Source - LSE Regulatory
RNS Number : 8307U
Brickability Group PLC
28 November 2023
 

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED WITHIN THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS DEEMED TO CONSTITUTE INSIDE INFORMATION AS STIPULATED UNDER THE MARKET ABUSE REGULATION (EU NO. 596/2014) WHICH IS PART OF UK LAW BY VIRTUE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION (WITHDRAWAL) ACT 2018. UPON THE PUBLICATION OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT, THIS INSIDE INFORMATION IS NOW CONSIDERED TO BE IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN.

 

28 November 2023

 

Brickability Group PLC

 

("Brickability" or "the Group")

 

Interim Results for the six months ended 30 September 2023

 

Brickability Group PLC (AIM: BRCK), the leading construction materials distributor, today announces its unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2023 ("H1 FY24").

 

H1 FY24 Financial Highlights

·     

Revenue of £324.8m, a decrease of 7.9% compared to H1 FY23 (H1 FY23: £352.7m) and a 14.4% reduction on a like-for-like(1) basis

·     

Gross profit of £55.0m (H1 FY23: £54.9m)

·     

Increased gross profit margin of 16.9% (H1 FY23: 15.6%)

·     

Adjusted EBITDA(2) increased slightly to £25.6m (H1 FY23: £25.5m(3))

·     

Adjusted Profit before tax(4) decreased by 2.7% to £21.8m (H1 FY23: £22.4m(3))

·     

Statutory Profit before tax increased by 8.8% to £16.0m (H1 FY23: £14.7m(3))

·     

Statutory EPS increased by 1.1% to 3.78p (H1 FY23: 3.74p)

·     

Adjusted EPS(5) decreased by 11.7% to 5.30p (H1 FY23: 6.00p)

·     

Net debt(6) as at 30 September 2023 of £30.9m (H1 FY23: £27.4m)

·     

Increased Interim dividend of 1.07 pence per share (H1 FY23: 1.01 pence)

 

Operational Highlights

·     

Resilient performance across the Group in the first half of FY23, despite macroeconomic and geopolitical backdrop.

·     

Particularly strong performance in the Contracting and Distribution divisions, highlighting the benefit of the Group's diversification strategy.

 

Post Period and Outlook

·     

Strategic acquisition announced in October of Group Topek Holdings Limited ("Topek") which means the Group now has a full range of cladding capabilities, as well as significantly increasing the Group's presence in the cladding remediation market.

·     

Borrowing facility increased to an initial £100m, from £60m, providing the Group with additional liquidity headroom to fund the Group's working capital requirements and potential further acquisitions.

·     

Proportion of brick revenues now reduced to c.50% of Group revenues as the Company's strategic focus on diversification continues to yield substantial benefits.

·     

As previously announced by the Company on 11 October 2023, the Board expects that forecast reductions in newbuild volumes will have a corresponding impact upon the performance of the Group's existing businesses throughout the second half of the current financial year.

·     

The acquisition pipeline continues to be exciting, and targeted growth against our robust acquisition criteria will continue.

·     

The Board remains confident in the Group's ability to continue to deliver on its strategic objectives.

·     

Increased interim dividend reflects the performance of the business in the half year and the Board's confidence in the longer-term outlook for the Group.

 

 

(1)  

like-for-like ("LFL") revenue is a measure of performance, adjusted for the impact of acquisitions.

(2)  

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and other non-underlying items (See Financial Review and note 5).

(3)  

Re-stated (see note 8 in the interim statement)

(4)  

Statutory profit before tax excluding non-underlying items (see note 5).

(5)  

Adjusted profit after tax (statutory profit after tax before non-underlying items) divided by the weighted average number of shares in the year.

(6)  

Bank borrowings less cash.

 


 

John Richards, Chairman, commented:

 

"It is pleasing to report H1 FY24 performance, and maintained profitability, in line with Board expectations despite challenging trading conditions. Whilst we have previously communicated that the second half of the year is anticipated to see industry wide volume reductions, which the Group is not immune, the Board continues to believe that Brickability's diversified, multi-business, approach positions the Group to continue to perform well in the current market backdrop and in the future.

 

"The acquisition of Topek is the Group's second largest(7) to date and, with the acquisition of Taylor Maxwell having delivered a significant increase in exposure for the Group to public and commercial end markets, the addition of Topek further increases our presence in these markets.

 

"Market conditions will continue to be uncertain in the near term but, having built a robust and increasingly diverse business and with a disciplined approach to costs, we remain confident in the Group's ability to continue to deliver on its strategy. The Board is pleased to recommend an interim dividend of 1.07p per share, reflecting the performance of the business in the half year and the Board's confidence in the longer-term outlook for the Group."

 

(7) Based on transaction value

 

 

Enquiries:

 


Brickability Group PLC                                                        

John Richards, Chairman

Alan Simpson, Chief Executive Officer               

Mike Gant, Chief Financial Officer

 

via Montfort Communications

Cenkos Securities plc (Nominated adviser and broker)

Ben Jeynes / George Lawson (Corporate Finance)

Julian Morse / Michael Johnson (Sales)

 

+44 (0) 207 397 8900

 

Montfort Communications (Financial PR)

James Olley

+44 (0) 203 514 0897
brickability@montfort.london

Ella Henderson


 

This announcement contains inside information.

 

About Brickability 

Brickability is a leading construction materials distributor, serving customers across the UK and Europe for over 37 years through its national and local networks. The Group operates from more than 70 locations across the country with over 700 employees.



Brickability Group PLC

 

Interim Report for the six months ended 30 September 2023

 

Chairman's Statement

 

Overview

I am pleased to report a resilient set of results for the six months to 30 September 2023 with the Group delivering a good financial performance trading in line with expectations, achieving an adjusted EBITDA of £25.6 million (H1 FY23: £25.5 million).

 

As has been well documented, the private housebuilding sector has encountered a number of headwinds. Against this macro backdrop, it is pleasing to see the Group's strategic focus on diversification yielding substantial benefits, with public housebuilding and contracting proving to be robust in comparison. Our Taylor Maxwell bricks and cladding businesses, which form integral parts of the Group's diversified portfolio, have demonstrated resilience and are notably less exposed to private housebuilding. Our Distribution and Contracting businesses have also performed well.

 

Despite the short-term headwinds, the mid- to long-term fundamentals of the private housebuilding sector are robust. Population growth provides a solid foundation for sustained demand, while changing demographics and societal trends continue to drive an increase in household formation. The historical and persistent gap between demand and supply in the housing market indicates significant potential for growth and expansion. We also continue to operate within a supportive political environment. Finally, the strength and financial stability of major housebuilders provide confidence in the sector's ability to weather short-term challenges and capitalise on long-term opportunities.

 

A pivotal aspect of our strategy is robust cost control, including in relation to recruitment, aligning our workforce with the evolving market conditions. We are also steadfast in our commitment to developing and nurturing talent within the organisation. Despite cost control measures, we are pressing forward with our management development programmes and business apprenticeship scheme. These initiatives empower us to cultivate a robust management talent pool, ensuring our ability to thrive in the future.

 

Against the current macro backdrop, Brickability's diversified, multi-business approach and long-term mindset continues to enable the Group to perform well and position the Group in good stead for the future.

 

Acquisitions

We continue to look for opportunities to grow the business organically and to capitalise on the synergies created within the Group. The acquisition pipeline continues to be exciting, and targeted growth against our robust acquisition criteria will continue.

 

In June 2023, we completed the acquisition of Precision Facades Systems Limited for an initial consideration of £0.6 million with its patented framing system for cladding. Post period, we announced the strategic acquisition of Topek in October 2023. Topek offers a range of services which will complement the Group's existing cladding portfolio, including Taylor Maxwell Cladding, SBS Cladding and Architectural Facades, meaning that the Group now has a full range of cladding capabilities including design, fabrication, supply and installation. The acquisition of Topek will also significantly increase the Group's presence in the cladding remediation market and further enhances our diversification.

 

Board and Environmental, Social and Governance

As the Group continues to expand in scale and customer base, we are acutely aware of the role and responsibility we have in tackling environmental, social and governance priorities. We remain committed to developing our ESG strategy and ensuring continued progress is made in that regard.

 

In May 2023 we announced that Alan Simpson, Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and founder of many of the Group's businesses, will be stepping down from the role of CEO and as a Director of the Company. Alan has been instrumental in building the Brickability Group into the successful business it is today, overseeing the Group's IPO in 2019 and multiple transformative acquisitions since. Alan remains a major shareholder of the Group and will continue to work with the Group in a non-board role post his stepping down. On behalf of the Board, I thank Alan for his invaluable years of service and congratulate him for his immense achievements.

 

The Board is pleased that Alan will be succeeded as CEO by Frank Hanna, who will take up the role in April 2024. Frank is a prominent figure in the UK brick industry and, with the wealth of experience he brings, will help lead the Group through its next stages of growth.

