TIDMCGS

RNS Number : 5936C

Castings PLC

14 June 2023

The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014 as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018. Upon the publication of this announcement via the Regulatory Information Service, this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain.

Castings P.L.C.

Annual Financial Report

DTR 6.3.5 Disclosure

Year ended 31 March 2023

Chairman's Statement

The turnover of the group increased to GBP201 million (GBP149 million last year) with a rise in profit before tax to GBP16.7 million compared to GBP12.1 million last year.

Overview

Turnover increased by 35% compared with the previous year and operating profit increased by 36%. The despatch weight was at the highest level since 2014.

Demand from our customers has been very strong, with the heavy truck OEMs (approximately 75% of revenue) increasing build rates throughout the year and this has continued into the current financial year. In order to satisfy the increasing schedules, which has been skewed towards certain production lines, it has been necessary to rebalance production in the foundries which resulted in some inefficiencies particularly in the second half of the year, but these are now behind us.

We have experienced very significant price increases in raw materials and energy, which have been largely recovered from our customers through established escalators. The most significant increase related to electricity following the end of our fixed price contract on 30 September 2022. This additional cost of power was surcharged to our customers and although it did not adversely affect group profit, it did impact reported margins.

Further price increases have been negotiated in respect of other cost rises which have taken effect from the start of the current financial year.

Foundry businesses

Despite the impact of the production rebalancing, foundry production increased compared to the prior year. The recruitment issues that have been experienced in the last few years now seem to be largely behind us. With increased demand, the foundry profitability has improved compared to the previous year, although the margin percentage is impacted by the direct pass-through of the cost increases.

We continue to invest both at Castings Brownhills and William Lee to improve productivity, reduce labour costs and improve working conditions.

CNC Speedwell

It is pleasing to report on the return to profitability in the machining business, with a particularly strong final quarter of the financial year. With higher output levels and improved prices, the current performance of CNC Speedwell is beginning to reflect the level of investment that has been made in the business.

Outlook

Our customers continue to increase schedules with the demand for heavy trucks in particular remaining very strong. In addition, demand in other growth sectors such as USA, wind energy, trailer braking and coupling systems and innovative agricultural products continues to grow.

Dividend

The directors are recommending the payment of a final dividend of 13.51 pence per share to be paid on 18 August 2023 to shareholders on the register on 21 July 2023. This, together with the interim dividend, gives a total dividend for the year of 17.35 pence per share.

Supplementary dividend

In addition to the final dividend set out above, the board has reviewed the cash position of the group and considered the balance between increasing returns to shareholders whilst retaining flexibility for capital and other investment opportunities. As a result, the directors are declaring a supplementary dividend of 15 pence per share to be paid on 26 July 2023 to shareholders on the register on 23 June 2023. This dividend, being discretionary and non-recurring, does not compromise our commitment to invest in market leading technologies to maintain our competitive advantage.

Brian Cooke

As previously announced, after nearly sixty three years with the company, of which forty have been as Chairman, Brian Cooke is standing down as a director and will not be seeking re-election at the AGM in August. Brian joined the company from foundry college in 1960 and was appointed a director six years later. Prior to becoming Chairman in 1983, he served as managing director at Brownhills and then as group chief executive.

Brian has led Castings from the front and everything the group does reflects his energy and wise business acumen. We would all like to thank him for his outstanding contribution over the last seven decades. I am very pleased that he has agreed to remain available to consult with the group after the AGM.

I also wish to thank the directors, senior management and all of our employees for their help and commitment during the year.

A. N. Jones

Chairman

14 June 2023

Business and Financial Review

General overview

The year has seen increasing demand during the period with our commercial vehicle customers, which make up approximately 75% of group revenue, experiencing extremely strong order books for heavy trucks.

With demand being skewed towards particular foundry lines, significant production rebalancing has been necessary to try to satisfy the dramatic schedule increases. This has caused some production inefficiencies, particularly in the second half of the year, but these are now largely behind us.

Input price increases have been another key element in the financial year. We have seen significant changes in respect of raw materials and energy which have been recovered from our customers through established escalators. The most significant increase related to electricity following the end of a fixed price contract on 30 September 2022; the additional cost for power (approximately GBP15 million) was surcharged to our customers and resulted in increased revenue in the second half of the year. This did not adversely affect group profit as it is a pass-through of a direct cost increase.

Overview of business segment performance

The segmental revenue and results for the current and previous years are set out in note 2. An overview of the performance, position and future prospects of each segment, and the relevant KPIs, are set out below.

Key Performance Indicators

The key performance indicators considered by the group are:

   --    Segmental revenue 
   --    Segmental profit 
   --    EPS 
   --    Net cash 
   --    Dividends per share 

Foundry operations

As set out previously, customer demand was strong with schedules increasing during the financial year.

The foundry businesses experienced an increase in output of 6.6% to 53,100 tonnes and a rise in external sales revenue of

GBP53.4 million (36.7%) to GBP199.0 million. After taking into account the reduction in weight from machining, this equates to approximately 59,000 tonnes of production.

Of the total output weight for the year, 59.2% related to machined castings compared to 54.0% in the previous year. The change reflects a return to the increasing proportion of more complex, machined parts after the reduction last year as a result of disrupted demand patterns.

The segmental profit has increased to

GBP16.3 million, from GBP13.1 million in the previous year, which represents a profit margin of 7.3% on total segmental sales (2022 - 8.0%).

