TIDMBILN
RNS Number : 4917W
Billington Holdings PLC
18 April 2023
18 April 2023
Billington Holdings Plc
("Billington" or the "Company" or the "Group")
Results for the year ended 31 December 2022
Billington Holdings Plc (AIM: BILN), one of the UK's leading
structural steel and construction safety solutions specialists, is
pleased to announce its audited results for the year ended 31
December 2022.
Highlights
31 December 31 December 31 December Change
2022 2021 - underlying* 2021 - statutory - underlying
Revenue GBP86.6m GBP82.7m GBP82.7m 4.7%
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EBITDA** GBP8.0m GBP3.3m GBP2.2m 142.4%
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Profit before tax GBP5.8m GBP1.3m GBP0.2m 346.2%
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Profit for the year GBP4.7m GBP1.0m GBP0.1m 370.0%
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Cash and cash equivalents GBP11.6m GBP10.4m GBP10.4m 11.5%
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Earnings per share 39.1p 8.1p 0.6p 382.7%
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Dividend per share 15.5p 3.0p 3.0p 416.7%
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* before an impairment charge of GBP1.1 million relating to a
client with whom the Company was completing a contract which
entered administration shortly after the 2021 year end.
** Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and
amortisation.
-- Revenue increased by 4.7 per cent to GBP86.6 million (2021:
GBP82.7 million)
-- The Group achieved a significant increase in profits,
with profit before tax of GBP5.8 million (2021 - underlying:
GBP1.3 million), reflective of larger contracts in robust
market sectors being completed in the year combined with
improved factory efficiencies
-- Continuing strong cash balance of GBP11.6 million (31
December 2021: GBP10.4 million) at the year end
-- Increased dividend declared of 15.5 pence per share (2021:
3.0 pence per share) - covered 2.52 times by earnings.
The proposed dividend represents the largest ever dividend
declared by the Company
-- The market remains challenging, but significant contracts
at improved margins secured for 2023, with a good pipeline
of further opportunities
-- Retirement of John Gordon as a non-executive director
with effect from forthcoming AGM, following 18 years of
service with the Company; replacement recruitment process
commenced
Mark Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Billington,
commented:
"2022 has been a challenging yet rewarding year for the Group.
The onset of the Ukraine conflict presented significant challenges
in terms of material availability and raw material price
escalation, and I am pleased at how these issues were successfully
navigated by our team.
Continued delivery across the Group of our capital investment
programme has shown significant efficiency gains. The resolution of
some outstanding legacy contracts, combined with the delivery of
high quality, large contracts in robust market sectors have all
assisted in 2022 being a successful year for Billington.
While being mindful of the uncertain economic outlook for the
UK, we look forward to the remainder of 2023 with a strong
orderbook and a pipeline of significant high quality prospects. We
are confident in maintaining the momentum from 2022 and delivering
another strong performance for our stakeholders, in line with
current market expectations."
For further information please contact:
Billington Holdings Plc Tel: 0122 634 0666
Mark Smith, Chief Executive
Trevor Taylor, Chief Financial
Officer
finnCap Limited - Nomad and Broker Tel: 020 7220 0500
Ed Frisby / Charlie Beeson - Corporate
Finance
Andrew Burdis / Barney Hayward
- ECM
IFC Advisory Limited Tel: 0203 934 6630
billington@investor-focus.co.uk
Tim Metcalfe
Graham Herring
Zach Cohen
About Billington Holdings Plc
Billington Holdings Plc (AIM: BILN), one of the UK's leading
structural steel and construction safety solutions specialists, is
a UK based Group of companies focused on structural steel and
engineering activities throughout the UK and European markets.
Group companies pride themselves on the provision of high technical
and professional standards of service to niche markets with
emphasis on building strong, trusted and long-standing partnerships
with all of our clients. https://billington-holdings.plc.uk/
Investor Presentation
Billington's CEO, Mark Smith, and CFO, Trevor Taylor, will
provide a live presentation relating to the annual results via the
Investor Meet Company platform today, 18 April 2023 at 15.00
BST.
The presentation is open to all existing and potential
shareholders. Questions can be submitted via your Investor Meet
Company dashboard at any time during the live presentation.
Investors can sign up to Investor Meet Company for free and add
to meet Billington via:
https://www.investormeetcompany.com/billington-holdings-plc/register-investor
Investors who already follow Billington on the Investor Meet
Company platform will automatically be invited.
The information contained within this announcement is deemed to
constitute inside information as stipulated under the retained EU
law version of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014 (the
"UK MAR") which is part of UK law by virtue of the European Union
(Withdrawal) Act 2018. The information is disclosed in accordance
with the Company's obligations under Article 17 of the UK MAR. Upon
the publication of this announcement, this inside information is
now considered to be in the public domain.
Chairman's Statement
2022 was a year of significant progress and achievement for
Billington, with an excellent trading performance, despite
continuing industry wide challenges of material price increases
along with restrictions in the availability of certain products and
some labour shortages arising throughout the period.
In 2022 revenue increased by 4.7 per cent to GBP86.6 million
(2021: GBP82.7 million) with profit before tax increasing to GBP5.8
million (2021 - underlying: GBP1.3 million), reflective of
efficiency improvements implemented across the Group, combined with
the successful delivery of a number of large, complex projects. The
Basic Earnings Per Share ("EPS") for the year amounted to 39.1
pence compared with 0.6 pence in 2021. Our balance sheet remained
strong with Net Assets of GBP34.3 million at 31 December 2022
(2021: GBP29.4 million), with a continuing strong gross cash
balance of GBP11.6 million at 31 December 2022 (31 December 2021:
GBP10.4 million), despite the continued maintenance of significant
levels of inventory and contract work in progress at the year
end.
Billington Structures enjoyed an improved performance in 2022,
with the results achieved being significantly ahead of our
expectations at the start of the year. The business operated at
close to full capacity for much of the year and whilst it continued
to be impacted by continuing material price inflation and
volatility, coupled with material availability constraints as a
result of the conflict in Ukraine, the performance and outlook
improved during the course of the year. A number of larger than
average contracts were secured in the second half of the year at
more attractive margins, particularly in the data centre, energy
from waste and industrials sectors. These larger contract wins,
coupled with the benefits being realised from the Group's capital
investment strategy and focus on efficiency improvements enabled a
significantly improved performance to be realised. The structural
steel businesses also benefited from the additional skilled labour
recruited from overseas that has provided further capacity for 2023
and beyond. The prospects for the business in 2023 are encouraging,
with a variety of higher margin projects secured and a further
healthy pipeline of opportunities available.
Peter Marshall Steel Stairs continued the strong performance
seen over the past two years into 2022, again recording record
revenues for the year and operating at near full capacity. Whilst
the business was impacted by steel price increases, it retained
robust margins, focusing on contracts where an appropriate margin
could be achieved. It currently enjoys a strong order book both for
projects being undertaken by Billington Structures and third
parties, with significant prospects to secure further business.
The Easi-Edge perimeter edge protection and fall prevention
business continued to see lower than pre-pandemic levels of
utilisation as the commercial office market remained subdued,
although it remained a significant contributor to Group profits.
Easi-Edge continues to benefit from the significant investment the
Group made in the business prior to the pandemic and it is well
placed to take advantage of its market leading position as markets
continue to recover.
