Total transactions with owners
374
2,490
-
(699)
2,165
Balance at 31 March 2015
5,809
20,978
6,342
38,551
71,680
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
for the year ended 31 March 2014

Share
capital
000
Share
premium
000
Translation
reserve
000
Retained
earnings
000
Total
equity
000
Balance at 31 March 2013
5,412
18,427
11,971
24,612
60,422
Total comprehensive income for the year:





Profit for the year
-
-
-
6,598
6,598
Other comprehensive expense for the year
-
-
(5,083)
-
(5,083)
Total comprehensive (expense)/income recognised for the year
-
-
(5,083)
6,598
1,515
Issue of share capital 
23
61
-
-
84
Share based payment transactions (including tax)
-
-
-
513
513
Dividends (note 12)
-
-
-
(867)
(867)
Total transactions with owners
23
61
-
(354)
(270)
Balance at 31 March 2014
5,435
18,488
6,888
30,856
61,667
Company statement of changes in equity
for the year ended 31 March 2015

Share
capital
000
Share
premium
000
Merger
reserve
000
Retained
earnings
000
Total
equity
000
Balance at 31 March 2014
5,435
18,488
1,521
5,404
30,848
Total comprehensive income for the year:





Profit for the year
-
-
-
924
924
Total comprehensive income recognised
for the year
-
-
-
924
924
Issue of share capital 
374
2,490
-
-
2,864
Share based payment transactions (including tax)
-
-
-
827
827
Dividends (note 12)
-
-
-
(1,569)
(1,569)
Total transactions with owners
374
2,490
-
(742)
2,122
Balance at 31 March 2015
5,809
20,978
1,521
5,586
33,894
Company statement of changes in equity
for the year ended 31 March 2014

Share
capital
000
Share
premium
000
Merger
reserve
000
Retained
earnings
000
Total
equity
000
Balance at 31 March 2013
5,412
18,427
1,521
3,108
28,468
Total comprehensive income for the year:





Profit for the year
-
-
-
2,768
2,768
Total comprehensive income recognised
for the year
-
-
-
2,768
2,768
Issue of share capital 
23
61
-
-
84
Share based payment transactions (including tax)
-
-
-
395
395
Dividends (note 12)
-
-
-
(867)
(867)
Total transactions with owners
23
61
-
(472)
(388)
Balance at 31 March 2014
5,435
18,488
1,521
5,404
30,848
Statements of financial position
at 31 March 2015

Note
Group
Company
2015
000
2014
000
2015
000
2014
000
Non-current assets





Property, plant and equipment

15,623
11,828
2,424
2,414
Intangible assets

32,162
16,959
-
-
Equity investments

-
-
34,700
33,551
Deferred tax assets

1,272
1,257
491
842
Total non-current assets

49,057
30,044
37,615
36,807
Current assets





Inventories
7
37,418
30,574
-
-
Trade and other receivables
8
39,864
27,665
25,509
1,531
Cash and cash equivalents
9
15,453
15,535
1,292
743
Total current assets

92,735
73,774
26,801
2,274
Total assets
3
141,792
103,818
64,416
39,081
Current liabilities





Bank overdraft
9
439
31
4,738
3,700
Other interest-bearing loans and borrowings
10
11,906
10,950
1,809
-
Trade and other payables
11
34,482
24,678
8,384
4,317
Tax payable

1,927
2,120
-
-
Provisions

298
124
-
-
Total current liabilities

49,052
37,903
14,931
8,017
Non-current liabilities





Other interest-bearing loans and borrowings
10
16,523
2,524
15,374
-
Provisions

885
938
-
-
Deferred tax liabilities

3,652
786
217
216
Total non-current liabilities

21,060
4,248
15,591
216
Total liabilities
3
70,112
42,151
30,522
8,233
Net assets

71,680
61,667
33,894
30,848
Equity





Share capital

5,809
5,435
5,809
5,435
Share premium

20,978
18,488
20,978
18,488
Reserves

6,342
6,888
1,521
1,521
Retained earnings

38,551
30,856
5,586
5,404
Total equity

71,680
61,667
33,894
30,848
Statements of cash flows
for the year ended 31 March 2015

Note
Group
Company
2015
000
2014
000
2015
000
2014
000
Cash flows from operating activities