The most significant impact on the margin percentage is due to the pass-through impact of cost rises, along with the disruption due to production rebalancing. Further price increases have been negotiated with customers to address the margin erosion experienced during the year.

Investment of GBP4.8 million has been made in the foundry businesses during the year. This included GBP0.8 million completing the project to partially automate the pouring on one of the William Lee production lines and a further GBP1.1 million on other automation projects.

Machining

The machining business generated total sales of GBP27.7 million in the year compared to GBP22.5 million in the previous year. Of the total revenue, 7.3% was generated from external customers compared to 13.3% in 2022.

The segmental result for the year was a profit of GBP0.2 million (2022 - loss of GBP0.9 million).

With the higher volumes in the year, the benefits of the engineering and productivity improvements that have been made are now being realised. With the pricing corrections that have been made, the result in the final quarter was particularly strong.

We have invested GBP1.4 million during the year, which included GBP0.4 million in the roll-out of automation which will continue during the current year. A further GBP0.5 million investment was made in a more power efficient cooling plant in one area of the business, which will help to reduce energy consumption.

Business review and performance

Revenue

Group revenues increased by 35.3% to GBP201.0 million compared to GBP148.6 million reported in 2022, of which 83% was exported (2022 - 79%).

The revenue from the foundry operations to external customers increased by 36.7% to GBP199.0 million (2022 - GBP145.6 million) with the dispatch weight of castings to third-party customers increasing by 6.6% to 53,100 tonnes (2022 - 49,800 tonnes).

Revenue from the machining operation to external customers decreased by 32.3% during the year to GBP2.0 million (2022 -

GBP3.0 million).

Operating profit and segmental result

The group operating profit for the year was GBP16.4 million compared to GBP12.0 million reported in 2022, which represents a return on sales of 8.1% (2022 - 8.1%).

Finance income

The level of finance income increased to GBP0.34 million compared to GBP0.05 million in 2022, reflecting the rising interest rates available on deposits during the financial year.

Profit before tax

Profit before tax has increased to GBP16.7 million from GBP12.1 million in the prior year.

Taxation

The current year tax charge of GBP2.92 million (2022 - GBP3.52 million) is made up of a current tax charge of GBP2.41 million (2022 - GBP1.89 million) and a deferred tax charge of GBP0.51 million (2022 - charge of GBP1.63 million).

The effective rate of tax of 17.5% (2022 - 29.2%) is lower than the main rate of corporation tax of 19%. The primary reason for this is a credit to the deferred tax estimate relating to the prior year of GBP0.43 million, offset by the deferred tax liability arising from the super-deduction claimed on plant investment during the year.

Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share increased 61.5% to 31.66 pence (2022 - 19.60 pence), reflecting the 38.0% increase in profit before tax and a significantly lower effective tax rate compared to the previous year.

Options over 42,468 shares were granted during the year (2022 - options over 32,149 shares). The company purchased 47,900 shares during the year (2022 - 26,100). As a result, the weighted average number of shares has decreased to 43,671,502 resulting in a diluted earnings per share of 31.58 pence per share (2022 - 19.57 pence per share).

Dividends

The directors are recommending a final dividend of 13.51 pence per share (2022 - 12.57 pence per share) to be paid on 18 August 2023 to shareholders on the register on 21 July 2023. This would give a total ordinary distribution for the year of 17.35 pence per share (2022 - 16.23 pence per share).

In addition, a supplementary dividend of 15.00 pence per share has been declared which will be payable on 26 July 2023 to shareholders on the register on 23 June 2023.

Cash flow

The group generated cash from operating activities of GBP22.4 million compared to GBP12.9 million in 2022. When compared to 2022, the variance is mainly due to a significant increase in operating profit of GBP4.6 million and a working capital outflow swing of GBP5.1 million.

In the year to 31 March 2023, the main working capital movements centre around the higher input prices from suppliers which are then passed onto customers in the form of higher selling prices. This has resulted in a GBP10.0 million increase in trade receivables in the year and a GBP6.5 million increase in trade payables. The input price increase impact on inventory has been offset by the lower level held in stock at the year end compared to the prior year.

Corporation tax payments during the year totalled GBP2.9 million compared to GBP2.6 million in 2022.

Capital expenditure during the year amounted to GBP6.2 million (2022 - GBP4.4 million). This included investment of GBP0.8 million as part of a foundry moulding line automation project as well as other automation and productivity enhancements. The charge for depreciation was GBP8.6 million (2022 - GBP8.6 million).

The company pays pensions on behalf of the two final salary pension schemes and then reclaims these advances from the schemes. During the year repayments of GBP2.1 million (2022 - GBP2.5 million) were received from the schemes and advances were paid on behalf of the schemes of GBP2.1 million (2022 - GBP2.1 million). These advances will be repaid to the company during the current financial year.

Dividends paid to shareholders were GBP13.7 million in the year (2022 - GBP6.7 million) which includes GBP6.5 million in relation to a supplementary dividend in respect of the year ended 31 March 2022.

The company purchased 47,900 (2022 - 26,100) shares to be held in treasury at a total cost of GBP0.15 million (2022 - GBP0.08 million).

The net cash and cash equivalents movement for the year was a slight decrease of GBP0.18 million (2022 - decrease of GBP0.35 million).

At 31 March 2023, the total cash and deposits position was GBP35.6 million (2022 - GBP35.8 million).

Pensions

The pension valuation showed an increase in the surplus, on an IAS 19 (Revised) basis, to GBP10.4 million compared to GBP9.9 million in the previous year.

