24th Jun 2008 07:00
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 24 June 2008
CHEMRING GROUP PLC INTERIM RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS TO 30 APRIL 2008 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
- Revenue from continuing operations up 41% to ‚£150.2 million (2007: ‚£106.8 million)
- Record order book of ‚£425 million, up 45% since June 2007
- Underlying operating profit from continuing operations* up 21% to ‚£28.2 million (2007: ‚£23.3 million)
- Underlying profit before tax from continuing operations* up 17% to ‚£23.6 million (2007: ‚£20.2 million)
- Profit after tax up 29% to ‚£14.5 million (2007: ‚£11.2 million) - Underlying earnings per share* up 24% at 52p (2007: 42p)
- Basic earnings per share from continuing operations up 10% at 45p (2007:41p)
- Interim dividend per ordinary share up 39% at 10.0p (2007: 7.2p) - ‚£60 million equity issue announced today DIVISIONAL HIGHLIGHTSEnergetics
- Divisional revenue increased by 64% and underlying operating profit* by 44%
- Order book more than doubled to ‚£291 million at June 2008 (2007: ‚£140 million)
- Organic growth of over 20% achieved over a twelve month period - Simmel Difesa restart successfully completed
- Continued strong performance from both Technical Ordnance and Chemring Defence
- Conditional acquisition of Martin Electronics, Inc. announced today
Countermeasures
- Divisional revenue increased by 21% - Chemring Countermeasures (UK) increased revenue by 54%
- Success for Alloy Surfaces and Kilgore Flares in securing significant new five year contracts
RESULTS FOR THE HALF YEAR TO 30 APRIL 2008
2008 2007 % increase ‚£m ‚£m Continuing operations: Revenue 150.2 106.8 41 Underlying operating profit* 28.2 23.3 21 Finance expense (4.7) (3.1) Share of post-tax results of 0.1 - associate Underlying profit before tax* 23.6 20.2 17 Profit after tax 14.5 11.2 29 Underlying earnings per share* 52p 42p 24 Basic earnings per share 45p 41p 10 (continuing) Dividend per share 10.0p 7.2p 39* See Note 2 below
Ken Scobie, Chemring Group Chairman, commented:
"The prospects for both of our divisions remain excellent. The Group order bookhas now grown to a record level of ‚£425 million, up 45% compared with this timelast year. 36% of the current order book is for delivery in the second half ofthe year. Historically, our full year revenue has been split 40%/60% betweenthe two halves and, given the status of our order book, the Board is confidentthat this trend is likely to be repeated.
The strong organic growth achieved in both divisions and the impact of the latest acquisitions continues to give confidence in the future performance of the Group.
With an unchanged strategy, clear direction, responsibility and accountability at each business, and a record order book, I look forward to the Group delivering a substantial increase in performance in the next six months."
Notes:
1. All comparisons are for the half year to 30 April 2007.
2. Excludes intangible amortisation arising from business combinations of ‚£2.9
million (2007: ‚£0.7 million). Underlying earnings per share is reconciled
to basic earnings per share in note 5 of the interim statement.
3. The interim dividend of 10.0p per ordinary share will be paid on 29 August
2008 to holders on the register at 8 August 2008. The ex-dividend date will
be 6 August 2008. For further information:David Price Chief Executive, Chemring Group PLC 0207 930 0777 Paul Rayner Finance Director, Chemring Group PLC 0207 930 0777 Rupert Pittman Cardew Group 0207 930 0777
INTERIM MANAGEMENT REPORT
RESULTS FOR THE HALF YEAR TO 30 APRIL 2008
2008 2007 ‚£m ‚£m Continuing operations: Revenue 150.2 106.8 Underlying operating profit* 28.2 23.3 Finance expense (4.7) (3.1) Share of post-tax results of 0.1 - associate Underlying profit before tax* 23.6 20.2 Profit after tax 14.5 11.2 Underlying earnings per share* 52p 42p Basic earnings per share (continuing) 45p 41p Dividend per ordinary share 10.0p 7.2p
*Excludes intangible amortisation arising from business combinations of ‚£2.9 million (2007: ‚£0.7 million)
It is a pleasure to report further significant growth in the first half of theyear, with sales up 41% to ‚£150.2 million (2007: ‚£106.8 million) and underlyingprofit before tax* up 17% to ‚£23.6 million (2007: ‚£20.2 million), in line withthe Board's expectations. Underlying earnings per share increased 24% to 52p(2007: 42p). Both divisions, Energetics and Countermeasures, performed well,with the Energetics business increasing its revenues by 64% and underlyingoperating profit* by 44%. The underlying operating margin achieved in the firsthalf was lower than in the previous year because of the four month gradualrestart programme implemented at Simmel Difesa after the tragic accident inOctober 2007. This has delayed a significant amount of revenue and margin intothe second half of this year.The Countermeasures business continued to grow in line with the market outlookpublished in our last annual