Hoard-it enjoyed an exceptional 2022, operating at full capacity
for much of the year, as it continued to take advantage of growing
demand from tier one and tier two contractors and adding to its
product offerings. The positive momentum has continued into the
current year with a good pipeline of new business for 2023 and
plans to expand the business into areas of the UK currently
underserved.
In March 2022 the Group announced the formation of a new
subsidiary, Specialist Protective Coatings Ltd, focused on surface
preparation and the application of protective coatings for products
across a variety of sectors including rail, highways, defence,
petrochemical, energy, structural steel and infrastructure. The
business was formed following the Company's acquisition out of
administration of the trading assets of Orrmac Coatings Limited, a
specialist painting company based in Sheffield, UK, in January
2022. The acquisition presented an excellent opportunity to
strengthen the Group's internal offering in this area, as well as
providing a specialist service to the wider market. The business
has made good progress since its formation with significant capital
expenditure to ensure that an exceptional quality service is
delivered for both internal Billington work and external
customers.
Billington has emerged from the Covid related market disruption
as a stronger and more efficient business, which continues to be
supported by a healthy balance sheet and a committed workforce.
However, we are not immune to the impacts of wider macroeconomic
and global events. During 2022 the conflict in Ukraine presented
new challenges. Significant volumes of steel products originate in
Russia and Ukraine and with supplies restricted from these regions,
shortages, and as a consequence price increases, were experienced
for some of the Group's raw materials. However, alternative sources
for these products were quickly found and supply constraints had a
lessening impact as the year progressed.
The Group has secured a number of significant contracts for 2023
and is well placed to take advantage of the significant number of
further opportunities at attractive margin levels that are
currently being presented.
Pension Scheme
The defined benefit pension scheme (closed to future accrual in
2011) continues in surplus despite the continuing volatile equity
and bond markets towards the latter part of 2022. In light of the
continuing surplus, measures have been taken to reduce the risk
profile of the assets held by the scheme. At 31 December 2022 a
surplus of GBP2,174,000 (2021: GBP2,673,000) along with a
corresponding deferred tax liability of GBP544,000, has resulted in
a net recognised surplus of GBP1,630,000 (2021: GBP2,005,000).
The last actuarial valuation which also showed the scheme in
surplus was undertaken as at 31 March 2020 and the next scheme
funding actuarial valuation is due as at 31 March 2023, at which
time the need for any Group contributions will be reviewed.
Dividend
In the first half of 2022 Billington declared a final dividend
in relation to the year ended 31 December 2021 of 3.00 pence per
share amounting to GBP0.4 million , which was 2.7 times covered by
2021 earnings. The Board feels it is appropriate for Billington to
continue to be dividend paying at a level that reflects underlying
earnings, whilst continuing to maintain a robust balance sheet. The
Board is therefore recommending an increased final dividend of 15.5
pence per share for 2022, which is covered 2.52 times by earnings.
The dividend declared is at the highest level in the Company's
history.
The final dividend will be paid on 4 July 2023, subject to
shareholder approval at the Company's AGM on 6 June 2023. The
associated ex-dividend date will be 8 June 2023 with a record date
of 9 June 2023. No interim dividend for 2022 was declared (2021:
nil), a policy consistent with prior years.
Liquidity and capital reserves
In 2022 the Group experienced a net cash inflow of GBP1.2
million (2021: GBP4.7 million net cash outflow) increasing the
Group's gross cash and cash equivalents as at 31 December 2022 to
GBP11.6 million from GBP10.4 million as at 31 December 2021. The
cash balance at 31 December 2022 reflected good cash collection and
certain modest customer pre-payments, offset by an increase in
inventories and contract work in progress by GBP4.7 million to
GBP16.9 million (31 December 2021 GBP12.2 million). The increase in
inventories and contract work in progress at the year end was
reflective of several ongoing larger contracts due for completion
post period end.
During the year the Group temporarily utilised a proportion of
its cash resources to maximise the margin available on contracts
via the stockpiling of steel when appropriate to take advantage of
attractive supply and pricing opportunities. At the year end the
amount of steel stockpiled by the Group had returned closer to
levels held historically for a similar level of business.
Going forward the Group's cash continues to provide strong cover
for its working capital requirements and a robust position from
which to take the Group forward. Capital expenditure in 2022
increased as the Group continues to invest in process improvements,
together with the establishment of the Specialist Protective
Coatings business.
Board
John Gordon, a Non-executive Director, has notified the Company
that he does not wish to stand for re-election at the forthcoming
Annual General Meeting, having served as a Non-executive Director
of Billington since 2007. John will therefore leave the Board at
the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting to be held on 6 June
2023. I, on behalf of the Board, would like to thank John for his
substantial contribution to Billington and we wish him well in his
future endeavours.
The Board has commenced a process to find a suitable replacement
non-executive Director. Until an appointment is made Stephen
Wardell will assume the Chairmanship of the Company's Remuneration
Committee.
Our People
The key to Billington's continued success is the hard work and
dedication of its workforce, and I would like to place on record my
thanks to the whole Billington team for their contribution in
2022.
However, the Group, in common with the wider industry, faces
challenges in recruiting sufficient skilled labour. Whilst the
Group continues to train and develop skilled labour locally,
working in partnership with a number of education providers, it has
become necessary to recruit skilled labour from overseas. In 2022
we welcomed 26 new staff members from overseas, who have already
provided a valuable contribution to the Group's capabilities and
are allowing us to service the demand we are seeing.
The Group remains committed to supporting its employees,
particularly in a time when rapid increases in the cost of living
are being experienced and continues to actively promote its
apprenticeship and graduate schemes.
Economic Outlook
During the year iron ore and metallurgic coking coal prices
continued to be volatile, rising at the start of the year, before
subsiding through the middle and then returning to an upward trend
at the end of the year, which has continued into 2023. This,
coupled with continuing high energy prices and the impact of the
conflict in Ukraine, has led to continued volatility and
inflationary pressures on steel prices, a situation that has
remained post period end. Whilst the Group operates many fixed
price supply contracts and has arrangements in place to mitigate
some of the increases, we have suffered continued escalation in the
price of consumables and ancillary products, cost increases which
often cannot be passed on. We expect inflationary pressures and the
restrictions in the supply of certain steel products to continue
for some time, although we anticipate these pressures will ease as
we move through 2023.
Post the Covid-19 related impact on the market, many of the
sectors in which Billington operates continue to see reduced levels
of activity, particularly large commercial office developments.
However, other sectors such as large distribution warehouses and
industrial developments combined with energy from waste and data
centre facilities are considerably more active and have returned
to, or exceeded, pre-pandemic levels.
The UK structural steelwork market grew by 11.7 per cent in
2022, following a 16.9 per cent increase in 2021. Current forecasts
are for the market to contract slightly in 2023, with an overall
decline of 3.0 per cent, before the market stabilises with 0.5 per
cent growth in 2024. However, these forecasts are likely to be
subject to revision as the impact of wider macroeconomic factors
are assessed.
With all our projects we are conscious that many of the main
construction contractors continue to operate under significant
pressure. The Group insures its exposures with the maximum
available cover, in a challenging credit insurance market, and
continues to focus on projects with the more robust larger
contractors that can deliver an appropriate margin. We have
processes in place to assess the risks associated with individual
projects on a case-by-case basis to reduce and mitigate the
associated risks where possible.
Current trading and outlook
Billington is a robust business with a strong market position.
Whilst there inevitably remain further challenges ahead and
macroeconomic headwinds are likely to remain for some time,
particularly with regard to material availability, price volatility
and continuing inflationary pressures, we are seeing a consistent
stream of opportunities at improved margins and have a very healthy
order book.