Profit for the year

8,394
6,598
924
2,768
Adjustments for:





Depreciation, amortisation and impairment

1,768
1,323
56
57
Unrealised foreign currency loss/(gain)

111
-
(1,255)
-
Financial income

(97)
(85)
(30)
(33)
Financial expense

1,063
619
492
76
(Gain)/loss on sale of property, plant and equipment 
and investments

(3)
26
-
-
Dividends received

-
-
(5,911)
(5,843)
Equity settled share based payment charge/(credit)
2
741
67
520
(86)
Taxation
6
3,455
2,276
432
134
Operating cash inflow/(outflow) before changes in working capital and provisions

15,432
10,824
(4,772)
(2,927)
Change in trade and other receivables

(9,187)
(1,336)
(180)
44
Change in inventories

(1,679)
(1,605)
-
-
Change in trade and other payables

2,080
4,281
437
921
Change in provisions

121
(339)
-
(104)
Cash generated from/(used in) operations

6,767
11,825
(4,515)
(2,066)
Tax paid

(4,639)
(1,809)
-
-
Net cash from/(used in) operating activities

2,128
10,016
(4,515)
(2,066)
Cash flows from investing activities





Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

25
12
-
-
Interest received

97
85
30
33
Acquisition of subsidiary, net of cash acquired
14
(16,240)
-
(19,645)
-
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment

(1,414)
(838)
(66)
(14)
Dividends received

-
-
5,911
5,843
Net cash (used in)/from investing activities

(17,532)
(741)
(13,770)
5,862
Cash flows from financing activities





Proceeds from the issue of share capital, net of acquisition

494
84
494
84
Proceeds from new loan

20,337
-
20,337
-
Repayment of borrowings

(3,347)
(1,679)
(974)
-
Payment of finance lease liabilities

31
(51)
-
-
Dividends paid
12
(1,569)
(867)
(1,569)
(867)
Interest paid

(1,063)
(619)
(492)
(76)
Net cash from/(used in) financing activities

14,883
(3,132)
17,796
(859)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents

(521)
6,143
(489)
2,937
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 April
9
15,504
10,555
(2,957)
(5,894)
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash held

31
(1,194)
-
-
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 March
9
15,014
15,504
(3,446)
(2,957)
Notes
1 Preparation of the preliminary announcement
The preliminary results announcement for the year ended 31 March 2015 has been prepared by the Directors based on the results and position reflected in the statutory accounts. The statutory accounts are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union ('Adopted IFRS').
The Board of Directors approved the preliminary announcement on 15 June 2015.
2 Underlying profit before tax and separately disclosed items

Note
2015 
000
2014 
000
Underlying profit before tax

14,308
9,162
Separately disclosed items within administrative expenses



IFRS2 share based payment charge

(741)
(67)
Intangible amortisation

(551)
(221)
Net acquisition costs
14
(750)
-
Costs on exercise of executive share options

(511)
-
Release of closure provision for TR Formac (Suzhou) Co. Ltd

94
-
Profit before tax

11,849
8,874
3 Operating segmental analysis
Segment information is presented in the consolidated financial statements in respect of the Group's geographical segments. This reflects the Group's management and internal reporting structure, and the operating basis on which individual operations are reviewed by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (the Board).
Performance is measured based on each segment's underlying profit before finance costs and income tax as included in the internal management reports that are reviewed by the Chief Operating Decision Maker. This is used to measure performance as management believes that such information is the most relevant in evaluating the results of certain segments relative to other entities that operate within the industry.
Inter-segment pricing is determined on an arm's length basis.
Segment results, assets and liabilities include items directly attributable to a segment as well as those that can be allocated on a reasonable basis.
Goodwill and intangible fixed assets acquired on business combinations outside of Asia are included within 'common' segment assets. This reflects the internal management reports that are reviewed by the Chief Operating Decision Maker.
Segment capital expenditure is the total cost incurred during the period to acquire segment assets that are expected to be used for more than one period.
 Geographical operating segments
The Group is comprised of the following main geographical operating segments:
UK

