(EPIC:
SRC / Market: AIM / Sector: Construction Materials)
17 March 2025
SigmaRoc
plc
('SigmaRoc', the 'Company' or the 'Group')
Audited full year results
for year ended 31 December 2024
2024 underlying earnings and
EPS modestly ahead of consensus8 expectations, driven by
transformational investment to create a leading European lime and
minerals platform
Notice of AGM, Analyst
briefing and Investor Presentation
SigmaRoc (AIM: SRC), the AIM
quoted lime and limestone group, is
pleased to announce its audited results for the year ended 31
December 2024.
|
Statutory
results
|
|
Underlying1 results
|
|
31 December
2024
|
31 December
2023
|
YoY
change
|
|
31 December
2024
|
31 December
2023
|
YoY
change
|
Revenue6
|
£997.6m
|
£580.3m
|
+71.9%
|
|
£997.6m
|
£580.3m
|
+71.9%
|
EBITDA6
|
£180.1m
|
£87.3m
|
+106.3%
|
|
£224.6m
|
£116.7m
|
+92.4%
|
EBITDA margin6
|
18.1%
|
15.0%
|
+20.0%
|
|
22.5%
|
20.1%
|
+11.9%
|
Profit before
tax6
|
£45.8m
|
£28.3m
|
+61.8%
|
|
£117.6m
|
£71.2m
|
+65.2%
|
EPS6
|
2.10p
|
1.95p
|
+7.7%
|
|
8.35p
|
8.12p
|
2.8%
|
Net debt2
|
|
|
|
|
£509.5m
|
£182.4m
|
+179.3%
|
Covenant Leverage
|
|
|
|
|
2.09x
|
1.57x
|
+33.1%
|
ROIC
|
|
|
|
|
11.5%
|
10.8%
|
+6.5%
|
FCF3
|
|
|
|
|
£118.6m
|
£47.0m
|
+152.3%
|
FCF
Conversion4
|
|
|
|
|
52.8%
|
40.3%
|
+31.0%
|
|
Proforma statutory
results5
|
|
Proforma underlying
results5
|
|
31 December
2024
|
31 December
2023
|
YoY
change
|
|
31 December
2024
|
31 December
2023
|
YoY
change
|
Revenue
|
£1,042.0m
|
£1,062.7m
|
-1.9%
|
|
£1,042.0m
|
£1,062.7m
|
-1.9%
|
EBITDA
|
£185.1m
|
£203.6m
|
-9.1%
|
|
£242.2m
|
£237.9m
|
+1.8%
|
EBITDA margin
|
17.8%
|
19.2%
|
-7.3%
|
|
23.2%
|
22.4%
|
+3.8%
|
1 Underlying results are stated before acquisition related
expenses, certain finance costs, redundancy and reorganisation
costs, impairments, amortisation of acquisition intangibles and
share option expense. Underlying results include continuing and
discontinued operations. References to an underlying profit measure
throughout this Annual Report are defined on this basis.
Non-underlying items are described further in the Chief Financial
Officer's report. These measures are not defined by UK IAS and
therefore may not be directly comparable to similar measures
adopted by other companies.
2 Net
debt including IFRS 16 lease liabilities.
3 Free
Cash Flow takes net cash flows from operating activities and
adjusts for CapEx, net interest paid, and for the underlying result
further adjusts for net non-underlying expenses paid and working
capital payments relating to pre-acquisition accruals or purchase
price adjustments.
4 Free
Cash Flow Conversion is FCF relative to underlying
EBITDA.
5 Proforma calculation includes Deal 2 and Deal 3, plus all
acquisitions made by SigmaRoc in 2023, and excludes companies
divested and shown as discontinued at year end for entire period on
an underlying basis.
6 These results include continued and discontinued operations.
All numbers referenced in the Chairman's Statement and CEO Report
are shown on this basis.
7 Based on 2023 proforma baseline
8 Consensus expectations as at
31 December 2024, being the average of forecasts for FY24 provided
by analysts covering the Company, were underlying EBITDA of £221.0m
and EPS of 7.60p.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Strong financial performance following transformational lime
and limestone acquisitions
-
Revenue6 increased 72% to
£997.6m, driven by contribution from the
lime acquisitions;
o Proforma5 revenue down 1.9% LFL reflecting
volumes, foreign exchange effects and reduced pass
throughs;
-
Underlying1 EBITDA increased
92% to £224.6m
with underlying margins improving by 240bps to 22.5% due to the increased scale of the business and the
synergy programme;
o Proforma5 EBITDA increased 2% LFL driven by a
positive operating performance and synergies arising from the
successful integration of the acquisitions;
-
Underlying EPS1 8.35p, 3% ahead of
prior year, 10% ahead of consensus, and an 8th
consecutive year of growth.
-
Covenant leverage reduced from 2.6x at 30 June
2024 to 2.1x at year end following good cash generation and
commencement of divestment program of non-core assets;
-
ROIC up 70bps to 11.5%, progressing in line with
expectations towards15% target;
-
Strong free cash flow with a 1,250bps improvement
to 52.8%;
-
Post period end amendment of bridge loan agreed
with €125m five-year fixed-rate facility on preferential
terms.
OPERATIONAL AND STRATEGIC
Growth
-
Transformational £1billion acquisition of lime
and limestone assets from CRH plc completed in three
stages, doubling the size of the Group and
driving further diversification of the business;
-
German, Czechia and Irish acquisitions closed in
January 2024, the UK in March 2024, and Poland in September 2024
with integration progressing well and expected synergies being
delivered ahead of expectations.
Investment
-
Group now focussed on lime and limestone, with
regional diversification and broad end market exposure -
Industrial, Environment & Food, and Residential &
Infrastructure Construction;
-
Syndicated senior debt facility established to
create financial leverage for long term shareholder
returns;
-
Construction commenced on a new aggregates and
sand processing plant in Belgium, and a new asphalt plant in
SouthWales was commissioned.
Execution
-
Integration of CRH's lime and limestone assets
completed during the year;
-
Disposal of non-core Belgian ready-mix concrete
assets completed in December 2024, with smaller French plants
expected to complete in 2025, for a maximum total consideration of
£41m (€49m). Attractive disposal multiple in excess of 7x LTM
EBITDA;
-
Synergy program progressing well with £8m (€9m)
delivered in 2024 and a minimum of £33m (€40m) now targeted by
20277.
-
Restructuring and cost saving initiatives
implemented in Germany, the Nordics and Belgium, contributing to
the synergy program from 2025;
-
Board strengthened with the appointment of two
experienced independent non-executive directors and CFO transition
complete.
ESG Highlights
-
Retrospective recalculation of
baseline emissions and energy data to
ensure consistency and
relevance in reporting post
the lime
acquisitions;
-
46% reduction in GHG emissions intensity from the
2021 baseline;
-
Overall 71% fossil-free electricity utilised
across the Group, with 100% fossil-free electricity in Finland,
Sweden, Germany, Czechia and Belgium;
-
Total energy consumption and energy intensity
reduced 10% year-on-year (YoY);
-
Total incident frequency rate (TIFR) and lost
time incident frequency rate (LTIFR) reduced 18% YoY and 12%
respectively for employees and contractors across our
sites;
-
Commitment to safety and compliance has been
reinforced with over 180 site audits conducted.
Outlook
-
SigmaRoc made good progress in 2024,
a year characterised by the transformative lime
and limestone acquisitions from CRH;
-
We remain focused on operational delivery and the
ongoing synergy program with a minimum £33m (€40m)
incremental7 EBITDA now expected;
-
Regional diversification and broad end market
exposure provides stability;
-
Potential for improvements across European
markets driven by reducing interest rates, a renewed political
desire to stimulate growth and a number of supportive
megatrends;
-
De-gearing on track with rationalisation of
non-core portfolio to continue, with €20-25m EBITDA relating to
non-core assets available for divestment;
-
We remain mindful of the wider macroeconomic and
geopolitical environment, but 2025 has started
positively.
Notice of Annual General Meeting
SigmaRoc is also pleased to
provide notice that its Annual General Meeting ('AGM') will be held
at 3:00pm on Thursday, 1 May 2025 at The Chesterfield Mayfair, 35
Charles St, London, W1J 5EB.
Copies of the Notice of AGM,
together with the Form of Proxy and Annual Report will be posted to
shareholders in due course and within our required notice
periods.
Max Vermorken, CEO, commented:
"2024 was a landmark year for SigmaRoc, a
year characterised by three key developments.
First, the phased completion of the acquisition of a large
portfolio of lime and limestone companies from CRH plc. Secondly,
the significant work conducted on the identification and
implementation of an ambitious synergies programme. Thirdly, the
continued management of the now expanded Group, in challenging
market conditions.
I would like to thank our
colleagues for their hard work, commitment and dedication
throughout the year, delivering results ahead of expectations
again, and helping position SigmaRoc as one of Europe's leading
lime and limestone businesses.
Looking ahead, we remain confident
in our ability to deliver value for all our stakeholders, and to
maintain our trajectory of growth. We have seen a positive start to
2025. The demand for lime and limestone as critical minerals in the
ongoing shift to sustainable industry is set to grow, and SigmaRoc
is well-positioned to capitalise on this trend. Together, we are
building a stronger, more sustainable future for
all."
END
The full text of the statement is set out below, together with
detailed financial results, and will be available on the Company's
website at www.sigmaroc.com.
Analyst
Briefing
SigmaRoc will host a hybrid
presentation for analysts on Monday, 17 March 2025 at 8.00 GMT. For
more details and to register to attend please
contact Sigmaroc@teneo.com.
Private Investor
Presentation
SigmaRoc is pleased to announce
that its Chairman, David Barrett, its Chief Executive Officer, Max
Vermorken, and its Chief Financial Officer, Jan Van Beek, will
provide a live presentation to private investors reviewing the FY24
Results and prospects via Investor Meet Company on Monday, 17 March
2025 at 15.00 GMT.
The presentation is open to all
existing and potential shareholders. Questions can be submitted
before the event and at any time during the live presentation.
Investors can sign up to Investor Meet Company for free and add to
meet SigmaRoc via:
https://www.investormeetcompany.com/sigmaroc-plc/register-investor
Investors who already follow
SigmaRoc on the Investor Meet Company platform will automatically
be invited.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For further information, please
contact:
SigmaRoc plc
Max Vermorken (Chief Executive
Officer)
Jan van Beek (Chief Financial
Officer)
Tom Jenkins (Head of Investor
Relations)
|
Tel: +44 (0) 207 002 1080
ir@sigmaroc.com
|
Panmure Liberum (Nomad and Co-Broker)
Scott Mathieson / John More / Dru
Danford
|
Tel: +44 (0) 203 100
2000
|
Deutsche Numis (Co-Broker)
Richard Thomas / Hannah
Boros
Teneo (Public Relations)
Harry Cameron / Camilla
Cunningham
|
Tel: +44 (0) 207 260
1000
Tel: +44 (0) 207 353 4200
|
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
I am pleased to present SigmaRoc's
Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2024. This was a
transformational year for SigmaRoc and we have secured our position
as one of Europe's leading lime and limestone businesses. We made
significant strategic acquisitions, delivered a robust financial
performance, focused on continuous safety improvement and delivered
further progress towards our sustainability objectives.
A
transformational acquisition, delivering good
results
Throughout the year, we focused on
integrating our new acquisitions and optimising our operations. The
successful integration of CRH's lime and limestone operations has
already begun to yield synergies, contributing to our improved
EBITDA margins. Additionally, we have continued to invest in our
existing assets, enhancing operational efficiency and extending the
life of our quarries.
Our financial results for the year
ended 31 December 2024 reflect the successful execution of our
growth strategy. Revenue increased by 72% to £998 million, with
underlying EBITDA up 92% to £225 million. On a LFL basis underlying
EBITDA increased 2%, despite a 2% reduction in LFL revenues, due to
our operational focus on improving the business and delivering
synergies. This strong performance was driven by the successful
integration of the recent acquisitions, the resilience of our
business model, and the dedication of our management teams across
all regions.
Good strategic progress
In 2024, we completed the CRH Lime
Acquisitions in Germany, Czechia, Ireland, the UK and Poland,
solidifying our position as a leading European supplier of lime and
limestone products. These acquisitions have expanded our
geographical footprint and enhanced our product offerings, enabling
us better to serve our diverse customer base across broad
end-markets including industrial, construction and environmental
sectors.
Lime and limestone are essential
to modern industry and daily life and are key resources in the
transition to a more sustainable economy. While these minerals are
not always recognised as vital resources, they are essential to
numerous industrial processes
and will only become more integral in the years
to come. Lime, in particular, stands out as the most cost-effective
alkali, enabling essential chemical reactions that support a wide
range of industries. This unique versatility and affordability make
lime and limestone invaluable to our operations and central to our
vision for the future.
Governance
In July 2024, we announced the
succession of our Chief Financial Officer, Jan van Beek, to take
effect from 1 January 2025, ensuring a seamless transition and
continuity in our financial leadership. Earlier in April 2024 we
welcomed two new independent non-executive members to our Board of
Directors, Francesca Medda and Peter Johnson, bringing diverse
expertise to guide SigmaRoc through its next phase of growth.
During the year we updated our key committee memberships (Audit,
Remuneration and Nominations) to ensure they remained in line with
best practice. In addition, we commissioned an external Board
review, the results of which were used to ensure that the Board
continues to be best placed to govern the Group effectively. Our
governance framework continues to ensure transparency,
accountability and alignment with the interests of our
stakeholders, reflecting our commitment to high standards and
ethical business practices.
Well positioned for year ahead
Looking ahead, we remain confident
in our ability to navigate the evolving market landscape. We are
well positioned in attractive markets, with a diversified
portfolio, and a commitment to sustainability that positions us
well for continued growth.
I would like to express my
gratitude to our employees for their unwavering dedication and to
our customers and shareholders for their continued support. We have
entered 2025 with optimism and a clear strategy to drive further
growth and value creation.
David Barrett
Executive Chairman
14 March 2025
CEO's STRATEGIC REPORT
2024 was a landmark year for
SigmaRoc, a year characterised by three key developments. First,
the phased completion of the acquisition of a large portfolio of
lime and limestone companies from CRH plc. Secondly, the
significant work conducted on the identification and implementation
of an ambitious synergies programme. Thirdly, the continued
management of the now expanded Group, in challenging market
conditions.
I would like to thank our
colleagues for their hard work, commitment and dedication
throughout the year in helping position SigmaRoc as one of Europe's
leading lime and limestone businesses.
Strong financial
performance
We are pleased to report an
impressive financial year, marked by substantial revenue growth and
enhanced profitability. Revenue for the year rose by 72% to £998
million, with underlying EBITDA increasing by 92% to £225 million,
driven primarily by contributions from the CRH Lime Acquisitions.
On a LFL basis, revenue decreased by 2%, reflecting softer volumes,
forex effects and pass throughs. Underlying LFL EBITDA increased by
2% reflecting operational efficiencies from the synergy program and
the successful integration of the acquisitions.
Underlying profit after tax
increased to £98.1 million, translating into underlying EPS of
8.35p, representing a 3% increase YoY and an eighth consecutive
year of growth. This increase in underlying EPS is particularly
pleasing, given the structure of the CRH Lime Acquisitions, whereby
equity and debt were front-loaded in the transaction, but with
phased completion of the acquistions, and the challenging operating
environment amidst elevated interest rates.
This robust performance is a
testament to the strength of our diversified portfolio, the
successful integration of the CRH Lime Acquisitions and the
operational efficiencies we have implemented across the
Group.
Proforma financial
history
As a result of the
transformational CRH Lime Acquisitions that were completed through
the course of 2024, the Group has opted to present proforma revenue
by market and product, together with proforma revenue and EBITDA by
region, and volumes by product, in order to assist stakeholders in
better understanding the enlarged Group.
Revenue by market
|
2024
|
2023
|
YoY
change
|
Industrial
|
£367m
|
£395m
|
-7.1%
|
Environmental
|
£205m
|
£207m
|
-1.0%
|
Construction
|
£470m
|
£461m
|
+2.0%
|
|
£1,042m
|
£1,063m
|
-2.0%
|
Revenue by product
|
2024
|
2023
|
YoY
change
|
High-grade minerals
|
£763m
|
£774m
|
-1.4%
|
Construction aggregates
|
£115m
|
£117m
|
-1.7%
|
Value-added products
|
£164m
|
£172m
|
-4.7%
|
|
£1,042m
|
£1,063m
|
-2.0%
|
Sales volume by product (tonnes)
|
2024
|
2023
|
YoY
change
|
High-grade minerals
|
6.8mt
|
6.7mt
|
+1.5%
|
Construction aggregates
|
16.5mt
|
17.2mt
|
-4.1%
|
Value-added products
|
1.0mt
|
1.2mt
|
-16.7%
|
|
24.3mt
|
25.1mt
|
-3.2%
|
Regional proforma financial
history
UK
& Ireland
|
2024
|
2023
|
YoY
change
|
Revenue
|
£254m
|
£255m
|
-0.4%
|
EBITDA1
|
£58m
|
£61m
|
-4.9%
|
Western Europe
|
2024
|
2023
|
YoY
change
|
Revenue
|
£63m
|
£69m
|
-8.7%
|
EBITDA1
|
£15m
|
£19m
|
-21.1%
|
Central Europe
|
2024
|
2023
|
YoY
change
|
Revenue
|
£461m
|
£473m
|
-2.5%
|
EBITDA1
|
£130m
|
£120m
|
+8.3%
|
Nordics
|
2024
|
2023
|
YoY
change
|
Revenue
|
£264m
|
£266m
|
-0.8%
|
EBITDA1
|
£53m
|
£50m
|
+6.0%
|
|
2024
|
2023
|
YoY
change
|
Total Revenue
|
£1,042m
|
£1,063m
|
-2.0%
|
Total EBITDA1
|
£242m
|
£238m
|
+1.8%
|
1 EBITDA is stated after £14m
(FY24) and £12m (FY23) corporate costs
Key takeaways from the above
information are as follows:
· The
Group is now broadly spread across three key end markets -
industrial, environmental and construction, with no end market over
50% of the Group;
· Regional performance was generally stable although there was
some softness in Western Europe due to a disproportionate focus on
construction;
· High-grade minerals now represent over 70% of sales.
Typically, the end markets for high-grade minerals are
characterised by large customers with exacting quality and chemical
consistency expectations, a requirement for surety of supply, and
long-term contractual arrangements;
· The
broad base of end markets and demanding attributes placed by our
key customers on their suppliers demonstrates the importance
SigmaRoc has in the supply chains for supporting the UK and
Europe's vital industrial requirements.
Clear strategic progress, synergy
programme on-track
This year, we successfully
completed the CRH Lime Acquisitions, expanding our lime footprint
in Europe and establishing our position as a leading supplier of
essential mineral products. This strategic move aligns with our
ambition to scale responsibly while enhancing our competitive
advantage in key markets.
With the acquisition of the lime
and limestone businesses we launched an aggressive synergies
programme targeting annualised synergies of between €30 million and
€60 million to be delivered by 2027. The synergies have three
principal sources; first operational and SG&A improvements,
secondly plant network optimisation initiatives and lastly topline
growth initiatives. I am pleased to report progress in all
areas.
During 2024 we delivered around £8
million (€9 million) of synergies and increased the minimum
deliverable target to £29 million (€35 million), a target we are
now increasing to £33 million (€40 million). These increases were
possible due to the better than anticipated performance on both
operational and network synergies across the Group. As we progress
through the programme, we also expect to increase the pace of
delivery with the aim to complete the implementation of the base
programme of £33 million (€40 million) well ahead of the 2027 end
date.
In order to deliver the full
programme of £50 million (€60 million), further initiatives will
need to be unlocked, including delivery of topline benefits. Lime
and limestone are critical minerals in supporting the transition to
a more sustainable economy and as the EU continues its journey
towards cleaner energy and improved infrastructure, we expect
additional demand for our products, driving further growth across
the Group.
Portfolio rationalisation through
disposal of non-core assets
At the end of 2024, we progressed
with our divestment program of non-core assets with the
sale of our Belgian and French ready-mix concrete
plants for a maximum consideration of €49.5 million, which included
a €4.5 million earnout, in a two-part transaction.
The full consideration represented
an attractive disposal multiple of over 7x LTM EBITDA, reflecting
the high quality of the businesses being sold and a recognition of
the meaningful margin expansion program implemented since our
acquisition of the assets between 2021 and 2023 at a combined 4.5x
LTM EBITDA.
The first part of the
consideration (€37 million) was received in December 2024 relating
to the completion of the Belgian assets, with payment and
completion for the French plants to come before the end of
2025.
We expect to deliver further
progress on the rationalisation of
non-core assets within the Group, with €20-25 million of remaining
EBITDA related to non-core assets still available to be
divested.
Safety
Safety remains a top priority
across all our sites, and we are committed to ensuring a safe
working environment for our employees and partners. We have
implemented comprehensive training programs and safety initiatives
across our operations, focusing on risk prevention, compliance and
continuous improvement.
We expanded the Group's HSE&P
team, adding two new members stationed across the UK and central
Europe. This enlarged team conducted over 180 audits across the
Group's expanded footprint. A comprehensive review of the progress
we have made in relation to health & safety will be available
in the ESG section of our 2024 Annual Report.
Committed to sustainability
Our commitment to environmental
stewardship has continued to guide our approach to business. In
2024, we strengthened our efforts to minimise our environmental
footprint by continuing to adopt alternative fuels, reducing carbon
emissions and promoting sustainable practices within our
operations. Our strategic alliances for sustainable lime and
limestone products exemplify this commitment and reinforce our role
in the transition to low-carbon economies. Socially, we have
continued to engage with and support the communities where we
operate, prioritising local employment, training and community
development initiatives. There is a strong
value ethic that permeates throughout the Group which will be
described more fully in the About Us section of our 2024 Annual
Report.
Non-Financial and Sustainability Information
Statement
The Company recognises the need to
report on climate change and sustainability under the Companies
Act. The Group will fulfil its requirement to report
under the Companies Act throughout the ESG section of our 2024
Annual Report.
Driving innovation to support growth
The Group continues to innovate,
with a particular focus on its kiln network. We are using AI to
optimise the efficiency of our kilns, alongside implementing a
programme to upgrade the entire network to ensure they are
compatible with biofuels. In addition to this, SkreenHouse Ventures
continues to evaluate innovative sustainable buildings products,
such as reduced carbon cement and concrete.
Post period developments
In February 2025 we agreed amended
terms on a 5-year facility to replace the bridge loan, which was
due to expire in November 2025. The new facility is a private
placement with PGIM Private Capital for €125 million, in two
tranches, at a fixed rate of 4.93% with a bullet repayment in
February 2030. This is the Group's first private placement in the
debt markets and represents a significant improvement in the rate
and terms of the previous bridge facility.
Also in February 2025, CRH, which
had a 15% shareholding in SigmaRoc, announced the sale of their
entire shareholding. This secondary share placing was
oversubscribed and taken up by a strong list of institutional
investors, including a number of new institutions. We are grateful
to our existing investors for their support and welcome our new
investors to the Group. As part of this placing the SigmaRoc EBT
("SigmaEBT") purchased 14,895,581 shares. Following this
transaction the SigmaEBT held 29,513,668 ordinary shares,
representing approximately 2.6% of the Company's issued share
capital.
Positive start to 2025, well
positioned to deliver
Looking ahead, we remain confident
in our ability to deliver value for our stakeholders and to
maintain our trajectory of growth. We have seen a positive start to
2025. The demand for lime and limestone as critical minerals in the
ongoing shift to sustainable industry is set to grow, and SigmaRoc
is well-positioned to capitalise on this trend.
Reducing interest rates, a renewed
political desire to support the economy and a number of megatrends
that are supportive to lime and limestone markets should provide a
useful stimulus for growth. Whilst we remain mindful of the wider
macroeconomic and geopolitical environment, our focus remains on
delivering further synergies through operational excellence,
enhancing our sustainability initiatives, and exploring strategic
opportunities to expand our presence in key markets.
In recent weeks an ambitions
support package proposed by the likely German coalition partners
with respect to support for the German infrastructure, energy and
defence sectors, has materially improved the midterm outlook for
the German and European economies. How these support package will
impact the specific demand levels of our products remains to be
clarified, however, if implemented as currently presented, they
would support the demand for lime and limestone across Germany and
the wider region.
In closing, I would like to thank
our employees, customers and stakeholders for their continued
support and commitment to SigmaRoc's mission. Together, we are
building a stronger, more sustainable future for
all.
This report was approved by the
Board on 14 March 2025.
Max Vermorken
Chief Executive Officer
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER'S REPORT
I am very pleased to report strong
financial results for the Group delivered in a challenging
macro-economic climate. The Company successfully integrated
multiple businesses acquired during the year, and we improved
profitability, despite a challenging market environment with soft
volumes in residential construction, automotive and steel markets.
This achievement is due to the accretive nature of the acquired
lime operations, preliminary delivery on the synergies combined
with strict cost control to optimise operations.
For the year ending 31 December
2024, the Group generated revenue of £997.6 million (2023: £580.3
million) and underlying EBITDA of £224.6 million (2023: £116.7
million). Underlying profit before taxation for the Group was
£119.7 million (2023: £71.2 million).
For the year ending 31 December
2024, from continuing operations, the Group generated revenue of
£962.5 million (2023: £541.7 million) and underlying profit before
taxation for operations of the Group was £117.6 million (2023:
£65.8 million).
The Board monitors the activities
and performance of the Group on a regular basis and uses financial
indicators based on budget versus actual to assess the performance
of the Group. The indicators set out below will continue to be used
by the Board to assess performance over the period to 31 December
2025.
|
2024
£'000
|
2023
£'000
|
Cash and cash equivalents
(continuing & discontinued operations)
|
132,300
|
55,872
|
Revenue (continuing &
discontinued operations)
|
997,614
|
580,285
|
Underlying EBITDA
|
224,662
|
116,688
|
Capital expenditure
|
75,017
|
43,046
|
Cash generated from operations was
£117.0 million (2023: £65.4 million) with a net increase in cash of
£80.3 million (2023: £11.5 million) after spending £548.6 million
on acquisitions net of cash acquired, £66.9 million in net capital
expenditure and £344.3 million in loan amortisation
repayments.
Underlying EBITDA exceeded
consensus expectations and management forecasts, while revenue and
volumes were somewhat softer due to difficult residential
construction markets and dynamic pricing effects of lower input
costs.
Capital expenditures relate to
purchases of land and minerals, new plant and machinery and
improvements to existing infrastructure across the
Group.
PPA
Ernst & Young LLP undertook
the PPA exercise required under IFRS 3 to allocate a fair value to
the acquired assets of Bjorka Minerals, ST Investcija and the CRH
Lime Acquisitions.
The PPA process resulted in a
reduction of goodwill recorded on the Statement of Financial
Position of the Group for Bjorka Minerals from £10.6 million to
£6.6 million, a reduction in ST Investcija from £3.6 million to
£1.8 million and a reduction in the CRH Lime Acquisitions from
£406.1 million to £296 million. The reduction was to transfer the
value of goodwill to tangible assets for land and buildings, land
and mineral reserves and plant and machinery.
