TIDMACR

RNS Number : 1083J

Abbeycrest PLC

27 June 2011

Final Results 2011

Abbeycrest plc ("Abbeycrest" or the "Group"), a leading international jewellery designer, manufacturer and distributor, announces its audited final results for the year ended 28 February 2011.

Financials

 
      --   Revenue of GBP38.5m (2010: GBP39.7m) 
      --   Adjusted operating profit before exceptional items and depreciation 
            and amortisation of GBP0.6m (2010: GBP1.8m) 
      --   Operating loss of GBP2.1m (2010: GBP2.4m profit) after exceptional 
            operating costs of GBP1.8m (2010: GBP1.5m income) 
      --   Net debt remained the same as the prior year at GBP5.6m 
            (2010: GBP5.6m) 
 

Operational summary

 
      --   Board strengthened with appointments of Simon Lazenby, Sarah 
            Carpin and Kathryn Davenport 
      --   Julie Large, previously Creative Director at Hot Diamonds, 
            appointed Creative Director at Brown & Newirth (R) in January 
      --   Successful consolidation of Group's Hong Kong activities 
            into Abbeycrest Thailand 
 

Post year end summary

 
      --   Revised property lease termination agreement with Moorgarth 
            Property Investments 
      --   Revised and extended facilities with the Group's lenders 
            in the UK and Thailand 
 

Simon Ashton, Executive Chairman, said: "Although trading conditions in our core markets remain difficult, the Group has made a satisfactory start to the current financial year. The benefits of consolidating our Hong Kong and Thailand operations are becoming evident and our Essentials division is trading in line with the board's expectations, albeit against a continuing backdrop of long-term pressure on precious metal prices.

"The board remains firmly of the view that the strategy of moving towards higher value-added, branded jewellery collections is aligned to current and expected global jewellery trends and we are seeing definite signs of progress".

For further information, please contact:

 
 Abbeycrest plc                                Tel: 0113 397 0864 
  Simon Ashton, Executive Chairman           www.abbeycrest.co.uk 
 Evolution Securities Limited                   Tel:0113 243 1619 
  Joanne Lake/Peter Steel                   www.evosecurities.com 
 Rawlings Financial PR Limited                 Tel: 01653 618 016 
  Catriona Valentine                  www.rawlingsfinancial.co.uk 
 

Chairman's Statement

The year to 28 February 2011 proved to be difficult for Abbeycrest. Having spent the previous two years refocusing and streamlining the Group's activities, our higher value-added collections did not make the progress anticipated and the Group's activities in its traditional markets continued to be affected by further volume decline and margin pressures.

In light of these challenging conditions, we have taken action to review our strategy and reduce costs further and, in doing so, secured the ongoing support of our lenders.

Results

Group revenue fell by 3% to GBP38.5m (2010: GBP39.7m). The decline in sales volumes was significantly more when factoring in the effect of an average monthly gold price of GBP825 per ounce, a 30% increase over 2010 (GBP636 per ounce). The sustained rise in gold prices (2010: 25%) continues to have an impact on consumer demand, with hallmarking of gold in the UK falling by over 16% during the year under review.

Rising commodity prices and retailer action to protect volume have combined to squeeze margins. Value-added for the year fell to 32.8% (2010: 35.8%) giving rise to a pre-tax loss before exceptional items of GBP1.1m (2010: profit GBP0.1m).

The Essentials division, which serves volume markets with mainstream precious metal jewellery products, generated turnover of GBP25.8m (2010: GBP27.2m), a fall of 5%. Restating 2011 sales at 2010 gold prices would indicate a like-for-like reduction closer to 15%. This decline in sales led to a lower contribution to fixed overheads and an erosion of operating margin before exceptional items to 2.4% (2010: 5.7%), with the division recording an operating profit before exceptional items of GBP0.6m (2010: GBP1.6m).

In response to this, we have implemented a number of initiatives to improve the contribution to fixed overheads and deliver more effective product development. In April, we completed the consolidation of Abbeycrest Hong Kong's activities into Abbeycrest Thailand's operations. This will result in the transfer of previously outsourced product, and associated margin, into the Group's own manufacturing resource, coupled with tighter control on new product development.

Our Brands division, which supplies the higher-end jewellery sector with branded jewellery collections, recorded an operating profit before exceptional items of GBP0.2m (2010: GBP0.4m) on similar turnover of GBP12.7m (2010: GBP12.5m). This decline in profitability of GBP0.2m was due solely to the previously notified underperformance of Brown & Newirth Limited, Abbeycrest's wedding and commitment ring specialist and was attributable to a short term loss of management focus and margin control.

We addressed the situation promptly with significant changes to systems and personnel. We have also sought to strengthen the value in product design and branding at Brown & Newirth(R) by appointing Julie Large (previously with Hot Diamonds), a proven Creative Director with brand experience. A number of new collections have already been launched and others are being developed for a September 2011 launch, under Julie's guidance.

These remedial actions, together with a redundancy programme, form part of the restructuring of our Essentials and Brands divisions to establish a lower yet more responsive cost base. These, coupled with a re-assessment of the onerous lease provision, have resulted in exceptional costs for the year of GBP1.9m (2010: gain GBP1.5m). Pre-tax loss, after these exceptional costs, was GBP3.0m (2010: profit GBP1.6m which included a GBP1.5m exceptional gain). By the year end, net debt remained in line with the previous year at GBP5.6m (2010: GBP5.6m). No final dividends are proposed.