Europe:
includes Norway, Sweden, Hungary, Ireland, Holland, Italy and Poland
USA:
includes USA and Mexico
Asia:
includes Malaysia, China, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and India
3 Operating segmental analysis (continued)
In presenting information on the basis of geographical operating segments, segment revenue and segment assets are based on the geographical location of our entities across the world, and are consolidated into the four distinct geographical regions, which the Board use to monitor and assess the Group.
March 2015
UK
000
Europe
000
USA
000
Asia
000
Common
costs
000
Total
000
Revenue






Revenue from external customers
65,463
46,316
4,311
38,651
-
154,741
Inter segment revenue
1,935
413
62
5,496
-
7,906
Total revenue
67,398
46,729
4,373
44,147
-
162,647
Underlying operating result
5,832
6,461
327
5,731
(3,077)
15,274
Net financing costs
(308)
(125)
(1)
(58)
(474)
(966)
Underlying segment result
5,524
6,336
326
5,673
(3,551)
14,308
Separately disclosed items (see note 2)





(2,459)
Profit before taxation





11,849
Specific disclosure items






Depreciation and amortisation
170
202
16
837
543
1,768
Assets and liabilities






Segment assets
39,051
29,303
2,267
50,222
20,949
141,792
Segment liabilities
(24,423)
(9,763)
(413)
(11,878)
(23,635)
(70,112)
March 2014
UK
000
Europe
000
USA
000
Asia
000
Common
costs
000
Total
000
Revenue






Revenue from external customers
63,237
25,365
2,817
38,356
-
129,775
Inter segment revenue
1,584
441
99
5,425
-
7,549
Total revenue
64,821
25,806
2,916
43,781
-
137,324
Underlying operating result
5,460
1,726
247
5,270
(3,007)
9,696
Net financing costs
(359)
(33)
(1)
(98)
(43)
(534)
Underlying segment result
5,101
1,693
246
5,172
(3,050)
9,162
Separately disclosed items (see note 2)





(288)
Profit before taxation





8,874
Specific disclosure items






Depreciation and amortisation
146
47
13
907
210
1,323
Assets and liabilities






Segment assets
36,615
11,539
1,531
47,296
6,837
103,818
Segment liabilities
(23,843)
(3,562)
(143)
(12,036)
(2,567)
(42,151)
There was no material difference in the UK, Europe and USA regions between the external revenue based on location of the entities and the location of the customers. Of the Asian external revenue, 3.59m (2014: 3.08m) was sold into the American market and 5.92m (2014: 5.54m) sold into the European market.
Revenue is derived solely from the manufacture and logistical supply of industrial fasteners and category 'C' components.
4 Other operating income

2015 
000
2014 
000
Rental income received from freehold properties
155
163
Other income
197
149

352
312
5 Expenses and auditor's remuneration
Included in profit for the year are the following:


2015 
000
2014 
000
Depreciation

1,217
1,102
Amortisation of acquired intangibles

551
221
Operating lease expense 

2,529
2,342
(Gain)/loss on disposal of fixed assets

(3)
26
Auditor's remuneration:


2015 
000
2014 
000
Audit of these financial statements

41
40
Audit of financial statements of subsidiaries pursuant to legislation

183
153
Taxation compliance services

44
26
Other assurance services

22
30
Other services relating to transaction services

309
175


599
424
6 Taxation
Recognised in the income statement
2015
000
2014
000
Current UK tax expense:


Current year
580
510
Adjustments for prior years
77
53

657
563
Current foreign tax expense:


Current year
3,223
1,603
Adjustments for prior years
56
15

3,279
1,618
Total current tax
3,936
2,181
Deferred tax expense:


Origination and reversal of temporary differences
(473)
49
Adjustments for prior years
(8)
46
Deferred tax (income) expense
(481)
95
Tax in Income statement
3,455
2,276
Tax recognised directly in equity
2015
000
2014
000
Current tax recognised directly in equity - IFRS2 share based tax credit
(579)
(41)
Deferred tax recognised directly in equity - IFRS2 share based tax charge/(credit)
450
(506)
Total tax recognised in equity
(129)
(547)
Reconciliation of effective tax rate ('ETR') and tax expense
2015
000
ETR
%
2014
000
ETR
%
Profit for the period
8,394

