TIDMHDD
RNS Number : 8445K
Hardide PLC
10 May 2022
10 May 2022
Hardide plc
("Hardide", "the Group" or "the Company")
Interim Results
for the six months ended 31 March 2022
Hardide plc (AIM: HDD), the developer and provider of advanced
surface coating technology, announces its results for the six-month
period ended 31 March 2022 ("H1 2022").
Highlights
Financial
-- Revenue of GBP2.7m, c.50% higher than same period last
year (H1 2021: GBP1.8m) with a strong pipeline for H2
-- Gross profit of GBP1.1m (H1 2021: GBP0.7m)
-- Gross margin of 41% (H1 2021: 37%)
-- EBITDA loss of GBP0.2m, including a GBP0.2m US Employee
Retention Credit (H1 2021 loss: GBP0.9m)
-- Gross cash at 31 March 2022 of GBP0.9m (30 September
2021: GBP1.5m). Asset finance and Government backed CBILS
loans of GBP1.2m (30 September 2021: GBP0.9m)
Operational
-- Two major orders received from Ansaldo Energia S.p.A ("Ansaldo")
for coating compressor blades for power generation gas
turbines with further orders expected in H2 and on an ongoing
basis
-- Growing demand from the oil and gas sector as global consumption
and production increases
-- Regular orders commenced for coating Airbus A320 wing components,
with orders for Airbus A330 and A380 components to start
in H2
-- Leonardo Helicopters finalising approval documentation
with orders expected in H2
-- Continued development trials with the US-based manufacturer
of EVs
Post period
-- US Employee Retention Credit cash received of $233k (c.
GBP177k)
-- Orders for Airbus A330 and A380 components now received
Commenting on the interim results, Robert Goddard, Chairman of
Hardide plc, said :
"I am very pleased to report on a very positive first half with
improvement across our key markets. Revenue increased by
approximately 50% in the first half compared with both H1 and H2
2021, especially from energy, industrial and power generation
customers.
"The Board is extremely pleased with the first, and recently
received second order, for coating compressor blades for Ansaldo's
gas turbines and looks forward to a long-term relationship with the
customer. Regular orders started to materialise in H1 for the
Airbus A320 series aircraft and orders for Airbus A330 and A380
components have been received in H2. In the alternative energy
sector, we also have a number of developments underway.
"Looking ahead, the Board has increased confidence in the
Group's revenue prospects for H2 and into the next financial year
underpinned by a very healthy pipeline of identified customer
projects. We continue to monitor our working capital resources
carefully but have line of sight to profitability and cash
generation.
"With the Company now being on this firmer footing for the
future, I have the confidence to step aside as Chairman, as
announced separately today."
Enquiries:
Hardide plc
Robert Goddard, Non-Executive Chairman Tel: +44 (0) 1869 353
Philip Kirkham, CEO 830
Jackie Robinson, Communications Manager
IFC Advisory Tel: +44 (0) 20 3934
Graham Herring 6630
Tim Metcalfe
Florence Chandler
finnCap - Nominated Adviser and Joint Broker Tel: +44 (0) 2072 200
Henrik Persson/ Abigail Kelly (Corporate 500
finance)
Richard Chambers (ECM)
Allenby Capital - Joint Broker Tel: +44 (0) 20 3328
Tony Quirke - Sales and Corporate Broking 5656
Jeremy Porter - Corporate Finance
Notes to editors:
www.hardide.com
Hardide develops, manufactures and applies advanced technology
tungsten carbide/tungsten metal matrix coatings to a wide range of
engineering components. Its patented technology is unique in
combining in one material, a mix of toughness and resistance to
abrasion, erosion and corrosion; together with the ability to coat
accurately interior surfaces and complex geometries. The material
is proven to offer dramatic improvements in component life,
particularly when applied to components that operate in very
aggressive environments. This results in cost savings through
reduced downtime and increased operational efficiency. Customers
include leading companies operating in the energy sectors, valve
and pump manufacturing, industrial engineering and aerospace
industries.
