15
November 2024
Volex plc
Half year results for the 26
weeks ended 29 September 2024
Continued strong organic
growth, with margins maintained,
full year expectations
unchanged
Volex plc ("Volex", the "Company",
or the "Group"), the specialist integrated manufacturer of critical
power and data transmission products, today announces its half year
results for the 26 weeks ended 29 September 2024 ("H1
FY2025").
Financial Summary
|
26 weeks
to
29 September
2024
|
26 weeks
to
1 October
2023
|
% Change
|
Revenue
|
$518.2m
|
$397.5m
|
30.4%
|
Underlying1 operating
profit
|
$47.6m
|
$37.4m
|
27.3%
|
Statutory operating
profit
|
$36.6m
|
$25.8m
|
41.9%
|
Underlying1 profit
before tax
|
$37.5m
|
$33.6m
|
11.6%
|
Statutory profit before
tax
|
$26.5m
|
$22.0m
|
20.5%
|
Underlying1 basic
earnings per share
|
15.2c
|
14.9c
|
2.0%
|
Statutory basic earnings per
share
|
10.4c
|
8.8c
|
18.2%
|
Interim dividend (per
share)
|
1.5p
|
1.4p
|
7.1%
|
Net debt2
|
$204.5m
|
$173.7m
|
17.7%
|
Net debt (before operating lease
liabilities)3
|
$154.3m
|
$140.6m
|
9.7%
|
1 Before adjusting items and share-based payment charge (see
note 3 for more details)
2 Represents cash and cash equivalents, less bank loans, debt
issue costs and lease liabilities
3 Represents net debt including finance leases, but excluding
pre-IFRS16 operating lease liabilities (see note 14 for more
details)
Financial and strategic highlights
· Group revenue increased by 30.4% to $518.2m (H1 FY2024:
$397.5m) including strong organic growth of 9.7% with notable
increases in Electric Vehicles and Consumer Electricals
sales
· Continued to invest in incremental capacity and delivering
major new customer programmes in key locations to support future
growth, in line with the plans set out at the full year
presentation
· Underlying operating margin maintained comfortably within the
target range
· Period-end net debt covenant leverage in line with last year
following growth investments in H1 FY2025
· Considerable integration activity continuing in Türkiye,
delivering productivity improvements as well as price increases
being rolled out to offset inflationary employment cost
· Interim dividend increased by 7.1% to 1.5 pence per
share
· Continued progress towards the five-year plan, supported by a
strategic investment programme expanding capacity and
capabilities
Market highlights
· Electric Vehicles - very strong organic growth of 39.5%,
which includes the production of complex high voltage connectors in
Mexico for a major customer
· Consumer Electricals - return to growth following a period of
destocking, delivering organic growth of 7.5%
· Medical - organic revenues declined by 4.2% as anticipated
against a strong comparative period that included one-off
catch-up
· Complex Industrial Technology - overall organic growth of
4.1%, with significant positive momentum in data centre products
offsetting softer demand from other industrial customers
· Off-Highway - organic revenue growth of 6.8% in
Türkiye and 41.4% in the
rest of the world, demonstrating our ability to grow and take share
in this market. This sector included a
full six months of revenue from Murat Ticaret, which was acquired
in the prior year
Outlook
· Trading in early H2 is encouraging, continuing H1's momentum,
while recognising that second half comparatives are
tougher
· Exposure to diverse, specialist and structurally growing end
markets supports confidence in ability to grow
· Targeted investment programme continues which will support
delivery of long-term growth opportunities
· Board reiterates confidence in the Group's ability to meet
full-year expectations as well as achieve our five-year plan
targets
Nat Rothschild, Volex's Executive Chairman
said:
"The strong performance during the
period demonstrates once again that our strategy is working. We
play a vital role for our customers, providing advanced
manufacturing expertise in specialist, complex areas. Our unique
capabilities, combined with a commitment to service and quality,
ensure we meet the highest standards across all
projects.
"By targeting five core markets, we
have strategically deepened our reach and enhanced our sectoral
diversification. This, alongside our diverse customer base, has
enabled us to secure major global projects and drive our business
forward.
"Our investment approach is measured
and purposeful, aligned with our focus on generating market-leading
returns. We have a talented team, a resilient business, and a clear
strategy, all of which position us well for sustained, profitable
growth and solid performance.
"Our delivery to date, at the
halfway point in our five-year plan, gives us increased conviction
in our ability to achieve our goal of
securing revenues of $1.2 billion by the end of FY2027 at an
underlying operating margin of 9-10%.
"The progress we have made in the
first half, combined with our ongoing growth investment, gives us
confidence in our ability to meet full year
expectations."
Analyst Presentation
A live presentation for analysts
will be held via conference call and in person at Vintry &
Mercer, 19-20 Garlick Hill, London EC4V 2AU, at 9.00 am GMT today,
15 November 2024. If you are an analyst and would like to join for
this briefing, please send an email to Volex@sodali.com. Log in
details for the meeting will be communicated to
attendees.
Investor Presentation
A live presentation will be held
online at 3.30 pm GMT on 15 November 2024 on the Investor Meet
Company ("IMC") platform. This online presentation is open to all
existing and potential shareholders. Questions can be submitted
during the live presentation.
Investors
can sign up to IMC and add to meet Volex via:
https://www.investormeetcompany.com/volex-plc/register-investor
For further information please
contact:
Volex plc
|
+44 1256
442570
|
Nat Rothschild, Executive
Chairman
|
investor.relations@volex.com
|
Jon Boaden, Chief Financial
Officer
|
|
Peel Hunt LLP - Nominated Adviser
and Joint Broker
|
+44 20
7418 8900
|
Ed Allsopp
|
|
Dom Convey
|
|
Tom Graham
|
|
HSBC Bank plc - Joint
Broker
|
+44 20
7991 8888
|
Simon Alexander
|
|
Joe Weaving
|
|
Stephanie Cornish
|
|
Sodali & Co. - Media
enquiries
|
+44 20
7250 1446
|
James White
|
|
Nicholas Johnson
|
|
About Volex plc
Volex plc (AIM:VLX) is a driving
force in integrated manufacturing for mission-critical applications
and a global leader in power and data connectivity solutions. Our
diverse operations support international blue-chip customers in
five key sectors: Electric Vehicles, Consumer Electricals, Medical,
Complex Industrial Technology and Off-Highway. Headquartered in the
UK, we orchestrate operations across 28 advanced manufacturing
facilities, uniting 14,000 dynamic individuals from 25 different
nations. Our extraordinary products find their way to market
through our localised sales teams and authorised distributor
partners, supporting Original Equipment Manufacturers and
Electronic Manufacturing Services companies across the globe. In a
world that grows more digitally complex by the day, customers trust
us to deliver power and connectivity that drives everything from
household essentials to life-saving medical equipment. Learn more
at www.volex.com.
Definitions
The Board of Volex considers that
the current consensus market expectation for revenue is $1,026.9
million (with a range of $1,019 million to $1,034 million) and for
underlying operating profit of $96.8 million (with a range of $95.7
million to $97.6 million).
The Group presents some
significant items separately to provide clarity on the underlying
performance of the business. This includes significant one-off
costs such as acquisition-related costs, the non-cash amortisation
of intangible assets acquired as part of business combinations, and
share-based payments. Further detail on adjusting items is provided
in note 3.
Underlying operating profit is
operating profit before adjusting items and share-based payment
expense.
Underlying free cash flow is net
cash flow before financing activities excluding cash flows
associated with the acquisitions of businesses and cash utilised in
respect of adjusting items.
Net debt (before operating lease
liabilities) represents cash and cash equivalents, less bank loans,
debt issue costs and finance leases, but excluding operating lease
liabilities. The lease liabilities include $50.2 million of
operating lease liabilities ($33.1 million at 1 October
2023).
Covenant leverage is net debt
(before operating lease liabilities) divided by underlying EBITDA
adjusted for depreciation of right-of-use assets and pro-rated for
acquisitions.
Organic revenue growth is
calculated using constant exchange rates by taking the total
reported revenue (excluding the impact of acquisitions and
disposals) divided by the preceding financial year's revenue at the
current year's exchange rates.
Return on capital employed is
calculated as the last twelve months underlying operating profit as
a percentage of average net assets excluding net
cash/debt.
Forward looking
statements
This announcement contains certain
forward-looking statements which have been made by the Directors in
good faith using information available up until the date they
approved the announcement. Forward-looking statements should be
regarded with caution as by their nature such statements involve
risk and uncertainties relating to events and circumstances that
may occur in the future. Actual results may differ from those
expressed in such statements, depending on the outcome of these
uncertain future events.
RESULTS FOR THE 26 WEEKS ENDED 29
September 2024
Overview
The continuing positive momentum
for the Group reflects its role as a critical manufacturing partner
for its global blue-chip customers, providing complex and
safety-critical solutions. The Group continues to perform well
across multiple sectors, serving a diverse range of customers,
achieving strong organic growth and attractive returns.
During the period, total revenue,
including acquisitions, grew 30.4% compared to the prior period. At
constant exchange rates, organic revenue growth was
9.7%.
Demand for our power products
amongst Electric Vehicles and Consumer Electricals customers has
recovered strongly, rebounding from the destocking seen in the
prior year. In Medical and Complex Industrial Technology, improved
component availability resulted in some one-off catch up in the
previous year with revenue from certain customer accounts down
year-on-year. The performance in Data Centres has remained strong
given continued demand for high-speed cables to support
data-intensive artificial intelligence applications.
Volex's diverse end-market
exposure is a fundamental strength, significantly reducing
dependency on individual sectors or customers. In recent years, we
have extended this diversity, establishing leading positions in
critical markets characterised by long-term structural drivers,
such as Electric Vehicles, Medical, Complex Industrial Technology
and Off-Highway.