6,598

Tax from continuing operations
3,455

2,276

Profit before tax
11,849

8,874

Tax using the UK corporation tax rate of 21% (2014: 23%)
2,488
21
2,041
23
Tax suffered on dividends
171
1
115
1
Non-deductible expenses
236
2
247
3
Non-taxable receipts
(184)
(2)
-
-
IFRS2 share option credit
(19)
-
(4)
-
Deferred tax assets not recognised
289
3
(130)
(1)
Different tax rates on overseas earnings
347
3
(182)
(2)
Adjustments in respect of prior years
125
1
114
1
Tax rate change
2
-
75
1
Total tax in income statement
3,455
29
2,276
26
The UK Government has reduced the UK corporation tax rate to 20% with effect from 1 April 2015 and these reductions have been reflected in the measurement of deferred tax balances.
7 Inventories - Group

2015
000
2014
000
Raw materials and consumables
4,096
2,962
Work in progress
1,881
1,057
Finished goods and goods for resale
31,441
26,555

37,418
30,574
8 Trade and other receivables

Group
Company
2015 
000
2014 
000
2015 
000
2014 
000
Trade receivables
37,876
26,330
-
-
Non trade receivables and prepayments
1,988
1,335
51
55
Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings
-
-
25,458
1,476

39,864
27,665
25,509
1,531
9 Cash and cash equivalents/bank overdrafts

Group
Company
2015 
000
2014 
000
2015 
000
2014 
000
Cash and cash equivalents per Statement of financial position
15,453
15,535
1,292
743
Bank overdrafts per Statement of financial position
(439)
(31)
(4,738)
(3,700)
Cash and cash equivalents per Statements of cash flow 
15,014
15,504
(3,446)
(2,957)
10 Other interest-bearing loans and borrowings
This note provides information about the Group and Company's interest-bearing loans and borrowings. 
Initial loan value
Rate
Maturity
Current
Non-current
2015
000
2014
000
2015
000
2014
000
Group






Asset based lending
LIBOR (+1.89%






to 2.25%)
2015
8,605
9,504
-
-
PSEP acquisition loan
Fixed 3.14%
2016
1,484
1,441
1,113
2,522
Finance lease liabilities
Various
2015-19
8
5
36
2
Group and Company






VIC acquisition loan
EURIBOR 
2019
1,809
-
15,374
-

(+1.65%)





Total Group


11,906
10,950
16,523
2,524
Total Company


1,809
-
15,374
-
11 Trade and other payables

Group
Company
2015
000
2014
000
2015
000
2014
000
Trade payables
17,147
14,370
-
-
Amounts payable to subsidiary undertakings
-
-
2,604
2,589
Contingent consideration
3,617
-
3,617
-
Non-trade payables and accrued expenses
12,354
9,077
2,160
1,702
Other taxes and social security
1,364
1,231
3
26

34,482
24,678
8,384
4,317
12 Dividends
During the year the following dividends were recognised and paid by the Group:

2015 
000
2014 
000
Final paid 2014 - 1.00 pence (2013: 0.80p) per qualifying ordinary share
1,135
867
Interim paid 2014 - 0.40 pence (2013: nil) per qualifying ordinary share
434
-

1,569
867
After the balance sheet date a final dividend of 1.50 pence per qualifying ordinary share (2014: 1.00p) was proposed by the Directors and an interim dividend of 0.60 pence (2014: 0.40p) was paid in April 2015.

2015 
000
2014 
000
Final proposed 2015 - 1.50 pence (2014: 1.00p) per qualifying ordinary share
1,743
1,135
Interim paid 2015 - 0.60 pence (2014: 0.40p) per qualifying ordinary share
697
434

2,440
1,569
Subject to shareholder approval at the Annual General Meeting which is to be held on 16 September 2015, the final dividend will be paid on 16 October 2015 to members on the register at the close of business on 18 September 2015. The ordinary shares will become ex-dividend on 17 September 2015. 
13  Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share
The calculation of basic earnings per share at 31 March 2015 was based on the profit attributable to ordinary shareholders of 8.39m (2014: 6.60m) and a weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year ended 31 March 2015 of 113,540,187 (2014: 108,533,645), calculated as follows:
Weighted average number of ordinary shares

