TIDMPRV

RNS Number : 1725O

Porvair PLC

30 January 2023

For immediate release 30 January 2023

Porvair plc

Results for the year ended 30 November 2022

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

Highlights:

-- Revenue 18% higher at GBP172.6 million (2021: GBP146.3 million), 13% higher on a constant currency basis*.

   --      Operating profit 25% higher at GBP19.8 million (2021: GBP15.8 million). 
   --      Adjusted operating profit* 29% higher at GBP20.5 million (2021: GBP15.9 million). 
   --      Profit before tax 26% higher at GBP18.7 million (2021: GBP14.8 million). 
   --      Adjusted profit before tax* 31% higher at GBP19.4 million (2021: GBP14.8 million). 
   --      Basic earnings per share 23% higher at 32.1 pence (2021: 26.0 pence). 
   --      Adjusted basic earnings per share* 32% higher at 33.2 pence (2021: 25.2 pence). 

-- Net cash was GBP18.3 million (2021: GBP10.2 million) after investing GBP5.9 million (2021: GBP7.2 million) in capital expenditure and acquisitions.

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

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

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

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

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

For further information please contact:

 
 Porvair plc                             01553 765 500 
 Ben Stocks, Chief Executive 
 James Mills, Group Finance Director 
 
   Buchanan Communications               020 7466 5000 
 Charles Ryland / Simon Compton 
  / George Cleary 
 

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

Operating review

2022 started with supply side dislocation and goods inflation exacerbated by energy shocks and distorted by currency fluctuation. The year finished with supply side issues diminishing, albeit slowly, and wage inflation gathering pace. It was a year when close operational focus and attention to margins was essential but could not be allowed to disrupt the delivery of longer-term investments in productivity, product development and people.

The Group navigated challenging conditions satisfactorily, achieving reported revenue growth of 18%, although this is flattered by foreign exchange. Constant currency revenue growth was 13%. Revenue was driven by robust order books throughout the year and price increases passed on whenever goods inflation could not be avoided. Record profit and a focus on cash meant the year finished with GBP18.3 million of cash on the balance sheet.

Porvair's devolved management structure is helpful in volatile conditions, enabling key cost, price and inventory decisions to be made close to the market. Operational objectives shared across all general managers were around cash generation, margin enhancement and active employee engagement; with almost all targets set delivered or exceeded. Details of our employee engagement and environmental programmes are published in a separate ESG report at the same time as these financial results.

Financial results

 
                                            2022    2021   Growth 
                                            GBPm    GBPm        % 
                                          ------  ------  ------- 
 Revenue                                   172.6   146.3       18 
                                          ------  ------  ------- 
 Operating profit                           19.8    15.8       25 
                                          ------  ------  ------- 
 Adjusted operating profit*                 20.5    15.9       29 
                                          ------  ------  ------- 
 Profit before tax                          18.7    14.8       26 
                                          ------  ------  ------- 
 Adjusted profit before tax*                19.4    14.8       31 
                                          ------  ------  ------- 
 
                                           Pence   Pence 
                                          ------  ------  ------- 
 Earnings per share                         32.1    26.0       23 
                                          ------  ------  ------- 
 Adjusted earnings per share*               33.2    25.2       32 
                                          ------  ------  ------- 
 
                                            GBPm    GBPm 
                                          ------  ------ 
 Cash generated from operations             22.8    18.6 
                                          ------  ------ 
 Net cash (excluding lease liabilities)     18.3    10.2 
                                          ------  ------ 
 

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

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

It was a year of unusually strong currency tail-winds. At constant currency, revenue growth was 13% (see note 1). The direct effects of foreign exchange on profit are harder to measure. We estimate that adjusted operating profit at constant currency would have been around GBP19.0 million and adjusted earnings per share around 31 pence.

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

 
                                           5 years   10 years   15 years 
                                            CAGR*     CAGR*      CAGR* 
                                          --------  ---------  --------- 
 Revenue growth                                 8%         8%         9% 
 Earnings per share growth                     10%        12%        12% 
 Adjusted earnings per share growth            11%        13%        12% 
                                          --------  ---------  --------- 
 
                                              GBPm       GBPm       GBPm 
                                          --------  ---------  --------- 
 Cash from operations                         86.7      152.1      187.8 
 Investment in acquisitions and capital 
  expenditure                                 44.8       78.7       96.4 
                                          --------  ---------  --------- 
 

* Compound annual growth rate

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

Strategic statement and business model

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

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

Porvair businesses have certain key characteristics in common:

   --      Specialist design or engineering skills are required; 

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

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

Orders are won by offering the best technical solutions at an acceptable commercial cost. Technical expertise is necessary in all markets served. New products are often adaptations of existing designs with attributes validated in our own test and measurement laboratories. Experience in specific markets and applications is valuable in building customer confidence. Domain knowledge is important, as is deciding where to direct resources.

This leads the Group to:

   1.   Focus on markets with long-term growth potential; 
   2.   Look for applications where product use is mandated and replacement demand is regular; 
   3.   Make new product development a core business activity; 
   4.   Establish geographic presence where end-markets require; and 
   5.   Invest in both organic and acquired growth. 