report, increasing its revenue by 21% and itsunderlying operating profit* by 7%. The operating margins of the business werelower than in the previous year, due to a change in product mix at AlloySurfaces and the increased volume of naval products sold during the period.Today, the Group has announced the conditional acquisition of MartinElectronics, Inc. ("MEI") in Florida, USA, for a cash consideration of $70million (‚£35.5 million). MEI is one of the leading US manufacturers of traininggrenade fuzes and 40mm ammunition. The acquisition of MEI significantlyenhances the Group's position in addressing a $900 million segment of the USordnance market.We have also announced today a ‚£60 million equity issue, comprising a vendorplacing of 1,555,555 new ordinary shares to fund the acquisition of MEI, and acash placing of 1,111,112 new ordinary shares, the proceeds of which will beused to fund the acquisition of Scot, Inc. ("Scot"), which was announced on 27May 2008. The Group's balance sheet will be significantly strengthenedfollowing this equity issue.The Board deems it appropriate that dividends continue to move forward ahead ofour growth in earnings. The Board is therefore declaring an interim dividend of10.0p per ordinary share (2007: 7.2p), an increase of 39%. The interim dividendwill be paid on 29 August 2008 to shareholders on the register at 8 August2008.
ENERGETICS
The Energetics division continued its rapid growth with an increase in revenueof 64%. Although recent acquisitions contributed strongly, it was encouragingto see that the division achieved over 20% organic growth over the last twelvemonth period. Our US business, Technical Ordnance, delivered a 34% increase inrevenue over that same period. Record export sales were delivered to the MiddleEast and record production levels for high explosive pellets, detonators andprimers were achieved from both our US and European subsidiaries.The division is making excellent progress in establishing itself as the worldleader for the supply of realistic battlefield training and simulationcartridge devices. Demand for our multi-effects cartridge system (MECS) and ourUS battlefield effects simulation (BES) products continues to increase in allNATO countries, and recent demonstrations of our new improvised explosivedevice (IED) simulators and micro pyrotechnics, which can be used indoors forurban warfare training, have generated considerable interest from the US Army.Sales of our portable ordnance-clearance system continue to grow, withdeliveries of large numbers of systems completed to both France and Australia.Demand for the system from the Middle East and Eastern Europe remains high,supporting a wide range of coalition and peacekeeping deployments. The divisionalso continues to make good progress in the supply of weapon aiming anddisrupter technology for both US and European robots used for explosiveordnance and IED disposal.The phased re-start of production at Simmel Difesa took place during the firsthalf of 2008. A careful review of all processes was undertaken, and almost fourmonths of production of certain products was delayed into the second half.Sub-contract manufacture of the white light candle for the 81mm mortarillumination rounds passed qualification tests during the period, and nearly10,000 rounds were successfully delivered to our UK customer. Simmel Difesa hasalso been highly successful at maintaining its global leadership in navalammunition with strong sales of 40mm and 76mm ammunition. It has recentlyreceived an Instruction to Proceed (ITP) for the supply of ammunition to Francein support of the latest European multi-mission frigate programme.
COUNTERMEASURES
The Countermeasures division also continues to be highly successful, withrevenue at our UK countermeasures business growing by 54% following strongdemand for its products from the UK and NATO forces operating in Afghanistan.The UK business has also seen significant growth in its naval countermeasureproducts, with strong demand coming from both traditional NATO and EasternEuropean nations.Both Alloy Surfaces and Kilgore Flares performed well in the first half, andsecured significant five year contracts for the supply of helicopter flares,that could potentially provide in excess of $750 million of future revenue.Successful flight trials and factory acceptance testing was also achieved forthe B-52 and C-17 advanced flares and a rapid increase to full volumeproduction is expected during the second half of the year.I am also delighted to report a major competitive success by Kilgore Flares insecuring a 100% contract award for the supply of M212 helicopter flares, whichare a key component of the Advanced Infrared Countermeasure Munition (AIRCMM)suite used by the US Department of Defense to protect helicopters from thethreat of IR guided missiles. The contract extends over a five year period and,with a maximum potential value of $387 million, is the largest frameworkcontract ever awarded to the Group.
