RNS Number : 1725O
Porvair PLC
30 January 2023
 

For immediate release                                                                                                   30 January 2023

Porvair plc

Results for the year ended 30 November 2022

Porvair plc ("Porvair" or "the Group"), the specialist filtration, laboratory and environmental technology group, announces its results for the year ended 30 November 2022.

Highlights:

·      Revenue 18% higher at £172.6 million (2021: £146.3 million), 13% higher on a constant currency basis*.

·      Operating profit 25% higher at £19.8 million (2021: £15.8 million).

·      Adjusted operating profit* 29% higher at £20.5 million (2021: £15.9 million).

·      Profit before tax 26% higher at £18.7 million (2021: £14.8 million).

·      Adjusted profit before tax* 31% higher at £19.4 million (2021: £14.8 million).

·      Basic earnings per share 23% higher at 32.1 pence (2021: 26.0 pence). 

·      Adjusted basic earnings per share* 32% higher at 33.2 pence (2021: 25.2 pence).

·      Net cash was £18.3 million (2021: £10.2 million) after investing £5.9 million (2021: £7.2 million) in capital expenditure and acquisitions.

·      Recommended final dividend of 3.8 pence (2021: 3.5 pence) bringing the full year dividend to 5.7 pence (2021: 5.3 pence).

Commenting on the results and outlook, Ben Stocks, Chief Executive, said:

"2022 was a record year with 13% constant currency revenue growth and adjusted profit before tax 31% higher. All three divisions traded well to deliver top line growth ahead of the Group's fifteen-year average of 9% revenue CAGR. Porvair's strategy and devolved management structure together helped to overcome challenging supply chain, inflationary and operating conditions.

"As we move into 2023 the Board sees some reasons for caution in the near-term: supply chain dislocation, while diminishing, requires vigilance; inflationary pressures continue; the wider economic picture is uncertain and there is a likelihood of currency headwinds. However, the Group order book finished the year at record levels despite clear signs of lead times returning to normal; the aerospace outlook is healthier than it has been since 2019; the petrochemical orderbook is encouraging; and recent new product introductions will support growth. Consistent investment in productivity over the last five years is improving operating margins and a strong balance sheet will support continued investment in 2023. Porvair benefits from global growth trends including tightening environmental regulation; growth in analytical science; the need for clean water; carbon-efficient transportation; the replacement of plastic and steel by aluminium; and the drive for manufacturing process quality and efficiency. These trends have supported a consistent medium and long-term growth record and the Board is confident that this can continue."

* See notes 1, 2 and 3 for definitions and reconciliations.

 

For further information please contact:

 


01553 765 500


Ben Stocks, Chief Executive




James Mills, Group Finance Director





020 7466 5000


Charles Ryland / Simon Compton / George Cleary




 

An analyst briefing will take place at 9:30 a.m. on Monday 30 January 2023, please contact Buchanan if you wish to join.  An audiocast of the meeting and the presentation will subsequently be made available at www.porvair.com.


Operating review


2022

 

2021

 

Growth


£m

 

£m

 

%

Revenue

172.6


146.3


18

Operating profit

19.8


15.8


25

Adjusted operating profit*

20.5


15.9


29

Profit before tax

18.7


14.8


26

Adjusted profit before tax*

19.4


14.8


31


 






Pence


Pence



Earnings per share

32.1


26.0


23

Adjusted earnings per share*

33.2


25.2


32


 






£m


£m



Cash generated from operations

22.8


18.6



Net cash (excluding lease liabilities)

18.3


10.2



* See notes 1, 2 and 3 for definitions and reconciliations.

Revenue was 18% higher. Profit before tax increased by 26%. Adjusted profit before tax was up 31% and adjusted earnings per share up 32%.

It was a year of unusually strong currency tail-winds. At constant currency, revenue growth was 13% (see note 1). The direct effects of foreign exchange on profit are harder to measure.  We estimate that adjusted operating profit at constant currency would have been around £19.0 million and adjusted earnings per share around 31 pence.

The Group's record for growth, cash generation and investment is:


5 years

 

10 years

15 years


CAGR*

 

CAGR*

CAGR*

Revenue growth

8%

 

8%

9%

Earnings per share growth

10%

 

12%

12%

Adjusted earnings per share growth

11%

 

13%

12%


 

 




£m

 

£m

£m

Cash from operations

86.7

 

152.1

187.8

Investment in acquisitions and capital expenditure

44.8

 

78.7

96.4

* Compound annual growth rate

Porvair's strategy and purpose has remained consistent for 18 years, a period that now encompasses two recessions and a pandemic. This longer-term growth record gives the Board confidence in the Group's capabilities and is the basis for capital allocation and planning decisions.

Strategic statement and business model

Porvair's strategic purpose is the development of specialist filtration, laboratory and environmental technology businesses for the benefit of all stakeholders. Principal measures of success include consistent earnings growth and selected ESG measures as set out in the full ESG report.

The Group is positioned to benefit from global trends: tightening environmental regulations; growth in analytical science; the need for clean water; carbon-efficient transportation; the replacement of plastic and steel by aluminium; and the drive for manufacturing process quality and efficiency.

Porvair businesses have certain key characteristics in common:

·      Specialist design or engineering skills are required;

·      Product use and replacement is mandated by regulation, quality accreditation or a maintenance cycle; and

·      Products are typically designed into a system that will have a long life-cycle and must perform to a given specification.