The company's ability to serve a
broad customer base and add value to vital production processes has
resulted in strong overall growth, even in a challenging
manufacturing environment. Despite some short-term shifts in
demand, profitability has been maintained through careful cost
control and agile resource management. This is supported by strong
procurement practices and an active, continuous improvement
programme across all sites.
The underlying operating margin
for the first half of the year was 9.2%. This is the fifth
consecutive year in which margins have been maintained within the
9% to 10% target range, demonstrating the consistency and
flexibility of the operating model and the Group's ability to
manage and pass through inflationary cost challenges in a dynamic
market, whilst continuing to invest in future growth.
Trading performance
overview
The half year to 29 September 2024
has seen the Group continue to grow whilst maintaining margins
within the target range and investing in growth.
$m
|
26
weeks ended 29
September
2024
Total
|
26 weeks
ended 1
October
2023
Total
|
Revenue
|
518.2
|
397.5
|
Cost of
Sales
|
(405.1)
|
(306.3)
|
Gross
profit*
|
113.1
|
91.2
|
Gross
margin
|
21.8%
|
22.9%
|
|
|
|
Underlying operating costs*
|
(65.5)
|
(53.8)
|
Underlying operating profit*
|
47.6
|
37.4
|
Underlying operating margin
|
9.2%
|
9.4%
|
Underlying EBITDA*
|
61.3
|
46.8
|
* Before adjusting items and
share-based payment charges
|
Revenue for the first half of the
year rose by 30.4% including six months revenue from Murat Ticaret,
with organic growth of 9.7%. Organic growth includes some new
customer projects in addition to improved demand from customers who
were destocking during the prior year. Gross margins declined
year-on-year due to the product mix effect of the Murat Ticaret
acquisition, though overall gross margin aligns with the second
half of FY2024.
The underlying operating margin
was 9.2%, slightly below the 9.4% reported for the same period last
year and includes the costs of strategic capacity and capability
enhancement to support growth. Underlying profit before tax
increased by 11.6% to $37.5 million, and underlying basic earnings
per share rose by 2.0% to 15.2 cents. Statutory profit before tax,
which includes the impact of adjusting items and share-based
payment expenses, was $26.5 million, an increase of 20.5% on the
prior period. The underlying effective tax rate for the period was
23.7% (H1 FY2024: 22.9%), with the
increase primarily attributable
to the
recognition of deferred
tax assets in the comparative
period that did not repeat in H1 FY2025,
an increase in non-deductible expenses, and a lower
impact from investment
tax incentives.
Underlying free cash flow for the
first half of the year was an outflow of $11.5 million (H1 FY2024:
$11.9 million inflow) which includes capital investments and
working capital increases to support future growth and interest and
tax payments. Net debt excluding operating leases increased by
$33.2 million from the year end, predominantly due to both the
operational and capital investment to support the long-term growth
of the Group. Covenant leverage, expressed as the ratio of net debt
excluding operating leases to covenant EBITDA, was 1.3x (H1 FY2024:
1.3x). This provides headroom for future investment and
acquisitions.
Interim dividend
The Board has declared an interim
dividend of 1.5 pence, an increase of 7.1% on the previous year,
and remains committed to a progressive dividend policy, striking a
balance between delivering growth through investment and returning
cash to shareholders.
The interim dividend will be paid
on 9 January 2025 to those shareholders on the register on 29
November 2024. The ex-dividend date will be 28 November
2024.
Realising our strategy
The Group has a clear strategy to
capitalise on its strong position within specialised manufacturing
markets where it supplies critical power and data connectivity
solutions to its customers. The strategy is achieved through a
clear focus on core capabilities, key markets, operational
excellence, investment in growth and talent.
Through exceptional quality, production engineering and state of the
art manufacturing facilities, we have become a trusted
manufacturing partner to our global customers. Investment in key
facilities and our global footprint enables us to support customers
navigating the challenges of global trade tariffs. Specifically, we
offer several cost-effective manufacturing solutions for those
seeking to relocate production from China.
Research and development activity
has allowed us to broaden our product range, working closely with
customers to understand their specific needs while making strategic
investments to expand our capacity and capabilities in order to
better support them. We are particularly focused on continuing to
develop a range of innovative products for Electric Vehicle and
Data Centre customers. These products are designed and marketed to
address the specific technical challenges our customers
face.
We are always guided by customer
needs when making these investments, which typically have a
two-year payback period. We also assess potential acquisition
opportunities and identify a pipeline of future acquisition
targets. Although we have not made any acquisitions in the period,
we have made good progress integrating Murat Ticaret, the
off-highway harness business we acquired last year.
Our success relies on exceptional
people. We continue to strengthen our team by hiring talented
leaders and fostering development opportunities for employees.
Effective communication is essential, and we leverage various
channels to enhance employee engagement.
By continuing to focus on our
strategy, our markets and our customers, we are delivering strong
growth. This momentum underpins our confidence in delivering the
five-year plan of securing revenues of $1.2 billion by the end of
FY2027 at an underlying operating margin of 9-10%.
Revenue by reportable
segment
Volex is a global, interconnected,
and integrated business. There is an increasing and accelerating
requirement from customers to have manufacturing in multiple
locations, reducing the risk of supply chain disruption from any
single country. Our global footprint, with manufacturing
capabilities in multiple locations, is a significant differentiator
in supporting the objectives of our blue-chip customers.
We operate with a regional focus
to meet this need and therefore analyse our customer revenue
geographically on this basis, with classification depending on
where the customer relationship is held, reflecting our
customer-centric nature.
North America is our largest
customer region at 42.4% of overall revenue (H1 FY2024: 44.6%),
where we collaborate with some of the world's major technology
companies. Revenue in this market grew by 24.1% to $219.8 million
(H1 FY2024: $177.1 million). This reflects the strong growth that
we experienced from Electric Vehicle and Data Centre customers in
the period and the impact of the prior
year acquisition of Murat Ticaret.
Asia revenue increased by 14.4% to
$96.9 million (H1 FY2024 $84.7 million) and comprises 18.7% of
Group revenue (H1 FY2024: 21.3%). The growth was largely due to
inYantra, which benefits from exposure to the rapidly expanding
Indian market, whilst the end of the destocking cycle in Consumer
Electricals was a positive factor.
Revenues in Europe grew by 48.5%
to $201.5 million (H1 FY2024: $135.7 million) and now make up 38.9%
of Group revenue (H1 FY2024: 34.1%). The majority of this increase
results from the impact of the acquisition of Murat Ticaret, which
completed last year. In Europe, the markets experienced variable
demand as the destocking cycle had a positive impact on Consumer
Electricals products, but year-on-year demand was lower for some
Medical and Complex Industrial Technology customers.
Revenue by customer
sector
Electric Vehicles
Electric Vehicles revenues
increased to $79.5 million (H1 FY2024: $57.4 million), representing
organic growth of 39.5% against a weaker comparative period in
which customers were undergoing destocking. Revenue in the first
half also benefited from a major new programme with a leading
global North American automotive manufacturer. This involves the
supply of complex high-voltage connectors from our newly expanded,
highly automated production facility in Mexico. Annualised revenues
are expected to exceed $30 million as this project scales
up.
Following the announcement in the
prior period that Volex had become a licensed partner of Tesla for
the North American Charging Standard ("NACS") EV Charging system,
several new projects have been secured utilising our expertise in
this field. This underlines Volex's position as a trusted
manufacturing partner to the world's leading EV manufacturing
companies and suppliers.
Medium-term demand for electric
vehicles is expected to continue to experience growth, with
legislative support in key markets encouraging continued adoption
of this technology. The Group is positioned to grow, not only due
to higher vehicle volumes, but also by identifying additional
specialist manufacturing opportunities within the EV supply
chain.
Consumer Electricals
Consumer Electricals revenues
increased to $131.7 million (H1 FY2024: $122.8 million),
representing organic growth of 7.5%. The majority of this growth
was due to higher volumes, with a lesser element due to pass
through of higher raw material costs, such as copper.
Last year, Consumer Electricals
demand declined to reflect a normalisation in consumer spending
patterns and customer destocking. Demand picked up in the final
quarter of FY2024 and continued to increase through the first half
of the year, demonstrating that destocking, in this segment, is
largely over.
Volex's competitive manufacturing
base, achieved through a strategic mix of geographic reach,
automation, continuous improvement and vertical integration,
provides significant value to customers. This combination ensures
competitive pricing and effective support across diverse markets.
As a result, we are securing new customer projects and are
well-positioned for sustained growth as customer inventory levels
have stabilised.
Medical
As anticipated, Medical demand was
down slightly in the period, against a strong comparative period,
when improved component availability allowed customers to address
significant backlogs. In addition, some customers are currently
focusing on inventory management to align production schedules with
end consumer demand, resulting in revenue decreasing to $82.3
million (H1 FY2024: $86.1 million), reflecting an organic decline
of 4.2%.
Longer term, growth levels are
expected to normalise once customer inventories have stabilised.
For some customers, this stabilisation is likely to occur in the
next financial year. The Group supports numerous advanced medical
technology customers and has recently onboarded some significant
global names. With its extensive global footprint and medical-grade
manufacturing facilities, Volex is well-positioned to support its
customers and capitalise on developing market trends.
Complex Industrial
Technology
Sales to Complex Industrial
Technology customers grew organically by 4.1% to $104.7 million (H1
FY2024: $100.6 million). Sales to Data Centre customers were up
significantly, driven by growing global investment in artificial
intelligence, and now represents 46% of revenues in this
sector.