 

Interim Dividend

The Board is pleased to recommend an interim dividend of 1.07p per share (H1 FY23: 1.01p), payable on 22 February 2024, reflecting the performance of the business in the half year and the Board's confidence in the longer-term outlook for the Group. The ex-dividend date is 25 January 2024 with an associated record date of 26 January 2024.

 

 

John Richards

Chairman

28 November 2023

 



 

Chief Executive's Review

 

The Group has performed in line with the board's expectations during the first half of the year, against an uncertain economic environment. Whilst revenue fell compared to last year, gross profit remained comparable with the prior period reflecting improved margins across all the divisions.

 

Group adjusted EBITDA margin has grown by 0.7% compared to the prior period, driven by price inflation and business mix.

 

We continue to develop our IT systems to enhance the quality and pace of our management information, along with making progress in upgrading our corporate website.

 

Bricks and Building Materials Division

The Group's largest division, representing c70% of total sales, saw revenues fall 15.2%, 15.2% on a LFL basis, during the period. Following a period of significant growth in the division, the fall is a reflection of the weaker economic conditions affecting the housing market, especially the newbuild sector. Adjusted EBITDA margins however have been maintained, supported by price increases as well as reflecting the mix of the companies in the division.

 

Brick volumes have declined in line with the market movement for UK despatches whilst manufacturer price increases flowing from H2 FY23 have helped to soften the impact on revenue. Whilst Timber volumes are substantially flat over the period, market pricing has been in decline following the significant increases experienced recent years. The performance in our public and commercial sectors together with the growth of our higher-margin cladding supply businesses has been strong and has helped to mitigate some of the impact of the headwinds in the private housing sector.

 

Importing Division

The Importing Division's revenue decreased by 1.6% in the first half of the year. Adjusting for the impact of the acquisitions of Modular Clay Products, which was acquired on 31 May 2022, along with E.T. Clay and Heritage Clay Tiles, which were acquired on 30 September 2022, revenue fell 34.1%, on a LFL basis. The fall in revenue reflects the weaker economic environment with lower demand for bricks in the UK market and an increased availability of domestic bricks.

 

During the period of high market demand last year, our flexible supply chain meant we were able to source bricks for our customers when the domestic market experienced shortages. The current financial year sees a reduction in this activity as the availability of bricks manufactured in the UK has improved, however, there still remains a demand for imported brick types not available from UK sources. It is our expectation that when market conditions and brick demand normalise, the demand for imported bricks will increase again due to the capacity constraints of domestic manufacture.

 

Distribution Division

Revenue in the first half grew by 7.0% in the Distribution Division, 7.0% on a LFL basis, with growth in all businesses in the division. Towelrads continues to grow, driven by customer and product diversification. FSN Doors and Forum Tiles saw strong revenue growth as a result of some recent high-value orders. HBS NE Ltd (Upowa) continues to grow, and we expect the growth rate to accelerate throughout the second half of the year, despite the headwinds in the private housing sector, following the introduction of Part L legislation.

 

Contracting Division

Revenue in the first half grew by 17.8%, 17.8% on a LFL basis, driven by the continued recovery of material price inflation and the resilience of housebuilding in the mid to higher end of the market in the Sout East. The recovery of the significant material price increases experienced in FY23 has also seen margins improve during the period.

 

Continental Tile Joint Venture

Production trials for new clay tiles from our joint venture in Germany have progressed to an advanced stage in the period, with an expected launch in Q1 FY25. Whilst market demand remains suppressed, we have invested in new sales infrastructure in the UK to maximise the success of this opportunity.

 

Summary

In a challenging market, Brickability has demonstrated its resilience and its ability to deliver upon its strategic objectives and remains committed to growing the business in a sustainable manner.

 

We continue to prepare for Frank Hanna's arrival, and I look forward to handing over the CEO role to Frank and working with him, in a non-board role, to further grow and develop the Group.

 

 

Alan J Simpson

Chief Executive

28 November 2023

 



Financial Review

Revenue and Gross Profit

 

The Group delivered revenue of £324.8 million in the first six months of H1 FY24 (H1 FY23: £352.7 million), a decrease of 7.9% (£27.9 million) compared to the prior period. When the impact of acquisitions is adjusted, like for like revenue decreased by 14.4% when compared to H1 FY23.

 

The decrease in LFL revenue largely reflects the general challenges being faced in the construction industry, with the weaker economic environment affecting product demand in the housebuilding sector. The Distribution division is also continuing to grow through the diversification of customers and products. The Contracting division has seen an increase in revenue compared to H1 FY23, with growth primarily from major housebuilders and developers operating in the mid to higher end of the market.

 

Revenue by division was:


 

H1 FY24

£'000

 

H1 FY23

£'000

 

% Change

 

 

LFL % Change

Bricks and Building Materials

229,167

270,101

(15.2)

(15.2)

Importing

53,247

54,125

(1.6)

(34.1)

Distribution

33,227

31,041

7.0

7.0

Contracting

23,421

19,880

17.8

17.8

Group eliminations

(14,222)

(22,478)

(36.7)

-

Total

324,840

352,669

(7.9)

(14.4)

 

Gross profit for the 6 months increased by 0.2% to £55.0 million (H1 FY23: £54.9 million) whilst the Group's gross margin percentage increased to 16.9% (H1 FY23: 15.6%), reflecting the change in product mix across the group.

 

Adjusted Profit and Adjusted EBITDA

Statutory profit before tax of £16.0 million (H1 FY23: £14.7 million(3)) includes a net charge of £5.8 million (H1 FY23: £7.6 million), in respect of 'other items' which are largely acquisition related and not considered reflective of the Group's underlying trading operations. These are analysed below the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income.

 

The Group's Adjusted EBITDA at £25.6 million for the first six months of FY24 was comparable with the same period last year. Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue has increased to 7.9% (H1 FY23: 7.2%, FY 2023: 7.6%) due mainly to the change in sales mix across the group as noted above.

 

Adjusted EBITDA by division was:


 

H1 FY24

£'000

 

H1 FY24

EBITDA as % Revenue

 

H1 FY23

£'000

 

H1 FY23

EBITDA as % Revenue

Bricks and Building Materials

13,585

5.9%

15,704

5.8%

Importing

4,924

9.2%

5,424

10.0%

Distribution

5,229

15.7%

4,953

16.0%

Contracting

3,690

15.8%

2,565

12.9%

Central

(1,861)

-

(3,112)

-

Total

25,567

7.9%

25,534

7.2%

 

 



Statutory Profit before tax

Statutory Profit before tax for the period was £16.0 million (H1 FY23: £14.7 million). Comparative results to 30 September 2022 have been restated, following the completion of the fair value assessment relating to acquisitions acquired shortly before the prior year interim financial statements were published. The restatement relates to the consideration and net assets acquired.

 

The decrease of £0.6 million in the H1 FY23 statutory profit before tax, compared to the £15.3 million originally reported, primarily relates to a charge of £0.5 million in connection with earn-out consideration payable for the acquisition of Modular Clay Products. Contingent consideration of £2.4 million was initially recognised within goodwill and deferred consideration payable. However, after review and based on interpretation guidance under IFRS 3, the earn-out consideration payable treatment has been amended and is now recognised as remuneration costs as an expense in profit or loss over the earn-out performance period.

 

Further details of the prior period restatement are included in note 8 to the interim financial statements.

 

Earnings per share

Basic EPS was 3.78 pence per share (H1 FY23: 3.74 pence restated), while adjusted basic EPS was 5.30 pence per share (H1 FY23: 6.00 pence restated). Adjusted EPS is an underlying EPS, based on the adjusted profit as noted above.

 

Dividend

The Board is recommending an interim dividend of 1.07p per share (H1 FY23: 1.01p) to shareholders on the register at 26 January 2024. The ex-dividend date and payment date for the dividend will be 25 January 2024 and 22 February 2024 respectively.

 

Cash flow and net debt

The Group generated operating cash flows before movements in working capital of £22.6 million in the first six months of the year compared to £23.2 million in the same period in FY23. Cash generated from operations was £3.4 million (H1 FY23: £6.3 million).

 

The net working capital outflow of £19.3 million is comprised of a £3.5 million outflow in respect of inventories, trade receivables and trade payables and £15.8 million of accrual movements and payments, primarily in respect of supplier rebates, employee bonuses and contingent earn-outs, which are timing related and mostly expected to unwind by the financial year end.

 

The net debt position (cash less bank borrowings) at 30 September 2023 was £30.9 million compared to £27.4 million at 30 September 2022, and is an increase of £22.9 million since the net debt position at 31 March 2023.