ACQUISITIONS
In November 2007, the Group acquired Richmond Electronics & Engineering Limited("Richmond"), based in Norfolk, for ‚£12.5 million. Richmond is a supplier ofexplosive ordnance disposal (EOD) equipment, which complements that provided byBDL Systems.In March, the Group completed its acquisition of Titan Dynamics Systems, Inc.("Titan"), based in Marshall, Texas, USA, for ‚£2.6 million. Titan is a leadingmanufacturer of battlefield training and simulation cartridge-based productsthat are incorporated into the US Army's and US Marine Corps' digital trainingranges. Since completion, the Group has used its expertise in automatedproduction to significantly boost monthly production and, with only 25% oflaunchers currently deployed, further increases in production are now expected.During early July, the Group expects to complete the acquisition of Scot for acash consideration of US$40 million (‚£20 million). Scot, based in Illinois inthe USA, is a leading manufacturer of cartridge-actuated devices used inaircraft emergency systems, and pyro-mechanisms used in munitions, missiles andspace vehicles, as well as specialist aircraft weapon ejector systems. Itsengineering design capability will complement our high volume productioncapabilities at Technical Ordnance.The Group has today announced the conditional acquisition of MEI in Florida,USA. MEI already has a long-term collaboration with the Group on thedevelopment of a new family of medium velocity 40mm grenades, which willprovide the infantryman with longer range operation and greater accuracy thancurrent low velocity in-service products. With a current order book of $62million and revenue, year to date, up 71% on the previous year, MEI's futureprospects look encouraging.These three recently announced US acquisitions will significantly enhance theGroup's position in the US market. In combination with our existing Energeticsactivities at Technical Ordnance and Kilgore Defense, the Group is nowextremely well-positioned to establish itself as the US leader in both thepyrotechnic and munition segments of the market.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
To support the organic growth achieved by the business over the last few years,the Group tries to maintain an investment of 3% of its revenue in research anddevelopment. However, the rapid rate of growth has given us a major challengeto recruit the scientific and engineering resources to deliver the products andnew technologies. We have, therefore, entered into a five year partnershipagreement, worth in excess of ‚£5 million, with Cranfield University to conductresearch and development in energetic materials to advance the underpinningscience base, develop new products, and enhance our UK skill base. Since 50% ofour business is now conducted in the USA, we are looking to establish similaragreements with a number of US universities. This will become the cornerstoneof our long-term strategy to maintain and develop our skills and competenceover the next ten years.
FINANCIAL POSITION
The Group's net assets increased by 9% to ‚£135.5 million (2007: ‚£124.0 million) during the period.
The main movements in the balance sheet items were increases to goodwill, intangibles, property, plant and equipment, and net debt. These increases relate to the investment in the future of the Group, and strengthen its financial position.
PEOPLE
The rapid expansion of the Group has placed significant demands on ourproduction, engineering and management staff. The Group continues to recruit atthe senior management level in both the USA and Europe in order to ensure thatwe have the right level of expertise to meet the demands of both our currentbusiness and future strategy.
PENSIONS
The triennial valuation of the UK Staff Pension Scheme as at 6 April 2006 wasagreed with the trustees in February, together with a funding plan which willcontinue through to the next valuation.
PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
The principal risks and uncertainties which could have a material impact on theGroup's performance over the remaining six months of the financial year andcould cause actual results to differ materially from expected and historicalresults have not changed significantly from those set out in the BusinessReview included in the Group's 2007 Financial Statements. These can besummarised as: * Health and safety risks * Risks related to the introduction and manufacture of new products * Risk associated with product design changes * Risks arising from technology transfers * Risk associated with the management of prime contracts * Political risks
Competition was also identified as a risk in the 2007 Financial Statements but,given the current strength of the Group's order book, with over a third of theorders deliverable by the year end, we do not perceive this to be a threat tothe remaining six months' performance.
PROSPECTS
The prospects for both of our divisions remain excellent. The Group order bookhas now grown to a record level of ‚£425 million, up 45% compared with this timelast year. 36% of the current order book is for delivery in the second half ofthe year. Historically, our full year revenue has been split 40%/60% betweenthe two halves and, given the status of our order book, the Board is confidentthat this trend is likely to be repeated.
The strong organic growth achieved in both divisions and the impact of the latest acquisitions continues to give confidence in the future performance of the Group.
With an unchanged strategy, clear direction, responsibility and accountability at each business, and a record order book, I look forward to the Group delivering a substantial increase in performance in the next six months.