Demand was lower for other
industrial customers, with some programmes running down as customer
technology platforms went end of life. On the positive side, new
projects, particularly with HVAC customers, were secured and either
began production in the first half or are expected to commence in
the second half, which will help offset this decline as they ramp
up.
This sector benefits from
significant diversification, both in terms of customer end-markets
and capabilities. A wide range of solutions, combined with a
presence in key strategic locations, provides a strong competitive
edge. This breadth not only enhances the company's ability to win
new customer projects but also creates valuable cross-selling
opportunities across different markets.
Off-Highway
Total Off-Highway revenue was
$120.0 million (H1 FY2024: $30.6million) with organic growth of
20.5%. The acquisition of Murat Ticaret at the end of August last
year contributed an additional $84.8 million revenue in the first
five months of H1 FY2025. Organic growth for the Murat Ticaret
business was 6.8%.
Off-Highway focuses on supplying
complex wire harnesses, power connectivity components and
connectors to manufacturers serving specialised vehicle markets.
These markets include agricultural machinery, passenger transport
vehicles such as coaches, construction equipment, material handling
vehicles, such as forklifts, and specialised defence
vehicles.
We continue to invest in and focus
on the significant cross-selling opportunities within this market
that were opened up through the acquisition of Murat Ticaret,
particularly in the large, highly fragmented North American
market.
Gross margin
The gross margin in the first half
of the year was 21.8% (H1 FY2024: 22.9%), consistent with the 21.8%
achieved in the second half of FY2024. There are a number of
factors which affect gross margin. There was an adverse impact due
to labour inflation in Türkiye which is not currently being offset
by a devaluation of the local currency. For our domestic
Türkiye-based customers we have contractual rights to pass on the
cost impact of inflation. For export customers, negotiations are
underway regarding price increases. We are also accelerating our
planned productivity and efficiency initiatives in Murat Ticaret,
as well as hedging foreign exchange movements to manage the
impact.
Gross margin improvements due to
product mix (including strong demand for Data Centre products) and
productivity improvements broadly offset the adverse impacts on
margin from labour inflation in Türkiye.
Underlying operating profit
Underlying operating costs
increased by $11.7 million to $65.5 million (H1 FY2024: $53.8
million). $4.8 million of the increase was attributable to the
acquisition of Murat Ticaret at the end of August last year.
Foreign exchange rate changes had a negative impact of $1.2
million, and inflationary pressures also contributed to increased
labour costs year-on-year. The remaining increase reflects business
growth and investments in expanding capabilities and capacity.
Underlying operating costs as a percentage of revenue improved to
12.6% (H1 FY2024: 13.5%), due to the lower cost base of Murat
Ticaret.
Underlying operating profit rose
by 27.3% to $47.6 million (H1 FY2024: $37.4 million), benefiting
from both organic growth and the acquisition of Murat Ticaret. The
underlying operating margin for the first half was 9.2%, slightly
below the 9.4% reported in H1 FY2024. Productivity and cost
optimisation improved operating margins by 0.9%, while improvements
in product mix contributed a further 0.4%. Offsetting this were
adverse impacts from inflation of 0.1%, foreign exchange rates of
0.3% and the impact of investment in capacity and growth of 1.2%
which arose from additional facility and people costs required to
deliver growth.
Adjusting items and share-based
payments
The Group presents some
significant items separately to provide clarity on the underlying
performance of the business. This includes significant one-off
costs such as restructuring and acquisition-related costs, the
non-cash amortisation of intangible assets acquired as part of
business combinations, and share-based payments, as well as
associated tax.
Adjusting items and share-based
payments totalled $11.0 million in the period (H1 FY2024:
$11.6 million). These
costs are made up of $6.7 million (H1 FY2024: $5.8 million) of
amortisation of acquired intangible assets, $2.6 million (H1
FY2024: $3.0 million) of share-based payments expense, $1.5 million
(H1 FY2024: $2.8 million) of acquisition related costs and $0.2
million related to the prior year cyber-security
incident.
Net finance costs
Net finance costs increased to
$12.0 million (H1 FY2024: $5.4 million). Average net debt over the
period was higher than in the previous year due to the acquisition
of Murat Ticaret in August
2023, resulting in higher net interest on bank
loans, overdrafts and deposits of $6.1 million (H1 FY2024: $3.6
million). The financing element for leases for the period was $2.1
million (H1 FY2024: $1.2 million), which increased due to the
acquisition of Murat Ticaret in the prior year and the site
expansion in Mexico.
Finance costs also included $1.2
million for the unwinding of the discount on deferred consideration
for the Murat Ticaret acquisition (H1 FY2024: $0.2 million).
Following the refinancing of the Group's banking facilities in June
2024, debt issuance costs from the previous facility were written
off, resulting in a $1.3 million charge.
In September 2022, the Group
entered into an interest rate swap in respect of $50 million of
drawn debt. This fixes the interest on this element of the debt to
provide stability should there be variability in interest rates
over a three-year period.
Taxation
The underlying tax charge
of $8.9 million
(H1 FY2024: $7.7 million) represents an underlying ETR of
23.7% (H1 FY2024:
22.9%). The increase in underlying ETR is primarily attributable to
the recognition of deferred tax assets in
H1 FY2024 that did not repeat in H1 FY2025, an increase in
non-deductible expenses including the unwinding of the discount on
acquisition contingent consideration, and a lower impact
from investment tax
incentives. This was partially offset by the net favourable effect of
foreign exchange and
inflation adjustments for tax purposes in entities where the
tax and functional currencies are different, primarily in Türkiye.
Cash tax paid during the period
was $8.4m (H1
FY2024: $6.6m), representing an underlying cash ETR of
22.4% (H1 FY2024:
19.6%). The increase is mainly driven by
Murat Ticaret which was only part of the Group for 1 month
of H1 FY2024.
Net debt and cash flows
Underlying EBITDA increased by
31.0% to $61.3 million (H1 FY2024: $46.8 million). Underlying free
cash flow was an outflow of $11.5 million (H1 FY2024: inflow of
$11.9 million). This included a working capital outflow of $32.2
million, as well as net capital expenditure of $26.4 million and
tax and net interest paid of $14.2 million. In previous periods,
the Group has been more cash generative in the second half of the
year.
The working capital outflow was
driven by several factors, including a $6.9 million investment in
working capital to support normal business growth in H1 FY2025. An
additional $7.4 million was allocated to inventory in the Murat
Ticaret business to address supply chain bottlenecks following the
acquisition. A further $8.4 million was used to increase buffer
stock to support production relocation and prepare for new projects
launching in the second half of the year.
The remainder of the outflow was
linked to normal seasonality including certain significant payments
that are made annually. Working capital is closely monitored at
both the factory and regional levels, with ongoing initiatives to
ensure it is optimised effectively. Total working capital is
expected to remain broadly at these levels in the remainder of the
year supporting an improvement in cash generation in the second
half.
Interest payments increased
compared to H1 FY2024 due to higher debt levels, and following
particularly low levels of net debt from June to August last year
supported when the proceeds of the equity raise were held on
deposit prior to the completion of the Murat Ticaret acquisition.
There was also an increase in cash tax payments, mainly due to
taxes related to Murat Ticaret, acquired at the end of the
corresponding period.
Net debt (before operating lease
liabilities) increased to $154.3 million (from $121.1 million at 31
March 2024), primarily due to investment in capital expenditure and
working capital. Operating lease liabilities stood at $50.2 million
($32.9 million at 31 March 2024), resulting in a statutory net debt
position of $204.5 million (FY2024: $154.0 million).
Acquisition strategy
Acquiring high-quality businesses
at compelling valuations remains central to our strategic approach. Our
focus is on identifying acquisition targets in sectors where we
have extensive expertise, particularly those with strong customer
relationships and established capabilities.
Our acquisition pipeline is
rigorously managed to prioritise opportunities that enhance the
Group's value proposition and expand our reach in existing or
related markets. Given evolving global supply chain dynamics, we
also consider the strategic geographic locations of potential
acquisitions. We only pursue acquisitions requiring significant
integration or restructuring where
we are confident we have the managerial resources
needed.
Since restarting acquisitions in
FY2019, we have successfully completed twelve, representing a total
investment of approximately $400 million, refining a structured
approach and demonstrating a strong track record in
execution.
The integration of our largest
acquisition to date, Murat Ticaret, is progressing well. The
business has a robust operating culture focused on delivering
high-quality production on time to a diverse customer base with
complex needs and we have identified several areas for improvement in back-office
functions. Further targeted investments and support
from our team will ensure that Murat
Ticaret is well-positioned to adopt best-in-class manufacturing and
reporting practices already implemented across our
Group.
Investing in our
business
With a focus on delivering profitable
organic growth, we continue to make strategic
operational and capital investments that
enhance our capabilities. Investment
decisions are made with careful consideration, placing customer
demand and project payback at the centre of the approval
process. During the first half of the
year, our global
manufacturing footprint increased by 15% due to facility expansions
in Indonesia, India and
Mexico. These investments
were delivered in good
time to support the requirements of customers who are localising
production. Further expansions are due for completion in
Türkiye in the second half of the year and in
Mexico in FY2026.
Net capital expenditure for the
first half of the year was $26.4 million (H1 FY2024: $16.0
million), approximately 5% of revenue (H1 FY2024: 4%).
In H1 FY2025, we made
$5.0 million of incremental operational investment, which
encompasses additional facility costs, increased deprecation from
incremental capital investment and costs associated with scaling
our operations, such as recruiting additional sales and engineering
employees. These essential and targeted expenditures position us
for sustainable long-term success. We
also expanded our
research and development activities, allowing us to deliver
new and innovative products aimed at the
Electric Vehicles and Data Centre markets.