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
Introduction
Market conditions and the number of new applications have
improved considerably across all sectors, resulting in H1 revenues
being approximately 50% higher than in each of H1 2021 and H2
2021.
This improving trend is expected to continue in H2 2022, with a
continued recovery anticipated across our markets together with
further orders from Ansaldo. We now have visibility of work that
could, subject to typical commercial concerns and the timing of
delivery, take our performance to the top of or beyond previous
market expectations for the financial year. It is pleasing, given
the conditions in our target markets over recent years, that our
capacity to deliver further growth from the processing of large
components is now subject to addressing our own capacity
constraints.
The improvements in the Group's operating environment are
pleasing together with improving market conditions. Looking
forward, these show a clear trajectory towards profitability and
cash generation. In the meanwhile, the Board continue to monitor
the Group's working capital resources very closely and is mindful
that the Group's cash resources are below the level that the Board
has historically stated that it would like to maintain as a
strategic buffer. The recovery across the Group's target markets
has not been even, and certain higher-margin sectors (particularly
energy), whilst improving, remain behind previous expectations.
This is compounded by the Group's upfront product development and
raw material working capital requirements, inflationary pressures
on input costs and investment requirements across the business to
support continued growth.
Financial Results
The Group is reporting first half revenue of GBP2.7m, an
increase of c. 50% compared with the same period last year (H1
2021: GBP1.8m) for reasons further explained below. Gross profit of
GBP1.1m (H1 2021: GBP0.7m) increased in line with higher revenue,
with margins improved at 41% (H1 2021: 37%). The Group is focused
on sustaining and improving margins for the full financial year,
but is experiencing already the impact of increasing costs of
energy, process gas and other chemicals.
Overheads of GBP1.3m (H1 2021: GBP1.5m) are also being
well-controlled leading to a considerably reduced EBITDA loss of
GBP0.2m (H1 2021: GBP0.9m loss).
The gross cash balance at 31 March 2022 was GBP0.9m (30
September 2021: GBP1.5m), with total asset finance and CBILS loans
of GBP1.2m (30 September 2021: GBP0.9m). Gross cash balance has
risen to GBP1.1m as at 30 April 2022 following the receipt of a
$0.23m (GBP0.17m) cash refund in respect of the US Employee
Retention Credit scheme and GBP0.15m of a GBP0.25m debt overdue at
the period end. The balance is due to be received in May.
In January 2022, the US business secured $0.44m (GBP0.33m) of
asset financing on very attractive terms against one of its coating
reactors. The Group will continue to explore other financing
opportunities for supporting the Group's requirements for capital
investment and working capital.
Operational Overview
In H1 2022, market segmentation of revenue was:
o Energy (including oil & gas and power generation): 54%
o Industrial: 43%
o Aerospace: 3%
Compared with the same period last year, Energy sales increased
by 49% (oil & gas by 26%) and Industrial sales by 62%.
Aerospace sales showed a slight decrease due to the phasing of
orders.
Energy
As the world recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, global demand
for energy is rising. The disruption of supplies of oil & gas
from Russia, as a result of western sanctions following the
invasion of Ukraine, is adding to the increase in oil and gas
production globally. This is evident by demand increasing from our
oil & gas customers as well as new, potentially high-volume
applications currently under test in this sector.
The most significant development in the period was the first
order from Ansaldo in Italy for the coating of sets of compressor
blades for one of their new, high efficiency advanced gas turbines
used in electricity generation. These turbines cut CO(2) emissions
and operational costs. The size of some of these blades is such
that it would not have been possible to take on this business
without the new large coating reactor and pre-treatment line which
were installed when the Company relocated to its new site in 2020.
A second order for a further set of blades was received in March
2022 for coating and delivery during H2. Further orders for blade
sets are projected to be received throughout 2022 and beyond.
Testing and development work continues with three other companies
in this sector.