K C SCOBIE - CHAIRMAN24 JUNE 2008RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:
a. the condensed set of financial statements has been prepared in accordance
with IAS 34 - Interim Financial Reporting;
b. the interim management report includes a fair review of the information
required by DTR 4.2.7R (indication of important events during the first six
months and description of principal risks and uncertainties for the
remaining six months of the year); and
c. the interim management report includes a fair review of the information
required by DTR 4.2.8R (disclosure of related parties' transactions and
changes therein). By order of the BoardD J PRICE P A RAYNERCHIEF EXECUTIVE FINANCE DIRECTOR24 JUNE 2008CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTfor the half year to 30 April 2008 Note Unaudited Unaudited Audited Half year Half year Year to to to 30 April 30 April 31 Oct 2008 2007 2007 ‚£m ‚£m ‚£m Continuing operations Revenue - continuing 146.4 106.8 254.7 - acquired 3.8 - - Total revenue 150.2 106.8 254.7 Operating - continuing 24.5 22.6 57.8profit - acquired 0.8 - - Total operating profit 2 25.3 22.6 57.8 Operating profit is analysed as: Underlying operating profit before 28.2 23.3
61.2
intangible amortisation arising from
business combinations
Intangible amortisation arising from (2.9) (0.7)
(3.4)business combinations Total operating profit 25.3 22.6 57.8 Share of post-tax results of 0.1 - 0.1associate Finance expense (4.7) (3.1) (8.1)
Profit before tax for the period/ 20.7 19.5
49.8
year from continuing operations
Tax 4 (6.2) (6.4) (15.9)
Profit after tax for the period/year 2 14.5 13.1
33.9from continuing operations Discontinued operations Loss after tax from discontinued - (1.9) (1.9)operations
Profit after tax for the period/year 14.5 11.2
32.0 Attributable to: Equity holders of the 14.5 11.2 32.1parent Minority interest - - (0.1) Earnings per ordinary share 5 From continuing operations: Underlying 52p 42p 112p Basic 45p 41p 105p Diluted 44p 40p 104p
From continuing and discontinued
operations: Basic 45p 35p 99p Diluted 44p 34p 98p
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF RECOGNISED INCOME AND EXPENSE for the half year to 30 April 2008
Note Unaudited Unaudited Audited Half year Half year Year to to to 30 April 30 April 31 Oct 2008 2007 2007 ‚£m ‚£m ‚£m
Profit after tax for the period/year 14.5 11.2
32.0
Other recognised income and expense (Losses)/gains on cash flow hedges (1.6) 0.1
0.2
Movement on deferred tax relating to 0.4 - (0.1)cash flow hedges Exchange differences on translation of 5.2 (3.8) (7.0)foreign operations
Actuarial (losses)/gains on defined (2.4) 3.5
4.4benefit pension schemes Movement on deferred tax relating to 0.7 (1.0) (1.5)pension schemes
Tax on items taken directly to equity 0.6 0.6
3.1
Total recognised income and expense 17.4 10.6
31.1for the period/year Attributable to: Equity holders of the parent 7 17.4 10.6 31.2 Minority interest - - (0.1) CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETas at 30 April 2008 Unaudited Unaudited Audited As at As at As at 30 April 30 April 31 Oct 2008 2007 2007 ‚£m ‚£m ‚£m Non-current assets Goodwill 108.6 97.3 94.8 Other intangible assets 42.1 36.9 35.4 Development costs 2.2 1.0 1.7
Property, plant and equipment 86.7 60.0
69.8 Investments 1.1 1.0 1.0 Deferred tax 10.1 11.7 9.1 250.8 207.9 211.8 Current assets Inventories 65.0 51.9 51.2 Trade and other receivables 79.0 57.0 61.9 Cash and cash equivalents 36.0 14.4 38.7
Derivative financial instruments - 0.3
0.9 180.0 123.6 152.7 Assets held for sale - 2.5 - Total assets 430.8 334.0 364.5 Current liabilities Bank loans (13.5) (8.7) (9.2) Bank overdraft - - (13.3) Obligations under finance leases (1.0) (0.2) (0.7) Trade and other payables (77.9) (64.6) (71.4) Provisions (0.4) (1.3) (0.4)
Derivative financial instruments (1.3) -
- Current tax liabilities (6.0) (3.5) (3.3) Liabilities held for sale - (2.0) - (100.1) (80.3) (98.3) Non-current liabilities Bank loans (84.7) (113.5) (113.5) Senior notes (75.5) - - Obligations under finance leases (2.6) (0.1) (1.5) Trade and other payables (1.5) (0.5) (0.4) Deferred tax (13.6) (13.7) (12.1) Provisions (1.3) (4.5) (1.3) Preference shares (0.1) (0.1) (0.1) Retirement benefit obligations (15.9) (13.0) (13.3) (195.2) (145.4) (142.2) Total liabilities (295.3) (225.7) (240.5) Net assets 135.5 108.3 124.0 Equity Share capital 1.6 1.6 1.6 Share premium account 61.6 60.3 60.5 Special capital reserve 12.9 12.9 12.9 Hedging reserve (1.1) 0.3 0.4 Revaluation reserve 1.5 1.6 1.6 Own shares (4.7) - (2.8) Retained earnings 63.7 31.3 49.8 Equity attributable to equity holders of 135.5 108.0 124.0the parent Minority interest - 0.3 - Total equity 135.5 108.3 124.0CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENTfor the half year to 30 April 2008 Note Unaudited Unaudited Audited Half year Half year Year to to to 30 April 30 April 31 Oct 2008 2007 2007 ‚£m ‚£m ‚£m
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations (before A 12.2 13.8 60.6 phantom share option payment)
Phantom share option payment * (3.4) -