Non-underlying items
The Company's loss after taxation
for 2024 amounts to £2.5m, of which £17 million relates to
non-underlying items, while the Group's non-underlying items
totalled £69.5m for the year, of which £25.0 million, representing
approximately 36%, are non-cash and non-tax deductible. These items
relate to seven categories:
1. £16.8 million in
advisor, consulting, legal fees, accounting fees, insurance and
other direct costs relating to acquisitions including taxes, which
primarily relate to the CRH Lime Acquisitions.
2. £9.5 million
amortisation of acquired assets and adjustments to acquired
assets.
3. £6.8 million in
share-based payments relating to grants of options.
4. £25.0 million legal
and restructuring expenses relating to the reorganisation and
integration of recently acquired subsidiaries, including costs
associated with discontinuing sites and operations, transitional
salary costs, redundancies, severance and recruitment fees, and
costs associated with financial reporting and system
migrations.
5. £5.9 million
on amortisation of finance costs, of which
£2.9 million arising from terminating the previous debt facility
from 2021 and £3.0 million from the new syndicated 5-year debt
facilities established in November 2023.
6. £3.0 million on
unwinding of discounts on deferred consideration payments for
Harries and CRH Deal 1.
7. £2.5 million in
other exceptional costs which primarily relate to non-cash balance
sheet adjustments.
Interest and tax
Net finance costs in the year
totalled £52.8 million (2023: £15.8 million) including associated
interest on bank finance facilities, as well as interest on finance
leases which totalled £1.8 million, this included IFRS 16
adjustments and hire purchase agreements.
A tax charge of £21.0 million
(2023: £11.6 million) was recognised in the year, resulting in a
tax charge on profitability generated from mineral extraction in
the Channel Islands and profits generated through the Group's UK,
Irish, Belgium, German, Czechia, Polish and Nordic based
operations.
Earnings per
share
Basic EPS for the year was 2.10
pence (2023: 1.95 pence) and underlying basic EPS (adjusted for the
non-underlying items mentioned above) for the year totalled 8.35
pence (2023: 8.12 pence).
Basic EPS for the continuing
operations for the year was 2.04 pence (2023: 1.41 pence) and
underlying basic EPS (adjusted for the non-underlying items
mentioned above) for the year totalled 8.21 pence (2023: 7.46
pence).
Statement of financial position
Net assets on 31 December 2024
were £753.7 million (2023: £514.9 million). Net assets are
underpinned by mineral resources, land and buildings and plant and
machinery assets of the Group.
Cash flow
Cash generated by operations was
£117.0 million (2023: £65.4 million). The Group spent £548.6
million on acquisitions net of cash acquired, £75.0 million on
capital projects including acquisition of intangibles, raised
£195.7 million net of fees from the issue of equity, generated
£38.5 million through the disposal of non-core property, plant
& equipment, and repaid net borrowings of £344.3 million. The
net result was a cash inflow for the year of £80.3
million.
Net debt
Net debt at 31 December 2024 was
£509.5 million (2023: £182.4 million).
Bank facilities
On 22 November 2023 the Company
entered a new syndicated senior credit facility of up to €750
million (the 'New Debt Facilities') led by Santander UK and BNPP,
with the syndicate including several major UK and European banks
and a further €125 million bridge loan ('Bridge Loan'). The New
Debt Facilities were partially drawn on 4 January 2024 in
connection with the CRH Lime Acquisitions, specifically CRH Deal 1,
and the legacy debt facility was repaid as part of this
process.
The New Debt Facilities comprise a
€600 million committed term facility, €150 million revolving credit
facility and a further €100 million uncommitted
accordion.
The Group's New Debt Facilities have a
maturity date of 21 November 2028
and are subject to a variable interest rate based
on EURIBOR plus a margin depending on underlying EBITDA.
The Group's New Debt Facilities are
subject to covenants which are tested monthly and certified
quarterly. These covenants are:
· Group interest cover ratio set at a minimum of
3.5 times EBITDA while the Bridge Loan remains
outstanding and then 4.0 times thereafter; and
· A
maximum adjusted leverage ratio, which is the ratio of total net
debt, including further borrowings such as deferred consideration,
to adjusted EBITDA, of 3.95x in 2024.
The Bridge Loan has a maturity
date of 21 June 2025, with an option for another 6-month extension
which, if exercised, would push maturity to 21 November 2025. The
Bridge Loan is subject to a variable interest rate based on EURIBOR
plus a margin as follows:
- 2% for months 0 - 6
- 3% for months 7 - 12
- 4% for months 13 - 18 (assuming exercise of the first
extension option)
- 5% for months 19 - 24 (assuming exercise of the second
extension option)
On 20 February 2025, the
Company amended and restated its existing Bridge Loan with a
new 5-year term facility up to €125 million through a US Private
Placement process. The new debt facility has a security profile
that mirrors the existing syndicated senior credit facility and a
bullet at maturity in February 2030. The interest coupon is based
on the 5-year EURIBOR bond yield plus a margin which is fixed at
4.93% for the duration of the term.
As of 31 December 2024, the Group
comfortably complied with its bank facility covenants under the
terms of the debt facility agreement and total
undrawn facilities available to the Group under the legacy debt
facility amounted to £115 million.
Capital allocation
We prioritise the maintenance of a
strong balance sheet and deploy our capital responsibly, allowing
us to commit
significant organic investment to our business whilst continuing to
pursue acquisitions to accelerate our strategic
development. This conservative approach to financial
management will enable us to continue pursuing capital growth
for our
shareholders, with de-gearing a primary
focus, along with returning cash to our shareholders via share
buy-backs or dividends as this becomes appropriate.
Dividends
Subject to availability of
distributable reserves, dividends will be paid to shareholders when
the Directors believe it is appropriate and prudent to do so. The
Group has achieved significant capital growth since its inception
and the Directors expect to commence dividend payments once the
Group's Covenant Leverage, which is currently above 2 times, is
below 1.5 times. The Directors therefore do not recommend the
payment of a dividend for the year (31 December 2023:
nil).
Share buy-backs
The Company has in place
permission to buy back its own shares into treasury. Subject to the
Directors' views on the valuation of the business, and within the
remit of our conservative overall capital allocation policy, the
Company could seek to use share buy-backs to maximise shareholder
value.
Post balance sheet events
Post 2024 close we have conducted
a series of activities worthy of mention in this Annual
Report. Further information is set out in
Note 38.
This report was approved by the
Board on 14 March 2025 and signed on its behalf.
Jan van Beek
Chief Financial Officer
DIRECTORS' REPORT
The Directors present their
report, together with the audited Financial Statements, for the
year ended 31 December 2024.
Principal
activities
The principal activity of the
Company is to make investments and/or acquire businesses and assets
in the lime and minerals sectors. The principal activity of the
Group is the production of lime and
minerals products.
Board composition and head
office
The Board comprised of three
Executive Directors and six Non-Executive Directors at year end.
The Corporate Head Office of the Company is in London,
UK.
Risk management
The Board is responsible for the
Group's risk management and continues to develop policies and
procedures that reflect the nature and scale of the Group's
business.
Details of the Group's financial
risk management policies are set out in Note 3 to the Financial
Statements.
Results and
dividends
For the year to 31 December 2024,
the Group's underlying profit before tax was £117.6
million (2023: £65.8
million) while total profit before tax was £44.5
million (2023: £23.2 million) and underlying profit after tax was
£98.1 million (2023: £58.8
million) while total profit after tax was £28.6
million (2023: £16.7 million). Recognising the Group's strategy and
current position on its journey, the Directors are not proposing to
adopt a dividend policy yet, however, this will be reviewed once
the Group's Covenant Leverage is below 1.5x.
Stated capital
Details of the Company's shares in
issue are set out in Note 28 to the Financial
Statements.
Directors
The following Directors served
during the year:
Director
|
Position
|
David Barrett
|
Chairman
|
Max Vermorken
|
Chief Executive Officer
|
Garth Palmer
|
Chief Financial Officer (Resigned
December 2024)
|
Tim Hall
|
Independent Non-Executive
Director
|
Simon Chisholm
|
Independent Non-Executive
Director
|
Jacques Emsens
|
Independent Non-Executive
Director
|
Axelle Henry
|
Independent Non-Executive
Director
|
Peter Johnson
|
Independent Non-Executive Director
(Joined April 2024)
|
Francesca Medda
|
Independent Non-Executive Director
(Joined April 2024)
|
Directors & Directors' interests
The Directors who served during the
year ended 31 December 2024 are shown below and had, at that time,
the following beneficial interests in the shares of the
Company:
|
31 December
2024
|
31 December
2023
|
|
Ordinary
Shares
|
Vested
Options
|
Ordinary
Shares
|
Vested
Options
|
Max Vermorken
|
1,037,561
|
15,547,869
|
827,034
|
11,807,349
|
David Barrett
|
3,940,234
|
7,201,494
|
3,434,180
|
5,638,674
|
Garth Palmer
|
829,666
|
7,245,874
|
671,776
|
3,326,014
|
Tim Hall
|
442,282
|
750,000
|
400,176
|
750,000
|
Simon Chisholm
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Jacques Emsens
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Axelle Henry
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Peter Johnson
|
110,062
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Francesca Medda
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Further details on options can be
found in Note 29 to the Financial Statements.
Details on the remuneration of the
Directors can be found in Note 10 to the Financial
Statements.
Substantial
Shareholdings
The Company is aware that, as
at 14
March 2025, other than
the Directors, the interests of Shareholders holding three per cent
or more of the issued share capital of the Company were as shown in
the table below:
Shareholder
|
Shares
held
|
Percentage of
holdings
|
FMR
|
111,485,453
|
10.0%
|
Capital Research Global
Investors
|
89,188,362
|
8.0%
|
Conversant Capital
|
65,947,368
|
5.9%
|
Invesco
|
49,369,862
|
4.4%
|
BGF
|
46,105,973
|
4.1%
|
Rettig Group
|
44,229,181
|
4.0%
|
Janus Henderson
|
44,140,337
|
4.0%
|
Slater Investments
|
37,630,812
|
3.4%
|
Polar Capital
|
33,788,173
|
3.0%
|
Inheritance tax
Shares in AIM quoted trading
companies or a holding company of a trading group may, after a
2-year holding period, qualify for Business Property Relief for
United Kingdom inheritance tax purposes, subject to the detailed
conditions for the relief. From 6 April 2026, this will be capped
at £1 million and assets over £1 million will be subject to 50%
relief. However, it is recommended shareholders get their own tax
advice.
Investors should note that
Business Property Relief would cease to be available if the
Company's shares were to become listed on an HMRC designated stock
exchange, for example, the Main Market of the London Stock
Exchange.
Employees
By being responsible for their own
businesses, that are aligned with the overall Group's strategy,
employees are fully aware of their impact and contribution as they
are inherently responsible for their own success. The Group and
each business are committed to employing the best they can, not
only in skills and competence but also in their softer skills,
regardless of who they are or where they have come from. Once
engaged, each employee is nurtured and developed locally with
opportunities within each business and platform offered
openly.
Political contribution
The Group did not make any
contributions to political parties during either the current or the
previous year.
Annual General Meeting
The AGM will be
held at The Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel, 35
Charles Street, London W1J 5EB on 1 May
2025 at 3:00 pm.
The formal notice convening the AGM, together with explanatory
notes on the resolutions contained therein, is included in the
separate circular and will be available on the Company's website at
www.sigmaroc.com.
Viability statement
The Directors have assessed the
viability of the Group over a period to December 2029. This is the
same period over which financial projections were prepared for the
Group's strategic financial plan. In making their assessment the
Directors have considered the Group's current position and the
potential impact of the principal risks and uncertainties on its
business model, future performance, solvency or liquidity. They
also stress-tested their analysis by running several credible
scenarios and considered the availability of mitigating actions.
Based on this assessment, the Directors confirm that they have a
reasonable expectation that the Group will be able to continue in
operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the period
to 31 March 2026. In making this statement, the Directors have
assumed that financing remains available and that mitigating
actions are effective.
Corporate responsibility
Environmental
SigmaRoc undertakes its activities
in a manner that minimises or eliminates negative environmental
impacts and maximises positive impacts of an environmental
nature.
Health and
safety
SigmaRoc operates a comprehensive
health and safety programme to ensure the wellness and security of
its employees. The control and eventual elimination of all
work-related hazards require a dedicated team effort involving the
active participation of all employees. A comprehensive health and
safety programme is the primary means for delivering best practices
in health and safety management. This programme is regularly
updated to incorporate employee suggestions, lessons learned from
past incidents and new guidelines related to new projects, with the
aim of identifying areas for further improvement of health and
safety management. This results in continuous improvement of the
health and safety programme. Employee involvement is regarded as
fundamental in recognising and reporting unsafe conditions and
avoiding events that may result in injuries and
accidents.
Internal
controls
The Board recognises the
importance of both financial and non-financial controls and has
reviewed the Group's control environment for any shortfalls during
the year. Since the Group was established, the Directors are
satisfied that, given the current size and activities of the Group,
adequate internal controls have been implemented. Whilst they are
aware that no system can provide absolute assurance against
material misstatement or loss, considering the current activity and
proposed future development of the Group, continuing reviews of
internal controls will be undertaken to ensure that they are
adequate and effective.
Further details
on corporate governance can be found in the
Corporate Governance Report.
Going
concern
The Group meets its day-to-day
working capital and other funding requirements through cash and
banking facilities, which were renewed in November 2023 and further
optimised in February 2025.
The Directors have a reasonable
expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in
operational existence for the foreseeable future and, therefore,
continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the Annual
Report and Financial Statements. Further details on their
assumptions and their conclusion thereon are included in the
statement on going concern included in Note 2.3 to the Financial
Statements.
Directors' and officers'
indemnity insurance
The Company has made qualifying
third-party indemnity provisions for the benefit of its Directors
and officers. These were made during the year and remain in force
at the date of this Annual Report.
Events after the reporting period
Events after the reporting period
are set out in Note 38 to the Financial Statements.
Policy and practice on payment of creditors
The Group agrees on terms and
conditions for its business transactions with suppliers. Payment is
then made in accordance with these terms, subject to the terms and
conditions being met by the supplier. As at 31 December 2024, the
Company had an average of 43 days (2023: 53
days) of purchases outstanding in trade payables and the Group had
an average of 43 days (2023: 62
days).
Future developments
Details of future developments for
the Group are disclosed in the Chairman's Statement and the CEO's
Strategic Report.
Provision of information to Auditor
So far as each of the Directors is
aware at the time this report is approved:
·
there is no relevant audit information of which
the Group's auditor is unaware; and
·
the Directors have taken all steps that they
ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit
information and to establish that the auditor is aware of that
information.
Auditor
PKF Littlejohn LLP has signified
its willingness to continue in office as auditor.
This report was approved by the
Board on 14 March 2025.
Jan van Beek
STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES
The Directors are responsible for
preparing the Annual Report and the Financial Statements in
accordance with applicable laws and regulations, including the AIM
Rules for Companies.
Company law requires the Directors
to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that
law the Directors have elected to prepare the Group and Company
Financial Statements in accordance with UK-adopted International
Accounting Standards (UK-adopted IAS). Under company law the
Directors must not approve the Financial Statements unless they are
satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of
affairs of the Group and Company, and of the profit or loss of the
Group for that period. In preparing these Financial Statements, the
Directors are required to:
· select suitable accounting policies and then apply them
consistently;
· make
judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and
prudent;
· state whether applicable UK-adopted IAS have been followed,
subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the
financial statements; and
· prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis
unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group will continue
in business.
The Directors are responsible for
keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and
explain the Group's and Company's transactions and disclose with
reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Group
and Company and enable them to ensure that the Financial Statements
comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for
safeguarding the assets of the Group and Company, and hence for
taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud
and other irregularities.
The Directors are responsible for
the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial
information included on the Company's website, www.sigmaroc.com.
Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and
dissemination of the Financial Statements may differ from
legislation in other jurisdictions.
The Company is compliant with AIM
Rule 26 regarding the Company's website.
The Directors confirm that they
have complied with the above requirements in preparing the
Financial Statements.
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
|
|
Year ended 31 December
2024
|
Restated1 - Year ended 31 December 2023
|
|
|
Underlying
|
Non-underlying2
(Note 11)
|
Total
|
Underlying
|
Non-underlying2 (Note 11)
|
Total
|
Continued operations
|
Note
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue 3
|
7
|
962,506
|
-
|
962,506
|
541,651
|
-
|
541,651
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of sales
|
8
|
(720,023)
|
(13,911)
|
(733,934)
|
(409,800)
|
(8,296)
|
(418,096)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit
|
|
242,483
|
(13,911)
|
228,572
|
131,851
|
(8,296)
|
123,555
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Administrative expenses
|
8
|
(81,854)
|
(63,770)
|
(145,624)
|
(53,474)
|
(34,165)
|
(87,639)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit from operations
|
|
160,629
|
(77,681)
|
82,948
|
78,377
|
(42,461)
|
35,916
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net finance
(expense)/income
|
12
|
(44,233)
|
(8,586)
|
(52,819)
|
(14,274)
|
(1,528)
|
(15,802)
|
Other net gains /
(losses)
|
13
|
1,169
|
13,191
|
14,360
|
1,694
|
1,411
|
3,105
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit/(loss) before tax
|
|
117,565
|
(73,076)
|
44,489
|
65,797
|
(42,578)
|
23,219
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax expense
|
15
|
(20,990)
|
4,458
|
(16,531)
|
(11,560)
|
1,149
|
(10,411)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit/(loss) from continuing operations
|
|
96,575
|
(68,618)
|
27,958
|
54,237
|
(41,429)
|
12,808
|
Discontinued operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit/(loss) from discontinued operations
|
14
|
1,574
|
(895)
|
678
|
4,548
|
(638)
|
3,910
|
Profit/(loss)
|
|
98,149
|
(69,513)
|
28,636
|
58,785
|
(42,067)
|
16,718
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit/(loss) attributable to:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Owners of the parent -
continuing
|
|
91,195
|
(68,618)
|
22,578
|
51,053
|
(41,429)
|
9,624
|
Owners of the parent -
discontinued
|
14
|
1,574
|
(895)
|
678
|
4,548
|
(638)
|
3,910
|
Non-controlling
interest
|
31
|
5,380
|
-
|
5,380
|
3,184
|
-
|
3,184
|
|
|
98,149
|
(69,513)
|
28,636
|
58,785
|
(42,067)
|
16,718
|
Continuing basic earnings per share attributable to owners of
the parent (expressed in pence per share)
4
|
32
|
8.21
|
(6.17)
|
2.04
|
7.46
|
(6.05)
|
1.41
|
Continuing diluted earnings per share attributable to owners
of the parent (expressed in pence per share)
4
|
32
|
7.62
|
(5.73)
|
1.89
|
7.15
|
(5.80)
|
1.35
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
1. Consistent with IFRS5, the
prior period Income Statement and associated notes have been
restated for the disposal of Bmix, Goijens and option to sell
Beton. The sale of BMix and Goijens completed 13 December 2024 and
the sale of Beton is expected to complete in 2025. These entities
are disclosed as a discontinued operation and Beton is classified
as held for sale on the Group Balance Sheet. The prior period
balance sheet disclosures are not restated.
2. Non-underlying items represent
acquisition related expenses, restructuring costs, certain finance
costs, share option expense and amortisation of acquired
intangibles. See Note 11
for more information.
3. Full year 2024 Revenue for the
Group for continuing and discontinued operations is £997,614k.
Revenue has been split out for discontinued operations under IFRS 5
requirements.
4. Underlying basic earnings per
share for 2024 continuing and discontinued operations is 8.35p
and total including non-underlying is 2.10p.
Underlying Diluted earnings per share for continuing and
discontinued operations is 7.75p and total including non-underlying
is 1.94p.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE
INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
|
|
Year ended 31 December
2024
|
Year
ended 31 December 2023
|
|
Note
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
|
|
|
|
Profit/(loss) for the
year
|
|
28,636
|
16,718
|
Other comprehensive income:
|
|
|
|
Items that will or may be reclassified to profit or
loss:
|
|
|
|
FX translation reserve
|
|
(610)
|
(3,223)
|
Cash flow hedges - effective
portion of changes in fair value
|
|
(1,121)
|
(5,468)
|
Remeasurement of the net defined
benefits liability
|
|
(108)
|
(38)
|
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
|
|
(1,839)
|
(8,729)
|
Total comprehensive income
|
|
26,797
|
7,989
|
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive income attributable to:
|
|
|
|
Owners of the parent -
continuing
|
|
22,298
|
1,016
|
Owners of the parent -
discontinued
|
|
672
|
3,903
|
Non-controlling
interests
|
|
3,827
|
3,070
|
Total comprehensive income for the period
|
|
26,797
|
7,989
|
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024
|
|
Consolidated
|
|
Company
|
|
|
31 December
2024
|
31
December 2023
|
|
31 December
2024
|
31
December 2023
|
|
Note
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Non-current assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property, plant and
equipment
|
16
|
1,238,945
|
572,562
|
|
649
|
166
|
Intangible assets
|
17
|
463,500
|
188,048
|
|
92
|
-
|
Available for sale
assets
|
|
250
|
250
|
|
250
|
250
|
Investments in subsidiary
undertakings
|
18
|
-
|
-
|
|
1,096,530
|
567,305
|
Investment in equity-accounted
associate
|
19
|
531
|
605
|
|
-
|
-
|
Investment in joint
ventures
|
19
|
6,212
|
6,448
|
|
411
|
412
|
Derivative financial
asset
|
33
|
9
|
1,369
|
|
-
|
-
|
Other receivables
|
20
|
13,724
|
3,398
|
|
11,289
|
-
|
Deferred tax asset
|
15
|
331
|
38
|
|
-
|
-
|
|
|
1,723,502
|
772,718
|
|
1,109,221
|
568,133
|
Current assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trade and other
receivables
|
20
|
158,205
|
99,034
|
|
16,408
|
5,332
|
Inventories
|
21
|
127,682
|
84,309
|
|
-
|
-
|
Cash and cash
equivalents
|
22
|
131,356
|
55,872
|
|
25,363
|
7,925
|
Derivative financial
asset
|
33
|
505
|
3,328
|
|
-
|
-
|
|
|
417,748
|
242,543
|
|
41,771
|
13,257
|
Disposal group classified as held for sale
|
14
|
7,172
|
-
|
|
-
|
-
|
Total assets
|
|
2,148,422
|
1,015,261
|
|
1,150,992
|
581,390
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trade and other
payables
|
23
|
284,046
|
158,199
|
|
22,801
|
34,082
|
Derivative financial
liabilities
|
33
|
1,343
|
3,926
|
|
-
|
1,253
|
Provisions
|
25
|
14,886
|
8,489
|
|
-
|
-
|
Borrowings
|
24
|
64,788
|
37,504
|
|
49,853
|
29,543
|
Current tax payable
|
15
|
11,309
|
3,844
|
|
-
|
-
|
|
|
376,372
|
211,962
|
|
72,654
|
64,878
|
Non-current liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Borrowings
|
24
|
577,044
|
200,792
|
|
535,387
|
174,090
|
Employee benefit
liabilities
|
|
1,418
|
1,305
|
|
-
|
-
|
Deferred tax
liabilities
|
15
|
196,288
|
72,219
|
|
-
|
-
|
Derivative financial
liabilities
|
|
18
|
1,167
|
|
-
|
-
|
Provisions
|
25
|
87,041
|
4,724
|
|
-
|
-
|
Other payables
|
23
|
155,030
|
8,208
|
|
5,692
|
5,260
|
|
|
1,016,839
|
288,415
|
|
541,079
|
179,350
|
Disposal group classified as held for sale
|
14
|
1,543
|
-
|
|
-
|
-
|
Total liabilities
|
|
1,394,754
|
500,377
|
|
613,733
|
244,228
|
Net assets
|
|
753,668
|
514,884
|
|
537,259
|
337,162
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity attributable to owners of the parent
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share capital
|
28
|
11,149
|
6,939
|
|
11,149
|
6,939
|
Share premium
|
28
|
191,458
|
-
|
|
191,458
|
-
|
Share option reserve
|
29
|
18,410
|
11,482
|
|
18,410
|
11,482
|
Other reserves
|
30
|
(30)
|
629
|
|
600
|
600
|
Retained earnings
|
|
503,779
|
481,691
|
|
315,642
|
318,141
|
Equity attributable to owners of the parent
|
|
724,766
|
500,741
|
|
537,259
|
337,162
|
Non-controlling
interest
|
31
|
28,902
|
14,143
|
|
-
|
-
|
Total equity
|
|
753,668
|
514,884
|
|
537,259
|
337,162
|
The Company has elected to take
the exemption under Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 from
presenting the Company's Income Statement and Statement of
Comprehensive Income.
The loss for the Company for the
year ended 31 December 2024 was £2.5 million (year ended 31
December 2023: loss of £42.9 million).