This leads the Group to:

1.   Focus on markets with long-term growth potential;

2.   Look for applications where product use is mandated and replacement demand is regular;

3.   Make new product development a core business activity;

4.   Establish geographic presence where end-markets require; and

5.   Invest in both organic and acquired growth.

·      We focus on three operating segments: Aerospace & Industrial; Laboratory; and Metal Melt Quality. All have clear long-term growth drivers;

·      Our products typically reduce emissions or protect complex downstream systems and, as a result, are replaced regularly.  A high proportion of our annual revenue is from repeat orders;

·      Through a focus on new product development, we aim to generate growth rates in excess of the underlying market.  Where possible, we build intellectual property around our product developments;

·      21% in Continental Europe; 10% in the UK; and 1% in Africa.  The Group has plants in the US, UK, Germany, the Netherlands and China.  In the last twelve months: 55% of revenue was manufactured in the US; 29% in the UK; 13% in Continental Europe; and 3% in China;

·      We aim to meet dividend and investment needs from free cash flow and modest borrowing facilities.  In recent years we have expanded manufacturing capacity in the UK, Germany, US and China, and made several acquisitions.  All investments are subject to a hurdle rate analysis based on strategic and financial priorities.

Environmental, Social and Governance ('ESG')

·      Porvair's ESG management framework, goals and TCFD reporting;

·      How climate change and a net zero carbon future might affect markets served by the Group;

·      ESG metrics and results; and

·      How the Group has acted for the benefit of its stakeholders in 2022.

 

In 2020 the Group set a target to achieve a 10% reduction in carbon intensity ratio by 2025. As set out in the ESG report, this was exceeded in 2022. The Board has reset the target to achieve a further 10% reduction from the 2022 baseline.

 

Divisional review

Aerospace & Industrial


2022

 

2021

 

Growth


£m

 

£m

 

%

Revenue

64.7


55.8


16

Operating profit

6.8


3.9


74

Adjusted operating profit*

7.2


4.4


64

* See notes 1 and 2 for definitions and reconciliations.

The Aerospace & Industrial division designs and manufactures a wide range of specialist filtration products, demand for which is driven by customers seeking better engineered, cleaner, safer or more efficient operations.  Differentiation is achieved through design engineering; the development of intellectual property; and quality accreditations.

Revenue grew 16%, or 13% at constant currency (note 1), with aerospace, nuclear and microelectronics all well ahead of the prior year. It was a slower year for petrochemical work but orders picked up in the final quarter and the outlook is brighter, particularly for emissions control work in India. For the second year there were no gasification sales with current filters performing better than expected in situ. Aerospace revenue was up 19% and the order book for 2023 is healthy.

Operating profit benefitted from both volume and pricing effects and were further improved by productivity investments made in covid-affected prior years. Adjusted operating profit margin at 11.1% is returning to pre-pandemic levels. Investments continued through the year to improve quality, capacity and productivity.

It was a good year for recently introduced products. While relatively modest in revenue terms, unusual engineering challenges were successfully undertaken for both the SpaceX and Blue Origin space programmes; the US DoE nuclear waste remediation programme at Hanford River; and the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor in France.

Laboratory


2022

 

2021

 

Growth


£m

 

£m

 

%

Revenue

62.7


53.2


18

Operating profit

10.0


9.6


4

Adjusted operating profit*

10.3


9.6


7

* See notes 1 and 2 for definitions and reconciliations.

The Laboratory division has two operating businesses: Porvair Sciences (including JG Finneran and Kbio) and Seal Analytical.

·     

 

·     

Revenue grew 18%, or 14% at constant currency (note 1), with both Seal Analytical and the Life Sciences consumables segments achieving record sales. Kbio performed well, returning to more normal sales patterns after a covid-related boost in the prior year and helped by increased sales into the US through JG Finneran sales channels.

Operating profit was up 7%, or 5% in constant currency, with margins softening as flattering covid-related work settled back and a more normal product mix returned. Adjusted operating profit margin at 16.4% is at satisfactory levels. Investment continued through the year in tooling and capacity expansion for sample preparation products.

The recently introduced AQ700 water analysis instrument exceeded expectations in the year and will be a key component in Seal's future growth. Based on proprietary component design this is a high-throughput, low detection-limit instrument ideally suited to laboratories where automation of process is becoming essential.



 

Metal Melt Quality


2022

 

2021

 

Growth


£m

 

£m

 

%

Revenue

45.2


37.4


21

Operating profit

5.7


5.7


-

Adjusted operating profit*

5.7


5.1


12

* See notes 1 and 2 for definitions and reconciliations.

The Metal Melt Quality division manufactures filters for molten aluminium, ductile iron and nickel-cobalt alloys.  It has a well-differentiated product range based on patented products and a promising new product pipeline.

Revenue was at a record level, growing at 21%, or 11% at constant currency (note 1). Post-covid recovery in aerospace and foundry-related markets helped, as did further progress in the demand for metal grades suitable for electric and hybrid vehicles; and the switch from plastic to recyclable aluminium beverage packaging. Over 90 billion cans were made from aluminium filtered by Porvair in 2022.

Operating profit was up 12%, or 6% in constant currency.  Adjusted margin was ahead of target at 12.6%, marginally less than the prior year which was flattered by lower than normal selling and other costs.

Dividends

The Board re-affirms its progressive dividend policy and recommends a final dividend of 3.8 pence per share, at a value of £1.7 million (2021: 3.5 pence per share, at a value of £1.6 million).  The full year dividend increases by 7.5% to 5.7 pence per share, a value of £2.6 million (2021: 5.3 pence per share, a value of £2.4 million).  The Company had £36.5 million (2021: £27.8 million) of distributable reserves at 30 November 2022.

