TIDMCEPS

RNS Number : 4980Y

CEPS PLC

05 May 2023

5 May 2023

CEPS PLC

('CEPS' OR THE 'COMPANY' OR THE 'GROUP')

FINAL RESULTS

The Board of CEPS is pleased to announce its final results for the year ended 31 December 2022.

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

At the beginning of this year being reported on, we had hoped, indeed expected, that for the first time in several years we would be reporting on a 'normal' year. In the event, amongst other things, our hopes were dashed by the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

It is encouraging to report that sales for the CEPS Group have increased from GBP20.3m in 2021 to GBP26.5m in 2022. This has resulted from an increase in the underlying businesses, the full 12-month impact of acquisitions made in 2021, along with the partial year impact of an acquisition made in 2022.

In addition, there has been a change in accounting estimate in the Hickton accounts to bring its treatment of deferred income into line with others in the industry. This has had a positive impact to the profit before tax of GBP681,000 in these accounts and this change will be explained more below and in the notes to the accounts.

It is my view that the major market dislocation which developed following the economies of the world rapidly leaving behind lockdowns and the consequent supply issues created because of the Covid epidemic, was followed by new and deeper supply chain problems created by this unexpected and totally unwarranted invasion of Ukraine. In addition to these world issues, in the UK we managed to create further uncertainty both politically and economically, the political issues in the governing party causing there to be three Prime Ministers in the space of just under two months and creating turmoil in the markets in the Autumn around the 'Mini Budget'. Almost all the proposals in this radical budget were subsequently cancelled once a new Chancellor was in place.

In the UK, we are living with inflation of some 10% and interest rates at multi-year highs, having risen ten times since November 2021 from 0.10% to the current 4.25%. The Bank of England has been forecasting for some time that the UK economy would move into recession, which we are pleased to see has to date proven to be inaccurate. Very recently the IMF has forecast that the UK will be the worst performing economy in the G20 in 2023, with a small decline in GDP during the next twelve months. However, it should also be noted that of the last 28 predictions by the IMF, 25 were too pessimistic.

We are experiencing an economy that has been stagnating, with increased levels of industrial action and a shortage of available labour. In addition, there have been significant rises in energy prices and industry-wide increases in input prices and, as mentioned above, supply chain issues. However, there has been recent evidence that as time passes and the economies of the world transition away from the Covid period, these issues are beginning to ease.

More recently, further market volatility has been caused by the collapse of the Silicon Valley Bank and the distressed emergency takeover of Credit Suisse has caused further uncertainty. We are reassured that the UK banking system is very strong following the major rebuilding of balance sheets over the past 15 years.

Financial review

As stated in the introduction, total revenue increased to GBP26.5m from GBP20.3m, an increase of 30.1%, gross profits increased from GBP8.4m to GBP10.9m, an increase of 30.1%, and operating profits rose from GBP1.6m to GBP2.1m, an increase of 31.0%.

Looking at the financial performance of the underlying companies in more detail:

Aford Awards ("Aford")

The company has made strong progress over the past 12 months with the acquisitions made in 2021 having been successfully integrated into the core business based in Maidstone.

A further major strategic step was taken in April 2022 when the business and assets of Impact Promotional Merchandise Limited ("Impact") were acquired for a total consideration of GBP1.008m. GBP558,000 was paid at completion with a further GBP450,000 to be paid in three tranches between March 2023 and March 2025. The first milestone has passed and, in accordance with the agreed terms, GBP210,000 was paid in March 2023. Impact is a pure internet sales business and, therefore, significantly increases Aford's presence in this market. The company has looked at other acquisitions during the year and, now Impact has been fully integrated, the acquisition programme will be revitalised.

Sales in 2022 were GBP3.1m as compared to GBP1.4m in 2021 and GBP2.0m in 2019, the last year unaffected by Covid. The associated EBITDAs were GBP546,000, GBP235,000 and GBP411,000 respectively.

Friedman's/Milano International

As we forecast, and expected, sales have continued to recover strongly at Friedman's, the lycra printer. However, and like last year, whilst sales have recovered in Milano International, the manufacturer of leotards and gymnastic clothing, it remains loss-making.

The two companies together had sales of GBP6.4m in 2022 as compared to GBP4.8m in 2021 and GBP5.8m in 2019. The associated EBITDAs were GBP 897,000, GBP809,000 and GBP1.2m respectively. However, in 2022 this was made up of a much-increased EBITDA at Friedman's with Milano having gone backwards.

In the latter part of 2022, pressures on supply and costs of raw materials started to ease and in 2023 we expect to see further progress in both companies.

Hickton Group

As was mentioned at the interim results stage, the Hickton group of companies experienced problems in retaining staff, problems in recruiting staff and strong wage inflation. It became clear in the year that following recent significant growth the business needed to 'pause' and restructure its operations. The marketplace became very competitive and recruiting staff was a real problem. More structure has been progressively put in place and it is believed that this has now rectified matters.

In addition, it became obvious, as a number of its staff were recruited from market competitors, that Hickton's accounting estimate of deferred income was significantly different to its competitors. Therefore, it was decided that it was appropriate to change this deferred income calculation. 2022 has benefitted from the revision to brought forward deferred revenue of GBP363,000 and by GBP318,000 for the application of the estimate to 2022 which, before tax, will make a difference in this year of GBP681,000, with no impact on the prior year's results. Details of the estimate change are shown in note 3(viii).