Therefore:

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

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

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

-- Our geographic presence follows the markets we serve. In the last twelve months: 50% of revenue was in the Americas; 18% in Asia; 21 % in Continental Europe; 10% in the UK; and 1 % in Africa. The Group has plants in the US, UK, Germany, the Netherlands and China. In the last twelve months: 55 % of revenue was manufactured in the US; 29% in the UK; 13 % in Continental Europe; and 3% in China;

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

Environmental, Social and Governance ('ESG')

The Board understands that responsible business development is essential for creating long-term value for stakeholders. Most of the products made by Porvair are used for the benefit of the environment. Our water analysis equipment measures contamination levels in water. Industrial filters are typically needed to reduce emissions or improve efficiency. Aerospace filters improve safety and reliability. Nuclear filters confine fissile materials. Metal Melt Quality filters reduce waste and help improve the strength to weight ratio of metal components.

A full ESG report is published with this statement, setting out:

   --      Porvair's ESG management framework, goals and TCFD reporting; 
   --      How climate change and a net zero carbon future might affect markets served by the Group; 
   --      ESG metrics and results; and 
   --      How the Group has acted for the benefit of its stakeholders in 2022. 

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

Divisional review

Aerospace & Industrial

 
                               2022   2021   Growth 
                               GBPm   GBPm        % 
                              -----  -----  ------- 
 Revenue                       64.7   55.8       16 
                              -----  -----  ------- 
 Operating profit               6.8    3.9       74 
                              -----  -----  ------- 
 Adjusted operating profit*     7.2    4.4       64 
                              -----  -----  ------- 
 

* See notes 1 and 2 for definitions and reconciliations.

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

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

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

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

Laboratory

 
                               2022   2021   Growth 
                               GBPm   GBPm        % 
                              -----  -----  ------- 
 Revenue                       62.7   53.2       18 
                              -----  -----  ------- 
 Operating profit              10.0    9.6        4 
                              -----  -----  ------- 
 Adjusted operating profit*    10.3    9.6        7 
                              -----  -----  ------- 
 

* See notes 1 and 2 for definitions and reconciliations.

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

-- Porvair Sciences manufactures laboratory filters, small instruments and associated consumables. Differentiation is achieved through proprietary manufacturing capabilities and filtration media.

-- Seal Analytical is a leading supplier of instruments and consumables for environmental laboratories, for which demand is driven by water quality regulations. Differentiation is achieved through consistent new product development.

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

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

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

Metal Melt Quality

 
                               2022   2021   Growth 
                               GBPm   GBPm        % 
                              -----  -----  ------- 
 Revenue                       45.2   37.4       21 
                              -----  -----  ------- 
 Operating profit               5.7    5.7        - 
                              -----  -----  ------- 
 Adjusted operating profit*     5.7    5.1       12 
                              -----  -----  ------- 
 

* See notes 1 and 2 for definitions and reconciliations.

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

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

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

Dividends

The Board re-affirms its progressive dividend policy and recommends a final dividend of 3.8 pence per share, at a value of GBP 1.7 million (2021: 3.5 pence per share, at a value of GBP1.6 million). The full year dividend increases by 7.5 % to 5.7 pence per share, a value of GBP 2.6 million (2021: 5.3 pence per share, a value of GBP2.4 million). The Company had GBP36.5 million (2021: GBP27.8 million) of distributable reserves at 30 November 2022.

Staff

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

Current trading and outlook

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

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

Ben Stocks

Group Chief Executive

27 January 2023

Financial review

Group results

 
                       2022    2021   Growth 
                       GBPm    GBPm        % 
                     ------  ------  ------- 
 Revenue              172.6   146.3       18 
                     ------  ------  ------- 
 Operating profit      19.8    15.8       25 
                     ------  ------  ------- 
 Profit before tax     18.7    14.8       26 
                     ------  ------  ------- 
 Profit after tax      14.7    11.9       24 
                     ------  ------  ------- 
 

Revenue was 18% higher on a reported currency basis and 13% higher at constant currency (see note 1). Operating profit was GBP19.8 million (2021: GBP15.8 million) and profit before tax was GBP18.7 million (2021: GBP14.8 million). Profit after tax was GBP14.7 million (2021: GBP11.9 million).

Alternative performance measures - profit

 
                               2022   2021   Growth 
                               GBPm   GBPm        % 
                              -----  -----  ------- 
 Adjusted operating profit     20.5   15.9       29 
                              -----  -----  ------- 
 Adjusted profit before tax    19.4   14.8       31 
                              -----  -----  ------- 
 Adjusted profit after tax     15.3   11.6       32 
                              -----  -----  ------- 
 

The Group presents alternative performance measures to enable a better understanding of its trading performance (see note 1). Adjusted operating profit and adjusted profit before tax exclude items that are considered significant and where treatment as an adjusted item provides a more consistent assessment of the Group's trading. Adjusting items comprise a GBP0.7 million charge (2021: a net GBP0.1 million charge) for the amortisation of acquired intangible assets. The details of these adjustments are set out in note 1.

Impact of exchange rate movements on performance

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

 
                                                          2022            2021 
                                                  ------------    ------------ 
 Average rate for translating the results: 
   US $ denominated operations                       $1.25:GBP       $1.37:GBP 
  Euro denominated operations                      EUR1.18:GBP     EUR1.16:GBP 
 Closing rate for translating the balance sheet: 
  US $ denominated operations                        $1.19:GBP       $1.32:GBP 
  Euro denominated operations                      EUR1.16:GBP     EUR1.18:GBP 
                                                  ------------    ------------ 
 

The movement in average rates used for translating US dollar and Euro results into Sterling has resulted in a net favourable revenue variance year-on-year of GBP8.2 million, between reported and constant currency ( note 1 explains how constant currency performance is determined).