Staff

In many respects, of our various stakeholders, it is our staff that are the most crucial. 2022 was not an easy year in which to work in manufacturing operations with the macro shocks of inflation and economic uncertainty combining with micro complications of supply disruption and covid-related absence. The staff across our 17 facilities have coped well and the Board wishes to salute their resourcefulness and perseverance. Porvair believes in devolving management autonomy as far as possible, and our management teams are remunerated in part by how well they execute the employee engagement framework set out by the Board. The Board is very grateful for the hard work, enthusiasm and dedication of all our staff.

Current trading and outlook

2022 was a record year with 13% constant currency revenue growth and adjusted profit before tax 31% higher. All three divisions traded well to deliver top line growth ahead of the Group's fifteen-year average of 9% revenue CAGR. Porvair's strategy and devolved management structure together helped to overcome challenging supply chain, inflationary and operating conditions.

As we move into 2023 the Board sees some reasons for caution in the near-term: supply chain dislocation, while diminishing, requires vigilance; inflationary pressures continue; the wider economic picture is uncertain and there is a likelihood of currency headwinds. However, the Group order book finished the year at record levels despite clear signs of lead times returning to normal; the aerospace outlook is healthier than it has been since 2019; the petrochemical orderbook is encouraging; and recent new product introductions will support growth. Consistent investment in productivity over the last five years is improving operating margins and a strong balance sheet will support continued investment in 2023. Porvair benefits from global growth trends including tightening environmental regulation; growth in analytical science; the need for clean water; carbon-efficient transportation; the replacement of plastic and steel by aluminium; and the drive for manufacturing process quality and efficiency. These trends have supported a consistent medium and long-term growth record and the Board is confident that this can continue.

Ben Stocks

Group Chief Executive

27 January 2023

 



 

Financial review

 

Group results


2022

 

2021

 

Growth


£m

 

£m

 

%

Revenue

172.6


146.3


18

Operating profit

19.8


15.8


25

Profit before tax

18.7


14.8


26

Profit after tax

14.7


11.9


24

 

Revenue was 18% higher on a reported currency basis and 13% higher at constant currency (see note 1).  Operating profit was £19.8 million (2021: £15.8 million) and profit before tax was £18.7 million (2021: £14.8 million). Profit after tax was £14.7 million (2021: £11.9 million).

Alternative performance measures - profit


2022

 

2021

 

Growth


£m

 

£m

 

%

Adjusted operating profit

20.5


15.9


29

Adjusted profit before tax

19.4


14.8


31

Adjusted profit after tax

15.3


11.6


32

 

The Group presents alternative performance measures to enable a better understanding of its trading performance (see note 1). Adjusted operating profit and adjusted profit before tax exclude items that are considered significant and where treatment as an adjusted item provides a more consistent assessment of the Group's trading. Adjusting items comprise a £0.7 million charge (2021: a net £0.1 million charge) for the amortisation of acquired intangible assets. The details of these adjustments are set out in note 1.  

Impact of exchange rate movements on performance

The international nature of the Group's business means that relative movements in exchange rates can affect reported performance.  The rates used for translating the results of overseas operations were:

2022

 

2021

Average rate for translating the results:

 

 


US $ denominated operations

$1.25:£

 

$1.37:£

Euro denominated operations

€1.18:£

 

€1.16:£

Closing rate for translating the balance sheet:

 

 


US $ denominated operations

$1.19:£

 

$1.32:£

Euro denominated operations

€1.16:£

 

€1.18:£

 

The movement in average rates used for translating US dollar and Euro results into Sterling has resulted in a net favourable revenue variance year-on-year of £8.2 million, between reported and constant currency (note 1 explains how constant currency performance is determined).

 

During the year, the Group sold US$25.0 million (2021: US$16.5 million) at a net rate of US$1.29:£1(2021: US$1.36:£1) and €2.6 million (2021: €10.5 million) at a net rate of €1.19:£1 (2021: €1.14:£1). At 30 November 2022, the Group had US$13.0 million (2021: US$1.0 million) and €0.4 million (2021: €0.3 million) of outstanding forward foreign exchange contracts; hedge accounting has not been applied to these contracts.

Finance costs

Net interest payable comprises bank borrowing costs, interest on lease liabilities, interest on the Group's pension deficit and the cost of unwinding discounts on provisions and other payables. Interest in the year remained flat at £1.1 million (2021: £1.1 million). Interest cover was 18 times (2021: 15 times). Interest cover on bank finance costs was 57 times (2021: 51 times).

Tax

The total Group tax charge for the year was £4.0 million (2021: £2.8 million), including the tax effect of adjusting items which are set out in note 1.  The adjusted tax charge was £4.2 million (2021: £3.2 million), with the effective rate of income tax on adjusted profit before tax being 21% (2021: 22%). The Group effective tax rate was impacted by overseas profits, which attract higher tax rates than the current 19% in the UK, noting the enacted increase in UK Corporation Tax to 25% from April 2023.   

The total tax charge comprises current tax of £3.4 million (2021: £2.7 million) and deferred tax of £0.6 million (2021: £0.1 million).

The Group has current tax provisions of £0.3 million (2021: £0.9 million), which includes £1.1 million (2021: £1.1 million) for uncertainties relating to the interpretation of tax legislation in the Group's operating territories, offset by payments on account and amounts recoverable for overpayments of tax.

The Group carries a deferred tax asset of £1.0 million (2021: £1.8 million) and a deferred tax liability of £2.8 million (2021: £2.4 million). The deferred tax asset relates principally to the retirement benefit obligations and share-based payments. The deferred tax liability relates to accelerated capital allowances, acquired intangible assets arising on consolidation and other timing differences.