- 8.8 13.8 60.6 Tax paid (2.4) (4.7) (12.0)
Net cash inflow from operating activities 6.4 9.1
48.6
Cash flows from investing activities Dividends received from associate 0.1 0.1
0.1
Purchases of property, plant and (16.5) (5.1) (14.6)equipment
Purchases of intangible assets (1.9) (0.2)
(1.4)
Proceeds on disposal of subsidiary - 3.2
3.2undertaking/division
Proceeds on disposal of property, - -
0.2plant and equipment Acquisition of subsidiaries (net of 9 (11.4) (37.8) (46.9)cash acquired) Net cash outflow from investing (29.7) (39.8) (59.4)activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Dividends paid (5.8) (3.6) (6.0) Interest paid (2.7) (2.8) (7.4) Proceeds on issue of shares 0.2 - 0.1 New borrowings 72.7 47.4 50.7 Repayment of borrowings (31.7) (3.8) (6.4) New/(repayments of) obligations under 1.7 - (0.7)finance leases Purchase of own shares (1.9) - (2.8)
Net cash inflow from financing 32.5 37.2
27.5activities
Increase in cash and cash equivalents 9.2 6.5
16.7during the period/year
Cash and cash equivalents at start of 25.4 9.0
9.0the period/year Effect of foreign exchange rate 1.4 (1.1) (0.3)changes
Cash and cash equivalents at end of 36.0 14.4
25.4the period/year
* The phantom share option payment of ‚£3.4 million relates to the final settlement of The Chemring Group Phantom Share Option Scheme. This payment, including tax and national insurance, was made to Mr K C Scobie and full details were disclosed in the Group's 2007 Financial Statements.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT for the half year ended 30 April 2008
A. Cash generated from operations Unaudited Unaudited Audited Half year Half year Year to to to 30 April 30 April 31 Oct 2008 2007 2007 ‚£m ‚£m ‚£m
Operating profit from continuing operations 24.5 22.1 55.2
Operating profit from acquired operations 0.8 0.5 2.6
Operating loss from discontinued operations - (0.1) (0.4)
Loss on disposal/impairment of - (1.6) (1.5)discontinued operations Adjustment for:
Depreciation of property, plant and 4.4 3.5
6.8equipment Amortisation of intangible assets arising 2.9 0.7 3.4from business combinations
Amortisation of other intangible assets 0.7 0.4
0.6
Negative goodwill included in operating profit - -
(0.4)
Difference between pension contributions (0.3) (0.1) (0.6) paid and amount recognised in income
statement (Decrease)/increase in provisions (1.1) 0.1
(0.5)
Operating cash flows before movements in 31.9 25.5 65.2working capital Increase in inventories (12.5) (7.7) (4.6)
Increase in trade and other receivables (16.6) (9.1) (9.0)
Increase in trade and other payables 9.4 5.1
9.0
Cash generated from operations (before 12.2 13.8
60.6
phantom share option payment) Reconciliation of net cash flow to
movement in net debt Increase in cash and cash equivalents 9.2 6.5 16.7during the period/year Cash inflow from increase in debt and (42.7) (43.6) (43.6)lease financing Change in net debt resulting from cash (33.5) (37.1) (26.9)flows Decrease/(increase) in debt and finance 0.6 (0.1) (2.1)leasing Translation difference (8.6) (0.3) 0.4 Amortisation of debt finance costs (0.3) (0.1)
(0.4)
Movement in net debt in the period/year (41.8) (37.6) (29.0)
Net debt at start of the period/year (99.6) (70.6)
(70.6)
Net debt at end of the period/year (141.4) (108.2) (99.6) Analysis of net debt As at Cash Non-cash Exchange As at 1 Nov flow changes movement 30 April 2007 2008 ‚£m ‚£m ‚£m ‚£m ‚£m Cash at bank and in hand 38.7 6.2 (10.4) 1.5 36.0 Overdrafts (13.3) 3.0 10.4 (0.1) - Cash and cash equivalents 25.4 9.2 - 1.4 36.0 Debt due within one year (9.2) 3.5 (7.0) (0.8) (13.5) Debt due between two and (113.5) 28.2 7.0 (6.4) (84.7)five years Debt due after more than - (72.7) - (2.8) (75.5)five years Finance leases (2.2) (1.7) 0.3 - (3.6) Preference shares (0.1) - - - (0.1) (99.6) (33.5) 0.3 (8.6) (141.4)
INDEPENDENT REVIEW REPORT TO CHEMRING GROUP PLC
We have been engaged by the Company to review the condensed set of financialstatements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 30April 2008 which comprises the Condensed Consolidated Income Statement, theCondensed Consolidated Statement of Recognised Income and Expense, theCondensed Consolidated Balance Sheet, the Condensed Consolidated Cash FlowStatement, the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Cash Flow Statement and therelated Notes 1 to 14. We have read the other information contained in thehalf-yearly financial report and considered whether it contains any apparentmisstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the condensedset of financial statements.This report is made solely to the Company in accordance with InternationalStandard on Review Engagements 2410 issued by the Auditing Practices Board. Ourwork has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company those matters weare required to state to them in an independent review report and for no otherpurpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assumeresponsibility to anyone other than the Company, for our review work, for thisreport, or for the conclusions we have formed.
Directors' responsibilities