Property lease

On 27 August 2009, Abbeycrest entered into deeds of variation giving it the right to terminate leases over its former head office and car park at Wilmington Grove, Leeds on 28 September 2011, upon payment of a total fee of GBP405,746, comprising one year's rent on the combined site. Prior to this deed of variation, Abbeycrest would have remained a tenant, with the associated costs, until June 2021.

On 4 May 2011, the board announced revised termination arrangements with the lessor, Moorgarth Property Investments Limited, and gave notice that these leases would terminate with effect from 28 September 2011. Under the revised arrangements, termination is conditional on payment of a total fee of GBP406,000, to be paid in two instalments, being GBP200,000 on or before 28 September 2011 and GBP206,000 on or before 28 February 2012. Until paid, amounts outstanding will be secured by way of a third ranking fixed and floating charge over the assets of Abbeycrest and its subsidiaries. Termination is also conditional on Abbeycrest continuing to comply with the terms of the existing leases until 28 September 2011.

Funding

On 31 May 2011, the board announced revised and extended facilities with its lenders in the UK and Thailand.

Burdale Financial Limited ("Burdale"), the Group's senior lender, has agreed to extend the renewal date of the Group's UK facility to 9 March 2014 and to re-set the associated covenants. As a result of a transfer in the Group's working capital requirements from the UK to Thailand, Abbeycrest's UK facility limit with Burdale was reduced from GBP8.0m to GBP4.0m, thereby reducing future under-utilisation costs. All other principal terms and conditions remain unchanged.

Abbeycrest Thailand Limited has also agreed an increase of GBP3.0m in its seasonal working capital facilities with its long-standing finance provider, Siam Commercial Bank PCL ("SCB"). This comprises an increase of GBP2.6m in its invoice finance facility and an additional short term loan of GBP0.4m to facilitate the consolidation of Abbeycrest's Hong Kong activities into its Thai facility.

The extended SCB facilities, which now total GBP8.8m, cover the Thai facility's expected peak working capital requirements of the August to December 2011 period and are renewable annually. All other principal terms and conditions remain unchanged.

Based on current forecasts, the Group needs either to extend the current facilities or reduce the working capital requirement by GBP0.4m in October 2011 during the peak funding period. The board is currently exploring a number of viable options to enable them to achieve this. Further details regarding this matter are provided in Note 1b "Going concern".

Board changes

Sarah Carpin and Kathryn Davenport were appointed to the board as non-executive directors on 12 May 2010. Graham Partridge resigned from the board on 30 September 2010 and Simon Lazenby was appointed as Group Finance Director on the same date. Nick Hamley also stepped down from the board on 30 September 2010. I would, once again, like to welcome Simon, Sarah and Kathryn and thank them for their valuable contribution since joining.

Strategy

The global jewellery retailing market showed signs of recovery in 2010, albeit largely restricted to the luxury segment and Asia Pacific region. These are segments not historically served by Abbeycrest but continue to form a key tenet of our medium to long term strategy.

We continue to press on with our plans to build branded jewellery collections and penetrate growing luxury segments. These plans include, amongst other things:

-- supporting the growth of the Brown & Newirth(R) brand through a selective retail presence;

-- building Brown & Newirth's(R) share of the UK engagement ring market to that of its wedding band share, through new collections backed by visual merchandising; and

-- recruiting Key Account Managers into the Essentials division to develop its Asia-Pacific markets.

Our ability to invest beyond organic growth remains restricted by Abbeycrest's past financial performance and historic market positioning. Despite these constraints, we have made tangible progress with a number of positive developments, including our re-branding of 'Brown & Newirth(R) ', the launch of a signature collection by 'Sarah Ho', an award winning jewellery designer, and the introduction of 'TLC', a market-leading warranty and support package.

Current trading and outlook

Although trading conditions in our core markets remain difficult, the Group has made a satisfactory start to the current financial year. Following the remedial actions set out above, Brown & Newirth(R) and the rest of the Brands division's key performance indicators continue in line with the board's expectations. The benefits of consolidating our Hong Kong and Thailand operations are becoming evident and our Essentials division is trading in line with the board's expectations, albeit against a continuing backdrop of long-term pressure on precious metal prices.

The board remains firmly of the view that the strategy of moving towards higher value-added, branded jewellery collections is aligned to current and expected global jewellery trends and we are seeing definite signs of progress. Our more immediate plans include:

-- opening our first retail store under the Brown & Newirth(R) brand - providing the blue-print to replicate across select locations in future;

-- launching an online shop to support the above Brown & Newirth(R) retail programme - providing the opportunity to test new concepts and build brand recognition;

-- transferring the expertise of Julie Large, Brown & Newirth's(R) Creative Director, to reshape Essentials product range into fashion-led collections - providing its customers with a stronger product proposition; and

-- appointing a Sales & Marketing Director to support the Essentials division's Managing Director, Kerry Benson - providing additional impetus to capture targeted customers and markets.

Senior management throughout the Group, and their teams, are undertaking an ambitious programme to change internal culture and market perception, product proposition and brand value with a view to achieving sales growth and margin improvement. This is not an easy task, with a capacity to invest only in moderation; but the board maintains its belief that, once this process is complete, the Group will be much better positioned to capitalise on the opportunities identified in the global jewellery market.

