7 August 2024
4imprint Group
plc
Half year results for the 26
weeks ended 29 June 2024 (unaudited)
Strong financial performance;
taking share in challenging market conditions
4imprint Group plc, (the "Group"), a
direct marketer of promotional products, today announces its half
year results for the 26 weeks ended 29 June 2024. The results for
the half year and prior half year are unaudited.
Financial Overview
|
Half year
2024
$m
|
Half
year
2023
$m
|
Change
|
Revenue
Operating profit
Profit before tax
Cash and bank deposits
|
667.5
69.9
73.0
121.5
|
635.5
63.8
66.0
74.5
|
+5%
+10%
+11%
+63%
|
Basic EPS (cents)
Interim dividend per share
(cents)
Interim dividend per share
(pence)
|
194.3
80.0
62.7
|
176.2
65.0
50.8
|
+10%
+23%
+23%
|
Operational Overview
|
·
Demand remained steady in challenging market
conditions:
·
1,085,000 total orders received in H1 2024 (H1
2023: 1,047,000)
·
145,000 new customers acquired in H1 2024 (H1
2023: 158,000)
·
Favourable existing customer retention
profile
·
Average order value +2% over H1 2023
·
Operating profit margin increased to 10.5% (H1
2023: 10.0%), reflecting further progress in gross profit
management and a more flexible marketing mix
·
$20.0m Oshkosh distribution centre expansion on
budget and on time for late Q3 completion
·
Interim dividend of 80.0c per share declared
(2023: 65.0c) reflects the Group's strong financial
position
|
Paul Moody, Chairman said:
"Based on our first half financial
results and recent internal forecasts, the Board expects that 2024
full year Group revenue will reflect a growth rate similar to the
first half of the year. As a result of improving financial dynamics
in the business, particularly higher gross profit percentage and
the flexibility of the marketing mix, it is expected that profit
before tax for the 2024 full year will remain within the current
range of analysts' forecasts.
The Board is confident in the Group's
ability to manage through the current market conditions, blending
resilient near-term financial results with attractive prospects for
significant further organic growth over the medium
term."
For
further information, please contact:
4imprint Group plc
Tel. + 44 (0) 20 3709
9680
hq@4imprint.co.uk
|
MHP Group
Tel. + 44 (0) 7884 494112
4imprint@mhpgroup.com
|
Kevin Lyons-Tarr, Chief Executive
Officer
David Seekings, Chief Financial
Officer
|
Katie Hunt
Eleni Menikou
|
|
| |
Chairman's Statement
Performance summary
In the first half of 2024 the Group
delivered a resilient trading performance. Although revenue growth
was more difficult to achieve than in recent years, we have
continued to outperform the overall promotional products industry,
thereby taking further market share.
Group revenue in the first half of
2024 was $667.5m, an increase of 5% over the same period in 2023.
Despite this more modest revenue growth, the Group produced an
excellent financial performance on all other measures. Gross profit
percentage showed further encouraging progress, with the reshaped
marketing mix demonstrating the efficiency and flexibility that we
expected against a softer economic backdrop. As a result of these
factors, operating profit margin improved to 10.5% (H1 2023:
10.0%).
Profit before tax for the period was
up 11% at $73.0m (H1 2023: $66.0m), driving basic earnings per
share of 194.3c (H1 2023: 176.2c). Cash conversion remained
favourable, resulting in cash and bank deposits at the half year of
$121.5m (H1 2023: $74.5m).
Strategy
In summary, our strategy remains the
same - to deliver attractive organic revenue growth by increasing
our share of the fragmented yet substantial markets that we
serve.
We take a long-term view of the
business and its future development. This includes making necessary
investments in the people, marketing resources and infrastructure
required for success, regardless of the immediate market
conditions. Experience has taught us that if we remain diligent in
looking after the business in more difficult times, a market share
opportunity tends to follow.
Dividend
The Group is in a very strong
financial position, with substantial cash and bank deposits at the
half year of $121.5m (H1 2023: $74.5m). Consequently, and in line
with its balance sheet funding and capital allocation guidelines,
the Board has declared an interim dividend of 80.0c per share
(2023: 65.0c), an increase of 23%.
Outlook
Based on our first half financial
results and recent internal forecasts, the Board expects that 2024
full year Group revenue will reflect a growth rate similar to the
first half of the year. As a result of improving financial dynamics
in the business, particularly higher gross profit percentage and
the flexibility of the marketing mix, it is expected that profit
before tax for the 2024 full year will remain within the current
range of analysts' forecasts.