The majority of the liabilities of the schemes are covered by an insurance asset that fully matches, subject to final adjustment of the bulk annuity pricing, the remaining pension liabilities of the schemes. However, there remains the uninsured element relating to the GMP equalisation liability. This liability has decreased during the year as a result of the change in valuation assumptions.

The pension surplus continues not to be shown on the balance sheet due to the IAS 19 (Revised) restriction of recognition of assets where the company does not have an unconditional right to receive returns of contributions or refunds.

Balance sheet

Net assets at 31 March 2023 were GBP131.7 million (2022 - GBP131.5million). Other than the total comprehensive income for the year of GBP13.9 million (2022 - GBP8.7 million), the only movements relate to the dividend payment of GBP13.7 million (2022 - GBP6.7 million), shares purchased in the year for GBP0.15 million (2022 - GBP0.08 million) and share-based payment charge of GBP0.1 million

(2022 - GBP0.08 million).

Non-current assets have decreased to GBP60.7 million (20221 - GBP63.2 million) primarily as a result of investment in property, plant and equipment during the year being at a level below the depreciation charge.

Current assets have increased to GBP113.7 million (2022 - GBP102.0million) as a result of the increase in trade receivables as previously mentioned.

Total liabilities have increased to GBP42.8 million (2022 - GBP33.7 million), largely as a result of an increase in trade payables.

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

for the year ended 31 March 2023

 
                                                             2023       2022 
                                                           GBP000     GBP000 
-----------------------------------------------------   ---------  --------- 
Revenue                                                   200,990    148,583 
Cost of sales                                           (162,077)  (118,105) 
------------------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
Gross profit                                               38,913     30,478 
Distribution costs                                        (5,440)    (3,411) 
Administrative expenses                                  (17,104)   (15,040) 
------------------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
Profit from operations                                     16,369     12,027 
Finance income                                                344         47 
------------------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
Profit before income tax                                   16,713     12,074 
Income tax expense                                        (2,923)    (3,522) 
------------------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
Profit for the year attributable to equity holders 
 of the parent company                                     13,790      8,552 
------------------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 
Profit for the year attributable to equity holders 
 of the parent company                                     13,790      8,552 
Other comprehensive income/(losses) for the 
 year: 
Items that will not be reclassified to profit 
 and loss: 
Movement in unrecognised surplus on defined benefit 
 pension schemes net of 
 actuarial gains and losses                                   117        119 
------------------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
                                                              117        119 
 -----------------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to 
 profit and loss: 
Change in fair value of financial assets                     (40)         88 
Tax effect of items that may be reclassified                   10       (22) 
------------------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
                                                             (30)         66 
 -----------------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
Other comprehensive income for the year (net 
 of tax)                                                       87        185 
------------------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
Total comprehensive income for the year attributable 
 to the equity holders 
 of the parent company                                     13,877      8,737 
------------------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
Earnings per share attributable to the equity 
 holders of the parent company 
Basic                                                      31.66p     19.60p 
Diluted                                                    31.58p     19.57p 
------------------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 

Consolidated Balance Sheet

as at 31 March 2023

 
                                                   2023     2022 
                                                 GBP000   GBP000 
---------------------------------------------   -------  ------- 
ASSETS 
Non-current assets 
Property, plant and equipment                    60,353   62,801 
Financial assets                                    356      396 
----------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
                                                 60,709   63,197 
 ---------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Current assets 
Inventories                                      26,095   25,889 
Trade and other receivables                      51,080   39,874 
Current tax asset                                   980      489 
Cash and cash equivalents                        35,566   35,745 
----------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
                                                113,721  101,997 
 ---------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Total assets                                    174,430  165,194 
----------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
LIABILITIES 
Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables                         37,051   28,477 
----------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
                                                 37,051   28,477 
 ---------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Non-current liabilities 
Deferred tax liabilities                          5,719    5,219 
----------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Total liabilities                                42,770   33,696 
----------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Net assets                                      131,660  131,498 
----------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Equity attributable to equity holders of the 
 parent company 
Share capital                                     4,363    4,363 
Share premium account                               874      874 
Treasury shares                                   (231)     (79) 
Other reserve                                        13       13 
Retained earnings                               126,641  126,327 
----------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Total equity                                    131,660  131,498 
----------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

for the year ended 31 March 2023

 
                                                         2023     2022 
                                                       GBP000   GBP000 
--------------------------------------------------   --------  ------- 
Cash flows from operating activities 
Profit before income tax                               16,713   12,074 
Adjustments for: 
Depreciation                                            8,646    8,601 
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment           -       62 
Finance income                                          (344)     (47) 
Equity-settled share-based payment expense                119       74 
Pension administrative costs                              117      119 
Increase in inventories                                 (206)  (7,170) 
Increase in receivables                              (11,200)  (4,898) 
Increase in payables                                    8,574    4,106 
---------------------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
Cash generated from operating activities               22,419   12,921 
Tax paid                                              (2,904)  (2,568) 
Interest received                                         327       28 
---------------------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
Net cash generated from operating activities           19,842   10,381 
 
Cash flows from investing activities 
Dividends received from listed investments                 17       19 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment             (6,198)  (4,379) 
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and 
 equipment                                                  -       27 
Repayments from pension schemes                         2,114    2,496 
Advances on behalf of the pension schemes             (2,120)  (2,114) 
---------------------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
Net cash used in investing activities                 (6,187)  (3,951) 
 