 

The increase in net debt during the period includes an outflow of working capital requirements of £19.3 million (H1 FY23: £16.9 million) in line with the expected working capital cycle of the Group. Much of this is expected to unwind during the second half of the year. Other notable cash outflows were; the further investment in property plant and equipment and intangible assets of £4.5 million (H1 FY23: £5.8 million), tax paid of £5.0 million (H1 FY23: £5.0 million), dividends paid of £6.5 million (H1 FY23: £6.1 million), the initial payment for the acquisition of Precision Facades Systems of £0.6 million (H1 FY23: £15.4 million) and payment of deferred consideration, in relation to previous acquisitions, of £4.7 million (H1 FY23: £2.0 million).

 

Bank facilities

At the reporting date, the group had a total bank debt of £30.9 million, with a further £29.1 million of undrawn committed facilities available. In October 2023 and following the acquisition of Topek, the Group entered into a new revolving credit facility with an initial limit of £100 million, on a club basis with HSBC and Barclays. The £100m limit reduces to £80m over the term of the loan which is 3 years (with the option of two one-year extensions).

 

Defined benefit pension scheme

In June 2021, the Group acquired a defined benefit pension scheme as part of the net assets of Taylor Maxwell (2017) Limited. Shortly afterwards, it entered into a buy-out process to transfer the risk associated with the scheme to an insurer. This process was completed during the period and the pension scheme is expected to be wound up by the end of the financial year.

 

Subsequent events

In October 2023, the Group acquired the entire share capital and 100% of the voting rights in Group Topek Holdings Limited for consideration initially expected to be up to £52.8 million, with up to £17.7 million of this payable over the three years following acquisition depending on performance. The £52.8 million is higher than the £45 million disclosed in the RNS as it includes working capital adjustments to acquire the business on a cash-free, debt-free basis. Further details are outlined in note 13. At the same time, the Group refinanced its banking facilities as noted above.

 

There are no other material post-balance sheet events.

 

 

Mike Gant

Chief Financial Officer

28 November 2023



 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income

For the six months ended 30 September 2023 (unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

Notes

 

6 months ended

30 Sept 2023

£'000

6 months ended

30 Sept 2022

(Restated)

£'000

Year ended

31 March 2023

(Audited)

£'000

Revenue

Cost of sales

 

 

324,840

(269,861)

352,669

(297,720)

681,087

(568,220)

Gross profit


54,979

54,949

112,867

Other operating income


720

-

561

Administrative expenses

5

(40,187)

(38,360)

(80,011)

Comprising:


 



Depreciation and amortisation


(6,921)

(6,368)

(13,114)

Other administrative expenses


(33,266)

(31,992)

(66,897)

Impairment losses on financial assets


(414)

(408)

(1,611)

Finance income


208

52

143

Finance expense


(2,248)

(2,342)

(5,256)

Share of post-tax profit of equity accounted associates

                                    

97

91

123

Share of post-tax loss of equity accounted joint ventures


-

(384)

(721)

Fair value gains

                              

2,815

1,142

8,432

Profit before tax

                                 

15,970

14,740

34,527

Tax expense


(4,631)

(3,593)

(6,830)

Profit for the period

11,339

11,147

27,697

Other comprehensive income

 



Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss:

 



Remeasurements of defined benefit pension schemes

(17)

26

43

Deferred tax on remeasurement of defined benefit pension schemes

6

(5)

(11)

Fair value gain on investments in equity instruments designated as FVTOCI

-

-

10

Other comprehensive income for the period

(11)

21

42

Total comprehensive income

11,328

11,168

27,739



 



Profit/(loss) for the year attributable to:


 



Equity holders of the parent


11,336

11,169

27,738

Non-controlling interests


3

(22)

(41)



11,339

11,147

27,697

Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to:


 



Equity holders of the parent


11,325

11,190

27,780

Non-controlling interests


3

(22)

(41)



11,328

11,168

27,739



 





 

Earnings per share


 



Basic earnings per share

7

3.78 p

3.74 p

9.26 p

Diluted earnings per share

7

3.70 p

3.67 p

9.10 p

Adjusted basic earnings per share

7

5.30 p

6.00 p

11.93 p

Adjusted diluted earnings per share

7

5.20 p

5.89 p

11.71 p

 

 

Adjusted profit                                                        

Adjusted profit excludes those items that are not considered to be directly attributable to the Group's underlying trading operations or for which separate disclosure would assist in understanding the Group's performance in the period. It can be reconciled to statutory profit after tax as follows:

 

 


 

6 months ended

30 Sept 2023

£'000

6 months ended

30 Sept 2022

(Restated)

£'000

Year ended

31 March 2023

(Audited)

£'000

Profit for the period


11,339

11,147

27,697

Acquisition costs


23

171

281

Earn-out consideration classified as remuneration under IFRS 3


2,695

2,627

5,483

Share-based payment expense (including employer NI)


830

571

1,567

Amortisation and impairment of intangible assets


4,315

4,084

8,399

Unwinding of discount on contingent consideration


832

1,421

2,891

Share of post-tax profit of equity accounted associates

(97)

(91)

(123)

Fair value gains on contingent consideration

(2,815)

(886)

(8,176)

Gain on acquisition


-

(256)

(256)

Tax on adjusting items


(1,196)

(890)

(2,094)

Adjusted profit for the period


15,926

17,898

35,669

Depreciation and amortisation


2,606

2,284

4,715

Finance income


(208)

(52)

(143)

Finance expense


1,416

921

2,365

Tax expense


5,827

4,483

8,924

Adjusted EBITDA


25,567

25,534

51,530

 

Adjusted EBITDA reflects earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and other non-underlying items. A reconciliation between adjusted EBITDA and statutory profit before tax is included in note 5.

 

 



 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

Six months ended 30 September 2023 (unaudited)

 

 

 

 

Notes

 

 

6 months ended

30 Sept 2023

£'000

6 months ended

30 Sept 2022

(Restated)

£'000

Year ended

31 March 2023

(Audited)

£'000

Non-current assets




Property, plant and equipment                                                                                            

28,457

23,859

24,783

Right of use assets                                                                                                                                

17,240

13,586

18,553

Intangible assets                                                                                                                      

148,769

156,573

152,424

Investments in equity accounted associates                                                                            

391

321

324

Investments in financial assets

-

178

188

Trade and other receivables                                                                                                

6,456

3,944

3,611

Total non-current assets

201,313

198,461

199,883

Current assets





Inventories


34,347

36,579

33,159

Trade and other receivables


116,357

132,948

125,603

Employee benefits


523

660

646

Current income tax assets


953

-

1,677

Cash and cash equivalents                                    


22,920

6,651

21,645

Total current assets

175,100

176,838

182,730

Total assets                                                                          

376,413

375,299

382,613

Current liabilities





Trade and other payables


(101,487)

(128,194)

(131,419)

Current income tax liabilities

                  

-

(699)

-

Loans and borrowings

10

(15,836)

-

(12,624)

Lease liabilities

      

(3,234)

(3,386)

(3,225)

Total current liabilities

(120,557)

(132,279)

(147,268)

Non-current liabilities





Trade and other payables


(6,188)

(17,273)

(9,592)

Loans and borrowings

10     

(37,880)

(33,820)

(16,800)

Lease liabilities


(11,685)

(10,813)

(12,967)

Provisions


(1,967)

(1,445)

(2,364)

Deferred tax liabilities


(17,222)

(19,122)

(18,244)

Total non-current liabilities

(74,942)

(82,473)

(59,967)

Total liabilities

(195,499)

(214,752)

(207,235)

Net assets

180,914

160,547

175,378

 



 

Equity




Called up share capital

3,003

2,997

3,003

Share premium account      

102,851

102,633

102,847

Capital redemption reserve

2

2

2

Share-based payment reserve

4,169

2,438

3,509

Merger reserve

11,146

11,146

11,146

Retained earnings

59,871

41,443

55,002

Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent

181,042

160,659

175,509

Non-controlling interests

(128)

(112)

(131)

Total equity

180,914

160,547

175,378

 



 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

For the six months ended 30 September 2023 (unaudited)

 



Share capital

Share premium account

 

Capital redemption

 

Share-based payments

 

Merger reserve

Retained

Earnings

Total attributable to equity holders of the parent

Non-controlling interest

Total



£'000

           £'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

 

At 1 April 2022

 

2,985

102,146

2

1,930

11,146

36,365

154,574

(90)

154,484

Profit for the six months to 30 September 2022 (as restated)


-

-

-

-

-

11,169

11,169

(22)

11,147

Other comprehensive income for the six months to 30 September 2022 (as restated)


-

-

-

-

-

21

21

-

21

Total comprehensive income for the period

 

-

-

-

-

-

11,190

11,190

(22)

11,168

Dividends paid


-

-

-

-

-

(6,111)

(6,111)

-

(6,111)

Issue of shares on exercise of share options


12

487

-

-

-

-

499

-

499

Equity settled share-based payments


-

-

-

670

-

-

670

-

670

Deferred tax on share-based payment transactions


-

-

-

(162)

-

-

(162)

-

(162)