Simon Ashton

Chairman

27 June 2011

Financial Risks and Uncertainties

Principal Risks Relating to the Group

The directors do not consider that the principal risks and uncertainties have changed since the publication of the annual report for the year ended 28 February 2010. A detailed explanation of the risks relevant to the Group is included in the annual report for the year ended 28 February 2011.

The price volatility of some of the raw materials purchased by the Group, in particular precious metals, could have a material adverse effect on the Group and its ability to reflect raw material price movements in the Group's selling prices and in its finance headroom.

The Group may be affected adversely by global economic conditions.

Limitations on the Group's ability to fund its longer term financing requirements could affect the Group adversely.

The Group is exposed to currency fluctuations which could impact its results, cash flow and/or financial condition materially.

The Group is exposed to interest rate fluctuations which could impact its results, cash flow and/or financial condition materially.

The Group's business may be affected by the default of counterparties in respect of monies owed to the Group.

The occurrence of major operational problems could have a material adverse effect on the Group.

The Group may be exposed to refinancing risks.

Risks associated with the industry

The markets in which the Group operates are highly competitive with respect to price, geographic distinction, functionality, brand recognition and the effectiveness of sales and marketing.

The markets in which the Group operates experience seasonal variations in revenues and operating profits.

Consolidated Income Statement

 
                                                        Year to        Year to 
                                                    28 February    28 February 
                                                           2011           2010 
                                           Notes        GBP'000        GBP'000 
 
 Revenue                                     2           38,529         39,663 
 Operating costs                                       (40,633)       (37,257) 
                                                  -------------  ------------- 
 Operating (loss)/profit                                (2,104)          2,406 
 Finance costs                               4            (866)          (851) 
                                                  -------------  ------------- 
 (Loss)/profit before taxation                          (2,970)          1,555 
 Analysis of (loss)/profit before 
  taxation 
 (Loss)/profit before taxation 
  and exceptional items                                 (1,093)             55 
 Exceptional items - operating 
  costs                                      3          (1,777)          1,500 
 Exceptional items - finance costs           3            (100)              - 
                                                  -------------  ------------- 
 (Loss)/profit before taxation                          (2,970)          1,555 
                                                  -------------  ------------- 
 Tax on (loss)/profit                                         -              - 
                                                  -------------  ------------- 
 (Loss)/profit for the year attributable 
  to equity shareholders of the 
  parent                                                (2,970)          1,555 
                                                  -------------  ------------- 
 
 (Loss)/profit per share - basic 
  and diluted                                5           (4.0)p           3.2p 
 

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

 
                                             Year to         Year to 
                                         28 February     28 February 
                                                2011            2010 
                                             GBP'000         GBP'000 
 (Loss)/profit for the period                (2,970)           1,555 
                                      --------------  -------------- 
 Other comprehensive costs 
 Cash flow hedges: 
 Losses recognised directly in 
  equity                                        (31)           1,193 
 Exchange losses on retranslation 
  of foreign operations                           15         (1,263) 
                                      --------------  -------------- 
 Other comprehensive costs                      (16)            (70) 
                                      --------------  -------------- 
 Total comprehensive (costs)/income 
  for the year attributable to 
  equity shareholders of the parent          (2,986)           1,485 
                                      --------------  -------------- 
 

Consolidated Balance Sheet

 
                                                            28 February 
                                                                   2010 
                                            28 February    As restated, 
                                                   2011          note 6 
                                    Notes       GBP'000         GBP'000 
 Assets 
 Non-current assets 
 Goodwill                                         1,866           1,866 
 Other intangible assets                            385             358 
 Property, plant and equipment                    3,486           4,240 
 Deferred tax assets                                102             102 
                                           ------------  -------------- 
                                                  5,839           6,566 
                                           ------------  -------------- 
 Current assets 
 Inventories                          6           6,964           8,046 
 Trade and other receivables                      5,127           5,982 
 Cash and cash equivalents                          210             493 
                                           ------------  -------------- 
                                                 12,301          14,521 
                                           ------------  -------------- 
 Liabilities 
 Current liabilities 
 Borrowings                                     (5,783)         (5,920) 
 Trade and other payables                       (4,382)         (3,896) 
 Corporation tax                                      -               - 
 Provisions                           7           (915)           (602) 
                                           ------------  -------------- 
                                               (11,080)        (10,418) 
                                           ------------  -------------- 
 Net current assets                               1,221           4,103 
                                           ------------  -------------- 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Financial liabilities 
 Borrowings                                        (51)           (176) 
 Provisions                           7           (185)           (724) 
                                           ------------  -------------- 
                                                  (236)           (900) 
                                           ------------  -------------- 
 Net assets                                       6,824           9,769 
                                           ------------  -------------- 
 
 Shareholders' equity 
 Share capital                        8           3,371           3,371 
 Share premium account                            7,066           7,066 
 Merger reserve                                     199             199 
 Cumulative translation reserves                  2,338           2,354 
 Retained earnings                              (6,150)         (3,221) 
                                           ------------  -------------- 
 Total shareholders' equity                       6,824           9,769 
                                           ------------  -------------- 
 