Total equity and distributable reserves

Total equity at 30 November 2022 was £131.1 million (2021: £108.9 million), an increase of 20% over the prior year.

The net increase in total equity includes profit after tax of £14.7 million (2021: £11.9 million), a net of tax actuarial gain of £1.3 million (2021: £1.6 million), together with a £7.8 million exchange gain (2021: £nil) on the retranslation of foreign subsidiaries.

The Company had £36.5 million (2021: £27.8 million) of distributable reserves at 30 November 2022. The Company's distributable reserves increased in the year from dividends received from Group companies, together with an actuarial gain, offset by head office costs and dividends paid to shareholders.

Cash flow

The table below summarises the key elements of the cash flow for the year:

2022

 

2021

£m

 

£m

Operating cash flow before working capital

26.9

 

21.0

Working capital movement

(2.7)

 

(0.8)

Post-employment benefits (net cash movement)

(1.4)

 

(1.6)

Cash generated from operating activities

22.8

 

18.6

Interest

(0.4)

 

(0.3)

Tax

(4.1)

 

(2.2)

Capital expenditure

(4.9)

 

(3.2)


13.4

 

12.9

Acquisitions

(1.0)

 

(4.0)

Share issue proceeds

0.5

 

0.1

Purchase of Employee Benefit Trust shares

(0.7)

 

(0.7)

Decrease in borrowings

(5.0)

 

(3.7)

Dividends

(2.5)

 

(2.3)

Repayment of lease liabilities

(2.5)

 

(2.3)

Increase in cash

2.2

 

-

 

 


2022

 

2021


£m

 

£m

Net debt at 1 December

(2.0)

 

(8.7)

Increase in cash

2.2

 

-

Decrease in borrowings

5.0

 

3.7

Decrease in lease liabilities

1.2

 

1.1

Paycheck Protection Program loan waiver

-

 

1.4

Exchange gains

0.4

 

0.5

6.8

 

(2.0)

Net cash

18.3


10.2

Lease liabilities

(11.5)


(12.2)

6.8

 

(2.0)

Generating free cash flow is key to the Group's business model.  Operating cash flow of £22.8 million was generated in the year (2021: £18.6 million), with net working capital increasing by £2.7 million (2021: £0.8 million).  Receivables increased by £2.0 million (2021: decrease £0.2 million) as a result of the revenue growth, with strong collections throughout the year. Working capital management supported the investment in certain inventory items, given the wide-spread supply chain dislocation and need to sure up security of supply.  Inventories increased by £4.9 million (2021: £0.5 million) and payables and provisions increased by £4.2 million (2021: decrease of £0.5 million).

Provisions and contingent liabilities

The Group has £4.0 million (2021: £4.7 million) of provisions for dilapidations and performance warranties. £0.4 million of warranty provisions have been created in relation to sales made in the year. £1.1 million of warranty provisions have been released in the year, following the latest estimate of the expected costs to be incurred.

At 30 November 2022, the Group had the following advanced payment bonds (relating to monies received in advance on contracts) and performance bonds issued to customers in US dollars and Euros:


 


$m

 

€m

Advanced payment bonds



-


0.7

Performance bonds



1.0


0.3

At 30 November 2022

 

 

1.0

 

1.0

 

 

 

 

 

 


 


$m


€m

Advanced payment bonds



-


0.3

Performance bonds



2.5


0.8

At 30 November 2021



2.5


1.1

 

The uncalled performance bonds are expected to be called or released no later than December 2024.  

Capital expenditure

Capital expenditure on property, plant and equipment was £4.9 million in the year (2021: £3.2 million), as the Group stepped up investment in capital projects with a particular emphasis on automation and productivity.

Acquisitions

On 25 February 2021, the Group purchased 100% of the share capital of Kbio.  Contingent consideration paid in the 2022 year was £1.0 million. A further and final £1.0 million of consideration is contingent on Kbio meeting a profit target for the year ending 31 March 2023.  This amount discounted is accrued within 'Trade and other payables' at 30 November 2022. 

Retirement benefit obligations

Retirement benefit obligations measured in accordance with IAS 19 Employee Benefits were £9.8 million (2021: £12.6 million). The Group supports its defined benefit pension scheme in the UK ("The Plan"), which is closed to new members, and provides access to defined contribution schemes for its other employees. The Plan's liabilities decreased in the year to £34.1 million (2021: £49.6 million). The Plan's assets also decreased in the year to £24.5 million (2021: £37.0 million).  Following a change in financial assumptions, including an increase in the discount rate, together with a loss on assets, a net of tax actuarial gain of £1.3 million (2021: gain of £1.6 million) was recognised within the statement of comprehensive income.

Cash contributions paid to The Plan were £2.1 million (2021: £2.3 million), which included a deficit recovery payment of £1.6 million (2021: £1.6 million). The triennial actuarial valuation was completed in the year based on the Plan's position at 31 March 2021.  Based on the valuation, the Group has agreed to increase the annual deficit recovery payment from £1.6 million to £2.1 million, effective December 2022.

Borrowings and bank finance

At 30 November 2022, the Group had cash balances of £18.3 million (2021: £15.4 million) and borrowings of £nil (2021: £5.2 million); with net cash (excluding lease liabilities) of £18.3 million (2021: £10.2 million).

At 30 November 2022, the Group had €27.7 million/£23.9 million (2021: €21.5 million/£18.3 million) of unused credit facilities and an unutilised £2.5 million (2021: £2.5 million) overdraft facility.