The Group's capital investment programme and efficiency
improvements implemented are enabling us to achieve improved
margins on opportunities we are seeing and I believe Billington is
well placed to deliver improved results in 2023.
In closing, I would like to thank Billington's Board, employees,
shareholders and all stakeholders for their continued support.
Ian Lawson
Non-Executive Chairman
17 April 2023
Chief Executive Statement
Operational Review
2022 saw a further recovery in the market following the Covid-19
pandemic, although there continued to be an impact from the
turbulent and inflationary macroeconomic environment, exacerbated
by the conflict in Ukraine. Against this background, the Group's
revenue increased by 4.7 per cent to GBP86.6 million for the year
(2021: GBP82.7 million).
During the period as margin pressure remained across the
industry, the Group successfully secured a number of significant
contracts at improved margin levels and has a very healthy pipeline
of current and potential business. The Group achieved a significant
increase in profits, ahead of our expectations at the start of the
year, despite these continuing challenging market conditions, with
profit before tax of GBP5.8 million (2021 - underlying: GBP1.3
million), in particular showing the benefit of significant
efficiency improvements implemented across the Group in recent
times.
Whilst we are mindful of the continuing volatile macroeconomic
environment, coupled with supply constraints on materials and
labour, we anticipate a further improvement in performance during
2023. Beyond the current year the market is more unpredictable,
however Billington has emerged from the pandemic as a stronger and
more efficient business, which continues to be supported by a
healthy balance sheet and a committed workforce. I believe we can
remain resilient to any challenges presented and the Group is well
placed to take advantage of the significant number of opportunities
at more attractive margin levels that are currently being seen.
Group Companies
Billington Structures and Shafton Steel Services
Billington Structures is one of the UK's leading structural
steelwork contractors with a highly experienced workforce capable
of delivering projects from simple building frames to complex
structures in excess of 10,000 tonnes. With two facilities in
Barnsley and a further facility in Bristol and a heritage dating
back over 75 years, the business is well recognised and respected
in the industry with the capacity to process over 50,000 tonnes of
steel per annum.
The Shafton facility operates in two distinct business areas.
The first undertakes activities for Billington Structures. The
second, Shafton Steel Services, offers a complete range of steel
profiling services to many diverse external engineering and
construction companies, providing further opportunities for growth
as well as allowing for the supply of value added, complementary
products and services enhancing the comprehensive offering of the
Group.
During the year the Group's structural steel businesses
continued to operate at near full capacity, although a number of
projects continued to be subject to delays and timetable movements.
Many of the projects undertaken in the first half of the year, as
in 2021, continued to be in areas, such as large distribution
warehouses, which have a larger steel content per man hour than
more complex projects such as commercial offices, and as such
attracted a lower, albeit positive margin. The business was also
impacted by continuing material price inflation and volatility,
coupled with material availability constraints as a result of the
conflict in Ukraine.
During the first half of the year the margins achieved were also
impacted by a number of legacy contracts following the Covid-19
pandemic. However, a number of larger than average contracts were
secured and delivered in the second half of the year at improved
margins, particularly in the data centre, energy from waste and
industrials sectors. These larger contract wins, coupled with the
benefits being realised from the Group's capital investment
strategy and focus on efficiency improvements enabled a
significantly improved performance to be realised in the second
half. The structural steel businesses also benefited from the
additional skilled labour recruited from overseas.
The larger projects undertaken by Billington Structures during
2022 included:
-- Shepperton Film Studios - London
-- Sandwell Aquatics Centre - Birmingham
-- Magna Park Industrial Units - Lutterworth
-- Wakefield Trinity RUFC Stadium - Wakefield
-- Segro Industrial Unit - Coventry
It is pleasing to note that some of the Company's complex and
challenging projects were again recognised in some of the
industry's prestigious awards. Newhurst Energy from Waste
development was the winner of the 2022 Tekla, industrials category
award.
Billington Structures has a strong order book for 2023 and is
seeing additional significant future project opportunities at
stable margins. This includes more complex projects, such as large
industrial warehousing, stadia, film studios and renewable energy
infrastructure. Whilst the detailed timing of certain specific
projects remains subject to change, and a number of potentially
significant contracts have yet to be secured, the future prospects
for Billington Structures are encouraging.
Specialist Protective Coatings
In March 2022 the Group announced the formation of a new
subsidiary, Specialist Protective Coatings Ltd ("SPC" or
"Specialist Protective Coatings"), focused on surface preparation
and the application of protective coatings for products across a
variety of sectors including rail, highways, defence,
petrochemical, energy, structural steel and infrastructure. The
business was formed following the Company's acquisition out of
administration of the trading assets of Orrmac Coatings Ltd
("Orrmac Coatings"), a specialist painting company based in
Sheffield, UK, in January 2022.
The Group had been seeking to expand its painting capabilities
for some time and the acquisition presented an excellent
opportunity to strengthen the Group's internal offering in this
area, as well as providing a specialist service to the wider
market. Since Billington acquired the trading assets of Orrmac
Coatings, based in a 55,000 square foot facility in Sheffield, it
has undergone a substantial refurbishment and an investment
programme to ensure the facility is able to effectively service the
most demanding of projects, including shotblasting and lifting
capabilities for steel assemblies that are amongst the largest in
the UK.
The business has made good progress since its formation,
servicing both internal Billington work and external customers. In
particular, the benefits of the newly installed equipment, which
was operational from November 2022, is enabling the business to
focus on maximising margin from its opportunities. A second shift
is also being implemented at SPC to maximise the ability to service
the demand being experienced. This demand is expected to increase
in 2023 as a number of historic competitors have exited the
market.
In addition, the Group established a dedicated on-site painting
service to enable SPC to be a one-stop-shop for the painting
requirements of the structural steel sector. This service has seen
significant demand and further expansion in the number of on-site
painting teams is expected in 2023.
Peter Marshall Steel Stairs
Based in Leeds, Peter Marshall Steel Stairs is a specialist
designer, fabricator and installer of bespoke steel staircases,
balustrade systems and secondary steelwork. It has the capability
to deliver stair structures for the largest construction projects
and operates in sectors spanning retail, data, commercial offices,
education, healthcare, rail and many more.
Peter Marshall Steel Stairs continued its strong performance
during the year, again recording record revenue and maintaining
robust margins, undertaking substantial work as part of contracts
with Billington Structures and for third parties. The business
operated at near full capacity during the year and whilst there was
an impact from increased steel prices, strong margins were
maintained.
Contracts were secured from a variety of sectors, with
particularly strong demand from projects in the leisure, data
centre and industrial warehousing sectors.
Notable projects undertaken in 2022 included:
-- Cherry Park Residential Development - Stratford
-- Siemens Wind Turbine Blade Facility - Hull
-- KLON2 Data Centre - Harlow
-- HH4 Data Centre Ph2 - Hemel Hempstead
Peter Marshall Steel Stairs enjoys a secure market position, as
one of the largest companies in its sector, in what is a fragmented
market. The outlook for the business continues to be very positive,
with a strong order book for the remainder of 2023, comprising both
projects being undertaken by Billington Structures and third
parties. Additional skilled labour has been secured from overseas
to ensure the business has the capability and capacity to fulfil
this demand.
Easi-Edge
Easi-Edge is a leading site safety solutions provider of
perimeter edge protection and fall prevention systems for hire
within the construction industry. Health and safety is at the core
of the business which operates in a legislation driven market.