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

 
                                                        Year to        Year to 
                                                    28 February    28 February 
                                                           2011           2010 
                                           Notes        GBP'000        GBP'000 
 Cash flow from operating activities 
 (Loss)/profit after tax                                (2,970)          1,555 
 Tax charge                                                   -              - 
 Depreciation and amortisation                              865            874 
 Share based payment                                         41            230 
 Finance costs                               4              966            851 
                                                  -------------  ------------- 
 
                                                        (1,098)          3,510 
 
 Decrease in inventories                                  1,058          1,298 
 Decrease in receivables                                    855          4,721 
 Increase/(decrease) in payables                            301        (7,503) 
 Finance costs paid                                       (966)          (851) 
 Taxation paid                                             (49)           (65) 
                                                  -------------  ------------- 
 Net cash inflow from operating 
  activities                                                101          1,110 
                                                  -------------  ------------- 
 
 Purchase of property, plant and 
  equipment                                               (118)          (284) 
 Proceeds from sale of property, 
  plant and equipment                                         -              3 
 Purchase of intangible fixed assets                        (4)           (89) 
                                                  -------------  ------------- 
 Net cash used in investing activities                    (122)          (370) 
                                                  -------------  ------------- 
 Cash flow from financing activities 
 Issue of ordinary shares                                     -          1,620 
 Proceeds of borrowings                                       -            185 
 Repayment of borrowings                                  (395)        (2,776) 
 Leased gold facility movement                               14            859 
 Capital element of finance lease 
  rental payments                                         (120)          (297) 
                                                  -------------  ------------- 
 Net cash used in financing activities                    (501)          (409) 
                                                  -------------  ------------- 
 Net (decrease)/increase in cash                          (522)            331 
 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning 
  of year                                                   213          (118) 
                                                  -------------  ------------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents at end 
  of year                                                 (309)            213 
                                                  -------------  ------------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents comprise: 
 Cash and cash equivalents in the 
  balance sheet                                             210            493 
 Bank overdrafts                                          (519)          (280) 
                                                  -------------  ------------- 
                                                          (309)            213 
                                                  -------------  ------------- 
 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

 
                                                 Cumulative 
                    Share     Share    Merger   translation   Hedging   Retained 
                  capital   premium   reserve       reserve   reserve   earnings     Total 
 Balance at 1 
  March 2010        3,371     7,066       199         2,354         -    (3,221)     9,769 
 Loss for the 
  period                -         -         -             -         -    (2,970)   (2,970) 
 Exchange 
  losses on 
  retranslation 
  of foreign 
  operations            -         -         -          (16)         -          -      (16) 
                 --------  --------  --------  ------------  --------  ---------  -------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income for 
  the period            -         -         -          (16)         -    (2,970)   (2,986) 
 Share based 
  payment               -         -         -             -         -         41        41 
                 --------  --------  --------  ------------  --------  ---------  -------- 
 Balance at 28 
  February 
  2011              3,371     7,066       199         2,338         -    (6,150)     6,824 
                 --------  --------  --------  ------------  --------  ---------  -------- 
 
                                                 Cumulative 
                    Share     Share    Merger   translation   Hedging   Retained 
                  capital   premium   reserve       reserve   reserve   earnings     Total 
 Balance at 1 
  March 2009        2,922     5,665       199         2,424         -    (4,776)     6,434 
 Profit for the 
  period                -         -         -             -         -      1,555     1,555 
 Exchange 
  losses on 
  retranslation 
  of foreign 
  operations            -         -         -          (70)         -          -      (70) 
                 --------  --------  --------  ------------  --------  ---------  -------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income for 
  the period            -         -         -          (70)         -      1,555     1,485 
                 --------  --------  --------  ------------  --------  ---------  -------- 
 Gross issue of 
  share capital       449     1,797         -             -         -          -     2,246 
 Issue costs            -     (396)         -             -         -          -     (396) 
                 --------  --------  --------  ------------  --------  ---------  -------- 
 Balance at 28 
  February 
  2010              3,371     7,066       199         2,354         -    (3,221)     9,769 
                 --------  --------  --------  ------------  --------  ---------  -------- 
 

Notes to the financial statements

1. Basis of preparation

While the financial information included in the annual financial report announcement has been prepared in accordance with the recognition and measurement principles of International Financial Reporting Standards as endorsed for use in the European Union (IFRSs), this announcement does not contain sufficient information to comply with IFRSs.

a) Directors' responsibilities pursuant to DTR4

The Directors confirm to the best of their knowledge:

-- The Group financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union and Article 4 of the IAS Regulation and give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit and loss of the Group.

-- The annual report includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the financial position of the Group and the parent Company, together with a description or the principal risks and uncertainties that they face.

The Directors' responsibilities pursuant to DTR4 were approved by the Chairman, S. Ashton.

b) Going concern

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.

As described in the Chairman's Statement, the current economic environment is challenging and the Group has reported an operating loss for the year ended 28 February 2011. The Group has been adversely affected by the significant rise in the gold price which has increased working capital balances and reduced demand for the Group's products.

Based on current forecasts, the Group needs to either extend the current facilities or reduce working capital requirement by GBP0.4m in October 2011, during the peak funding period. The Directors are currently exploring a number of viable options available to them to achieve this.

After the year end on 31 May 2011, the Group successfully re-negotiated its facilities with its lenders in the UK and Thailand. Based on the success the Group has had on managing its working capital requirements, the current balance sheet positions and the on-going relationships with the Groups lenders, the Directors are confident that the Group will be able to either extend its facilities further or reduce its working capital position during the peak funding period and are therefore confident that the Group will have adequate resources to continue in operational existence.

