TIDMTAN
RNS Number : 8443L
Tanfield Group PLC
24 April 2018
The Tanfield Group Plc
("Tanfield" or "the Company")
Final Results for the year ending 31 December 2017 and Notice of
AGM
Tanfield Group Plc, a passive investing company as defined by
AIM Rules, announces its final results for the year ending 31
December 2017. The audited financial statements are being posted to
shareholders today and made available on the Company website at
www.tanfieldgroup.com shortly.
Tanfield announces that its Annual General Meeting will be held
at 12:00p.m. (UK time) on 21 May 2018 at Sandgate House, 102
Quayside, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 3DX. Information on the
resolutions can be found in the Notice of Annual General Meeting
circular that will be posted to shareholders today and made
available on the Company website at www.tanfieldgroup.com
shortly.
Daryn Robinson, Chairman of Tanfield, said:
"We have continued to closely monitor the progress of the
Company's main investment in Snorkel International Holdings LLC
("Snorkel") during the year whilst still maintaining a watchful eye
over the investment in Smith Electric Vehicles Corp. ("Smith")
despite the carrying value being nil. The Board is pleased with the
progress made by Snorkel during 2017 and feels that, should the
progress continue, it makes the likelihood of a realisation of
value in the future more probable. The calculation of the Snorkel
valuation was made in 2013 and is based on the formula for
realisation of value, which expires on 30 September 2018, detailed
in the circular that was distributed prior to the joint venture
between Tanfield Group Plc and Xtreme Manufacturing LLC. Whilst
progress continues to be made, the Board is of the view that the
financial targets required to trigger the formula for realisation
of value will not be met before this expiry date. After this date,
the calculation of the investment value becomes uncertain and the
return could be less than the carrying value. The Board continues
to hold the view that the value of the investment in Smith should
be nil."
Investment Report
Background
The Company is defined as an investment company with two passive
investments. This definition resulted from the disposal of the
controlling interest in Smith in 2009 and the formation of a joint
venture between Tanfield Group Plc and Xtreme Manufacturing LLC
("Xtreme") relating to Snorkel in October 2013. Tanfield currently
owns 5.76% of Smith Electric Vehicles Corp. and 49% of Snorkel
International Holdings LLC.
Overview
Snorkel
Tanfield continues to own 49% of Snorkel, which it has held
since the joint venture was established in October 2013. Sales
levels (unaudited) have continued to grow during 2017, increasing
by 27% resulting in sales of $165.8m (2016: $130.5m / 2015: $109.9m
/ 2014: $85.3m). Snorkel's strategy of creating a broader and more
diverse customer base in targeted areas is one of the factors that
has assisted the continued sales growth. The Board is not aware of
any market factors, nor has it been made aware of any other
specific reason why further growth could not take place in
2018.
The Snorkel unaudited accounts for 2017 report an operating
profit, excluding depreciation, of $1.6m (2016: $2.8m loss / 2015:
$10.6m loss / 2014: $14.9m loss). The Board takes comfort from a
sustained period of operating profitability experienced in 2017.
This is testament to the focused cost-down activity that has taken
place in recent years and that is expected to continue in future
and which, if successful, should reduce the bill of material costs
and improve gross margins further.
With the continued focus and support received from the majority
owner Don Ahern, the owner of Xtreme, the Board sees no reason why
Snorkel could not once again see growth in 2018, having achieved
sales growth of 29% in 2015, 19% in 2016 and 27% in 2017, and
therefore potentially increase the level of operating
profitability. Tanfield is, however, unsure if the dependency in
the US upon Ahern Rentals as its principal customer may have an
impact upon this possible outcome.
Should economic conditions materially change during the
remainder of 2018, this may have an impact on the expected outcome,
but the Board is currently of the opinion that the investment in
Snorkel will result in a return to shareholders in the future,
although it should be noted that this is not expected to
materialise until after 30 September 2018, when the outcome then
becomes uncertain and could be less or could be more than the
calculated realisation value.
Valuation of Snorkel holding
The Board of Tanfield has taken a view of the carrying value of
its 49% holding and its adjusted priority amount that takes account
of risks in the industrial global markets and the normal cycles
that operate within these markets. The range of potential
valuations can be broad, with the added complexity of a time-
driven element whereby the agreement for the current valuation
formula could only be triggered during a five year period ending in
September 2018.
At the end of 2017 there were just 9 months left to run on the
fixed terms of the agreement. If the formula is not triggered
within the 5 year time frame, Tanfield will retain a 49% interest
in Snorkel but the trailing 12 month $25m EBITDA trigger compelling
payment of the $22.4m adjusted priority amount and the Company's
put option compelling the purchase of Tanfield's remaining interest
in Snorkel will expire. The Board continues to hold the view that
Don Ahern, the owner of Xtreme, would wish to one day own 100% of
Snorkel and will therefore seek to exercise the call option to buy
Tanfield's holding in Snorkel at some point in the future.