Sales were GBP16.9m in 2022 as compared to GBP14.2m in 2021 and GBP4.7m in 2019, the last year unaffected by Covid, demonstrating the recent significant growth, which has been, in part, driven by acquisitions made over this period. The associated EBITDAs were GBP1.8m, GBP1.5m, and GBP850,000 respectively. EBITDA for 2022 without the estimate change would have been GBP1.1m.

It is also pleasing to be able to report that the first three months of the current year have produced record sales and are currently well ahead of budget.

Vale Brothers

The company has struggled through the year as its bought-in products from China and India cost a lot more than had been expected and the associated freight charges were, as has been well reported, much higher for most of 2022. In addition, for its UK manufactured products, the company found it very difficult to recruit skilled staff and had to pay significantly more. Whilst the company raised its prices across the board by some 10%, in hindsight it needed a price rise of 20%. Whilst prices have since increased further, it will take time to recover its position.

Capital and debt structure

There was no share issuance in the current year and, therefore, the issued share capital remains at 21,000,000 shares.

The debt in CEPS PLC, the parent Company, remains unchanged with a GBP2.0m loan from a shareholding third party with a coupon of 7% and due to be repaid by 30 June 2025. In addition, the loan from Chelverton Asset Management Limited of GBP2.95m with a coupon of 5% repayable with a notice period of 18 months and a loan of GBP192,000 from myself remain outstanding.

Cash held by the Company at the financial year end was GBP256,000 (2021: GBP468,000) and Group cash was GBP1.3m (2021: GBP2.1m).

Pension

As we brought to shareholders' attention in June 2022, we expect the surplus from the pension scheme, which was transferred to Aviva, to be paid to the Company by the end of 2023 and these proceeds will be used to partially repay debt and to increase working capital. The amount the Trustees expect to be left over is in the order of GBP700,000, although it may be more or less than that. After deducting the required amount of tax, currently expected to be 35%, this would make the net amount receivable GBP455,000.

Outlook

As mentioned in my introduction, things are currently very uncertain across the UK and Europe. Sadly, the war in Ukraine continues and currently there appears to be no end in sight. European countries have rebalanced their economies and have achieved major savings in energy which it is to be hoped will become embedded.

With the impact of the draconian lockdown in China and with the 'Ever Given' container vessel blocking the Suez Canal, it became clear to European buyers that they had been underpricing the risk of sourcing so many key products from China. Coupled with the population issues in China, we believe there will be a rebalancing of production, bringing it much closer to home.

It is my opinion that the UK economy is now expected to flat-line in 2023, but to 'bounce back' to near long-term trend growth in 2024. Inflation is expected to decline sharply by the end of the year, and it might well be that interest rates have already peaked. As the countries of Europe and the World return to 'normal' there is expected to be steady growth in the UK economy.

Taken overall, the Group has in the first quarter of 2023 performed ahead of expectations but, as I note above, significant uncertainties remain for 2023.

It is the Board's intention to continue to develop the underlying companies and, where appropriate, to make judicious acquisitions to accelerate this anticipated organic growth. Improvements in productivity, quality, service and margins are the universal targets.

David Horner

Chairman

4 May 2023

This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of EU Regulation 596/2014 (which forms part of domestic UK law pursuant to the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018).

The directors of the Company accept responsibility for the content of this announcement.

Enquiries

 
CEPS PLC 
 Vivien Langford, Group Finance 
 Director                           +44 1225 483030 
Cairn Financial Advisers LLP 
 James Caithie / Sandy Jamieson 
 / Emily Staples                    +44 20 7213 0880 
 

Caution regarding forward looking statements

Certain statements in this announcement, are, or may be deemed to be, forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are identi ed by their use of terms and phrases such as "believe", "could", "should" "envisage", "estimate", "intend", "may", "plan", "potentially", "expect", "will" or the negative of those, variations or comparable expressions, including references to assumptions. These forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts but rather on the Directors' current expectations and assumptions regarding the Company's future growth, results of operations, performance, future capital and other expenditures (including the amount, nature and sources of funding thereof), competitive advantages, business prospects and opportunities. Such forward looking statements re ect the Directors' current beliefs and assumptions and are based on information currently available to the Directors .

CEPS PLC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2022

 
                                                        Audited    Audited 
                                                           2022       2021 
                                                        GBP'000    GBP'000 
 Revenue (note 4)                                        26,449     20,333 
 Cost of sales                                         (15,538)   (11,946) 
                                                      ---------  --------- 
 Gross profit                                            10,911      8,387 
 Other operating income                                      47        276 
 
 Administration expenses                                (8,835)    (7,043) 
 
 Operating profit                                         2,123      1,620 
 
 Analysis of operating profit 
                                                      ---------  --------- 
  - Trading                                               2,523      2,002 
  - Group costs                                           (400)      (382) 
                                                      ---------  --------- 
                                                          2,123      1,620 
 ---------------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 
 Share of associate (loss)/profit                          (66)         66 
 Finance income                                              27         24 
 Finance costs                                            (738)      (714) 
                                                                 --------- 
 Profit before tax                                        1,346        996 
 Taxation (note 5)                                        (270)      (204) 
                                                      ---------  --------- 
 Profit for the financial year                            1,076        792 
                                                      ---------  --------- 
 
 Other comprehensive income: 
  Items that will not be reclassified to profit or 
  loss 
 Actuarial gain on defined benefit pension plans             54         73 
                                                      ---------  --------- 
 Other comprehensive income for the year, net of 
  tax                                                        54         73 
                                                      ---------  --------- 
 Total comprehensive income for the financial year        1,130        865 
                                                      ---------  --------- 
 
 Income attributable to: 
 Owners of the parent                                       460        296 
 Non-controlling interests                                  616        496 
                                                      ---------  --------- 
                                                          1,076        792 
                                                      ---------  --------- 
 Total comprehensive income attributable to: 
 Owners of the parent                                       514        369 
 Non-controlling interests                                  616        496 
                                                      ---------  --------- 
                                                        1,130          865 
                                                      ---------  --------- 
 Earnings per share 
  - basic and diluted (pence) (note 6)                    2.19p      1.64p 
                                                      ---------  --------- 
 

All activity relates to continuing operations.