The Board is confident in the
Group's ability to manage through the current market conditions,
blending resilient near-term financial results with attractive
prospects for significant further organic growth over the medium
term.
Paul
Moody
Chairman
6 August 2024
Operating and Financial Review
Operating
Review
|
Half year
2024
|
Half
year
2023
|
Revenue
|
$m
|
$m
|
North America
|
654.7
|
623.8
|
UK & Ireland
|
12.8
|
11.7
|
Total
|
667.5
|
635.5
|
|
Half year
2024
|
Half
year
2023
|
Operating profit
|
$m
|
$m
|
Direct Marketing
operations
|
72.3
|
66.3
|
Head Office costs
|
(2.4)
|
(2.5)
|
Total
|
69.9
|
63.8
|
Performance overview
In our 2023 full year results
announcement, issued on 13 March 2024, we noted a slow-down in
growth in the promotional products industry in the second half of
2023, reflecting a more cautious macroeconomic environment. This
challenging market backdrop continued into the first half of
2024.
A combination of factors has caused
softness in demand across our industry. These factors include:
concern over a possible recession; interest rates remaining at
higher levels for longer than anticipated; residual inflation
running higher than GDP growth; and continuing domestic and
geo-political instability. Since promotional products mostly
represent discretionary spend, our customers, both potential and
existing, have kept a tight hold on their budgets.
ASI, a North American industry body,
recorded market revenue growth estimates of only 0.1% in the fourth
quarter of 2023, followed by a decline of 0.9% and gain of 1.3% in
the first and second quarters of 2024 respectively. Looked at
another way, the US promotional products market has been
essentially flat and has likely trailed the broader US economy as
measured by US GDP growth. The result of this for 4imprint has been
a challenging first half of 2024 for demand generation, contrasting
clearly with the post-pandemic rebound years of 2022 and 2023. The
smaller Canadian and UK markets experienced similar trading
conditions over the same period.
In total, 1,085,000 orders were
received in the first half of 2024. This was an increase of 4% over
the same period in 2023, reflecting strong existing customer
retention but a more difficult environment for new customer
acquisition.
Orders from new customers totaled
250,000, 8% below the 272,000 received in the first half of 2023.
145,000 new customers were acquired over the period compared to
158,000 in 2023, indicative of the softening in the promotional
products industry as a whole. We expect new customer demand to
improve against the softer prior year comparative as we move though
the second half of the year.
On the other hand, 835,000 orders
were received from existing customers in the period, an increase of
8% over 775,000 in the first half of 2023. We are pleased with the
strength and resilience of our customer retention, which is a
positive indicator for future performance, demonstrating the
quality of the customers acquired in recent periods.
Average order values remained strong
and were 2% higher than the same period in the prior
year.
Group revenue for the 2024 half year
was $667.5m (H1 2023: $635.5m), an increase of 5%. Operating profit
for the period was $69.9m, an increase of 10% compared to $63.8m in
the first half of 2023. Importantly, we maintained a double-digit
operating profit margin percentage for the Group at 10.5% (H1 2023:
10.0%). There were two primary drivers contributing to this
strength in operating profit margin:
· Gross
profit percentage for the first half of 2024 was 32.1%, a
significant improvement compared to 30.4% in the same period of
2023, benefitting from carefully targeted price adjustments
implemented throughout 2023 and the first half of 2024, along with
minimal supplier costs increases.
· The
resilience and flexibility of the marketing engine, where we have
doubled down on our investment, particularly in the brand component
of the mix, generating revenue per marketing dollar in the first
half of $7.64 (H1 2023: $8.22). This investment will stand us in
good stead as economic conditions improve.
Our business model remains very
cash-generative, with consistent negative working capital
requirements. Underlying operating cash flow conversion was 106%
(H1 2023: 152%). Free cash flow of $59.1m was generated in the
period (H1 2023: $80.7m), delivering a cash and bank deposits total
of $121.5m (H1 2023: $74.5m) at the half year.
Operational highlights
Good progress has been made in the
period in several operational areas.
· People.
We made a significant investment in people
throughout 2023, most significantly in customer service and
production resources. As a result, our platform has been
strengthened and consolidated to handle further growth. In 2024
further hiring has continued, mainly concentrating on specialist
areas such as supply chain, compliance, HR, IT, merchandising and
marketing. We continue to be able to attract the level of talent
that the business requires, in large part due to our reputation in
the community as a good employer.