Total contributions by and distributions to owners

 

12

487

-

508

-

(6,111)

(5,104)

-

(5,104)

At 30 September 2022

 

2,997

102,633

2

2,438

11,146

41,444

160,660

(112)

160,548

Profit for the six months to 31 March 2023

 

-

-

-

-

-

16,569

16,569

(19)

16,550

Other comprehensive income for the six months to 31 March 2023

 

-

-

-

-

-

21

21

-

21

Total comprehensive income for the six months to 31 March 2023

 

-

-

-

-

-

16,590

16,590

(19)

16,571

Dividends paid

 

-

-

-

-

-

(3,032)

(3,032)

-

(3,032)

Issue of shares on exercise of share options

 

6

214

-

-

-

-

220

-

220

Equity settled share-based payments

 

-

-

-

967

-

-

967

-

967

Deferred tax on share-based payment transactions

 

-

-

-

(35)

-

-

(35)

-

(35)

Current tax on share-based payment transactions

 

-

-

-

139

-

-

139

-

139

Total contributions by and distributions to owners

 

6

214

-

1,071

-

(3,032)

(1,741)

-

(1,741)

At 31 March 2023

 

3,003

102,847

2

3,509

11,146

55,002

175,509

(131)

175,378

 



 

 

 

At 1 April 2023

 

3,003

102,847

2

3,509

11,146

55,002

175,509

(131)

175,378

Profit for the six months to 30 September 2023


-

-

-

-

-

11,336

11,336

3

11,339

Other comprehensive income for the six months to 30 September 2023


-

-

-

-

-

(11)

(11)

-

(11)

Total comprehensive income for the period

 

-

-

-

-

-

11,325

11,325

3

11,328

Dividends paid

 

-

-

-

-

-

(6,456)

(6,456)

-

(6,456)

Issue of shares on exercise of share options

 

-

4

-

-

-

-

4

-

4

Equity settled share-based payments

 

-

-

-

839

-

-

839

-

839

Deferred tax on share-based payment transactions


-

-

-

(179)

-

-

(179)

-

(179)

Total contributions by and distributions to owners

 

-

4

-

660

-

(6,456)

(5,792)

-

(5,792)

At 30 September 2023

 

3,003

102,851

2

4,169

11,146

59,871

181,042

(128)

180,914

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

For the six months ended 30 September 2023 (unaudited)

 


                 

 

       

 

 

 

6 months ended

30 Sept 2023

£'000

6 months ended

30 Sept 2022

(Restated)

£'000

Year ended

31 March 2023

(Audited)

£'000

Operating activities


 



Profit for the period


11,339

11,147

27,697

Adjustments for:


 



       Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

            

715

946

1,566

       Depreciation of right of use assets

            

1,847

1,338

3,101

       Amortisation of intangible assets

                 

4,359

4,084

8,447

       Gain on disposal of property, plant & equipment

              

(41)

(31)

(314)

       and right of use assets


 



       Foreign exchange losses


147

138

29

       Share-based payments expense

            

830

571

1,567

       Other operating income


(60)

-

(365)

       Share of post-tax profit in equity accounted associates

                 

(97)

(91)

(123)

       Share of post-tax loss in equity accounted joint ventures

                 

-

384

721

       Fair value changes in contingent consideration

            

(2,815)

(886)

(8,176)

       Gain on acquisition

            

-

(256)

(256)

       Movements in provisions

            

(397)

(315)

(141)

       Finance income

            

(208)

(52)

(143)

       Finance expense

            

2,248

2,342

5,256

       Acquisition costs

            

23

171

281

       Income tax expense

            

4,631

3,593

6,830

       Pension charge in excess of contributions paid

            

121

155

196

Operating cash flows before movements in working capital


22,642

23,238

46,173

Changes in working capital:


 



       Increase in inventories


(1,183)

(4,284)

(865)

       Decrease in trade and other receivables


8,263

8,949

19,331

       Decrease in trade and other payables


(26,338)

(21,611)

(19,765)

Cash generated from operations


3,384

6,292

44,874

Payment of acquisition expenses


(23)

(171)

(281)

Interest received


41

8

125

Income taxes paid


(5,042)

(5,047)

(11,074)

Net cash (used in)/generated from operating activities


(1,640)

1,082

33,644



 

Investing activities


 



Purchase of property, plant and equipment

             

(4,402)

(5,582)

(7,229)

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment


47

86

441

Purchase of right of use assets


(16)

-

(2,525)

Purchase of intangible assets


(124)

(264)

(478)

Acquisition of subsidiaries

             

(550)

(15,403)

(16,674)

Net cash acquired with subsidiary undertakings

             

-

4,675

4,676

Acquisition of interests in joint ventures


-

-

(442)

Loan to joint venture


(1,719)

(2,608)

(2,960)

Proceeds from sale of other investments


188

-

-

Dividends received from associates

             

30

30

60

Net cash used in investing activities


(6,546)

(19,066)

(25,131)

Financing activities





Equity dividends paid


(6,456)

(6,111)

(9,143)

Proceeds from issue of ordinary shares net of share issue costs


4

499

719

Proceeds from bank borrowings


60,000

53,000

115,400

Repayment of bank borrowings


(39,000)

(43,500)

(123,000)

Payment of lease liabilities

             

(1,737)

(1,357)

(2,791)

Payment of deferred and contingent consideration

             

(4,744)

(2,038)

(3,499)

Interest paid


(1,754)

(882)

(2,246)

Net cash generated from/(used in) financing activities


6,313

(389)

(24,560)

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents


(1,873)

(18,373)

(16,047)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period


9,021

25,028

25,028

Effect of changes in foreign exchange rates


(64)

(4)

40

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period


7,084

6,651

9,021






 

 

 


Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements

For the six months ended 30 September 2023 (unaudited)

 

1.     General Information

        Brickability Group PLC (the 'Company' or the 'Group') is a public company limited by shares, incorporated in the United Kingdom under the Companies Act 2006 (registration number 11123804) and registered in England and Wales. The registered office address is c/o Brickability Limited, South Road, Bridgend Industrial Estate, Bridgend, United Kingdom, CF31 3XG.

 

        Copies of the Interim Report may be obtained from the registered address or from the Investors section of the Company's website at www.brickabilitygroupplc.com.

 

 

2.     Basis of Preparation

These condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting and should be read in conjunction with the Group's last annual consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 March 2023. They do not include all of the information required for a complete set of IFRS financial statements. However, selected explanatory notes are included to explain events and transactions that are significant to understanding changes in the Group's financial position and performance since the last annual financial statements.

 

The Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2023 was audited and has been filed with the Registrar of Companies. The Independent Auditors' Report on the Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2023 was not qualified and did not contain statements under s498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

 

The financial information for the six months ended 30 September 2023 and 30 September 2022 is unaudited and has not been reviewed by the Company's auditors.

 

The interim financial statements are presented in pounds sterling, which is the functional currency of the Group. Amounts are rounded to the nearest thousand, unless otherwise stated.

 

The Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and thus continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing these interim financial statements.

 

 

3.     Significant Accounting Policies

The Group has applied the same accounting policies in these interim financial statements as in its 2023 annual financial statements. New standards effective from 1 January 2023 are outlined in the 2023 annual financial statements. The application of these standards has not had a material impact on the amounts reported in either the current or prior reporting periods.

 

There have been no other significant amendments or new standards introduced during the period that would have a material impact on the amounts reported.

 

4.     Use of judgements and estimates

        The significant judgements made by management in applying the Group's accounting policies and key sources of estimation uncertainty for the interim financial statements are the same as those described in the 2023 annual financial statements.

 

5.     Segmental analysis

        The Group has four reportable divisions as follows:

·      Bricks and Building Materials, which incorporates the sale of superior quality building materials to all sectors of the construction industry including national house builders, developers, contractors, general builders and retail to members of the public;

·      Importing, which is primarily responsible for importing building products, not otherwise available in the UK, to complement traditional and contemporary architecture;

·      Distribution, which focuses on the sale and distribution of a wide range of products, including windows, doors, radiators and associated parts and accessories; and

·      Contracting, which provides flooring and roofing construction services, primarily within the residential construction sector.

 

        Revenues and profits are reported in the same manner as that reported internally to the Board, as the Group's Chief Operating Decision-Maker (CODM).