Cash flow from financing activities 
Dividends paid to shareholders                       (13,682)  (6,698) 
Purchase of own shares                                  (152)     (79) 
---------------------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
Net cash used in financing activities                (13,384)  (6,777) 
 
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents                   (179)    (347) 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year         35,745   36,092 
---------------------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year               35,566   35,745 
---------------------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
Cash and cash equivalents: 
Short-term deposits                                    19,993   17,065 
Cash available on demand                               15,573   18,680 
---------------------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
                                                       35,566   35,745 
 --------------------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

for the year ended 31 March 2023

 
                                                Equity attributable to equity holders of 
                                                                the parent 
                                          Share     Share  Treasury     Other   Retained 
                                        capital   premium    shares   reserve   earnings     Total 
                                            (a)       (b)       (c)       (d)        (e)    equity 
                                         GBP000    GBP000    GBP000    GBP000     GBP000    GBP000 
-------------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ---------  -------- 
At 1 April 2022                           4,363       874      (79)        13    126,327   131,498 
-------------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ---------  -------- 
Profit for the year                           -         -         -         -     13,790    13,790 
Other comprehensive income/(losses): 
Movement in unrecognised surplus 
 on defined benefit pension 
 schemes net of actuarial gains 
 and losses                                   -         -         -         -        117       117 
Change in fair value of financial 
 assets                                       -         -         -         -       (40)      (40) 
Tax effect of items taken directly 
 to reserves                                  -         -         -         -         10        10 
-------------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ---------  -------- 
Total comprehensive income 
 for the year                                 -         -         -         -     13,877    13,877 
Shares acquired in the year                   -         -     (152)         -          -     (152) 
Equity-settled share-based 
 payments                                     -         -         -         -        119       119 
Dividends (see note 4)                        -         -         -         -   (13,682)  (13,682) 
-------------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ---------  -------- 
At 31 March 2023                          4,363       874     (231)        13    126,641   131,660 
-------------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ---------  -------- 
 
 
                                                       Equity attributable to equity holders of 
                                                                      the parent 
                                             Share        Share    Treasury        Other      Retained    Total 
                                        capital(a)   premium(b)   shares(c)   reserve(d)   earnings(e)   equity 
                                            GBP000       GBP000      GBP000       GBP000        GBP000   GBP000 
-------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ------------  ------- 
At 1 April 2021                              4,363          874           -           13       124,214  129,464 
-------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ------------  ------- 
Profit for the year                              -            -           -            -         8,552    8,552 
Other comprehensive income/(losses): 
Movement in unrecognised surplus 
 on defined benefit pension 
 schemes net of actuarial gains 
 and losses                                      -            -           -            -           119      119 
Change in fair value of financial 
 assets                                          -            -           -            -            88       88 
Tax effect of items taken directly 
 to reserves                                     -            -           -            -          (22)     (22) 
-------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ------------  ------- 
Total comprehensive income 
 for the year                                    -            -           -            -         8,737    8,737 
Shares acquired in the year                      -            -        (79)            -             -     (79) 
Equity-settled share-based 
 payments                                        -            -           -            -            74       74 
Dividends (see note 4)                           -            -           -            -       (6,698)  (6,698) 
-------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ------------  ------- 
At 31 March 2022                             4,363          874        (79)           13       126,327  131,498 
-------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ------------  ------- 
 

a) Share capital - The nominal value of allotted and fully paid up ordinary share capital in issue.

b) Share premium - Amount subscribed for share capital in excess of nominal value.

c) Treasury shares - Value of shares acquired by the company.

d) Other reserve - Amounts transferred from share capital on redemption of issued shares.

e) Retained earnings - Cumulative net gains and losses recognised in the statement of comprehensive income.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

   1    Basis of preparation 

The group financial statements have been prepared in accordance with UK-adopted international accounting standard in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

The IFRSs applied in the group financial statements are subject to ongoing amendment by the IASB and therefore subject to possible change in the future. Further standards and interpretations may be issued that will be applicable for financial years beginning on or after 1 April 2023 or later accounting periods but may be adopted early.

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS requires the use of certain accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the group's accounting policies.

The primary statements within the financial information contained in this document have been presented in accordance with IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements.

The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis and under the historical cost convention, except where adjusted for revaluations of certain assets, and in accordance with applicable Accounting Standards and those parts of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. A summary of the principal group IFRS accounting policies is set out below. The presentation currency used is sterling and the amounts have been presented in round thousands ("GBP000").

   2    Operating segments 

For internal decision-making purposes, the group is organised into three operating companies which are considered to be the operating segments of the group: Castings P.L.C. and William Lee Limited are aggregated into Foundry operations, due to the similar nature of the businesses, and CNC Speedwell Limited is the Machining operation.

Inter-segment transactions are entered into under the normal commercial terms and conditions that would be available to third parties.

The following shows the revenues, results and total assets by reportable segment in the year to 31 March 2023:

 
                                      Foundry    Machining 
                                   operations   operations  Elimination     Total 
                                       GBP000       GBP000       GBP000    GBP000 
--------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
Revenue from external customers       198,972        2,018            -   200,990 
Inter-segmental revenue                24,739       25,640            -    50,379 
--------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
 
Segmental result                       16,332          169         (15)    16,486 
--------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
Unallocated costs: 
Defined benefit pension cost                                                (117) 
Finance income                                                                344 
--------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
Profit before income tax                                                   16,713 
Total assets                          162,671       26,687     (14,928)   174,430 
--------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
Non-current asset additions             4,826        1,372            -     6,198 
--------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
Depreciation                            5,235        3,411            -     8,646 
--------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
Total liabilities                    (45,668)      (6,759)        9,657  (42,770) 
--------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
 

All non-current assets are based in the United Kingdom.