· Marketing.
The first half of 2024 saw continued work in the
development of our marketing engine, particularly as regards the
brand element, mainly TV. We understand clearly the need to keep up
our presence (and therefore spend) on marketing to our customers.
This investment mentality is aimed at the longer-term development
of the 4imprint brand as well as more short-term activation
techniques. All marketing activities are subject to our tried and
tested "test, read, adjust" approach to finding the optimal
mix.
· Supply.
The supply chain position has been stable in the
first half of 2024. In conjunction with our supplier partners, we
have addressed both the severe supply chain disruption and the
ensuing inflationary pressures experienced in the post-pandemic
recovery period.
· Screen-printing. Our
screen-print facility in Appleton has now been operational for more
than a year. We have been successful in recruiting the team members
required for the new operation, including the more recent addition
of a second shift, supporting our overall apparel decoration
capability.
· Oshkosh
facilities. We announced with our
2023 full year results that we intended to make a further expansion
at our distribution centre site in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. This
facility expansion is aimed primarily at supporting the continued
growth of the apparel category of our product range. The
construction of this $20m project is well under way, with the new
footprint anticipated to be ready for occupancy in September
2024.
Outlook
In summary, although actual demand
has been below our original expectations for the 2024 half year, it
is important to note that 4imprint has continued to take market
share in the period, with 6% demand level revenue growth compared
to industry statistics showing broadly flat overall revenues over
the period.
In addition, an improved gross profit
percentage and a more flexible marketing portfolio have helped
drive strong profitability and cash generation even as we continue
to make important investments in people and infrastructure that
will help to propel the future growth of the business.
Financial
Review
|
|
|
Half year
2024
|
Half
year
2023
|
|
|
|
$m
|
$m
|
Operating profit
|
|
|
69.9
|
63.8
|
Net finance income
|
|
|
3.1
|
2.2
|
Profit before tax
|
|
|
73.0
|
66.0
|
Taxation
|
|
|
(18.3)
|
(16.5)
|
Profit for the period
|
|
|
54.7
|
49.5
|
The Group's revenue, gross profit and
operating profit in the period, summarising expense by function,
were as follows:
|
Half year
2024
|
Half
year
2023
|
|
$m
|
$m
|
Revenue
|
667.5
|
635.5
|
Gross profit
|
214.0
|
193.3
|
Marketing costs
|
(87.4)
|
(77.3)
|
Selling costs
|
(24.7)
|
(22.7)
|
Administration and central
costs
|
(31.0)
|
(28.5)
|
Share option charges and related
social security costs
|
(0.9)
|
(0.5)
|
Defined benefit pension plan
administration costs
|
(0.1)
|
(0.5)
|
Operating profit
|
69.9
|
63.8
|
Operating result
The first six months of 2024 have
seen a solid financial performance, despite market conditions
remaining challenging. Demand level revenue (value of orders
received) increased by 6% over the strong 2023 comparative period,
benefitting from increases in both total order numbers (4%) and
average order value (2%). Reported revenue for the period was 5%
above the first half of 2023.
The gross profit percentage of 32.1%
(H1 2023: 30.4%) has benefitted from carefully targeted price
adjustments implemented throughout 2023, along with smaller
adjustments made in the period and minimal supplier cost
increases.
The reshaped marketing mix continues
to demonstrate the efficiency and flexibility that we expected.
With the softer market conditions presenting an opportunity to
increase our market share, additional investment has been made into
brand and search engine marketing activity whilst still maintaining
spend at a very efficient 13% of revenue (H1 2023: 12%). Revenue
per marketing dollar was $7.64 (H1 2023: $8.22).
Selling, administration, and central
costs together have increased 9% over H1 2023. This increase is
mainly attributable to the annualisation of the significant
investment in people made throughout 2023.
The factors outlined above have
combined to deliver a significant uplift in operating profit to
$69.9m (H1 2023: $63.8m) and operating profit margin to 10.5% (H1
2023: 10.0%), demonstrating the strength of our direct marketing
model even in challenging market conditions.