As the Board is of the view that the $25m EBITDA trigger will
not be achieved by the expiry date, the calculation of the
investment value then becomes uncertain. The Board has considered a
number of possible scenarios, which assume that both progress
within Snorkel and the wider global market conditions will continue
to improve and, given the range of possible outcomes, the actual
realisation could be less or more than the current valuation. A
number of factors could influence the valuation and performance of
Snorkel between now and a potential realisation date beyond
September 2018, including Xtreme's negotiating stance and the
exchange rate at the time of any realisation.
Due to the inherent uncertainties, the Board is unable to
determine whether the outcome will be less than the current
investment value so feel the current valuation of GBP36.3m should
be maintained. This valuation has been assessed against various
criteria, including past performance, production capacity, market
conditions, the capability of the business to increase output and
exchange rate fluctuations.
Smith
In October 2014 Smith completed a restructuring exercise that
saw it convert debt to equity. As a result of this, they informed
the Company that its equity shareholding had reduced from 24% to
5.76% (excluding warrants).
Since then, Smith has sought to raise funds which would allow it
to implement its strategic plan. To date, no significant fundraise
has been completed and the Board of Tanfield does not foresee this
happening in the immediate future.
In May 2015 Smith executed a conditional agreement to form an
exclusive joint venture with strategic partner and investor FDG
Electric Vehicles Limited ("FDG"). In May 2016, the Board of
Tanfield was informed that Smith had filed a complaint against FDG
and the new Joint Venture. The Board of Tanfield understands that
counter-claims have been made against Smith and that legal
proceedings are ongoing.
Valuation of Smith holding
In 2015, the Board of Directors carried out a review of the
investment in Smith resulting in a decision to impair the
investment value to nil. The Board came to this decision due to the
funding uncertainties as well as the legal proceedings between
Smith and FDG.
In the light of the ongoing legal proceedings and Smith's
inability to raise any meaningful funds since that time, the Board
maintains its opinion that the investment value should be held at
nil.
Strategy of Tanfield Board of Directors in relation to its
Investments
Although the Board cannot predict the timeframe for a return of
value from its investment in Snorkel, the Directors believe that it
will result in a return of value to shareholders over time. In
contrast, at this stage it does not look likely that its investment
in Smith will result in a return of value to shareholders. The
Directors will update shareholders should this view change.
The strategy of the Company in relation to these investments is
to return as much as possible of any realised value to shareholders
as events occur and circumstances allow, subject to compliance with
any legal requirements associated with such distributions.
The Board takes the view that while there has been further
progress made by Snorkel, there is still a risk of failure,
although based on progress to date and commitments from Don Ahern /
Xtreme, this seems unlikely. The Board will continue to fulfill its
obligation to its shareholders in seeking to optimise the value of
its investments.
The investments are defined as passive investments and in line
with this definition Tanfield does not hold Board seats in either
Snorkel or Smith. There is no limit on the amount of time the
existing investments may be held by the Company.
STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2017
2017 2016
GBP000's GBP000's
=============================================== ==== ==== ============= =========
Revenue - -
Staff costs (83) (85)
Other operating income 84 30
Other operating expenses (149) (182)
------------------------------------------------------------ ------------- ---------
Loss from operations (148) (237)
Finance expense - (13)
Finance income - 1
------------------------------------------------------------ ------------- ---------
Net finance expense - (12)
Loss from operations before
tax (148) (249)
Taxation - -
----------------------------------------------- ---- ---- ------------- ---------
Loss & total comprehensive income for
the year attributable to equity shareholders (148) (249)
----------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ---------
Earnings per share
Loss per share from operations
Basic and diluted (p) (0.1) (0.2)
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION (Company registration number 04061965)
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2017
2017 2016
GBP000's GBP000's
======================================================== ==== ==== ============= ================
Non current assets
Non current Investments 36,283 36,283
--------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ----------------
36,283 36,283
---- ---- -------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ----------------
Current assets
Trade and other receivables 13 61
Cash and cash equivalents 134 269
--------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ----------------
147 330
---- ---- -------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ----------------
Total assets 36,430 36,613
--------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ----------------
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 56 91
--------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ----------------
56 91
---- ---- -------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ----------------
Total liabilities 56 91
--------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ----------------
Equity
Share capital 7,816 7,816
Share premium 17,190 17,190
Share option reserve 331 459
Special reserve 66,837 66,837
Merger reserve 1,534 1,534
Retained earnings (57,334) (57,314)
--------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ----------------
Total equity attributable
to equity shareholders 36,374 36,522
--------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ----------------
Total equity and liabilities 36,430 36,613
--------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ----------------
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY ATTRIBUTABLE TO EQUITY SHAREHOLDERS
FOR THE YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2017
Share Share Share Merger Special Retained Total
capital premiuma option reservec reserved earningse
reserveb
GBP000's GBP000's GBP000's GBP000's GBP000's GBP000's GBP000's
At 1 January 2016 7,546 16,800 461 1,534 66,837 (57,067) 36,111
----------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ----------- ---------- ---------
Comprehensive income
Loss for the year - - - - - (249) (249)
----------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ----------- ---------- ---------
Total comprehensive
income for the year - - - - - (249) (249)
Transactions with
owners in their capacity
as owners:-
Issuance of new
shares (note 10) 270 390 - - - - 660
Share based payments
(note 11) - - (2) - - 2 -
----------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ----------- ---------- ---------
At 31 December 2016 7,816 17,190 459 1,534 66,837 (57,314) 36,522
----------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ----------- ---------- ---------
Comprehensive income
Loss for the year - - - - - (148) (148)
----------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ----------- ---------- ---------
Total comprehensive
income for the year - - - - - (148) (148)
Transactions with
owners in their capacity
as owners:-
Share based payments
(note 11) - - (128) - - 128 -
----------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ----------- ---------- ---------
At 31 December 2017 7,816 17,190 331 1,534 66,837 (57,334) 36,374
----------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ----------- ---------- ---------
a The share premium account represents amounts subscribed for
share capital in excess of nominal value, net of directly
attributable share issue costs.