For the above reasons, the Directors have prepared the financial statements on a going concern basis. However, these conditions indicate the existence of a material uncertainty which may cast significant doubt about the Group's ability to continue as a going concern and therefore it may be unable to realise its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business. The financial statements do not contain any adjustments which may be required if the Group was unable to continue as a going concern.

c) Statutory accounts and Auditors' emphasis of matter

The financial information set out in this announcement does not constitute the Group's statutory accounts for the years ended 28 February 2010 or 28 February 2011 within the meaning of Companies Act 2006 section 435, but is derived from those accounts. Statutory accounts for the year ended 28 February 2010 have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies and those for 28 February 2011 will be delivered following the Company's Annual General Meeting. Their report for the year end 28 February 2011 did not contain statements under S498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006 and their report for the year ended February 2010 did not contain statements under s498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006. Their report for 28 February 2010 and 28 February 2011 included reference to the material uncertainty in respect of the current borrowing facilities to which the auditors drew attention by way of emphasis of matter without qualifying their report.

d) Changes in accounting policies

There were no new standards, interpretations and amendments, effective for the first time from 1 March 2010, which had a material effect on the financial statements.

2. Segmental analysis

The Group has two main reportable segments:

(i) Brands division - this division is the Group's vehicle for increased penetration of higher value segments of the jewellery market. Its objective is to appeal to the most fashion conscious buyers through the creation of highly innovative branded jewellery collections and differentiated service propositions.

(ii) Essentials division - this division represents the bulk of the retained historic business of Abbeycrest. Its role is to continue to exploit the Group's supply capabilities across existing mainstream markets in much the same way as before; only with heightened consumer focus; product differentiation and account management. This is the Group's foundation.

Factors that management used to identify the Group's reportable segments

The Group's reportable segments are strategic business units that offer different products. They are managed separately because each business requires different marketing strategies.

Measurement of operating segment profit or loss, assets and liabilities

The accounting policies of the operating segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies.

The Group evaluates performance on the basis of EBITDA and profit or loss from operations before tax not including non-recurring losses, such as restructuring costs and goodwill impairment and also excluding the effects of share based payments.

Segment assets exclude tax assets used primarily for corporate purposes. Details are provided in the reconciliation from segment assets and liabilities to the Group position.

The following shows the revenues and results by reportable segment for the year ended 28 February 2011:

 
                              Brands   Essentials 
                            division     division      Total 
                             GBP'000      GBP'000    GBP'000 
 Revenue                      12,735       25,794     38,529 
                          ----------  -----------  --------- 
 Segment result                (786)          120      (666) 
 Unallocated costs                                   (1,438) 
 Finance costs                                         (866) 
                                                   --------- 
 Loss before income tax                              (2,970) 
                                                   --------- 
 Tax charge                                                - 
                                                   --------- 
 Loss for the period                                 (2,970) 
                                                   --------- 
 

Unallocated costs relates to central costs and income, including exceptional items.

Operating profit margins

 
                                  Brands   Essentials 
                                division     division   Unallocated      Total 
                                 GBP'000      GBP'000       GBP'000    GBP'000 
 EBITDA before exceptional 
  items                              366        1,360       (1,158)        568 
 Less 
 Depreciation of tangible 
  fixed assets                     (163)        (521)             -      (684) 
 Amortisation of intangible 
  fixed assets                       (1)        (210)             -      (211) 
                              ----------  -----------  ------------  --------- 
 Operating profit before 
  exceptional items                  202          629       (1,158)      (327) 
 Exceptional items - 
  operating costs                  (988)        (509)         (280)    (1,777) 
                              ----------  -----------  ------------  --------- 
 Operating (loss)/profit           (786)          120       (1,438)    (2,104) 
                              ----------  -----------  ------------  --------- 
 EBITDA margin before 
  exceptional items                 2.9%         5.3%             -       1.5% 
                              ----------  -----------  ------------  --------- 
 Operating margin before 
  exceptional items                 1.6%         2.4%             -      -0.8% 
                              ----------  -----------  ------------  --------- 
 

Segmental assets as at 28 February 2011 were as follows:

 
                 Brands   Essentials 
               division     division   Unallocated   Reconciliation      Total 
                GBP'000      GBP'000       GBP'000          GBP'000    GBP'000 
 Total 
  assets         12,943       17,165        14,720         (26,688)     18,140 
             ----------  -----------  ------------  ---------------  --------- 
 

The reconciling items relate to the elimination of intercompany balances of GBP18,783,000 and fixed asset investments of GBP7,905,000 on consolidation.

Non-current asset additions totalled GBP109,000 of which GBP82,000 related to the Brands division and GBP27,000 related to the Essentials division.

The following shows the revenues and results by reportable segment for the year ended 28 February 2010:

 
                                Brands   Essentials 
                              division     division      Total 
                               GBP'000      GBP'000    GBP'000 
 Revenue                        12,478       27,185     39,663 
                            ----------  -----------  --------- 
 Segment result                    411        1,555      1,966 
 Unallocated income                                        440 
 Finance costs                                           (851) 
                                                     --------- 
 Profit before income tax                                1,555 
                                                     --------- 
 Tax charge                                                  - 
                                                     --------- 
 Profit for the period                                   1,555 
                                                     --------- 
 

Unallocated income relates to central costs and income, including exceptional items.