Foreign exchange
The primary US dollar exchange rates
relevant to the Group's results were as follows:
|
Half year
2024
|
Half year
2023
|
Full year
2023
|
|
Period end
|
Average
|
Period
end
|
Average
|
Period
end
|
Average
|
Sterling
|
1.26
|
1.26
|
1.27
|
1.23
|
1.27
|
1.24
|
Canadian dollars
|
0.73
|
0.74
|
0.76
|
0.74
|
0.76
|
0.74
|
The Group reports in US dollars, its
primary trading currency. It also transacts business in Canadian
dollars, Sterling and Euros. Sterling/US dollar is the exchange
rate most likely to impact the Group's financial
performance.
The primary foreign exchange
considerations relevant to the Group's operations are as
follows:
· Translational risk in the income statement remains low with
the majority of the Group's revenue arising in US dollars, the
Group's reporting currency.
· Most of the constituent elements of the Group balance sheet
are US dollar-based.
· The Group generates cash mostly in US dollars, but its primary
applications of post-tax cash are Shareholder dividends, some Head
Office costs and, up until the end of July 2023, pension deficit
reduction contributions, all of which are paid in
Sterling.
As such, the Group's cash position is
sensitive to Sterling/US dollar exchange movements. To the extent
that Sterling strengthens against the US dollar, less funds are
available in payment currency to fund these cash
outflows.
Share option charges
A total of $0.9m (H1 2023: $0.5m) was
charged in the period in respect of IFRS 2 'Share-based Payments'.
This was made up of two elements: (i) executive awards under the
Deferred Bonus Plan (DBP) and 2015 Incentive Plan; and (ii) charges
in respect of employee savings-related share schemes.
Current options and awards
outstanding are 74,764 shares under the US Employee Stock Purchase
Plan, 10,956 shares under the UK Save As You Earn scheme, and
47,666 share awards under the DBP.
Net
finance income
Net finance income in the period was
$3.1m (H1 2023: $2.2m). This comprises interest earned on cash
deposits, lease interest charges under IFRS 16 and in H1 2023, the
net income on the defined benefit pension plan assets and
liabilities. The increase in the net finance income reflects the
higher average cash and bank deposits balance.
Taxation
The tax charge for the half year was
$18.3m (H1 2023: $16.5m) giving an effective tax rate of 25% (H1
2023: 25%). The primary component of the charge relates to current
tax of $17.8m (H1 2023: $17.6m) on US taxable profits.
Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share increased
10% to 194.3c (H1 2023: 176.2c), reflecting the 11% increase in
profit after tax and a weighted average number of shares in issue
marginally higher than the prior year.
Dividends
Dividends are determined in US
dollars and paid in Sterling, converted at the exchange rate on the
date that the dividend is declared.
The Board has declared an interim
dividend of 80.0c per share (2023: 65.0c), an increase of 23%. In
Sterling, the interim dividend per share will be 62.7p (2023:
50.8p). The dividend will be paid on 16 September 2024 to
Shareholders on the register at the close of business on 16 August
2024.
Defined benefit pension plan
The Group sponsors a legacy UK
defined benefit pension plan (the "Plan") which has been closed to
new members and future accruals for several years. The Plan has 128
pensioners and 191 deferred members.
The Trustee of the Plan entered into
an agreement with Legal and General Assurance Society Limited to
insure substantially all remaining pension benefits of the Plan
through the purchase of a bulk annuity policy at the end of June
2023. The transaction took the form of a buy-in arrangement, with
the insurer funding the Plan for the future payment of liabilities.
The fair value of the bulk annuity policy matches the liabilities
being insured, thus eliminating inflation, interest rate and
longevity risks. As a result of this transaction, the Group ceased
to make monthly deficit funding contributions to the Plan from
August 2023 but will still fund the ongoing administration costs
and settlement of residual liabilities.
The Trustee and the Group remain
committed to the full de-risking of the legacy defined benefit
pension obligations. It is anticipated that we will be able to move
from a buy-in to a buy-out arrangement in 2025.
At 29 June 2024 and 30 December 2023,
the Plan was in a breakeven position on an IAS 19 basis. Gross Plan
assets and liabilities under IAS 19 were both $22.2m.
The movements in the net IAS 19
position is analysed as follows:
|
|
$m
|
IAS 19 surplus at 30 December
2023
|
|
-
|
Return on Plan assets (excluding
interest income)
|
|
(1.1)
|
Remeasurement gains due to changes in
assumptions
|
|
1.1
|
IAS
19 surplus at 29 June 2024
|
|
-
|
Following the entering of the buy-in
arrangement discussed above and, as expected, the net IAS 19
position has not changed over the period.