 

 


6 months ended 30 September 2023

 


 

Bricks and Building Materials

£'000

 

Importing

£'000

 

Distribution

£'000

 

 

 

Contracting

£'000

 

Unallocated and group eliminations

£'000

Consolidated

£'000

Revenue from sale of goods

226,171

38,085

28,866

-

-

293,122

Revenue from rendering of services

-

4,363

3,934

23,421

-

31,718

Total external revenue

226,171

42,448

32,800

23,421

-

324,840

Total internal revenue

2,996

10,799

427

-

(14,222)

-

Total revenue

229,167

53,247

33,227

23,421

(14,222)

324,840

Adjusted EBITDA

13,585

4,924

5,229

3,690

(1,861)

25,567

Depreciation and amortisation

 




(6,921)

(6,921)

Acquisition and re-financing costs

 




(23)

(23)

Earn out consideration classified as remuneration under IFRS 3

 




(2,695)

(2,695)

Share-based payment expense

 




(830)

(830)

Finance income

 




208

208

Finance expense

 




(2,248)

(2,248)

Share of results of associates

 




97

97

Fair value gains and losses

 




2,815

2,815

Group profit before tax

13,585

4,924

5,229

3,690

(11,458)

15,970

 


6 months ended 30 September 2022

 


 

Bricks and Building Materials

£'000

 

Importing

£'000

 

Distribution

£'000

 

 

 

Contracting

£'000

 

Unallocated and group eliminations

£'000

Consolidated

£'000

Revenue from sale of goods

264,899

30,728

27,133

-

-

322,760

Revenue from rendering of services

-

6,278

3,776

19,855

-

29,909

Total external revenue

264,899

37,006

30,909

19,855

-

352,669

Total internal revenue

5,202

17,119

132

25

(22,478)

-

Total revenue

270,101

54,125

31,041

19,880

(22,478)

352,669

Adjusted EBITDA

15,704

5,424

4,953

2,565

(3,112)

25,534

Depreciation and amortisation

 




(6,368)

(6,368)

Acquisition and re-financing costs

 




(171)

(171)

Earn out consideration classified as remuneration under IFRS 3

 




(2,627)

(2,627)

Share-based payment expense

 




(571)

(571)

Finance income

 




52

52

Finance expense

 




(2,342)

(2,342)

Share of results of associates

 




91

91

Fair value gains and losses

 




1,142

1,142

Group profit before tax

15,704

5,424

4,953

2,565

(13,906)

14,740

 


Year ended 31 March 2023

 


 

Bricks and Building Materials

£'000

 

Importing

£'000

 

Distribution

£'000

 

 

 

Contracting

£'000

 

Unallocated and group eliminations

£'000

Consolidated

£'000

Revenue from sale of goods

490,472

75,411

54,510

-

-

620,393

Revenue from rendering of services

-

11,472

8,085

41,137

-

60,694

Total external revenue

490,472

86,883

62,595

41,137

-

681,087

Total internal revenue

8,122

30,700

394

201

(39,417)

-

Total revenue

498,594

117,583

62,989

41,338

(39,417)

681,087

Adjusted EBITDA

30,141

13,188

8,893

5,620

(6,312)

51,530

Depreciation and amortisation





(13,114)

(13,114)

Acquisition and re-financing costs





(281)

(281)

Earn out consideration classified as remuneration under IFRS 3





(5,483)

(5,483)

Share-based payment expense





(1,567)

(1,567)

Finance income





143

143

Finance expense





(5,256)

(5,256)

Share of results of associates





123

123

Fair value gains and losses





8,432

8,432

Group profit before tax

30,141

13,188

8,893

5,620

(23,315)

34,527



 


6 months ended 30 September 2023

 


 

Bricks and Building Materials

£'000

 

Importing

£'000

 

Distribution

£'000

 

 

 

Contracting

£'000

 

 

 

Central

£'000

Consolidated

£'000

Non-current segment assets

77,469

24,725

55,823

29,230

13,675

200,922

Current segment assets

102,616

25,887

28,903

13,503

4,191

175,100

Total segment assets

180,085

50,612

84,726

42,733

17,866

376,022

Unallocated assets:

 






Investment in associates

 





391

Investment in joint ventures

 





-

Investment in financial assets

 





-

Group assets

 





376,413

 

 





 

Total segment liabilities

(78,446)

(12,664)

(17,868)

(4,960)

(26,459)

(140,397)

Loans and borrowings

(excluding leases and overdrafts)

 





(37,880)

Deferred tax liabilities

 





(17,222)

Group liabilities

 





(195,499)

 


6 months ended 30 September 2022

 


 

Bricks and Building Materials

£'000

 

Importing

£'000

 

Distribution

£'000

 

 

 

Contracting

£'000

 

 

 

Central

£'000

Consolidated

£'000

Non-current segment assets

80,812

26,784

52,809

31,014

6,543

197,962

Current segment assets

111,735

31,779

23,043

10,281

-

176,838

Total segment assets

192,547

58,563

75,852

41,295

6,543

374,800

Unallocated assets:

 






Investment in associates

 





321

Investment in joint ventures

 





-

Investment in financial assets

 





178

Group assets

 





375,299

 

 





 

Total segment liabilities

(99,418)

(24,209)

(10,994)

(5,589)

(21,600)

(161,810)

Loans and borrowings

(excluding leases and overdrafts)

 





(33,820)

Deferred tax liabilities

 





(19,122)

Group liabilities

 





(214,752)

 


Year ended 31 March 2023

 


 

Bricks and Building Materials

£'000

 

Importing

£'000

 

Distribution

£'000

 

 

 

Contracting

£'000

 

 

 

Central

£'000

Consolidated

£'000

Non-current segment assets

79,152

33,147

49,880

29,520

7,672

199,371

Current segment assets

114,359

26,403

25,849

11,965

4,154

182,730

Total segment assets

193,511

59,550

75,729

41,485

11,826

382,101

Unallocated assets:

 






Investment in associates

 





324

Investment in joint ventures

 





-

Investment in financial assets

 





188

Group assets

 





382,613

 

 





 

Total segment liabilities

(96,394)

(17,739)

(18,601)

(4,933)

(34,524)

(172,191)

Loans and borrowings

(excluding leases and overdrafts)

 





(16,800)

Deferred tax liabilities

 





(18,244)

Group liabilities

 





(207,235)



 

6.     Dividends

 

 

 

 

                 

 

6 months ended

30 Sept 2023

£'000

6 months ended

30 Sept 2022

£'000

Year ended

31 March 2023

(Audited)

£'000

Amounts recognised as distributions to equity holders in the period:


 



Final dividend for the year ended 31 March 2023 of 2.15p per share

(30 Sept 2022: for the year ended 31 March 2022 of 1.0850p per share)

(31 March 2023: for the year ended 31 March 2022 of 2.04p per share)

 

 



6,456

6,111

6,111

Interim dividend for the year ended 31 March 2024

(31 March 2023: for the year ended 31 March 2023 of 1.01p per share)

 

 



-

-

3,032

Total dividends paid during the period

 

 

6,456

6,111

9,143

 

The Directors recommend that an interim dividend of 1.07p per ordinary share be paid for the year ended 31 March 2024. This dividend has not been included as a liability in these interim financial statements.

 

7.     Earnings per share

Earnings per share (EPS) is calculated by dividing the profit for the year, attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent, by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year.

 

Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing the profit for the year, attributable to ordinary equity holders, by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year plus the weighted average number of ordinary shares that would be issued on conversion of all the dilutive potential ordinary shares into ordinary shares.

 

The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share is based on the following data:

 


6 months ended 30 September 2023

6 months ended 30 September 2022

(Restated)


Earnings

£'000

Weighted

average

number of

shares

Earnings

per share

(p)

Earnings

£'000

Weighted

average

number of

shares

Earnings

per share

(p)

Basic earnings per share

11,336

300,289,736

3.78

11,169

298,826,434

3.74

Effect of dilutive securities

  Employee share options

 

-

 

5,971,423

 

-

 

-

 

5,411,479

 

-

Diluted earnings per share

11,336

306,261,159

3.70

11,169

304,237,913

3.67

 

 


Year ended 31 March 2023 (Audited)


Earnings

£'000

Weighted

average

number of

shares

Earnings

per share

(p)

Basic earnings per share

27,738

299,439,718

9.26

Effect of dilutive securities

  Employee share options

 

-

 

5,403,747

 

-

Diluted earnings per share

27,738

304,843,465

9.10

 



 

 

Adjusted earnings per share and adjusted diluted earnings per share, based on the adjusted profit attributable to the equity holders of the parent (adjusted profit for the period add non-controlling interest share of loss), is based on the following data:

 


6 months ended 30 September 2023

6 months ended 30 September 2022

(Restated)


Earnings

£'000

Weighted

average

number of

shares

Earnings

per share

(p)

Earnings

£'000

Weighted

average

number of

shares

Earnings

per share

(p)

Adjusted basic earnings per share

15,923

300,289,736

5.30

17,920

298,826,434

6.00

Effect of dilutive securities

  Employee share options

 

-

 

5,971,423

 

-

 

-

 

5,411,479

 

-

Adjusted diluted earnings per share

15,923

306,261,159

5.20

17,920

304,237,913

5.89

 

 


Year ended 31 March 2023 (Audited)


Earnings

£'000

Weighted

average

number of

shares

Earnings

per share

(p)

Adjusted basic earnings per share

35,710

299,439,718

11.93

Effect of dilutive securities

  Employee share options

 

-

 

5,403,747

 

-

Adjusted diluted earnings per share

35,710

304,843,465

11.71

 



 

 

8.     Business combinations

The Group acquired the entire share capital and 100% of the voting rights in the following company during the period:

 

Company acquired

Acquisition date

Precision Façade Systems Ltd

2 June 2023

 

 

The book value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed on acquisition were as follows:


 

 


Precision Façade Systems Ltd

£'000

Property plant and equipment




15

Right of use assets




-

Inventory




5

Trade and other receivables




15

Cash and cash equivalents




-

Trade and other payables




(14)

Current income tax liabilities




-

Lease liabilities




-

Deferred tax




-

Total identifiable net assets




21

Goodwill




579

Total consideration




600

 

Satisfied by:






Cash paid





550

Deferred cash consideration





50

Contingent consideration





-

Total consideration





600

 

Due to the timing of the acquisition, a detailed assessment of the fair value of all identifiable net assets, and the value of any uncollectable contractual cash flows, has not yet been completed at the date of these interim financial statements.