The investments we make in our business continue to deliver strong
returns with return on capital employed of 19.6% (H1 FY2024: 20.5%)
in the twelve months to 29 September 2024.
Risks and uncertainties
Volex proactively anticipates and
assesses risks, enhancing internal controls where necessary to
mitigate them. Key risks that could materially impact the Group's
financial performance include competitive threats, legal and
regulatory issues, dependency on key suppliers or customers,
fluctuations in commodity prices or exchange rates, and quality
issues. These risks and the relevant risk-mitigation activities are
set out in the FY2024 Annual Report and Accounts on pages 49 to 55,
a copy of which is available on the website at
www.volex.com.
Outlook
Volex is well-positioned to
maintain positive momentum and seize new opportunities. Our success
in securing new projects highlights the strength of our global
capabilities and extensive manufacturing footprint, reinforcing our
competitive edge across diverse markets. Broad market exposure not
only enhances operational resilience but also enables us to drive
growth through different economic cycles.
Early trading in the first month
of the second half of FY2025 has been encouraging, continuing the
momentum seen in the first half, while being mindful of strong
second half comparatives.
Our ongoing investment program,
set to continue through the remainder of the year, underlines our
commitment to long-term growth by enhancing operational
capabilities and supporting future expansion.
The Board remains confident in the
Group's ability to meet full-year expectations, driven by our
strategic direction and operational strength. With these solid
foundations, we are also on track to achieve our ambitious
five-year plan, positioning Volex for sustained success and value
creation.
Nat
Rothschild
Jon Boaden
Executive
Chairman
Chief Financial Officer
14 November
2024
14 November 2024
Unaudited Consolidated Income
Statement
For the 26 weeks ended 29 September
2024 (26 weeks ended 1 October 2023)
|
|
26 weeks ended 29 September
2024
|
26
weeks ended 1 October 2023
|
|
|
Before
adjusting items and share
based payments
|
Adjusting
items and share-based
payments
(note 3)
|
Total
|
Before
adjusting items and share based payments
|
Adjusting
items
and share-based payments
(note
3)
|
Total
|
|
Notes
|
$'m
|
$'m
|
$'m
|
$'m
|
$'m
|
$'m
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue
|
2
|
518.2
|
-
|
518.2
|
397.5
|
-
|
397.5
|
Cost of sales
|
|
(405.1)
|
-
|
(405.1)
|
(306.3)
|
-
|
(306.3)
|
Gross profit
|
|
113.1
|
-
|
113.1
|
91.2
|
-
|
91.2
|
Operating expenses
|
|
(65.5)
|
(11.0)
|
(76.5)
|
(53.8)
|
(11.6)
|
(65.4)
|
Operating profit
|
2
|
47.6
|
(11.0)
|
36.6
|
37.4
|
(11.6)
|
25.8
|
Share of net profit from
associates
|
|
1.9
|
-
|
1.9
|
1.6
|
-
|
1.6
|
Finance income
|
|
0.5
|
-
|
0.5
|
0.3
|
-
|
0.3
|
Finance costs
|
4
|
(12.5)
|
-
|
(12.5)
|
(5.7)
|
-
|
(5.7)
|
Profit on ordinary activities before
taxation
|
|
37.5
|
(11.0)
|
26.5
|
33.6
|
(11.6)
|
22.0
|
Taxation
|
5
|
(8.9)
|
2.2
|
(6.7)
|
(7.7)
|
1.2
|
(6.5)
|
Profit for the period
|
|
28.6
|
(8.8)
|
19.8
|
25.9
|
(10.4)
|
15.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit is attributable to:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Owners of the parent
|
|
28.1
|
(8.8)
|
19.3
|
25.4
|
(10.3)
|
15.1
|
Non-controlling
interests
|
|
0.5
|
-
|
0.5
|
0.5
|
(0.1)
|
0.4
|
|
|
28.6
|
(8.8)
|
19.8
|
25.9
|
(10.4)
|
15.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings per share (cents)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
6
|
15.2
|
|
10.4
|
14.9
|
|
8.8
|
Diluted
|
6
|
15.1
|
|
10.4
|
14.2
|
|
8.4
|
Audited Consolidated Income
Statement
For the 52 weeks ended 31 March
2024
|
|
|
52
weeks ended 31 March 2024
|
|
|
|
|
|
Before
Adjusting items and share based payments
|
Adjusting
items
and share-based payments
(note
3)
|
Total
|
|
Notes
|
|
|
|
$'m
|
$'m
|
$'m
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue
|
2
|
|
|
|
912.8
|
-
|
912.8
|
Cost of sales
|
|
|
|
|
(710.0)
|
-
|
(710.0)
|
Gross profit
|
|
|
|
|
202.8
|
-
|
202.8
|
Operating expenses
|
|
|
|
|
(113.1)
|
(25.8)
|
(138.9)
|
Operating profit
|
2
|
|
|
|
89.7
|
(25.8)
|
63.9
|
Share of net profit from
associates
|
|
|
|
|
3.2
|
-
|
3.2
|
Finance income
|
|
|
|
|
1.3
|
-
|
1.3
|
Finance costs
|
4
|
|
|
|
(16.8)
|
-
|
(16.8)
|
Profit on ordinary activities before
taxation
|
|
|
|
|
77.4
|
(25.8)
|
51.6
|
Taxation
|
5
|
|
|
|
(15.9)
|
4.5
|
(11.4)
|
Profit is attributable
to:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Owners of the parent
|
|
|
|
|
60.5
|
(21.2)
|
39.3
|
Non-controlling
interests
|
|
|
|
|
1.0
|
(0.1)
|
0.9
|
|
|
|
|
|
61.5
|
(21.3)
|
40.2
|
Earnings per share (cents)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
6
|
|
|
|
33.7
|
|
21.8
|
Diluted
|
6
|
|
|
|
33.0
|
|
21.4
|
Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive
Income
For the 26 weeks ended 29 September
2024 (26 weeks ended 1 October 2023)
|
26 weeks
to
29 September
2024
|
26 weeks
to
1
October 2023
|
(Audited)
52 weeks
to
31
March 2024
|
|
$'m
|
$'m
|
$'m
|
Profit for the period
|
19.8
|
15.5
|
40.2
|
|
|
|
|
Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or
loss:
|
|
|
|
Actuarial loss on defined benefit
pension schemes
|
(0.6)
|
(0.2)
|
(0.2)
|
Tax relating to items that will not
be reclassified
|
0.2
|
-
|
0.1
|
|
(0.4)
|
(0.2)
|
(0.1)
|
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or
loss:
|
|
|
|
(Loss)/gain arising on cash flow
hedges during the period
|
(1.6)
|
(1.7)
|
0.1
|
Exchange gain/(loss) on
translation of foreign operations
|
7.8
|
(5.4)
|
0.7
|
Tax relating to items that may be
reclassified
|
-
|
1.0
|
(0.2)
|
|
6.2
|
(6.1)
|
0.6
|
|
|
|
|
Other comprehensive income/(expense) for the
period
|
5.8
|
(6.3)
|
0.5
|
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive income for the period is attributable
to:
|
|
|
|
Owners of the parent
|
25.2
|
8.9
|
39.9
|
Non-controlling interests
|
0.4
|
0.3
|
0.8
|
|
25.6
|
9.2
|
40.7
|
Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Financial
Position
As at 29 September 2024 (1 October
2023)
|
Note
|
29 September
2024
$'m
|
RESTATED1
1
October
2023
$'m
|
(Audited)
31
March
2024
$'m
|
Non-current assets
|
|
|
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
125.0
|
119.2
|
121.4
|
Other intangible assets
|
|
129.5
|
136.2
|
131.7
|
Property, plant and
equipment
|
|
110.5
|
85.1
|
91.8
|
Right of use assets
|
|
52.1
|
39.4
|
38.4
|
Interests in associates
|
|
10.0
|
6.5
|
8.1
|
Other receivables
|
|
1.5
|
1.4
|
2.0
|
Derivative financial
instruments
|
|
0.3
|
2.1
|
1.5
|
Retirement benefit assets
|
|
1.3
|
-
|
0.4
|
Deferred tax assets
|
|
26.5
|
25.5
|
25.9
|
Long term financial
assets
|
|
1.0
|
-
|
-
|
|
|
457.7
|
415.4
|
421.2
|
Current assets
|
|
|
|
|
Inventories
|
|
209.4
|
182.5
|
174.3
|
Trade receivables
|
|
205.0
|
182.7
|
187.6
|
Other receivables
|
|
25.0
|
14.6
|
23.4
|
Current tax assets
|
|
1.3
|
0.5
|
1.8
|
Derivative financial
instruments
|
|
0.8
|
0.3
|
1.0
|
Cash and bank balances
|
9
|
18.4
|
47.2
|
29.8
|
|
|
459.9
|
427.8
|
417.9
|
Total assets
|
|
917.6
|
843.2
|
839.1
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
Borrowings
|
9
|
4.0
|
0.5
|
3.3
|
Lease liabilities
|
|
22.7
|
17.5
|
21.3
|
Trade payables
|
|
137.3
|
118.6
|
133.1
|
Other payables
|
|
114.8
|
125.2
|
101.4
|
Current tax liabilities
|
|
16.8
|
17.3
|
18.3
|
Retirement benefit
obligation
|
|
-
|
0.4
|
-
|
Provisions
|
|
3.6
|
3.2
|
2.9
|
Derivative financial
instruments
|
|
1.3
|
2.2
|
0.4
|
|
|
300.5
|
284.9
|
280.7
|
Net
current assets
|
|
159.4
|
142.9
|
137.2
|
Non-current liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
Borrowings
|
9
|
165.6
|
181.4
|
143.1
|
Non-current lease
liabilities
|
|
30.6
|
21.5
|
16.1
|
Other payables
|
|
29.7
|
1.5
|
26.9
|
Deferred tax liabilities
|
|
28.4
|
31.8
|
28.2
|
Retirement benefit
obligation
|
|
9.7
|
9.8
|
7.5
|
Provisions
|
|
0.5
|
0.4
|
1.0
|
|
|
264.5
|
246.4
|
222.8
|
Total liabilities
|
|
565.0
|
531.3
|
503.5
|
Net
assets
|
|
352.6
|
311.9
|
335.6
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity attributable to owners of the parent
|
|
|
|
|
Share capital
|
7
|
69.6
|
69.5
|
69.6
|
Share premium account
|
|
62.0
|
62.1
|
62.0
|
Non-distributable reserve
|
|
2.5
|
2.5
|
2.5
|
Hedging and translation
reserve
|
|
(7.6)
|
(20.6)
|
(13.9)
|
Own shares
|
8
|
(3.2)
|
(1.0)
|
(4.3)
|
Retained earnings
|
|
220.5
|
191.5
|
211.3
|
Total attributable to owners of the parent
|
|
343.8
|
304.0
|
327.2
|
Non-controlling interests
|
|
8.8
|
7.9
|
8.4
|
Total equity
|
|
352.6
|
311.9
|
335.6
|
1 The interim results for the 26 weeks ended 1 October 2023
have been restated to incorporate measurement period adjustments
arising under IFRS 3 Business Combinations following the
acquisition of Murat Ticaret in August 2023. See note 11 for
further details.
Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Changes in
Equity
For the 26 weeks ended 29 September
2024 (26 weeks ended 1 October 2023)
|
Share
capital
|
Share
premium account
|
Non-distribut-able reserves
|
Hedging
and
trans-lation reserve
|
Own
shares
|
Retained
earnings
|
Equity
attribut-able to owners
|
Non-cont-rolling interests
|
Total
equity
|
|
$'m
|
$'m
|
$'m
|
$'m
|
$'m
|
$'m
|
$'m
|
$'m
|
$'m
|
Balance 31 March 2024
|
69.6
|
62.0
|
2.5
|
(13.9)
|
(4.3)
|
211.3
|
327.2
|
8.4
|
335.6
|
Profit for the period
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
19.3
|
19.3
|
0.5
|
19.8
|
Other comprehensive income/(expense)
for the period
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6.3
|
-
|
(0.4)
|
5.9
|
(0.1)
|
5.8
|
Total comprehensive income for the
period
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6.3
|
-
|
18.9
|
25.2
|
0.4
|
25.6
|
Own shares sold/(utilised) in the
period
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5.6
|
(5.6)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Own shares purchased in the
period
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(4.5)
|
-
|
(4.5)
|
-
|
(4.5)
|
Dividend
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(6.5)
|
(6.5)
|
-
|
(6.5)
|
Scrip dividend related share
issue
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
0.2
|
0.2
|
-
|
0.2
|
Reserve entry for share option
charges
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1.8
|
1.8
|
-
|
1.8
|
Tax effect of share
options
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
0.4
|
0.4
|
-
|
0.4
|
Balance at 29 September 2024
|
69.6
|
62.0
|
2.5
|
(7.6)
|
(3.2)
|
220.5
|
343.8
|
8.8
|
352.6
|
Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
(continued)
For the 26 weeks ended 29 September
2024 (26 weeks ended 1 October 2023)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share
capital
|
Share
premium account
|
Non-distribut-able reserves
|
Hedging
and
trans-lation reserve
|
Own
shares
|
Retained
earnings
|
Equity attribut-able to
owners
|
Non-controll-ing interests
|
Total
equity
|
|
$'m
|
$'m
|
$'m
|
$'m
|
$'m
|
$'m
|
$'m
|
$'m
|
$'m
|
Balance 2 April 2023
|
62.7
|
60.7
|
2.5
|
(14.6)
|
(1.0)
|
115.0
|
225.3
|
7.4
|
232.7
|
Profit for the period
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
15.1
|
15.1
|
0.4
|
15.5
|
Other comprehensive (expense)/income
for the period
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(6.0)
|
-
|
(0.2)
|
(6.2)
|
(0.1)
|
(6.3)
|
Total comprehensive (expense)/income
for the period
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(6.0)
|
-
|
14.9
|
8.9
|
0.3
|
9.2
|
Business combination
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
0.2
|
0.2
|
Own shares sold/(utilised) in the
period
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1.2
|
(1.2)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Own shares purchased in the
period
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(1.2)
|
-
|
(1.2)
|
-
|
(1.2)
|
Dividend
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(6.1)
|
(6.1)
|
-
|
(6.1)
|
Scrip dividend related share
issue
|
0.1
|
(0.1)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1.8
|
1.8
|
-
|
1.8
|
Shares issued
|
6.7
|
1.5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
64.1
|
72.3
|
-
|
72.3
|
Reserve entry for share option
charges
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2.5
|
2.5
|
-
|
2.5
|
Tax effect of share
options
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
0.5
|
0.5
|
-
|
0.5
|
Balance at 1 October 2023
|
69.5
|
62.1
|
2.5
|
(20.6)
|
(1.0)
|
191.5
|
304.0
|
7.9
|
311.9
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Cash
Flows
For the 26 weeks ended 29 September
2024 (26 weeks ended 1 October 2023)
|
Notes
|
26 weeks
to
29 September
2024
|
26 weeks
to
1
October 2023
|
(Audited)
52 weeks
to
31
March 2024
|
|
|
$'m
|
$'m
|
$'m
|
Profit for the period
|
|
19.8
|
15.5
|
40.2
|
Adjustments for:
|
|
|
|
|
Finance income
|
|
(0.5)
|
(0.3)
|
(1.3)
|
Finance costs
|
|
12.5
|
5.7
|
16.8
|
Income tax expense
|
|
6.7
|
6.5
|
11.4
|
Share of net profit from
associates
|
|
(1.9)
|
(1.6)
|
(3.2)
|
Depreciation of property, plant and
equipment
|
|
7.3
|
5.0
|
12.3
|
Depreciation of right-of-use
asset
|
|
4.8
|
3.4
|
7.4
|
Amortisation of intangible
assets
|
|
8.3
|
6.8
|
15.6
|
Share option charge
|
|
2.6
|
3.0
|
6.3
|
Contingent consideration
adjustment
|
|
-
|
(1.3)
|
(1.3)
|
Decrease in provisions
|
|
-
|
(0.9)
|
(1.5)
|
Operating cash flow before movements in working
capital
|
|
59.6
|
41.8
|
102.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase in inventories
|
|
(31.9)
|
(16.3)
|
(5.6)
|
Increase in receivables
|
|
(15.7)
|
(5.4)
|
(17.4)
|
Increase in payables
|
|
15.5
|
16.1
|
24.9
|
Movement in working capital
|
|
(32.1)
|
(5.6)
|
1.9
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash generated by operations
|
|
27.5
|
36.2
|
104.6
|
Cash generated by operations before
adjusting items
|
|
29.1
|
38.0
|
111.6
|
Cash utilised by adjusting
items
|
|
(1.6)
|
(1.8)
|
(7.0)
|
Taxation paid
|
|
(8.4)
|
(6.6)
|
(14.9)
|
Interest paid
|
|
(6.3)
|
(4.0)
|
(11.4)
|
Net
cash generated from operating activities
|
|
12.8
|
25.6
|
78.3
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flow from investing activities
|
|
|
|
|
Interest received
|
|
0.5
|
0.3
|
1.8
|
Acquisition of businesses, net of
cash acquired
|
|
-
|
(131.4)
|
(134.3)
|
Contingent consideration for
businesses acquired
|
|
(0.5)
|
(2.2)
|
(2.2)
|
Proceeds on disposal of property,
plant and equipment
|
|
0.1
|
0.3
|
0.4
|
Purchases of property, plant and
equipment
|
|
(24.3)
|
(14.3)
|
(27.5)
|
Purchases of intangible
assets
|
|
(2.2)
|
(2.0)
|
(4.1)
|
Purchase of long term financial
assets
|
|
(1.0)
|
-
|
-
|
Purchase of shares in
associate
|
|
-
|
(2.3)
|
(2.3)
|
Proceeds from the repayment of
preference shares
|
|
-
|
0.2
|
0.9
|
Net
cash used in investing
activities
|
|
(27.4)
|
(151.4)
|
(167.3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flow before financing activities
|
|
(14.6)
|
(125.8)
|
(89.0)
|
Cash generated before adjusting
items
|
|
(13.0)
|
(124.0)
|
(82.0)
|
Cash utilised in respect of
adjusting items
|
|
(1.6)
|
(1.8)
|
(7.0)
|
Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
(continued)
For the 26 weeks ended 29 September
2024 (26 weeks ended 1 October 2023)
|
Notes
|
26 weeks
to
29 September
2024
|
26 weeks
to
1
October 2023
|
(Audited)
52 weeks
to
31 March
2024
|
|
|
$'m
|
$'m
|
$'m
|
Cash flow before financing activities
|
|
(14.6)
|
(125.8)
|
(89.0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flow from financing activities
|
|
|
|
|
Dividend paid
|
|
(6.3)
|
(4.3)
|
(6.7)
|
Net purchase of shares for share
schemes
|
|
(4.6)
|
(1.2)
|
(9.3)
|
Refinancing costs paid
|
|
(3.1)
|
(0.3)
|
(0.3)
|
New bank loan raised
|
|
34.5
|
105.6
|
72.3
|
Repayment of borrowings
|
|
(9.6)
|
(15.2)
|
129.9
|
Proceeds on issue of
shares
|
|
-
|
72.3
|
(79.0)
|
Interest element of lease
payments
|
|
(2.1)
|
(1.2)
|
(2.7)
|
Receipt from lease debtor
|
|
-
|
0.1
|
0.2
|
Capital element of lease
payments
|
|
(4.8)
|
(4.1)
|
(8.9)
|
Net
cash generated from financing activities
|
|
4.0
|
151.7
|
95.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
(decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
|
9
|
(10.6)
|
25.9
|
6.5
|
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
period
|
9
|
28.8
|
20.7
|
20.7
|
Effect of foreign exchange rate
changes
|
9
|
0.2
|
0.6
|
1.6
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
|
9
|
18.4
|
47.2
|
28.8
|
Notes to the Interim Statements
1. Basis of preparation
These interim financial statements
have been prepared in accordance with UK-adopted International
Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting' and the
AIM Rules for Companies. The condensed consolidated interim
financial information should be read in conjunction with the annual
financial statements for the 52 weeks ended 31 March 2024, which
were prepared in accordance with UK-adopted international
accounting standards and the requirements of the Companies
Act 2006.