A triennial actuarial valuation of
the Plan was completed as at 30 September 2022 and this forms the
basis of the IAS 19 valuation set out above.
Cash
flow
The Group had cash and bank deposits
of $121.5m at 29 June 2024 (1 July 2023: $74.5m; 30 December 2023:
$104.5m).
Cash flow in the period is summarised
as follows:
|
Half year
2024
|
Half
year
2023
|
|
$m
|
$m
|
Operating profit
|
69.9
|
63.8
|
Share option charges
|
0.9
|
0.5
|
Defined benefit pension
administration costs paid by the Plan
|
-
|
0.5
|
Depreciation and
amortisation
|
2.3
|
2.3
|
Lease depreciation
|
0.8
|
0.8
|
Change in working capital
|
13.3
|
32.8
|
Capital expenditure
|
(13.4)
|
(3.5)
|
Underlying operating cash flow
|
73.8
|
97.2
|
Tax and interest
|
(12.9)
|
(14.4)
|
Defined benefit pension plan
contributions
|
-
|
(2.1)
|
Own share transactions
|
(0.6)
|
(0.4)
|
Capital element of lease
payments
|
(0.7)
|
(0.7)
|
Exchange and other
|
(0.5)
|
1.1
|
Free
cash flow
|
59.1
|
80.7
|
Dividends to Shareholders
|
(42.1)
|
(93.0)
|
Net
cash inflow/(outflow) in the period
|
17.0
|
(12.3)
|
The Group generated underlying
operating cash flow of $73.8m (H1 2023: $97.2m), a conversion rate
of 106% of operating profit (H1 2023: 152%). The high conversion
rate reflects the efficiency of the Group's drop-ship business
model. The cash conversion rate of 152% in H1 2023 benefitted from
the unwinding of the elevated net working capital position from the
2022 year-end driven by disruption to the supply chain. Capital
expenditure includes expenditure on our planned $20m project to
expand capacity and the solar array at the Oshkosh distribution
centre, and investments in our embroidery and screen-printing
operations.
Free cash flow decreased by $21.6m to
$59.1m (H1 2023: $80.7m) due principally to the unwinding of the
abnormal net working capital position from the 2022 year-end in the
first half of 2023. The decrease was partially offset by the
cessation of deficit funding contributions to the Plan from August
2023 (outflow of $2.1m in H1 2023). The 2023 final dividend of
$42.1m was paid to Shareholders in June 2024.
Balance sheet and Shareholders' funds
Net assets at 29 June 2024 were
$147.8m, compared to $134.5m at 30 December 2023. The balance sheet
is summarised as follows:
|
29 June
2024
|
30
December
2023
|
|
$m
|
$m
|
Non-current assets
|
62.3
|
51.4
|
Working capital
|
(21.2)
|
(7.9)
|
Cash and bank deposits
|
121.5
|
104.5
|
Lease liabilities
|
(12.0)
|
(12.3)
|
Other assets and liabilities -
net
|
(2.8)
|
(1.2)
|
Net
assets
|
147.8
|
134.5
|
Shareholders' funds increased by
$13.3m since the 2023 year-end. The main constituent elements of
the change were retained profit in the period of $54.7m, net of
equity dividends paid to Shareholders of $(42.1)m.
The Group had a net negative working
capital balance of $21.2m at 29 June 2024 (30 December 2023:
$7.9m). This net negative position reflects the strength of our
business model, with minimal inventory requirements, a high
proportion of customers paying for orders by credit card and the
payment of suppliers to agreed terms.
Financing and liquidity
Full details of the Board's balance
sheet funding guidelines and capital allocation priorities are set
out on page 41 of the Annual Report & Accounts 2023. The Board
retains the same guidelines in both areas.
The primary aim of these guidelines
and priorities is to provide operational and financial flexibility
through economic cycles, to be able to invest in opportunities as
they arise, and to meet commitments to both Shareholders through
dividend payments and to the Pension Plan Trustee through the full
de-risking of our legacy defined benefit pension
obligations.
The Group has a $20.0m working
capital facility with its principal US bank, JPMorgan Chase, N.A.
The facility has minimum net income and debt to EBITDA covenants.