 

The goodwill figure is therefore subject to change and the above consideration is subject to post completion adjustments. Residual goodwill will primarily comprise the strategic value of the acquisition, including the potential for future growth within the framing market. None of the goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

 

The acquisition was carried out in order to supplement and expand the Group's existing product range in the cladding market. Upon acquisition the assets and liabilities were hived into the acquiring group company and the entity ceased trading. As such, the Group's revenue and net profit would not be impacted had the business combination taken place at the beginning of the financial period.

 

Acquisition costs of £23,000 were recognised in profit or loss in respect of stamp duty and legal and professional fees associated with this acquisition.

 



 

Business combinations completed in prior periods

 

Whiffen Holdings Limited and Beacon Roofing Limited

The Group acquired 100% of the share capital and voting rights in Whiffen Holdings Limited and its subsidiary, Beacon Roofing Limited (together the 'Whiffen Holdings Group'), on 31 March 2022. As disclosed in the 2022 Annual Report and Accounts, due to the timing of the acquisition the value of the identifiable net assets was included on a provisional basis pending a detailed assessment of the fair value of the contingent consideration and all identifiable net assets. This assessment was still ongoing at the time of publishing the 2022 interim financial statements.

 

Details of the revised fair value of identifiable assets and liabilities acquired, purchase consideration and goodwill are as follows:


 

Book value originally reported

£'000

Adjustment

£'000

Restated fair value

£'000

Property plant and equipment


709

502

1,211

Identifiable intangible assets


-

2,255

2,255

Inventory


45

-

45

Trade and other receivables


2,476

-

2,476

Cash and cash equivalents


741

-

741

Trade and other payables


(1,206)

-

(1,206)

Current income tax liabilities


(365)

-

(365)

Provisions


(76)

-

(76)

Deferred tax


(73)

(675)

(748)

Total identifiable net assets


2,251

2,082

4,333

Goodwill


5,968

(1,889)

4,079

Total consideration


8,219

193

8,412

 

Satisfied by:






Cash paid



5,371

-

5,371

Deferred cash consideration



1,676

-

1,676

Contingent consideration



1,172

193

1,365

Total consideration



8,219

193

8,412

 

Had the full fair value assessment been carried out prior to announcing the interim results to 30 September 2022, the interim financial statements would have differed as follows:

·      The cost of property, plant and equipment would have been £502,000 higher on acquisition, with a corresponding decrease in goodwill. A depreciation charge of £6,000 would have also been subsequently recorded, with a corresponding reduction in the property, plant and equipment balance at 30 September 2022.

·      Intangible assets of £2,255,000 and a related deferred tax liability of £675,000 would have also been recognised, with a corresponding net decrease in goodwill. An amortisation charge of £113,000 and a deferred tax credit of £23,000 would have been recorded in profit or loss.

·      The contingent consideration liability on acquisition would have been £193,000 higher, with a corresponding increase in goodwill. An interest charge of £89,000 would have been recognised in respect of unwinding the discount applied to the contingent consideration.

 

 



 

Modular Clay Products Ltd

The Group acquired 100% of the share capital and voting rights in Modular Clay Products Ltd on 31 May 2022. As disclosed in the 2022 interim financial statements, the value of the identifiable net assets had been included at 30 September 2022 on a provisional basis as an independent valuation of the fair value of was ongoing at the time of preparing the interim financial statements. The values were, however, finalised before reporting the Group's annual results to 31 March 2023.

 

Details of the revised fair value of identifiable assets and liabilities acquired, purchase consideration and goodwill are as follows:


 

Book value originally reported

£'000

Adjustment

£'000

Restated fair value

£'000

Property plant and equipment


16

-

16

Right of use assets


28

-

28

Identifiable intangible assets


-

3,810

3,810

Inventory


164

-

164

Trade and other receivables


2,569

319

2,888

Cash and cash equivalents


4,205

-

4,205

Trade and other payables


(1,785)

(319)

(2,104)

Current income tax liabilities


(514)

-

(514)

Lease liabilities


(28)

-

(28)

Deferred tax


8

(934)

(926)

Total identifiable net assets


4,663

2,876

7,539

Goodwill


5,010

(5,010)

-

Gain on acquisition


-

(256)

(256)

Total consideration


9,673

(2,390)

7,283

 

Satisfied by:






Cash paid



7,283

-

7,283

Contingent consideration



2,390

(2,390)

-

Total consideration



9,673

(2,390)

7,283

 

Had the full fair value assessment been carried out prior to announcing the interim results to September 2022, these interim financial statements would have differed as follows:

·      £460,000 would have been recognised in administrative expenses in respect of earn-out consideration payable to the sellers of Modular Clay Products. Earn-out consideration is payable depending on the future performance of the business. Due to a clause in the contract, this earn-out consideration is deemed to be treated as remuneration under IFRS 3, with the cost being accrued in the profit and loss over the earn-out period. This would have also led to a reduction in goodwill and contingent consideration.

·      Amortisation amounting to £127,000 would have been charged on the intangible assets recognised. A deferred tax credit of £24,000 would have also been recognised on the release of the associated deferred tax liability over the intangible assets' useful life.

·      A gain of £256,000 would have been recognised in profit or loss on the acquisition. The Group does not consider the acquisition to be a bargain purchase commercially. However, as noted above, further amounts payable to the seller, dependent on future performance, are deemed to be treated as remuneration as a result of a 'good leaver' clause being included within the contract. Due to this component of consideration being accounted for as remuneration, the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired exceeds the consideration under IFRS 3. The gain has therefore arisen as a result of accounting treatments, with IFRS 3 requiring the gain to be credited to profit or loss on acquisition.

 



 

E. T. Clay Products Limited

The Group acquired 100% of the share capital and voting rights in E. T. Clay Products Limited on 30 September 2022. As disclosed in the 2022 interim financial statements, due to the timing of the acquisition the value of the identifiable net assets was included on a provisional basis pending a detailed assessment of the fair value of the contingent consideration and all identifiable net assets.

 

Details of the revised fair value of identifiable assets and liabilities acquired, purchase consideration and goodwill are as follows:


 

Book value originally reported

£'000

Adjustment

£'000

Restated fair value

£'000

Property plant and equipment


157

-

157

Right of use assets


-

792

792

Identifiable intangible assets


-

3,083

3,083

Inventory


2,838

-

2,838

Trade and other receivables


8,651

-

8,651

Cash and cash equivalents


627

-

627

Trade and other payables


(5,524)

(80)

(5,604)

Current income tax liabilities


(878)

20

(858)

Lease liabilities


-

(792)

(792)

Provisions


-

(27)

(27)

Deferred tax


(31)

(761)

(792)

Total identifiable net assets


5,840

2,235

8,075

Goodwill


5,868

(4,238)

1,630

Total consideration


11,708

(2,003)

9,705

 

Satisfied by:






Cash paid



7,490

1,172

8,662

Deferred cash consideration



1,008

(1,008)

-

Contingent consideration



3,210

(2,167)

1,043

Total consideration



11,708

(2,003)

9,705

 

Had the full fair value assessment been carried out prior to announcing the interim results to 30 September 2022, the interim financial statements would have differed as follows:

·      Right of use assets of £792,000 would have been recognised, with a corresponding lease liability.

·      Intangible assets of £3,083,000 and a related deferred tax liability of £761,000 would have been recognised, with a corresponding net decrease in goodwill.

 

 



 

Heritage Clay Tiles Limited

The Group acquired 100% of the share capital and voting rights in Heritage Clay Tiles Limited on 30 September 2022. As disclosed in the 2022 interim financial statements, due to the timing of the acquisition the value of the identifiable net assets was included on a provisional basis pending a detailed assessment of the fair value of the contingent consideration and all identifiable net assets.