Operating profit margins

 
                                  Brands   Essentials 
                                division     division   Unallocated      Total 
                                 GBP'000      GBP'000       GBP'000    GBP'000 
 EBITDA before exceptional 
  items                              547        2,288       (1,060)      1,775 
 Less 
 Depreciation of tangible 
  fixed assets                     (136)        (611)             -      (747) 
 Amortisation of intangible 
  fixed assets                         -        (122)             -      (122) 
                              ----------  -----------  ------------  --------- 
 Operating profit before 
  exceptional items                  411        1,555       (1,060)        906 
 Exceptional items - 
  operating costs                      -            -         1,500      1,500 
                              ----------  -----------  ------------  --------- 
 Operating profit                    411        1,555           440      2,406 
                              ----------  -----------  ------------  --------- 
 EBITDA margin before 
  exceptional items                 4.4%         8.4%             -       4.5% 
                              ----------  -----------  ------------  --------- 
 Operating margin before 
  exceptional items                 3.3%         5.7%             -       2.3% 
                              ----------  -----------  ------------  --------- 
 

Segmental assets as at 28 February 2010 were as follows:

 
                 Brands   Essentials 
               division     division   Unallocated   Reconciliation      Total 
                GBP'000      GBP'000       GBP'000          GBP'000    GBP'000 
 Total 
  assets         12,942       19,501        14,035         (25,391)     21,087 
             ----------  -----------  ------------  ---------------  --------- 
 

The reconciling items relate to the elimination of intercompany balances of GBP17,486,000 and fixed asset investments of GBP7,905,000 on consolidation.

Non current asset additions totalled GBP373,000 of which GBP169,000 related to the Brands division and GBP204,000 related to the Essentials division.

The Group operates from three main geographical regions: the United Kingdom, Thailand and Hong Kong.

 
              United Kingdom          Thailand            Hong Kong             Total 
                2011      2010      2011       2010      2011      2010      2011      2010 
             GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000    GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
 Total 
  revenue     13,693    14,630    19,519     20,242     5,317     4,791    38,529    39,663 
            --------  --------  --------  ---------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 Total 
  assets 
  by 
  location     6,247     7,846    10,698     11,206     1,195     2,035    18,140    21,087 
            --------  --------  --------  ---------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 

Total revenues are allocated based on the country of origin.

No customers represented 10% or more of the Group's revenue (2010: no customers).

Total assets are allocated based on where the assets are located.

3. Exceptional items

 
                                             2011          2010 
                                          GBP'000       GBP'000 
 Exceptional items - operating 
  costs 
 Onerous lease provision                      280       (1,500) 
 Brands division restructure                  988             - 
 Essentials division restructure              509             - 
                                     ------------  ------------ 
                                            1,777       (1,500) 
 Exceptional items - finance costs 
 Financing costs                              100             - 
                                     ------------  ------------ 
 Total exceptional items                    1,877       (1,500) 
                                     ------------  ------------ 
 

Operating costs

Exceptional operating costs incurred during the year ended 28 February 2011 comprise:

(i) The onerous lease provision relates to management's re-assessment of the obligations under the tenancy agreement and associated unavoidable costs for the Group's former Head Office premises at Wilmington Grove in Leeds. The Group benefited from a write-back of exceptional operating costs for the year ended 28 February 2010 of GBP1.5m as a result of the agreement with its landlord to grant an option to break the lease at the Group's former Head Office premises at Wilmington Grove in Leeds, in September 2011.

(ii) The Brands division restructure relates to stock reduction, redundancy, professional and other costs arising from the fundamental review of the business and structure of the Brands division.

(iii) The Essentials division restructure relates to stock reduction, redundancy, professional and other costs following a fundamental review of the division, resulting in the consolidation of the division's sourcing into Thailand.

Finance costs

The re-banking costs in 2011 relate to facility fees and associated legal costs.

4. Financing costs

 
                                                   2011       2010 
                                                GBP'000    GBP'000 
 Finance costs 
 - bank borrowings                                (502)      (613) 
 - interest payable on leased gold facility        (20)       (17) 
 - bank charges                                   (344)      (221) 
                                              ---------  --------- 
 Finance costs                                    (866)      (851) 
                                              ---------  --------- 
 

5. (Loss)/profit per share

The weighted average number of shares is as follows:

 
                                                    2011                2010 
                                        Number of shares    Number of shares 
 Weighted average number of shares: 
 For basic (loss)/profit per share            73,548,641          47,947,545 
 For diluted (loss)/profit per 
  share                                       73,548,641          47,992,545 
 
                                                    2011                2010 
                                                 GBP'000             GBP'000 
 Financial (loss)/profit for the 
  year                                           (2,970)               1,555 
                                      ------------------  ------------------ 
 (Loss)/profit per share 
 - basic and diluted                              (4.0)p                3.2p 
 

The loss per ordinary share and diluted loss per ordinary share are equal because share options are only included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share if their issue would decrease net profit or increase the net loss per share.