The Financial Statements were
approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 14
March 2025 were signed on its behalf
by:
Jan van Beek
Chief Financial Officer
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
|
|
Share
capital
|
Share
premium
|
Share option
reserve
|
Other
reserves
|
Retained
earnings
|
Total
|
Non-controlling
interest
|
Total
|
|
Note
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Balance as at 1 January 2023
|
|
6,383
|
400,022
|
7,483
|
10,261
|
33,969
|
458,118
|
11,732
|
469,850
|
Profit for the year
|
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
13,534
|
13,534
|
3,184
|
16,718
|
Currency translation
differences
|
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(3,109)
|
-
|
(3,109)
|
(114)
|
(3,223)
|
Other comprehensive
income
|
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(5,506)
|
-
|
(5,506)
|
-
|
(5,506)
|
Total comprehensive income for the period
|
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(8,615)
|
13,534
|
4,919
|
3,070
|
7,989
|
Contributions by and distributions to
owners
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Acquired via
acquisition
|
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
616
|
616
|
Issue of share capital
|
28
|
556
|
29,444
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
30,000
|
-
|
30,000
|
Issue costs
|
|
-
|
(782)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(782)
|
-
|
(782)
|
Share based payments
|
|
-
|
-
|
4,002
|
-
|
-
|
4,002
|
-
|
4,002
|
Exercise of share
options
|
|
-
|
-
|
(3)
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Dividends
|
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(1,275)
|
(1,275)
|
Other equity
adjustments
|
|
-
|
(428,684)
|
-
|
(1,017)
|
434,185
|
4,484
|
-
|
4,484
|
Total contributions by and distributions to
owners
|
|
556
|
(400,022)
|
3,999
|
(1,017)
|
434,188
|
37,704
|
(659)
|
37,045
|
Balance as at 31 December 2023
|
|
6,939
|
-
|
11,482
|
629
|
481,691
|
500,741
|
14,143
|
514,884
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as at 1 January 2024
|
|
6,939
|
-
|
11,482
|
629
|
481,691
|
500,741
|
14,143
|
514,884
|
Profit for the year
|
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
23,256
|
23,256
|
5,380
|
28,636
|
Currency translation
differences
|
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
943
|
-
|
943
|
(1,553)
|
(610)
|
Other comprehensive
income
|
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(1,229)
|
-
|
(1,229)
|
-
|
(1,229)
|
Total comprehensive income for the period
|
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(286)
|
23,256
|
22,970
|
3,827
|
26,797
|
Contributions by and distributions to
owners
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Acquired via
acquisition
|
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
13,833
|
13,833
|
Issue of share capital
|
28
|
4,210
|
195,790
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
200,000
|
-
|
200,000
|
Issue costs
|
28
|
-
|
(4,332)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(4,332)
|
-
|
(4,332)
|
Share based payments
|
|
-
|
-
|
6,942
|
-
|
-
|
6,942
|
-
|
6,942
|
Exercise of share
options
|
|
-
|
-
|
(14)
|
-
|
14
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Dividends
|
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(3,053)
|
(3,053)
|
Other equity
adjustments
|
28
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(373)
|
(1,182)
|
(1,555)
|
152
|
(1,403)
|
Total contributions by and distributions to
owners
|
|
4,210
|
191,458
|
6,928
|
(373)
|
(1,168)
|
201,055
|
10,932
|
211,987
|
Balance as at 31 December 2024
|
|
11,149
|
191,458
|
18,410
|
(30)
|
503,779
|
724,766
|
28,902
|
753,668
|
COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
|
|
Share
capital
|
Share
premium
|
Share option
reserve
|
Other
reserves
|
Retained
earnings
|
Total
|
|
Note
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Balance as at 1 January 2023
|
|
6,383
|
400,022
|
7,483
|
1,362
|
(68,368)
|
346,882
|
Profit/(Loss)
|
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(42,940)
|
(42,940)
|
Total comprehensive income for the period
|
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(42,940)
|
(42,940)
|
Contributions by and distributions to
owners
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issue of share capital
|
|
556
|
29,444
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
30,000
|
Issue costs
|
|
-
|
(782)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(782)
|
Share based payments
|
|
-
|
-
|
4,002
|
-
|
-
|
4,002
|
Exercise of share
options
|
|
-
|
-
|
(3)
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
Other equity
adjustments
|
|
-
|
(428,684)
|
-
|
(762)
|
429,446
|
-
|
Total contributions by and distributions to
owners
|
|
556
|
(400,022)
|
3,999
|
(762)
|
429,449
|
33,220
|
Balance as at 31 December 2023
|
|
6,939
|
-
|
11,482
|
600
|
318,141
|
337,162
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as at 1 January 2024
|
|
6,939
|
-
|
11,482
|
600
|
318,141
|
337,162
|
Profit/(Loss)
|
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(2,513)
|
(2,513)
|
Total comprehensive income for the period
|
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(2,513)
|
(2,513)
|
Contributions by and distributions to
owners
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issue of share capital
|
|
4,210
|
195,790
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
200,000
|
Issue costs
|
28
|
-
|
(4,332)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(4,332)
|
Share based payments
|
|
-
|
-
|
6,942
|
-
|
-
|
6,942
|
Exercise of share
options
|
|
-
|
-
|
(14)
|
-
|
14
|
-
|
Other equity
adjustments
|
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Total contributions by and distributions to
owners
|
|
4,210
|
191,458
|
6,928
|
-
|
14
|
202,610
|
Balance as at 31 December 2024
|
|
11,149
|
191,458
|
18,410
|
600
|
315,642
|
537,259
|
CASH FLOW
STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR
ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
|
|
Consolidated
|
|
Company
|
|
|
Year ended 31 December
2024
|
Year ended 31 December
2023
|
|
Year ended 31 December
2024
|
Year ended 31 December
2023
|
|
Note
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Cash flows from operating activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit/(loss) from continuing
operations
|
|
27,958
|
16,718
|
|
(2,499)
|
(42,941)
|
Profit/(loss) from discontinued
operations
|
|
678
|
-
|
|
-
|
-
|
Adjustments for:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortisation -
continuing operations
|
16
17
|
72,062
|
39,434
|
|
156
|
109
|
Discontinued operations
|
|
3,001
|
|
|
|
|
Share option expense
|
|
6,930
|
4,001
|
|
6,930
|
4,001
|
Fair value movement on EBT
shares
|
13
|
(4,937)
|
-
|
|
(4,937)
|
-
|
Gain on sale of
investments
|
13
|
(8,298)
|
-
|
|
(12,110)
|
-
|
Loss/(gain) on sale of
PP&E
|
|
(317)
|
(3,032)
|
|
-
|
-
|
Net finance costs
|
|
52,819
|
15,865
|
|
(466)
|
8,703
|
Income tax expense
|
15
|
16,531
|
11,279
|
|
-
|
-
|
Share of earnings from joint
ventures
|
|
(316)
|
(596)
|
|
-
|
-
|
Non-cash items
|
|
44
|
(869)
|
|
(9,291)
|
(2,120)
|
Increase in trade and other
receivables
|
|
(25,827)
|
(8,613)
|
|
(11,656)
|
(2,132)
|
(Increase)/decrease in
inventories
|
|
(10,278)
|
(13,159)
|
|
-
|
-
|
Increase/(decrease) in trade and
other payables
|
|
3,664
|
14,637
|
|
(8,087)
|
19,888
|
Decrease in provisions
|
|
8,541
|
934
|
|
-
|
-
|
Income tax paid
|
|
(25,231)
|
(11,194)
|
|
-
|
-
|
Net cash inflows/(outflows) from operating
activities
|
|
117,024
|
65,405
|
|
(41,960)
|
(14,492)
|
Investing activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase of property, plant and
equipment
|
16
|
(71,559)
|
(40,190)
|
|
(630)
|
(18)
|
Sale of property, plant and
equipment
|
|
8,117
|
5,890
|
|
-
|
-
|
Purchase of intangible
assets
|
17
|
(3,458)
|
(2,857)
|
|
(100)
|
-
|
Purchase of available for sale
assets
|
|
-
|
(250)
|
|
-
|
(250)
|
Investment in joint
venture
|
|
-
|
(411)
|
|
-
|
(411)
|
Proceeds of sale of
subsidiary
|
|
30,388
|
1,822
|
|
30,388
|
-
|
Acquisition of businesses (net of
cash acquired)
|
34
|
(548,614)
|
(30,169)
|
|
(204,380)
|
(6,760)
|
Dividends received
|
|
-
|
-
|
|
2,524
|
-
|
Financial derivative
|
|
(1,346)
|
1,607
|
|
(1,254)
|
1,253
|
Interest received
|
|
1,842
|
1,271
|
|
14,610
|
201
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
(584,630)
|
(63,287)
|
|
(158,842)
|
(5,985)
|
Financing activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from share
issue
|
|
200,000
|
30,000
|
|
200,000
|
30,000
|
Cost of share issue
|
|
(4,332)
|
(782)
|
|
(4,332)
|
(782)
|
Proceeds from
borrowings
|
|
765,604
|
5,064
|
|
752,013
|
-
|
Cost of borrowings
|
|
(14,858)
|
-
|
|
(14,858)
|
-
|
Repayment of borrowings
|
|
(344,280)
|
(32,050)
|
|
(333,629)
|
(20,055)
|
Loans granted
|
|
(9,000)
|
-
|
|
(9,000)
|
-
|
Net loans with
subsidiaries
|
|
-
|
-
|
|
(332,243)
|
26,432
|
Interest paid
|
|
(42,194)
|
(14,553)
|
|
(40,651)
|
(12,148)
|
Dividends paid to non-controlling
interest
|
|
(3,053)
|
(1,275)
|
|
-
|
-
|
Net cash used in financing activities
|
|
547,887
|
(13,596)
|
|
217,300
|
23,447
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents
|
|
80,281
|
(11,478)
|
|
16,498
|
2,970
|
Cash and cash equivalents at
beginning of period
|
|
55,872
|
68,623
|
|
7,925
|
5,055
|
Exchange (losses) / gains on
cash
|
|
(3,854)
|
(1,273)
|
|
940
|
(100)
|
Cash held by discontinued
operations
|
14
|
(943)
|
-
|
|
-
|
-
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
|
22
|
131,356
|
55,872
|
|
25,363
|
7,925
|
Major non-cash transactions
During the year ended 31 December
2024, there were share based payments of £4.6 million.
Notes:
i. Cash Flow
attributable to discontinued operations include £4.2 million
Operating cash inflow, £2.0 million investing cash outflows, £0.3
million financing cash flows, net movement in cash & cash
equivalents £2.5 million. Cash at the beginning of the period was
£3.6 million. See Note 14.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
1. General Information
The principal activity of SigmaRoc
is to make investments and/or acquire projects in the quarried
materials sector, and the principal activity of the Group is the
production of lime and limestone, high-quality aggregates and
supply of value-added industrial and construction materials. The
Company's shares are admitted to trading on AIM and it is
incorporated and domiciled in the United Kingdom.
The address of its registered
office is 6 Heddon Street, London, W1B
4BT.
2. Accounting Policies
The principal accounting policies
applied in the preparation of these Financial Statements are set
out below ('Accounting Policies' or 'Policies'). These Policies
have been consistently applied to all the periods presented, unless
otherwise stated.
2.1. Basis of Preparing the Financial
Statements
The Group and Company Financial
Statements have been prepared in accordance with UK-adopted
International Accounting Standards and with the requirements of the
Companies Act 2006. The consolidated financial statements have been
prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified by the
revaluation of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets;
financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value through
profit or loss; derivatives held for hedge accounting classified as
financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income,
and defined benefit pension plans for which the plan assets are
measured at fair value.
The Financial Statements are
presented in UK Pounds Sterling rounded to the nearest
thousand.
The preparation of Financial
Statements in conformity with UK IASs requires the use of certain
critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to
exercise its judgement in the process of applying the Group's
Accounting Policies. The areas involving a higher degree of
judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates
are significant to the Financial Information are disclosed in Note
4.
BMix, Goijens and Beton, in
accordance with IFRS 5, is disclosed separately as a discontinued
operation. The prior year income statement is restated to show
discontinued operations, whilst the comparative balance sheet and
cash flow remains unaltered.
a) Changes in Accounting
Policy
i)
New standards and amendments
adopted by the Group
The IASB issued various amendments
and revisions to UK IAS and IFRSIC
interpretations which include IAS 1 - Non-current liabilities with
covenants, IAS 7 - Statement of cash flows, IFRS 16 - Leases and
IFRS 7 - Supplier finance arrangements. The amendments and
revisions were applicable for the period ended 31 December 2024 but
did not result in any material changes to the financial statements
of the Group or Company.
ii) New standards, amendments and interpretations in issue
but not yet effective or not early adopted
Standards, amendments and
interpretations that are not yet effective and have not been early
adopted are as follows:
Standard
|
Impact on initial application
|
Effective date
|
IAS 21
|
The effects of changes in foreign
exchange rates
|
1 January 2025
|
IFRS 7
|
Classification and measurement of
Financial Instruments
|
1 January 2026
|
IFRS 9
|
Classification and measurement of
Financial Instruments
|
1 January 2026
|
IFRS 18
|
Presentation of disclosures in
Financial Statements
|
1 January 2027
|
IFRS 19
|
Subsidiaries without Public
Accountability: Disclosures
|
1 January 2027
|
The Group and Company are
evaluating the impact of the new and amended standards above which
are not expected to have a material impact on the Group or
Company's results or shareholders' funds.
2.2. Basis of Consolidation
a) Subsidiaries
The Consolidated Financial
Statements consolidate the Financial Statements of the Company and
the accounts of all of its subsidiary undertakings for all periods
presented.
Subsidiaries are entities over
which the Group has control. The Group controls an entity when the
Group is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its
involvement with the entity and could affect those returns through
its power over the entity. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from
the date on which control is transferred to the Group. On
consolidation all inter-company transactions, balances and
unrealised gains and losses on transactions between group companies
are eliminated. They are deconsolidated from the date that control
ceases.
The Group applies the acquisition
method of accounting to account for business combinations. The
Consideration transferred for the acquisition of a subsidiary is
the fair values of the assets transferred, the liabilities incurred
to the former owners of the acquiree, and the equity interests
issued by the Group. The consideration transferred includes the
fair value of any asset or liability resulting from a contingent
consideration arrangement. Identifiable assets acquired and
liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business
combination are measured initially at their fair values at the
acquisition date.
Acquisition-related costs are
expensed as incurred unless they result from the issuance of
shares, in which case they are offset against the premium on those
shares within equity.
Deferred consideration is recognised at its fair value at the
acquisition date as part of the total consideration transferred for
the business combination. The fair value of deferred consideration
is determined considering the probability of payment and the time
value of money. Changes in the fair value of deferred consideration
are recognised in profit or loss as they occur.
In the event of a loss of control
of a subsidiary, the assets and liabilities of the former
subsidiary are derecognised from the consolidated statement of
financial position. Any investment retained in the former
subsidiary is recognised at its fair value at the date when control
is lost, and any resulting gain or loss is recognised in profit or
loss.
Investments in subsidiaries are
accounted for at cost less impairment.
Where considered appropriate,
adjustments are made to the financial information of subsidiaries
to bring the accounting policies used into line with those used by
other members of the Group. All intercompany transactions and
balances between Group enterprises are eliminated on
consolidation.
CDH, Stone, and GduH use Belgian
GAAP rules to prepare and report their financial statements. The
Group reports using UK IAS standards and in order to comply with
the Group's reporting standards, management of CDH, Stone and GduH
processed several adjustments to ensure the financial information
included at a Group level complies with UK IAS. CDH, Stone and GduH
will continue to prepare their company financial statements in line
with the Belgian GAAP rules.
Nordkalk entities, Fels and
Vitosov use local GAAP rules to prepare and report their financial
statements. The Group reports using UK IAS standards and in order
to comply with the Group's reporting standards, management of
Nordkalk, Fels and Vitosov processed several adjustments to ensure
the financial information included at a Group level complies with
UK IAS. Nordkalk, Fels and Vitosov will continue to prepare their
company financial statements in line with the local GAAP
rules.
The Group recognises any
non-controlling interest at the non-controlling interest's
proportionate share of the recognised amounts of acquiree's
identifiable net assets.
b) Associates
Associates are entities over which
the Group has significant influence but not control over the
financial and operating policies. Investments in associates are
accounted for using the equity method of accounting and are
initially recognised at cost. The Group's share of its associates'
post-acquisition profits or losses is recognised in profit or loss,
and its share of post-acquisition movements in reserves is
recognised in other comprehensive income. The cumulative
post-acquisition movements are adjusted against the carrying amount
of the investment.
Accounting policies of
equity-accounted investees have been changed where necessary to
ensure consistency with the policies adopted by the
Group.
c) Joint
Arrangement
A joint arrangement is an
arrangement in which two or more parties have joint control. A
joint venture is a joint arrangement in which the parties that
share joint control have rights to the net assets of the
arrangement. Joint arrangements are accounted for
using the equity method of accounting and are initially recognised
at cost. The Group's share of its associates' post-acquisition
profits or losses is recognised in profit or
loss.
2.3. Going Concern
The Financial Statements have been
prepared on a going concern basis which the directors consider to
be appropriate for the following reasons.
The Group meets its day-to-day
working capital and other funding requirements through operating
cash generation and its Debt Facilities. The Debt Facilities
comprise of a €600 million committed term
facility, €150 million revolving credit facility and a further €100
million uncommitted accordion which matures on 21
November 2028. The Group has met all covenants on its Debt
Facilities.
The Group has prepared cash flow
forecasts for a period of more than 12 months which anticipate a
continuous upward trend of profitability and cash generation. As
the Group has a strong focus on operational gearing, it can remain
flexible during economically disruptive events which can have a
negative effect on cash flow.
At 31 December 2024, the Group had
cash of £131.4 million from its continuing operations (2023: £55.9
million) and had undrawn banking facilities under the Debt Facility
of £95 million (2023: £173 million), and at the date of this report
has similar levels of liquidity which is expected to provide
sufficient funds for the Group to discharge its liabilities as and
when they fall due and ensure covenants are met.
Based on the above, the directors
believe that it remains appropriate to prepare the financial
statements on a Going Concern basis.
2.4. Segment Reporting
Operating segments are reported in
a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the
chief operating decision-maker. The chief operating decision-maker,
who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing
performance of the operating segments, has been identified as the
Board of Directors that makes strategic decisions.
2.5. Foreign Currencies
d) Functional and Presentation
Currency
Items included in the Financial
Statements are measured using the currency of the primary economic
environment in which the entity operates (the 'functional
currency'). The Financial Statements are presented in Pounds
Sterling, rounded to the nearest £000's, which is the Company's
functional currency.
e) Transactions and
Balances
Foreign currency transactions are
translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates
prevailing at the dates of the transactions or valuation where such
items are re-measured. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting
from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation
at year-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities
denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in the Income
Statement. Foreign exchange gains and losses that relate to
borrowings and cash and cash equivalents are presented in the
Income Statement within 'finance income or costs'. An exception to
this is when the borrowings exchange differences arise on monetary
items that form part of the reporting entity's net investment in a
foreign operation, in the consolidated financial statements the
exchange gain or loss will be shown in other comprehensive income.
All other foreign exchange gains and losses are presented in the
Income Statement within 'Other net gains/(losses)'.
Translation differences on
non-monetary financial assets and liabilities such as equities held
at fair value through profit or loss are recognised in profit or
loss as part of the fair value gain or loss. Translation
differences on non-monetary financial assets measured at fair
value, such as equities classified as available for sale, are
included in other comprehensive income.
f) Group companies
The results and financial position
of all the Group entities (none of which has the currency of a
hyperinflationary economy) that have a functional currency
different from the presentation currency are translated into the
presentation currency as follows:
·
assets and liabilities for each period end date
presented are translated at the period-end closing rate;
·
income and expenses for each Income Statement are
translated at average exchange rates (unless this average is not a
reasonable approximation of the cumulative effect of the rates
prevailing on the transaction dates, in which case income and
expenses are translated at the dates of the transactions);
and
·
all resulting exchange differences are recognised
in other comprehensive income.
Goodwill and fair value
adjustments arising on the acquisition of a foreign entity are
treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign entity and
translated at the closing rate. Exchange differences arising
are recognised in other comprehensive income. On consolidation, exchange differences arising from the
translation of the net investment in foreign entities, and of
monetary items receivable from foreign subsidiaries for which
settlement is neither planned nor likely to occur in the
foreseeable future, are taken to other comprehensive income. When a
foreign operation is sold, such exchange differences are recognised
in the Income Statement as part of the gain or loss on
sale.
2.6. Intangible Assets
The Group measures goodwill as the
fair value of the purchase consideration transferred including the
recognised amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree,
less the fair value of the identifiable assets acquired and
liabilities assumed, all measured as of the acquisition date. If
the total of consideration transferred, non-controlling interest
recognised and previously held interest measured at fair value is
less than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary
acquired, in the case of a bargain purchase, the difference is
recognised directly in the Income Statement.
As reported within the CEO's
strategic report, a PPA was carried out to assess the fair value of
the assets acquired in Bjorka Minerals, ST Investcija and the CRH
Lime Acquisitions as at the completion date. As a result of this
exercise, goodwill in Bjorka Minerals decreased from £10.6 million
to £6.6 million with the corresponding movement being land and
minerals and land and buildings. Goodwill in ST Investcija
decreased from £3.6 million to £1.8 million with the corresponding
movement being land and minerals. Goodwill in CRH Lime Acquisitions
decreased from £406.1 million to £296 million with the
corresponding movement being land and buildings, land and mineral
reserves and plant and machinery. The current accounting policies
regarding the subsequent treatment of intangible assets will apply
to fair value uplift attributable to the PPA.
Amortisation is provided on
intangible assets to write off the cost less estimated residual
value of each asset over its expected useful economic life on a
straight-line basis at the following annual rates:
Goodwill
|
0%
|
Customer relations
|
7% - 12.5%
|
Intellectual property
|
10% - 12%
|
Research and
Development
|
10% - 20%
|
Branding
|
5% - 10%
|
Other intangibles
|
10% - 20%
|
For the purpose of impairment
testing, goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated
to each of the entities, or group of entities, that are expected to
benefit from the synergies of the combination. Goodwill is
monitored at a Group level.
Goodwill is not amortised however
impairment reviews are undertaken annually, or more frequently if
events or changes in circumstances indicate a potential impairment.
Forecast cash flows for each operating segment have been discounted
at rates of 9.90 per cent to 10.34 per cent (2023: discounted at
rates of 9.30 per cent to 12.24 per cent); which was calculated
based on market participants' cost of capital and adjusted to
reflect factors specific to each operating segment. When the
carrying value of goodwill exceeds the recoverable amount (the
higher of value in use and fair value less costs), an impairment is
recognised immediately as an expense and is not subsequently
reversed.
Other intangibles consist of
capitalised development costs for assets produced that assist in
the operations of the Group and earn revenue. Impairment reviews
are performed annually. Where the benefit of the intangible ceases
or has been superseded, these are written off to the Income
Statement.
2.7. Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment is
stated at cost, plus any PPA uplift, less accumulated depreciation
and any accumulated impairment losses. Subsequent costs are
included in the asset's carrying amount or recognised as a separate
asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that future
economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Group
and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. The carrying
amount of the replaced part is derecognised. All other repairs and
maintenance are charged to the Income Statement during the
financial period in which they are incurred.
Depreciation is provided on all
property, plant and equipment to write off the cost less estimated
residual value of each asset over its expected useful economic life
on a straight-line basis at the following annual rates:
Office equipment
|
12.5% - 50%
|
Land and buildings
|
0% - 10%
|
Plant and machinery
|
4% - 33%
|
Furniture and vehicles
|
7.5% - 33.3%
|
Construction in
progress
|
0%
|
The assets' residual values and
useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at the end
of each reporting period.
An asset's carrying amount is
written down immediately to its recoverable amount if the asset's
carrying amount is greater than its estimated recoverable
amount.
Gains and losses on disposal are
determined by comparing the proceeds with the carrying amount and
are recognised within 'Other net gains/(losses)' in the Income
Statement.
2.8. Land, Mineral Rights and Restoration
Costs
Land, quarry development costs,
which include directly attributable construction overheads and
mineral rights are recorded at cost plus any PPA uplift. Land
and quarry development are depreciated and amortised, respectively,
using the units of production method, based on estimated
recoverable tonnage.
Where the Group has a legal or
constructive obligation for restoration of a site the expected
costs of restoring this site is provided for on a discounted
basis. The initial cost of creating this provision is
capitalised within property, plant and equipment and depreciated
over the life of the site. The provisions are
discounted to their present value at a rate which reflects the time
value of money and risks specific to the liability.
Changes in the measurement of a previously capitalised provision
are accordingly added or deducted from the value of the
asset.
The depletion of mineral rights
and depreciation of restoration costs are expensed by reference to
the quarry activity during the period and remaining estimated
amounts of mineral to be recovered over the expected life of the
operation.
The process of removing overburden
and other mine waste materials to access mineral deposits is
referred to as stripping.
There are two types of stripping
activity:
· Development stripping is the initial overburden removal
during the development phase to obtain access to a mineral deposit
that will be commercially produced.
· Production stripping relates to overburden removal during the
normal course of production activities and commences after the
first saleable minerals have been extracted from the
component.
Development stripping costs are
capitalised as a development stripping asset when:
· It
is probable that future economic benefits associated with the asset
will flow to the entity; and
· The
costs can be measured reliably.
Production stripping can give rise
to two benefits, the extraction of ore in the current period and
improved access to the ore body component in future periods. To the
extent that the benefit is the extraction of ore stripping costs
are recognised as an inventory cost. To the extent that the benefit
is improved access to future ore, stripping costs are recognised as
a production stripping asset if the following criteria are
met:
· It
is probable that the future economic benefit (improved access to
ore) will flow to the entity;
· The
component of the ore body for which access has been improved can be
identified; and
· The
costs relating to the stripping activity can be measured
reliably.
The development and production
stripping assets are depreciated in accordance with units of
production based on the proven and probable reserves of the
relevant components. Stripping assets are classified as other
minerals assets in property, plant and equipment.
2.9. Financial Assets
Classification
The Group's financial assets
consist of loans and receivables. The classification depends on the
purpose for which the financial assets were acquired. Management
determines the classification of its financial assets at initial
recognition.
(i) Financial Assets at Fair Value through
Profit or Loss
Financial assets at fair value
through profit or loss are financial assets held for trading.
A financial asset is classified in this category if acquired
principally for the purpose of selling in the short term.
Derivatives are also categorised as held for trading unless they
are designated as hedges.
Assets in this category are
classified as current assets if expected to be settled within 12
months; otherwise, they are classified as
non-current.
(ii) Financial Assets at Fair Value through
other comprehensive income
A financial asset is classified
and subsequently measured at fair value through other comprehensive
income if it meets the SPPI criterion and is managed in a business
model in which assets are held both for sale and to collect
contractual cash flows, or if an investment in an equity instrument
is elected to be measured at fair value through other comprehensive
income. Derivatives eligible for hedge accounting are classified as
financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive
income.
(iii) Loans and Receivables
Loans and receivables are
non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments
that are not quoted in an active market. They are included in
current assets, except for maturities greater than 12 months after
the balance sheet date. These are classified as non-current assets.
The Group's loans and receivables comprise trade and other
receivables and cash and cash equivalents at the
year-end.
Recognition and
Measurement
Regular purchases and sales of
financial assets are recognised on the trade date - the date on
which the Group commits to purchasing or selling the asset.
Financial assets carried at fair value through profit or loss are
initially recognised at fair value, and transaction costs are
expensed in the Income Statement. Financial assets are
derecognised when the rights to receive cash flows from the assets
have expired or have been transferred, and the Group has
transferred substantially all of the risks and rewards of
ownership.
Loans and receivables are
subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest
method.
Gains or losses arising from
changes in the fair value of financial assets at fair value through
profit or loss are presented in the Income Statement within "Other
(Losses)/Gains" in the period in which they arise.
Derivative Financial
Instruments
The majority of the Group's
strategic hedging programme is delivered using executory contracts
to forward purchase exchange contracts or commodities for our own
use.
The Group uses financial
instruments to manage financial risks associated with the Group's
underlying business activities and the financing of those
activities. The Group does not undertake any trading in financial
instruments. Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value and
subsequently remeasured in future periods at fair value. The gain
or loss on remeasurement is recognised immediately in profit or
loss, unless a derivative financial instrument is designated as a
hedge of the variability in cash flows of a recognised asset or
liability. In this instance the effective part of any gain or
loss is recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive
income and in the revaluation reserve.
Amounts recorded in the
revaluation reserve are subsequently reclassified to the
consolidated income statement when the expense for the hedged
transaction is actually recognised. To qualify for hedge
accounting, the hedging relationship must meet several conditions
with respect to documentation, probability of occurrence, hedge
effectiveness and reliability of measurement.
At inception of the hedge
relationship, the Group documents the economic relationship between
hedging instruments and hedged items, including whether changes in
the cash flows of the hedging instruments are expected to offset
changes in the cash flows of hedged items. The Group documents its
risk management objective and strategy for undertaking its hedge
transactions.
The fair values of various
derivative instruments used for hedging purposes are disclosed in
Note 33. Movements on the revaluation reserve in
shareholders' equity are shown in Note 30. The full fair
value of a hedging derivative is classified as a non-current asset
or liability if the remaining maturity of the hedged item is more
than 12 months, and as a current asset or liability if the
remaining maturity of the hedged item is less than 12 months.
Trading derivatives are classified as a current asset or
liability.
Impairment of Financial
Assets
The Group assesses at the end of
each reporting period whether there is the need
to recognise loss allowances for expected credit losses on
financial assets. These are measured at amortised cost. The Group
measures loss allowances at an amount equal to lifetime expected
credit losses, except for bank balances for which credit risk has
not increased significantly since initial recognition, which are
measured as 12-month expected credit loss.