The following shows the revenues, results and total assets by reportable segment in the year to 31 March 2022:

 
                                         Foundry    Machining 
                                      operations   operations  Elimination     Total 
                                          GBP000       GBP000       GBP000    GBP000 
-----------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
Revenue from external customers          145,601        2,982            -   148,583 
Inter-segmental revenue                   17,037       19,488            -    36,525 
-----------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
 
Segmental result                          13,084        (894)         (50)    12,140 
-----------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
Unallocated costs: 
Exceptional credit for recovery of 
 Icelandic bank deposits 
 previously written off                                                            6 
Defined benefit pension cost                                                   (119) 
Finance income                                                                    47 
-----------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
Profit before income tax                                                      12,074 
Total assets                             148,554       26,741     (10,101)   165,194 
-----------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
Non-current asset additions                3,388          991            -     4,379 
-----------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
Depreciation                               4,790        3,811            -     8,601 
-----------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
Total liabilities                       (31,561)      (6,977)        4,842  (33,696) 
-----------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
 

All non-current assets are based in the United Kingdom.

 
                                                          2023     2022 
                                                        GBP000   GBP000 
-----------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
The geographical analysis of revenues by destination 
 for the year is as follows: 
United Kingdom                                          34,519   31,319 
Sweden                                                  55,107   38,809 
Germany                                                 32,292   20,506 
Netherlands                                             31,763   19,907 
Rest of Europe                                          31,810   26,050 
North and South America                                 14,322   11,294 
Other                                                    1,177      698 
-----------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
                                                       200,990  148,583 
-----------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 

All revenue arises in the United Kingdom from the group's continuing activities.

   3    Income tax expense 
 
                                                            2023     2022 
                                                          GBP000   GBP000 
-------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Corporation tax based on a rate of 19% (2022 - 19%) 
UK corporation tax 
Current tax on profits for the year                        2,500    2,050 
Adjustments to tax charge in respect of prior years         (87)    (155) 
-------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
                                                           2,413    1,895 
 
Deferred tax 
Current year origination and reversal of temporary 
 differences                                                 935      624 
Adjustment to deferred tax charge in respect of prior 
 years                                                     (425)    (107) 
Adjustment to deferred tax charge in respect of change 
 in tax rate                                                   -    1,100 
-------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
                                                             510    1,627 
-------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Taxation on profit                                         2,923    3,522 
-------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 
Profit before income tax                                  16,713   12,074 
-------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 
Tax on profit at the standard rate of corporation 
 tax 
 in the UK of 19% (2022 - 19%)                             3,175    2,294 
Effect of: 
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes                     238      357 
Adjustment to tax charge in respect of prior years          (87)    (155) 
Adjustment to deferred tax charge in respect of prior 
 years                                                     (425)    (107) 
Adjustment to deferred tax charge in respect of change 
 in tax rate                                                   -    1,110 
Pension adjustments                                           22       23 
-------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Total tax charge for the year                              2,923    3,522 
-------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Effective rate of tax (%)                                   17.5     29.2 
-------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 

Changes to the UK corporation tax rates were substantively enacted as part of Finance Bill 2021 on 24 May 2021, the applicable main rate increasing from the current level of 19% to 25% from 1 April 2023. Deferred taxes at the balance sheet date have been measured using these enacted tax rates and reflected in these financial statements.

   4    Dividends 
 
                                                        2023     2022 
                                                      GBP000   GBP000 
---------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Final paid of 12.57p per share for the year ended 
 31 March 2022 (2021 - 11.69p)                         5,475    5,101 
Interim paid of 3.84p per share (2022 - 3.66p)         1,673    1,597 
Supplementary dividend of 15.00p per share for the 
 year ended 31 March 2022 (2021 - nil)                 6,534        - 
---------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
                                                      13,682    6,698 
---------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 

The directors are proposing a final dividend of 13.51 pence (2022 - 12.57 pence) per share totalling GBP5,884,695 (2022 - GBP5,475,249). In addition, the directors have declared a supplementary dividend of 15.00 pence per share, totalling GBP6,533,710. These dividends have not been accrued at the balance sheet date.

   5    Earnings per share and diluted earnings per share 

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

 
                                                                2023        2022 
--------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
Profit after taxation (GBP000)                                13,790       8,552 
--------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
Weighted average number of shares - basic calculation     43,561,593  43,631,545 
Earnings per share - basic calculation (pence per 
 share)                                                       31.66p      19.60p 
--------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
Number of dilutive share options in issue                    109,909      67,441 
Weighted average number of shares - diluted calculation   43,671,502  43,698,986 
Earnings per share - diluted calculation (pence per 
 share)                                                       31.58p      19.57p 
--------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 
   6    Property, plant and equipment 
 
                              Freehold 
                              land and           Plant 
                             buildings   and equipment    Total 
                                GBP000          GBP000   GBP000 
--------------------------  ----------  --------------  ------- 
Cost 
At 1 April 2022                 40,110         155,596  195,706 
Additions during the year          437           5,761    6,198 
Disposals                            -           (961)    (961) 
Other                              410               -      410 
--------------------------  ----------  --------------  ------- 
At 31 March 2023                40,957         160,396  201,353 
--------------------------  ----------  --------------  ------- 
Accumulated depreciation 
At 1 April 2022                 12,295         120,610  132,905 
Charge for year                  1,015           7,631    8,646 
Disposals                            -           (961)    (961) 
Other                              410               -      410 
--------------------------  ----------  --------------  ------- 
At 31 March 2023                13,720         127,280  141,000 
--------------------------  ----------  --------------  ------- 
Net book values 
At 31 March 2023                27,237          33,116   60,353 
--------------------------  ----------  --------------  ------- 
At 31 March 2022                27,815          34,986   62,801 
--------------------------  ----------  --------------  ------- 
 