 

Details of the revised fair value of identifiable assets and liabilities acquired, purchase consideration and goodwill are as follows:


 

Book value originally reported

£'000

Adjustment

£'000

Restated fair value

£'000

Property plant and equipment


29

-

29

Right of use assets


-

305

305

Identifiable intangible assets


-

309

309

Inventory


1,172

-

1,172

Trade and other receivables


1,072

660

1,732

Cash and cash equivalents


(109)

(47)

(156)

Trade and other payables


(2,214)

(650)

(2,864)

Current income tax liabilities


(37)

37

-

Lease liabilities


-

(305)

(305)

Provisions


-

(5)

(5)

Deferred tax


60

(76)

(16)

Total identifiable net assets


(27)

228

201

Goodwill


1,012

(402)

610

Total consideration


985

(174)

811

 

Satisfied by:






Cash paid



630

99

729

Deferred cash consideration



85

(85)

-

Contingent consideration



270

(188)

82

Total consideration



985

(174)

811

 

Had the full fair value assessment been carried out prior to announcing the interim results to 30 September 2022, the interim financial statements would have differed as follows:

·      Right of use assets of £305,000 would have been recognised, with a corresponding lease liability.

·      Intangible assets of £309,000 and a related deferred tax liability of £76,000 would have been recognised, with a corresponding net decrease in goodwill.

 

As the acquisitions of E. T. Clay Products Limited and Heritage Clay Tiles Limited took place on the final day of the reporting period, there is no impact on the profit or loss reported for the six months ended 30 September 2022.

 

For both acquisitions, the change from deferred cash consideration to additional cash paid was due to the timing of the final completion payments being made, based on final agreed form completion accounts, compared to the interim financial statements being published.

 

The contingent consideration liability would have been discounted to fair value, with a corresponding reduction in goodwill. Following a further review of forecast results on acquisition, and the expected changes in market and economic conditions, the contingent consideration payable was also initially anticipated to be lower than that upon which the undiscounted contingent consideration reported in the 2022 interim financial statements was originally based.

 

The September 2022 comparatives have been restated in these interim financial statements to reflect the changes for all of the above acquisitions.

 

A prior period restatement would usually require the presentation of a third balance sheet at 1 April 2022. However, as the restatement of the provisional fair values would have no impact on the balance sheet at that date, it is not considered that this would provide additional useful information. As such, a third consolidated balance sheet has not been included within these interim financial statements.



 

        Contingent consideration

The Group has entered into contingent consideration arrangements in purchasing several subsidiaries. Final amounts payable under these agreements are all subject to future performance and the acquired business achieving pre-determined EBITDA targets, over the three years following acquisition, with the exception of HBS NE Limited which is over five years.

 

The fair value of all contingent consideration is based on a discounting cash flow model, applying a discount rate of between 1.7% and 23.6% to the expected future cash flows.

 

Summarised below are the fair values of the contingent consideration at both acquisition and reporting date, the potential undiscounted amount payable and the discount rates applied within the discounting cash flow models, for each acquisition where contingent consideration arrangements remain in place.

Company acquired

 

 

 

 

Discount rate

 

Fair value at acquisition

£'000

Fair value at 30 September

2023

£'000

Fair value at 30 September

2022

£'000

 

 

Undiscounted amount payable 30 September

2023

£'000

 

 

Undiscounted amount payable 30 September

2022

£'000

U Plastics Limited

3.5%

2,208

-

1,100

-

1,116

Bathroom Barn Limited

1.7%

231

73

98

74

100

McCann Logistics Ltd

1.7%

889

-

1,584

-

1,604

Taylor Maxwell Group (2017) Limited

4.1%

-

333

431

340

435

SBS Cladding Limited

4.1%

1,845

782

1,434

800

1,500

Leadcraft Limited

10.4%

722

957

700

1,066

861

HBS NE Limited

16.1% -

10,069

4,285

11,287

6,998

21,513


23.6%






Beacon Roofing Limited

13.0%

1,365*

1,643

1,452*

1,962

1,885*

E. T. Clay Products Limited

16.0%

1,043*

-

1,043*

-

1,420*

Heritage Clay Tiles Limited

20.0%

82*

-

82*

-

119*

*2022 and acquisition values restated following completion of fair value assessment of total consideration payable and net assets acquired as noted above.

 

The potential undiscounted amount payable in respect of E. T. Clay Products Limited and Heritage Clay Tiles Limited ranges from £nil to £3,480,000 and the amount payable for SBS Cladding Limited ranges from £1,200,000 to £2,000,000 (2022: £nil to £2,000,0000). It is not possible to determine a range of outcomes for other acquisitions as the arrangements do not contain a maximum payable.

 

Changes in the range of outcomes are due to amounts paid or payable being determined during the year as milestones within the performance period are met.

 

The acquisition of Taylor Maxwell Group (2017) Limited is also subject to further payments depending on future performance, ranging from £nil to £13,000,000, over the three years following acquisition. Based on current interpretation guidance concerning contingent payments to employees under IFRS 3, the earn-out amounts payable are recognised in profit or loss over the earn-out period as remuneration costs. This is due to the inclusion of a 'bad leaver' clause in the share purchase agreement, under which the earn-out consideration payment is forfeited. The earn-out consideration is therefore deemed to effectively be contingent on the continued employment of the seller and the seller not being considered a 'bad leaver'. The anticipated total amount payable, however, is not expected to change due to other clauses and payment terms within the share purchase agreement. A charge of £2,167,000 has been recognised in the period ended 30 September 2023 in respect of this earn-out consideration, presented within other administrative expenses.

 

Similarly, the acquisition of Modular Clay Products Ltd is also subject to further amounts payable depending on future performance over the three years following acquisition, which are recognised as remuneration due to a 'good leaver' clause within the share purchase agreement. It is not possible to determine a range for these future payments as the agreement does not contain a maximum payable. A charge of £528,000 has been recognised in the period in respect of this earn-out consideration, presented within other administrative expenses.

Company acquired

 

 

 

Fair value at

31 March 2023

£'000

 

Additions

 through business combinations

£'000

Finance

expense

£'000

 

 

 

Fair value

 (gain)/loss

£'000

 

 

 

 

Settlement

£'000

 

 

Fair value at

30 September 2023

£'000

U Plastics Limited

962

-

2

-

(964)

-

 

McCann Logistics Ltd

1,324

-

6

7

(1,337)

-

 

SBS Cladding Limited

1,464

-

18

-

(700)

782

 

HBS NE Limited

3,901

-

384

-

-

4,285

 

Beacon Roofing Limited

2,355

-

148

167

(1,027)

1,643

 

E. T. Clay Products Limited

2,433

-

187

(2,620)

-

-

 

Other business combinations

1,655

-

77

(369)

-

1,363

 

 

 

Beacon Roofing Limited has continued to perform well following acquisition, gaining new business from a competitor that entered administration during the year ended 31 March 2023. This has resulted in the fair value loss as the amount expected to be paid in relation to contingent consideration is now higher.

 

A fair value gain has been recognised for E. T. Clay Products Limited and Heritage Clay Tiles (within 'Other Business Combination' line) as trading has been more challenging than previously expected. Given the ongoing uncertainty in the market, and the anticipated timescales for the industry to return to former levels of demand, further payment in the earn-out period is not currently expected.

 

A sensitivity in respect of the inputs into the discounted cash flow model, determining the contingent consideration, is outlined in note 9.

 

9.     Financial instruments

        Fair values

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements categorised within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, together with a quantitative sensitivity analysis at 30 September and 31 March are shown below:

 

Financial instrument

                 

Valuation technique

Significant

Unobservable

 inputs

Range/

estimate

Sensitivity of the

 input to fair value

Contingent

Consideration in a business combination (note 8)


Present value of future cash flows

Assumed probability-adjusted EBITDA of acquired entities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discount rate

Sept 2023:

£362,000 -

£17,702,000

 

Sept 2022:

£435,000 -

£53,781,000

 

March 2023:

 £406,000 -

£17,702,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sept 2023:

1.7% - 23.6%

 

Sept 2022:

1.7% - 23.6%

 

March 2023:

1.7% - 23.6%

  

The higher the adjusted EBITDA, the higher the

fair value. If forecast

EBITDA was 10% higher, while all other variables

remained constant, the

fair value of the overall contingent consideration liability would increase by £830,000 (2022: £2,465,000). A 10% decrease in EBITDA would result in a decrease in the liability of £762,000 (2022: £3,241,000).

(March 2023: increase and decrease of £706,000)

 

The higher the discount

rate, the lower the fair value. If the discount rate applied was 2% higher, while all other variables remained constant, the fair value of the overall contingent consideration liability would decrease by £232,000 (2022: £719,000). A 2% decrease in the rate would result in an increase in the liability of £245,000 (2022: £657,000).