The loss is measured as the
difference between the asset's carrying amount and the present
value of estimated future cash flows (excluding future credit
losses that have not been incurred), discounted at the financial
asset's original effective interest rate.
If, in a subsequent period, the
amount of the impairment loss decreases and the decrease can be
related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment was
recognised (such as an improvement in the debtor's credit rating),
the reversal of the previously recognised impairment loss is
recognised in the Income Statement.
2.10. Inventories
Inventories are initially
recognised at cost, and subsequently at the lower of cost and net
realisable value, which is the estimated selling price in the
ordinary course of business, less applicable variable selling
expenses. Cost comprises all costs of purchase, costs of conversion
and other costs incurred in bringing the inventories to their
present location and condition. In the case of manufactured
inventories and work in progress, cost includes an appropriate
share of overheads based on normal operating capacity.
Weighted average cost is used to
determine the cost of ordinarily interchangeable items.
2.11. Trade
Receivables
Trade receivables are recognised
initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost
using the effective interest method, less provision for impairment.
Trade receivables are amounts due from third parties in the
ordinary course of business. If collection is expected in one year
or less, they are classified as current assets. If not, they are
presented as non-current assets.
Trade receivables - factoring
The carrying amounts of the trade
receivables excludes receivables which are subject to a factoring
arrangement. Under this arrangement, the Group has transferred the
relevant receivables to the factor in exchange for cash without
recourse. Therefore, it doesn't recognise the transferred assets in
their entirety in its balance sheet.
The value of factored receivables
at each year end are as follows:
|
31 December
2024
|
31 December
2023
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Total factoring
|
6,039
|
5,927
|
2.12. Cash and Cash
Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise
cash at bank and in hand and are subject to an insignificant risk
of changes in value.
2.13. Share Capital
Ordinary shares are classified as
equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new
shares or options are shown in equity as a deduction, net of tax,
from the proceeds.
2.14. Reserves
Share Premium - the reserve for
shares issued above the nominal value. This also includes the cost
of share issues that occurred during the year.
Retained Earnings - the retained
earnings reserve includes all current and prior periods retained
profit and losses.
Share Option Reserve - represents
share options awarded by the Company.
Other Reserves comprise the
following:
Capital Redemption Reserve - the
amount equivalent to the nominal value of shares redeemed by the
Group.
Foreign Currency Translation
Reserve - represents the translation differences arising from
translating the financial statement items from functional currency
to presentational currency.
Deferred Shares - are shares that
effectively do not have any rights or entitlements.
Capital Reserve - represents cash
that can be used for future expenses or to offset any capital
losses.
Revaluation Reserve - represents
the changes of values in certain assets and includes derivative
instruments used for cash-flow hedging
2.15. Financial
Liabilities
Financial liabilities are
classified, at initial recognition, as financial liabilities at
fair value through profit or loss, loans and borrowings, payables,
or as derivatives designated as hedging instruments in an effective
hedge, as appropriate. All financial liabilities are recognised
initially at fair value and, in the case of loans and borrowings
and payables, net of directly attributable transaction costs. The
Group's financial liabilities include trade and other payables and
loans.
Subsequent measurement
The measurement of financial
liabilities depends on their classification, as described
below:
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or
loss
Financial liabilities at fair
value through profit or loss include financial liabilities held for
trading and financial liabilities designated upon initial
recognition as at fair value through profit or loss. Financial
liabilities are classified as held for trading if they are incurred
for the purpose of repurchasing in the near term. This category
also includes derivative financial instruments entered into by the
Group that are not designated as hedging instruments in hedge
relationships as defined by IFRS 9. Separated embedded derivatives
are also classified as held for trading unless they are designated
as effective hedging instruments. Gains or losses on liabilities
held for trading are recognised in the statement of profit or loss
and other comprehensive income.
Trade and other
payables
After initial recognition, trade
and other payables are subsequently measured at amortised cost
using the EIR method. Gains and losses are recognised in the
statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income when the
liabilities are derecognised, as well as through the EIR
amortisation process. Amortised cost is calculated by taking into
account any discount or premium on acquisition and fees or costs
that are an integral part of the EIR.
The EIR amortisation is included
as finance costs in the statement of profit or loss and other
comprehensive income.
Bank and Other
Borrowings
Interest-bearing bank loans and
overdrafts and other loans are recognised initially at fair value
less attributable transaction costs. All borrowings are
subsequently stated at amortised cost with the difference between
initial net proceeds and redemption value recognised in the Income
Statement over the period to redemption on an effective interest
basis.
Derecognition
A financial liability is
derecognised when the
associated obligation is discharged or cancelled or expires. When
an existing financial liability is replaced by another from the
same lender on substantially different terms, or the terms of an
existing liability are substantially modified, such an exchange or
modification is treated as the derecognition of the original
liability and the recognition of a new liability. The difference in
the respective carrying amounts is recognised in profit or loss and
other comprehensive income.
A financial liability is
derecognised when the obligation under the liability is discharged
or cancelled or expires.
Financial liabilities included in
trade and other payables are recognised initially at fair value and
subsequently at amortised cost.
2.16. Trade
Payables
Trade payables are obligations to
pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary
course of business from suppliers. Accounts payable are classified
as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less.
If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities.
Trade payables are recognised
initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost
using the effective interest method.
2.17. Provisions
The Group provides for the costs
of restoring a site where a legal or constructive obligation
exists. The estimated future costs for known restoration
requirements are determined on a site-by-site basis and are
calculated based on the present value of estimated future
costs.
The amount recognised as a
provision is the best estimate of the consideration required to
settle the present obligation at the end of the reporting period,
considering the risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation.
When a provision is measured using the cash flows estimated to
settle the present obligation, its carrying amount is the present
value of those cash flows (where the effect of the time value of
money is material). The increase in provisions due to the passage
of time is included in the Consolidated Income
Statement.
2.18. Taxation
Tax is recognised in the Income
Statement, except to the extent that it relates to items recognised
in other comprehensive income or directly in equity. In this case,
the tax is also recognised in other comprehensive income or
directly in equity, respectively.
Deferred tax is recognised using
the liability method in respect of temporary differences arising
from differences between the carrying amount of assets and
liabilities in the consolidated financial statements and the
corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit.
However, deferred tax liabilities are not recognised if they arise
from the initial recognition of goodwill; deferred tax is not
accounted for if it arises from initial recognition of an asset or
liability in a transaction other than a business combination that
at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor
taxable profit or loss.
In principle, deferred tax
liabilities are recognised for all taxable temporary differences
and deferred tax assets (including those arising from investments
in subsidiaries), are recognised to the extent that it is probable
that taxable profits will be available against which deductible
temporary differences can be utilised.
Deferred income tax assets are
recognised on deductible temporary differences arising from
investments in subsidiaries only to the extent that it is probable
the temporary difference will reverse in the future and there is
sufficient taxable profit available against which the temporary
difference can be used.
Deferred tax liabilities are
recognised for taxable temporary differences arising on investments
in except where the Group is able to control the reversal of the
temporary difference and it is probable that the temporary
difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.
Deferred tax assets and
liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to
offset current tax assets against current tax liabilities and when
the deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to income taxes
levied by the same taxation authority on either the same taxable
entity or different taxable entities where there is an intention to
settle the balances on a net basis.
Deferred tax is calculated at the
tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted or substantively
enacted by the statement of financial position date and are
expected to apply to the period when the deferred tax asset is
realised, or the deferred tax liability is settled.
Deferred tax assets and
liabilities are not discounted.
2.19. Non-underlying
Items
Non-underlying items are a non-UK
IAS measure, but the Group have disclosed these separately in the
financial statements, where it is necessary to do so to provide
further understanding of the financial performance of the
Group. They are items that are not expected to be recurring
or do not relate to the ongoing operations of the Group's business
and non-cash items which distort the underlying performance of the
business.
2.20. Revenue
Recognition
Group revenue arises from the sale
of goods and contracting services. Revenue is measured at the fair
value of the consideration received or receivable and represents
amounts receivable for goods or services supplied in course of
ordinary business, stated net of discounts, returns and value added
taxes. The Group recognises revenue in accordance with IFRS 15,
identifying performance obligations within its contracts with
customers, determining the transaction price applicable to each of
these performance obligations and selecting an appropriate method
for the timing of revenue recognition, reflecting the substance of
the performance obligation at either a point in time or over
time.
Sale of
goods
Most of the Group's revenue is
derived from the sale of physical goods to customers. Depending on
whether the goods are delivered to or collected by the customer,
the contract contains either one performance obligation which is
satisfied at the point of collection, or two performance
obligations which are satisfied simultaneously at the point of
delivery. The performance obligation of products sold are
transferred according to the specific terms that have been formally
agreed with the customer, generally upon delivery when the bill of
lading is signed as evidence that they have accepted the product
delivered to them.
The transaction price for this
revenue is the amount which can be invoiced to the customer once
the performance obligations are fulfilled, reduced to reflect
provisions recognised for returns, trade discounts and rebates. The
Group does not routinely offer discounts or volume rebates, but
where it does the variable element of revenue is based on the most
likely amount of consideration that the Group believes it will
receive. This value excludes items collected on behalf of third
parties, such as sales and value added taxes.
For all sales of goods, revenue is
recognised at a point in time, being the point that the goods are
transferred to the customer.
Contracting
services
The majority of contracting
services revenue arises from contract surfacing work, which
typically comprises short-term contracts with a performance
obligation to supply and lay product. Other contracting services
revenue can contain more than one performance obligation dependent
on the nature of the contract.
The transaction price is
calculated as consideration specified by the contract, adjusted to
reflect provisions recognised for returns, remedial work arising in
the normal course of business, trade discounts and
rebates.
Where the contract provides for
elements of variable consideration, these values are included in
the calculation of the transaction price only to the extent that it
is 'highly probable' that a significant reversal in the amount of
cumulative revenue recognised will not occur when the uncertainty
associated with the variable consideration is resolved. Where the
transaction price is allocated between multiple performance
obligations on other contracts, this typically reflects the
allocation of value to each performance obligation agreed with the
end customer, unless this does not reflect the economic substance
of the transaction.
Performance obligations for
contracting services are satisfied over time. Revenue is therefore
recognised over time on an output basis, being volume of product
laid for contract surfacing. As the performance obligations
relating to contracting revenues have an expected duration less
than 12 months, the Group has taken the practical expedient on the
performance obligations disclosures.
2.21. Finance
Income
Interest income is recognised
using the effective interest method.
2.22. Employee Benefits - Defined
contribution plans
The Group maintains defined
contribution plans for which the Group pays fixed contributions to
publicly or privately administered pension insurance plans on a
mandatory, contractual or voluntary basis and will have no legal or
constructive obligation to pay further amounts. The Group's
contributions to defined contribution plans are charged to the
Income Statement in the period to which the contributions
relate.
2.23. Employee Benefits - Defined
benefit plans
The Group's net obligation in
respect of defined benefit plans is calculated separately for each
plan by estimating the amount of the future benefit that employees
have earned in the current and prior periods, discounting the
amount and deducting the fair value of any plan assets.
Defined benefit obligations are
calculated annually by a qualified actuary using the projected unit
credit method. When the calculation results in a potential asset
for the Group, the recognised asset is limited to the present value
of economic benefits available in the form of any future refunds
from the plan or reductions in future contributions to the plan. To
calculate the present value of economic benefits, consideration is
given to any applicable minimum funding requirements.
Remeasurements of the net defined
benefit liability, which comprise actuarial gains and losses, the
return on plan assets (excluding interest) and the effect of the
asset ceiling (if any, excluding interest), are recognised
immediately in other comprehensive income. The Group determines the
net interest expense (income) for the net defined benefit liability
(asset) for the period by applying the discount rate used to
measure the defined benefit obligation at the beginning of the
annual period to the then-net defined benefit liability (asset),
taking into account any changes in the net defined benefit
liability (asset) during the period as a result of contributions
and benefit payments. Net interest expense relating to defined
benefit plans are recognised in profit or loss in net financial
items.
When the benefits of a plan are
changed or when a plan is curtailed, the resulting change in
benefit that relates to past service or the gain or loss on the
curtailment is recognised immediately in the profit or loss. The
Group recognises gains and losses on the settlement of a defined
benefit plan when the settlement occurs.
2.24. Share Based
Payments
The Group operates a number of
equity-settled, share-based schemes, under which the entity
receives services from employees or third-party suppliers as
consideration for equity instruments (options and warrants) of the
Group. The fair value of the third-party suppliers' services
received in exchange for the grant of the options is recognised as
an expense in the Consolidated Income Statement or charged to
equity depending on the nature of the service provided. The value
of the employee services received is expensed in the Income
Statement and its value is determined by reference to the fair
value of the options granted:
· including any market performance conditions;
· excluding the impact of any service and non-market
performance vesting conditions (for example, profitability or sales
growth targets, or remaining an employee of the entity over a
specified period); and
· including the impact of any non-vesting conditions (for
example, the requirement for employees to save).
Non-market vesting conditions are
included in assumptions about the number of options that are
expected to vest. The total expense or charge is recognised over
the vesting period, which is the period over which all specified
vesting conditions are to be satisfied. At the end of each
reporting period, the entity revises its estimates of the number of
options that are expected to vest based on the non-market vesting
conditions. It recognises the impact of the revision to original
estimates, if any, in the Income Statement or equity as
appropriate, with a corresponding adjustment to a separate reserve
in equity.
When the options are exercised,
the Company issues new shares. The proceeds received, net of any
directly attributable transaction costs, are credited to share
capital (nominal value) and share premium when the options are
exercised.
2.25. Discontinued
Operations
A discontinued operation is a
component of the Group's business, the operations and cash flows of
which can be clearly distinguished from the rest of the Group and
which:
· represents a separate major line of business or geographic
area of operations;
· is
part of a single co-ordinated plan to dispose of a separate major
line of business or geographic area of operations; or
· is a
subsidiary acquired exclusively with a view to re-sale.
Classification as a discontinued
operation occurs at the earlier of disposal or when the operation
meets the criteria to be classified as held-for-sale. The Group
operates several business units which are constantly reviewed to
ensure profitability.
On 13 December 2024, the Group
sold BMix, Goijens with an option to sell Beton. As a result, these
businesses have been classed as a discontinued
operation.
2.26. Leases
The Group leases certain plant and
equipment. Leases of plant and equipment where the Group has
substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are classified
as Right-of-use assets and lease liability under IFRS
16.
Right-of-use assets are measured
at cost, comprising the initial amount of the lease liability
adjusted for any lease prepayments, plus initial direct costs, less
any lease incentives received. Right-of-use assets are depreciated
using the straight-line method from the start of the lease to the
earlier of the end of the useful life of the right-of-use asset or
the end of the lease term.
Each lease payment is allocated
between the liability and finance charges. The corresponding rental
obligations, net of finance charges, are included in long-term and
short-term borrowings and are measured at the present value of
future lease payments, discounted at the Group's incremental
borrowing rate and adjusted for time value of money. The interest
element of the finance cost is charged to the Income Statement over
the lease period to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on
the remaining balance of the liability for each period. The lease
liabilities are shown in Note 24.
The Group elects to apply the
exemptions, permitted by IFRS 16, for lease assets and liabilities
regarding short-term and low-value leases. Charges recognised in
the consolidated income statement in respect of these leases are
not significant to the Group.
3. Financial Risk
Management
3.1. Financial Risk Factors
The Group and Company's activities
expose it to a variety of financial risks: market risk, credit risk
and liquidity risk. The Group and Company's overall risk management
programme focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets and
seeks to minimise potential adverse effects on the Group and
Company's financial performance.
Risk management is carried out by
the UK based management team under policies approved by the Board
of Directors.
a) Market
Risk
The Group is exposed to market
risk, primarily relating to interest rate, foreign exchange and
commodity prices. The Group has not sensitised the figures for
fluctuations in interest rates, foreign exchange or commodity
prices as the Directors are of the opinion that these fluctuations
would not have a significant impact on the Financial Statements at
the present time. The Group has a strong focus on
operational gearing, allowing it to be flexible during economically
disruptive events however the Directors will continue to
assess the effect of movements in market risks on the Group's
financial operations and initiate suitable risk management measures
where necessary.
The Group has assessed the impact of the Interest Rate Benchmark Reform
and confirms that it is not materially affected by the transition
away from interbank offered rates (IBORs) or any other benchmark
interest rate changes. The Group's Debt Facility is designated in
EURs and therefore subject to interest based on the EURIBOR
rate.
The Group will continue to monitor
regulatory developments and market practices related to benchmark
interest rate transitions to ensure compliance with any future
requirements.
b) Credit
Risk
Credit risk is the risk of
financial loss to the Group if a customer or counterparty to a
financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations, and
arises from cash and cash equivalents, derivative financial
instruments and, principally, from the Group's receivables from
customers.
Management monitors the exposure
to credit risk on an ongoing basis and have credit insurance at a
number of the Group's subsidiaries. The Nordkalk and Fel's
entities don't hold credit insurance as they have a stable customer
base with minimal credit losses. No credit limits were exceeded
during the period, and management does not expect any losses from
non-performance by these counterparties.
Exposure to credit risk
The carrying amount of financial
assets represents the maximum credit exposure. The maximum exposure
to credit risk at the reporting date was:
|
31 December
2024
|
31 December
2023
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Trade and other
receivables
|
171,929
|
102,432
|
Cash and cash
equivalents
|
131,356
|
55,872
|
|
303,285
|
158,304
|
Credit risk associated with cash
balances is managed and limited by transacting with financial
institutions with high-quality credit ratings.
Trade and other receivables
The Group's exposure to credit
risk stems mainly from the individual characteristics of each
customer. However, management also considers the factors that could
influence the credit risk of its customer base, including the
default risk of the industry and country in which customers
operate.
The Group has established a credit
policy under which each new customer is analysed individually for
creditworthiness, before the Group's standard payment and delivery
terms and conditions are offered to the customer. The Group's
review includes external ratings, when available, and in some cases
bank references.
Most of the Group's customers have
been trading with the Group for years, and no major credit losses
have occurred with these customers. Credit risk is monitored by
grouping customers according to their credit characteristics,
including whether they are individuals or legal entities and
whether they are wholesale, retail or end-user customers, as well
as by geographic location, industry and the existence of previous
financial difficulties.
The maximum exposure to credit
risk for trade and other receivables by reportable segment,
was:
|
31 December
2024
|
31 December
2023
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
UK & Ireland
|
43,619
|
20,350
|
Western Europe
|
19,043
|
23,554
|
Nordics
|
48,978
|
38,276
|
Central Europe
|
42,646
|
20,252
|
Corporate
|
17,643
|
-
|
|
171,929
|
102,432
|
Impairment
At the reporting date the ageing
of the trade receivables that were not impaired, were as
follows.
|
31 December
2024
|
31 December
2023
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Total trade receivables
|
135,410
|
85,033
|
Not overdue
|
105,795
|
66,536
|
Overdue 1 - 30 days
|
18,905
|
15,286
|
Overdue 31 - 60 days
|
6,064
|
1,646
|
Overdue 61 - 90 days
|
1,433
|
495
|
More than 90 days
|
5,321
|
1,573
|
Impairment loss
recognised
|
(2,107)
|
(503)
|
Provisions for impairment of trade
and other receivables are calculated on a lifetime expected loss
model in line with the simplified approach available under IFRS 9
for Trade Receivables. The key inputs in determining the level of
provision are the historical level of bad debts experienced by the
Group and ageing of outstanding amounts. Movements during the year
were as follows:
|
31 December
2024
|
31 December
2023
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
At 1 January
|
713
|
382
|
Amounts arising from business
combinations
|
1,107
|
-
|
Charged to the Consolidated income
statement during the year
|
102
|
177
|
Movement in provision
|
185
|
154
|
|
2,107
|
713
|
Derivatives
Subsidiary currency risks are
hedged by the parent or ultimate parent acting as counterparty in
currency forward deals. External currency hedging is performed by
finance and treasury functions as appropriate. In such deals, the
counterparty is a bank or financial institution with a rating at
least Baa3 from Moody's rating agency. A comparable credit rating
from a reputable credit rating agency is acceptable. Exceptions may
be granted on an individual basis in rare cases where a bank is
chosen for geographical reasons but does not fulfil the stipulated
rating criteria.
Items hedged against are
CO2 emission rights, forecast energy consumption, loans
in foreign currency and forecast earnings.
c)
Currency Risk
The Group is exposed to currency
risk to the extent that there is a mismatch between the currencies
in which sales and purchases are denominated and the respective
functional currencies of Group companies. The functional currencies
of Group companies are primarily the Pound, the Euro, the Polish
Zloty (PLN), the Czech Koruna (CZK) and the Swedish Krona (SEK).
The currencies in which these transactions are primarily
denominated are GBP, CZK, EUR, PLN, and SEK. Additional exposures
may arise from purchase of fuel in USD.
At any point in time, the Group
hedges on average 60 to 100 per cent of its estimated foreign
currency exposure in respect of forecast sales and purchases over
the following 12-18 months. The Group uses forward exchange
contracts to hedge its currency risk, with a maturity of up to 12
months from the reporting date.
Borrowings are, with a few
exceptions, denominated in the subsidiaries' domestic
currencies.
In respect of other monetary
assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies, the
Group's policy is to ensure that its net exposure remains at an
acceptable level by buying or selling foreign currencies at spot
rates when necessary to address short-term imbalances.
Exposure to currency risk
Currency risk sensitivity to a +/-
10 per cent change in the exchange rate is shown for the net
currency position per currency. The summary of quantitative data
relating to the Group's exposure to currency risk as reported to
the Group management is as follows.
2024
GBP thousand
|
USD
|
SEK
|
NOK
|
PLN
|
EUR
|
CZK
|
Net exposure
|
(430)
|
24,524
|
(3,988)
|
1,297
|
27,960
|
9,642
|
Hedged
|
7,693
|
(18,022)
|
2,967
|
1,159
|
-
|
-
|
Net exposure
|
7,263
|
6,503
|
(1,021)
|
2,456
|
27,960
|
9,642
|
Sensitivity analysis (+/-
10%)
|
726
|
650
|
(102)
|
245
|
2,796
|
964
|
d)
Liquidity Risk
The Group's continued future
operations depend on the ability to raise sufficient working
capital through the issue of equity share capital or debt. The
Directors are reasonably confident that adequate funding will be
forthcoming with which to finance operations owing to the
continued support of the lenders and a history of successful
capital raises. Controls over expenditure are carefully
managed.
2024
|
1-12
months
|
1-2 years
|
2-5 years
|
More than 5
years
|
Contractual cash flows
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Non-derivative financial liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
Loans
|
54,568
|
121,588
|
415,328
|
-
|
Trade & other
payables
|
285,476
|
160
|
70,622
|
84,248
|
|
340,044
|
121,748
|
485,950
|
84,248
|
Future forecast finance
charges
|
1,924
|
1,824
|
4,791
|
10,469
|
|
341,968
|
123,572
|
490,741
|
94,717
|
Derivative financial liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
Forward exchange contracts used
for hedging
|
264
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Electricity hedges
|
1,079
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
1,343
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
The outflows disclosed in the
above tables represent the contractual discounted and undiscounted
cash flows relating to derivative financial liabilities held for
risk management purposed and which are not usually closed out
before contractual maturity. The only discounted cash flows in the
above table is the deferred consideration owing on the CRH Lime
Acquisitions.
The interest payments on the
variable interest rate loans in the table above reflect market
forward interest rates at the reporting date and these amounts may
change in line with changes in market interest rates. The future
cash flows from derivative instruments may differ from the amount
in the above table as interest rates and exchange rates change.
Except for these financial liabilities, it is not expected that the
cash flows included in the maturity analysis could occur
significantly earlier or at significantly different
amounts.
3.2. Capital Risk Management
The Group's objectives when
managing capital are to safeguard the Group's ability to continue
as a going concern, to enable the Group to continue its
construction material investment activities, and to maintain an
optimal capital structure to reduce the cost of capital.
To maintain or adjust the capital
structure, the Group may adjust the issue of shares or sell assets
to reduce debts.
Under the Group's New Debt
Facilities, which has a carrying amount of £584.7 million (2023:
203.6 million), the Group is subject to covenants
which are tested monthly and certified quarterly. These covenants
are:
· Group interest cover ratio set at a minimum of
3.5 times EBITDA while the Bridge Loan remains
outstanding and then 4.0 times thereafter; and
· A
maximum adjusted leverage ratio, which is the ratio of total net
debt, including further borrowings such as deferred consideration,
to adjusted EBITDA, of 3.95x in 2024.
As of 31 December 2024, the Group
comfortably complied with its bank facility covenants under the
terms of the debt facility agreement.
There are no indications that the
Group would have difficulties complying with the covenants in the
future.
The Group defines capital based on
the total equity of the Company. The Group monitors its level of
cash resources available against future planned operational
activities and the Company may issue new shares in order to raise
further funds from time to time.
The gearing ratio on 31 December
2024 is as follows:
|
Consolidated
|
|
31 December
2024
|
31 December
2023
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Total borrowings (Note
24)
|
641,832
|
238,296
|
Less: Cash and cash equivalents
from continuing operations (Note 22)
|
(131,356)
|
(55,872)
|
Net debt
|
510,476
|
182,424
|
Total equity
|
754,468
|
514,884
|
Total capital
|
1,264,944
|
697,308
|
Gearing ratio
|
0.40
|
0.26
|
4. Critical Accounting
Estimates
The preparation of the Financial
Statements, in conformity with UK IASs, requires management to make
estimates, assumptions and judgements that affect the reported
amounts of assets, liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets
and liabilities at the date of the Financial Statements and the
reported amount of expenses during the year. Actual results may
vary from the estimates used to produce these Financial
Statements.
Estimates and judgements are
continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and
other factors, including expectations of future events that are
believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.
Significant items subject to such
estimates, assumptions and judgements include, but are not limited
to:
a) Land and Mineral
Reserves
The determination of fair values
of land and mineral reserves are carried out by appropriately
qualified persons in accordance with the Appraisal and Valuation
standards published by the Royal Institution of Chartered
Surveyors. To determine the reserves, management will engage
an independent volume and
tonnage assessment, which involves a topographic survey of the
quarry working, conducted in 3 dimensions for the date of the
assessment using a computer aided design (CAD) system and a series
of theoretical computer-generated models, taking into account
geotechnical and hydrogeological factors, as well as ensuring that
there is a practical extraction plan so that all the rock can be
recovered. This produces a removal of overburden model and
removal of mineral model.
Following this, the volume of
reserves is calculated and converted to tonnes
by multiplying the volume by the density of the mineral.
This process is based upon factors such as
estimates of commodity prices and geological assumptions and
judgements. Additional estimates include future capital
requirements and production costs.
The PPAs included the revaluation
of land and minerals based on the estimated remaining reserves
within St John's, Les Vardes, Aberdo, Carrières du Hainaut,
Harries, Nordkalk, JQG, Fels, Vapenka Vitosov and Clogrennane.
These are then valued based on the estimated remaining life of the
mines and the net present value for the price per
tonnage.
b) Estimated Impairment of
Goodwill
Goodwill arising on business
combinations is not amortised but is reviewed for impairment on an
annual basis, or more frequently if there are indications that the
goodwill may be impaired. Goodwill is allocated to groups of cash
generating units according to the level at which management monitor
that goodwill, which is at the level of operating
segments.