Capacity utilisation of the large coating reactor will be high
as a result of these orders. Future demand of these and of other
developments currently underway for large components will be
monitored closely to ensure coating capacity is available to take
on additional business in the future. The Board is mindful that
additional large reactor capacity would be required to facilitate
further developments and to continue to deliver further revenue
growth.
Revenue from a European solar energy customer is expected to
grow during H2 and into 2023 as they embark on an expansion of
their production capacity to cope with increasing demand for
silicon wafers used in solar cells.
The Group continues to advance its strategy to develop new
applications in alternative energy. Development trials are still
underway with the US-based manufacturer of EVs for the use of the
Hardide-T coating on components used in the manufacture of
lithium-ion (Li-ion) rechargeable batteries. In addition to
progressing developments in the solar and EV sectors, we started
the early stage testing of the coating in three hydrogen production
applications. Hardide coatings, due to their non-porous structure,
are believed to be an excellent barrier preventing hydrogen under
high pressure from penetrating the underlying metal substrate, as
hydrogen permeating into metals can cause severe embrittlement and
component failure. Tests are underway with a major European company
in the hydrogen production and distribution sector, as well as
other projects ongoing with an innovative US cleantech company
working on technology to decarbonise natural gas and a leading UK
university investigating hydrogen production by electrolysis.
Industrial
Demand from our major North American industrial pump customer
was more than double that seen in H1 2021 and 25% higher than in H2
2021, with high levels of orders continuing into H2. Sales to the
airport security scanner manufacturer dipped during the pandemic as
their customers cut back on expenditure. This demand is now
starting to return to previous levels.
Aerospace
Regular orders from a European Tier 1 supplier to Airbus are now
being received to coat wing components for the Airbus A320 range.
Orders from a UK-based Tier 1 for the coating of wing components
for the Airbus A330 have started in H2 2022, as have orders for
parts for the Airbus A380 as maintenance activity on the fleet
increases and the existing hard chromed plated parts are replaced
by Hardide-coated ones. Production levels for the A320 and A330 are
increasing as airline activity resumes its previous growth.
Despite Airbus and their European Tier 1 supplier having still
not finalised their own contractual arrangements, this is not
preventing orders being placed by them. This agreement will cover
only certain components for Airbus. Orders from other Tier 1
suppliers are subject to separate arrangements and are currently
being received.
As mentioned previously, Leonardo Helicopters successfully
completed their testing of Hardide-coated components as part of a
modified gearbox transmission system. Currently, they are in the
process of finalising the approval documentation so that production
orders can commence.
Summary and Outlook
The Board is much encouraged by the improving demand from our
traditional markets and the first, and recently received second
order, for coating compressor blades for Ansaldo's power generation
gas turbines. The Company looks forward to a long-term relationship
with this first customer in a new sector for Hardide in which we
see considerable commercial opportunities. Regular orders have
started to materialise for the Airbus A320 series of aircraft with
further orders for Airbus A330 and A380 parts already received in
H2. A number of developments are also underway in the Alternative
Energy sector.
The Board believes that the Group's progress in diversifying the
customer base, product differentiation, increased awareness and
strong customer relationships, position it well for medium- and
long-term growth.
Looking ahead, the Board remains confident that the growth in
revenue will continue in H2 2022 and is set to improve yet further
as we go into 2023.
