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RNS Number : 5307U
Norcros PLC
30 July 2020
30 July 2020
AGM Trading Statement
Norcros plc ("Norcros" or the "Group"), a market leading
supplier of high quality and innovative bathroom and kitchen
products, issues the following trading update for the 16 week
period ended 26 July 2020 ahead of its Annual General Meeting which
takes place at 11.00am today.
Trading Update
Trading continues to gather momentum as the COVID-19 lockdowns
have gradually been lifted, with year to date revenue for the 16
weeks to 26 July 2020 at 65% of the same period last year on a
reported basis and 68% on a constant currency basis.
It is pleasing to report that Group activity levels have
continued to increase since the start of the financial year with
revenue in June at 90% of June last year and July currently running
at 108% of the same period last year both on a constant currency
basis.
Revenue % of prior year
Year to May June Month Month to 26 Year to 26
(9 weeks) (4 weeks) July July (16
(3 weeks) weeks)
------------ ----------- ------------ -----------
UK 48% 91% 115% 73%
------------ ----------- ------------ -----------
South Africa 25% 75% 80% 50%
------------ ----------- ------------ -----------
South Africa
(at CC) 30% 89% 95% 59%
------------ ----------- ------------ -----------
Group 40% 85% 101% 65%
------------ ----------- ------------ -----------
Group (at CC) 42% 90% 108% 68%
------------ ----------- ------------ -----------
Note: CC refers to constant currency basis
Our UK business has recovered well with June's revenue at 91% of
the same period last year as builders and contractors returned to
work and independent showrooms and retailers reopened, and July's
month to date revenue is 115% of the same period last year. We
continue to reopen our facilities and align capacity with demand
and inventory levels, with the number of staff furloughed being
reduced accordingly, whilst ensuring the safety and welfare of our
people at all times.
We have also made good progress in South Africa with year to
date revenue at 50% of prior year on a reported basis and 59% on a
constant currency basis, with June revenue at 89% of last year on a
constant currency basis and July month to date revenue at 95% on a
constant currency basis. All our manufacturing facilities and
retail outlets are now fully operational with the appropriate
precautions in place for our staff and customers.
Overall, the Group broke even at the underlying operating profit
level in May with a return to profitability on the same basis in
June resulting in a small underlying operating profit for the first
quarter.
Strong balance sheet and liquidity
As outlined in our year end statement of 25 June, in response to
the sharp impact of COVID-19 we took immediate action to preserve
cashflow and reduce costs. Group net debt has reduced to GBP35.2m
at the end of June compared with GBP36.4m at the year end. Net
Debt: LTM EBITDA at the end of June was 1 times compared to 0.9
times at the year end.
Board changes
As previously announced, Martin Towers will step down as a
Non-Executive Director and Board Chair at the conclusion of today's
AGM. Mark Allen joined the Board as a Non-Executive Director and
Board Chair designate on 1 May 2020 and will, subject to his
successful election as a director at today's AGM, take over as
Board Chair.
Nick Kelsall, Group Chief Executive, commented:
"We have reacted swiftly to adapt our businesses to operate
safely and as cost effectively as possible. Our main markets are
recovering from the impact of the pandemic and Norcros is emerging
in a robust competitive position with a strong balance sheet and a
well developed pipeline of new products. We are pleased that we
have achieved what we set out to do some five months ago.
As our main economies emerge from the impact of the pandemic the
shape of the recovery in demand for our products remains uncertain.
Notwithstanding, Norcros is in a strong competitive position with
significant funding and liquidity headroom. Its leading market
positions, well established brands, broad distribution channels and
experienced management teams mean the Group is well positioned to
continue to take market share and return to growth as soon as
practicable."
Enquiries
Norcros plc Tel: 01625 547700
Nick Kelsall, Group Chief Executive
Shaun Smith, Group Finance Director
Hudson Sandler Tel: 0207 796 4133
Nick Lyon
Toby Andrews
Notes to Editors
Norcros is a market leading supplier of high quality and
innovative bathroom and kitchen products with operations primarily
in the UK and South Africa.
-- Based in the UK, Norcros operates under seven brands:
-- Triton - Market leader in the manufacture and marketing of showers in the UK
-- Merlyn - The UK and Ireland's No.1 supplier of shower
enclosures and trays to the residential, commercial and hospitality
sectors
-- Vado - A leading manufacturer and supplier of taps, mixer
showers, bathroom accessories and valves
-- Croydex - A market-leading, innovative designer, manufacturer
and distributor of high quality bathroom furnishings and
accessories
-- Abode - A leading niche designer and distributor of high
quality kitchen taps, bathroom taps, and kitchen sinks
-- Johnson Tiles - The leading manufacturer and supplier of ceramic tiles in the UK
-- Norcros Adhesives - Manufacturer of tile & stone adhesives, grouts and related products
-- Based in South Africa, Norcros operates under four brands:
-- Tile Africa - Chain of retail stores focused on ceramic and
porcelain tiles, and associated products such as sanitaryware,
showers and adhesives
-- Johnson Tiles South Africa - Manufacturer of ceramic and porcelain tiles
-- TAL - The leading manufacturer of ceramic and building adhesives
-- House of Plumbing - Market leading supplier of specialist plumbing materials
-- Norcros is headquartered in Wilmslow, Cheshire and employs
around 2,000 people. The Company is listed on the London Stock
Exchange. For further information please visit the Company website:
http://www.norcros.com
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END
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