6. Inventories

 
                         2011       2010 
                      GBP'000    GBP'000 
 Raw materials          3,129      4,410 
 Work in progress       1,057        592 
 Finished goods         2,778      3,044 
                    ---------  --------- 
                        6,964      8,046 
                    ---------  --------- 
 

Inventories include provisions totalling GBP565,000 (2010: 243,000) to write-down the cost on inventories to net realisable value.

7. Provisions

 
                         Onerous lease 
                               GBP'000 
 At 1 March 2010                 1,326 
 Utilised in year                (506) 
 Provided in the year              280 
                        -------------- 
 At 28 February 2011             1,100 
                        -------------- 
 

The onerous lease provision is repayable as follows:

 
                                                 2010 
                                  2011    As restated 
                               GBP'000        GBP'000 
 In one year or less               915            602 
 Between one and two years         185            724 
                             ---------  ------------- 
                                 1,100          1,326 
                             ---------  ------------- 
 

The Group had a tenancy agreement for property at Wilmington Grove, Leeds which did not expire until June 2021. As part of the reorganisation of the UK business during the year ended 28 February 2009, a decision was made to vacate the premises and management considered the tenancy agreement to be onerous.

Management have negotiated a break clause for September 2011 and have reassessed the onerous lease provision.

Management have assessed the obligations under the tenancy agreement and associated unavoidable costs of GBP1.1m. Management have not included any income against the cash outflows due to the sublease potential being assessed as low. The net cash outflows have been discounted at a rate of 4.5% considered to be markets current assessment of the time value of money.

8. Called up share capital

The Company's share capital comprises the following shares:

 
                                   2011       2011             2010       2010 
                          No. of shares    GBP'000    No. of shares    GBP'000 
 Authorised: 
 Ordinary shares of 1p 
  each                      100,000,000      1,000      100,000,000      1,000 
 Ordinary deferred 
  shares of 9p each          29,217,691      2,630       29,217,691      2,630 
                        ---------------  ---------  ---------------  --------- 
                            129,217,691      3,630      129,217,691      3,630 
                        ---------------  ---------  ---------------  --------- 
 
                                   2011       2011             2010       2010 
                          No. of shares    GBP'000    No. of shares    GBP'000 
 Allotted, called-up 
 and fully paid: 
 Ordinary shares of 1p 
  each                       74,142,691        741       74,142,691        741 
 Ordinary deferred 
  shares of 9p each          29,217,691      2,630       29,217,691      2,630 
                        ---------------  ---------  ---------------  --------- 
                            103,360,382      3,371      103,360,382      3,371 
                        ---------------  ---------  ---------------  --------- 
 

Details of classes of share capital

Holders of ordinary shares are entitled to attend and vote at General Meetings and, on a poll, each holder will have one vote per share. Ordinary shares rank pari passu with each other in respect of dividends and on a return of capital or a winding up.

Holders of deferred shares are not entitled to receive notice of or attend at any General Meetings. They are not entitled to receive a dividend. On a winding-up of the Company they are entitled to the amount paid up on that share but only after the payment of the capital paid up on each ordinary share of one pence in the share capital of the Company and the further payment of GBP10,000,000 on each such ordinary share. They are not entitled to receive a share certificate.

9. Share based payments

Total share options granted are shown in the table below:

 
                                        2011                     2010 
                                              Weighted               Weighted 
                                               average                average 
                                              exercise               exercise 
                                    Number       price     Number       price 
 Outstanding at 1 March             45,000     103.00p     83,835      79.26p 
 Granted during the year        12,330,949       8.60p          -           - 
 Lapsed                        (4,760,474)       7.66p   (38,835)      52.00p 
                              ------------  ----------  ---------  ---------- 
 Outstanding at 28 February      7,615,475       8.53p     45,000     103.00p 
 These are made up of: 
 Exercisable at the end 
  of the year                    1,523,095       7.95p     45,000     103.00p 
                              ------------  ----------  ---------  ---------- 
 Outstanding and subject         6,092,380       8.67p          -           - 
  to vesting conditions 
  at the end of the year 
                              ------------  ----------  ---------  ---------- 
 

The Company had not granted any options under the Executive Share Option Scheme which, at 28 February 2011, had not been exercised in respect of ordinary shares. A reconciliation of option movements over the year to 28 February 2011 is shown below:

 
                                       2011                   2010 
                                           Weighted               Weighted 
                                            average                average 
                                           exercise               exercise 
                                 Number       price     Number       price 
 Outstanding at 1 March          45,000     GBP1.03     83,835     GBP0.79 
 Lapsed                        (45,000)     GBP1.03   (38,835)     GBP0.52 
                              ---------  ----------  ---------  ---------- 
 Outstanding at 28 February           -           -     45,000     GBP1.03 
                              ---------  ----------  ---------  ---------- 
 

On 14 April 2010, following approval by the Company's Remuneration Committee, the Group granted each of its executive Directors options under the Abbeycrest 2010 Approved Executive Share Option Plan and the Abbeycrest 2010 Unapproved Executive Share Option Plan. In total, 9,430,949 Ordinary shares of 1 pence each in the share capital of the Company were granted for GBPnil consideration. A further 2,900,000 Ordinary shares of 1 pence each in the share capital of the Company were granted to executive Directors and certain employees for GBPnil consideration on 4 November 2010.

The options granted under the Unapproved Plan have an exercise price of 9.00 pence per Ordinary share. The options granted under the Approved Plan have an exercise price of 7.38 pence per Ordinary share. The exercise of options is dependent upon eligible employees meeting performance criteria. The options are settled in equity once exercised.