Cost 
At 1 April 2021                 40,357         151,831  192,188 
Additions during the year          163           4,216    4,379 
Disposals                        (410)           (451)    (861) 
--------------------------  ----------  --------------  ------- 
At 31 March 2022                40,110         155,596  195,706 
--------------------------  ----------  --------------  ------- 
Accumulated depreciation 
At 1 April 2021                 11,632         113,444  125,076 
Charge for year                  1,073           7,528    8,601 
Disposals                        (410)           (362)    (772) 
--------------------------  ----------  --------------  ------- 
At 31 March 2022                12,295         120,610  132,905 
--------------------------  ----------  --------------  ------- 
Net book values 
At 31 March 2022                27,815          34,986   62,801 
--------------------------  ----------  --------------  ------- 
At 31 March 2021                28,725          38,387   67,112 
--------------------------  ----------  --------------  ------- 
 

The net book value of land and buildings includes GBP2,169,000 (2022 - GBP2,169,000) for land which is not depreciated.

Included within plant and equipment are assets in the course of construction with a net book value of GBP385,000 (2022 - GBP1,043,000) which are not depreciated.

   7    Commitments and contingencies 
 
                                                         2023     2022 
                                                       GBP000   GBP000 
----------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Capital commitments contracted for by the group but 
 not provided for in the financial statements           1,799    1,637 
----------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 

The group does not insure against the potential cost of product warranty or recall. Accordingly, there is always the possibility of claims against the group for quality related issues on parts supplied to customers. As at 31 March 2023, the directors do not consider any significant liability will arise in respect of any such claims (2022 - GBPnil).

8 Pensions

The company operates two defined benefit pension schemes which were closed to future accruals at 6 April 2009. The funded status of these schemes at 31 March 2023 was a surplus of GBP10,413,000 (2022 - GBP9.932,000). On 24 March 2020, the Trustees of the schemes completed a bulk annuity insurance buy-in with Aviva Life & Pensions UK Limited thus providing certainty and security for all members of the schemes. The buy-in secures an insurance asset from Aviva that fully matches, subject to final price adjustment of the bulk annuity pricing, the remaining pension liabilities of the schemes. The buy-in covers the investment, longevity, interest rate and inflation risks in respect of the schemes and therefore substantially reduces the pension risk to the company.

The pension surplus has not been recognised as the group does not have an unconditional right to receive returns of contributions or refunds under the scheme rules.

9 Preliminary statement

The financial information set out above does not constitute the company's statutory financial statements for the years ended 31 March 2023 or 2022 but is derived from those financial statements. Statutory financial statements for 2022 have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies and those for 2023 will be delivered following the company's Annual General Meeting. The auditors have reported on those financial statements; their reports were unqualified, did not include references to any matters to which the auditors drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their reports and did not contain statements under Section 498 of the Companies Act 2006.

The annual report and financial statements will be posted to shareholders on 23 June 2023 and will be available on the company's website, www.castings.plc.uk, from 26 June 2023.

Appendix 1 - Principal Risks and Uncertainties

In common with all trading businesses, the group is exposed to a variety of risks in the conduct of its normal business operations.

The directors regularly assess the principal risks facing the entity. Whilst it is difficult to completely quantify every material risk that the group faces, below is a summary of those risks that the directors believe are most significant to the group's business and could have a material impact on future performance, causing it to differ materially from expected or historic achieved results. Information is also provided as to how the risks are, where possible, being managed or mitigated.

The group does not operate a formal internal audit function; however, risk management is overseen by senior management and group risk registers are maintained and regularly reviewed, alongside factors which may result in changes to risk assessments or require additional mitigation measures to be implemented.

External consultants are used to assess design and effectiveness of controls relating to IT security to provide specialist support to management in this area.

Key risks arising or increasing in impact are reviewed at both group and subsidiary board meetings.

The impact of each risk set out below has been described as increased, stable or decreased dependent upon whether the business environment and group activity has resulted in a change to the potential impact of that risk.

Several principal risks have been removed which have been key themes in the last few years. As the conditions of the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union seems to be largely concluded and the resulting changes embedded, it is no longer considered a principal risk to the business as a standalone issue. Similarly, with vaccination programmes largely successful in major markets, COVID-19 has also been removed as a principal risk. Both issues remain subject to review as part of the group's internal risk review process.