Where the carrying value exceeds
the estimated recoverable amount (being the greater of fair value
less costs and value-in-use), an impairment loss is recognised by
writing down goodwill to its recoverable amount. When an impairment
is recognised as an expense, it is not subsequently
reversed.
To assess the value-in-use, the
net cash flow forecasts are extrapolated using long-term growth
rates to determine the terminal value. These net cash flow
forecasts reflect volumes, sales prices, cost of sales and
administration costs assumptions in addition to other cash flow
movements. Future cash flows, including the terminal value, are
discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate
takes into account the current market assessments of the time value
of money and the certain risks for which the future cash flow
estimates have not been adjusted. The future cash flow estimates
exclude net cash movement attributable to financing activities and
income tax.
The impairment test process
requires management to make significant judgements and estimates
regarding the valuation models, discount rates used, and future
cash flows projected to be generated by the operating segment to
which goodwill has been allocated. Further information on the
impairment assessment and key assumptions used is detailed in Note
17.
The PPA assessments provide a
reduction to the goodwill for each operating segment via the fair
value assessment of the assets acquired in new entities as at the
completion date.
Goodwill has a carrying value of
£446.9 million as at 31 December 2024 (31 December 2023: £169.7
million). Management has concluded that an impairment charge was
not necessary to the carrying value of goodwill for the period
ended 31 December 2024 (31 December 2023: £nil). See Note 2.6 to
the Financial Statements.
c) Restoration Provision
The Group's provision for
restoration costs is an accounting estimate and has a carrying
value at 31 December 2024 of £50 million (31 December 2023: £7.9
million) and relate to the removal of the plant and equipment held
at quarries in the UK & Ireland, Central Europe and
Nordics.
The cost of removal is a judgement
determined by management for the removal and disposal of the
machinery at the point at which the reserves are no longer
available for business use. Management judgements are based on a
site-by-site basis on the evaluation of available information such
as prior experience and current laws and regulations. There are a
number of uncertainties which may impact management's judgements
including change in governments, laws and regulations, unknown
factors and changes in technology.
The restoration provision is a
commitment to restore the site to a safe and secure environment.
These provisions are reviewed annually.
d) Recognition of deferred tax
assets
Uncertainty exists related to the
availability of future taxable profit against which tax losses
carried forward can be used, however deferred tax assets are
recognised for unused tax losses to the extent that it is probable
that taxable profits will be available against which the losses can
be utilised. Significant management judgement is required to
determine the amount of deferred tax assets that can be recognised,
based on the likely timing and level of future taxable profits,
together with future tax planning strategies. Further information
on income taxes is disclosed in Note 15.
e) Fair value of financial
instruments
The fair values of financial
instruments that cannot be determined based on quoted market prices
and rates are established using different valuation techniques. The
Group uses judgement to select methods and make assumptions that
are mainly based on market conditions existing at the end of the
reporting period. Factors regarding valuation techniques and their
assumptions could affect the reported fair values. Further
information on fair value of financial instruments is disclosed in
Note 33.
5. Dividends
No dividend has been declared or
paid by the Company during the year ended 31 December 2024 (2023:
nil).
6. Segment Information
Management has determined the
operating segments based on reports reviewed by the Board of
Directors that are used to make strategic decisions. During the
periods presented the Group has four geographical regions, UK &
Ireland which comprises of UK Lime, UK Stone, Irish Lime and UK
Products; Western Europe which comprises of Belgian Stone and
Belgian Products; Central Europe which comprises of German Lime,
Czech Lime, Polish Lime, Polish Stone and Development and Nordics
with comprises of Nordic Lime and Nordic Stone. Activities in the
UK & Ireland, Western Europe, Central Europe and Nordics
regions relate to the production of minerals and sale of materials,
products and services.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31 December
2024
|
|
UK &
Ireland
|
Western
Europe
|
Nordics
|
Central
Europe
|
Corporate
|
Total
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Revenue (continued
operations)
|
232,370
|
62,475
|
264,269
|
403,170
|
222
|
962,506
|
Depreciation &
Amortisation
|
16,561
|
6,625
|
17,945
|
30,699
|
232
|
72,062
|
Net finance
(expense)/income
|
1,327
|
265
|
638
|
2,463
|
48,126
|
52,819
|
|
Underlying Profit from operations
per reportable segment
|
42,119
|
8,628
|
39,886
|
84,099
|
(14,103)
|
160,629
|
Additions to non-current
assets
|
180,512
|
(967)
|
(34,854)
|
802,452
|
7,258
|
954,402
|
Reportable segment non-current
assets
|
370,233
|
120,500
|
387,595
|
839,059
|
10,172
|
1,727,558
|
Reportable segment
assets
|
457,921
|
152,473
|
506,111
|
985,065
|
46,852
|
2,148,422
|
Reportable segment
liabilities
|
109,220
|
68,803
|
103,652
|
494,096
|
618,978
|
1,394,750
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Segment information has been
provided on continued operations for income statement items.
Discontinued operations assets and liabilities are included in the
Western Europe region. For further information on discontinued
operations, please refer to
N ote
14.
|
|
|
31 December
2023
|
|
UK &
Ireland
|
Western
Europe
|
North
|
Central
Europe
|
Corporate
|
Total
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Revenue
|
142,293
|
59,570
|
266,194
|
73,382
|
212
|
541,651
|
Depreciation &
Amortisation
|
10,373
|
4,392
|
18,368
|
4,514
|
193
|
37,840
|
Net finance
(expense)/income
|
374
|
112
|
125
|
155
|
15,036
|
15,802
|
Underlying Profit from operations
per reportable segment
|
23,919
|
11,780
|
35,278
|
19,233
|
(11,833)
|
78,377
|
Additions to non-current
assets
|
12,757
|
20,375
|
4,236
|
1,211
|
486
|
39,065
|
Reportable segment non-current
assets
|
189,721
|
121,467
|
422,449
|
36,606
|
2,476
|
772,718
|
Reportable segment
assets
|
235,894
|
157,524
|
546,735
|
62,778
|
12,329
|
1,015,261
|
Reportable segment
liabilities
|
46,594
|
42,174
|
151,073
|
19,687
|
240,849
|
500,377
|
7. Revenue
|
Consolidated
|
|
31 December
2024
|
31 December
2023
|
Continued Operations
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
High-grade minerals
|
683,417
|
209,651
|
Aggregates
|
115,004
|
138,168
|
Value-add products
|
164,085
|
193,832
|
|
962,506
|
541,651
|
The revenue figures above relate
to continuing operations, including discontinued operations, total
revenue for 2024 was £997.6 million and 2023 was £580.3
million.
In prior years revenue was
disclosed by upstream products, value added products and
value-added services and now management has concluded that revenue
is to be disclosed, high-grade minerals, aggregates and value add
products, to provide better clarity for the end user and align the
way the Group refers to revenue throughout the annual
report.
High-grade minerals revenue
relates to the sale of minerals to be used for industrial purposes
and includes limestone powder, quicklime, ground calcium carbonate
and aggregates. These revenues are recognised at a point in time as
the product is transferred to the customer, except for contracting
and similar services where revenue is recognised over
time.
Construction minerals revenue
relates to essential materials in the
building industry, comprising sand, gravel, crushed stone and
recycled concrete. These revenues are
recognised in the same way as high-grade mineral
revenues.
Value added products is the sale
of finished goods that have undertaken a manufacturing process
within each of the subsidiaries. These revenues are recognised in
the same way as high-grade mineral revenues.
The Group contracting services
revenue for the year ended 31 December 2024 was £26.4 million
(2023: £27 million). Refer to Note 2.20 for further information on
contracting services.
8. Expenses by Nature
|
Consolidated
|
|
31 December
2024
|
31 December
2023
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Cost of sales
|
|
|
Changes in inventories of finished
goods and work in progress
|
12,074
|
9,210
|
Raw materials &
production
|
315,048
|
172,831
|
Distribution & selling
expenses
|
90,571
|
40,724
|
Employees &
contractors
|
183,987
|
118,951
|
Maintenance expense
|
39,274
|
23,870
|
Plant hire expense
|
6,632
|
6,466
|
Depreciation & amortisation
expense
|
72,062
|
37,840
|
Other costs of sale
|
14,286
|
8,204
|
Total cost of sales
|
733,934
|
418,096
|
Administrative expenses
|
|
|
Operational admin
expenses
|
102,077
|
48,724
|
Corporate admin
expenses
|
43,547
|
38,915
|
Total administrative expenses
|
145,624
|
87,639
|
Corporate administrative expenses
include £17 million (2023: £36.6 million)
of non-underlying expenses. Refer to Note 11 for more
information.
Restructuring costs of £25 million
are included throughout the cost of sales and administrative
expenses. Refer to Note 11 for more information.
During the year the Group
(including its overseas subsidiaries) obtained the following
services from the Company's auditors and its associates:
|
Consolidated
|
|
31 December
2024
|
31 December
2023
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Fees payable to the Company's
auditor and its associates for the audit of the Company and
Consolidated Financial Statements
|
484
|
533
|
Fees paid or payable to the
Company's auditor and its associates for reporting accountant
services associated with the readmission of the Company trading on
AIM
|
-
|
600
|
|
484
|
1,133
|
9. Employee Benefits
Expense
|
Consolidated
|
|
Company
|
|
31 December
2024
|
31 December
2023
|
|
31 December
2024
|
31 December
2023
|
Staff costs (excluding directors)
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Salaries and wages
|
148,525
|
94,227
|
|
4,678
|
4,265
|
Post-employment
benefits
|
1,726
|
401
|
|
128
|
81
|
Social security contributions and
similar taxes
|
12,188
|
3,852
|
|
1,005
|
1,051
|
Other employment costs
|
10,966
|
7,099
|
|
-
|
-
|
Share based payments
|
4,555
|
3
|
|
425
|
3
|
|
177,960
|
105,582
|
|
6,236
|
5,400
|
|
Consolidated
|
|
Company
|
|
31 December
2024
|
31 December
2023
|
|
31 December
2024
|
31 December
2023
|
Average number of FTE employees by function
|
#
|
#
|
|
#
|
#
|
Management
|
116
|
68
|
|
8
|
7
|
Operations
|
2,527
|
1,655
|
|
-
|
-
|
Administration
|
508
|
370
|
|
8
|
5
|
|
3,151
|
2,093
|
|
16
|
12
|
10. Directors' Remuneration
|
For the period ended 31
December 2024
|
|
Directors'
fees
|
Bonus
|
Taxable
benefits
|
Pension
benefits
|
Total
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Executive Directors
|
|
|
|
|
|
David Barrett
|
390
|
488
|
-
|
40
|
918
|
Garth Palmer
|
390
|
488
|
-
|
40
|
918
|
Max Vermorken
|
550
|
688
|
-
|
40
|
1,278
|
Non-executive Directors
|
|
|
|
|
|
Timothy Hall
|
70
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
70
|
Simon Chisholm
|
70
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
77
|
Jacques Emsens
|
70
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
70
|
Axelle Henry
|
70
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
70
|
Peter Johnson
(1)
|
50
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
50
|
Francesca Medda
(2)
|
50
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
50
|
|
1,710
|
1,664
|
-
|
127
|
3,501
|
|
|
|
|
For the period ended 31
December 2023
|
|
Directors'
fees
|
Bonus
|
Taxable
benefits
|
Pension
benefits
|
Total
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Executive Directors
|
|
|
|
|
|
David Barrett
|
375
|
469
|
15
|
22
|
881
|
Garth Palmer
|
375
|
469
|
15
|
33
|
892
|
Max Vermorken
|
475
|
594
|
15
|
48
|
1,132
|
Non-executive Directors
|
|
|
|
|
|
Timothy Hall
|
50
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
50
|
Simon Chisholm
|
50
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
55
|
Jacques Emsens
|
50
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
50
|
Axelle Henry
(1)
|
50
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
50
|
|
1,425
|
1,532
|
45
|
108
|
3,110
|
(1) Appointed on 12
April 2024
The bonuses earned in the year by
the Directors reflect the performance of the business, were based
on industry standard criteria taking into account external market
data, were recommended by the Remuneration Committee and approved
by the Board.
11. Non-underlying Items
|
Consolidated
|
|
31 December
2024
|
31 December
2023
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Acquisition related
expenses
|
16,832
|
25,907
|
Amortisation and remeasurement of
acquired assets
|
9,452
|
6,572
|
Amortisation of finance
costs
|
5,864
|
1,085
|
Restructuring expenses
|
24,999
|
3,691
|
Share option expense
|
6,942
|
4,001
|
Unwinding of discount on deferred
consideration
|
2,942
|
443
|
Net other non-underlying expenses
& gains
|
2,482
|
368
|
|
69,513
|
42,067
|
Under IFRS 3 - Business
Combinations, acquisition costs have been expensed as incurred.
Additionally, the Group incurred additional costs associated with
obtaining debt financing, including advisory fees to
restructure.
Acquisition related expenses
include exclusivity, advisor, consulting, legal fees, accounting
fees, insurance and other direct costs relating to acquisitions.
During the year the Group finalised the acquisition of CRH's
European lime and industrial limestone assets which comprises the
vast majority of the costs incurred during the year. Deal 1
completed on 4 January 2024, Deal 2 on 26 March 2024 and Deal 3 on
2 September 2024.
Amortisation and remeasurement of
acquired assets are non-cash items which distort the underlying
performance of the businesses acquired. Amortisation of acquired
assets arise from certain fair value uplifts resulting from the
PPA. Remeasurement of acquired assets arises from ensuring assets
from acquisitions are depreciated in line with Group policy. These
are net of the deferred tax liability unwind on the asset fair
value uplift.
Restructuring expenses relate to
the reorganisation and integration of recently acquired
subsidiaries, including costs associated with site optimisation,
transitional salary costs, redundancies, severance &
recruitment fees, and costs associated with financial reporting and
system migrations.
Share option expense is the fair
value of the LTIP's issued in 2021 and share options issued on 4
January 2024, refer to Note 29 more information.
Unwinding of discount on deferred
consideration is a non-cash adjustment relating to deferred
consideration arising on acquisitions.
Amortisation of finance costs is
the amortisation of borrowing costs on the Syndicated Senior Credit
Facility. These costs are amortised over a 5-year
period.
Net other non-underlying expenses
and gains include other advisory fees and other associated
costs.
12. Net Finance
Income/(Expense)
|
Consolidated
|
|
31 December
2024
|
31 December
2023
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Net interest expense
|
(44,370)
|
(14,759)
|
Dividends
|
357
|
423
|
Other finance expense
|
(5,864)
|
(1,023)
|
Unwinding of discount on deferred
consideration
|
(2,942)
|
(443)
|
|
(52,819)
|
(15,802)
|
13. Other Net Gains/(Losses)
|
Consolidated
|
|
31 December
2024
|
31 December
2023
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Gain/(losses) on disposal of
property, plant and equipment
|
317
|
3,032
|
Other gain/(loss)
|
388
|
83
|
Gain/(loss) on call
options
|
-
|
(306)
|
Gain on disposal of subsidiary
(refer to Note 14)
|
9,804
|
-
|
Share of earnings from joint
ventures
|
316
|
596
|
Fair value gain on EBT
shares
|
4,937
|
-
|
Forex movement
|
(1,402)
|
(300)
|
|
14,360
|
3,105
|
14. Discontinued Operations
In December 2024, the Group
disposed of non-core Belgian and French concrete
plants, Bmix, Goijens and with the option to sell Beton. The
disposal of BMix and Goijens completed in December with Beton
due to close in 2025.
Sale of subsidiary
|
31 December
2024
£'000
|
31 December
2023
£'000
|
Total consideration
received
|
30,388
|
-
|
Carrying amount of net assets
sold
|
(12,553)
|
-
|
Repayment of loan
|
(8,031)
|
-
|
Gain on sale
|
9,804
|
-
|
|
|
|
Financial information relating to
the discontinued operation for the period is set out
below.
Income statement
|
31 December
2024
£'000
|
31 December
2023
£'000
|
Revenue
|
35,108
|
38,634
|
Cost of sales
|
(29,706)
|
(31,276)
|
Gross profit
|
5,402
|
7,358
|
Administration
|
(3,541)
|
(2,518)
|
Other expenses
|
(580)
|
(62)
|
Corporations tax
|
(603)
|
(868)
|
Profit from discontinued operation
|
678
|
3,910
|
FX translation reserve
|
(6)
|
(7)
|
Total comprehensive income from discontinued
operation
|
672
|
3,903
|
Basic earnings per share attributable to owners of the parent
(expressed in pence per share)
|
0.06
|
0.57
|
Cash movement
|
31 December
2024
£'000
|
31 December
2023
£'000
|
Net cash outflow from operating
activities
|
4,191
|
4,596
|
Net cash inflow from investing
activities
|
(2,058)
|
(15,519)
|
Net cash inflow from financing
activities
|
349
|
6,382
|
Net increase / (decrease) in cash generated by the
subsidiary
|
2,482
|
(4,541)
|
Balance Sheet
|
|
31 December
2024
|
31 December
2023
|
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Non-current assets as held for sale
|
|
|
|
Property, plant and
equipment
|
|
1,336
|
10,248
|
Intangible assets
|
|
2,705
|
2,230
|
Other receivables
|
|
16
|
16
|
|
|
4,057
|
12,494
|
Current Assets as held for sale
|
|
|
|
Trade and other
receivables
|
|
1,804
|
9,755
|
Inventories
|
|
367
|
1,170
|
Cash and cash
equivalents
|
|
944
|
3,594
|
|
|
3,115
|
14,519
|
Total assets
|
|
7,172
|
27,013
|
|
|
|
|
Non-current liabilities as held for sale
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax liability
|
|
-
|
16
|
|
|
-
|
16
|
Current liabilities as held for sale
|
|
|
|
Trade and other
payables
|
|
1,433
|
7,381
|
Current tax payable
|
|
110
|
611
|
|
|
1,543
|
7,992
|
Total liabilities
|
|
1,543
|
8,008
|
Net assets of the disposal
group
|
|
5,629
|
19,005
|
|
|
|
| |
15. Taxation
|
Consolidated
|
|
31 December
2024
|
31 December
2023
|
Tax recognised in Consolidated Income
Statement
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Current tax
|
20,266
|
8,833
|
Deferred tax
|
(3,735)
|
1,578
|
Total tax charge in the Income
Statement
|
16,531
|
10,411
|
|
Consolidated
|
|
31 December
2024
|
31 December
2023
|
Recognised within the consolidated statement of Comprehensive
Income
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Deferred tax - retirement benefit
obligations
|
9
|
8
|
Deferred tax - cash flow
hedges
|
195
|
1,379
|
Total tax recognised within the
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
|
204
|
1,387
|
The differences between the total
tax charge and the amount calculated by applying the standard UK
corporation tax of 23.52% (2022: 19%) to the profit before tax of
the Group are as follows:
|
Consolidated
|
|
31 December
2024
|
31 December
2023
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Profit on ordinary activities
before tax
|
44,489
|
23,219
|
Current tax using the UK corporation tax rate of 25% (2023:
19.00%)
|
11,146
|
5,804
|
Effects of:
|
|
|
Expenses not deductible
|
7,860
|
5,405
|
Income not taxable
|
(6,179)
|
(2,228)
|
Deferred tax not
recognised
|
8,710
|
2,169
|
Adjustment to tax charge in
respect of prior periods
|
(1,392)
|
784
|
Effect of overseas tax
rates
|
(3,639)
|
(1,238)
|
Changes in tax rates
|
25
|
(192)
|
Change to tax for discontinued
operations
|
-
|
(93)
|
Tax charge
|
16,531
|
10,411
|
Legislation to increase the rate
of corporation tax in the UK from 1 April 2023 was substantially
enacted on 24 May 2021.
On 20 June 2023, Finance (No.2)
Act 2023 was substantively enacted in the UK, introducing a global
minimum effective tax rate of 15%. The legislation implements a
domestic top-up tax and a multinational top-up tax, effective for
accounting periods starting on or after 31 December 2023. However,
this legislation does not apply to the Group in the financial year
beginning 1 January 2024 as its consolidated revenue does not meet
the legislation requirements of being greater than €750m in two of
the four preceding years. The Group will continue to monitor the
legislation in future years.
Deferred Tax Asset
|
Tax losses
|
Temporary timing
differences
|
Total
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
At 1 January 2024
|
14
|
24
|
38
|
Reclassification
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Charged directly to income
statement
|
-
|
293
|
293
|
At 31 December 2024
|
14
|
317
|
331
|
Deferred Tax Liability
|
Tax losses
|
Temporary timing
differences
|
Total
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
As at 1 January 2024
|
(2,194)
|
74,413
|
72,219
|
Disposals
|
-
|
(1,072)
|
(1,072)
|
Acquisition of
subsidiary
|
-
|
143,948
|
143,948
|
Charged/(Credited) directly to
income statement
|
1,907
|
(4,825)
|
(2,918)
|
Amount charged/(Credited) to
OCI
|
-
|
(195)
|
(195)
|
Amount charged/(Credited) to
equity
|
-
|
(957)
|
(957)
|
Effect of movements in foreign
exchange
|
12
|
(14,749)
|
(14,737)
|
At 31 December 2024
|
(275)
|
196,563
|
196,288
|
Deferred tax assets and
liabilities are offset to the extent that there is a legally
enforceable right to offset current tax assets against current tax
liabilities.
Deferred tax assets in relation to
losses of £3.5 million (2023: £3.6 million) and other temporary
differences including corporate interest restriction of £11.7
million (2023 : £6.1 million) have not been recognised due to
uncertainty over their recoverability.
16. Property, Plant and
Equipment
|
|
Consolidated
|
|
Office
Equipment
|
Land and
minerals
|
Land and
buildings
|
Plant and
machinery
|
Vehicles
|
Right of
use
|
Construction in
progress
|
Total
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Cost
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at 1 January 2023
|
5,093
|
436,420
|
158,894
|
325,213
|
22,525
|
39,434
|
11,695
|
999,274
|
Acquired through
acquisition
|
92
|
3,218
|
10,533
|
23,595
|
2,689
|
938
|
245
|
41,310
|
Transfer between classes/
reallocation from intangibles
|
-
|
6,478
|
(78)
|
1,798
|
(214)
|
(154)
|
(1,479)
|
6,351
|
Fair value adjustment
|
-
|
406
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2,507
|
-
|
2,913
|
Additions
|
206
|
5,849
|
3,072
|
15,416
|
3,388
|
2,211
|
10,048
|
40,190
|
Disposals
|
-
|
(36)
|
(1,987)
|
(7,234)
|
(531)
|
(3,079)
|
-
|
(12,867)
|
Forex
|
(73)
|
(3,705)
|
421
|
(2,849)
|
(215)
|
217
|
18
|
(6,186)
|
As at 31 December 2023
|
5,318
|
448,630
|
170,855
|
355,939
|
27,642
|
42,074
|
20,527
|
1,070,985
|
As at 1 January 2024
|
5,318
|
448,630
|
170,855
|
355,939
|
27,642
|
42,074
|
20,527
|
1,070,985
|
Discontinued operations
|
-
|
-
|
(157)
|
(908)
|
(50)
|
(428)
|
-
|
(1,543)
|
Acquired through
acquisition
|
-
|
277,034
|
78,724
|
312,057
|
12,511
|
20,527
|
13,496
|
714,349
|
Disposal of subsidiary
|
(427)
|
-
|
(5,604)
|
(9,396)
|
(5,745)
|
(787)
|
-
|
(21,959)
|
Transfer between classes/
reallocation from intangibles
|
-
|
(2,064)
|
(2,199)
|
6,341
|
743
|
49
|
(5,892)
|
(3,022)
|
Fair value adjustment
|
-
|
126,472
|
24,364
|
(365)
|
340
|
-
|
-
|
150,810
|
Additions
|
147
|
5,026
|
5,799
|
34,022
|
1,800
|
8,553
|
16,212
|
71,559
|
Disposals
|
-
|
(2,171)
|
(4,991)
|
(1,569)
|
(732)
|
(2,127)
|
-
|
(11,590)
|
Forex
|
(102)
|
(3,082)
|
(4,351)
|
(12,905)
|
153
|
(402)
|
(1,277)
|
(21,966)
|
As at 31 December 2024
|
4,936
|
849,845
|
262,440
|
683,216
|
36,662
|
67,459
|
43,066
|
1,947,624
|
Depreciation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at 1 January 2023
|
4,440
|
79,901
|
81,382
|
239,308
|
17,337
|
22,446
|
-
|
444,814
|
Transfer between classes/
reallocation from intangibles
|
13
|
1,737
|
-
|
276
|
-
|
428
|
-
|
2,454
|
Acquired through
acquisition
|
45
|
762
|
6,772
|
20,285
|
1,723
|
-
|
-
|
29,587
|
Charge for the year
|
206
|
7,994
|
4,919
|
16,640
|
1,567
|
5,608
|
-
|
36,934
|
Disposals
|
-
|
(27)
|
(1,718)
|
(5,240)
|
(217)
|
(2,736)
|
-
|
(9,938)
|
Forex
|
(64)
|
(1,369)
|
(456)
|
(1,452)
|
67
|
(2,154)
|
-
|
(5,428)
|
As at 31 December 2023
|
4,640
|
88,998
|
90,899
|
269,817
|
20,477
|
23,592
|
-
|
498,423
|
As at 1 January 2024
|
4,640
|
88,998
|
90,899
|
269,817
|
20,477
|
23,592
|
-
|
498,423
|
Discontinued operations
|
-
|
-
|
(6)
|
(115)
|
(39)
|
(48)
|
-
|
(208)
|
Acquired through
acquisition
|
-
|
44,717
|
18,942
|
105,849
|
5,645
|
841
|
-
|
175,994
|
Disposal of subsidiary
|
(206)
|
-
|
(1,106)
|
(6,794)
|
(4,398)
|
(645)
|
-
|
(13,149)
|
Transfer between classes/
reallocation from intangibles
|
-
|
1,032
|
(1,687)
|
1,455
|
(204)
|
(136)
|
-
|
460
|
Charge for the year
|
173
|
18,841
|
8,256
|
31,703
|
2,839
|
7,644
|
-
|
69,456
|
Disposals
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(768)
|
(603)
|
(2,243)
|
-
|
(3,614)
|
Forex
|
(129)
|
(277)
|
(1,961)
|
(14,756)
|
(1,177)
|
(383)
|
-
|
(18,683)
|
As at 31 December 2024
|
4,478
|
153,311
|
113,337
|
386,391
|
22,540
|
28,622
|
-
|
708,679
|
Net book value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at 31 December 2023
|
678
|
359,632
|
79,956
|
86,122
|
7,165
|
18,482
|
20,527
|
572,562
|
As at 31 December 2024
|
458
|
696,534
|
149,103
|
296,825
|
14,122
|
38,837
|
43,066
|
1,238,945
|
* Refer to Note 17 for further
information regarding the PPA fair value adjustment.