During the year, the Group sold US$25.0 million (2021: US$16.5 million) at a net rate of US$1.29:GBP1(2021: US$1.36:GBP1) and EUR2.6 million (2021: EUR10.5 million) at a net rate of EUR1.19:GBP1 (2021: EUR1.14:GBP1). At 30 November 2022, the Group had US$13.0 million (2021: US$1.0 million) and EUR0.4 million (2021: EUR0.3 million) of outstanding forward foreign exchange contracts; hedge accounting has not been applied to these contracts.

Finance costs

Net interest payable comprises bank borrowing costs, interest on lease liabilities, interest on the Group's pension deficit and the cost of unwinding discounts on provisions and other payables. Interest in the year remained flat at GBP1.1 million (2021: GBP1.1 million). Interest cover was 18 times (2021: 15 times). Interest cover on bank finance costs was 57 times (2021: 51 times).

Tax

The total Group tax charge for the year was GBP4.0 million (2021: GBP2.8 million), including the tax effect of adjusting items which are set out in note 1. The adjusted tax charge was GBP4.2 million (2021: GBP3.2 million), with the effective rate of income tax on adjusted profit before tax being 21% (2021: 22%). The Group effective tax rate was impacted by overseas profits, which attract higher tax rates than the current 19% in the UK, noting the enacted increase in UK Corporation Tax to 25% from April 2023.

The total tax charge comprises current tax of GBP3.4 million (2021: GBP2.7 million) and deferred tax of GBP0.6 million (2021: GBP0.1 million).

The Group has current tax provisions of GBP0.3 million (2021: GBP0.9 million), which includes GBP1.1 million (2021: GBP1.1 million) for uncertainties relating to the interpretation of tax legislation in the Group's operating territories, offset by payments on account and amounts recoverable for overpayments of tax.

The Group carries a deferred tax asset of GBP1.0 million (2021: GBP1.8 million) and a deferred tax liability of GBP2.8 million (2021: GBP2.4 million). The deferred tax asset relates principally to the retirement benefit obligations and share-based payments. The deferred tax liability relates to accelerated capital allowances, acquired intangible assets arising on consolidation and other timing differences.

Total equity and distributable reserves

Total equity at 30 November 2022 was GBP131.1 million (2021: GBP108.9 million), an increase of 20% over the prior year.

The net increase in total equity includes profit after tax of GBP14.7 million (2021: GBP11.9 million), a net of tax actuarial gain of GBP1.3 million (2021: GBP1.6 million), together with a GBP7.8 million exchange gain (2021: GBPnil) on the retranslation of foreign subsidiaries.

The Company had GBP36.5 million (2021: GBP27.8 million) of distributable reserves at 30 November 2022. The Company's distributable reserves increased in the year from dividends received from Group companies, together with an actuarial gain, offset by head office costs and dividends paid to shareholders.

Cash flow

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

 
                                                             2022     2021 
                                                             GBPm     GBPm 
                                                -----------------  ------- 
 Operating cash flow before working capital                  26.9     21.0 
 Working capital movement                                   (2.7)    (0.8) 
 Post-employment benefits (net cash movement)               (1.4)    (1.6) 
 Cash generated from operating activities                    22.8     18.6 
 Interest                                                   (0.4)    (0.3) 
 Tax                                                        (4.1)    (2.2) 
 Capital expenditure                                        (4.9)    (3.2) 
                                                -----------------  ------- 
                                                             13.4     12.9 
                                                -----------------  ------- 
 Acquisitions                                               (1.0)    (4.0) 
 Share issue proceeds                                         0.5      0.1 
 Purchase of Employee Benefit Trust shares                  (0.7)    (0.7) 
 Decrease in borrowings                                     (5.0)    (3.7) 
 Dividends                                                  (2.5)    (2.3) 
 Repayment of lease liabilities                             (2.5)    (2.3) 
                                                -----------------  ------- 
 Increase in cash                                             2.2        - 
                                                -----------------  ------- 
 
 Net debt reconciliation                               2022           2021 
                                                             GBPm     GBPm 
                                                -----------------  ------- 
 Net debt at 1 December                                     (2.0)    (8.7) 
 Increase in cash                                             2.2        - 
 Decrease in borrowings                                       5.0      3.7 
 Decrease in lease liabilities                                1.2      1.1 
 Paycheck Protection Program loan waiver                        -      1.4 
 Exchange gains                                               0.4      0.5 
 Net cash/(debt) at 30 November                               6.8    (2.0) 
                                                -----------------  ------- 
 Net cash                                                    18.3     10.2 
 Lease liabilities                                         (11.5)   (12.2) 
                                                -----------------  ------- 
 Net cash/(debt) at 30 November                               6.8    (2.0) 
                                                -----------------  ------- 
 

Generating free cash flow is key to the Group's business model. Operating cash flow of GBP22.8 million was generated in the year (2021: GBP18.6 million), with net working capital increasing by GBP2.7 million (2021: GBP0.8 million). Receivables increased by GBP2.0 million (2021: decrease GBP0.2 million) as a result of the revenue growth, with strong collections throughout the year. Working capital management supported the investment in certain inventory items, given the wide-spread supply chain dislocation and need to sure up security of supply. Inventories increased by GBP4.9 million (2021: GBP0.5 million) and payables and provisions increased by GBP4.2 million (2021: decrease of GBP0.5 million).

Provisions and contingent liabilities

The Group has GBP4.0 million (2021: GBP4.7 million) of provisions for dilapidations and performance warranties. GBP0.4 million of warranty provisions have been created in relation to sales made in the year. GBP1.1 million of warranty provisions have been released in the year, following the latest estimate of the expected costs to be incurred.