This condensed consolidated
interim financial information does not comprise statutory accounts
within the meaning of section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. The
financial information presented for the 26 weeks ended 29 September
2024 ('H1 FY2025') and the 26 weeks ended 1 October 2023 ('H1
FY2024') has not been reviewed by the auditors. The financial
information for the 52 weeks ended 31 March 2024 ('FY2024') is
extracted and abridged from the Group's full accounts for that
year. The statutory accounts for FY2024 have been filed with the
Registrar of Companies for England and Wales and have been reported
on by the Group's auditors. The report of the auditors was not
qualified and did not contain a statement under section 498 of the
Companies Act 2006.
The Directors confirm that, to the
best of their knowledge, the interim financial statements have been
prepared in accordance with UK-adopted International Accounting
Standard 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' and the AIM Rules for
Companies, and that the interim report includes a fair review of
the information required. The interim report was approved by the
Board of Directors on 14 November 2024.
This interim report can be
downloaded or viewed via the Group's website at www.volex.com.
Copies of the annual report for the 52 weeks ended 31 March 2024
are available at the Company's registered office at Unit C1 Antura,
Bond Close, Basingstoke, Hampshire, England, RG24 8PZ, and can also
be downloaded or viewed via the Group's website.
These condensed financial
statements have also been prepared using accounting policies
consistent with those disclosed in the annual report and accounts
for the year ended 31 March 2024, which were prepared in accordance
with UK-adopted international accounting standards and the
requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
Going Concern
The Group's financial statements
have been prepared on the going concern basis, which contemplates
the continuity of normal business activity with the realisation of
assets and the settlement of liabilities in the normal course of
business. When assessing the going concern status of the Group, the
Directors have considered in particular its financial position,
including its significant balance of cash and cash equivalents and
the borrowing facility in place, including its terms, remaining
duration and covenants.
The Directors have prepared a cash
flow forecast for the period to end of March 2026, which is based
on the latest FY2025 forecast. The Directors have performed
sensitivity analysis on the cash flow forecast using a base case
and downside scenario that take into account the principal risks
and uncertainties of the Group. The Directors have considered the
potential impact of climate related physical and transition risks
as part of the going concern assessment and do not believe there to
be a significant impact in the going concern period. The severe but
plausible downside scenario models a 15% reduction in year-on-year
revenue, equivalent to the worst result in the last 20 years, and
still provides significant covenant and liquidity
headroom.
Based on their assessment and these
sensitivity scenarios, the Directors are satisfied that there are
no material uncertainties regarding the Group's going concern
status and that there is a reasonable expectation that the Group
has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for at
least twelve months from the date of approval of the financial
statements. The Directors therefore consider it appropriate to
adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the
financial statements.
1. Basis of preparation (continued)
Impact of standards issued but not yet applied by the
Group
The following standards, with an
effective date of 1 January 2024, have been adopted without any
significant impact on the amounts reported in these financial
statements:
- Lease Liability in a
Sale and Leaseback - Amendments to IFRS 16
- Classification of
Liabilities as Current or Non-current and Non-current Liabilities
with Covenants - Amendments to IAS 1
- Amendments to IAS 7 Statement of
Cashflows and IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures - Supplier
Finance Arrangements
The Group has not early adopted
any standard, interpretation or amendment that was issued but is
not yet effective. The Group is assessing any potential
implication, but currently do not expect a material impact on the
Group.
2. Segment information
The internal reporting provided to
the Executive members of the Group's Board and the Chief Operating
Officer for the purpose of resource allocation and assessment of
Group performance is based upon the regional performance of where
the customer is based and to where products are delivered. In
addition to the operating divisions, a Central division exists to
capture all the corporate costs incurred in supporting the
operations.
Unallocated central costs represent
corporate costs that are not directly attributable to the
manufacture and sale of the Group's products, but which support the
Group in its operations. Included within this division are the
costs incurred by the executive management team and the corporate
head office.
The following is an analysis of the
Group's revenues and results by reportable segment.
|
26 weeks to 29 September
2024
|
26 weeks
to 1 October 2023
|
|
Revenue
$'m
|
Profit/(loss)
$'m
|
Revenue
$'m
|
Profit/(loss)
$'m
|
|
|
|
|
|
North America
|
219.8
|
20.4
|
177.1
|
17.0
|
Asia
|
96.9
|
10.6
|
84.7
|
4.7
|
Europe
|
201.5
|
22.4
|
135.7
|
19.5
|
Unallocated central
costs
|
|
(5.8)
|
|
(3.8)
|
Divisional results before
share-based payments and adjusting
items
|
518.2
|
47.6
|
397.5
|
37.4
|
Adjusting items
|
|
(8.4)
|
|
(8.6)
|
Share-based payment
charge
|
|
(2.6)
|
|
(3.0)
|
Operating profit
|
|
36.6
|
|
25.8
|
Share of net profit from
associates
|
|
1.9
|
|
1.6
|
Finance income
|
|
0.5
|
|
0.3
|
Finance costs
|
|
(12.5)
|
|
(5.7)
|
Profit before tax
|
|
26.5
|
|
22.0
|
Tax
|
|
(6.7)
|
|
(6.5)
|
Profit after tax
|
|
19.8
|
|
15.5
|
2.
Segment information (continued)
|
|
52 weeks
to 31 March 2024
|
|
|
|
Revenue
$'m
|
Profit/(loss)
$'m
|
North America
|
|
|
372.3
|
32.8
|
Asia
|
|
|
185.1
|
13.9
|
Europe
|
355.4
|
52.9
|
Unallocated central
costs
|
(9.9)
|
Divisional results before
share-based payments and Adjusting items
|
|
|
912.8
|
89.7
|
Adjusting items
|
|
|
|
(19.5)
|
Share-based payment
charge
|
|
|
|
(6.3)
|
Operating profit
|
|
|
|
63.9
|
Share of net profit from
associates
|
|
|
|
3.2
|
Finance income
|
|
|
|
1.3
|
Finance costs
|
|
|
|
(16.8)
|
Profit before tax
|
|
|
|
51.6
|
Tax
|
|
|
|
(11.4)
|
Profit after tax
|
|
|
|
40.2
|
The accounting policies of the
reportable segments are in accordance with the Group's accounting
policies.
The adjusting items charge within
operating profit for the period of $8.4m (H1 FY2024: $8.6m, FY2024:
$19.5m) was split $1.8m (H1 FY2024: $1.9m, FY2024: $2.8m) to North
America, $6.3m (H1 FY2024: $6.5m, FY2024: $14.5m) to Europe, $0.1m
(H1 FY2024: $0.2m, FY2024: $0.2m) to Asia and $0.2m to central (H1
FY2024: $nil, FY2024: $2.0m).
Geographical information
The Group's revenue from external
customers and information about its non-current assets (excluding
deferred tax assets) by geographical location are provided
below:
|
Revenue
|
Non-current
assets
|
|
26 weeks
to
29
September
2024
$'m
|
26 weeks
to
1
October
2023
$'m
|
(Audited)
52 weeks
to
31
March
2024
$'m
|
26 weeks
to
29
September
2024
$'m
|
RESTATED
26 weeks
to
1
October
2023
$'m
|
(Audited)
52 weeks
to
31
March
2024
$'m
|
Geographical segments
|
|
|
|
|
|
North America
|
219.8
|
177.1
|
372.3
|
74.2
|
53.2
|
53.0
|
Asia
|
96.9
|
84.7
|
185.1
|
77.2
|
64.8
|
72.3
|
Europe
|
201.5
|
135.7
|
355.4
|
279.8
|
271.9
|
270.0
|
|
518.2
|
397.5
|
912.8
|
431.2
|
389.9
|
395.3
|
Revenue is attributed to countries
on the basis of the geographical location of the customer and
delivery of the product.
3.
Adjusting items and share-based payments
|
26 weeks
to
29 September
2024
$'m
|
26 weeks
to
1
October
2023
$'m
|
(Audited)
52 weeks
to
31 March
2024
$'m
|
Amortisation of acquired
intangibles
|
6.7
|
5.8
|
13.4
|
Acquisition-related costs
|
0.6
|
3.2
|
3.8
|
Acquisition-related
remuneration
|
0.9
|
0.9
|
1.6
|
Adjustments to fair value of
contingent consideration
|
-
|
(1.3)
|
(1.3)
|
Cyber incident costs
|
0.2
|
-
|
2.0
|
Total adjusting items
|
8.4
|
8.6
|
19.5
|
Share-based payments
charge
|
2.6
|
3.0
|
6.3
|
Total adjusting items and share-based payments before
tax
|
11.0
|
11.6
|
25.8
|
Adjusting items tax
credit
|
(2.2)
|
(1.2)
|
(4.5)
|
Adjusting items and share-based payments after
tax
|
8.8
|
10.4
|
21.3
|
Adjusting items include costs and
income that are one-off in nature and significant (such as
significant restructuring costs, impairment charges or
acquisition-related costs) and the non-cash amortisation of
intangible assets recognised on acquisition.