2015
2014
Issued ordinary shares at 1 April
108,684,180
108,230,910
Effect of shares issued
4,856,007
302,735
Weighted average number of ordinary shares at 31 March
113,540,187
108,533,645
Diluted earnings per share
The calculation of diluted earnings per share at 31 March 2015 was based on profit attributable to ordinary shareholders of 8.39m (2014: 6.60m) and a weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year ended 31 March 2015 of 118,768,522 (2014: 114,485,387), calculated as follows:
Weighted average number of ordinary shares (diluted)

2015
2014
Weighted average number of ordinary shares at 31 March
113,540,187
108,533,645
Effect of share options on issue
5,228,335
5,951,742
Weighted average number of ordinary shares (diluted) at 31 March
118,768,522
114,485,387
The average market value of the Company's shares for the purposes of calculating the dilutive effect of share options was based on quoted market prices for the period that the options and deferred equity awards were outstanding.
Underlying earnings per share
EPS (total)
2015
EPS
2014
EPS
Earnings
000
Basic
Diluted
Earnings
000
Basic
Diluted
Profit after tax for the financial year
8,394
7.39p
7.07p
6,598
6.08p
5.76p
Separately disclosed items:






IFRS2 share option
741
0.65p
0.62p
67
0.06p
0.06p
Intangible amortisation
551
0.49p
0.46p
221
0.20p
0.19p
Net acquisition costs
750
0.66p
0.63p
-
-
-
Costs on exercise of 
Executive share options
511
0.45p
0.43p
-
-
-
Release of closure provision
for TR Formac (Suzhou) Co. Ltd
(94)
(0.08p)
(0.08p)
-
-
-
Tax charge on adjusted items
(541)
(0.48p)
(0.45p)
(66)
(0.06p)
(0.06p)
Underlying profit after tax
10,312
9.08p
8.68p
6,820
6.28p
5.95p
The 'underlying diluted' earnings per share is detailed in the above tables. In the Directors' opinion, this best reflects the underlying performance of the Group and assists in the comparison with the results of earlier years (see note 2).
14  Acquisition of Viterie Italia Centrale SPA ('VIC')
On 30 May 2014, the Group acquired the entire issued capital stock of VIC for an initial consideration of 27.00m (22.02m), satisfied by way of 24.15m (30 May: 19.65m) in cash and 2.85m (30 May: 2.37m) by the issue and allotment of 3,000,000 shares of 5 pence each in the Company to Carlo Perini, the Managing Director and 30% owner of VIC. The fair value of shares issued was based on the market value at the date of the Acquisition Agreement.
At the date of acquisition, a further payment of up to 5.00m (31 March 2015: 3.62m, 30 May 2014: 4.07m) was due to the Vendors. This was based upon the achievement of certain performance conditions in VIC for the 12 month period ended 31 December 2014. Under the agreement, 5 for each 1 above 3.00m of adjusted post-tax profit (as defined in the Acquisition Agreement) was payable to the Vendors, subject to a maximum amount of 5.00m. VIC generated a sufficient adjusted post-tax profit for the year ended 31 December 2014 to achieve the maximum payout in line with the agreement, payment will be made in June 2015. 
VIC is a manufacturer and distributor of fastenings systems and is complementary to the Group's business model. It significantly strengthens the Group's presence in the domestic appliances market whilst also offering TR additional opportunities in existing electronic and automotive markets. The business will also provide an additional manufacturing facility in Europe to complement the Group's existing resources in Asia and the UK.
In the ten months since acquiring VIC to 31 March 2015, the subsidiary contributed 4.43m to the consolidated operating profit for the year and 19.57m to the Group's revenue. If the acquisition had occurred on 1 April 2014, Group revenue would have increased by an estimated 4.45m and consolidated operating profit would have been increased by an estimated 0.59m. In determining these amounts management has assumed that the fair value adjustments that arose on the date of acquisition would have been the same as if the acquisition had occurred on 1 April 2014.
The acquisition had the following effects on the Group's assets and liabilities.