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

 
                              $m   EURm 
                            ----  ----- 
 Advanced payment bonds        -    0.7 
 Performance bonds           1.0    0.3 
 At 30 November 2022         1.0    1.0 
                            ----  ----- 
 
                              $m   EURm 
                            ----  ----- 
 Advanced payment bonds        -    0.3 
 Performance bonds           2.5    0.8 
 At 30 November 2021         2.5    1.1 
                            ----  ----- 
 

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

Capital expenditure

Capital expenditure on property, plant and equipment was GBP4.9 million in the year (2021: GBP3.2 million), as the Group stepped up investment in capital projects with a particular emphasis on automation and productivity.

Acquisitions

On 25 February 2021, the Group purchased 100% of the share capital of Kbio. Contingent consideration paid in the 2022 year was GBP1.0 million. A further and final GBP1.0 million of consideration is contingent on Kbio meeting a profit target for the year ending 31 March 2023. This amount discounted is accrued within 'Trade and other payables' at 30 November 2022.

Retirement benefit obligations

Retirement benefit obligations measured in accordance with IAS 19 Employee Benefits were GBP9.8 million (2021: GBP12.6 million). The Group supports its defined benefit pension scheme in the UK ("The Plan"), which is closed to new members, and provides access to defined contribution schemes for its other employees. The Plan's liabilities decreased in the year to GBP34.1 million (2021: GBP49.6 million). The Plan's assets also decreased in the year to GBP24.5 million (2021: GBP37.0 million). Following a change in financial assumptions, including an increase in the discount rate, together with a loss on assets, a net of tax actuarial gain of GBP1.3 million (2021: gain of GBP1.6 million) was recognised within the statement of comprehensive income.

Cash contributions paid to The Plan were GBP2.1 million (2021: GBP2.3 million), which included a deficit recovery payment of GBP1.6 million (2021: GBP1.6 million). The triennial actuarial valuation was completed in the year based on the Plan's position at 31 March 2021. Based on the valuation, the Group has agreed to increase the annual deficit recovery payment from GBP1.6 million to GBP2.1 million, effective December 2022.

Borrowings and bank finance

At 30 November 2022, the Group had cash balances of GBP18.3 million (2021: GBP15.4 million) and borrowings of GBPnil (2021: GBP5.2 million); with net cash (excluding lease liabilities) of GBP18.3 million (2021: GBP10.2 million).

At 30 November 2022, the Group had EUR27.7 million/GBP23.9 million (2021: EUR21.5 million/GBP18.3 million) of unused credit facilities and an unutilised GBP2.5 million (2021: GBP2.5 million) overdraft facility.

Finance and treasury policy

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

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

James Mills

Group Finance Director

27 January 2023

Consolidated income statement

For the year ended 30 November

 
                                                          2022       2021 
 Continuing operations                        Note     GBP'000    GBP'000 
                                                    ----------  --------- 
 Revenue                                       1,2     172,575    146,310 
 Cost of sales                                       (113,597)   (99,353) 
                                                    ----------  --------- 
 Gross profit                                           58,978     46,957 
 Distribution costs                                    (2,759)    (2,391) 
 Administrative expenses                              (36,409)   (28,724) 
 Adjusted operating profit                     1,2      20,498     15,885 
 Adjustments: 
   Amortisation of acquired intangible 
    assets                                               (688)      (740) 
   Other acquisition-related adjustments                     -       (98) 
   Impairment of assets and restructuring 
    costs                                                    -      (542) 
   Paycheck Protection Program                               -      1,337 
 Operating profit                              1,2      19,810     15,842 
 Finance costs                                         (1,072)    (1,084) 
 Profit before tax                             1,2      18,738     14,758 
-------------------------------------------  -----  ----------  --------- 
 Adjusted income tax expense                           (4,169)    (3,210) 
 Adjustments: 
  Tax effect of adjustments to 
   operating profit                              1         145        396 
                                                                --------- 
 Income tax expense                                    (4,024)    (2,814) 
 Profit for the year                           1,2      14,714     11,944 
                                                    ----------  --------- 
 
 Earnings per share (basic)                      3       32.1p      26.0p 
 Earnings per share (diluted)                    3       32.0p      26.0p 
 
 Adjusted earnings per share 
  (basic)                                        3       33.2p      25.2p 
 Adjusted earnings per share 
  (diluted)                                      3       33.2p      25.2p 
 

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

For the year ended 30 November

 
                                                     2022       2021 
                                                  GBP'000    GBP'000 
                                                ---------  --------- 
 Profit for the year                               14,714     11,944 
                                                ---------  --------- 
 Other comprehensive income 
 Items that will not be reclassified to 
  profit and loss: 
  Actuarial gain in defined benefit pension 
   plans net of tax                                 1,257      1,600 
                                                ---------  --------- 
 Items that may be subsequently reclassified 
  to profit and loss: 
  Exchange gains on translation of foreign 
   subsidiaries                                     7,796         12 
 Total other comprehensive income for the 
  year                                              9,053      1,612 
                                                ---------  --------- 
 Total comprehensive income for the year           23,767     13,556 
                                                ---------  --------- 
 
 