CEPS PLC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2022

 
                                                             2022      2021 
                                                          GBP'000   GBP'000 
                                                         --------  -------- 
 Assets 
 Non-current assets 
 Property, plant and equipment (note 7)                       671       764 
 Right-of-use assets (note 8)                               1,694     1,225 
 Intangible assets (note 10)                               11,728    10,729 
 Investments                                                    -        66 
                                                         --------  -------- 
                                                           14,093    12,784 
                                                         --------  -------- 
 
 Current assets 
 Inventories                                                2,138     1,612 
 Trade and other receivables                                4,006     3,036 
 Cash and cash equivalents (excluding bank overdrafts)      1,284     2,081 
                                                         --------  -------- 
                                                            7,428     6,729 
                                                         --------  -------- 
 Total assets                                              21,521    19,513 
                                                         ========  ======== 
 
 Equity 
 Capital and reserves attributable to owners of 
  the parent 
 Called up share capital (note 11)                          2,100     2,100 
 Share premium (note 11)                                    7,017     7,017 
 Retained earnings                                        (7,526)   (8,040) 
                                                         --------  -------- 
                                                            1,591     1,077 
 Non-controlling interests in equity                        2,924     2,465 
                                                         --------  -------- 
 Total equity                                               4,515     3,542 
                                                         --------  -------- 
 
 Liabilities 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Borrowings                                                 8,367     8,436 
 Lease liabilities                                          1,522     1,096 
 Trade and other payables                                     208        45 
 Deferred tax liability                                       338       255 
                                                         --------  -------- 
                                                           10,435     9,832 
                                                         --------  -------- 
 
 Current liabilities 
 Borrowings                                                 1,487     1,759 
 Lease liabilities                                            313       258 
 Trade and other payables                                   3,325     3,141 
 Current tax liabilities                                    1,446       981 
                                                         --------  -------- 
                                                            6,571     6,139 
                                                         --------  -------- 
 Total liabilities                                         17,006    15,971 
                                                         --------  -------- 
 Total equity and liabilities                              21,521    19,513 
                                                         ========  ======== 
 

The comprehensive expense within the parent Company financial statements for the year was a loss of GBP24,000 (2021: loss of GBP245,000).

CEPS PLC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2022

 
                                                               2022      2021 
                                                            GBP'000   GBP'000 
 Cash flows from operating activities 
 Profit for the financial year                                1,076       792 
 Adjustments for: 
   Depreciation and amortisation                                719       564 
   Loss on disposal of fixed assets                               6         6 
   Pension contributions less than administrative 
    charge                                                       69        84 
   Share of associate loss/(profit)                              66      (66) 
   Net finance costs                                            711       690 
   Taxation charge                                              270       204 
 Changes in working capital: 
   Movement in inventories                                    (518)     (171) 
   Movement in trade and other receivables                    (970)     (261) 
   Movement in trade and other payables                         301     (469) 
 Cash generated from operations                               1,730     1,373 
 Corporation tax paid                                          (61)     (187) 
 Net cash generated from operations                           1,669     1,186 
                                                           --------  -------- 
 
 Cash flows from investing activities 
 Interest received                                               12        13 
 Acquisition of businesses and subsidiaries, net 
  of cash acquired                                            (611)   (1,220) 
 Purchase of property, plant and equipment                    (120)     (309) 
 Proceeds from sale of assets                                     3        35 
 Purchase of intangibles assets                                (75)      (73) 
 Net cash used in investing activities                        (791)   (1,554) 
                                                           --------  -------- 
 
 Cash flows from financing activities 
 Issue of share capital                                           -     1,018 
 Proceeds from borrowings                                       396     3,330 
 Repayment of borrowings                                      (773)   (3,108) 
 Dividends paid to non-controlling interests                  (157)         - 
 Proceeds from subsidiary share issue                             -         4 
 Interest paid                                                (815)     (791) 
 Lease liability payments                                     (326)     (336) 
                                                           --------  -------- 
 Net cash (used in)/ generated from financing activities    (1,675)       117 
                                                           --------  -------- 
 
 Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents                    (797)     (251) 
 Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the 
  year                                                        2,081     2,332 
                                                           --------  -------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year             1,284     2,081 
                                                           --------  -------- 
 
 

Major non-cash movements: there were GBP807,000 of non-cash additions to right-of-use assets and lease liabilities in the year (2021: GBP558,000 of new share capital was settled against a loan liability and there were GBP555,000 of non-cash additions to right-of-use assets and lease liabilities).