Original 
fair value recognised
000
Adjustment to fair value
000
Revised recognised 
fair value
000
Property, plant and equipment
3,950
-
3,950
Intangible assets
8,108
-
8,108
Inventories
5,967
-
5,967
Trade and other receivables
4,589
302
4,891
Cash and cash equivalents
3,405
-
3,405
Trade and other payables
(4,703)
-
(4,703)
Corporation tax payable
(1,225)
-
(1,225)
Contingent liabilities
-
(302)
(302)
Deferred tax liabilities
(941)
(2,323)
(3,264)
Net identifiable assets and liabilities
19,150
(2,323)
16,827
Consideration paid:



Initial cash price paid
19,645
-
19,645
Equity instruments issued
2,370
-
2,370
Contingent consideration at fair value
4,067
-
4,067
Total consideration
26,082
-
26,082
Goodwill on acquisition
6,932
2,323
9,255
The fair value of trade receivables is 4.16m. The gross contractual cash flows to be collected are 4.48m. The best estimate at acquisition date of the contractual cash flows not to be collected are 0.32m.
On acquisition, contingent liabilities of 0.30m were recognised in respect of legal claims. At 31 March 2015, 0.08m of this amount remains outstanding. This is expected to be paid within 12 months. The Vendors are contractually obliged to indemnify this risk, as detailed in the Acquisition Agreement. Therefore a related indemnification asset was recognised for an equal amount.
Intangible assets that arose on the acquisition include the following:
 5.45m of customer relationships, with an amortisation period deemed to be 15 years
 2.33m of technology know-how, with an amortisation period deemed to be 10 years
 0.27m of technological patents, with an amortisation period deemed to be 15 years
 0.05m of other intangibles, with an amortisation period deemed to be between 3-5 years
14  Acquisition of Viterie Italia Centrale SPA ('VIC') (continued)
Goodwill is the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired and is not deductible for tax purposes. It mostly represents potential synergies, e.g. cross-selling opportunities between VIC and Trifast Group and VIC's assembled workforce.
As previously disclosed, the fair values of both corporation and deferred tax were determined on a provisional basis in the 31 March 2014 Report and Accounts. This was because an in-depth tax analysis had not yet been undertaken on the fair value adjustments. This has now been completed and an adjustment made, as detailed in the table above. The additional deferred tax liability of 2.32m relates to the recognition of the intangible fixed assets, net of the deferred tax impact from a downward revaluation of the property.
Effect of acquisition
The Group incurred costs of 1.20m in relation to the acquisition of VIC and a 0.45m foreign exchange gain was made on the 5.00m contingent consideration balance. The net amount of 0.75m has been included in administrative expenses in the Group's consolidated statement of comprehensive income and forms part of separately disclosed items, see note 2.
15  Preliminary statement
The financial information set out above does not constitute the Group's statutory Report and Accounts for the years ended 31 March 2015 or 2014 but is derived from the 2015 Report and Accounts. The Report and Accounts for 2014 have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies and those for 2015 will be delivered in due course. The external auditor has reported on the 2015 Report and Accounts; the report was (i) unqualified, (ii) did not include references to any matters to which the external auditor drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying the reports and (iii) did not contain statements under section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.
16  Communications
The Company is not proposing to bulk print and distribute hard copies of this Preliminary statement unless specifically requested by individual shareholders. News updates, Regulatory News, and previous years' Report and Accounts, can be viewed and downloaded from the Group's website, www.trifast.com. 
The Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2015, together with the Notice of Meeting will be posted to shareholders and uploaded to the National Storage Mechanism and the Group's website, www.trifast.com, in due course.
Further copies of the Preliminary statement and the Report and Accounts will be available on request by writing to: The Company Secretary, Trifast plc, Trifast House, Bellbrook Park, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 1QW, Email: corporate.enquiries@trifast.com. 
17  Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting will be held on 16 September 2015 at Trifast House, Bellbrook Park, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 1QW.
Editors' note:
LSE Premium Listing: Ticker: TRI
Group website:www.trifast.com 
About us:Trifast's trading business TR Fastenings is a leading international manufacturer and distributor of industrial fastenings to the assembly industries, with operations in Europe, the Americas and Asia. 
For more information, please visit www.trfastenings.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/tr-fastenings
Twitter: www.twitter.com/trfastenings
Facebook:www.facebook.com/trfastenings
Forward-looking statements
This announcement contains certain forward looking statements. These reflect the knowledge and information available to the Company during the preparation and up to the publication of this document. By their very nature, these statements depend upon circumstances and relate to events that may occur in the future thereby involving a degree of uncertainty. Therefore, nothing in this document should be construed as a profit forecast by the Company.

This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
  END
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