If the options remain unexercised after a period of ten years from the date of grant, the options expire. Options are forfeited if the employee leaves the Group before the options vest.

Details of the scheme are given below:

 
                              Number                 Exercise   Earliest 
               Employees          of   Performance      price   exercise     Expiry 
 Grant date     entitled     options    conditions        (p)       date       date 
 Approved 
 Plan 
 14 April                                                       14 April   14 April 
  2010                 3   1,219,512   Time served       7.38       2010       2020 
                                                                       4          4 
 4 November                                                     November   November 
  2010                 5     580,000   Time served       7.38       2010       2020 
                                       Share price                                4 
 4 November                             target and               30 June   November 
  2010                 5     300,000    EPS target       7.38       2011       2020 
                                       Share price                                4 
 4 November                             target and               30 June   November 
  2010                 5     933,008    EPS target       7.38       2012       2020 
 Unapproved 
  Plan 
 14 April                                                       14 April   14 April 
  2010                 3     666,677   Time served       9.00       2010       2020 
                                       Share price 
 14 April                               target and               30 June   14 April 
  2010                 3   2,829,284    EPS target       9.00       2011       2020 
                                       Share price 
 14 April                               target and               30 June   14 April 
  2010                 3   4,715,476    EPS target       9.00       2012       2020 
                                       Share price                                4 
 4 November                             target and               30 June   November 
  2010                 5     570,000    EPS target       9.00       2011       2020 
                                       Share price                                4 
 4 November                             target and               30 June   November 
  2010                 5     516,992    EPS target       9.00       2012       2020 
 

The number and weighted average exercise price of share options under the Approved Plan are as follows:

 
                                       2011                   2010 
                                  Number    Weighted   Number    Weighted 
                                             average              average 
                                            exercise             exercise 
                                               price                price 
 Outstanding at 1 March                -           -        -           - 
 Granted                       3,032,520       7.38p        -           - 
 Lapsed                        (813,008)       7.38p        -           - 
                              ----------  ----------  -------  ---------- 
 Outstanding at 28 February    2,219,512       7.38p        -           - 
                              ----------  ----------  -------  ---------- 
 Exercisable at 28 February      986,504       7.38p        -           - 
 

The number and weighted average exercise price of share options under the Unapproved Plan are as follows:

 
                                        2011                    2010 
                                    Number    Weighted   Number    Weighted 
                                               average              average 
                                              exercise             exercise 
                                                 price                price 
 Outstanding at 1 March                  -           -        -           - 
 Granted                         9,298,429       9.00p        -           - 
 Lapsed                        (3,902,466)       9.00p        -           - 
                              ------------  ----------  -------  ---------- 
 Outstanding at 28 February      5,395,963       9.00p        -           - 
                              ------------  ----------  -------  ---------- 
 Exercisable at 28 February        536,591       9.00p        -           - 
 

Charge to the income statement:

 
                                   2011       2010 
                                GBP'000    GBP'000 
 Share-based payment charge          41        230 
                              ---------  --------- 
 

The share-based payment of GBP41,000 in the year ended 28 February 2011 relates to the grant of options. The share-based payment of GBP230,000 in the year ended 28 February 2010 relates to the settlement of liabilities owing to Moorgarth Investments Limited and Agilo.

2,000,000 Ordinary shares of 1 pence each were issued at 5 pence per share to Moorgarth Investments Limited in full satisfaction of a fee payable for entering into a deed of variation for an operating lease.

2,625,000 Ordinary shares of 1 pence each were issued to Agilo at an issue price of 5 pence each in full satisfaction of the lump sum interest charges accrued up to 31 August 2009.

Fair value assumptions of share-based payments

The estimate of fair value of share-based awards is calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The following assumptions were used for options granted during the period:

 
                             Approved   Unapproved      Approved    Unapproved 
                             14 April     14 April    4 November    4 November 
 Grant date                      2010         2010          2010          2010 
 Share price at date 
  of grant (p)                   7.38         7.38          6.13          6.13 
 Exercise price (p)              7.38         9.00          7.38          7.38 
 Vesting period (days)              1          605           362           429 
 Expected volatility              75%          75%           75%           75% 
 Option life (years)               10           10            10            10 
 Expected life (years)            3.0          1.8           3.0           1.2 
 Risk-free rate                 1.83%        1.83%         1.05%         1.05% 
 Expected dividends 
  expressed as a dividend 
  yield                            0%           0%            0%            0% 
 

The expected volatility is based on the historic volatility of the Company's share price over the last four years.

10. Related party transactions

The Group has taken advantage of the exemption in IAS24 "Related party transactions" from disclosing transactions between subsidiary companies. There are no other related party transactions to disclose.

11. 2011 Annual Report and Accounts and Notice of Annual General Meeting

The 2011 Annual Report and Accounts and Notice of Annual General Meeting will be made available to view on the Company's website at www.abbeycrest.co.uk later today and will be sent to Shareholders shortly thereafter. A copy of the document will also be submitted to the National Storage Mechanism later today and will be available for inspection at www.hemscott.com/nsm.do.

The Company's Annual General Meeting will be held at the offices of Pinsent Masons LLP, 1 Park Row, Leeds, LS1 5AB at 2.00 pm on 24 August 2011.

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

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