CEPS PLC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2022

 
                                                                       Attributable 
                                                                          to owners     Non-controlling 
                                      Share       Share     Retained         of the            interest      Total 
                                    capital     premium     earnings         parent                         equity 
                                    GBP'000     GBP'000      GBP'000        GBP'000             GBP'000    GBP'000 
 At 1 January 2021                    1,700       5,841      (8,402)          (861)               1,954      1,093 
                                 ----------  ----------  -----------  -------------  ------------------  --------- 
 Actuarial gain                           -           -           73             73                   -         73 
 Profit for the year                      -           -          296            296                 496        792 
                                 ----------  ----------  -----------  -------------  ------------------  --------- 
 Total comprehensive 
  income for the financial 
  year                                    -           -          369            369                 496        865 
                                 ----------  ----------  -----------  -------------  ------------------  --------- 
 Shares issued in 
  the year (note 11)                    400       1,176            -          1,576                   -      1,576 
 Changes in ownership 
  interest in subsidiaries                -           -          (7)            (7)                  15          8 
                                 ----------  ----------  -----------  -------------  ------------------  --------- 
 Total amounts recognised 
  directly in equity                      -           -          (7)          1,569                  15      1,584 
                                 ----------  ----------  -----------  -------------  ------------------  --------- 
 At 31 December 2021                  2,100       7,017      (8,040)          1,077               2,465      3,542 
                                 ----------  ----------  -----------  -------------  ------------------  --------- 
 Actuarial gain                           -           -           54             54                   -         54 
 Profit for the year                      -           -          460            460                 616      1,076 
                                 ----------  ----------  -----------  -------------  ------------------  --------- 
 Total comprehensive 
  income for the financial 
  year                                    -           -          514            514                 616      1,130 
                                 ----------  ----------  -----------  -------------  ------------------  --------- 
 Dividends paid in 
  respect of a non-controlling 
  interest                                -           -            -              -               (157)      (157) 
                                 ----------  ----------  -----------  -------------  ------------------  --------- 
 At 31 December 2022                  2,100       7,017      (7,526)          1,591               2,924      4,515 
                                 ----------  ----------  -----------  -------------  ------------------  --------- 
 

Share capital comprises the nominal value of shares subscribed for.

Share premium represents the amount above nominal value received for shares issued, less transaction costs.

Retained earnings comprise accumulated comprehensive income for the current year and prior periods attributable to the parent, less dividends paid.

Non-controlling interest represents the element of retained earnings which is not attributable to the owners of the parent.

Notes to the financial information

   1.       General information 

CEPS PLC (the 'Company') is a company incorporated and domiciled in England and Wales. The Company is a public company limited by shares, which is admitted to trading on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange. The address of the registered office is11 Laura Place, Bath BA2 4BL.

The principal activities of the Company are that of a holding company for service and manufacturing companies, acquiring stakes in stable and steadily growing entrepreneurial companies. Segmental analysis is given in note 4.

The financial statements are presented in British Pounds Sterling (GBP), the currency of the primary economic environment in which the Group's activities are operated and are reported in GBP'000. The financial statements are to the year ended 31 December 2022.

The registered number of the Company is 00507461.

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied throughout the year, unless otherwise stated.

   2.       Basis of preparation and going concern 

This announcement is an extract from the consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2022 and comprises the Company and its subsidiaries. The consolidated financial statements were authorised for issuance on 4 May 2023. The financial information set out below does not constitute the Company's statutory accounts for the years ended 31 December 2021 or 2022 within the meaning of Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006, but is derived from those accounts. Statutory accounts for 2021 have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies and those for 2022 will be delivered following the Company's Annual General Meeting. The auditor's reports on the statutory accounts for the years ended 31 December 2021 and 31 December 2022 were unqualified and do not contain statements under s498(2) or (3) Companies Act 2006.

These financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention in accordance with UK adopted International Financial Reporting Standards ('IFRS'), IFRIC interpretations and the Companies Act 2006 as applicable to companies reporting under IFRS.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis and under the historical cost convention. The Group's business activities and financial position likely to affect its future development, performance and position are set out in the front end of the report.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the Group's accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the consolidated financial statements are disclosed in note 3.

The Company has taken advantage of the exemption under the Companies Act 2006 not to present its own Statement of Comprehensive Income.

Going concern

The Directors have considered the trading performance and financial position of the Company and of the Group together with detailed forecasts for the period to the end of 2024. The Aford Awards Group Holdings, Signature Fabrics and Hickton Group sub-groups service their bank and shareholder held debt from cash generated in the trading subsidiaries which are trading profitably and which have recovered from the impacts of the pandemic. The Group is generating cash from operations with significant headroom in the banking covenants and mitigating actions could be taken to compensate for the current inflationary pressures and a degree of fluctuation in the economy. The Company had cash balances at 31 December 2022 and is receiving interest and fees from the trading subsidiary groups.

After making enquiries, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company and the Group have adequate resources to operate and to meet liabilities for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, the going concern basis of preparation continues to be adopted in the financial statements.

   3.       Critical accounting assumptions, judgements and estimates 

The directors make estimates and assumptions concerning the future. They are also required to exercise judgement in the process of applying the Company's accounting policies. Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are assessed below:

   i)        Impairment of intangible assets (including goodwill) 

The Group tests annually whether intangible assets (including goodwill) have suffered any impairment, in accordance with the accounting policy. The recoverable amounts of the cash-generating units have been determined based on value-in-use calculations. The calculations require the use of estimates (note 10).

   ii)       Impairment of non-current assets 

The Company assesses the impairment of tangible fixed assets subject to depreciation whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors considered important that could trigger an impairment review include the following:

   --    significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results; 

-- significant changes in the manner of the use of the acquired assets or the strategy for the overall business; and

   --    significant negative industry or economic trends. 
   iii)      Depreciation and residual values 

The directors have reviewed the asset lives and associated residual values of all fixed asset classes and have concluded that asset lives and residual values are appropriate.