|
Right of use
assets
|
|
Office
Equipment
|
Land and
minerals
|
Land and
buildings
|
Plant and
machinery
|
Vehicles
|
Total
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Cost
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at 1 January 2023
|
-
|
4,089
|
6,114
|
29,231
|
-
|
39,434
|
Acquired through
acquisition
|
-
|
-
|
170
|
768
|
-
|
938
|
Transfer between
classes
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(154)
|
-
|
(154)
|
Fair value adjustment
|
-
|
-
|
2,507
|
-
|
-
|
2,507
|
Additions
|
-
|
525
|
12
|
1,662
|
12
|
2,211
|
Disposals
|
-
|
-
|
(209)
|
(2,870)
|
-
|
(3,079)
|
Forex
|
-
|
34
|
1
|
182
|
-
|
217
|
As at 31 December 2023
|
-
|
4,648
|
8,595
|
28,819
|
12
|
42,074
|
As at 1 January 2024
|
-
|
4,648
|
8,595
|
28,819
|
12
|
42,074
|
Discontinued Operations
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(428)
|
-
|
(428)
|
Acquired through
acquisition
|
955
|
711
|
17,046
|
1,742
|
73
|
20,527
|
Transfer between
classes
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
49
|
49
|
Disposal of subsidiary
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(787)
|
-
|
(787)
|
Additions
|
270
|
385
|
413
|
7,485
|
-
|
8,553
|
Disposals
|
(179)
|
(28)
|
(406)
|
(1,514)
|
-
|
(2,127)
|
Forex
|
(67)
|
(187)
|
(29)
|
(119)
|
-
|
(402)
|
As at 31 December 2024
|
979
|
5,529
|
25,619
|
35,198
|
134
|
67,459
|
Depreciation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at 1 January 2023
|
-
|
749
|
2,384
|
19,313
|
-
|
22,446
|
Acquired through
acquisition
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
424
|
-
|
428
|
Charge for the year
|
-
|
260
|
839
|
4,504
|
4
|
5,607
|
Disposals
|
-
|
(288)
|
(146)
|
(2,302)
|
-
|
(2,736)
|
Forex
|
-
|
10
|
1
|
(2,165)
|
-
|
(2,154)
|
As at 31 December 2023
|
-
|
731
|
3,083
|
19,774
|
4
|
23,592
|
As at 1 January 2024
|
-
|
731
|
3,083
|
19,774
|
4
|
23,592
|
Discontinued Operations
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(48)
|
-
|
(48)
|
Acquired through
acquisition
|
544
|
-
|
162
|
135
|
-
|
841
|
Transfer between
classes
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(136)
|
-
|
(136)
|
Disposal of subsidiary
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(645)
|
-
|
(645)
|
Charge for the year
|
257
|
184
|
1,949
|
5,234
|
20
|
7,644
|
Disposals
|
(179)
|
-
|
(406)
|
(1,658)
|
-
|
(2,243)
|
Forex
|
(27)
|
(76)
|
(11)
|
(269)
|
-
|
(383)
|
As at 31 December 2024
|
595
|
839
|
4,777
|
22,387
|
24
|
28,622
|
Net book value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at 31 December 2023
|
-
|
3,917
|
5,512
|
9,045
|
8
|
18,482
|
As at 31 December 2024
|
384
|
4,690
|
20,842
|
12,811
|
110
|
38,837
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Company
|
|
Office
Equipment
|
Land &
Buildings
|
Motor
Vehicle
|
Right of
Use
|
Total
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Cost
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at 1 January 2023
|
259
|
-
|
-
|
222
|
481
|
Additions
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
12
|
18
|
Disposals
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
As at 31 December 2023
|
265
|
-
|
-
|
234
|
499
|
As at 1 January 2024
|
265
|
-
|
-
|
234
|
499
|
Additions
|
15
|
-
|
-
|
612
|
627
|
Disposals
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
As at 31 December 2024
|
280
|
-
|
-
|
846
|
1,126
|
Depreciation
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at 1 January 2023
|
100
|
-
|
-
|
124
|
224
|
Charge for the year
|
50
|
-
|
-
|
59
|
109
|
Disposals
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
As at 31 December 2023
|
150
|
-
|
-
|
183
|
333
|
As at 1 January 2024
|
150
|
-
|
-
|
183
|
333
|
Charge for the year
|
52
|
-
|
-
|
92
|
144
|
Disposals
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
As at 31 December 2024
|
202
|
-
|
-
|
275
|
477
|
Net book value
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at 31 December 2023
|
115
|
-
|
-
|
51
|
166
|
As at 31 December 2024
|
78
|
-
|
-
|
571
|
649
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
17. Intangible Assets
|
Consolidated
|
|
Goodwill
|
Customer
Relations
|
Intellectual
property
|
Research &
Development
|
Branding
|
Other
Intangibles
|
Total
|
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
|
|
£'000
|
|
Cost
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at 1 January 2023
|
147,739
|
10,725
|
2,027
|
5,938
|
3,611
|
23,652
|
193,692
|
|
Additions
|
-
|
1,114
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
1,739
|
2,857
|
|
Reallocations
|
-
|
(77)
|
(2,027)
|
(122)
|
(401)
|
(6,490)
|
(9,117)
|
|
Provisional additions through
business combination
|
23,685
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
23,685
|
|
Forex
|
(1,087)
|
-
|
-
|
132
|
-
|
1,225
|
270
|
|
As at 31 December 2023
|
170,337
|
11,762
|
-
|
5,952
|
3,210
|
20,126
|
211,387
|
|
As at 1 January 2024
|
170,337
|
11,762
|
-
|
5,952
|
3,210
|
20,126
|
211,387
|
|
Additions
|
-
|
-
|
100
|
-
|
-
|
3,358
|
3,458
|
|
Reallocations
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2,064
|
2,064
|
|
Additions through business
combination
|
401,337
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8,353
|
409,690
|
|
Fair value adjustments - Bjorka
Minerals & ST Investicija
|
(5,718)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(5,718)
|
|
Fair value adjustments - CRH Lime
Acquisitions
|
(114,660)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(114,660)
|
|
Disposal of subsidiary
|
(3,836)
|
(2,085)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(5,921)
|
|
Discontinued operations
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(3,030)
|
(3,030)
|
Forex
|
(595)
|
(597)
|
-
|
(224)
|
-
|
(1,518)
|
(2,934)
|
|
As at 31 December 2024
|
446,865
|
9,080
|
100
|
5,728
|
3,210
|
29,353
|
494,336
|
|
Depreciation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at 1 January 2023
|
-
|
2,424
|
1,726
|
5,454
|
533
|
14,445
|
24,582
|
|
Charge for the year
|
-
|
1,079
|
-
|
60
|
159
|
1,215
|
2,513
|
|
Reallocations
|
-
|
-
|
(1,726)
|
-
|
-
|
(1,735)
|
(3,461)
|
|
Forex
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
132
|
-
|
(427)
|
(295)
|
|
As at 31 December 2023
|
-
|
3,503
|
-
|
5,646
|
692
|
13,498
|
23,339
|
|
As at 1 January 2024
|
-
|
3,503
|
-
|
5,646
|
692
|
13,498
|
23,339
|
|
Charge for the year
|
-
|
1,020
|
2
|
46
|
160
|
2,074
|
3,302
|
|
Acquired through business
combination
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5,246
|
5,246
|
|
Disposal of subsidiary
|
-
|
(449)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(449)
|
|
Discontinued operations
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(326)
|
(326)
|
Forex
|
-
|
(66)
|
-
|
(190)
|
-
|
(20)
|
(276)
|
|
As at 31 December 2024
|
-
|
4,008
|
2
|
5,502
|
852
|
20,472
|
30,836
|
|
Net book value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at 31 December 2023
|
170,337
|
8,259
|
-
|
306
|
2,518
|
6,628
|
188,048
|
|
As at 31 December 2024
|
446,865
|
5,072
|
98
|
226
|
2,358
|
8,881
|
463,500
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
An adjustment has been made to
reflect the initial accounting for the CRH Lime Acquisitions by the
Company, being the elimination of the investment in the CRH Lime
Acquisitions against the non-monetary assets acquired and
recognition of goodwill. In 2024, the Company determined the fair
value of the net assets acquired pursuant to the CRH Lime
Acquisitions, via a Purchase Price Allocation ('PPA')
exercise.
- For Fels, the PPA determined a decrease of £79.2 million of
goodwill with the corresponding movement to uplift the value of
Land and Minerals, Land and Buildings and Plant and Machinery, this
is net off by a deferred tax liability on the PPA of £23.2
million.
- For Vitosov, the PPA determined a decrease of £26.5 million
of goodwill with the corresponding movement to uplift the value of
Land and Minerals, Land and Buildings and Plant and Machinery, this
is net off by a deferred tax liability on the PPA of £5.6
million.
- For Clogrennane, the PPA determined a decrease of £25.2
million of goodwill with the corresponding movement to uplift the
value of Land and Minerals, Land and Buildings and Plant and
Machinery, this is net off by a deferred tax liability on the PPA
of £3.1 million.
- For Buxton, the PPA determined a decrease of £13.3 million of
goodwill with the corresponding movement to uplift the value Land
and Buildings and Plant and Machinery, this is net off by a
deferred tax liability on the PPA of £3.3 million.
- For Nordkalk Wapno, the PPA determined a decrease of £6.7
million of goodwill with the corresponding movement to uplift the
value of Land and Buildings and Plant and Machinery, this is net
off by a deferred tax liability on the PPA of £1.3
million.
In 2024, PPA adjustments were made
to acquisitions in 2023 of Bjorka Minerals and ST Investicija
during the measurement period. The Group didn't include provisional
adjustments for the reduction in goodwill in the year ended 31
December 2023 and in 2024, an adjustment of £5.7 million was posted
which hasn't resulted in the restatement of 2023 figures as it is
considered immaterial to the Group.
As at 31 December 2023, the
initial accounting for these assets was incomplete as they were
pending completion of the PPA during the measurement period. The
Group refrains from making internal provisional adjustments to
goodwill given the subjectivity and difficulty in quantifying the
potential uplifts. All PPA adjustments to goodwill are provided by
an independent third party and are completed during the measurement
period in line with IFRS 3.
The intangible asset classes
are:
- Goodwill is the excess of the consideration transferred
and the acquisition date fair value of any
previous equity interest in the acquiree over the fair value of the
net identifiable assets.
- Customer relations is the value attributed to the key
customer lists and relationships.
- Intellectual property is the patents owned by the
Group.
- Research and development is the acquisition of new technical
knowledge and trying to improve existing processes or products or;
developing new processes or products.
- Branding is the value attributed to the established company
brand.
- Other intangibles consist of capitalised development costs
for assets produced that assist in the operations of the Group and
incur revenue.
Amortisation of intangible assets
is included in cost of sales on the Income Statement.
Development costs have been capitalised in
accordance with the requirements of IAS 38 and are therefore not
treated, for dividend purposes, as a realised loss.
Impairment tests for goodwill
Goodwill arising on business
combinations is not amortised but is reviewed for impairment on an
annual basis, or more frequently if there are indications that the
goodwill may be impaired. Goodwill is allocated to groups of cash
generating units according to the level at which management monitor
that goodwill, which is at the level of operating
segments.
A total of twenty-one operating
segments are considered to be Ronez, Topcrete, Poundfield, CCP,
Rightcast, Retaining, Harries, Buxton and Johnston in the UK;
Clogrennane in Ireland; CDH, Stone and GduH in Belgium; Beton in
France; Fels in Germany; Vitosov in Czechia; Nordkalk Wapno and
Nordkalk Poland in Poland and Nordkalk Finland, Nordkalk Sweden and
Nordkalk Estonia in Northern Europe. The operating segments are
then allocated to regions.
The Goodwill allocated to each
region is shown below:
|
31 December
2024
|
|
|
UK &
Ireland
|
Western
Europe
|
Central
Europe
|
Nordics
|
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
|
Goodwill allocated to region at
balance sheet date
|
138,913
|
14,808
|
210,678
|
82,466
|
|
Discount rate applied to cash flow
projections
|
10.15%
|
10.34%
|
10.24%
|
9.90%
|
|
Average EBITDA margin over 5
years
|
21.3%
|
25.8%
|
27.5%
|
28.8%
|
|
Headroom
|
289,310
|
82,263
|
177,346
|
438,626
|
|
Long term growth rates
|
2%
|
2%
|
2%
|
2%
|
|
|
|
31 December
2023
|
|
|
UK &
Ireland
|
Western
Europe
|
Nordics
|
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Goodwill allocated to region at
balance sheet date
|
|
53,621
|
23,200
|
93,516
|
Discount rate applied to cash flow
projections
|
|
9.3%
|
12.24%
|
11.17%
|
Average EBITDA margin over 5
years
|
|
23.1%
|
22.9%
|
21.9%
|
Headroom
|
|
157,640
|
37,963
|
261,047
|
Long term growth rates
|
|
2%
|
2%
|
2%
|
Key assumptions
The key assumptions used in
performing the impairment review are set out below:
Cash flow
projections
The key assumptions and
methodology used in respect of the operating segments are
consistent with those described above. The values applied to each
of the key estimates and assumptions are specific to the individual
operating segment and are based on past experience and forecast
future trading conditions. The cash flows and terminal value were
projected in line with the methodology disclosed above.
Long-term growth
rates
Cash flow projections are
prudently based on 2 per cent (2023: 2 per cent) and therefore
provides significant of headroom.
Discount
rate
Forecast cash flows for each
operating segment have been discounted at rates of 9.90 per cent to
10.34 per cent (2023: discounted at rates of 9.30 per cent to 12.24
per cent); which was calculated based on market participants' cost
of capital and adjusted to reflect factors specific to each
operating segment.
Sensitivity
The Group has applied
sensitivities to assess whether any reasonable possible changes in
assumptions could cause an impairment that would be material to
these consolidated Financial Statements. The table below identifies
the amounts by which each of the following assumptions would
decline or increase to arrive at a zero excess of the present value
of future cash flows over the book value of net assets in the three
operating segments selected for sensitivity analysis
disclosures:
|
|
Reduction in cash
flows
|
2.0% -
5.0%
|
Increase in discount
rate
|
2.5% -
4.7%
|
Reduction in growth
rate
|
2.0%
|
This demonstrated that a 1.0%
(2023: 1.0%) increase in the discount rate would not cause an
impairment and the annual growth rate is assumed to be 2.0% (2023:
2.0%).
The Directors have therefore
concluded that no impairment to goodwill is necessary.
18. Investment in Subsidiary
Undertakings
|
Company
|
|
31 December
2024
|
31 December
2023
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Shares in subsidiary undertakings
|
|
|
At beginning of the year
|
488,812
|
482,622
|
Additions
|
182,640
|
6,190
|
Intercompany transfer of
investments
|
16,228
|
-
|
Disposals
|
(10,246)
|
-
|
At period end
|
677,435
|
488,812
|
Loan to/(from) Group
undertakings
|
419,095
|
78,493
|
Total
|
1,096,530
|
567,305
|
Investments in Group undertakings
are stated at cost less impairment.
Details of subsidiaries at 31
December 2024 are as follows:
Name of subsidiary
|
Country of incorporation
|
Share capital held by Company
|
Share capital held by Group
|
Principal activities
|
SigmaFin Limited
|
England
|
£45,181,877
|
|
Holding company
|
Foelfach Stone Limited
|
England
|
|
£1
|
Construction materials
|
SigmaGsy Limited
|
Guernsey
|
|
£1
|
Shipping logistics
|
Ronez Limited
|
Jersey
|
|
£2,500,000
|
Construction materials
|
Pallot Tarmac (2002)
Limited
|
Jersey
|
|
£2
|
Road contracting
services
|
Island Aggregates
Limited
|
Guernsey
|
|
£6,500
|
Waste recycling
|
Topcrete Limited
|
England
|
|
£926,828
|
Pre-cast concrete
producer
|
A. Larkin (Concrete)
Limited
|
England
|
|
£37,660
|
Dormant
|
Allen (Concrete)
Limited
|
England
|
|
£100
|
Holding company
|
Poundfield Products (Group)
Limited
|
England
|
£22,167
|
|
Holding company
|
Poundfield Products (Holdings)
Limited
|
England
|
|
£651
|
Holding company
|
Poundfield Innovations
Limited
|
England
|
|
£6,357
|
Patents & licencing
|
Poundfield Precast
Limited
|
England
|
|
£63,568
|
Pre-cast concrete
producer
|
Greenbloc Limited
|
England
|
|
£1
|
Dormant
|
CCP Building Products
Limited
|
England
|
£50
|
|
Construction materials
|
Cheshire Concrete Products
Limited
|
England
|
|
£1
|
Dormant
|
Clwyd Concrete Products
Limited
|
England
|
|
£100
|
Dormant
|
Country Concrete Products
Limited
|
England
|
|
£100
|
Dormant
|
PPG Projects Limited
|
England
|
|
£100
|
Dormant
|
CCP Aggregates Limited
|
England
|
|
£100,000
|
Construction materials
|
Stone Service Center
|
Belgium
|
€23,660,763
|
|
Holding company
|
Carrières du Hainaut
SCA
|
Belgium
|
|
€16,316,089
|
Construction materials
|
Granulats du Hainaut SA
|
Belgium
|
|
€62,000
|
Construction materials
|
West Region SRC SRL
|
Belgium
|
|
€760,000
|
Holding company
|
GDH (Holdings) Limited
|
England
|
|
£54,054
|
Construction materials
|
Gerald D. Harries & Sons
Limited
|
England
|
|
£112
|
Construction materials
|
GD Harries & Sons
Limited
|
England
|
|
£1
|
Dormant
|
Stone Holding Company
SA
|
Belgium
|
|
€100
|
Construction materials
|
Cuvelier Philippe SA
|
Belgium
|
|
€750
|
Construction materials
|
Nordkalk Oy Ab
|
Finland
|
€1,000,000
|
|
Limestone quarrying and
processing
|
Nordkalk AB
|
Sweden
|
|
€2,439,000
|
Limestone quarrying and
processing
|
Kalkproduktion Storugns
AB
|
Sweden
|
|
€293,000
|
Limestone quarrying and
processing
|
Nordkalk AS
|
Estonia
|
|
€959,000
|
Limestone quarrying and
processing
|
Nordkalk GmbH
|
Germany
|
|
€50,000
|
Limestone quarrying and
processing
|
Nordkalk Sp.z o.o
|
Poland
|
|
€19,637,000
|
Limestone quarrying and
processing
|
Suomen Karbonaatti Oy
|
Finland
|
|
€2,102,000
|
Limestone quarrying and
processing
|
NKD Holding Oy Ab
|
Finland
|
|
€3,000
|
Holding company
|
Nordeka Maden A.S
|
Turkey
|
|
€1,020,000
|
Limestone quarrying and
processing
|
Baltic Aggregates Oy
|
Finland
|
|
€1
|
Crushing stone
|
NK - East Oy
|
Finland
|
|
€8,869
|
Holding company
|
Nordkalk Ukraine TOV
|
Ukraine
|
|
€539
|
Mining rights
|
Nordkalk Prykarpattya
TOV
|
Ukraine
|
|
€308
|
Dormant
|
Johnston Quarry Group
Limited
|
England
|
£190
|
|
Holding company
|
Building Stone Limited
|
England
|
|
£1
|
Stone producing
|
CSSL No.2 Limited
|
England
|
|
£1
|
Dormant
|
Guiting Quarry Limited
|
England
|
|
£100
|
Construction materials
|
Bath Stone Group
Limited
|
England
|
|
£110
|
Holding company
|
Monks Park Minerals
Limited
|
England
|
|
£1
|
Dormant
|
Bath Stone Company
Limited
|
England
|
|
£13,620
|
Minerals rights
|
Bath Stone Company (BSC)
Limited
|
England
|
|
£1
|
Construction materials
|
Hartham Park Minerals
Limited
|
England
|
|
£1
|
Dormant
|
Costwold Stone Sales
Limited
|
England
|
|
£1
|
Dormant
|
Flick Quarry Limited
|
England
|
|
£1
|
Dormant
|
Creeton Quarry Limited
|
England
|
|
£100
|
Dormant
|
Oathill Quarry Limited
|
England
|
|
£1
|
Dormant
|
Ropsley Quarry Limited
|
England
|
|
£100
|
Dormant
|
Rightcast Limited
|
England
|
|
£103
|
Concrete manufacturer
|
Canteras La Belonga SA
|
Spain
|
|
€273,575
|
Construction materials
|
Nayles Barn Quarry
Limited
|
England
|
|
£100
|
Dormant
|
C B Collier Quarry
Limited
|
England
|
|
£1
|
Dormant
|
Retaining Holdings
Limited
|
England
|
£67
|
|
Holding company
|
Retaining (UK) Limited
|
England
|
|
£100
|
Retaining wall system
|
Geocast Ltd
|
England
|
|
£100
|
Retaining wall system
|
Juuan Dolomiittikalkki
Oy
|
Finland
|
|
€52,700
|
Limestone quarrying and
processing
|
ST Investicija UAB
|
Lithuania
|
€2,900
|
|
Stone producing
|
Compus UAB
|
Lithuania
|
|
€2,896
|
Stone producing
|
Draseikiu Karjeras UAB
|
Lithuania
|
|
€203,000
|
Stone producing
|
Baltijos Karjerai UAB
|
Lithuania
|
|
€12,876
|
Stone producing
|
Karjeru Verslas UAB
|
Lithuania
|
|
€61,712
|
Stone producing
|
Kvykliu Karjeras UAB
|
Lithuania
|
|
€102,500
|
Stone producing
|
Björka Mineral AB
|
Sweden
|
|
€60
|
Limestone quarrying and
processing
|
SigmaCEN GmbH
|
Germany
|
€25,000
|
|
Holding company
|
Fels Holdings GmbH
|
Germany
|
|
€25,000
|
Holding company
|
Fels-Werke GmbH
|
Germany
|
|
€5,113,000
|
Limestone quarrying and
processing
|
Fels Netz GmbH
|
Germany
|
|
€600,000
|
Railway operation
|
Fels Vertriebs and Service GmbH
& Co. KG
|
Germany
|
|
€2,000,000
|
Lime and Limestone
sales
|
Vápenka Vitosov s.r.o
|
Czechia
|
CZK150,000,000
|
|
Limestone quarrying and
processing
|
Buxton Lime Limited
|
England
|
£1
|
|
Limestone processing
|
SigmaRoc Shelfco
Limited
|
England
|
£1
|
|
Dormant
|
Sigma Lime IRE Limited
|
Ireland
|
€100
|
|
Holding company
|
Clogrennane Lime
Limited
|
Ireland
|
|
€375,000
|
Limestone quarrying and
processing
|
Mavecotill Investments Sp.
z.o.o.
|
Poland
|
PLN 5,000
|
|
Holding company
|
Nordkalk Wapno Sp z.o.o
|
Poland
|
|
PLN 419,310,000
|
Limestone processing
|
SigmaLime Solutions
Limited
|
Jersey
|
£2
|
|
Holding company
|
Baltic CO2 Management
OU
|
Estonia
|
€10,000
|
|
CO2 Management
|
Name of subsidiary
|
Registered office address
|
SigmaFin Limited
|
6 Heddon Street, London W1B
4BT
|
Foelfach Stone Limited
|
6 Heddon Street, London W1B
4BT
|
SigmaGsy Limited
|
Les Vardes Quarry, Route de Port
Grat, St Sampson, Guernsey, GY2 4TF
|
Ronez Limited
|
Ronez Quarry, La Route Du Nord, St
John, Jersey, JE3 4AR
|
Pallot Tarmac (2002)
Limited
|
Ronez Quarry, La Route Du Nord, St
John, Jersey, JE3 4AR
|
Island Aggregates
Limited
|
Les Vardes Quarry, Route de Port
Grat, St Sampson, Guernsey, GY2 4TF
|
Topcrete Limited
|
38 Willow Lane, Mitcham, Surrey,
CR4 4NA
|
A. Larkin (Concrete)
Limited
|
38 Willow Lane, Mitcham, Surrey,
CR4 4NA
|
Allen (Concrete)
Limited
|
38 Willow Lane, Mitcham, Surrey,
CR4 4NA
|
Poundfield Products (Group)
Limited
|
The Grove, Creeting St. Peter,
Ipswich, England, IP6 8QG
|
Poundfield Products (Holdings)
Limited
|
The Grove, Creeting St. Peter,
Ipswich, England, IP6 8QG
|
Poundfield Innovations
Limited
|
The Grove, Creeting St. Peter,
Ipswich, England, IP6 8QG
|
Poundfield Precast
Limited
|
The Grove, Creeting St. Peter,
Ipswich, England, IP6 8QG
|
Greenbloc Limited
|
The Grove, Creeting St. Peter,
Ipswich, England, IP6 8QG
|
CCP Building Products
Limited
|
Llay Road, Llay, Wrexham, Clwyd,
LL12 0TL
|
Cheshire Concrete Products
Limited
|
Llay Road, Llay, Wrexham, Clwyd,
LL12 0TL
|
Clwyd Concrete Products
Limited
|
Llay Road, Llay, Wrexham, Clwyd,
LL12 0TL
|
Country Concrete Products
Limited
|
Llay Road, Llay, Wrexham, Clwyd,
LL12 0TL
|
PPG Projects Limited
|
Llay Road, Llay, Wrexham, Clwyd,
LL12 0TL
|
CCP Aggregates Limited
|
Llay Road, Llay, Wrexham, Clwyd,
LL12 0TL
|
Stone Service Center
|
Rue de Cognebeau 245, B-7060
Soignies, Belgium
|
Carrières du Hainaut
SCA
|
Rue de Cognebeau 245, B-7060
Soignies, Belgium
|
Granulats du Hainaut SA
|
Rue de Cognebeau 245, B-7060
Soignies, Belgium
|
West Region SRC SRL
|
Rue de Cognebeau 245, B-7060
Soignies, Belgium
|
GDH (Holdings) Limited
|
Rowlands View, Templeton, Narbeth,
SA67 8RG
|
Gerald D. Harries & Sons
Limited
|
Rowlands View, Templeton, Narbeth,
SA67 8RG
|
GD Harries & Sons
Limited
|
6 Heddon
Street, London W1B 4BT
|
Stone Holding Company
SA
|
Avenue Louise 292, BE-1050
Ixelles, Belgium
|
Cuvelier Philippe SA
|
Avenue Louise 292, BE-1050
Ixelles, Belgium
|
Nordkalk Oy Ab
|
Skräbbölentie 18, FI-21600,
Parainen, Finland
|
Nordkalk AB
|
Box 901, 731 29 Köping
|
Kalkproduktion Storugns
AB
|
Strugns, 620 34 Lärbro
|
Nordkalk AS
|
Lääne-Viru maakond, Väike- Maarja
vald, Rakke alevik, F.R Faehlmanni tee 11a, 46301
|
Nordkalk GmbH
|
Innungsstrabe 7, 21244 Buchholz in
der Nordheide
|
Nordkalk Sp.z o.o
|
ul. Plac Na Groblach, nr 21, lok.