Finance and treasury policy

The treasury function at Porvair is managed centrally, under Board supervision. It seeks to limit the Group's trading exposure to currency movements. The Group does not hedge against the impact of exchange rate movements on the translation of profits and losses of overseas operations.

The Group finances its operations through share capital, retained profits and, when required, bank debt. It has adequate facilities to finance its current operations and capital plans for the foreseeable future.

James Mills

Group Finance Director

27 January 2023



Consolidated income statement

For the year ended 30 November

 



2022


2021

Continuing operations


Note

£'000


£'000

Revenue


1,2

172,575


146,310

Cost of sales



(113,597)


(99,353)

Gross profit



58,978


46,957

Distribution costs



(2,759)


(2,391)

Administrative expenses



(36,409)


(28,724)

Adjusted operating profit


1,2

20,498


15,885

Adjustments:



 



Amortisation of acquired intangible assets



(688)


(740)

Other acquisition-related adjustments



-


(98)

Impairment of assets and restructuring costs



-


(542)

Paycheck Protection Program



-


1,337

Operating profit


1,2

19,810


15,842

Finance costs



(1,072)


(1,084)

Profit before tax


1,2

18,738


14,758

Adjusted income tax expense



(4,169)


(3,210)

Adjustments:



 



Tax effect of adjustments to operating profit


1

145


396

Income tax expense



(4,024)


(2,814)

Profit for the year


1,2

14,714


11,944

 

 



 



Earnings per share (basic)


3

32.1p


26.0p

Earnings per share (diluted)


3

32.0p


26.0p

 



 



Adjusted earnings per share (basic)


3

33.2p


25.2p

Adjusted earnings per share (diluted)


3

33.2p


25.2p

 

 

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

For the year ended 30 November

 

2022

£'000


2021

£'000

Profit for the year

 

14,714


11,944

Other comprehensive income

 

 



Items that will not be reclassified to profit and loss:

 

 



Actuarial gain in defined benefit pension plans net of tax

 

1,257


1,600

Items that may be subsequently reclassified to profit and loss:

 

 



Exchange gains on translation of foreign subsidiaries

 

7,796


12

Total other comprehensive income for the year

 

9,053


1,612

Total comprehensive income for the year

 

23,767


13,556

 

 

 



 



 

Consolidated balance sheet

As at 30 November


 

Note

 

2022

£'000


2021

£'000

 


 




Property, plant and equipment


 

24,311


21,235

Right-of-use assets


 

10,144


11,014

Goodwill and other intangible assets


 

77,900


74,103

Deferred tax asset


 

1,046


1,821



 

113,401


108,173


 

 



Inventories


 

30,973


24,650

Trade and other receivables


 

24,471


21,344

Derivative financial instruments


 

554


-

Cash and cash equivalents


 

18,297


15,442



 

74,295


61,436


 

 



Trade and other payables


 

(27,881)


(21,702)

Current tax liabilities


 

(309)


(853)

Lease liabilities


 

(2,156)


(2,207)

Derivative financial instruments


 

(319)


(20)

Provisions

5

 

(3,692)


(4,372)


 

(34,357)


(29,154)


 

39,938


32,282


 

 




 

 



Borrowings


 

-


(5,217)

Deferred tax liability


 

(2,811)


(2,425)

Retirement benefit obligations


 

(9,816)


(12,602)

Other payables


 

-


(945)

Lease liabilities


 

(9,316)


(10,024)

Provisions

5

 

(328)


(296)


 

(22,271)


(31,509)


 

131,068


108,946


 

 




 

 



Share capital


 

927


924

Share premium account


 

37,626


37,078

Cumulative translation reserve


 

15,453


7,657

Retained earnings


 

77,062


63,287


 

131,068


108,946

 



Consolidated cash flow statement

For the year ended 30 November

 

Note

 

2022

£'000

 

2021

£'000




 


Cash generated from operations

7


22,798

 

18,624

Interest paid


 

(403)

 

(305)

Tax paid


 

(4,118)

 

(2,215)


 

18,277

 

16,104


 

 

 



 

 

 


Acquisition of subsidiaries (net of cash acquired)


 

(1,000)

 

(3,968)

Purchase of property, plant and equipment


 

(4,826)

 

(3,182)

Purchase of intangible assets


 

(61)

 

(47)

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment


 

17

 

9


 

(5,870)

 

(7,188)


 

 

 



 

 

 


Proceeds from issue of ordinary shares


 

551

 

152

Purchase of Employee Benefit Trust shares


 

(749)

 

(716)

Decrease in borrowings


 

(4,986)

 

(3,687)

Dividends paid to shareholders

4

 

(2,478)

 

(2,345)

Repayments of lease liabilities


 

(2,503)

 

(2,292)


 

(10,165)

 

(8,888)


 

 

 



 

2,242

 

28

Exchange gains/(losses) on cash and cash equivalents

 

613

 

(149)



 

2,855

 

(121)

Cash and cash equivalents at 1 December


 

15,442

 

15,563


 

18,297

 

15,442

 

 

Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net debt

 

 

2022

£'000

 

2021

£'000

 

 

 

 


Net debt at 1 December

 

(2,006)

 

(8,735)

Increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

2,242

 

28

Decrease in borrowings

 

4,986

 

3,687

Decrease in lease liabilities

 

1,194

 

1,147

Paycheck Protection Program loan waiver

 

-

 

1,337

Effects of exchange rate changes

 

409

 

530

Net cash/(debt) at 30 November

 

6,825

 

(2,006)

 

Net cash and bank debt

 

18,297

 

10,225

Lease liabilities

 

(11,472)

 

(12,231)