The actual lives of the assets and residual values are assessed annually and may vary depending on a number of factors. In re-assessing asset lives, factors such as technological innovation, product life cycles and maintenance programmes are taken into account. Residual value assessments consider issues such as future market conditions, the remaining life of the asset and projects' disposal values.

   iv)      Carrying value of stocks 

Management reviews the market value of and demand for its stocks on a periodic basis to ensure stock is recorded in the financial statements at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Any provision for impairment is recorded against the carrying value of stocks. Management uses its knowledge of market conditions, historical experiences and estimates of future events to assess future demand for the Company's products and achievable selling prices.

   v)       Recoverability of trade debtors 

Trade and other debtors are recognised to the extent that they are judged recoverable. Management reviews are performed to estimate the level of reserves required for irrecoverable debt. Provisions are made specifically against invoices where recoverability is uncertain.

Management makes allowance for doubtful debts based on an assessment of the recoverability of debtors. Allowances are applied to debtors where events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Management specifically analyses historical bad debts, customer creditworthiness, current economic trends and changes in customer payment terms when making a judgement to evaluate the adequacy of the provision for doubtful debts. Where the expectation is different from the original estimate, such difference will impact the carrying value of debtors and the charge in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.

   vi)      Leases 

Management utilise judgement in respect of any option clauses in leases and whether such an option to extend would be reasonably certain to be exercised. Management consider all facts and circumstances including past practice, costs of alternatives and future forecasts to determine the lease term. Management also apply judgement and estimation in assessing the discount rate, which is based on the incremental borrowing rate. These judgements impact on the lease term and associated lease liabilities.

   vii)     Retirement benefit liabilities 

The Group operates a defined benefits pension scheme. The scheme is subject to triennial actuarial valuation and the Group commissions an independent qualified actuary to update to each financial year end the previous triennial result. The results of this update are included in the financial statements. In reaching the annually updated results management makes assumptions and estimates. These assumptions and estimates are made advisedly, but are not any guarantee of the performance of the scheme or of the outcome of each triennial review.

   viii)     Recognition of revenue in respect of services and change in accounting estimate 

Revenue is recognised in the period in which the services are provided in accordance with the stage of completion of the contract. This requires a degree of estimation in respect of the stage of completion and time required to complete the services but is based on experience and data from completed services.

In the year, the directors recognised that the prior estimates in a subsidiary were too prudent by reference to actual outcomes and the specific tasks to be completed and have applied a revised method with increased reference to experience and the expected costs as services progress. This has been treated as a change in accounting estimate and application of the new method has resulted in a reduction in deferred income and increase in revenue of GBP681,000 for the year ended 31 December 2022, of which GBP363,000 relates to income which would not have been deferred at 31 December 2021 under the new method and a further GBP318,000 recognised for services that commenced in 2022. This change brings the company in line with industry norms.

   ix)      Acquisitions 

Fair values have been applied on the acquisition of businesses which involve a degree of judgement and estimation, in particular in the identification and evaluation of intangible assets including customer relationships. The values recognised are derived from discounted cash flow forecasts and assumptions based on experience and estimated factors relevant to the nature of the business activity.

Where contingent consideration arises in respect of acquisitions, the best estimate of further payments to be made is accrued. The actual trading results may result in different amounts being payable and subsequent adjustments to the deferred consideration.

   4.       Segmental analysis 

The Chief Operating Decision-Maker ('CODM') of the Group is its Board. Each operating segment regularly reports its performance to the Board which, based on those reports, allocates resources to and assesses the performance of those operating segments.

The operating segments set out below are the only level for which discrete information is available or utilised by the CODM.

Operating segments and their principal activities are as follows:

Aford Awards, a sports trophy and engraving company;

Friedman's, a convertor and distributor of specialist lycra, including Milano International (trading as Milano Pro-Sport), a designer and manufacturer of leotards;

Hickton Group, comprising Hickton Quality Control, BRCS, Cook Brown, Morgan Lambert and Qualitas Compliance, providers of services to the construction industry.

Group costs, costs incurred at Head Office level to support the activities of the Group.

The United Kingdom is the main country of operation from which the Group derives its revenue and operating profit and is the principal location of the assets and liabilities of the Group.

The Board assesses the performance of each operating segment by a measure of adjusted earnings before interest, tax, Group costs, depreciation, amortisation and, when applicable, exceptional costs (EBITDA). Other information provided to the Board is measured in a manner consistent with that in the financial statements.

   i)     Results by segment 
 
                                    Aford                 Hickton      Total 
                                   Awards   Friedman's      Group      Group 
                                     2022         2022       2022       2022 
                                  GBP'000      GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000 
 Revenue                            3,086        6,423     16,940     26,449 
                                 --------  -----------  ---------  --------- 
 Expenses                         (2,540)      (5,526)   (15,140)   (23,206) 
 Segmental result (EBITDA)            546          897      1,800      3,243 
                                 --------  -----------  ---------  --------- 
 Depreciation and amortisation 
  charge                            (115)        (183)      (117)      (415) 
 IFRS 16 depreciation                (75)        (129)      (100)      (304) 
 Group costs                                                           (400) 
 Share of associate loss                                                (66) 
 Net finance costs (including 
  IFRS 16)                                                             (712) 
                                                                   --------- 
 Profit before taxation                                                1,346 
 Taxation                                                              (270) 
                                                                   --------- 
 Profit for the year                                                   1,076 
                                                                   --------- 
 