 
Risk description                   Impact                             Mitigation and control 
Technological change 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
Customers continue to              Stable                             The strategic focus of 
 invest in the development          The group continues to             the group is evaluated 
 of electric and hydrogen           work with key customers            regularly through group 
 powered vehicles to move           producing the next generation      board meetings. 
 away from internal combustion      of ICE commercial vehicles,        Consideration is given 
 engines ('ICE').                   whilst monitoring opportunities    to what opportunities 
 The initial phase of               for the future.                    might be available within 
 this is focussed on passenger                                         alternative light-weight 
 cars and smaller, short-range                                         metals (e.g aluminium), 
 trucks which are not                                                  value added opportunities 
 key markets for the group.                                            and also replacement 
 However, the continued                                                technologies for heavy-duty 
 development of new technology                                         trucks. 
 does present a medium-term                                            The group's electricity 
 risk to the group as                                                  contracts are fully Renewable 
 c. 30% of group revenue                                               Energy Guarantees of 
 arises from the supply                                                Origin ('REGO') backed 
 of cast iron powertrain                                               and the gas contracts 
 components.                                                           will be from 1 October 
 It is important to note                                               2023. This provides a 
 that such a change also                                               platform for the group 
 presents an opportunity                                               to support our customers 
 for the group to evolve                                               Green Iron aspirations. 
 its product offering, 
 as has always been the 
 case over the years. 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
Operational and commercial 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
The group's revenues               Stable                             The group's operations 
 are principally derived            The operational and commercial     are set up in such a 
 from the commercial vehicle        activity of the business           way as to ensure that 
 markets which can be               is driven by customer              variation in demand can 
 subject to variations              demand. Demand has the             be accommodated and rapidly 
 in patterns of demand.             potential to change rapidly        responded to. 
 Commercial vehicle sales           dependent upon the significant     Demand is closely reviewed 
 are linked to technological        variable factors in the            by senior management 
 factors (for example               macroeconomic environment          on a constant basis. 
 emissions legislation)             such as conflict in Ukraine, 
 and economic growth.               supply chain issues or 
                                    changing regulatory positions. 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
Market competition 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
Commercial vehicle markets         Stable                             Whilst there can be no 
 are, by their nature,              Erosion of market share            guarantee that business 
 highly competitive, which          could result in loss               will not be lost on price, 
 has historically led               of revenue and profit.             we are confident that 
 to deflationary pressure                                              we can remain competitive. 
 on selling prices. This                                               The group continues to 
 pressure is most pronounced                                           mitigate this risk through 
 in cycles of lower demand.                                            investment in productivity, 
 A number of the group's                                               with a strong focus on 
 customers are also adopting                                           cost and customer value. 
 global sourcing models 
 with the aim to reduce 
 bought-out costs. 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
Customer concentration, programme dependencies and relationships 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
The group has relationships        Stable                             We build strong relationships 
 with key customers in              The loss of, or deterioration      with our customers to 
 the commercial vehicle             in, any major customer             develop products to meet 
 market which form the              relationship could have            their specific needs. 
 majority of the customer           a material impact on 
 base.                              the group's results. 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
Product quality and 
 liability 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
The group's businesses             Stable                             Whilst it is a policy 
 expose it to certain               Fines or penalties could           of the group to endeavour 
 product liability risks            result in a loss of revenue,       to limit its financial 
 which, in the event of             additional costs and               liability by contract 
 failure, could give rise           reduced profits.                   in all long-term agreements 
 to material financial                                                 ('LTAs'), it is not always 
 liabilities.                                                          possible to secure such 
                                                                       limitations in the absence 
                                                                       of LTAs. 
                                                                       The group's customers 
                                                                       do require the maintenance 
                                                                       of demanding quality 
                                                                       systems to safeguard 
                                                                       against quality-related 
                                                                       risks and the group maintains 
                                                                       appropriate external 
                                                                       quality accreditations. 
                                                                       The group maintains insurance 
                                                                       for public liability-related 
                                                                       claims but does not insure 
                                                                       against the risk of product 
                                                                       warranty or recall. 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
Foreign exchange 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
The group is exposed               Stable                             The group's foreign exchange 
 to foreign exchange risk           The group is exposed               risk is well-mitigated 
 on both sales and purchases        to gains or losses that            through commercial arrangements 
 denominated in currencies          could be material to               with key customers. 
 other than sterling,               the group's financial              Foreign exchange rate 
 being primarily euro               results and can increase           risk is sometimes partially 
 and US dollar.                     or decrease how competitive        mitigated by using forward 
                                    the group's pricing is             foreign exchange contracts. 
                                    to overseas markets.               Such contracts are short 
                                                                       term in nature, matched 
                                                                       to contractual cash flows 
                                                                       and non-speculative. 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
Equipment 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
The group operates a               Stable                             Whilst this risk cannot 
 number of specialist               A large incident could             be entirely mitigated 
 pieces of equipment,               disrupt business at the            without uneconomic duplication 
 including foundry furnaces,        site affected and result           of all key equipment, 
 moulding lines and CNC             in significant rectification       all key equipment is 
 milling machines which,            costs or material asset            maintained to a high 
 due to manufacturing               impairments.                       standard and inventories 
 lead times, would be                                                  of strategic equipment 
 difficult to replace                                                  spares maintained. 
 sufficiently quickly                                                  The foundry facilities 
 to prevent major interruption                                         at Brownhills and Dronfield 
 and possible loss of                                                  have similar equipment 
 business in the event                                                 and work can be transferred 
 of unforeseen failure.                                                from one location to 
                                                                       another very quickly. 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
Suppliers 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
The group holds long-standing      Stable                             Although the group takes 
 relationships with key             The risk of a supplier's           care to ensure alternative 
 suppliers and there is             business interruption              sources of supply remain 
 a risk that a business             remains very high due              available for materials 
 which the group is critically      to the current global              or services on which 
 dependent upon could               business environment.              the group's businesses 
 be subject to significant                                             are critically dependent, 
 disruption and that this                                              this is not always possible 
 could materially impact                                               to guarantee without 