Consolidated balance sheet

As at 30 November

 
                                                  2022       2021 
                                       Note    GBP'000    GBP'000 
                                             ---------  --------- 
 Non-current assets 
 Property, plant and equipment                  24,311       21,235 
 Right-of-use assets                            10,144       11,014 
 Goodwill and other intangible 
  assets                                        77,900       74,103 
 Deferred tax asset                              1,046        1,821 
                                             ---------  ----------- 
                                               113,401      108,173 
                                             ---------  ----------- 
 Current assets 
 Inventories                                    30,973       24,650 
 Trade and other receivables                    24,471       21,344 
 Derivative financial instruments                  554            - 
 Cash and cash equivalents                      18,297       15,442 
                                             ---------  ----------- 
                                                74,295       61,436 
                                             ---------  ----------- 
 Current liabilities 
 Trade and other payables                     (27,881)     (21,702) 
 Current tax liabilities                         (309)        (853) 
 Lease liabilities                             (2,156)      (2,207) 
 Derivative financial instruments                (319)         (20) 
 Provisions                               5    (3,692)      (4,372) 
                                              (34,357)     (29,154) 
 Net current assets                             39,938       32,282 
                                             ---------  ----------- 
 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Borrowings                                          -      (5,217) 
 Deferred tax liability                        (2,811)      (2,425) 
 Retirement benefit obligations                (9,816)     (12,602) 
 Other payables                                      -        (945) 
 Lease liabilities                             (9,316)     (10,024) 
 Provisions                               5      (328)        (296) 
                                             ---------  ----------- 
                                              (22,271)     (31,509) 
                                             ---------  ----------- 
 Net assets                                    131,068      108,946 
                                             ---------  ----------- 
 
 Capital and reserves 
 Share capital                                     927          924 
 Share premium account                          37,626       37,078 
 Cumulative translation reserve                 15,453        7,657 
 Retained earnings                              77,062       63,287 
                                             ---------  ----------- 
 Equity attributable to owners 
  of the parent                                131,068      108,946 
                                             ---------  ----------- 
 

Consolidated cash flow statement

For the year ended 30 November

 
                                                               2022       2021 
                                                    Note    GBP'000    GBP'000 
                                                          ---------  --------- 
 Cash flows from operating activities 
 Cash generated from operations                        7     22,798     18,624 
 Interest paid                                                (403)      (305) 
 Tax paid                                                   (4,118)    (2,215) 
                                                          ---------  --------- 
 Net cash generated from operating 
  activities                                                 18,277     16,104 
                                                          ---------  --------- 
 
 Cash flows from investing activities 
 Acquisition of subsidiaries (net of 
  cash acquired)                                            (1,000)    (3,968) 
 Purchase of property, plant and equipment                  (4,826)    (3,182) 
 Purchase of intangible assets                                 (61)       (47) 
 Proceeds from sale of property, plant 
  and equipment                                                  17          9 
 Net cash used in investing activities                      (5,870)    (7,188) 
                                                          ---------  --------- 
 
 Cash flows from financing activities 
 Proceeds from issue of ordinary shares                         551        152 
 Purchase of Employee Benefit Trust 
  shares                                                      (749)      (716) 
 Decrease in borrowings                                     (4,986)    (3,687) 
 Dividends paid to shareholders                        4    (2,478)    (2,345) 
 Repayments of lease liabilities                            (2,503)    (2,292) 
 Net cash used in financing activities                     (10,165)    (8,888) 
                                                          ---------  --------- 
 
 Net increase in cash and cash equivalents                    2,242         28 
 Exchange gains/(losses) on cash and cash equivalents           613      (149) 
                                                          ---------  --------- 
                                                              2,855      (121) 
 Cash and cash equivalents at 1 December                     15,442     15,563 
                                                          ---------  --------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents at 30 November                    18,297     15,442 
                                                          ---------  --------- 
 

Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net debt

 
                                                 2022       2021 
                                              GBP'000    GBP'000 
                                            ---------  --------- 
 
 Net debt at 1 December                       (2,006)    (8,735) 
 Increase in cash and cash equivalents          2,242         28 
 Decrease in borrowings                         4,986      3,687 
 Decrease in lease liabilities                  1,194      1,147 
 Paycheck Protection Program loan waiver            -      1,337 
 Effects of exchange rate changes                 409        530 
 Net cash/(debt) at 30 November                 6,825    (2,006) 
                                            ---------  --------- 
 
 
 Net cash and bank debt               18,297     10,225 
 Lease liabilities                  (11,472)   (12,231) 
 Net cash/(debt) at 30 November        6,825    (2,006) 
                                   ---------  --------- 
 

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

For the year ended 30 November

 
                                               Share     Cumulative 
                                    Share    premium    translation     Retained       Total 
                                  capital    account        reserve     earnings      equity 
                                  GBP'000    GBP'000        GBP'000      GBP'000     GBP'000 
                               ----------  ---------  -------------  -----------  ---------- 
 At 1 December 2020                   923     36,927          7,645       52,697      98,192 
                               ----------  ---------  -------------  -----------  ---------- 
 Profit for the year                    -          -              -       11,944      11,944 
 Other comprehensive income             -          -             12        1,600       1,612 
 Total comprehensive income 
  for the year                          -          -             12       13,544      13,556 
                               ----------  ---------  -------------  -----------  ---------- 
 Purchase of own shares 
  (held in trust)                       -          -              -        (716)       (716) 
 Issue of ordinary share 
  capital                               1        151              -            -         152 
 Share-based payments charge            -          -              -          107         107 
 Dividends paid                         -          -              -      (2,345)     (2,345) 
                               ----------  ---------  -------------  -----------  ---------- 
 At 30 November 2021                  924     37,078          7,657       63,287     108,946 
                               ----------  ---------  -------------  -----------  ---------- 
 