 
                                           Aford                 Hickton      Total 
                                          Awards   Friedman's      Group      Group 
                                            2021         2021       2021       2021 
                                         GBP'000      GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000 
 Revenue                                   1,385        4,762     14,186     20,333 
                                        --------  -----------  ---------  --------- 
 Expenses                                (1,150)      (3,953)   (12,665)   (17,768) 
 Segmental result (EBITDA)                   235          809      1,521      2,565 
                                        --------  -----------  ---------  --------- 
 Depreciation and amortisation charge       (22)        (135)      (100)      (257) 
 IFRS 16 depreciation                       (45)        (168)       (93)      (306) 
 Group costs                                                                  (382) 
 Share of associate profit                                                       66 
 Net finance costs (including IFRS 
  16)                                                                         (690) 
                                                                          --------- 
 Profit before taxation                                                         996 
 Taxation                                                                     (204) 
                                                                          --------- 
 Profit for the year                                                            792 
                                                                          --------- 
 
   ii)          Assets and liabilities by segment as at 31 December 
 
                                                                            Segment net 
                           Segment assets      Segment liabilities      assets/(liabilities) 
                             2022      2021        2022        2021         2022         2021 
                          GBP'000   GBP'000     GBP'000     GBP'000      GBP'000      GBP'000 
                         --------  --------  ----------  ----------  -----------  ----------- 
 Continuing operations 
 CEPS Group                   286       543     (5,410)     (5,251)      (5,124)      (4,708) 
 Aford Awards               4,014     1,974     (2,170)       (789)        1,844        1,185 
 Friedman's                 7,575     7,620     (2,244)     (2,146)        5,331        5,474 
 Hickton Group              9,646     9,376     (7,182)     (7,785)        2,464        1,591 
 
 Total - Group             21,521    19,513    (17,006)    (15,971)        4,515        3,542 
                         --------  --------  ----------  ----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
   (iii)        Revenue by geographical destination 
 
                     2022      2021 
                  GBP'000   GBP'000 
 UK                24,782    19,048 
 Europe             1,113       762 
 Rest of world        554       523 
                 --------  -------- 
                   26,449    20,333 
                 --------  -------- 
 
   (iv)        Nature of revenue 
 
                                  2022      2021 
                               GBP'000   GBP'000 
 Products - recognised at 
  a point in time                9,509     6,147 
 Services - recognised over 
  time delivered                16,940    14,186 
                              --------  -------- 
                                26,449    20,333 
                              --------  -------- 
 
   5.       Taxation 
 
                                          2022      2021 
                                       GBP'000   GBP'000 
                                      --------  -------- 
 Analysis of taxation in the year: 
 Current tax 
 Tax on profits of the year                295       153 
 Tax in respect of prior years             (7)       (9) 
                                      --------  -------- 
 Total current tax                         288       144 
                                      --------  -------- 
 Deferred tax 
 Current year deferred tax movement       (34)         8 
 Tax in respect of prior years              16        20 
 Change in tax rate                          -        32 
 Total deferred tax                       (18)        60 
                                      --------  -------- 
 Total tax charge                          270       204 
                                      --------  -------- 
 

The tax assessed for the year is higher (2021: higher) than the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK (19%) (2021: 19%)

 
 Factors affecting current tax: 
 Profit before taxation                            1,346    996 
                                                  ------  ----- 
 Profit multiplied by the standard rate of UK 
  tax of 19% (2021: 19%)                             256    189 
 Effects of: 
 Expenses not deductible                              39     27 
 Additional capital allowances                       (9)   (15) 
 Additional research and development allowances        -   (20) 
 Adjustments to tax in prior periods                   9     11 
 Adjustments to deferred tax rate                    (2)     32 
 Deferred tax not recognised                        (23)   (20) 
                                                          ----- 
 Total tax charge                                    270    204 
                                                  ------  ----- 
 

In May 2021 a change in rate to 25% from April 2023 was substantively enacted. The rate of 25% is accordingly applied to UK deferred taxation balances at 31 December 2022 (2021: 25%).

There are tax losses carried forward in the Company of approximately GBP1.55m (2021: GBP1.8m).

   6.       Earnings per share 

Basic earnings per share is calculated on the profit for the year after taxation attributable to the owners of the parent of GBP460,000 (2021: GBP296,000) and on 21,000,000 (2021: 18,084,932) ordinary shares, being the weighted number in issue during the year.

There are no potentially dilutive shares in the Group.

   7.    Property, plant and equipment 
 
                                                Leasehold    Plant and       Motor     Total 
                                                 property    machinery    vehicles 
                                             improvements 
 Group                                            GBP'000      GBP'000     GBP'000   GBP'000 
                                           --------------  -----------  ----------  -------- 
  Cost 
  at 1 January 2021                                   480          606           9     1,095 
          Assets acquired on purchase 
           of a subsidiary or a business                -           43           -        43 
  Additions at cost                                     7          289          13       309 
  Disposals                                             -        (172)         (1)     (173) 
                                           --------------  -----------  ----------  -------- 
  at 31 December 2021                                 487          766          21     1,274 
  Additions at cost                                     -          120           -       120 
  Disposals                                             -         (13)           -      (13) 
                                           --------------  -----------  ----------  -------- 
  at 31 December 2022                                 487          873          21     1,381 
                                           --------------  -----------  ----------  -------- 
  Accumulated depreciation 
  at 1 January 2021                                   189          264           9       462 
  Charge for the year                                  45          135           -       180 
  Disposals                                             -        (131)         (1)     (132) 
  at 31 December 2021                                 234          268           8       510 
  Charge for the year                                  42          159           3       204 
  Disposals                                             -          (4)           -       (4) 
  at 31 December 2022                                 276          423          11       710 
                                           --------------  -----------  ----------  -------- 
  Net book amount 
  at 31 December 2022                                 211          450          10       671 
                                           --------------  -----------  ----------  -------- 
  at 31 December 2021                                 253          498          13       764 
                                           --------------  -----------  ----------  -------- 
 