Robert Goddard
Chairman
10 May 2022
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the period ended 31 March 2022
GBP 000 6 months 6 months Year to
to to
31 March 31 March 30 September
2022 2021 2021
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
Revenue 2,658 1,777 3,597
Cost of Sales (1,556) (1,124) (2,286)
Gross profit 1,102 653 1,311
Administrative expenses (1,323) (1,518) (2,795)
Depreciation - owned assets (433) (417) (854)
Depreciation - right of use
assets (64) (134) (280)
Exceptional items:
Share based payments - - (202)
Provisions - - (6)
Operating loss (718) (1,416) (2,826)
Finance income 1 2 3
Finance costs (14) (9) (17)
Finance costs on right of
use assets (40) (42) (87)
Loss on ordinary activities
before tax (771) (1,465) (2,927)
Tax 15 38 125
Loss on ordinary activities
after tax (756) (1,427) (2,802)
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
For the period ended 31 March 2022
GBP 000 6 months 6 months Year to
to to
31 March 31 March 30 September
2022 2021 2021
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
Total equity at start of
period 6,914 8,837 8,837
Loss for the period (756) (1,427) (2,802)
Issue of new shares - 764 764
Exchange differences on translation
of foreign operation 38 (144) (87)
Share options - - 202
Total equity at end of period 6,196 8,030 6,914
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
As at 31 March 2022
GBP 000 31 March 31 March 30 September
2022 2021 2021
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
Assets
Non-current assets
Goodwill 69 69 69
Intangible assets 27 41 36
Property, plant & equipment 5,490 5,953 5,700
Right of Use Assets 1,821 1,961 1,881
Total non-current assets 7,407 8,024 7,686
Current assets
Inventories 362 528 504
Trade and other receivables 1,146 769 583
Other current financial assets 357 247 442
Cash and cash equivalents 864 2,331 1,543
Total current assets 2,729 3,875 3,072
Total assets 10,136 11,899 10,758
Liabilities
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 665 705 702
Financial liabilities - borrowings 258 91 208
Financial liabilities - leases 199 223 201
Provision for onerous lease
and dilapidations 12 99 34
Provision for grant repayment - 54 -
Total current liabilities 1,134 1,172 1,145
Net current assets 1,595 2,703 1,927
Non-current liabilities
Financial liabilities - borrowings 941 714 738
Financial liabilities - leases 1,815 1,933 1,911
Provision for onerous lease
and dilapidations 50 50 50
Total non-current liabilities 2,806 2,697 2,699
Total liabilities 3,940 3,869 3,844
Net assets 6,196 8,030 6,914
Equity attributable to equity
holders of the parent
Share capital 3,942 3,942 3,942
Share premium 18,854 18,854 18,854
Retained earnings (16,766) (14,457) (16,012)
Share-based payment reserve 562 360 562
Translation reserve (396) (669) (432)
Total equity 6,196 8,030 6,914
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
For the period ended 31 March 2022
GBP 000 6 months 6 months Year to
to to
31 March 31 March 30 September
2022 2021 2021
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
Cash flows from operating
activities
Operating (loss) (718) (1,416) (2,826)
Impairment of intangibles 9 9 18
Amortisation of deferred
grant (5) (12) -
Depreciation - owned assets 424 408 836
Depreciation - right of use
assets 64 134 280
Share option charge - - 202
Decrease in inventories 142 37 61
(Increase) in receivables (544) (173) (115)
(Decrease) in payables (37) (201) (204)
(Decrease) in provisions (22) (9) (183)
Cash generated from operations (687) (1,223) (1,931)
Finance income 1 2 3
Finance costs (14) (9) (17)
Interest on right of use
assets (40) (42) (87)
Tax received 80 38 96
Net cash generated from
operating activities (660) (1,234) (1,936)
Cash flows from investing
activities
Proceeds from sales of property,
plant, equipment - - 18
Purchase on intangibles
Purchase of property, plant,
equipment - - (4)
(185) (145) (313)
Net cash used in investing
activities (185) (145) (299)
Cash flows from financing
activities
Net proceeds from issue of
ordinary share capital - 764 764
Loans raised 333 358 553
Loans repaid (75) (39) (101)
Grants repaid - (54) -
Lease principal repayments (98) (83) (273)
Net cash used in financing
activities 160 946 943
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations 6 49 120
Net decrease in cash and
cash equivalents (679) (384) (1,172)
Cash and cash equivalents
at the beginning of the period 1,543 2,715 2,715
Cash and cash equivalents
at the end of the period 864 2,331 1,543
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