b The share option reserve represents the cumulative share-based
payment expense.
c The merger reserve has arisen on the legal acquisition of
subsidiary companies.
d The special reserve relates to a previous reclassification of
the share premium account.
e The retained earnings represents the accumulated retained
profits and losses less dividend payments.
CASH FLOW STATEMENT
FOR THE YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2017
2017 2016
GBP000's GBP000's
============================================ ==== ============= =========
Loss before interest and taxation (148) (237)
Operating cash flows before movements
in working capital (148) (237)
Decrease in receivables 48 25
Decrease in payables (35) (273)
--------------------------------------------------- ------------- ---------
Net cash used in operating activities (135) (485)
Cash flow from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of ordinary
shares net of costs - 660
--------------------------------------------------- ------------- ---------
Net cash generated by financing activities - 660
--------------------------------------------------- ------------- ---------
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and
cash equivalents (135) 175
Cash and cash equivalents at the start
of year 269 94
--------------------------------------------------- ------------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at the end
of the year 134 269
--------------------------------------------------- ------------- ---------
1. Basis of preparation
The results announcement has been prepared under the historical
cost convention on a going concern basis and in accordance with the
recognition and measurement principles of International Financial
Reporting Standards and IFRIC interpretations as adopted by the EU
("IFRS").
The announcement has been prepared on the basis of the same
accounting policies as published in the audited financial
statements of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2017.
The information in this statement has been extracted from the
accounts for the year ended 31 December 2017 and as such, does not
contain all the information required to be disclosed in accordance
with the International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS").
2. Audited Financial Statements
The financial information set out above does not constitute the
Company's statutory accounts for the years ended 31 December 2017
or 2016 within the meaning of s434 of the Companies Act 2006 but is
derived from those accounts. Statutory accounts for 2016 have been
delivered to the registrar of companies, and those for 2017 will be
delivered in due course.
The auditors have reported on those accounts; their reports were
(i) unqualified and (ii) did not contain a statement under section
498 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006 in respect of the accounts
for 2016 or 2017. However, (iii) in their audit report for the year
ended 31 December 2016 the auditors did include a matter to which
they drew attention by way of emphasis. The results for the year
ended 31 December 2017 were approved and authorised for issue by
the Board of Directors on 23 April 2018 and are audited.
The information contained in this preliminary announcement was
authorised and approved by the Board of Directors on 23 April
2018.
3. Loss per share
Basic loss per share is calculated by dividing the loss attributable
to equity shareholders by the weighted average number of shares
in issue during the period. In calculating the dilution per share,
share options outstanding and other potential ordinary shares
have been taken into account where the impact of these is dilutive.
As the potential dilutive ordinary shares from share options
reduce the loss per share these shares are omitted from the dilutive
loss per share calculation. The average share price during the
year was 14.10p (2016: 12.88p).
2017 2016
No. No.
Number of shares 000's 000's
------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- ----- --------- ---------
Weighted average number of ordinary shares for
the purposes of basic earnings per share 156,324 153,677
Effect of dilutive potential ordinary
shares from share options - 122
------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- ----- --------- ---------
Weighted average number of ordinary shares for
the purposes of diluted earnings per share 156,324 153,799
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ --------- ---------
Loss
2017 2016
From operations GBP000's GBP000's
------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- ----- --------- ---------
Loss for the purposes of basic earnings per share
being net profit attributable to owners of the
parent (148) (249)
Potential dilutive ordinary shares from share - -
options
------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------- ---------
Loss for the purposes of diluted earnings
per share (148) (249)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------- ---------
Loss per share from operations
Basic and diluted (p) (0.1) (0.2)
For further information:
Tanfield Group Plc
Daryn Robinson 0700 349 7489
WH Ireland Limited - Nominated Advisor / Broker
James Joyce / Alex Bond 020 7220 1666
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
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