Net cash/(debt) at 30 November

 

6,825

 

(2,006)

 



Consolidated statement of changes in equity

For the year ended 30 November

 

 

Share capital

£'000

Share

premium account

£'000

Cumulative

translation   reserve

£'000

 

Retained earnings

£'000

 

Total

equity

£'000

At 1 December 2020

923

36,927

7,645

52,697

98,192

Profit for the year

-

-

-

11,944

11,944

Other comprehensive income

-

-

12

1,600

1,612

Total comprehensive income for the year

-

-

12

13,544

13,556

Purchase of own shares (held in trust)

-

-

-

(716)

(716)

Issue of ordinary share capital

1

151

-

-

152

Share-based payments charge

-

-

-

107

107

Dividends paid

-

-

-

(2,345)

(2,345)

At 30 November 2021

924

37,078

7,657

63,287

108,946







Profit for the year

-

-

-

14,714

14,714

Other comprehensive income

-

-

7,796

1,257

9,053

Total comprehensive income for the year

-

-

7,796

15,971

23,767

Purchase of own shares (held in trust)

-

-

-

(749)

(749)

Issue of ordinary share capital

3

548

-

-

551

Share-based payments charge

-

-

-

1,031

1,031

Dividends paid

-

-

-

(2,478)

(2,478)

At 30 November 2022

927

37,626

15,453

77,062

131,068



Notes

 

1.         Alternative performance measures

Alternative performance measures are used by the Directors and management to monitor business performance internally and exclude certain cash and non-cash items which they believe are not reflective of the normal course of business of the Group. The Directors believe that disclosing such non-IFRS measures enables a reader to isolate and evaluate the impact of such items on results and allows for a fuller understanding of performance from year to year. Alternative performance measures may not be directly comparable with other similarly titled measures used by other companies.

Alternative revenue measures



2022

2021

Growth

£'000

£'000

%

Revenue at constant currency


61,864


54,888


13

Exchange


2,861


888



Revenue as reported


64,725


55,776


16



 





 





Underlying revenue

52,737


46,863


13

Acquisition

6,639


5,428



Revenue at constant currency

59,376


52,291


14

Exchange

3,308


885



Revenue as reported


62,684


53,176


18



 






 





Revenue at constant currency


40,236


36,225


11

Exchange


4,930


1,133



Revenue as reported


45,166


37,358


21



 





 





Underlying revenue

154,837


137,976


12

Acquisition

6,639


5,428



Revenue at constant currency


161,476


143,404


13

Exchange


11,099


2,906



Revenue as reported


172,575


146,310


18

 

Revenue at constant currency is derived from translating overseas subsidiaries results at budgeted fixed exchange rates.  In 2022 and 2021, the rates used were $1.40:£1 and €1.20:£1, compared with reported rates of $1.25:£1 (2021: $1.37:£1) and €1.18:£1 (2021: €1.16:£1).

 

Underlying revenue is revenue at constant currency adjusted for the impact of acquisitions made in the current and prior year.

 

The acquisition line relates to the revenue in relation to the acquisition of Kbio, which was acquired in February 2021.

 



 

Alternative profit measures

 

A reconciliation of the Group's adjusted performance measures to the reported IFRS measures is presented below:

 

 

 

 

2022

 

 


  2021


 

 

Adjusted

Adjustments

Reported

 

Adjusted

Adjustments

Reported

 

 

£'000

£'000

£'000

 

£'000

£'000

£'000

Operating profit

20,498

(688)

19,810


15,885

(43)

15,842

Finance costs

(1,072)

-

(1,072)


(1,084)

-

(1,084)

Profit before tax

19,426

(688)

18,738


14,801

(43)

14,758

Income tax expense

(4,169)

145

(4,024)


(3,210)

396

(2,814)

Profit for the year

15,257

(543)

14,714


11,591

353

11,944

 

An analysis of adjusting items is given below:


2022

 

2021

Affecting operating profit:

£'000

 

£'000

Amortisation of acquired intangible assets

(688)

 

(740)

Other acquisition-related adjustments

-

 

(98)

Impairment of assets and restructuring costs

-


(542)

Paycheck Protection Program

-


1,337

 

(688)


(43)

Affecting tax:




Tax effect of adjustments to operating profit

145


396

Total adjusting items

(543)


353

 

Adjusted operating profit excludes:

 

·      The amortisation of intangible assets arising on acquisition of businesses of £0.7 million (2021: £0.7 million);

·      Other acquisition-related costs of £nil (2021: £0.1 million in relation to the acquisition of Kbio); 

·      Covid-19 related impairment of assets and restructuring costs of £nil (2021: £0.5 million, principally within the Aerospace & Industrial division); and

·      Monies received under the US Paycheck Protection Program of £nil (2021: £1.3 million, for proceeds received in relation to eligible costs incurred within the US operations during the covid pandemic).

Return on capital employed

The Group uses two return measures to assess the return it makes on its investments: 

·      Return on capital employed of 15% (2021: 13%) is the tax adjusted operating profit as a percentage of the average capital employed.  Capital employed is the average of the opening and closing Group net assets less the average of the opening and closing net cash (excluding lease liabilities); and

 

·      Return on operating capital employed of % (2021: 31%) is calculated on the same basis except that the capital employed is adjusted to remove the average of the opening and closing goodwill and the opening and closing retirement benefit obligations to give a measure of the operating capital.



 

2.         Segment information

 

The chief operating decision maker has been identified as the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has instructed the Group's internal reporting to be based around differences in products and services, in order to assess performance and allocate resources.  The key profit measure used to assess the performance of each reportable segment is adjusted operating profit/(loss).  Management has determined the operating segments based on this reporting.