The half-yearly financial report is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the directors. The directors are responsible for preparing the half-yearly financial report in accordance with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Services Authority.
As disclosed in Note 1, the annual financial statements of the Group areprepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union. Thecondensed set of financial statements included in this half-yearly financialreport has been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard34 - Interim Financial Reporting, as adopted by the European Union.Our responsibilityOur responsibility is to express to the Company a conclusion on the condensedset of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report based on ourreview.Scope of review
We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on ReviewEngagements (UK and Ireland) 2410 Review of Interim Financial InformationPerformed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity issued by the AuditingPractices Board for use in the United Kingdom. A review of interim financialinformation consists of making inquiries, primarily of persons responsible forfinancial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other reviewprocedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted inaccordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) andconsequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become awareof all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly,we do not express an audit opinion.
Conclusion
Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us tobelieve that the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearlyfinancial report for the six months ended 30 April 2008 is not prepared, in allmaterial respects, in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 asadopted by the European Union and the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of theUnited Kingdom's Financial Services Authority.Deloitte & Touche LLPChartered Accountants and Registered AuditorSouthampton, United Kingdom24 June 2008
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED SET OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. BASIS OF PREPARATION
The Condensed Consolidated Income Statement for each of the six month periodsand the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 30 April 2008 do not amountto full accounts within the meaning of section 240 of the Companies Act 1985and have not been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The half-yearlyfinancial report was approved by the Board of Directors on 24 June 2008. Fullaccounts for the year ended 31 October 2007, which include an unqualified auditreport and did not contain statements under section 237(2) or (3) of theCompanies Act 1985, have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies.
The accounting policies applied by the Group in this half-yearly financial report are the same as those applied by the Group in its consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 October 2007.
In the current financial year, the Group will adopt IFRS7 - Financial Instruments: Disclosures for the first time. As IFRS7 is a disclosure standard there is no impact on the half-yearly financial report. Full details of the change will be disclosed in our annual report for the year ended 31 October 2008.
These interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRSsas adopted by the European Union. The condensed set of financial statementsincluded in the half-yearly financial report has been prepared in accordancewith International Accounting Standard 34 - Interim Financial Reporting asadopted by the European Union.
2. SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS
A segmental analysis of revenue and operating profit is set out below:
Unaudited Unaudited Audited Half year Half year Year to to to 30 April 30 April 31 Oct 2008 2008 2007 Continuing operations: ‚£m ‚£m ‚£m Revenue Countermeasures 70.9 58.4 126.5 Energetics 79.3 48.4 128.2 Total 150.2 106.8 254.7 Underlying operating profit Countermeasures 19.0 17.7 38.6 Energetics 12.4 8.6 27.9 Charge for share based payments (0.8) (1.6) (2.4) Unallocated head office costs (2.4) (1.4) (2.9) Underlying operating profit before 28.2 23.3
61.2
intangible amortisation arising from business
combinations Intangible amortisation arising from (2.9) (0.7) (3.4)business combinations Total operating profit 25.3 22.6 57.8
Share of post-tax results of associate 0.1 -
0.1 Finance expense (4.7) (3.1) (8.1) Profit before tax for the period/year 20.7 19.5 49.8 Tax (6.2) (6.4) (15.9) Profit after tax for the period/year 14.5 13.1 33.93. SEASONALITY OF REVENUE
Revenue for both Countermeasures and Energetics businesses is more weightedtowards the second half of the financial year in line with defence spending.Margins in the second half of the financial year are anticipated to improve asincreased turnover should lead to higher gross profit whilst fixed costs shouldremain at similar levels to the first half of the financial year.