Easi-Edge continued to see lower than pre-pandemic levels of
utilisation as the commercial office market, a sector that requires
a greater amount of product when compared to most other types of
projects, such as distribution warehouses, remained subdued.
However, the business remained a significant contributor to Group
profits and benefited from historic investment in its product.
Easi-Edge continues to take advantage of its market leading
position, securing opportunities in those market sectors where new
developments are being undertaken and it is anticipated that
activity for the remainder of 2023 will be similar to that achieved
in 2022.
Significant projects undertaken by Easi-Edge in 2022
included:
-- Deyes High School - Manchester
-- Aintree Fire Training Facility - Liverpool
-- Mynydd School - Mold
-- Lancashire Cricket Ground Hotel - Manchester
Hoard-it
Hoard-it produces a unique range of re-usable temporary hoarding
solutions which are environmentally sustainable and available on
both a hire and sale basis tailored to the requirements of its
customers. An expanded graphics solution, Brand-it, was introduced
in 2021, which is being utilised on both Hoard-it's own product and
on those produced by others. Brand-it's site graphics solutions
enable site perimeter hoarding to be a prime marketing tool with
added functionality such as anti-graffiti and anti-climbing
coatings. Brand-it is a continuation of the desire to increase the
product range of the company with high quality, higher margin
products to its clients.
Hoard-it had an exceptional 2022, outperforming management's
expectations and operating at full capacity for much of the year.
It continued to take advantage of its industry leading position and
growing demand from tier one and tier two contractors, together
with further adding to its product offering. The Brand-it graphics
solution has enabled the business to diversify into residential
developments and during the year Hoard-it secured its largest ever
order of over GBP0.5 million for a large mixed-use development in
Kent.
Other significant projects were undertaken for both new and
existing customers, as the client base expanded in line with the
goal of ensuring the Hoard-it system becomes the number one choice
for main contractors and developers in the built environment.
Hoard-it particularly benefited from the Group's investment in
stock levels in advance of anticipated demand, enabling rapid
deployment of its solutions and providing a degree of mitigation
for inflationary pressures on its materials to ensure margins were
protected.
Notable projects in 2022 undertaken by Hoard-it included:
-- Mixed Used Residential and Leisure Scheme - 2,500 linear
meters - Hythe
-- Wigan Galleries project - 700 linear meters - Wigan
-- Coundon Secondary School - 650 linear meters - Coventry
The positive momentum has continued into the current year with a
good pipeline of new business for 2023 and plans to expand the
business geographically into areas of the UK currently
underserved.
Our People
Billington, alongside the wider steel industry has struggled
with the recruitment of sufficient skilled UK production and
technical labour at its facilities in recent years, resulting in
reduced capacity and under recovery of its overheads. In order to
address these issues the Group has both continued to train and
develop skilled labour locally and has recruited skilled labour
from overseas.
Close relationships are being maintained with a number of local
education providers, with continuing support being provided to both
Barnsley College and the University of Sheffield Engineering
Department. The Company regularly attends educational career days,
hosts school visits to its sites and seeks to develop talent from a
young age with its range of internal training programmes across all
departments of the business.
Billington remains in partnership with Betterweld, a specialist
training provider, to provide fabrication/welding training at an
external facility before being employed by the Group. This
partnership provides access to increased numbers of direct
personnel on a consistent basis at its two Barnsley based
facilities through a structured training and development
programme.
We continue to actively promote the company's apprenticeship and
graduate schemes in other areas, particularly focusing on technical
staff. Additionally, Billington continues as an advocate, promotor
and contributor to the British Constructional Steelwork
Association's CRAFT apprentice programme. The scheme has become an
important path for the Group to train, educate and progress
structural steelwork fabricators.
Despite the continuing programmes to develop skilled personnel
locally, it has become necessary for the Group to recruit skilled
labour from overseas in order to meet the shortfall in available
skilled personnel and increase the production capacities of the
Company. In 2022 a total of 26 staff members were recruited from
overseas. These highly skilled fabricators, welders and technical
staff, have already proved to be a strong asset for the business,
being deployed in Billington Structures, Shafton Steel Services,
Peter Marshall Steel Stairs and Group services.
Average staff numbers in 2022 increased by 8.3 per cent, with
415 employed at the year end. We anticipate a further modest
increase in staff numbers in 2023.
Health, Safety, Sustainability, Quality and the Environment
A commitment to health, safety, sustainability, quality and the
environment is core to everything that Billington does.
Across the Group, led by our Health and Safety department, we
work to ensure that continued progress can be achieved in enhancing
working practices and improving the safety culture at all the
Group's facilities and in our on-site activities. The Group aims to
be proactive in the identification, reporting and resolution of
risks both on site and in our production facilities to ensure that
we are able mitigate the risks and promote safe ways of working. We
are also actively involved in a number of initiatives both locally
and nationwide to ensure the safety of our and others staff.
2023 will see the roll out of a behavioural safety programme
across all Group facilities to further enhance the safety culture
and eliminate all avoidable accidents.
Minimising the impact of our operations on the environment
remains a strong focus. The Group has implemented a number of
initiatives aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of our
activities. All new energy contracts being entered into by Group
companies are "green" tariffs that include carbon offsetting and
the Group is investigating the installation of wind turbines and
solar power where possible at its facilities. We are also focused
on reducing energy usage where possible, altering or replacing
machinery where appropriate, and utilising hybrid, electric and
biofuel vehicles.
The Group implemented a formal ESG committee in 2021 and
significant progress has been made to investigate, benchmark and
develop a roadmap for carbon reduction initiatives associated with
the activities of the Company. Steel Zero, a commitment to become
carbon neutral and employ a responsible steel sourcing strategy was
joined in the year as part of the Group's journey to be a leader in
driving carbon reduction initiatives.
The Group's primary requirement for energy comes from
electricity, as opposed to gas, and a large proportion of the
Group's four-year fixed energy price contracts end in 2023. On
renewal there will be an increase in Group costs, but the price of
long term electricity supply contracts is reducing and the impact
on Group profitability will be significantly less than that caused
by material price increases.
The Group is also conscious of other environmental impacts from
its operations and is seeking to reduce these as far as possible.
Weld fume extraction is one area of particular focus and covered by
extensive legislation. Approximately GBP400,000 has been invested
in this area to ensure the Group meets current and expected future
legislative requirements, together with ensuring the safety and
wellbeing of its staff and the wider community.
Charity
In 2017 the Billington Charity Foundation was established and
Billington continues to be a significant advocate and supporter of
both local and national charities.
Throughout 2022, Billington donated to charities including
Macmillian, Trussell Trust, Andy's Man Club and Weston Park Cancer
Charity, together with a range of local sports teams and other
causes that our employees are involved with. The Group actively
encourages involvement in initiatives intended to improve the local
areas in which our people live.
Customers and Suppliers - Ethical Trading
The Company recognises the need to maintain a supply chain that
adheres to and is aligned with our environmental, social and
commercial objectives and policies.
Billington is committed to carrying out all dealings with
clients, suppliers, sub-contractors and its own staff in a fair,
open and honest manner. It is also committed to complying with all
legislative and regulatory requirements that are relevant to its
business activities and monitors these on a regular basis.
The Company communicates fully and openly with customers
regarding costs of work undertaken and will provide accurate and
honest guidance and advice to customers to ensure their
requirements are met.