Miejsc, Krakow, kod 31-101, poczta, Krakow, kraj Polska
|
Suomen Karbonaatti Oy
|
Ihalaisen teollisuusalue, 53500
Lappeenranta
|
NKD Holding Oy Ab
|
Skräbbölentie 18, 21600 Parainen,
Finland
|
Nordeka Maden A.S
|
Levent MH.Cömert Sk. Yapi Kredi
Blokl.c Blok no.1 c/17 Besiktas
|
Baltic Aggregates Oy
|
Skräbbölentie 18, FI-21600,
Parainen, Finland
|
NK - East Oy
|
Skräbbölentie 18, FI-21600,
Parainen, Finland
|
Nordkalk Ukraine TOV
|
Ivana Makukha st. 14, 78000,
Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast, Tlumach, Ukraine
|
Nordkalk Prykarpattya
TOV
|
Galytska st 10, 7600
Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
|
Johnston Quarry Group
Limited
|
Westfield Lodge Butchers Hill,
Great Tew, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, England, OX7
4AD
|
Building Stone Limited
|
Westfield Lodge Butchers Hill,
Great Tew, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, England, OX7
4AD
|
CSSL No.2 Limited
|
Westfield Lodge Butchers Hill,
Great Tew, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, England, OX7
4AD
|
Guiting Quarry Limited
|
Westfield Lodge Butchers Hill,
Great Tew, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, England, OX7
4AD
|
Cotswolds Stone Sales
Limited
|
Westfield Lodge Butchers Hill,
Great Tew, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, England, OX7
4AD
|
Monks Park Minerals
Limited
|
Westfield Lodge Butchers Hill,
Great Tew, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, England, OX7
4AD
|
Bath Stone Company (BSC)
Limited
|
Westfield Lodge Butchers Hill,
Great Tew, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, England, OX7
4AD
|
Bath Stone Company
Limited
|
Westfield Lodge Butchers Hill,
Great Tew, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, England, OX7
4AD
|
Hartham Park Minerals
Limited
|
Westfield Lodge Butchers Hill,
Great Tew, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, England, OX7
4AD
|
Costwold Stone Sales
Limited
|
Westfield Lodge Butchers Hill,
Great Tew, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, England, OX7
4AD
|
Flick Quarry Limited
|
Westfield Lodge Butchers Hill,
Great Tew, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, England, OX7
4AD
|
Creeton Quarry Limited
|
Westfield Lodge Butchers Hill,
Great Tew, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, England, OX7
4AD
|
Oathill Quarry Limited
|
Westfield Lodge Butchers Hill,
Great Tew, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, England, OX7
4AD
|
Ropsley Quarry Limited
|
Westfield Lodge Butchers Hill,
Great Tew, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, England, OX7
4AD
|
Rightcast Limited
|
Unit W4 Junction 38 Business Park,
Darton, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S75 5QQ
|
Canteras La Belonga SA
|
Oviedo, Cellagu-Latores, 33193,
Spain
|
Nayles Barn Quarry
Limited
|
Westfield Lodge Butchers Hill,
Great Tew, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, England, OX7
4AD
|
C B Collier Quarry
Limited
|
Westfield Lodge Butchers Hill,
Great Tew, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, England, OX7
4AD
|
Retaining Holdings
Limited
|
Hughes House, Cargo Fleet Road,
Middlesbrough, United Kingdom, TS3 6AG
|
Retaining (UK) Limited
|
Hughes House, Cargo Fleet Road,
Middlesbrough, United Kingdom, TS3 6AG
|
Geocast Ltd
|
Hughes House, Cargo Fleet Road,
Middlesbrough, United Kingdom, TS3 6AG
|
Juuan Dolomiittikalkki
Oy
|
Onninpolku 1, 83900 Juuka,
Finland
|
ST Investicija UAB
|
Raudondvario pl. 131B, Kaunas,
Lithuania
|
Compus UAB
|
Raudondvario pl. 131B, Kaunas,
Lithuania
|
Draseikiu Karjeras UAB
|
Raudondvario pl. 131B, Kaunas,
Lithuania
|
Baltijos Karjerai UAB
|
Raudondvario pl. 131B, Kaunas,
Lithuania
|
Karjeru Verslas UAB
|
Raudondvario pl. 131B, Kaunas,
Lithuania
|
Kvykliu Karjeras UAB
|
Raudondvario pl. 131B, Kaunas,
Lithuania
|
Björka Mineral AB
|
Södra Tullgatan 3, 211 40 Malmö,
Sweden
|
SigmaCEN GmbH
|
Innungsstrasse 7, 21244
Buchholz
|
Fels Holdings GmbH
|
Geheimrat-Ebert-Strasse 12, 38640
Goslar, Germany
|
Fels-Werke GmbH
|
Geheimrat-Ebert-Strasse 12, 38640
Goslar, Germany
|
Fels Netz GmbH
|
Hornberg 1, 38875 Oberharz am
Brocken, Germany
|
Fels Vertriebs and Service GmbH
& Co. KG
|
Geheimrat-Ebert-Strasse 12, 38640
Goslar, Germany
|
Vápenka Vitosov s.r.o
|
Hrabová 54, 789 01 Hrabová,
Czechia
|
SigmaRoc Shelfco
Limited
|
Tunstead House Annex,
Waterswallows Road, Buxton, United Kingdom, SK17 8TG
|
Buxton Lime Limited
|
Tunstead House Annex,
Waterswallows Road, Buxton, United Kingdom, SK17 8TG
|
Sigma Lime IRE Limited
|
Raheendoran, Clogrennane, Carlow,
R93 EV26, lreland
|
Clogrennane Lime
Limited
|
Fonthill, Clogrennane, Co. Carlow,
R93 EV26, Ireland
|
Mavecotill Investments Sp.
z.o.o.
|
Sitkówka 24, 26-052
Nowiny
|
Nordkalk Wapno Sp z.o.o
|
Sitkówka 24, 26-052
Nowiny
|
SigmaLime Solutions
Limited
|
Ronez Quarry, La Route du Nord, St
John, Jersey JE2 4AR
|
Baltic CO2 Management
OU
|
Lõõtsa tn 1a,Lasnamäe linnaosa,
Tallinn, 11415 Harju maakond, Estonia
|
For the year ended 31 December
2024 the following subsidiaries were entitled to exemption from
audit under section 479A of the Companies Act 2006 :
· SigmaFin Limited
· Foelfach Stone Limited
· Topcrete Limited
· A.
Larkin (Concrete) Limited
· Allen (Concrete) Limited
· Poundfield Products (Group) Limited
· Poundfield Products (Holdings) Limited
· Poundfield Innovations Limited
· Poundfield Precast Limited
· Greenbloc Limited
· CCP
Building Products Limited
· Cheshire Concrete Products Limited
· Clwyd Concrete Products Limited
· Country Concrete Products Limited
· PPG
Projects Limited
· CCP
Aggregates Limited
· GDH
(Holdings) Limited
· Gerald D. Harries & Sons Limited
·
GD Harries & Sons Limited
· Johnston Quarry Group Limited
· Building Stone Limited
· CSSL
No.2 Limited
· Guiting Quarry Limited
· Cotswolds Stone Sales Limited
· Monks Park Minerals Limited
· Bath
Stone Company (BSC) Limited
· Bath
Stone Company Limited
· Hartham Park Minerals Limited
· Costwold Stone Sales Limited
· Flick Quarry Limited
· Creeton Quarry Limited
· Oathill Quarry Limited
· Ropsley Quarry Limited
· Rightcast Limited
· Retaining Holdings Limited
· Retaining (UK) Limited
· Geocast Ltd
· Nayles Barn Quarry Limited
· C B
Collier Quarry Limited
· Buxton Lime Limited
Impairment review
The performance of all companies
for the year ended 31 December 2024 are in line with forecasted
expectations and as such there have been no indications of
impairment.
19. Investment in Equity Accounted Associates
& Joint Ventures
Nordkalk has a joint venture
agreement with Franzefoss Minerals AS, managing a lime kiln located
in Norway which was entered into on 5 August 2004.
The Group entered into a joint
venture agreement partnering with Arcelor Mittal, to invest in
green quicklime and dolime production in Dunkirk, which
was entered into on 11 September 2022.
The Group has one non-material
local associate in Pargas, Pargas Hyreshus Ab.
|
31 December
2024
|
31 December
2023
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Interests in associates
|
531
|
605
|
Interest in joint
venture
|
6,212
|
6,448
|
|
6,743
|
7,053
|
|
|
Proportion of ownership
interest held
|
Name
|
Country of incorporation
|
31 December
2024
|
31 December
2023
|
NorFraKalk AS
|
Norway
|
50%
|
50%
|
AMeLi Green Lime
Solutions
|
France
|
47.5%
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Summarised financial information
NorFraKalk AS - Cost and net book value
|
31 December
2024
|
31 December
2023
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Current assets
|
8,045
|
7,735
|
Non-current assets
|
7,768
|
10,078
|
Current liabilities
|
(2,688)
|
(2,739)
|
Non-current liabilities
|
(3,763)
|
(4,651)
|
|
9,362
|
10,423
|
|
For the period 1 January
2024 to 31 December 2024
|
For the period 1 January
2023 to 31 December 2023
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Revenues
|
15,940
|
15,903
|
Profit after tax from continuing
operations
|
633
|
1,372
|
20. Trade and Other Receivables
|
Consolidated
|
|
Company
|
|
31 December
2024
|
31 December
2023
|
|
31 December
2024
|
31 December
2023
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Current asset
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trade receivables
|
133,628
|
85,033
|
|
15,293
|
3,690
|
Prepayments
|
8,819
|
6,961
|
|
1,107
|
422
|
Other receivables
|
15,758
|
7,040
|
|
8
|
1,220
|
|
158,205
|
99,034
|
|
16,408
|
5,332
|
Non-current asset
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other receivables
|
13,724
|
3,398
|
|
11,289
|
-
|
|
13,724
|
3,398
|
|
11,289
|
-
|
The carrying value of trade and
other receivables classified as loans and receivables approximates
fair value.
Trade and other receivables
include a doubtful debts provision of £2.1 million. Refer to Note
3.1b for further information.
The carrying amounts of the Group
and Company's trade and other receivables are denominated in the
following currencies:
|
Consolidated
|
|
Company
|
|
31 December
2024
|
31 December
2023
|
|
31 December
2024
|
31 December
2023
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
UK Pounds
|
43,753
|
22,013
|
|
20,261
|
5,052
|
Euros
|
87,246
|
57,839
|
|
7,436
|
-
|
Swedish Krona
|
13,782
|
15,240
|
|
-
|
-
|
Zlotys
|
20,634
|
6,518
|
|
-
|
-
|
Czech Koruna
|
5,611
|
-
|
|
-
|
-
|
Turkish Lira
|
903
|
822
|
|
-
|
-
|
|
171,929
|
102,432
|
|
27,697
|
5,052
|
Other classes of financial assets
included within trade and other receivables do not contain impaired
assets.
The maximum exposure to credit
risk at the reporting date is the carrying value of each class of
receivable mentioned above. The Group does not hold any collateral
as security.
21. Inventories
|
Consolidated
|
|
31 December
2024
|
31 December
2023
|
Cost and net book value
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Raw materials and
consumables
|
61,741
|
32,823
|
Finished and semi-finished
goods
|
56,069
|
44,265
|
Work in progress
|
9,872
|
7,221
|
|
127,682
|
84,309
|
The amount recognised as change of
value in inventory included in cost of sales was £12.1 million (31
December 2023: (£9 million)).
22. Cash and Cash Equivalents
|
Consolidated
|
|
Company
|
|
31 December
2024
|
31 December
2023
|
|
31 December
2024
|
31 December
2023
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Cash at bank and on hand -
continuing operations
|
131,356
|
55,872
|
|
25,363
|
7,925
|
|
131,356
|
55,872
|
|
25,363
|
7,925
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
All of the Group's cash at bank is
held with institutions with a credit rating of at least A-.
Exceptions may be granted on an individual basis in rare cases
where a bank is chosen for geographical reasons but does not fulfil
the stipulated rating criteria.
The carrying amounts of the Group
and Company's cash and cash equivalents are denominated in the
following currencies:
|
Consolidated
|
|
Company
|
|
31 December
2024
£'000
|
31 December
2023
£'000
|
|
31 December
2024
£'000
|
31 December
2023
£'000
|
UK Pounds
|
29,981
|
11,111
|
|
14,329
|
4,617
|
Euros
|
64,443
|
37,308
|
|
11,034
|
3,308
|
Swedish krona
|
4,365
|
4,938
|
|
-
|
-
|
Zlotys
|
23,375
|
2,137
|
|
-
|
-
|
Czech Koruna
|
7,431
|
43
|
|
-
|
-
|
US dollar
|
1,362
|
-
|
|
-
|
-
|
Turkish Lira
|
399
|
335
|
|
-
|
-
|
|
131,356
|
55,872
|
|
25,363
|
7,925
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
23. Trade and Other Payables
|
Consolidated
|
|
Company
|
|
|
31 December
2024
|
31 December
2023
|
|
31 December
2024
|
31 December
2023
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trade payables
|
81,458
|
78,572
|
|
11,224
|
15,184
|
Wages Payable
|
15,142
|
13,715
|
|
-
|
-
|
Accruals
|
156,271
|
46,120
|
|
9,165
|
15,462
|
VAT
payable/(receivable)
|
6,776
|
3,366
|
|
(70)
|
(1,654)
|
Deferred consideration
|
5,039
|
8,887
|
|
2,293
|
3,865
|
Other payables
|
19,360
|
7,539
|
|
189
|
1,225
|
|
284,046
|
158,199
|
|
22,801
|
34,082
|
Non-current liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred consideration
|
146,562
|
8,208
|
|
5,692
|
5,260
|
Other payables
|
8,468
|
-
|
|
-
|
-
|
|
|
155,030
|
8,208
|
|
5,692
|
5,260
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
The carrying amounts of the Group
and Company's trade and other payables are denominated in the
following currencies:
|
Consolidated
|
|
Company
|
|
31 December
2024
'000
|
31 December
2023
'000
|
|
31 December
2024
'000
|
31 December
2023
'000
|
UK Pounds
|
55,245
|
49,003
|
|
16,626
|
29,114
|
Euros
|
332,275
|
80,349
|
|
11,867
|
9,908
|
Swedish krona
|
19,019
|
26,712
|
|
-
|
320
|
Zlotys
|
26,766
|
10,029
|
|
-
|
-
|
Ukrainian Hryvnia
|
4
|
11
|
|
-
|
-
|
US Dollar
|
85
|
-
|
|
-
|
-
|
Czech Koruna
|
5,475
|
-
|
|
-
|
-
|
Turkish Lira
|
208
|
303
|
|
-
|
-
|
|
439,077
|
166,407
|
|
28,493
|
39,342
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
24. Borrowings
|
Consolidated
|
|
Company
|
|
31 December
2024
|
31 December
2023
|
|
31 December
2024
|
31 December
2023
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Non-current liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
Syndicated Senior Credit
Facility
|
534,998
|
174,090
|
|
534,998
|
174,090
|
Bank Loans
|
1,918
|
5,986
|
|
-
|
-
|
Finance lease
liabilities
|
8,622
|
7,853
|
|
-
|
-
|
IFRS 16 leases
|
31,506
|
12,863
|
|
389
|
-
|
|
577,044
|
200,792
|
|
535,387
|
174,090
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
Syndicated Senior Credit
Facility
|
49,722
|
29,500
|
|
49,722
|
29,500
|
Bank Loans
|
4,846
|
1,209
|
|
-
|
-
|
Finance lease
liabilities
|
2,520
|
2,066
|
|
-
|
-
|
IFRS 16 leases
|
7,700
|
4,729
|
|
131
|
43
|
|
64,788
|
37,504
|
|
49,853
|
29,543
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
On 22 November 2023 the Company
entered into a new syndicated senior credit facility of up to €750
million (the 'Debt Facilities') led by Santander UK and BNPP, with
the syndicate including several major UK and European banks and a
further €125 million bridge loan ('Bridge Loan'). The Debt
Facilities comprise a €600 million committed term facility, €150
million revolving credit facility and a further €100 million
uncommitted accordion.
The Debt
Facilities are secured by a floating charge over the assets
of SigmaRoc and its subsidiaries as defined as obligors within the
Debt Facilities. Interest is charged at a rate between 2.00% and
3.50% above EURIBOR ('Interest Margin'), based on the calculation
of the adjusted leverage ratio for the relevant period. For the
period ending 31 December 2024, the Interest Margin was
2.75%.
For further information on
covenants, please refer to Note 3.2.
The carrying amounts and fair
value of the non-current borrowings are:
|
Carrying amount and fair
value
|
|
|
31 December
2024
|
31 December
2023
|
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
|
Syndicated Senior Credit
Facility
|
534,998
|
174,090
|
|
Bank Loans
|
1,918
|
5,986
|
|
Finance lease
liabilities
|
8,622
|
7,853
|
|
IFRS 16 leases
|
31,506
|
12,863
|
|
|
577,044
|
200,792
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Lease Liabilities
Lease liabilities are effectively
secured, as the rights to the leased asset revert to the lessor in
the event of default.
Leases which are entered into as a
hire purchase agreement, or a finance lease is shown as finance
leases.
|
Consolidated
|
|
31 December
2024
|
31 December
2023
|
Finance lease liabilities - minimum lease
payments
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Not later than one year
|
10,220
|
6,795
|
Later than one year and no later
than five years
|
18,410
|
15,647
|
Later than five years
|
21,717
|
5,069
|
|
50,347
|
27,511
|
Future finance charges on finance
lease liabilities
|
19,008
|
4,466
|
Present value of finance lease liabilities
|
69,355
|
31,977
|
For the year ended 31 December
2024, the total finance charges were £1.8 million (2022: £1
million).
The contracted and planned lease
commitments were discounted using a weighted average incremental
borrowing rate of 6.5%.
The present value of finance lease
liabilities is as follows:
|
Consolidated
|
|
|
31 December
2024
|
31 December
2023
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Not later than one year
|
10,884
|
7,236
|
Later than one year and no later
than five years
|
19,606
|
16,664
|
Later than five years
|
23,129
|
5,398
|
Present value of finance lease liabilities
|
53,619
|
29,298
|
|
|
| |
Reconciliation of liabilities
arising from financing activities is as follows:
|
Consolidated
|
|
Long-term
borrowings
|
Short-term
borrowings
|
Lease
liabilities
|
Liabilities arising from
financing activities
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
As at 1 January 2024
|
180,076
|
30,709
|
27,511
|
238,296
|
Increase/(decrease) through
financing cash flows
|
(304,742)
|
(30,709)
|
(8,829)
|
(344,280)
|
Increase from
refinancing
|
750,464
|
2,523
|
12,046
|
765,033
|
Cost of borrowings
|
(14,858)
|
-
|
-
|
(14,858)
|
Amortisation of finance
arrangement fees
|
5,865
|
-
|
-
|
5,865
|
Increase through obtaining control
of subsidiaries
|
-
|
-
|
20,167
|
20,167
|
Transfer between
classes
|
(51,897)
|
51,897
|
-
|
-
|
Foreign exchange
movement
|
(27,991)
|
148
|
(548)
|
(28,391)
|
As at 31 December 2024
|
536,916
|
54,568
|
50,347
|
641,832
|
Transfer between classes refers to
long term borrowings moving to short term borrowings as they are
due within 12 months.
For debt maturity schedule, please
refer to Note 3.1(d)
Reconciliation of cash flow
movement to movement in net debt:
|
Consolidated
|
|
31 December
2024
|
31 December
2023
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Opening net debt
|
(182,462)
|
(193,853)
|
Net increase/(decrease) in cash
and cash equivalents
|
75,484
|
(12,751)
|
Foreign exchange differences -
cash and cash equivalents
|
3,854
|
1,273
|
Discontinued operations
|
944
|
-
|
Net cash flow movements in debt
financing
|
(405,895)
|
26,986
|
|
|
|
Non cash movements
|
|
|
Debt acquired via
acquisitions
|
(20,167)
|
(971)
|
Amortisation of finance
costs
|
(5,864)
|
(1,085)
|
Foreign exchange
movement
|
28,391
|
1,753
|
Other non-cash
movements
|
(2,872)
|
(3,776)
|
Net debt
|
508,587
|
182,424
|
25. Provisions
|
Consolidated
|
|
31 December
2023
|
|
Restoration
|
Restructuring
|
Other
|
Total
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
As at 1 January
|
1,970
|
1,760
|
2,866
|
6,596
|
Acquired on business
combination
|
922
|
-
|
-
|
922
|
Addition/(Deduction)
|
339
|
(66)
|
698
|
971
|
As at 31 December
|
3,231
|
1,694
|
3,564
|
8,489
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-current liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
As at 1 January
|
4,100
|
-
|
-
|
4,100
|
Acquired on business
combination
|
624
|
-
|
-
|
624
|
Addition/(Deduction)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
As at 31 December
|
4,724
|
-
|
-
|
4,724
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Consolidated
|
|
31 December
2024
|
|
Restoration
|
Restructuring
|
Other
|
Total
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
As at 1 January
|
3,231
|
1,694
|
3,564
|
8,489
|
Acquired on business
combination
|
-
|
4,189
|
-
|
4,189
|
Reallocate between current and
non-current
|
(3,231)
|
-
|
-
|
(3,231)
|
Addition/(Deduction)
|
-
|
9,003
|
(3,564)
|
5,439
|
As at 31 December
|
-
|
14,886
|
-
|
14,886
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-current liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
As at 1 January
|
4,724
|
-
|
-
|
4,724
|
Acquired on business
combination
|
42,185
|
-
|
33,651
|
75,836
|
Reallocate between current and
non-current
|
3,231
|
-
|
-
|
3,231
|
Addition/(Deduction)
|
(145)
|
-
|
3,395
|
3,250
|
As at 31 December
|
49,995
|
-
|
37,046
|
87,041
|
The provision total is made up of
£595,000 as a restoration provision for the St John's and Les
Vardes sites; £86,812 for the Aberdo site; £172,303 for quarries in
Wales; £6.6 million for the Nordkalk sites; £109,000 for the
Johnston sites; £40 million for the German sites; £415,000 for the
Czechia sites; £1.8 million for Buxton; and £252,000 for La Belonga
which are all based on the removal costs of the plant and machinery
at the sites and restoration of the
land.
Of the remaining amount, £1.9
million is for other restructuring costs in the Nordkalk entities,
£3 million is the provision for early retirement in Belgium, where
salaried workers can qualify for early retirement based on age, £34
million is the pension and provision for early retirement in
Germany and £14 million for redundancies and other payroll
provisions in Germany. The provision for pension and early
retirement consists of the estimated amount that will be paid by
the employer to the "early retired workers" till the age of the
full pension. Refer to Note 26 for more information.
The future reclamation cost value
is discounted by 6% (2023 8%).
26. Retirement benefit schemes
The Group sponsors various
post-employment benefit plans. These include both defined
contribution and defined benefit plans as defined by IAS 19
Employee Benefits.
Defined contribution
plans
For defined contribution plans
outside Belgium, the Group pays contributions to publicly or
privately administered pension funds or insurance contracts. Once
the contributions have been paid, the Group has no further payment
obligation. The contributions are expensed in the year in which
they are due. For the year ended, contributions paid into defined
contribution plans amounted to £351,011.
Defined benefit
plans
The Group has group insurance
plans for some of its Belgian, German, Swedish and Polish employees
funded through defined payments to insurance companies. The Belgian
pension plans are by law subject to minimum guaranteed rates of
return. In the past the minimum guaranteed rates were 3.25% on
employer contributions and 3.75% on employee contributions. A law
of December 2015 (enforced on 1 January 2016) modifies the minimum
guaranteed rates of return applicable to the Group's Belgian
pension plans. For insured plans, the rates of 3.25% on employer
contributions and 3.75% on employee contributions will continue to
apply to the contributions accumulated before 2016. For
contributions paid on or after 1 January 2016, a variable minimum
guaranteed rate of return with a floor of 1.75% applies. The Group
obtained actuarial calculations for the periods reported based on
the projected unit credit method.
The Swedish plan provides an
old-age pension cover for plan members whereas plan members receive
a lump sum payment upon retirement in the Polish plan. Both Swedish
and Polish plans are based on collective labour
agreements.
The German plan is an unfunded
pension plan and has three other unfunded long-term benefit
obligations (i) Fels Death In-Service Benefit Plan (ii) the Germany
Fels Jubilee Plan and (iii) Fels Deferred Compensation Plan. The
defined benefit pension schemes and deferred compensation schemes
provide benefits which are specific to each scheme and are based on
different factors including years of service, fixed pension amounts
and benefits based on final salary. Other long-term employee
benefits provide benefits to all employees based on the number of
years of service or a fixed amount for death in service.
Through its defined benefit plans,
the Group is exposed to a number of risks. A decrease in bond
yields will increase the plan liabilities. Some of the Group's
pension obligations are linked to inflation and higher inflation
will lead to higher liabilities. The majority of the plans'
obligations are to provide benefits for the life of the plan
member, so increases in life expectancy will result in an increase
in the plans' liabilities.
Employee benefits amount in the Statement of Financial
Position
|
31 December
2024
£'000
|
31 December
2023
£'000
|
Assets
|
-
|
-
|
Liabilities
|
36,834
|
4,355
|
Net defined benefit liability at end of
year
|
36,834
|
4,355
|
Amounts recognised in the Statement of Financial
Position
|
31 December
2024
£'000
|
31 December
2023
£'000
|
Present value of funded defined
benefit obligations
|
1,017
|
967
|
Fair value of plan
assets
|
-
|
(153)
|
|
1,017
|
814
|
Present value of unfunded defined
benefit obligation
|
35,817
|
3,541
|
Unrecognised past service
cost
|
-
|
-
|
Total
|
36,834
|
4,355
|
Amounts recognised in the Income Statement
|
31 December
2024
£'000
|
31 December
2023
£'000
|
Current service cost
|
626
|
152
|
Interest cost
|
1,292
|
112
|
Expected return on plan
assets
|
156
|
163
|
Total pension expense
|
2,074
|
427
|
Changes in the present value of the defined benefit
obligation
|
31 December
2024
£'000
|
31 December
2023
£'000
|
Defined benefit obligation at
beginning of year
|
4,355
|
3,543
|
Current service cost
|
626
|
152
|
Interest cost
|
1,292
|
112
|
Benefits paid
|
(2,721)
|
(354)
|
Remeasurements
|
97
|
163
|
Remeasurements in OCI
|
(178)
|
978
|
Other significant
events
|
-
|
(40)
|
Acquired in business
combinations
|
33,651
|
-
|
Foreign exchange
movement
|
(288)
|
(199)
|
Defined benefit obligation at end of year
|
36,834
|
4,355
|
Amounts recognised in the Statement of Changes in
Equity
|
31 December
2024
£'000
|
31 December
2023
£'000
|
Prior year cumulative actuarial
remeasurements
|
-
|
-
|
Remeasurements
|
(176)
|
978
|
Foreign exchange
movement
|
-
|
-
|
Cumulative amount of actuarial gains and losses recognised in
the Statement of recognised income / (expense)
|
(176)
|
978
|
Movements in the net liability/(asset) recognised in the
Statement of Financial Position
|
31 December
2024
£'000
|
31 December
2023
£'000
|
Net liability in the balance sheet
at beginning of year
|
4,355
|
3,543
|
Total expense recognised in the
income statement
|
1,918
|
264
|
Contributions paid by the
company
|
(2,721)
|
(354)
|
Amount recognised in the statement
of recognised (income)/expense
|
97
|
163
|
Remeasurements in OCI
|
(178)
|
978
|
Other significant
events
|
-
|
(40)
|
Acquired in business
combinations
|
33,651
|
-
|
Foreign exchange
movement
|
(288)
|
(199)
|
Defined benefit obligation at end of year
|
36,834
|
4,355
|
Principal actuarial assumptions
|
31 December
2024
|
31 December
2023
|
Discount rate
|
3.39%
|
3.87%
|
Future salary increases
|
3.07%
|
2.93%
|
Future inflation
|
2.13%
|
2.00%
|
Post-retirement
benefits
The Group operates both defined
benefit and defined contribution pension plans.