 Profit for the year                    -          -              -       14,714      14,714 
 Other comprehensive income             -          -          7,796        1,257       9,053 
 Total comprehensive income 
  for the year                          -          -          7,796       15,971      23,767 
                               ----------  ---------  -------------  -----------  ---------- 
 Purchase of own shares 
  (held in trust)                       -          -              -        (749)       (749) 
 Issue of ordinary share 
  capital                               3        548              -            -         551 
 Share-based payments charge            -          -              -        1,031       1,031 
 Dividends paid                         -          -              -      (2,478)     (2,478) 
 At 30 November 2022                  927     37,626         15,453       77,062     131,068 
                               ----------  ---------  -------------  -----------  ---------- 
 

Notes

   1.         Alternative performance measures 

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

Alternative revenue measures

 
                                     2022      2021   Growth 
 Aerospace & Industrial           GBP'000   GBP'000        % 
                                 --------  --------  ------- 
 Revenue at constant currency      61,864    54,888       13 
 Exchange                           2,861       888 
 Revenue as reported               64,725    55,776       16 
                                 --------  --------  ------- 
 
 Laboratory 
 Underlying revenue                52,737    46,863       13 
 Acquisition                        6,639     5,428 
                                 --------  --------  ------- 
 Revenue at constant currency      59,376    52,291       14 
 Exchange                           3,308       885 
                                 --------  --------  ------- 
 Revenue as reported               62,684    53,176       18 
                                 --------  --------  ------- 
 
 Metal Melt Quality 
 Revenue at constant currency      40,236    36,225       11 
 Exchange                           4,930     1,133 
                                 --------  --------  ------- 
 Revenue as reported               45,166    37,358       21 
                                 --------  --------  ------- 
 
 Group 
 Underlying revenue               154,837   137,976       12 
 Acquisition                        6,639     5,428 
                                 --------  --------  ------- 
 Revenue at constant currency     161,476   143,404       13 
 Exchange                          11,099     2,906 
                                 --------  --------  ------- 
 Revenue as reported              172,575   146,310       18 
                                 --------  --------  ------- 
 

Revenue at constant currency is derived from translating overseas subsidiaries results at budgeted fixed exchange rates. In 2022 and 2021, the rates used were $1.40:GBP1 and EUR1.20:GBP1, compared with reported rates of $1.25:GBP1 (2021: $1.37:GBP1) and EUR1.18:GBP1 (2021: EUR1.16:GBP1).

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

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

Alternative profit measures

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

 
                                          2022                                 2021 
                        Adjusted   Adjustments   Reported    Adjusted   Adjustments   Reported 
                         GBP'000       GBP'000    GBP'000     GBP'000       GBP'000    GBP'000 
                       ---------  ------------  ---------   ---------  ------------  --------- 
 Operating profit         20,498         (688)     19,810      15,885          (43)     15,842 
 Finance costs           (1,072)             -    (1,072)     (1,084)             -    (1,084) 
                       ---------  ------------  ---------   ---------  ------------  --------- 
 Profit before 
  tax                     19,426         (688)     18,738      14,801          (43)     14,758 
 Income tax expense      (4,169)           145    (4,024)     (3,210)           396    (2,814) 
 Profit for the 
  year                    15,257         (543)     14,714      11,591           353     11,944 
                       ---------  ------------  ---------   ---------  ------------  --------- 
 
 

An analysis of adjusting items is given below:

 
                                                         2022      2021 
 Affecting operating profit:                          GBP'000   GBP'000 
                                                  -----------  -------- 
  Amortisation of acquired intangible assets            (688)     (740) 
  Other acquisition-related adjustments                     -      (98) 
  Impairment of assets and restructuring costs              -     (542) 
  Paycheck Protection Program                               -     1,337 
                                                        (688)      (43) 
                                                  -----------  -------- 
 Affecting tax: 
  Tax effect of adjustments to operating profit           145       396 
 Total adjusting items                                  (543)       353 
                                                  -----------  -------- 
 

Adjusted operating profit excludes:

-- The amortisation of intangible assets arising on acquisition of businesses of GBP0.7 million (2021: GBP0.7 million);

-- Other acquisition-related costs of GBPnil (2021: GBP0.1 million in relation to the acquisition of Kbio);

-- Covid-19 related impairment of assets and restructuring costs of GBPnil (2021: GBP0.5 million, principally within the Aerospace & Industrial division); and

-- Monies received under the US Paycheck Protection Program of GBPnil (2021: GBP1.3 million, for proceeds received in relation to eligible costs incurred within the US operations during the covid pandemic).

The 2021 tax effect of adjustments to operating profit includes a credit in relation to eligible costs incurred in 2020, associated with the US Paycheck Protection Program and previously treated as disallowed for tax. The GBP1.3 million Paycheck Protection Program income in 2021 does not attract US tax. These items combined contribute to the tax credit on net adjusting items.

Return on capital employed

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

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

-- Return on operating capital employed of 36 % (2021: 31%) is calculated on the same basis except that the capital employed is adjusted to remove the average of the opening and closing goodwill and the opening and closing retirement benefit obligations to give a measure of the operating capital.