The Company strives to develop positive relationships with
suppliers to ensure both parties understand each other's problems
and requirements. It will not use current or potential contracts to
coerce suppliers into unsustainable offers.
The Company treats its staff fairly in all aspects of their
employment, valuing their contribution to the achievement of
Company objectives and providing them with opportunities for
training and development.
The Company is proud of its long standing and committed partner
relationships with its supply chain and in turn seeks to treat them
fairly with timely payment for works and the implementation of a
'no retention' policy.
Steel Industry
Following the significant increases in steel prices experienced
in 2020 (approximately 40%) and 2021 (approximately 60%) as a
result of the fluctuating cost of steelmaking raw materials
combined with escalating energy prices, 2022 was a period of
further significant volatility. The onset of the conflict in
Ukraine in early 2022 led to a restriction in the availability of
some raw materials used in the steel making process and of some
steel products, particularly plate, leading to further price
escalation. The Company sought to protect itself against the plate
shortage through directly importing material into the UK and
temporarily utilising its cash resources to maintain certainty of
price and availability.
From March to October 2022 a reduction in steel prices was
experienced, before further price rises in the later part of the
year. Additional price increases have been noted in early 2023,
although the Group expects a more stable price outlook in 2023 when
compared to the last three years.
Billington keeps its steel supply options under constant review
and employs a variety of measures to allow the Company to reduce
its exposure to volatility in steel prices and any variability in
supply over the short term. This hedging strategy, coupled with the
stockpiling undertaken when considered appropriate, enables most
projects principal pricing risk to be covered, mitigating the
immediate impact. Although, over the longer-term, price rises are
passed onto customers as far as possible. The Group also
continually reviews its steel procurement strategy in order to
reduce its reliance on any one supplier as far as possible.
Strategy and Acquisition
The Group has continued its strategy of improving operating
margins through the investment and upgrading of some principal
items of capital equipment, combined with projects to increase the
capacity from the Company's fixed asset base. The benefits of this
strategy have been seen in the improved operating margins achieved
in 2022 and the Group will continue to invest to ensure the Group
maximises the inherent value within the business and capitalises
upon its strong market position within the industry.
In 2022 we established a new trading subsidiary, Specialist
Protective Coatings, following the Company's acquisition of the
trading assets of Orrmac Coatings out of administration. The
establishment of Specialist Protective Coatings and the investment
we have made in the business during the year, including setting up
a dedicated on-site painting service, is already providing the
Group with increased control of a significant subcontract trade
that had previously been outsourced and is ensuring the margin
associated with this trade is maintained within the business. We
will continue to invest in this area in order to grow capacity and
be able to service the demand we are seeing.
Prospects and Outlook
The first half of 2022 was a period of stabilisation and
continued recovery following the Covid-19 related disruption to the
market, with a number of lower margin legacy contracts being
completed, before a significant improvement in the Group's trading
performance in the second half of the year as higher margin
contracts were delivered.
Whilst macroeconomic headwinds are likely to remain for some
time, particularly with regard to material availability, energy
costs, price volatility and continuing inflationary pressures, we
are seeing a consistent stream of opportunities at more attractive
margins and have a very healthy order book. The benefits of the
Group's investment in efficiency improvements and people, coupled
with its strong market position, is enabling the Group to achieve
higher than historic margins and to focus on those sectors that can
deliver better returns.
Contracts secured in 2022 for two energy from waste facilities
and a number of large industrial production / warehousing projects
are good examples of the type of business we are managing to
secure. We are also seeing other opportunities particularly in
large retail distribution warehouses, data centres,
'Gigafactories', food processing developments, public sector works,
rail infrastructure and stadium developments, together with a
return of some commercial office development projects and for
projects outside of the UK.
I would like to thank my Board colleagues and all of
Billington's staff for their hard work and dedication, and our
shareholders and other stakeholders for their continued
support.
Supported by a robust balance sheet I believe Billington is well
placed for the future, and I expect to see a further improvement in
financial performance in 2023.
Mark Smith
Chief Executive Officer
17 April 2023
Financial Review
Consolidated Income Statement
Underlying Non Underlying Total
2022 2021 2021 2021
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Revenue 86,614 82,720 - 87,720
Operating profit/(loss) 5,911 1,339 (1,123) 216
Profit/(loss) before
tax 5,829 1,302 (1,123) 179
Profit/(loss) after tax 4,734 978 (910) 68
Profit/(loss) for shareholders 4,734 978 (910) 68
Operating profit margin 6.8% 1.6% - 0.3%
Return on capital employed* 29.7% 8.4% - 1.4%
Earnings/(loss) per share
(basic) 39.1p 8.1p (7.5p) 0.6p
*Operating profit divided by total equity less the net defined
benefit pension surplus and net cash.
Revenue increased 4.7 per cent year on year as a result of
increased output across both trading segments of the Group.
Structural Steel output increased 2.7 per cent and output related
to Safety Solutions increased 21.4 per cent, primarily related to
additional site hoarding provided through Hoard-it.
Forecasts indicate that the consumption of structural steelwork
within the UK increased to 894,000 tonnes in 2022 from 801,000
tonnes in 2021, an increase of 12 per cent. Projections indicate
that consumption will reduce by 3 per cent to 867,000 tonnes in
2023 before returning to growth with a forecast 0.5 per cent
increase to 871,000 tonnes in 2024. The UK market outlook and the
forecast severity and duration of a recessionary period is now
anticipated to be shallower and shorter in duration than was
previously forecast allowing the Company to look forward with
cautious optimism.
Underlying operating margins increased to 6.8 per cent in the
year as a result of tight cost control, production efficiencies
arising from a program of capital investment, successful resolution
of legacy accounts and increased stability in input costs in the
second half of the year. The operating margin achieved within the
Safety Solutions entities continued its positive progression, on
increased output, at 22.3 per cent (2021: 17.9 per cent). The
operating margin achieved within the Structural Steelwork entities
represented a significant improvement against the prior period, at
5.8 per cent (2021 - underlying: 0.1 per cent).
Underlying earnings per share increased from 8.1 pence in 2021
to 39.1 pence in 2022 representing an increase of 383 per cent.
Cash management and prudent utilisation was a primary focus
during the year. During the first half of the year, with escalating
steel price rises, the conscious decision was made to pre order
quantities of steel to preserve and enhance margins on future
contracts. With reduced volatility in input costs relating to steel
in the second half of the year the cash utilisation eased and the
year concluded with a more normalised gross cash balance of GBP11.6
million (2021: GBP10.4 million). The average gross cash balance
during the year was GBP7,890,000 (2021: GBP13,390,000). The
continued strong cash position leaves the Group well placed to
achieve both its short and long-term objectives, while providing
financial security and providing opportunities to invest and
mitigate short term price volatility in some of its primary input
costs.
As a result of rising interest rates the remaining mortgage of
GBP750,000 associated with the purchase of the Shafton site in 2015
was repaid in January 2023.
Average staff numbers in 2022 increased 8.3 per cent to 403,
with an overall rise in staff costs of 14.9 per cent year on year
excluding the cost associated with Share Based Payments (SBP).
Industry wide challenges remain to ensure wage inflation is
mitigated and in attracting sufficient quality resource across all
disciplines. At the year end employee numbers increased to 415 and
the Group anticipates a further modest increase in staff numbers in
2023 as further overseas labour arrives in the UK.
The Shafton facility continues to provide the Group with
opportunity to expand and diversify its operations further
optimising the current resources within the control of the
Group.