   8.       Right-of-use assets 
 
                                         Leasehold    Plant and       Motor 
                                          property    machinery    vehicles     Total 
 Group                                     GBP'000      GBP'000     GBP'000   GBP'000 
                                        ----------  -----------  ----------  -------- 
  Cost 
  at 1 January 2021                          1,402           16          12     1,430 
          Assets acquired on purchase 
           of a subsidiary                      20            -           -        20 
          Additions at cost                    354          181           -       535 
          Disposals at the end of the 
           lease term                        (162)            -        (12)     (174) 
                                        ----------  -----------  ----------  -------- 
  At 31 December 2021                        1,614          197           -     1,811 
  Additions at cost                            753           54           -       807 
  At 31 December 2022                        2,367          251           -     2,618 
                                        ----------  -----------  ----------  -------- 
  Accumulated depreciation 
  At 1 January 2021                            442            5           7       454 
  Charge for the year                          252           49           5       306 
          Disposals at the end of the 
           lease term                        (162)            -        (12)     (174) 
                                        ----------  -----------  ----------  -------- 
  at 31 December 2021                          532           54           -       586 
  Charge for the year                          282           56           -       338 
           At 31 December 2022                 814          110           -       924 
                                        ----------  -----------  ----------  -------- 
  Net book amount 
  at 31 December 2022                        1,553          141           -     1,694 
                                        ----------  -----------  ----------  -------- 
  at 31 December 2021                        1,082          143           -     1,225 
                                        ----------  -----------  ----------  -------- 
 

At the year end, assets held under hire purchase contracts and capitalised as plant and machinery right-of-use assets have a net book value of GBP97,000 (2021: GBP76,000).

The depreciation of GBP33,000 (2021: GBP29,000) in respect of these has been charged to cost of sales in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.

   9.       Business combinations 
   i)        Acquisition in 2022 of Impact Promotional Merchandise Limited 

On 12 April 2022, a subsidiary, Aford Awards Limited, acquired the trade and certain assets of Impact Promotional Merchandise Limited. This supplies trophies, awards and medals together with customised promotional merchandise including mugs and clothing.

The acquisition has been accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. Fair value adjustments were made in respect of a website and customer relationships amounting to GBP420,000 together with a related deferred tax liability of GBP101,000.

Goodwill of GBP681,000 arose from the acquisition primarily in respect of the ability to win further business including the business synergies and opportunities from being integrated into the company.

Acquisition fees of GBP16,000 were incurred which have been expensed as an administrative cost in the year.

The following table shows the fair value of assets and liabilities included in the consolidated statements at the date of acquisition:

 
                                                                Fair value 
                                                                   GBP'000 
            Identifiable assets and liabilities 
            Intangible assets                                          420 
            Inventories                                                  8 
            Deferred taxation                                        (101) 
                                                    ---------------------- 
                                                                       327 
            Goodwill                                                   681 
                                                    ---------------------- 
                                                                     1,008 
                                                    ---------------------- 
 
            Consideration 
            Cash consideration paid at completion                      558 
            Deferred consideration                                     450 
                                                    ---------------------- 
                                                                     1,008 
                                                    ---------------------- 
 

The cash outflow at the date of acquisition was GBP558,000 with deferred consideration of GBP210,000 payable on 14 March 2023; GBP60,000 on 30 September 2023; GBP60,000 on 31 March 2024; GBP60,000 on 30 September 2024 and GBP60,000 on 31 March 2025.

The business contributed GBP864,000 of revenue for the eight months in the year after the acquisition date. It is integrated into the overall Aford Awards business and generates similar margins.

GBP53,000 of deferred consideration was also paid in the year in respect of businesses acquired in 2021.

   ii)       Acquisition in 2021 of Millington Lord Limited 

On 15 March 2021 a subsidiary, Hickton Group Limited, acquired 100 per cent of the issued share capital of Millington Lord Limited with its two trading subsidiaries Morgan Lambert Limited and Qualitas Compliance Limited. There was initial cash consideration of GBP700,000 together with deferred and contingent amounts of GBP400,000 which were subsequently paid in the year.

The acquisition has been accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. After including the fair value of customer intangible assets and related deferred tax, the fair value of net assets acquired was GBP248,000.

Goodwill of GBP852,000 arose from the acquisition primarily in respect of the overall workforce skills and their ability to generate income. Acquisition fees of GBP45,500 were incurred which were expensed as an administrative cost in the year.

The following table shows the fair value of assets and liabilities included in the consolidated statements at the date of acquisition:

 
                                                                Fair value 
                                                                   GBP'000 
            Identifiable assets and liabilities 
            Intangible assets                                          350 
            Property, plant and equipment                               33 
            Trade and other receivables                                892 
            Cash and cash equivalents                                   55 
            Trade and other payables                                 (726) 
            Lease liabilities                                         (20) 
            Borrowings                                               (223) 
            Corporation tax payable                                   (17) 
            Deferred consideration                                    (96) 
                                                    ---------------------- 
                                                                       248 
            Goodwill                                                   852 
                                                    ---------------------- 
                                                                     1,100 
                                                    ---------------------- 
 
            Consideration 
            Cash consideration                                       1,100 
 
            Analysis of cash flows on acquisition 
            Cash paid                                                1,100 
            Less: net cash acquired with 
             the subsidiary                                           (55) 
                                                    ---------------------- 
            Net cash outflow on acquisition                          1,045 
                                                    ---------------------- 
 