The adjusting items and share-based
payments are included under the statutory classification
appropriate to their nature but are separately disclosed on the
face of the income statement to assist in understanding the
underlying financial performance of the Group.
Associated with the acquisitions,
the Group has recognised certain intangible assets related to
customer relationships and order backlogs. During H1 FY2025, the
amortisation charge on these intangible assets totalled $6.7m (H1
FY2024: $5.8m, FY2024: $13.4m).
Acquisition-related costs of $0.6m
(H1 FY2024: $3.2m, FY2024: $3.8m) consist of legal and professional
fees relating to potential and completed acquisitions. In the prior
year, the Group's acquisition-related costs of $3.8m consisted of
costs mainly related to the acquisition of Murat Ticaret
($3.7m).
Acquisition-related remuneration
relates to payments due in relation to post-acquisition
performance, with costs of $0.9m in H1 FY2025 (H1 FY2024: $0.9m,
FY2024: $1.6m).
There were no adjustments to the
fair value of contingent consideration in H1 FY2025 (H1 FY2024:
$1.3m, FY2024: $1.3m).
The Group experienced a cyber
incident in October 2023. Costs associated with the recovery and
remediation of systems in H1 FY2025 were $0.2m (H1 FY2024: $nil,
FY2024: $2.0m).
4.
Finance costs
|
26 weeks
to
29 September
2024
$'m
|
26 weeks
to
1
October
2023
$'m
|
(Audited)
52 weeks
to
31 March
2024
$'m
|
Interest on bank overdrafts and
loans
|
6.6
|
3.9
|
11.2
|
Lease interest payable
|
2.1
|
1.2
|
2.7
|
Net interest expense on defined
benefit obligations
|
0.6
|
-
|
0.7
|
Unwinding of deferred
consideration
|
1.2
|
0.2
|
1.4
|
Other finance costs
|
0.3
|
-
|
0.1
|
Total interest costs
|
10.8
|
5.3
|
16.1
|
Amortisation of debt issue
costs
|
1.7
|
0.4
|
0.7
|
Total finance costs
|
12.5
|
5.7
|
16.8
|
In June 2024 the Group entered into
a new enlarged debt facility. Included within the amortisation of
debt issue costs is a $1.3m write-off of capitalised costs related
to the previous facility.
5.
Tax charge
The Group's income tax expense for
the period was $6.7 million (H1 FY2024: $6.5 million), representing
an effective tax rate ("ETR") of 25.3% (H1 FY2024: 29.5%). The
decrease in statutory ETR was mainly caused by adjusting items,
with a lower adverse impact from non-deductible acquisition costs
and tax rate changes in H1 FY2025.
The underlying tax charge of $8.9
million (H1 FY2024: $7.7 million) represents an underlying ETR of
23.7% (H1 FY2024: 22.9%). The increase in underlying ETR is
primarily attributable to the recognition of deferred tax assets in
H1 FY2024 that did not repeat in H1 FY2025, an increase in
non-deductible expenses including the unwinding of the discount on
acquisition contingent consideration, and a lower impact from
investment tax incentives. This was partially offset by the net
favourable effect of foreign exchange and inflation adjustments for
tax purposes in entities where the tax and functional currencies
are different, primarily in Türkiye.
Cash tax paid during the period was
$8.4m (H1 FY2024: $6.6m), representing an underlying cash ETR of
22.4% (H1 FY2024: 19.6%). The increase is mainly driven by Murat
Ticaret which was only part of the Group for 1 month of H1
FY2024.
The Group operates in a number of
different tax jurisdictions and is subject to periodic tax audits
by local authorities in the normal course of business on a range of
tax matters in relation to corporate tax and transfer pricing. As
at 29 September 2024, the Group has net current tax liabilities of
$15.5 million (FY2024: $16.5 million) which include $12.2 million
(FY2024: $10.8 million) of provisions for tax uncertainties. There
is a further $1.5 million (FY2024: $1.1 million) of accrued
interest relating to these amounts recognised in other
payables.
The carrying amount of deferred tax
assets is reviewed at each reporting date and recognised to the
extent that it is probable that there are sufficient taxable
profits to allow all or part to be recovered. Deferred tax assets
have been recognised based on future forecast taxable profits. As
at the reporting date the Group has recognised deferred tax assets
of $26.5 million (FY2024: $25.9 million) and deferred tax
liabilities of $28.4 million (FY2024: $28.2 million).
On 20 June 2023, Finance (No.2) Act
2023 was substantively enacted in the UK, implementing the OECD's
Pillar Two model rules and introducing a global minimum effective
tax rate of 15% for large groups for financial years beginning on
or after 31 December 2023. The Group is in the scope of this
legislation for the period ending 30 March 2025.
Based on an analysis of the previous
year financial data and modelling using current year forecasts,
most territories in which the Group operates are expected to
qualify for one of the safe harbour exemptions such that top-up
taxes should not apply. In territories where this is not the case
there is the potential for Pillar Two taxes to apply, but these are
not expected to be material. The Group continues to refine this
assessment and analyse the future consequences of these
rules.
6.
Earnings per ordinary
share
The calculations of the earnings per
share are based on the following data:
Earnings
|
26 weeks
to
29
September
2024
$'m
|
26 weeks
to
1
October
2023
$'m
|
(Audited)
52 weeks
to
31 March
2024
$'m
|
Earnings attributable to the
ordinary equity holders of the company for the purpose of basic
earnings per share
|
19.3
|
15.1
|
39.3
|
Adjustments for:
|
|
|
|
Adjusting items
|
8.4
|
8.5
|
19.5
|
Share-based payments
charge
|
2.6
|
3.0
|
6.3
|
Tax effect of adjusting items and
share-based payments
|
(2.2)
|
(1.2)
|
(4.5)
|
Underlying earnings
|
28.1
|
25.4
|
60.6
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of ordinary shares
|
No. shares
|
No.
shares
|
No.
shares
|
Weighted average number of ordinary
shares for the purpose of basic earnings per share
|
184,741,666
|
170,546,699
|
179,909,482
|
Effect of dilutive potential
ordinary shares - share options
|
1,614,493
|
8,024,110
|
3,421,442
|
Weighted average number of ordinary
shares for the purpose of diluted earnings per share
|
186,356,159
|
178,570,809
|
183,330,924
|
Basic earnings per share
|
Cents
|
Cents
|
Cents
|
Basic earnings per share from
continuing operations
|
10.4
|
8.8
|
21.8
|
Adjustments
for:
|
|
|
|
Adjusting items
|
4.6
|
5.0
|
10.9
|
Share-based payments
charge
|
1.4
|
1.8
|
3.5
|
Tax effect of adjusting items and
share-based payments
|
(1.2)
|
(0.7)
|
(2.5)
|
Underlying basic earnings per
share
|
15.2
|
14.9
|
33.7
|
Diluted earnings per share
|
Cents
|
Cents
|
Cents
|
Diluted earnings per
share
|
10.4
|
8.4
|
21.4
|
Adjustments for:
|
|
|
|
Adjusting items
|
4.5
|
4.8
|
10.6
|
Share-based payments
charge
|
1.4
|
1.7
|
3.4
|
Tax effect of adjusting items and
share-based payments
|
(1.2)
|
(0.6)
|
(2.4)
|
Underlying diluted earnings per
share
|
15.1
|
14.2
|
33.0
|
The underlying earnings per share
has been calculated on the basis of continuing activities before
adjusting items and the share-based payments charge, net of tax.
The Directors consider that this earnings per share calculation
gives a better understanding of the Group's earnings per share in
the current and prior period.
7.
Share capital
|
26 weeks
to
29 September
2024
$'m
|
26 weeks
to
1
October 2023
$'m
|
(Audited)
52 weeks
to
31 March
2024
$'m
|
Issued and fully paid:
181,651,108 (FY2024:
181,617,533)
Ordinary shares of 25p each
|
69.6
|
69.5
|
69.6
|
Shareholders were able to elect to
receive ordinary shares in place of the final dividend for the 52
weeks to 31 March 2024. This resulted in the issue of 33,575 (H1
FY2024: 478,471, FY2024: 692,267) new fully paid ordinary
shares.
During the prior period on 22 June
2023, the Group completed an equity raise to raise finances for the
completion of the acquisition of Murat Ticaret. The Group issued
21,818,181 new ordinary shares of 25 pence each, comprising the
'Placing Shares' and the 'Retail Offer Shares' (together, the
'equity raise'). The shares were issued at a price of 275 pence per
share, representing a discount of 3.8% to the closing share price
of 286 pence per share on 21 June 2023. In aggregate, the equity
raise represented gross proceeds of £60.0m ($74.0m) and net
proceeds of £58.6m ($72.3m).
8. Own shares
|
26 weeks
to
29 September
2024
$'m
|
26 weeks
to
1
October
2023
$'m
|
(Audited)
52 weeks
to
31 March
2024
$'m
|
At
the beginning of the period
|
4.3
|
1.0
|
1.0
|
Purchase of shares
|
4.5
|
1.2
|
9.1
|
Sale of shares
|
(5.6)
|
(1.2)
|
(5.8)
|
At
end of the period
|
3.2
|
1.0
|
4.3
|
The own shares reserve represents
the cost of shares in the Company held by the Volex Group PLC
Employees' Share Trust ('EBT') to satisfy future share option
exercises under the Group's share option schemes.