Consolidated Balance Sheet
2022 2021
GBP'000 GBP'000
Non current
assets 21,902 17,527
Current assets 38,774 35,428
Current liabilities (22,506) (21,705)
Non current liabilities (3,823) (1,858)
Total equity 34,347 29,392
As part of the capital investment programme across the Group two
further significant capital expenditure projects were completed.
One project, at Shafton, related to the investment in substantially
increasing the plate processing capacity and capabilities to
provide additional plate girder profiling capacity, combined with
increasing the capacity open to external customers. The second
project related to the replacement of an aged saw / drill machine
at the Wombwell facility.
The acquisition of the trading assets of Orrmac Coatings Ltd out
of administration and the formation of Specialist Protective
Coatings Limited has seen a number of capital investment projects
completed at its Sheffield facility over the course of the year.
GBP1,171,000 of capital expenditure was incurred in modernising the
facility in 2022, the largest single project being the installation
of a new shotblast machine, designed for the efficient processing
of structural steelwork.
Further investment projects to improve operational efficiencies
and increase certain manufacture capacities were commenced just
prior to the year end, with a further order being placed for a saw
/ drill line for the Yate facility. The machine was delivered in
March 2023 with a forecast two-month installation period.
As part of the Group's ongoing strategy to improve operating
margins there is an agreed programme of capital equipment
replacement and enhancement over the next three years.
Within non-current assets, property, plant and equipment
increased by GBP4,410,000, represented by capital additions of
GBP6,558,000 (including GBP2,078,000 related to right of use assets
in respect of IFRS16), depreciation charges of GBP2,044,000 and net
disposals of GBP105,000.
The defined benefit pension scheme has performed well in the
period against a backdrop of turbulent equity and bond markets
towards the latter part of 2022. At the year end, a surplus of
GBP2,174,000 along with a corresponding deferred tax liability of
GBP544,000 has resulted in a net recognised surplus of
GBP1,630,000. The scheme was closed to future accrual in 2011.
The net deferred tax liability at the year end was GBP1,525,000
(2021: GBP1,108,000), being a deferred tax liability of GBP981,000
(2021: GBP440,000) related to temporary timing differences,
combined with a deferred tax liability of GBP544,000 (2021:
GBP668,000) related to the defined benefit pension scheme
surplus.
The increase of GBP3,346,000 in current assets included an
increase of GBP4,731,000 in inventories and contract work in
progress, a decrease of GBP1,958,000 in trade and other
receivables, and an increase in the gross cash balance of
GBP1,252,000.
Retention balances, contained within trade and other receivables
outstanding at the year end, were GBP2,198,000 (2021:
GBP1,951,000). It is anticipated that GBP1,992,000 will be received
within one year and GBP206,000 in greater than one year.
Trade and other payables increased by GBP589,000. Within this,
trade payables and accruals decreased GBP1,655,000 and GBP1,187,000
respectively with contract liabilities increasing GBP3,430,000 and
minor movements being noted in social security and other taxes and
other payables.
Total equity increased by GBP4,955,000 in the year to
GBP34,347,000. The financial position of the Group at the end of
the year remains robust and provides a strong platform to drive
shareholder value.
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
2022 2021
GBP'000 GBP'000
Result for shareholders 4,734 68
Depreciation 2,044 1,960
Capital expenditure (4,516) (2,351)
Investment property movement (404) -
Tax received / (paid) 192 (246)
Tax per income statement 1,095 111
Increase in working capital (2,064) (3,565)
Dividends (363) (515)
Net property loan movement (250) (250)
Share based payment charge
/ (credit) 806 (53)
Others (22) 97
Net cash inflow /
(outflow) 1,252 (4,744)
Cash at beginning
of year 10,382 15,126
Cash at end
of year 11,634 10,382
Dividends of GBP363,000 were paid in the year.
A dividend has been proposed in respect of the 2022 financial
year of 15.5 pence per share (GBP2,005,000), covered 2.52 times
earnings and will be paid to shareholders in July 2023 upon
approval at the AGM. Confidence in future trading and cash
generation has led to the declaration of a dividend at a level
higher than any previously made by the Company.
The Group remains committed to treating its suppliers and
subcontractors fairly and to paying them in line with their agreed
payment terms. It is the Group's policy not to withhold retentions
from members of its valued supply chain.
Working capital at the year end was as below:
2022 2021
GBP'000 GBP'000
Inventories and contract work
in progress 16,882 12,151
Trade and other receivables 10,258 12,216
Trade and other payables (22,044) (21,455)
Working capital at end
of year 5,096 2,912
Cash balances at the year end totalled GBP11,634,000 and there
were property loans outstanding of GBP750,000 representing a net
cash position of GBP10,884,000 (2021: GBP9,382,000). Cash
management and preservation remained a continued focus during the
year. The robust cash position of the Group allowed it to take
advantage of advanced purchase of steel to mitigate some of the
price escalations during the year and mitigate margin pressure.
The strong cash position also provides the Group with financial
stability and allows the investment in capital assets to improve
operating margins and provide a comprehensive service to its
clients.
2023 to 2025 will see the continued programme of capital
additions, primarily within the structural steel division of the
Group. The additional capital expenditure will support both an
increase in the range of services the Company can offer as well as
replacing a number of aged machines with more efficient models.
Investment in the latest technologies will ensure Billington can
deliver the most challenging projects, efficiently, for its
clients.
Pension Scheme
2022 2021
GBP'000 GBP'000
Scheme assets 6,820 9,693
Scheme liabilities (4,646) (7,020)
Surplus 2,174 2,673
Other finance (expense)/income (13) (33)
Contributions to defined - -
benefit scheme
To limit the Group's exposure to future potential pension
liabilities the decision was taken to close the remaining
Billington defined benefit pension scheme to future accrual from 1
July 2011. The scheme's liabilities have moved broadly in line with
the scheme's assets. The assets are primarily invested in UK
Government bonds and the scheme continues to remain in a strong
surplus position with an unlikely requirement that funds will be
required from the Company in the foreseeable future.
The scheme's triennial valuation for the period ended 31 March
2020 was completed on 10 December 2020. The position of the scheme
as at the date of the valuation was an asset position of
GBP8,048,000 and a liability position of GBP7,776,000 resulting in
a surplus of GBP272,000. At the valuation date of 31 March 2020,
the equity market had been significantly impacted by the pandemic
and as a consequence affected the value of the assets within the
scheme. The FTSE 100 index at 31 March 2020 was 5,672 and has
subsequently recovered to circa 7,600, an increase of some 34 per
cent, before the assets were transferred into UK government bonds
to protect and manage the strong surplus position of the scheme in
the long term. The next actuarial valuation is due to be completed
as at 31 March 2023.
Employee Share Option Trust (ESOT)
The Group operates an ESOT to allow employees to share in the
future, continued success of the Group, promote productivity and
provide further incentives to recruit and retain employees.
Options are issued based on seniority and length of service
across all parts of the Group.
A Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) was introduced across the
Group to assist in the remuneration of management and further align
the interests of senior management and shareholders. Awards are
made subject to achieving progressive Group performance metrics
over a three-year period.
At the year end there were 993,669 (2021: 474,577) share options
outstanding at an average exercise price of GBP0.14 (2021: GBP0.29)
per share. Share options are in place in HMRC approved and
unapproved schemes.
The charge included within the accounts in respect of options in
issue is GBP806,000 (2021: credit GBP53,000).