4. TAX
The estimated tax rate for the Group for continuing operations for the yearending 31 October 2008 is 30% (2007: 33%), representing the best estimate ofthe average effective income tax rate expected for the full year, applied tothe pre-tax income for the six month period.
5. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Earnings per share are based on the average number of shares in issue of32,577,899 (2007: 32,305,968) and profit on ordinary activities after tax andminority interests of ‚£14.5 million (2007: ‚£11.2 million). Diluted earnings pershare has been calculated using a diluted average number of shares in issue of32,765,516 (2007: 32,531,707) and profit on ordinary activities after tax andminority interests of ‚£14.5 million (2007: ‚£11.2 million).
The earnings and shares used in the calculations are as follows:
2008
2007
From continuing operations Ordinary Ordinary
shares shares Earnings Number EPS Earnings Number EPS ‚£m 000s Pence ‚£m 000s Pence Basic 14.5 32,578 45 13.1 32,306 41
Additional shares issuable other than at fair value in
respect of options - 208 (1) - 226 (1)outstanding Diluted 14.5 32,786 44 13.1 32,532 40
Reconciliation from basic earnings per share to underlying earnings per share:
Underlying earnings has been defined as earnings before intangible amortisation arising from business combinations. The directors consider this measure of earnings allows a more meaningful comparison of earnings trends.
2008 2007 From continuing operations Ordinary Ordinary shares shares Earnings Number EPS Earnings Number EPS ‚£m 000s Pence ‚£m 000s Pence Basic 14.5 32,578 45 13.1 32,306 41 Intangible amortisation 2.3 - 7 0.5 - 1arising from business combinations (after tax) Underlying 16.8 32,578 52 13.6 32,306 42 2008 2007 From continuing and discontinued operations Ordinary Ordinary shares shares Earnings Number EPS Earnings Number EPS ‚£m 000s Pence ‚£m 000s Pence Basic 14.5 32,578 45 11.2 32,306 35 Additional shares issuable other than at fair value in respect of options outstanding - 208 (1) - 226 (1) Diluted 14.5 32,786 44 11.2 32,532 34Details of earnings per share for the year ended 31 October 2007 are disclosedin the Group's audited 2007 Financial Statements. Underlying earnings per sharefrom continuing operations was 112p. Basic earnings per share was 105p fromcontinuing operations and 99p from continuing and discontinued operations.
6. DIVIDENDS 2008 2007 ‚£m ‚£m
Dividends on ordinary shares of 5p each
Interim dividend for the half year ended 30 April 2007 7.2p - 2.4
Final dividend for the year ended 31 October 2007 17.8p 5.8
3.6(2006:11.2p) Total dividends 5.8 6.0The interim dividend declared by the Board in respect of the half year ended 30April 2008 of 10.0p per share will absorb approximately ‚£3.5 million ofshareholders' funds. No liability for the interim dividend has been included inthese interim financial statements.
7. STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
Unaudited Unaudited Audited Half year Half year Year to to to 30 April 30 April 31 Oct 2008 2007 2007 ‚£m ‚£m ‚£m Total recognised income and expense for the 17.4 10.6 31.1period/year Dividends (5.8) (3.6) (6.0)
Retained profit for the period/year 11.6 7.0
25.1
Share capital and share premium arising 1.1 6.8
6.9
Net cost of share-based payments 0.7 -
0.9
Purchase of minority interest - - (0.2) Own shares (1.9) - (2.8)
Other recognised gains/losses - 0.4
-
Net addition to shareholders' funds 11.5 14.2
29.9
Opening shareholders' funds 124.0 94.1
94.1
Closing shareholders' funds 135.5 108.3
124.0
During the period, the Group issued 50,107 ordinary shares as part consideration for the acquisition of Richmond Electronics & Engineering Limited. In addition, 50,000 ordinary shares were issued under the Chemring 1998 Executive Share Option Scheme.
8. BANK LOANS AND OVERDRAFTS
During the period, the Group refinanced part of its borrowing facilities with aprivate placement of senior loan notes in the USA. The new financingarrangements reflect the Group's investment structure in overseas businesses.Senior loan notes (repayable in full in 2017) of ‚£72.7 million were issued inthe period and ‚£31.7 million of existing loans were repaid. The Group now has ‚£155 million of committed facilities with Bank of Scotland.