 the operations of the                                                 risk of short-term business 
 group.                                                                disruption, additional 
 There are specifically                                                costs and potential damage 
 high risks of semi-conductor                                          to relationships with 
 shortages in the supply                                               key customers. 
 chain, COVID-19 outbreaks,                                            The group continues to 
 disruption because of                                                 maintain productive dialogue 
 the conflict in Ukraine                                               with key suppliers, working 
 or logistical delays.                                                 together to adjust to 
                                                                       changes to the business 
                                                                       environment. 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
Commodity and energy 
 pricing 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
The group is exposed               Stable                             Wherever possible, prices 
 to the risk of price               Changes to the pricing             and quantities (except 
 inflation on raw materials         of the group's commodity           steel) are secured through 
 and energy contracts.              and energy purchases               long-term agreements 
 The principal metal raw            could materially impact            with suppliers. In general, 
 materials used by the              the financial performance          the risk of price inflation 
 group's businesses are             of the group if no mitigating      of these materials resides 
 steel scrap and various            actions were taken.                with the group's customers 
 alloys. The most important         Power and raw material             through price adjustment 
 alloy raw material inputs          markets have become very           clauses. 
 are premium graphite,              volatile because of the            Historically, energy 
 magnesium ferro-silicon,           current conflict in Ukraine        contracts have been locked 
 copper, nickel and molybdenum.     and other associated               in for at least 12 months. 
                                    supply issues.                     With the volatile power 
                                                                       market, following the 
                                                                       end of our fixed price 
                                                                       contract on 30 September 
                                                                       2022, the group entered 
                                                                       into a flexible power 
                                                                       agreement. When markets 
                                                                       permit, it would be the 
                                                                       intention to revert back 
                                                                       to a fixed contract. 
                                                                       Management has worked 
                                                                       with customers during 
                                                                       the course of the year 
                                                                       to pass these costs through 
                                                                       in a timely manner. 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
Information technology and systems reliability 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
The group is dependent             Stable                             Whilst data within key 
 on its information technology      Significant failures               systems is regularly 
 ('IT') systems to operate          to the IT systems of               backed up and systems 
 its business efficiently,          the group as a result              subject to virus protection, 
 without failure or interruption.   of external factors could          any failure of backup 
 The group continues to             result in operational              systems or other major 
 invest in IT systems               disruption and a negative          IT interruption could 
 to aid in the operational          impact on customer delivery        have a disruptive effect 
 performance of the group           and reporting capabilities.        on the group's business. 
 and its reporting capabilities.                                       IT projects are reviewed 
 There are increasing                                                  and approved at board 
 global threats faced                                                  level and the group continues 
 by these systems as a                                                 to invest in IT security 
 result of sophisticated                                               to improve our resilience 
 cyberattacks.                                                         and response towards 
                                                                       such threats. 
                                                                       The group engages with 
                                                                       external specialists 
                                                                       to regularly assess the 
                                                                       security of the IT network 
                                                                       and systems. 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
Regulatory and legislative 
 compliance 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
The group must comply              Stable                             The group maintains a 
 with a wide range of               Failure to comply with             comprehensive range of 
 legislative and regulatory         legislation could lead             policies, procedures 
 requirements including             to substantial financial           and training programmes 
 modern slavery, anti-bribery       penalties, business disruption,    in order to ensure that 
 and anti-competition               diversion of management            both management and relevant 
 legislation, taxation              time, personal and corporate       employees are informed 
 legislation, employment            liability and loss of              of legislative changes 
 law and import and export          reputation.                        and it is clear how the 
 controls.                                                             group's business is expected 
                                                                       to be carried out. 
                                                                       Whistleblowing procedures 
                                                                       and an open-door management 
                                                                       style are in place to 
                                                                       enable concerns to be 
                                                                       raised and addressed. 
                                                                       Specialist advice is 
                                                                       made available to management 
                                                                       when required to ensure 
                                                                       that the group is up 
                                                                       to date with changes 
                                                                       in regulation and legislation. 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
Climate change 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
The group's operations             Stable                             The working group, formed 
 are energy-intensive               It is expected that green          last year, continues 
 and whilst the group               taxes on energy and the            to monitor and report 
 considers that its businesses      compliance cost of meeting         on developments with 
 provide fundamental components     developing reporting               regards to climate risk. 
 and services which will            obligations for our stakeholders   As part of the renewal 
 prove resilient in a               will result in increased           of energy contracts the 
 transition towards a               energy prices and administrative   group reviews whether 
 net zero economy, the              expenses.                          investment in renewable 
 board recognises the                                                  energy sources would 
 group is likely to receive                                            meet the group's investment 
 increased scrutiny in                                                 criteria and such proposals 
 the future in relation                                                will continue to be considered 
 to emissions and climate                                              on their commercial merits. 
 change.                                                               The group will continue 
                                                                       to engage with and understand 
                                                                       the needs of its stakeholders 
                                                                       with regard to climate 
                                                                       risk. 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
People risk 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
The group's operations             Stable                             The group looks to provide 
 depend upon the availability       The labour market has              safe, stable and long-term 
 of both skilled and unskilled      been extremely competitive         employment at competitive 
 labour to operate manual           during the year.                   rates of pay. 
 equipment and fulfil                                                  We invest in people development 
 our strategic goals.                                                  and utilise technology 
 Inability to attract                                                  and productivity gains 
 and retain talent could                                               to ensure that our products 
 result in either a shortage                                           remain competitively 
 of staff or a reduction                                               priced. 
 in operating margins. 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
 

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June 14, 2023 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)

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