The interest rate is the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR)
plus 1.6%, and the facility expires on 31 May 2026. In addition, an
overdraft facility of £1.0m, with an interest rate of the Bank of
England base rate plus 2.0% (or 2.0% if higher), is available from
the Group's principal UK bank, Lloyds Bank plc, until 31 December
2024.
The Group had cash and bank deposits
of $121.5m at the period end and has no current requirement or
plans to raise additional equity or core debt funding.
Principal risks and uncertainties
The Board has ultimate responsibility
for oversight and management of risk and control across the Group.
The Audit Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its
responsibilities to maintain effective governance and oversight of
the Group's risk management and internal controls.
Risks are identified through a
variety of sources, including internally from within the Group
including the Board, operational and functional management teams
and the Group Environmental and Business Risk Management
Committees, and externally, to ensure that emerging risks are
considered. Risk identification focuses on those risks which, if
they occurred, have the potential to have a material impact on the
Group and the achievement of its strategic, operational and
compliance objectives. Risks are categorised into the following
groups: strategic risks; operational risks; reputational risks; and
environmental risks.
Management is responsible for
evaluating each significant risk and implementing specific risk
mitigation activities and controls with the aim of reducing the
resulting residual risk to an acceptable level, as determined in
conjunction with the Group's risk appetite. The Business Risk
Management Committee meets at least three times a year and reviews
the consolidated Group risk register and the mitigating actions and
controls and provides updates to the Audit Committee. This process
is supplemented with risk and control assessments completed by the
operating locations and Group function annually and the activities
of the internal audit function.
The current principal risks and
uncertainties that would impact the successful delivery of the
Group's strategic goals are set out on pages 45 to 53 of the Annual
Report & Accounts 2023, a copy of which is available on the
Group's investor relations website at https://investors.4imprint.com.
These are:
· Macroeconomic conditions.
· Markets and competition.
· Effectiveness of key marketing techniques and brand
development.
· Business facility disruption.
· Domestic supply and delivery.
· Failure or interruption of information technology systems and
infrastructure.
· Cyber
threats.
· Supply
chain compliance and ethics.
· Legal,
regulatory and compliance.
· Climate change.
· Products and market trends.
These risks have not changed since
the 2023 year-end.
Going concern
The condensed consolidated financial
statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. In adopting
the going concern basis, the Directors have considered the Group's
business activities, principal risks and uncertainties,
performance, and financial position.
The Group has modelled its cash flow
outlook for the period to 27 December 2025, considering the ongoing
uncertainties in the macroeconomic and geopolitical environment.
This forecast shows no liquidity concerns or requirement to utilise
the Group's undrawn facilities described in this Financial
Review.
As described in the Financial Review
section of the Annual Report & Accounts 2023, the Group has
also modelled a downside scenario reflecting severe but plausible
downside demand assumptions over a three-year horizon which showed
no liquidity concerns or requirement to utilise the Group's undrawn