Trevor Taylor
Chief Financial Officer
17 April 2023
Consolidated income statement for the year ended 31 December
2022
Underlying Non-underlying
2022 2021 2021 Total 2021
----------- ----------------- ------------------- -------------
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Revenue 86,614 82,720 - 82,720
Raw materials and consumables (51,277) (55,784) - (55,784)
Other external charges (4,792) (4,542) - (4,542)
Staff costs (19,566) (16,268) - (16,268)
Depreciation (2,044) (1,960) - (1,960)
Other operating charges (3,024) (2,827) - (2,827)
Impairment losses - - (1,123) (1,123)
(80,703) (81,381) (1,123) (82,504)
----------- ----------------- ------------------- -------------
Operating profit/(loss) 5,911 1,339 (1,123) 216
Net finance expense (82) (37) - (37)
Profit/(loss) before tax 5,829 1,302 (1,123) 179
Tax (1,095) (324) 213 (111)
Profit/(loss) for the year 4,734 978 (910) 68
=========== =========== =================== =============
Profit for the year attributable to equity
holders of the parent company 4,734 978 (910) 68
=========== =========== =================== =============
(7.5) 0.6
Basic earnings per share 39.1 p 8.1 p p p
=========== =========== =================== =============
(7.5) 0.6
Diluted earnings per share 37.8 p 8.1 p p p
=========== =========== =================== =============
All results arose from continuing operations.
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year
ended 31 December 2022
2022 2021
-------- ----------
GBP'000 GBP'000
Profit for the
year 4,734 68
Other comprehensive
income
Items that will not be reclassified
subsequently to profit or loss
Remeasurement of net defined
benefit surplus (486) 1,023
Movement on deferred tax relating
to pension liability 122 (348)
-------- --------
Other comprehensive income, net
of tax (364) 675
Total comprehensive income for
the year attributable to equity
holders of the parent company 4,370 743
======== ========
Consolidated statement of financial position
as at 31 December 2022
-------------------------------------------------------------- -------- -------- --------
2022 2021
------------------ ------------------
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Assets
Non current
assets
Property, plant and equipment 19,264 14,854
Investment property 464 -
Pension asset 2,174 2,673
Total non current
assets 21,902 17,527
Current assets
Inventories 3,334 1,894
Contract work in
progress 13,548 10,257
Trade and other receivables 10,258 12,216
Current tax receivable - 679
Cash and cash equivalents 11,634 10,382
Total current assets 38,774 35,428
Total
assets 60,676 52,955
-------- --------
Liabilities
Current liabilities
Current portion of long term
borrowings 250 250
Trade and other payables 22,044 21,455
Lease liabilities 143 -
Current tax payable 69 -
Total current liabilities 22,506 21,705
-------- --------
Non current liabilities
Long term borrowings 500 750
Lease liabilities 1,798 -
Deferred tax liabilities 1,525 1,108
Total non current
liabilities 3,823 1,858
-------- --------
Total liabilities 26,329 23,563
Net assets 34,347 29,392
======== ========
Equity
Share capital 1,293 1,293
Share premium 1,864 1,864
Capital redemption reserve 132 132
Other components of equity (761) (770)
Retained earnings 31,819 26,873
Total equity 34,347 29,392
======== ========
Consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year ended
31 December 2022
Capital Other
Share Share redemption components Retained Total
capital premium reserve of equity earnings equity
--------- --------- ------------ ------------ ---------- --------
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
At 1 January 2021 1,293 1,864 132 (783) 26,711 29,217
Transactions with
owners
Dividends - - - - (515) (515)
Debit relating to
equity-settled share
based payments - - - - (53) (53)
ESOT movement in
year - - - 13 (13) -
--------- --------- ------------ ----------
Transactions with
owners - - - 13 (581) (568)
--------- --------- ------------ ------------ ---------- --------
Profit for the financial
year - - - - 68 68
Other comprehensive
income
Actuarial gains recognised
in the pension scheme - - - - 1,023 1,023
Income tax relating
to components of
other comprehensive
income - - - - (348) (348)
Total comprehensive
income for the year - - - - 743 743
========= ========= ============ ============ ========== ========
At 31 December 2021 1,293 1,864 132 (770) 26,873 29,392
========= ========= ============ ============ ========== ========
Capital Other
Share Share redemption components Retained Total
capital premium reserve of equity earnings equity
--------- --------- ------------ ------------ ---------- --------
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
At 1 January 2022 1,293 1,864 132 (770) 26,873 29,392
Transactions with
owners
Dividends (note 6) - - - - (221) (221)
Credit relating to
equity-settled share
based payments - - - - 806 806
ESOT movement in
year - - - 9 (9) -
Transactions with
owners - - - 9 576 585
--------- --------- ------------ ------------ ---------- --------
Profit for the financial
year - - - - 4,734 4,734
Other comprehensive
income
Actuarial losses
recognised in the
pension scheme - - - - (486) (486)
Income tax relating
to components of
other comprehensive
income - - - - 122 122
Total comprehensive
income for the year - - - - 4,370 4,370
========= ========= ============ ============ ========== ========
At 31 December 2022 1,293 1,864 132 (761) 31,819 34,347
========= ========= ============ ============ ========== ========
The Group retained earnings reserve includes a surplus of GBP1,630,000
(2021 - GBP2,005,000) relating to the net pension surplus
Consolidated cash flow statement for the year ended 31 December
2022
2022 2021
-------- --------
GBP'000 GBP'000
Cash flows from operating activities
Group profit after tax 4,734 68
Taxation received/(paid) 192 (246)
Interest received 26 21
Depreciation on property, plant
and equipment 2,044 1,960
Share based payment charge/(credit) 806 (53)
Profit on sale of property, plant
and equipment (309) (221)
Taxation charge recognised in income
statement 1,095 111
Net finance expense 82 37
Increase in inventories and contract
work in progress (4,731) (7,073)
Decrease in trade and other receivables 1,958 660
Increase in trade and other payables 709 2,848
Net cash flow from operating activities 6,606 (1,888)
-------- --------
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and
equipment (4,516) (2,351)
Purchase of investment property (404) -
Proceeds from sale of property,
plant and equipment 348 294
Net cash flow from investing activities (4,572) (2,057)
-------- --------
Cash flows from financing activities
Interest paid (95) (25)
Repayment of bank and other loans (250) (250)
Capital element of leasing payments (74) (9)
Dividends paid (363) (515)
-------- --------
Net cash flow from financing activities (782) (799)
-------- --------
Net increase/(decrease) in cash
and cash equivalents 1,252 (4,744)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
of period 10,382 15,126
Cash and cash equivalents at end
of period 11,634 10,382
======== ========
Notes forming part of the Group financial statements for the
year ended 31 December 2022
1) Basis of preparation
The financial information in this preliminary announcement has
been prepared in accordance with accounting policies which are
based on the UK-adopted International Financial Reporting Standards
(IFRSs) as adopted by the UK and in issue and in effect at 31
December 2022.
2) Accounts
The summary accounts set out above do not constitute statutory
accounts as defined by Section 434 of the UK Companies Act 2006.