(March 2023: decrease of £372,000 and increase of £393,000)

 

 

 



 

 

Reconciliation of level 3 fair value measurements of financial instruments

 

 

 

 

Contingent consideration liability

                 

 

6 months ended

30 Sept 2023

£'000

6 months ended

30 Sept 2022

(Restated)

£'000

Year ended

31 March 2023

(Audited)

£'000

At 1 April


14,093

19,774

19,774

Additions through business combinations



-

1,125

1,125

Finance expense charged to profit or loss



822

1,398

2,853

Settlement



(4,027)

(1,435)

(1,483)

Fair value gains recognised in profit or loss

 

 



(2,815)

(886)

(8,176)

At 30 September/ 31 March

 

 

8,073

19,976

14,093

 

10. Loans and borrowings

       



 

 

             

6 months ended

30 Sept 2023

£'000

6 months ended

30 Sept 2022

£'000

Year ended

31 March 2023

(Audited)

£'000

Current loans and borrowings at 1 April

12,624

-

-

Non-current loans and borrowings at 1 April

16,800

24,240

24,240

Total loans and borrowings at 1 April

29,424

24,240

24,240

Issue of bank loans

60,000

53,000

115,400

Repayment of bank loans

(39,000)

(43,500)

(123,000)

Movement in overdraft facility

3,212

-

12,624

Other movements*

80

80

160

Loans and borrowings at 30 September/ 31 March

53,716

33,820

29,424

 

 



Analysed as:

 



Current loans and borrowings

15,836

-

12,624

Non-current loans and borrowings

37,880

33,820

16,800

Loans and borrowings at 30 September/ 31 March

53,716

33,820

29,424

*Other movements relate to interest accrued, arrangement fees incurred and the amortisation of those fees.

 

        The Directors consider that the carrying amount of loans and borrowings approximates to their fair value. Non-current bank loans comprise a principal loan value of £38,000,000 (2022: £34,100,000, March 2023: £17,000,000) less arrangement fees of £120,000 (2022: £280,000, March 2023: £200,000), which are amortised over the term of the loan.

 

        During the period, the Group had a revolving credit facility of £60,000,000, including an ancillary carve out of a £5,000,000 overdraft, which run to December 2024. The revolving facility bears interest at a variable rate based on the SONIA. At the reporting date, interest was charged at a rate of 1.9% above the adjusted SONIA interest rate benchmark.

 

        The Group also has a notional pool agreement, whereby certain cash balances within the Group are entitled to be offset, providing the overall overdrawn balance does not exceed the £5,000,000 facility limit. The Company's overdraft balance at the reporting date is a result of the timing of cash transfers within the Group and funds being transferred from the Group's central facility.

 

        Since the reporting date, the Group re-financed its banking facilities and now has a revolving credit facility for an initial £100,000,000, which will run for three years with two extension options of one year.

 

 



 

11.   Pensions

 

Defined benefit pension plans

On 30 June 2021, the Group acquired Taylor Maxwell Group (2017) Limited, which operated a defined benefit pension scheme.

 

The Group commenced a buy-out process to transfer the risk associated with the scheme to an insurer. As part of this process, a buy-in contract was incepted on 7 July 2021 to meet the future benefits payable and reduce the risk of additional funding being required from the Group. On 1 August 2023, the scheme's liabilities relating to the policy were fully transferred to the insurance company, when the policy was converted into individual policies in the members' names.

 

Scheme assets relate to cash funds net of residual liabilities relating to top-up benefit payments, which are due to past members of the scheme following a High Court ruling on the Lloyds Banking Group pensions court case. Scheme invested assets are stated at their current bid price at 30 September 2023. The defined benefit scheme is expected to completely wound up by 31 March 2024.

 

The valuations for September 2023 and September 2022 have been prepared using the same methodology as that included in the Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2023. Other principal assumptions, in respect of mortality rates, are consistent with those set out in that Annual Report and Accounts for all periods.

 

12.   Related party transactions

Transactions and balances between the Company and its subsidiaries, which are related parties, have been eliminated on consolidation and are not disclosed in this note.

 

Key management personnel

 

                 

 

 

6 months

ended

30 Sept 2023

£'000

 

 

6 months ended

30 Sept 2022

£'000

Year ended

31 March 2023

(Audited)

£'000

Key management personnel compensation

 





Short-term employee benefits


1,766

1,808

6,031

 

Post-employment benefits


54

40

80

Share-based payment expense


350

200

538



2,170

2,048

6,649

 

During the interim period, the Group made sales amounting to £nil (2022: £21,000 and year to 31 March 2023: £31,000) to members of key management. A £nil balance was included within trade receivables at each the reporting date, in respect of these sales.

 

Other related parties

Included within trade and other receivables/payables are the following amounts due from/to other related parties, at the reporting date:

 

 

Amounts owed by related parties

 

Amounts owed to related parties

 

 

             

 

 

6 months ended

30 Sept 2023

£'000

 

 

6 months ended

30 Sept 2022

£'000

Year

ended

31 March 2023

(Audited)

£'000

 

 

6 months ended

30 Sept 2023

£'000

 

 

6 months ended

30 Sept 2022

£'000

Year ended

31 March 2023

(Audited)

£'000

Associates

-

-

6

124

92

184

Joint ventures

4,881

2,668

3,033

-

-

88

Other related parties

42

-

200

8

-

27


4,923

2,668

3,239

132

92

299

 

During the period, the Group made a loan of €2,000,000 (2022: €3,050,000 and year to 31 March 2023: €3,450,000) to its joint venture, equating to £1,736,000 (2022: £2,668,000 and year to 31 March 2023: £3,033,000) outstanding at the reporting date. The loan is repayable by 30 June 2025 and carries interest, payable monthly, at a rate of 3% above the Bank of England base rate. Interest of £152,000 (2022: £36,000 and year to 31 March 2023: £127,000) was charged in the period.

 

Transactions undertaken between the Group and its related parties during the year were as follows:

 

 

 

Sales to related parties

 

Purchases from related parties

 

 

             

 

 

6 months ended

30 Sept 2023

£'000

 

 

6 months ended

30 Sept 2022

£'000

Year

ended

31 March 2023

(Audited)

£'000

 

 

6 months ended

30 Sept 2023

£'000

 

 

6 months ended

30 Sept 2022

£'000

Year ended

31 March 2023

(Audited)

£'000

Associates

-

-

5

92

239

537

Joint ventures

-

-

-

-

-

431

Other related parties

249

-

202

-

106

218


249

-

207

92

345

1,186

 

Other related parties comprise of entities owned by directors and key management. Sales relate to building materials. Purchases relate to rent and administrative expenses payable.

 

Right of use assets in respect of properties leased from other related parties had a carrying value of £2,365,000 (2022: £407,000 and 31 March 2023: £2,377,000), while associated lease liabilities of £2,214,000 (2022: £434,000 and 31 March 2023: £2,209,000) are included at the period end.

 

13.   Post balance sheet events

On 10 October 2023, the Group completed the acquisition of the entire share capital and 100% of the voting rights in Group Topek Holdings Limited, a specialist cladding installation and remediation contractor.

 

The acquisition was made in order to expand the Group's cladding portfolio, to establish a full range of cladding capabilities including design, fabrication, supply and installation.

 

The provisional book values of the separable assets acquired and liabilities assumed on acquisition are estimated as follows:


 

 


£'000

Property plant and equipment




58

Right of use assets




136

Trade and other receivables




5,050

Cash and cash equivalents




7,915

Trade and other payables




(1,676)

Loans and borrowings




(351)

Current income tax liabilities




(404)

Lease liabilities




(136)

Deferred tax




(16)

Total identifiable net assets




10,576

 

Satisfied by:






Cash paid





35,140

Contingent consideration





17,700

Total consideration





52,840

 

Cash paid reflects an initial cash payment agreed in respect of the value attributed to the business, based on a multiple of Adjusted EBITDA, plus any further amounts paid in respect of excess working capital, including any surplus cash, based on draft agreed form completion accounts.

 

Due to the timing of the acquisition, a detailed assessment of the fair value of the identifiable net assets, and value of any uncollectible contractual cash flows, has not been completed at the date of approving these financial statements. The above consideration is undiscounted and subject to post completion adjustments.

 

It is expected that goodwill will arise on the acquisition which will primarily comprise the value of expected synergies arising from the acquisition and the value of the assembled workforce. The goodwill is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

 

The contingent consideration subject to future performance, with the amount payable dependent on the acquired business achieving pre-determined EBITDA targets over the three years following acquisition. The potential contingent consideration payable ranges from £nil to £17,700,000.

 

Acquisition costs of £23,000, in relation to stamp duty and legal and professional fees, are estimated to be incurred in connection with this acquisition and will be recognised in profit or loss. Due to the timing of the acquisition, not all costs have been invoiced or finalised at the time of approving these financial statements.

 

On 10 October 2023, the Group also re-financed its existing banking facilities, as outlined in note 10.

 

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