facilities in the going concern period.
Based on their assessment, the
Directors have not identified any material uncertainties relating
to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may
cast significant doubt on the Group's and Company's ability to
continue as a going concern for the period to 27 December
2025.
Kevin Lyons-Tarr
|
David Seekings
|
Chief Executive Officer
|
Chief Financial Officer
|
|
|
6 August 2024
|
|
Condensed Consolidated Income Statement
For
the 26 weeks ended 29 June 2024
|
Note
|
Half year
2024
Unaudited
$m
|
Half
year
2023
Unaudited
$m
|
Full
year
2023
Audited
$m
|
Revenue
|
6
|
667.5
|
635.5
|
1,326.5
|
Operating expenses
|
|
(597.6)
|
(571.7)
|
(1,190.3)
|
Operating profit
|
6
|
69.9
|
63.8
|
136.2
|
Finance income
|
|
3.3
|
2.3
|
4.7
|
Finance costs
|
|
(0.2)
|
(0.2)
|
(0.4)
|
Pension finance income
|
|
-
|
0.1
|
0.2
|
Net finance income
|
|
3.1
|
2.2
|
4.5
|
Profit before tax
|
|
73.0
|
66.0
|
140.7
|
Taxation
|
7
|
(18.3)
|
(16.5)
|
(34.5)
|
Profit for the period
|
|
54.7
|
49.5
|
106.2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cents
|
Cents
|
Cents
|
Earnings per share
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
8
|
194.3
|
176.2
|
377.9
|
Diluted
|
8
|
193.9
|
175.7
|
377.0
|
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive
Income
For
the 26 weeks ended 29 June 2024
|
|
Half year
2024
Unaudited
|
Half
year
2023
Unaudited
|
Full
year
2023
Audited
|
|
|
$m
|
$m
|
$m
|
Profit for the period
|
|
54.7
|
49.5
|
106.2
|
Other comprehensive income
|
|
|
|
|
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to the income
statement:
|
|
|
|
|
Currency translation
differences
|
|
(0.5)
|
1.4
|
1.4
|
Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to the income
statement:
|
|
|
|
|
Return on pension plan assets
(excluding interest income and impact of buy-in policy)
|
|
(1.1)
|
(1.6)
|
(1.1)
|
Re-measurement loss on pension buy-in
policy
|
|
-
|
(4.6)
|
(4.6)
|
Re-measurement gains/(losses) on
post-employment obligations
|
|
1.1
|
(0.7)
|
(1.8)
|
Tax relating to components of other
comprehensive income
|
|
0.8
|
1.2
|
2.3
|
Other comprehensive income for the period, net of
tax
|
|
0.3
|
(4.3)
|
(3.8)
|
Total comprehensive income for the period, net of
tax
|
|
55.0
|
45.2
|
102.4
|
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
At
29 June 2024
|
|
29 June
2024
Unaudited
|
1
July
2023
Unaudited
|
30
Dec
2023
Audited
|
|
Note
|
$m
|
$m
|
$m
|
Non-current assets
|
|
|
|
|
Intangible assets
|
|
1.4
|
1.8
|
1.5
|
Property, plant and
equipment
|
|
46.0
|
30.8
|
34.7
|
Right-of-use assets
|
|
11.0
|
12.3
|
11.4
|
Deferred tax assets
|
|
3.9
|
3.0
|
3.8
|
Retirement benefit asset
|
|
-
|
0.1
|
-
|
|
|
62.3
|
48.0
|
51.4
|
Current assets
|
|
|
|
|
Inventories
|
|
20.4
|
18.3
|
13.6
|
Trade and other
receivables
|
|
74.7
|
81.4
|
68.4
|
Corporation tax debtor
|
|
-
|
-
|
0.4
|
Other financial assets - bank
deposits
|
|
-
|
-
|
14.0
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
121.5
|
74.5
|
90.5
|
|
|
216.6
|
174.2
|
186.9
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
Lease liabilities
|
10
|
(1.6)
|
(1.4)
|
(1.4)
|
Trade and other payables
|
|
(116.3)
|
(115.8)
|
(89.9)
|
Current tax creditor
|
|
(1.6)
|
(0.5)
|
-
|
|
|
(119.5)
|
(117.7)
|
(91.3)
|
Net
current assets
|
|
97.1
|
56.5
|
95.6
|
Non-current liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
Lease liabilities
|
10
|
(10.4)
|
(11.6)
|
(10.9)
|
Deferred tax liabilities
|
|
(1.2)
|
(0.4)
|
(1.6)
|
|
|
(11.6)
|
(12.0)
|
(12.5)
|
Net
assets
|
|
147.8
|
92.5
|
134.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders' equity
|
|
|
|
|
Share capital
|
|
18.9
|
18.8
|
18.9
|
Share premium reserve
|
|
70.8
|
68.5
|
70.8