Pension plans in Belgium, Poland,
Sweden and Germany are of the defined benefit type because of the
minimum promised return on contributions required by law. The
liability or asset recognised in the Statement of Financial
Position in respect of defined benefit pension plans is the present
value of the defined benefit obligation at the end of the reporting
period less the fair value of plan assets. The defined benefit
obligation is calculated annually by independent actuaries using
the projected unit credit method. The present value of the defined
benefit obligation is determined by discounting the estimated
future cash outflows using interest rates of high-quality corporate
bonds that are denominated in the currency in which the benefits
will be paid, and that have terms approximating to the terms of the
related obligation. The net interest cost is calculated by applying
the discount rate to the net balance of the defined benefit
obligation and the fair value of plan assets. This cost is included
in employee benefit expense in the Income Statement. Remeasurement
gains and losses arising from experience adjustments and changes in
actuarial assumptions are recognised in the period in which they
occur, directly in other comprehensive income. They are included in
retained earnings in the Statement of Changes in Equity and in the
Statement of Financial Position.
For defined contribution plans,
the Group pays contributions to publicly or privately administered
pension insurance plans on a mandatory, contractual or voluntary
basis. The Group has no further payment obligations once the
contributions have been paid. The contributions are recognised as
employee benefit expense when they are due.
27. Financial Instruments by
Category
Consolidated
|
31 December
2024
|
|
Loans &
receivables
|
Total
|
Assets per Statement of Financial
Performance
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Trade and other receivables
(excluding prepayments)
|
163,110
|
163,110
|
Cash and cash
equivalents
|
131,356
|
131,356
|
|
294,466
|
294,466
|
|
|
|
|
At amortised
cost
|
Total
|
Liabilities per Statement of Financial
Performance
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Borrowings (excluding finance
leases)
|
591,485
|
591,485
|
Finance lease
liabilities
|
50,347
|
50,347
|
Trade and other payables
(excluding non-financial liabilities)
|
439,077
|
439,077
|
|
1,080,909
|
1,080,909
|
|
|
| |
Consolidated
|
31 December
2023
|
|
Loans &
receivables
|
Total
|
Assets per Statement of Financial
Performance
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Trade and other receivables
(excluding prepayments)
|
95,471
|
95,471
|
Cash and cash
equivalents
|
55,872
|
55,872
|
|
151,343
|
151,343
|
|
|
|
|
At amortised
cost
|
Total
|
Liabilities per Statement of Financial
Performance
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Borrowings (excluding finance
leases)
|
210,785
|
210,785
|
Finance lease
liabilities
|
27,511
|
27,511
|
Trade and other payables
(excluding non-financial liabilities)
|
166,407
|
166,407
|
|
404,703
|
404,703
|
|
|
| |
Company
|
31 December
2024
|
|
Loans &
receivables
|
Total
|
Assets per Statement of Financial
Performance
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Trade and other receivables
(excluding prepayments)
|
26,591
|
26,591
|
Cash and cash
equivalents
|
25,363
|
25,363
|
|
51,954
|
51,954
|
|
|
|
|
At amortised
cost
|
Total
|
Liabilities per Statement of Financial
Performance
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Borrowings (excluding finance
leases)
|
584,719
|
584,719
|
Finance lease
liabilities
|
521
|
521
|
Trade and other payables
(excluding non-financial liabilities)
|
28,493
|
28,493
|
|
613,733
|
613,733
|
Company
|
31 December
2023
|
|
Loans &
receivables
|
Total
|
Assets per Statement of Financial
Performance
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Trade and other receivables
(excluding prepayments)
|
4,909
|
4,909
|
Cash and cash
equivalents
|
7,925
|
7,925
|
|
12,834
|
12,834
|
|
|
|
|
At amortised
cost
|
Total
|
Liabilities per Statement of Financial
Performance
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Borrowings (excluding finance
leases)
|
203,589
|
203,589
|
Finance lease
liabilities
|
43
|
43
|
Trade and other payables
(excluding non-financial liabilities)
|
39,345
|
39,345
|
|
242,977
|
242,977
|
|
|
|
| |
28. Share Capital and Share
Premium
|
Number of
shares
|
Ordinary
shares
|
Share
premium
|
Total
|
|
|
£
|
£
|
£
|
Issued and fully paid
|
|
|
|
|
As at 1 January 2023
|
638,246,344
|
6,383
|
400,022
|
406,405
|
Issue of new shares - 28 February
2023
|
55,555,555
|
556
|
28,682
|
29,238
|
Capital reduction - 23 May
2023
|
-
|
-
|
(428,704)
|
(428,704)
|
As at 30 June 2023
|
693,801,899
|
6,939
|
-
|
6,939
|
As at 31 December 2023
|
693,801,899
|
6,939
|
-
|
6,939
|
As at 1 January 2024
|
693,801,899
|
6,939
|
-
|
6,939
|
Issue of new shares - 4 January
2024(1)
|
421,052,631
|
4,210
|
191,458
|
195,668
|
As at 31 December 2024
|
1,114,854,530
|
11,149
|
191,458
|
202,607
|
(1) Includes issue costs of
£4,331,994
The authorised share capital
consists of 1,482,756,530 ordinary shares at a par value of 1
pence.
On 4 January 2024, the Company
raised £200 million net of issue costs via the issue and allotment
of 421,052,631 new Ordinary Shares at a price of 47.5 pence per
share.
29. Share Options
In 2021, the Company introduced a
long-term incentive plan (LTIP) for senior management personnel.
Shares are awarded in the Company and vest in 3 parts over the
third, fourth and fifth anniversary to the extent the performance
conditions are met. The first tranche vested on 31 August
2024.
Share options and warrants
outstanding and exercisable at the end of the year have the
following expiry dates and exercise prices:
|
|
|
Options &
Warrants
|
|
|
|
31 December
2024
|
31 December
2023
|
Grant date
|
Expiry date
|
Exercise price in £ per share
|
#
|
#
|
5 January 2017
|
30 December 2026
|
0.25
|
260,146
|
260,146
|
5 January 2017
|
30 December 2026
|
0.40
|
11,878,645
|
11,878,645
|
15 April 2019
|
15 April 2026
|
0.46
|
9,030,934
|
9,030,934
|
30 December 2019
|
30 December 2026
|
0.46
|
7,787,059
|
7,943,058
|
4 January 2024
|
3 January 2034
|
0.60
|
51,288,180
|
-
|
|
|
|
80,244,964
|
29,112,783
|
The weighted average life of the
outstanding options is 6.4 years.
The Company and Group have no
legal or constructive obligation to settle or repurchase the
options or warrants in cash.
The fair value of the share
options and warrants was determined using the Black Scholes
valuation model. The parameters used are detailed below:
|
|
2017 Options
A
|
2017 Options
B
|
2019 Options
C
|
2019 Options
D
|
Vested on
|
|
5/1/2017
|
5/1/2017
|
15/4/2019
|
30/12/2019
|
Revalued on
|
|
15/12/2021
|
15/12/2021
|
-
|
-
|
Life (years)
|
|
5
|
5
|
7
|
7
|
Share price
|
|
0.8295
|
0.8295
|
0.465
|
0.525
|
Risk free rate
|
|
0.40%
|
0.40%
|
0.31%
|
0.55%
|
Expected volatility
|
|
31.32%
|
31.32%
|
4.69%
|
8.19%
|
Expected dividend yield
|
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Marketability discount
|
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Total fair value
|
|
£58,345
|
£661,604
|
£392,015
|
£685,889
|
|
|
2024 Options
E
|
|
|
|
Vested on
|
|
4/1/2027
|
|
|
|
Revalued on
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
Life (years)
|
|
10
|
|
|
|
Share price
|
|
0.6
|
|
|
|
Risk free rate
|
|
0.379%
|
|
|
|
Expected volatility
|
|
35.43%
|
|
|
|
Expected dividend yield
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
Marketability discount
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
Total fair value
|
|
£3,611,910
|
|
|
|
The risk-free rate of return is
based on zero yield government bonds for a term consistent with the
option life.
The volatility is calculated by
dividing the standard deviation of the closing share price from the
prior six months by the average of the closing share price from the
prior six months.
2017 Options A and B were extended
for another 5 years by the Board on 15 December 2021 and were
revalued on this day.
A reconciliation of options and
warrants and LTIP awards granted over the year to 31 December 2024
is shown below:
Options and warrants
|
31 December
2024
|
|
31 December
2023
|
|
|
Weighted average exercise
price
|
|
|
Weighted average exercise
price
|
|
#
|
£
|
|
#
|
£
|
Outstanding at beginning of the year
|
29,112,783
|
0.44
|
|
29,146,117
|
0.44
|
Granted
|
56,564,792
|
0.60
|
|
-
|
-
|
Vested
|
-
|
-
|
|
-
|
-
|
Cancelled
|
(5,276,611)
|
0.60
|
|
-
|
-
|
Exercised
|
(156,000)
|
0.46
|
|
(33,334)
|
0.46
|
Outstanding as at year end
|
80,244,964
|
0.54
|
|
29,112,783
|
0.44
|
Exercisable at year end
|
28,956,784
|
0.44
|
|
29,112,783
|
0.44
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
LTIP awards
|
31 December
2024
|
|
31 December
2023
|
|
|
Weighted average valuation
price
|
|
|
Weighted average valuation
price
|
|
#
|
£
|
|
#
|
£
|
Outstanding at beginning of the year
|
25,620,000
|
0.69
|
|
25,620,000
|
0.69
|
Granted
|
-
|
-
|
|
-
|
-
|
Vested
|
-
|
-
|
|
-
|
-
|
Exercised
|
-
|
-
|
|
-
|
-
|
Outstanding as at year end
|
25,620,000
|
0.69
|
|
25,620,000
|
0.69
|
Exercisable at year end
|
11,153,240
|
-
|
|
-
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
30. Other Reserves
|
Consolidated
|
|
Deferred
shares
|
Capital redemption
reserve
|
Revaluation
reserve
|
Capital
reserve
|
Foreign currency translation
reserve
|
Total
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
As at 1 January 2023
|
762
|
600
|
4,671
|
687
|
3,541
|
10,261
|
Other comprehensive
income
|
-
|
-
|
(5,506)
|
-
|
-
|
(5,506)
|
Currency translation
differences
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(3,109)
|
(3,109)
|
Other adjustments
|
(762)
|
-
|
-
|
(255)
|
-
|
(1,017)
|
As at 31 December 2023
|
-
|
600
|
(835)
|
432
|
432
|
629
|
As at 1 January 2024
|
-
|
600
|
(835)
|
432
|
432
|
629
|
Other comprehensive
income
|
-
|
-
|
(1,229)
|
-
|
-
|
(1,229)
|
Currency translation
differences
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
943
|
943
|
Other adjustments
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(373)
|
-
|
(373)
|
As at 31 December 2024
|
-
|
600
|
(2,064)
|
59
|
1,375
|
(30)
|
31. Non-controlling interests
|
|
Proportion of
non-controlling interest
|
Name
|
Country of incorporation & Place of
business
|
31 December
2024
|
31 December
2023
|
Vápenka Vitosov s.r.o
|
Czechia
|
75%
|
-
|
Suomen Karbonaatti Oy
|
Finland
|
51%
|
51%
|
Kalkproduktion Storugns
AB
|
Sweden
|
66.7%
|
66.7%
|
NKD Holding Oy
|
Finland
|
51%
|
51%
|
Canteras La Belonga SA
|
Spain
|
65%
|
65%
|
Granulats du Hainaut SA
|
Belgium
|
75%
|
75%
|
Juuan Dolomiittikalkki
Oy
|
Finland
|
70%
|
70%
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Consolidated
|
|
|
31 December
2024
|
31 December
2023
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
As at 1 January
|
14,143
|
11,732
|
Acquired in business
combination
|
13,833
|
616
|
Non-controlling interests share of
profit in the period
|
5,380
|
3,184
|
Dividends paid
|
(3,053)
|
(1,275)
|
Foreign exchange
movement
|
(1,553)
|
(114)
|
Other adjustments
|
152
|
-
|
As at 31 December
|
28,902
|
14,143
|
|
|
| |
|
31 December
2024
|
|
31 December
2023
|
|
Vapenka
Vitosov
|
Suomen
Karbonaatti
|
Other individually
immaterial subsidiaries
|
|
Suomen
Karbonaatti
|
Other individually
immaterial subsidiaries
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Current assets
|
16,808
|
18,235
|
15,070
|
|
18,762
|
14,459
|
Non-current assets
|
71,408
|
2,598
|
22,240
|
|
2,489
|
23,612
|
Current liabilities
|
(5,596)
|
(3,698)
|
(8,468)
|
|
(4,919)
|
(8,442)
|
Non-current liabilities
|
(12,258)
|
(7,467)
|
(5,351)
|
|
(7,807)
|
(6,082)
|
Net Assets
|
70,362
|
9,668
|
23,491
|
|
8,525
|
23,547
|
Net Assets Attributable to NCI
|
17,590
|
4,737
|
8,515
|
|
4,192
|
7,800
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue
|
40,111
|
39,489
|
28,141
|
|
38,252
|
32,062
|
Profit after taxation
|
6,665
|
5,761
|
3,914
|
|
4,108
|
3,705
|
Other comprehensive
income
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
-
|
-
|
Total comprehensive income
|
6,665
|
5,761
|
3,914
|
|
4,108
|
3,705
|
Net operating cash flow
|
10,950
|
6,980
|
2,969
|
|
4,486
|
5,081
|
Net investing cash flow
|
(1,612)
|
(1,085)
|
(9,458)
|
|
(324)
|
(8,971)
|
Net financing cash flow
|
(3,167)
|
(4,224)
|
9,133
|
|
(2,610)
|
4,021
|
Dividends paid to NCI
|
823
|
2,030
|
200
|
|
1,275
|
-
|
32. Earnings Per Share
The calculation of the total
continuing operations basic earnings per share of 2.04
pence (2023: 1.41 pence) and discontinued
operations basic earnings per share of 0.06 pence (2023: 0.57 pence) is calculated by dividing the profit
attributable to shareholders of £23.3 million (2023: £13.5 million)
by the weighted average number of ordinary shares of 1,111,403,279
(2023: 684,973,893) in issue during the period.
Continuing operations diluted
earnings per share of 1.89 pence (2023: 1.35 pence) and
discontinued operations diluted earnings per share of 0.06 pence
(2023: 0.55 pence) is calculated by dividing the profit
attributable to shareholders of £23.3 million (2023: £13.5 million)
by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during
the period plus the weighted average number of share options and
warrants to subscribe for ordinary shares in the Company, which
together total 1,196,589,592 (2023: 714,091,517). The weighted
average number of shares is the opening balance of ordinary shares
plus the weighted average of 417,601,380 shares.
Details of share options that
could potentially dilute earnings per share in future periods are
disclosed in Note 29.
33. Fair Value of Financial Assets and
Liabilities Measured at Amortised Costs
The following table shows the
carrying amounts and fair values of the financial assets and
liabilities, including their levels in the fair value hierarchy. It
does not include fair value information for financial assets and
financial liabilities not measured at fair value if the carrying
amount is a reasonable approximation of fair value.
Items where the carrying amount
equates to the fair value are categorised to three
levels:
· Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active
markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity can
access at the measurement date.
· Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included
within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability,
either directly or indirectly.
· Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or
liability.
Items which are categorised as
Level 2 financial assets and liabilities are forward exchange
contracts and these are valued using the year end exchange rate for
the relevant currencies.
|
|
Carrying
Amount
|
|
Fair value
|
|
|
Fair value - Hedging
instruments
|
Fair value through
P&L
|
Fair value through
OCI
|
Financial asset at amortised
cost
|
Other financial
liabilities
|
Total
|
Level 1
|
Level 2
|
Total
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forward exchange
contracts
|
-
|
-
|
298
|
-
|
-
|
298
|
-
|
298
|
298
|
Electricity hedges
|
-
|
-
|
215
|
-
|
-
|
215
|
215
|
-
|
215
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financials assets not measured at fair
value
|
Trade and other receivables (excl.
Derivatives)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
171,929
|
-
|
171,929
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Cash and cash
equivalents
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
131,356
|
-
|
131,356
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial liabilities measured at fair
value
|
Forward exchange
contracts
|
-
|
40
|
224
|
-
|
-
|
264
|
-
|
264
|
264
|
Electricity hedges
|
-
|
-
|
1,079
|
-
|
-
|
1,079
|
1,079
|
-
|
1,079
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial liabilities not measured at fair
value
|
Loans
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
591,485
|
591,485
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Finance lease liability
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
50,347
|
50,347
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Trade and other payables (excl.
derivative)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
439,077
|
439,077
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
34. Business Combinations
On 22 November 2023, the Company
announced the conditional and transformational acquisition of a
comprehensive portfolio of European lime and industrial limestone
assets from CRH. Deal 1 completed on 4 January 2024 which comprised
of Fels Holdings GmBH, Vapenka Vitošov s.r.o and Clogrennane Lime
Limited. Deal 2 completed on 26 March 2024 which was Buxton Lime
Limited and Deal 3 completed on 2 September 2024 which was Nordkalk
Wapno Sp Z.o.o (previously named Ovetill Investments Sp.
Z.o.o.).
Strategically the Acquisitions
represented an opportunity to become one of Europe's leaders in
lime, combining high quality businesses and complementary
footprints, positioning the Group as either the number one or
number two participant in all its key lime markets.
Fels Holdings
GmbH
On 4 January 2024, the Group
acquired 100 per cent. of the share capital of Fels Holding GmbH
('Fels') and its subsidiaries for a cash consideration of €585
million including deferred consideration. Fels is registered and
incorporated in Germany. Fels is a lime producer with the key
operations of extracting limestone from quarries
as well as further processing the limestone.
The following table summarises the
consideration paid for Fels and the values of the assets and equity
assumed at the acquisition date.
Total consideration
|
£'000
|
Net cash consideration
|
358,756
|
Purchase of loan
|
(122,334)
|
Discounted deferred
consideration
|
59,252
|
|
295,674
|
Recognised amounts of assets and liabilities
acquired
|
£'000
|
Trade and other
receivables
|
31,659
|
Inventories
|
21,145
|
Cash and cash
equivalents
|
25,724
|
Property, plant &
equipment
|
402,953
|
Intangible assets
|
109,198
|
Trade and other
payables
|
(81,679)
|
Borrowings with parent
|
(122,539)
|
Provisions
|
(76,652)
|
Income tax refund
|
(7,328)
|
Deferred tax
liabilities
|
(81,248)
|
Total identifiable net assets
|
221,233
|
Goodwill (refer to Note 17)
|
74,441
|
Total consideration
|
295,674
|
Since 4 January 2024, Fels has
contributed a profit of £14 million and revenue of £250.7 million.
Had Fels been consolidated from 1 January 2024, the consolidated
statement of income would show no additional profit and no
additional revenue.
Vapenka Vitošov
s.r.o
On 4 January 2024, the Group
acquired 75 per cent. of the share capital of Vapenka Vitošov s.r.o
('Vapenka') for a cash consideration of €85.8 million. Vapenka is
registered and incorporated in the Czechia. Vapenka is a lime
producer with the key operations of extracting
limestone from quarries as well as further processing the
limestone.
The following table summarises the
consideration paid for Vapenka and the values of the assets and
equity assumed at the acquisition date.
Total consideration
|
£'000
|
Cash
|
71,063
|
|
71,063
|
Recognised amounts of assets and liabilities
acquired
|
£'000
|
Cash and cash
equivalents
|
2,819
|
Trade and other
receivables
|
5,031
|
Inventories
|
4,236
|
Property, plant &
equipment
|
61,565
|
Intangible assets
|
12,777
|
Trade and other
payables
|
(4,410)
|
Income tax payable
|
(714)
|
Borrowings
|
(7)
|
Provisions
|
(423)
|
Deferred tax
liabilities
|
(11,840)
|
Non-controlling
interests
|
(13,928)
|
Total identifiable net assets
|
55,106
|
Goodwill (refer to Note 17)
|
15,957
|
Total consideration
|
71,063
|
The Group has chosen to recognise
the non-controlling interest at its book value for this
acquisition.
Since 4 January 2024, Vapenka has
contributed a profit of £6.8 million and revenue of £41 million.
Had Vapenka been consolidated from 1 January 2024, the consolidated
statement of income would show no additional profit and no
additional revenue.
Clogrennane Lime
Limited
On 4 January 2024, the Group
acquired 100 per cent. of the share capital of Clogrennane Lime
Limited ('Clogrennane') for a cash consideration of €57.7 million.
Clogrennane is registered and incorporated in Ireland. Clogrennane
is a lime producer with the key operations of
extracting limestone from quarries as well as further processing
the limestone.
The following table summarises the
consideration paid for Clogrennane and the values of the assets and
equity assumed at the acquisition date.
Total consideration
|
£'000
|
Cash
|
47,775
|
|
47,775
|
Recognised amounts of assets and liabilities
acquired
|
£'000
|
Cash and cash
equivalents
|
8,143
|
Trade and other
receivables
|
3,507
|
Inventories
|
2,492
|
Property, plant &
equipment
|
8,911
|
Trade and other
payables
|
(4,075)
|
Borrowings
|
(1)
|
Income tax payable
|
(1,161)
|
Deferred tax liability
|
(941)
|
Total identifiable net assets
|
16,875
|
Goodwill (refer to Note 17)
|
30,900
|
Total consideration
|
47,775
|
Since 4 January 2024, Clogrennane
has contributed a profit of £4.6 million and revenue of £21.7
million. Had Clogrennane been consolidated from 1 January 2024, the
consolidated statement of income would show no additional profit
and no additional revenue.
Buxton Lime
Limited
On 26 March 2024, the Group
acquired 100 per cent. of the share capital of Buxton Lime Limited
('Buxton') for a cash consideration of €149 million. Buxton is
registered and incorporated in England and Wales. Buxton is a lime
producer with the key operations of extracting
limestone from quarries as well as further processing the
limestone.
The following table summarises the
consideration paid for Buxton and the values of the assets and
equity assumed at the acquisition date.
Total consideration
|
£'000
|
Cash
|
123,664
|
Purchase of shareholder
loan
|
(19,101)
|
|
104,563
|
Recognised amounts of assets and liabilities
acquired
|
£'000
|
Cash and cash
equivalents
|
500
|
Inventories
|
2,979
|
Property, plant &
equipment
|
25,308
|
Trade and other
payables
|
(23,088)
|
Income tax payable
|
(861)
|
Deferred tax
|
(3,459)
|
Provisions
|
(1,736)
|
Total identifiable net assets
|
(357)
|
Provisional goodwill (refer to Note 17)
|
104,920
|
Total consideration
|
104,563
|
The fair value of the acquired
assets of Buxton are provisional, pending receipt of the final
valuations for those assets. Deferred tax has been provided in
relation to these fair value adjustments.
Since 26 March 2024, Buxton has
contributed a profit of £12.1 million and revenue of £72.4 million.
Had Buxton been consolidated from 1 January 2024, the consolidated
statement of income would show additional profit of £3 million and
revenue of £22.5 million.
Nordkalk Wapno Sp Z.o.o
(previously named Ovetill Investments Sp. Z.o.o.)
On 2 September 2024, the Group
acquired 100 per cent. of the share capital of Nordkalk Wapno Sp.
Z.o.o ('Wapno') for a cash consideration of €117 million. Wapno is
registered and incorporated in Poland. Wapno is a lime producer
with the key operations of extracting limestone
from quarries as well as further processing the
limestone.
The following table summarises the
consideration paid for Wapno and the values of the assets and
equity assumed at the acquisition date.
Total consideration
|
£'000
|
Cash
|
13,827
|
Deferred consideration
|
78,974
|
|
92,801
|
Recognised amounts of assets and liabilities
acquired
|
£'000
|
Cash and cash
equivalents
|
13,983
|
Inventories
|
5,521
|
Trade receivables
|
11,274
|
Property, plant &
equipment
|
22,061
|
Deferred tax assets
|
1,474
|
Trade and other
payables
|
(11,877)
|
Income tax payable
|
(418)
|
Deferred tax
liabilities
|
(479)
|
Provisions
|
(137)
|
Total identifiable net assets
|
41,402
|
Provisional goodwill (refer to Note 17)
|
51,399
|
Total consideration
|
92,801
|
The fair value of the acquired
assets of Wapno are provisional, pending receipt of the final
valuations for those assets. Deferred tax has been provided in
relation to these fair value adjustments.
Since 2 September 2024, Wapno has
contributed a profit of £4.9 million and revenue of £29.2 million.
Had Wapno been consolidated from 1 January 2024, the consolidated
statement of income would show additional profit of £14.1 million
and revenue of £57.0 million.
35. Contingencies
The Group is not aware of any
material personal injury or damage claims open against the
Group.
36. Related party transactions
Loans with Group
Undertakings
Amounts receivable/(payable) as a
result of loans granted to/(from) subsidiary undertakings are as
follows:
|
Company
|
|
31 December
2024
|
31 December
2023
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Ronez Limited
|
(31,633)
|
(27,152)
|
SigmaGsy Limited
|
(9,608)
|
(9,013)
|
SigmaFin Limited
|
12,249
|
21,885
|
Topcrete Limited
|
(846)
|
(11,179)
|
Poundfield Products (Group)
Limited
|
5,338
|
5,012
|
Foelfach Stone Limited
|
632
|
594
|
CCP Building Products
Limited
|
5,656
|
5,311
|
Carrières du Hainaut
SCA
|
24,442
|
16,799
|
GDH (Holdings) Limited
|
16,374
|
11,435
|
B-Mix Beton NV
|
-
|
10,349
|
Stone Holdings SA
|
519
|
409
|
Nordkalk Oy Ab
|
11,813
|
43,062
|
Johnston Quarry Group
|
11,707
|
12,604
|
Rightcast Limited
|
(1,190)
|
(1,117)
|
Retaining (UK) Limited
|
(1,178)
|
(506)
|
SigmaCen GmbH
|
367,422
|
-
|
Fels Werke GmbH
|
(51,636)
|
-
|
Clogrennane Lime
Limited
|
(10,307)
|
-
|
SigmaLime IRE Limited
|
48,982
|
-
|
Buxton Lime Limited
|
14,269
|
-
|
Mavecotill Investments
Z.o.o
|
14,129
|
-
|
Nordkalk Wapno Sp Z.o.o
|
(8,488)
|
-
|
Baltic CO2 Management
OU
|
449
|
-
|
|
419,095
|
78,493
|
Loans granted to or from
subsidiaries are unsecured, have interest charged at 6.5% and are
repayable in Pounds Sterling on demand from the Company.
Debt pushdown loans to
subsidiaries are charged at the external borrowing rate plus a
facilitation margin.
All intra Group transactions are
eliminated on consolidation.
Transactions with directors and
directors' shareholdings
Details of transactions with
directors, directors' shareholdings and outstanding share options
are provided in the Remuneration Committee Report.
37. Ultimate Controlling Party
The Directors believe there is no
ultimate controlling party.
38. Events After the Reporting
Date
On 20 February 2025 the Company
has amended and restated its existing Bridge Loan with a new 5-year
term facility up to €125 million through a US Private Placement
process. The new debt facility has a security profile that mirrors
the existing syndicated senior credit facility and a bullet at
maturity in 2030. The interest coupon is based on the 5-year
EURIBOR bond yield plus a margin which is fixed at 4.93% for the
duration of the term.