   2.         Segment information 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 
 2022                           Aerospace                          Metal 
                             & Industrial     Laboratory    Melt Quality     Central      Group 
                                  GBP'000        GBP'000         GBP'000     GBP'000    GBP'000 
                           --------------  -------------  --------------  ----------  --------- 
 Total segment revenue             64,864         64,453          45,166           -    174,483 
 Inter-segment revenue              (139)        (1,769)               -           -    (1,908) 
                           --------------  -------------  --------------  ----------  --------- 
 Revenue                           64,725         62,684          45,166           -    172,575 
                           --------------  -------------  --------------  ----------  --------- 
 
 Adjusted operating 
  profit/(loss)                     7,200         10,321           5,701     (2,724)     20,498 
 Amortisation of 
  acquired intangible 
  assets                            (382)          (306)               -           -      (688) 
-------------------------  --------------  -------------  --------------  ----------  --------- 
 Operating profit/(loss)            6,818         10,015           5,701     (2,724)     19,810 
 Finance costs                          -              -               -     (1,072)    (1,072) 
                           -------------- 
 Profit/(loss) before 
  tax                               6,818         10,015           5,701     (3,796)     18,738 
                           --------------  -------------  --------------  ----------  --------- 
 

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

 
 2021                             Aerospace                          Metal 
                               & Industrial     Laboratory    Melt Quality     Central      Group 
                                    GBP'000        GBP'000         GBP'000     GBP'000    GBP'000 
                             --------------  -------------  --------------  ----------  --------- 
 Total segment revenue               55,918         54,965          37,358           -    148,241 
 Inter-segment revenue                (142)        (1,789)               -           -    (1,931) 
                             --------------  -------------  --------------  ----------  --------- 
 Revenue                             55,776         53,176          37,358           -    146,310 
                             --------------  -------------  --------------  ----------  --------- 
 
 Adjusted operating 
  profit/(loss)                       4,399          9,649           5,074     (3,237)     15,885 
 Amortisation of 
  acquired intangible 
  assets                              (396)          (344)               -           -      (740) 
 Other acquisition-related 
  adjustments                             -              -               -        (98)       (98) 
 Impairment of assets 
  and restructuring 
  costs                               (542)              -               -           -      (542) 
 Paycheck Protection 
  Program                               407            295             635           -      1,337 
 Operating profit/(loss)              3,868          9,600           5,709     (3,335)     15,842 
 Finance costs                            -              -               -     (1,084)    (1,084) 
                             --------------  -------------  --------------  ----------  --------- 
 Profit/(loss) before 
  tax                                 3,868          9,600           5,709     (4,419)     14,758 
                             --------------  -------------  --------------  ----------  --------- 
 

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

 
 2022                             Aerospace                          Metal 
                               & Industrial     Laboratory    Melt Quality     Central      Group 
                                    GBP'000        GBP'000         GBP'000     GBP'000    GBP'000 
                             --------------  -------------  --------------  ----------  --------- 
 Segmental assets                    68,033         63,324          36,063       1,979    169,399 
 Cash and cash equivalents                -              -               -      18,297     18,297 
                             --------------  -------------  --------------  ----------  --------- 
 Total assets                        68,033         63,324          36,063      20,276    187,696 
                             --------------  -------------  --------------  ----------  --------- 
 
 Segmental liabilities             (21,640)       (13,168)         (6,893)     (5,111)   (46,812) 
 Retirement benefit 
  obligations                             -              -               -     (9,816)    (9,816) 
 Total liabilities                 (21,640)       (13,168)         (6,893)    (14,927)   (56,628) 
                             --------------  -------------  --------------  ----------  --------- 
 

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

 
 2021                             Aerospace                          Metal 
                               & Industrial     Laboratory    Melt Quality     Central      Group 
                                    GBP'000        GBP'000         GBP'000     GBP'000    GBP'000 
                             --------------  -------------  --------------  ----------  --------- 
 Segmental assets                    70,038         51,720          30,087       2,322    154,167 
 Cash and cash equivalents                -              -               -      15,442     15,442 
                             --------------  -------------  --------------  ----------  --------- 
 Total assets                        70,038         51,720          30,087      17,764    169,609 
                             --------------  -------------  --------------  ----------  --------- 
 
 Segmental liabilities             (19,242)       (12,675)         (5,747)     (5,180)   (42,844) 
 Retirement benefit 
  obligations                             -              -               -    (12,602)   (12,602) 
 Borrowings                               -              -               -     (5,217)    (5,217) 
                             --------------  -------------  --------------  ----------  --------- 
 Total liabilities                 (19,242)       (12,675)         (5,747)    (22,999)   (60,663) 
                             --------------  -------------  --------------  ----------  --------- 
 

Geographical analysis

 
                                        2022                                     2021 
 Revenue                     By destination   By origin   By destination    By origin 
                                    GBP'000     GBP'000          GBP'000      GBP'000 
                            ---------------  ----------  ---------------  ----------- 
 United Kingdom                      17,715      50,018           14,886       42,652 
 Continental Europe                  35,898      21,695           31,534       25,873 
 United States of America            80,537      96,370           64,673       71,695 
 Other NAFTA                          3,592           -            2,647            - 
 South America                        2,409           -            2,642            - 
 Asia                                30,785       4,492           28,688        6,090 
 Africa                               1,639           -            1,240            - 
                            ---------------  ----------  ---------------  ----------- 
                                    172,575     172,575          146,310      146,310 
                            ---------------  ----------  ---------------  ----------- 
 
   3.         Earnings per share (EPS) 
 
                                         2022                                   2021 
 As reported              Earnings      Weighted   Per share   Earnings      Weighted   Per share 
                                         average                              average 
                                          number                            number of 
                           GBP'000     of shares       Pence    GBP'000        shares       Pence 
                         ---------  ------------  ----------  ---------  ------------  ---------- 
 Profit for the 
  year - attributable 
  to owners of the 
  parent                    14,714                               11,944 
 Shares in issue                      46,211,979                           46,170,094 
 Shares owned by 
  the Employee Benefit 
  Trust                                (319,288)                            (198,822) 
                         ---------  ------------  ----------  ---------  ------------  ---------- 
 Basic EPS                  14,714    45,892,691        32.1     11,944    45,971,272        26.0 
 Dilutive share 
  options outstanding            -        18,598       (0.1)          -        38,370        - 
                         ---------  ------------  ----------  ---------  ------------  ---------- 
 Diluted EPS                14,714    45,911,289        32.0     11,944    46,009,642        26.0 
                         ---------  ------------  ----------  ---------  ------------  ---------- 
 

In addition to the above, the Group also calculates an earnings per share based on adjusted profit as the Board believes this to be a better measure to judge the progress of the Group, as discussed in note 1.