The summarised consolidated balance sheet at 31 December 2022, the
summarised consolidated income statement, the summarised
consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the summarised
consolidated statement of changes in equity and the summarised
consolidated cash flow statement for the year then ended have been
extracted from the Group's 2022 statutory financial statements upon
which the auditor's opinion is unqualified and did not contain a
statement under either sections 498(2) or 498(3) of the Companies
Act 2006. The audit report for the year ended 31 December 2021 did
not contain statements under sections 498(2) or 498(3) of the
Companies Act 2006. The statutory financial statements for the year
ended 31 December 2021 have been delivered to the Registrar of
Companies. The 31 December 2022 accounts were approved by the
directors on 17 April 2023, but have not yet been delivered to the
Registrar of Companies.
3) Earnings per share
Underlying Non-underlying
2022 2021 2021 Total 2021
------- ----------- --------------- -----------
(7.5)
Basic earnings per share 39.1 p 8.1 p p 0.6 p
======= =========== =============== =============
(7.5)
Diluted earnings per share 37.8 p 8.1 p p 0.6 p
======= =========== =============== =============
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit
for the year of GBP4,734,000 (2021: profit for the year of GBP68,000
and underlying profit for the year of GBP886,000) by 12,117,190
(2021: 12,106,797) fully paid ordinary shares, being the weighted
average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year,
excluding those held in the ESOT.
Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit
for the year of GBP4,734,000 (2021: profit for the year of GBP68,000
and underlying profit for the year of GBP886,000) by 12,507,863
(2021: 12,106,797) fully paid ordinary shares, being the weighted
average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year,
excluding those held in the ESOT, plus shares deemed to be issued
for no consideration in respect of share-based payments of 386,481
(2021: nil).
4) Reports, Accounts & AGM
The Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December
2022 will be available on the Company's website
www.billington-holdings.plc.uk from no later than 28 April
2023.
The Annual General Meeting will be held on 6 June 2023 at 14.00
at fincapp Group, One Bartholomew Close, London, EC1A 7BL.
5) Segmental Information
The Group trading operations of Billington Holdings Plc are in
Structural Steelwork and Safety Solutions, and all are continuing.
The Structural Steelwork segment includes the activities of
Billington Structures Limited, Peter Marshall Steel Stairs Limited
and Specialist Protective Coatings Limited. The Safety Solutions
segment includes the activities of Easi-Edge Limited and Hoard-it
Limited. The Group activities, comprising services and assets
provided to Group companies and a small element of external
property rentals and management charges, are shown in Other. All
assets of the Group reside in the UK.
31 December 2022 Structural Safety
Steelwork Solutions Other Total
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------- ------------- --------------------------- --------------
Revenue
From external customers 75,977 10,637 - 86,614
From other segments 40 612 319 971
------------- ------------- --------------------------- --------------
Segment revenues 76,017 11,249 319 87,585
Elimination of segment
revenues (971)
-------
Revenue 86,614
Raw materials and consumables (47,607) (3,670) - (51,277)
Other external
charges (3,143) (1,649) - (4,792)
Staff costs (15,162) (1,926) (2,478) (19,566)
Depreciation (969) (760) (315) (2,044)
Other operating (charges)/income (4,696) (730) 2,402 (3,024)
Segment operating profit/(loss) 4,440 2,514 (72) 5,911
============= ============= =========================== ==============
31 December 2021 Structural Safety
Steelwork Solutions Other Total
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------- ------------- --------------------------- --------------
Revenue
From external customers 73,960 8,760 - 82,720
From other segments 114 398 235 747
------------- ------------- --------------------------- --------------
Segment revenues 74,074 9,158 235 83,467
Elimination of segment
revenues (747)
-------
Revenue 82,720
Raw materials and consumables (52,948) (2,836) - (55,784)
Other external
charges (3,261) (1,281) - (4,542)
Staff costs (13,008) (1,623) (1,637) (16,268)
Depreciation (663) (1,023) (274) (1,960)
Other operating (charges)/income (4,096) (756) 2,025 (2,827)
Segment operating
profit 98 1,639 349 1,339
Impairment losses -
non-underlying (1,123) - - (1,123)
------------- --------------
Segment operating profit/(loss) (1,025) 1,639 349 216
============= ============= =========================== ==============
6) Dividend
A final dividend in respect of 2021 of 3.0 pence (GBP363,000)
per ordinary share was paid on 3 July 2022. No interim dividends
were paid in 2022. A final dividend has been proposed in respect of
2022 of 15.5 pence (GBP2,005,000) per ordinary share. As the
distribution of dividends by Billington Holdings Plc requires
approval at the shareholders' meeting, no liability in this respect
is recognised in the consolidated financial statements.
Following a review of unclaimed dividends over 12 years old, in
accordance with the Company's Articles of Association a write-back
of GBP142,000 has been recognised during the year.
7) Going Concern
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a
going concern basis. The Directors have taken note of the guidance
issued by the Financial Reporting Council on Going Concern
Assessments in determining that this is the appropriate basis of
preparation of the financial statements and have considered a
number of factors.
The financial position of the Group, its continued positive
trading performance in 2022 are detailed in the Financial Review
and they demonstrate the robust position of the Group heading into
2023.
The Group has a gross cash balance of GBP11.6 million at 31
December 2022 and no significant long-term borrowings or
commitments. The Group repaid its only remaining borrowing shortly
after the period end, being GBP0.75m relating to the mortgage on
the Shafton site taken out in 2015 in order to reduce the interest
cost associated with the loan. The Group has short term agreed
overdraft facilities with its bankers should they be required,
these are reviewed annually and have not been utilised during
2022.
The Group has maintained its strong cash position
notwithstanding the continued capital expenditure programme
currently being completed. The capital expenditure programme across
the Group is part of the Group's operational improvement programme
that is, and will continue to, yield production efficiency gains in
the short to medium term. The Directors have prepared forecasts
covering the period to April 2024 and approved by the Board in
February 2023. Pleasingly the impacts of COVID-19 subsided during
the course of 2022 with a number of deferred or cancelled projects
returning to the market ensuring levels of output were
maintained.
The orderbook at the period end date increased 71% from the
prior year with high quality contracts across a number of buoyant
market sectors and with financially robust clients.
The Russia / Ukraine conflict that commenced in the early part
of 2022 has resulted in increased uncertainty across the globe.
There have been consequential impacts on material availability,
energy prices, input costs and latterly the possibility of a
recessionary period in the UK are noted by the directors and the
anticipated effects addressed and mitigated where possible.
Workloads and anticipated margins across the Group remain buoyant
and to date there has been limited impact to trading levels.
The Group anticipates making further progress in terms of
volumes and efficiency enhancements in 2023. The Directors are
forecasting trading performance will continue to improve,
generating positive cash flows and continuing to build on a strong,
debt free statement of financial position.
The Directors have reviewed the Group's forecasts and
projections for the period to April 2024, including sensitivity
analysis to assess the Group's resilience to potential adverse
outcomes including a highly pessimistic 'severe but plausible'
scenario. This scenario is based on a significant reduced trading
performance for some of the entities within the Group and no
further orders being received for the Group's primary trading
entity. Furthermore, significant contract deterioration from that
anticipated at the period end date has been assumed in the
pessimistic scenario. Notwithstanding the stress tests that have
been completed on the forecasts and projections the Group projects
that it would have sufficient resources to continue trading without
the requirement for any external funding requirements.
The Directors expect that the Group has sufficient resources to
enable it to continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing
the financial statements.
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END
FR NKOBBABKDFQD
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
April 18, 2023 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)
Billington (LSE:BILN)
過去 株価チャート
から 1 2025 まで 2 2025
Billington (LSE:BILN)
過去 株価チャート
から 2 2024 まで 2 2025