 

As at 30 November 2022, the Group is organised on a worldwide basis into three operating segments:

 

1)   Aerospace & Industrial - principally serving the aviation, and energy and industrial markets;

 

2)   Laboratory - principally serving the bioscience and environmental laboratory instrument and consumables market; and

 

3)   Metal Melt Quality - principally serving the global aluminium, North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) iron foundry and super-alloys markets.

Other Group operations' costs, assets and liabilities are included in the "Central" division. Central costs mainly comprise Group corporate costs, including new business development costs, some research and development costs and general financial costs.  Central assets and liabilities mainly comprise Group retirement benefit obligations, tax assets and liabilities, cash and borrowings.  

The segment results for the year ended 30 November 2022 are as follows:

 

2022

 

Aerospace & Industrial

 

 

Laboratory

 

Metal Melt Quality

 

 

Central

 

 

£'000

 

£'000

 

£'000

 

£'000

 

£'000

Total segment revenue

64,864


64,453


45,166


-


174,483

Inter-segment revenue

(139)


(1,769)


-


-


(1,908)

Revenue

64,725

 

62,684

 

45,166

 

-

 

172,575










 

Adjusted operating profit/(loss)

 

7,200

 

 

10,321

 

 

5,701

 

 

(2,724)

 

 

20,498

Amortisation of acquired intangible assets

 

(382)


 

(306)


 

-


 

-


 

(688)

Operating profit/(loss)

6,818

 

10,015

 

5,701

 

(2,724)

 

19,810

Finance costs

-


-


-


(1,072)


(1,072)

Profit/(loss) before tax

6,818

 

10,015

 

5,701

 

(3,796)

 

18,738

The segment results for the year ended 30 November 2021 are as follows:

 

2021

Aerospace & Industrial

 

 

Laboratory

 

Metal Melt Quality

 

 

Central

 

 

Group

 

£'000

 

£'000

 

£'000

 

£'000

 

£'000

Total segment revenue

55,918


54,965


37,358


-


148,241

Inter-segment revenue

(142)


(1,789)


-


-


(1,931)

Revenue

55,776


53,176


37,358


-


146,310











Adjusted operating profit/(loss)

 

4,399


 

9,649


 

5,074


 

(3,237)


 

15,885

Amortisation of acquired intangible assets

 

(396)


 

(344)


 

-


 

-


 

(740)

Other acquisition-related adjustments

 

-


 

-


 

-


 

(98)


 

(98)

Impairment of assets and restructuring costs

 

(542)


 

-


 

-


 

-


 

(542)

Paycheck Protection Program

 

407


 

295


 

635


 

-


 

1,337

Operating profit/(loss)

3,868


9,600


5,709


(3,335)


15,842

Finance costs

-


-


-


(1,084)


(1,084)

Profit/(loss) before tax

3,868


9,600


5,709


(4,419)


14,758

The segment assets and liabilities at 30 November 2022 are as follows: 

 

2022

Aerospace & Industrial

 

 

Laboratory

 

Metal Melt Quality

 

 

Central

 

 

Group

 

£'000

 

£'000

 

£'000

 

£'000

 

£'000

Segmental assets

68,033


63,324


36,063


1,979


169,399

Cash and cash equivalents

-


-


-


18,297


18,297

Total assets

68,033

 

63,324

 

36,063

 

20,276

 

187,696










 

Segmental liabilities

(21,640)


(13,168)


(6,893)


(5,111)


(46,812)

Retirement benefit obligations

-


-


-


(9,816)


(9,816)

(21,640)

 

(13,168)

 

(6,893)

 

(14,927)

 

(56,628)

The segment assets and liabilities at 30 November 2021 are as follows: 

 

2021

Aerospace & Industrial

 

 

Laboratory

 

Metal Melt Quality

 

 

Central

 

 

Group

 

£'000

 

£'000

 

£'000

 

£'000

 

£'000

Segmental assets

70,038


51,720


30,087


2,322


154,167

Cash and cash equivalents

-


-


-


15,442


15,442

Total assets

70,038


51,720


30,087


17,764


169,609











Segmental liabilities

(19,242)


(12,675)


(5,747)


(5,180)


(42,844)

Retirement benefit obligations

-


-


-


(12,602)


(12,602)

Borrowings

-


-


-


(5,217)


(5,217)

Total liabilities

(19,242)


(12,675)


(5,747)


(22,999)


(60,663)

Geographical analysis

 

2022

 

     2021

By destination

£'000

By origin

£'000

 

By destination

£'000


By origin

£'000

United Kingdom

17,715

50,018

 

14,886


42,652

Continental Europe

35,898

21,695

 

31,534


25,873

United States of America

80,537

96,370

 

64,673


71,695

Other NAFTA

3,592

-

 

2,647


-

South America

2,409

-

 

2,642


-

Asia

30,785

4,492

 

28,688


6,090

Africa

1,639

-

 

1,240


-


172,575

172,575

 

146,310


146,310

 



 

3.         Earnings per share (EPS)

 

2022

2021

As reported

 

 

Earnings

 

 

£'000

Weighted average number of shares

Per share

 

 

Pence

 

Earnings

 

 

£'000

Weighted average number of shares

Per share

 

 

Pence

Profit for the year - attributable to owners of the parent

 

 

14,714

 

 

 

 

 

11,944



Shares in issue

 

46,211,979

 

 


46,170,094


Shares owned by the Employee Benefit Trust

 

 

(319,288)

 

 


 

(198,822)