 
                                       2022                                2021 
                         Earnings     Weighted   Per share   Earnings     Weighted   Per share 
   Adjusted                            average                             average 
                                        number                           number of 
                          GBP'000    of shares       Pence    GBP'000       shares       Pence 
                        ---------  -----------  ----------  ---------  -----------  ---------- 
 Profit for the 
  year - attributable 
  to owners of the 
  parent                   14,714                              11,944 
 Adjusting items 
  (note 1)                    543                               (353) 
                        ---------  -----------  ----------  ---------  -----------  ---------- 
 Adjusted profit 
  -attributable 
  to owners of the 
  parent                   15,257                              11,591 
                        ---------  -----------  ----------  ---------  -----------  ---------- 
 Adjusted basic 
  EPS                      15,257   45,892,691        33.2     11,591   45,971,272        25.2 
 Adjusted diluted 
  EPS                      15,257   45,911,289        33.2     11,591   46,009,642        25.2 
                        ---------  -----------  ----------  ---------  -----------  ---------- 
 
   4.         Dividends per share 
 
                                            2022                  2021 
                                     Per share             Per share 
                                         Pence   GBP'000       Pence   GBP'000 
                                    ----------  --------  ----------  -------- 
 
 Final dividend paid - in respect 
  of prior year                            3.5     1,606         3.3     1,517 
 Interim dividend paid - in 
  respect of current year                  1.9       872         1.8       828 
                                    ----------  --------  ----------  -------- 
                                           5.4     2,478         5.1     2,345 
                                    ----------  --------  ----------  -------- 
 

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

   5.         Provisions 
 
                                Dilapidations   Warranty     Total 
                                      GBP'000    GBP'000   GBP'000 
                               --------------  ---------  -------- 
 At 30 November 2021                      296      4,372     4,668 
 Additional charge in the 
  year                                      -        439       439 
 Utilisation of provision                   -       (40)      (40) 
 Release of provision                       -    (1,120)   (1,120) 
 Unwinding of discount                     32          -        32 
 Exchange                                   -         41        41 
 At 30 November 2022                      328      3,692     4,020 
                               --------------  ---------  -------- 
 

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

 
                                     2022      2021 
 Analysis of total provisions     GBP'000   GBP'000 
                                 --------  -------- 
 Current                            3,692     4,372 
 Non-current                          328       296 
                                 -------- 
 Net book value at 30 November      4,020     4,668 
                                 --------  -------- 
 
   6.         Contingent liabilities 

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

 
                             $'000   EUR'000 
                            ------  -------- 
 Advanced payment bonds          -       657 
 Performance bonds             956       353 
 At 30 November 2022           956     1,010 
                            ------  -------- 
 
 
                             $'000   EUR'000 
                            ------  -------- 
 Advanced payment bonds          -       320 
 Performance bonds           2,549       811 
 At 30 November 2021         2,549     1,131 
                            ------  -------- 
 

$ 1.0 million (2021: $2.5 million) of the performance bonds relate to the contracts for filtration systems provided for gasification projects. These projects are being commissioned, a process which is taking several years. The Group has provided its best estimate of the amount of any potential loss arising from rectification and claims arising on these contracts within the GBP3.7 million warranty provisions disclosed in note 5. The uncalled performance bonds are expected to be called or released no later than December 2024.

   7.         Cash generated from operations 
 
                                                              2022       2021 
                                                           GBP'000    GBP'000 
                                                         ---------  --------- 
 Operating profit                                           19,810     15,842 
 Adjustments for: 
   Payment Protection Program loan waiver                        -    (1,337) 
   Fair value movement of derivatives through 
    profit and loss                                          (255)         43 
   Share-based payments                                      1,057        247 
   Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 
    and amortisation of intangibles                          3,845      3,662 
   Depreciation of right-of-use assets                       2,212      2,138 
   Impairment of property, plant and equipment                 186        195 
   Impairment of right-of-use assets                            14        150 
   Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment             -         68 
 Operating cash flows before movement in working 
  capital                                                   26,869     21,008 
                                                         ---------  --------- 
 Increase in inventories                                   (4,919)      (476) 
 (Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables        (2,044)        215 
 Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables             5,032      (256) 
 Decrease in provisions                                      (783)      (282) 
 Increase in working capital                               (2,714)      (799) 
                                                         ---------  --------- 
 Post-employment benefits (net cash movement)              (1,357)    (1,585) 
                                                         ---------  --------- 
 Cash generated from operations                             22,798     18,624 
                                                         ---------  --------- 
 
   8.         Related parties 

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

   9.         Basis of preparation 

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

   10.        Annual general meeting 

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

   11.        Responsibility Statement 

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

-- the financial statements, on which this announcement is based, have been prepared in accordance with The Companies Act 2006 and UK-adopted International Accounting Standards , and give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position, and profit or loss of the Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole; and

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

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

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END

FR FLFSLLDITFIV

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

January 30, 2023 02:00 ET (07:00 GMT)

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