During H1 FY2025 the EBT purchased
988,266 shares at a cost of $4.5m. During the period, 1,322,813
shares were utilised on the exercise of share awards. The number of
ordinary shares held by the EBT at 29 September 2024 was 712,982
(H1 FY2024: 247,231, FY2024: 1,047,529).
9.
Analysis of net debt
|
Cash
& cash equivalents
$'m
|
Bank
loans
$'m
|
Lease
liability
$'m
|
Debt
issue
costs
$'m
|
Total
$'m
|
At
31 March 2024
|
28.8
|
(146.9)
|
(37.4)
|
1.5
|
(154.0)
|
Cash flow
|
(10.6)
|
(24.9)
|
6.9
|
3.1
|
(25.5)
|
New leases and
remeasurement
|
-
|
-
|
(19.3)
|
-
|
(19.3)
|
Interest
|
-
|
(0.3)
|
(2.1)
|
-
|
(2.4)
|
Exchange differences
|
0.2
|
(0.6)
|
(1.4)
|
0.2
|
(1.6)
|
Amortisation of debt issue
costs
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(1.7)
|
(1.7)
|
At
29 September 2024
|
18.4
|
(172.7)
|
(53.3)
|
3.1
|
(204.5)
|
|
29 September
2024
$'m
|
1
October
2023
$'m
|
31
March
2023
$'m
|
Cash and bank balances
|
18.4
|
47.2
|
29.8
|
Overdrafts
|
-
|
-
|
(1.0)
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
18.4
|
47.2
|
28.8
|
The carrying amount of the Group's
financial assets and liabilities is considered to be equivalent to
their fair value.
10. Related parties
Transactions between the Company and
its subsidiaries, which are related parties, have been eliminated
on consolidation and are not disclosed in this note.
The Group has a 35.7% interest in
Kepler SignalTek Limited, which is accounted for as an associate.
The balance due from the associate as at the period end date was
$0.3m (H1 FY2024: $1.5m, FY2024: $0.3m).
The Group also has a 43% interest in
Volex-Jem Co. Ltd. During the current and prior period, no
transactions have occurred between the Group and Volex-Jem Co. Ltd
or Volex - Jem Cable Precision (Dongguan) Co. Limited, an entity
controlled by Volex-Jem Co. Ltd. The balance due to the associates
as at the period end was $0.1m (H1 FY2024: $0.1m, FY2024:
$0.1m).
A number of share transactions with
Directors have occurred during the period in line with share awards
outstanding at the prior year end and as disclosed in the annual
accounts for FY2024 and in line with the Director shareholding
notices disclosed on the Volex website (www.volex.com).
11.
Restatement - IFRS 3 measurement period
adjustment
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
|
Original
1 October
2023
$'m
|
Restated
1 October
2023
$'m
|
Movement
$'m
|
Goodwill
|
153.7
|
119.2
|
(34.5)
|
Intangibles
|
100.2
|
136.2
|
36.0
|
Property, plant and
equipment
|
82.5
|
85.1
|
2.6
|
Inventory
|
180.4
|
182.5
|
2.1
|
Trade receivables
|
183.5
|
182.7
|
(0.8)
|
Other receivables
(current)
|
16.0
|
14.6
|
(1.4)
|
Other payables (current)
|
(134.4)
|
(125.2)
|
9.2
|
Retirement benefit obligation
(non-current)
|
(5.1)
|
(9.8)
|
(4.7)
|
Deferred tax liabilities
|
(23.3)
|
(31.8)
|
(8.5)
|
|
|
|
-
|
On 31 August 2023 the Group
completed the acquisition of 100% of the share capital of Murat
Ticaret Kablo A.Ş., a leading manufacturer of complex wire
harnesses, headquartered in Türkiye. The interim results for
the 26 weeks ended 1 October 2023 included provisional fair values
for the assets and liabilities acquired. These have been restated
to incorporate measurement period adjustments arising under IFRS 3
Business Combinations which were previously updated and reflected
in the 31 March 2024 Annual Report.
12.
Contingent Liabilities
As a global Group, subsidiary
companies, in the normal course of business, engage in significant
levels of cross-border trading. The customs, duties and sales tax
regulations associated with these transactions are complex and
often subject to interpretation. While the Group places
considerable emphasis on compliance with such regulations,
including appropriate use of external legal advisers, full
compliance with all customs, duty and sales tax regulations cannot
be guaranteed.
Through the normal course of
business, the Group provides manufacturing warranties to its
customers and assurances that its products meet the required safety
and testing standards. When the Group is notified that there is a
fault with one of its products, the Group will provide a rigorous
review of the defective product and its associated manufacturing
process and, if found at fault and contractually liable, will
provide for costs associated with recall and repair as well as
rectify the manufacturing process or seek recompense from its
supplier. The Group holds a provision to cover potential costs of
recall or warranty claims for products which are in the field but
where a specific issue has not been reported.
13. Events after the balance sheet date
There are no disclosable events
after the balance sheet date.
14. Alternative performance measures
The Group makes use of underlying
and other alternative performance measures in addition to the
measures set out in International Financial Reporting
Standards.
Underlying operating profit and Underlying
EBITDA
Underlying operating profit is
defined as operating profit excluding adjusting items and
share-based payments. Underlying EBITDA is defined as underlying
operating profit adjusted for depreciation and amortisation. The
Group uses underlying operating profit and underlying EBITDA to
present meaningful year-on-year comparisons. The reconciliation
between operating profit and underlying operating profit and
underlying EBITDA is presented below.
|
|
29
September
2024
$'m
|
1
October
2023
$'m
|
31
March
2024
$'m
|
Operating profit
|
|
36.6
|
25.8
|
63.9
|
Add back:
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusting operating
items
|
|
8.4
|
8.6
|
19.5
|
Share-based payments
charge
|
|
2.6
|
3.0
|
6.3
|
Underlying operating profit
|
|
47.6
|
37.4
|
89.7
|
Depreciation of property, plant and
equipment
|
|
7.3
|
5.0
|
12.3
|
Depreciation of right-of-use
assets
|
|
4.8
|
3.4
|
7.4
|
Amortisation of intangible assets
not acquired in business combination
|
|
1.6
|
1.0
|
2.2
|
Underlying EBITDA
|
|
61.3
|
46.8
|
111.6
|
Underlying basic earnings per share and underlying diluted
earnings per share
Underlying basic earnings per share
is defined by the profit attributable to the owners of the parent
company, excluding adjusting items and share-based payments, net of
tax, divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue
during the year. Underlying diluted earnings per share adjusts the
basic earnings per share by the effect of dilutive potential share
options as at the period end date. Both metrics are reconciled to
statutory measures in note 6.
Organic growth
As the group has undertaken twelve
acquisitions in the past six years, management uses organic revenue
growth so that meaningful year-on-year comparisons can be
made.
Organic revenue growth is calculated
using constant exchange rates by taking the total reported revenue
(excluding the impact of acquisitions and disposals) divided by the
preceding financial year's revenue at the current year's exchange
rates.
Revenue
|
Electric
Vehicles
$'m
|
Consumer
Electricals
$'m
|
Medical
$'m
|
Complex Industrial
Technology
$'m
|
Off-Highway
$'m
|
Total
$'m
|
26
weeks to 1 October 2023
|
57.4
|
122.8
|
86.1
|
100.6
|
30.6
|
397.5
|
FX impact
|
(0.4)
|
(0.3)
|
(0.2)
|
-
|
(1.4)
|
(2.3)
|
|
57.0
|
122.5
|
85.9
|
100.6
|
29.2
|
395.2
|
Organic growth
|
22.5
|
9.2
|
(3.6)
|
4.1
|
6.0
|
38.2
|
Organic growth %
|
39.5%
|
7.5%
|
(4.2)%
|
4.1%
|
20.5%
|
9.7%
|
Acquisitions
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
84.8
|
84.8
|
26
weeks to 29 September
2024
|
79.5
|
131.7
|
82.3
|
104.7
|
120.0
|
518.2
|
Leverage covenant
The Group has a $400 million
committed facility together with an additional $200 million
uncommitted accordion.
The terms of the RCF require the
Group to perform quarterly financial covenant calculations with
respect to leverage (net debt (before operating leases) to covenant
EBITDA) and interest cover (covenant EBITDA to covenant interest).
Breach of these covenants could result in cancellation of the
facility. Net debt (before operating leases) in the financial
statements is defined as net debt excluding lease liabilities but
including pre-IFRS 16 finance leases. Covenant EBITDA is defined as
underlying EBITDA adjusted for depreciation of right-of-use assets
and the last twelve months prorated EBITDA from
acquisitions.
|
|
Note
|
29 September
2024
$'m
|
1
October
2023
$'m
|
31
March
2024
$'m
|
Net debt
|
|
9
|
(204.5)
|
(173.7)
|
(154.0)
|
Lease liabilities
|
|
9
|
53.3
|
39.0
|
37.4
|
Finance leases
|
|
|
(3.1)
|
(5.9)
|
(4.5)
|
Net debt (before operating lease
liabilities)
|
|
|
(154.3)
|
(140.6)
|
(121.1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underlying EBITDA
|
|
|
126.0
|
90.4
|
111.6
|
Depreciation of right-of-use
assets
|
|
|
(8.8)
|
(6.4)
|
(7.4)
|
Prorated acquired EBITDA
|
|
|
-
|
27.6
|
15.5
|
Covenant EBITDA
|
|
|
117.2
|
111.6
|
119.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Covenant leverage
|
|
|
1.3x
|
1.3x
|
1.0x
|