Basic EPS

14,714

45,892,691

32.1

 

11,944

45,971,272

26.0

Dilutive share options outstanding

 

-

 

18,598

 

(0.1)

 

 

-

 

38,370

 

-

Diluted EPS

14,714

45,911,289

32.0

 

11,944

46,009,642

26.0

 

 

2022

2021

 

Adjusted

 

 

Earnings

 

 

£'000

Weighted average number of shares

Per share

 

 

Pence

 

Earnings

 

 

£'000

Weighted average number of shares

Per share

 

 

Pence

Profit for the year - attributable to owners of the parent

 

 

14,714

 

 

 

 

 

11,944



Adjusting items (note 1)

543

 

 

 

(353)



Adjusted profit -attributable to owners of the parent

 

15,257

 

 

 

 

11,591



Adjusted basic EPS

15,257

45,892,691

33.2

 

11,591

45,971,272

25.2

15,257

45,911,289

33.2

 

11,591

46,009,642

25.2

 

2022

2021

Per share

Per share

Pence

£'000

Pence

£'000



Final dividend paid - in respect of prior year

3.5

1,606

3.3

1,517

Interim dividend paid - in respect of current year

1.9

872

1.8

828


5.4

2,478

5.1

2,345

The Directors recommend the payment of a final dividend of 3.8 pence per share (2021: 3.5 pence per share) to be paid on 7 June 2023 to shareholders on the register on 5 May 2023; the ex-dividend date is 4 May 2023.  This makes a total dividend for the year of 5.7 pence per share (2021: 5.3 pence per share).



 

5.         Provisions

 

 

 

 

Dilapidations

 

Warranty

 

Total





£'000

 

£'000

 

£'000

At 30 November 2021




296


4,372


4,668

Additional charge in the year




-


439


439

Utilisation of provision




-


(40)


(40)

Release of provision




-


(1,120)


(1,120)

Unwinding of discount




32


-


32

Exchange




-


41


41

At 30 November 2022

 

 

 

328

 

3,692

 

4,020

Provisions arise from potential claims on major contracts, sale warranties, and discounted dilapidations for leased property.  Matters that could affect the timing, quantum and extent to which provisions are utilised or released, include the impact of any remedial work, claims against outstanding performance bonds, and the demonstrated life of the filtration equipment installed. The outflow of economic benefits in relation to warranty provisions is expected to be within one year, whilst the outflow on dilapidations is expected to be greater than one year. 

 

 

2022


2021

Analysis of total provisions

£'000


£'000

Current

3,692


4,372

Non-current

328


296

Net book value at 30 November

4,020


4,668

At 30 November 2022, the Group had the following advanced payment bonds (relating to monies received in advance on contracts) and performance bonds:


 


$'000

 

€'000

Advanced payment bonds



-


657

Performance bonds



956


353

At 30 November 2022

 

 

956

 

1,010

 


 


$'000


€'000

Advanced payment bonds



-


320

Performance bonds



2,549


811

At 30 November 2021



2,549


1,131

1.0 million (2021: $2.5 million) of the performance bonds relate to the contracts for filtration systems provided for gasification projects.  These projects are being commissioned, a process which is taking several years.  The Group has provided its best estimate of the amount of any potential loss arising from rectification and claims arising on these contracts within the £3.7 million warranty provisions disclosed in note 5. The uncalled performance bonds are expected to be called or released no later than December 2024.



 

 

 


2022

£'000


2021

£'000

Operating profit

 


19,810


15,842

Adjustments for:

 


 



Payment Protection Program loan waiver

 


-


(1,337)

Fair value movement of derivatives through profit and loss

 


(255)


43

Share-based payments

 


1,057


247

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment and amortisation of intangibles

3,845


3,662

Depreciation of right-of-use assets

 


2,212


2,138

Impairment of property, plant and equipment

 


186


195

Impairment of right-of-use assets

 


14


150

Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

 


-


68

Operating cash flows before movement in working capital

 


26,869


21,008

Increase in inventories

 


(4,919)


(476)

(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables

 


(2,044)


215

Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables

 


5,032


(256)

Decrease in provisions

 


(783)


(282)

 


(2,714)


(799)

Post-employment benefits (net cash movement)

 


(1,357)


(1,585)

Cash generated from operations

 


22,798


18,624

There were no related party transactions in the year ended 30 November 2022 other than Directors' compensation.

9.         Basis of preparation

The results for the year ended 30 November 2022 have been prepared in accordance with The Companies Act 2006 and UK-adopted International Accounting Standards. The financial information contained in this announcement does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in Section 434 of The Companies Act 2006.  The financial information has been extracted from the financial statements for the year ended 30 November 2022, which have been approved by the Board of Directors and on which the auditors have reported without qualification.  The financial statements will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies after the Annual General Meeting.  The financial statements for the year ended 30 November 2021, upon which the auditors reported without qualification, have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies.

The Company's Annual General Meeting will be held at 11.00 a.m. on Tuesday 18 April 2023 at the offices of Buchanan Communications, 107 Cheapside, London, EC2V 6DN.

Each of the Directors confirms, to the best of their knowledge, that:

·      the financial statements, on which this announcement is based, have been prepared in accordance with , and give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position, and profit or loss of the Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole; and

·      the review of the business includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that they face.

The Directors of Porvair are listed in the Porvair Annual Report for the year ended 30 November 2021. Ami Sharma joined the Board on 1 January 2023.  A list of current Directors is maintained on the Porvair plc website, www.porvair.com Copies of full accounts will be sent to shareholders in March 2023.  Additional copies will be available from www.porvair.com. 

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