9. ACQUISITIONS
On 2 November 2007, the Group acquired the entire share capital of Richmond Electronics & Engineering Limited for a total consideration of ‚£12.5 million.
On 17 March 2008, the Group acquired the entire stock capital of Titan Dynamics Systems, Inc. for a cash consideration of ‚£2.6 million.
A summary of the assets acquired and consideration paid in respect of these two acquisitions is set out below:
Book Fair value Fair value adjustments value ‚£m ‚£m ‚£m Intangible assets 0.2 6.1 6.3
Property, plant and equipment 1.7 -
1.7 Net cash 2.7 - 2.7 Working capital (0.1) (0.5) (0.6) Deferred tax (0.1) (1.9) (2.0) Provisions falling due within one year (0.1) (1.0) (1.1) Net assets acquired 4.3 2.7 7.0 Goodwill - 8.1 8.1 Total 4.3 10.8 15.1 Consideration Cash 13.5 Share issue 1.0
Directly attributable costs
0.6 Total consideration 15.1
Adjustments from book value to fair value arise principally from the application of Group accounting policies and the recognition of intangible assets under IFRS3 - Business Combinations and Fair Value Adjustments to Inventories, Receivables, Property, Plant and Equipment. Intangible assets relate principally to customer relationships and technology.
At 30 April 2008, the estimated fair value of assets and liabilities areprovisional and will be updated as necessary within the twelve month periodfollowing the acquisitions.Summary of cash flows: ‚£m Cash paid for acquisitions in the period (14.1) Cash acquired 2.7 Net cash outflow (11.4)
The acquisitions during the period contributed ‚£3.8 million of revenue and ‚£0.8 million to the Group's operating profit for the period between the date of acquisition and the Balance Sheet date.
If the acquisitions had been completed on the first day of the current period,Group revenues and operating profit for continuing operations for the periodwould have been approximately ‚£151.0 million and ‚£25.4 million respectively.This information is not necessarily indicative of the results of operationsthat would have occurred had the operations been acquired at the start of thecurrent period, nor of the future results of the combined operations.During the prior year the Group acquired Simmel Difesa S.p.A. The fair value ofnet assets acquired of ‚£19.2 million was recognised at 31 October 2007 based onprovisional values. The fair values have been finalised since October 2007 andin accordance with IFRS3 a decrease of ‚£1.4 million has been maderetrospectively to the value of net assets. Accordingly, goodwill has beenretrospectively increased by ‚£1.4 million. This is the only adjustment relatingto prior periods.10. POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTSOn 27 May 2008, the Group announced the conditional acquisition of the entireissued stock capital of Scot, Inc. ("Scot") from SMS Industries, Inc. for acash consideration of $40 million (‚£20 million), with a working capitaladjustment at completion. The consideration for Scot, together with transactioncosts and expenses, is being retrospectively funded by a cash placing of1,111,112 new ordinary shares to raise ‚£25 million. The acquisition is expectedto complete in early July and hence the full acquisition information is not yetavailable.Today the Group announced the conditional acquisition of the entire issuedstock capital of MEI Holdings, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, MartinElectronics, Inc. (collectively referred to as "MEI"), for a cash considerationof $70 million (‚£35.5 million), with a net asset adjustment at completion. Theacquisition will be funded by a vendor placing of 1,555,555 new ordinary sharesat 2,250p per share, raising ‚£35 million. The acquisition is expected tocomplete during August and hence the full acquisition information is not yetavailable.11. INSURANCE CLAIMDuring the reporting period the case against the Group's former insurancebroker for alleged negligence in relation to an insurance claim was settled. Atthe beginning of the period, the balance of the claim that had not beenrecovered from the broker was ‚£2.4 million. After incurring legal costs in theperiod of ‚£0.6 million, releasing specific provisions of ‚£0.4 million and arelated tax reserve of ‚£0.8 million, a net write-off of ‚£0.6 million has beencharged to unallocated head office costs in Note 2 following settlement.
12. PENSIONS
The defined benefit obligation is calculated using an actuarial valuation as at30 April 2008. The deficit has increased as a result of changes to the schemes'asset values from falling equity markets and from the adjustment in assumptionsto reflect current market conditions. The difference between the expectedreturn on assets and the actual return on assets has been recognised as anactuarial loss in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Recognised Income andExpense in accordance with the Group's accounting policy.
13. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Group had no related party transactions during the period requiring disclosure.
14. CORPORATE WEBSITE
Further information on the Group and its activities can be found on the corporate website at www.chemring.co.uk.
vendorRelated Shares:
Chemring