From the date of acquisition, Morgan Lambert Limited and Qualitas Compliance Limited contributed GBP4,490,000 of revenue and GBP221,000 of profit before tax (excluding amortisation of intangible assets). If the combination had taken place at the beginning of the year, the revenue would have been GBP5,318,000 and the profit before tax would have been GBP284,000.

   iii)   Acquisition in 2021 by Aford Awards Limited of trophy business trade and assets 

A subsidiary, Aford Awards Limited, purchased tangible fixed assets with a fair value of GBP30,000 and the trade, including customer relationships valued at GBP207,000, of three trophy businesses on 2 September 2021 for cash consideration of GBP176,000 paid in 2021 and GBP131,000 of estimated contingent consideration payable. After providing for GBP48,000 of deferred tax, GBP117,000 of goodwill arises in respect of the businesses.

The businesses contributed GBP69,000 of revenue for the four months in the year after the acquisition date. They are integrated into the overall Aford Awards business and generate similar margins.

   10.     Intangible assets 
 
                                                      Customer 
                                                  relationship 
                                      Goodwill          assets     Other     Total 
 Group                                 GBP'000         GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
                                     ---------  --------------  --------  -------- 
  Cost 
  at 1 January 2021                      9,677             772       285    10,734 
  Additions at cost                        969             557        72     1,598 
  At 31 December 2021                   10,646           1,329       357    12,332 
  Additions at cost                        681             230       265     1,176 
  Disposals                              (385)           (578)         -     (963) 
  At 31 December 2022                   10,942             981       622    12,545 
                                     ---------  --------------  --------  -------- 
          Accumulated amortisation 
           and impairment 
  at 1 January 2021                        557             772       197     1,526 
  Amortisation charge                        -              50        27        77 
  at 31 December 2021                      557             822       224     1,603 
  Amortisation charge                        -             112        65       177 
  Disposals                              (385)           (578)         -     (963) 
  at 31 December 2022                      172             356       289       817 
                                     ---------  --------------  --------  -------- 
  Net book amount 
  at 31 December 2022                   10,770             625       333    11,728 
                                     ---------  --------------  --------  -------- 
  at 31 December 2021                   10,089             507       133    10,729 
                                     ---------  --------------  --------  -------- 
 

The net nil book value disposals relate to prior year business disposals not removed from cost and accumulated amortisation at that time.

Goodwill is not amortised under IFRS, but is subject to impairment testing either annually or on the occurrence of a triggering event. Impairment charges are included in administration expenses and disclosed as an exceptional cost.

Customer relationship related assets and other intangibles in respect of computer software, website costs and licences are amortised over their estimated economic lives. The annual amortisation charge is expensed to cost of sales in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.

Impairment tests for goodwill and intangible assets

The Group tests goodwill and intangible assets arising on the acquisition of a subsidiary (customer relationships) annually for impairment or more frequently if there are indications that goodwill or customer relationship assets may be impaired.

For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill and customer assets are allocated to the Group's cash generating units (CGUs) on a business segment basis:

 
                          Aford                Hickton 
                         Awards   Friedman's     Group     Total 
                        GBP'000      GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
 Goodwill 
 at 1 January 2021        1,157        3,167     4,913     9,237 
 Additions at cost            -            -       852       852 
 at 31 December 2021      1,157        3,167     5,765    10,089 
 Additions at cost          681            -         -       681 
 at 31 December 2022      1,838        3,167     5,765    10,770 
                       --------  -----------  --------  -------- 
 

The recoverable amount of a CGU is based on value-in-use calculations. These calculations use cash flow projections based on financial budgets approved by management covering a five-year period. Cash flows beyond five years are assumed to increase only by a long-term growth rate of 1.9%. A discount rate of 12.8% (2021: 11.0%), representing the estimated pre-tax cost of capital, has been applied to these projections.

Management has determined the budgeted revenue growth and gross margins based on past performance and their expectations of market developments in the future. Long-term growth rates are based on the lower of the UK long-term growth rate and management's general expectations for the relevant CGU.

In respect of Aford Awards, Friedman's, Hickton Quality Control, Cook Brown and Morgan Lambert within the Hickton Group, the value-in-use calculation gives rise to sufficient headroom such that reasonable changes in the key assumptions do not eliminate the headroom. The Milano International business, within the Friedman's segment, has been the business most impacted by the pandemic and is the most susceptible to impairment if future projected growth is not achieved.

   11.       Share capital and share premium 
 
                                         Ordinary 
                                Number    GBP0.10      Share 
                             of shares     shares    premium     Total 
                                          GBP'000    GBP'000   GBP'000 
 At 31 December 2021 and 
  2022                      21,000,000      2,100      7,017     9,117 
                           -----------  ---------  ---------  -------- 
 

In the prior year, on 24 September 2021, 4,000,000 GBP0.10 ordinary shares were issued at 40 pence each resulting in a GBP400,000 increase in nominal share capital and a GBP1,176,000 increase in the share premium account after deducting share issue expenses of GBP24,000.

   12.       Distribution of the Annual Report and Notice of AGM 

A copy of the 2022 Annual Report, together with a notice of the Company's Annual General Meeting ('AGM') to be held at 11:30am on Monday 12 June 2023 at 11 Laura Place, Bath BA2 4BL , will be sent to all shareholders on Friday 12 May 2023. Further copies will be available to the public from the Company Secretary at the Company's registered address at 11 Laura Place, Bath BA2 4BL and from the Group website, www.cepsplc.com .

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END

FR EAXSLESPDEFA

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

May 05, 2023 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)

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