|
Other reserves
|
|
5.3
|
5.8
|
5.8
|
Retained earnings
|
|
52.8
|
(0.6)
|
39.0
|
Total Shareholders' equity
|
|
147.8
|
92.5
|
134.5
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders'
Equity (unaudited)
For
the 26 weeks ended 29 June 2024
|
Share
capital
|
Share
premium
reserve
|
Other
reserves
|
Retained
earnings
|
|
Own
shares
|
Profit
and
loss
|
Total
equity
|
|
$m
|
$m
|
$m
|
$m
|
$m
|
$m
|
Balance at 1 January 2023
|
18.8
|
68.5
|
4.4
|
(0.9)
|
49.4
|
140.2
|
Profit for the period
|
|
|
|
|
49.5
|
49.5
|
Other comprehensive income
|
|
|
1.4
|
|
(5.7)
|
(4.3)
|
Total comprehensive income
|
|
|
1.4
|
|
43.8
|
45.2
|
Proceeds from options
exercised
|
|
|
|
|
0.1
|
0.1
|
Own shares utilised
|
|
|
|
0.6
|
(0.6)
|
-
|
Own shares purchased
|
|
|
|
(0.5)
|
|
(0.5)
|
Share-based payment charge
|
|
|
|
|
0.5
|
0.5
|
Dividends
|
|
|
|
|
(93.0)
|
(93.0)
|
Balance at 1 July 2023
|
18.8
|
68.5
|
5.8
|
(0.8)
|
0.2
|
92.5
|
Profit for the period
|
|
|
|
|
56.7
|
56.7
|
Other comprehensive income
|
|
|
-
|
|
0.5
|
0.5
|
Total comprehensive income
|
|
|
-
|
|
57.2
|
57.2
|
Shares issued
|
0.1
|
2.3
|
|
|
|
2.4
|
Own shares utilised
|
|
|
|
0.1
|
(0.1)
|
-
|
Own shares purchased
|
|
|
|
(0.6)
|
|
(0.6)
|
Share-based payment charge
|
|
|
|
|
0.6
|
0.6
|
Deferred tax relating to components
of equity
|
|
|
|
|
0.2
|
0.2
|
Dividends
|
|
|
|
|
(17.8)
|
(17.8)
|
Balance at 30 December
2023
|
18.9
|
70.8
|
5.8
|
(1.3)
|
40.3
|
134.5
|
Profit for the period
|
|
|
|
|
54.7
|
54.7
|
Other comprehensive income
|
|
|
(0.5)
|
|
0.8
|
0.3
|
Total comprehensive income
|
|
|
(0.5)
|
|
55.5
|
55.0
|
Own shares utilised
|
|
|
|
1.1
|
(1.1)
|
-
|
Own shares purchased
|
|
|
|
(0.6)
|
|
(0.6)
|
Share-based payment charge
|
|
|
|
|
0.9
|
0.9
|
Deferred tax relating to components
of equity
|
|
|
|
|
0.1
|
0.1
|
Dividends
|
|
|
|
|
(42.1)
|
(42.1)
|
Balance at 29 June 2024
|
18.9
|
70.8
|
5.3
|
(0.8)
|
53.6
|
147.8
|
Condensed Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
For
the 26 weeks ended 29 June 2024
|
|
Half year
2024
Unaudited
|
Half
year
2023
Unaudited
|
Full
year
2023
Audited
|
|
Note
|
$m
|
$m
|
$m
|
Cash
flows from operating activities
|
|
|
|
|
Cash generated from
operations
|
12
|
87.1
|
98.4
|
166.9
|
Tax paid
|
|
(15.8)
|
(16.5)
|
(33.8)
|
Finance income received
|
|
3.1
|
2.3
|
4.3
|
Lease interest
|
|
(0.2)
|
(0.2)
|
(0.4)
|
Net cash generated from operating
activities
|
|
74.2
|
84.0
|
137.0
|
Cash
flows from investing activities
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase of property, plant and
equipment
|
|
(13.5)
|
(3.6)
|
(10.0)
|
Proceeds from sale of property, plant
and equipment
|
|
0.1
|
0.1
|
0.3
|
Decrease in current asset investments
- bank deposits
|
|
14.0
|
36.1
|
21.0
|
Net cash from investing
activities
|
|
0.6
|
32.6
|
11.3
|
Cash
flows from financing activities
|
|
|
|
|
Capital element of lease
payments
|
|
(0.7)
|
(0.7)
|
(1.4)
|
Proceeds from issue of ordinary
shares
|
|
-
|
-
|
2.4
|
Proceeds from share options
exercised
|
|
-
|
0.1
|
0.1
|
Purchases of own shares
|
|
(0.6)
|
(0.5)
|
(1.1)
|
Dividends paid to
Shareholders
|
9
|
(42.1)
|
(93.0)
|
(110.8)
|
Net cash used in financing
activities
|
|
(43.4)
|
(94.1)
|
(110.8)
|
Net
movement in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
31.4
|
22.5
|
37.5
|
Cash and cash equivalents at
beginning of the period
|
|
90.5
|
51.8
|
51.8
|
Exchange (losses)/gains on cash and
cash equivalents
|
|
(0.4)
|
0.2
|
1.2
|
Cash
and cash equivalents at end of the period
|
|
121.5
|
74.5
|
90.5
|
Notes to the Interim Financial Statements
1
General information
4imprint Group plc is a public
limited company incorporated in England and Wales, domiciled in the
UK and listed on the London Stock Exchange. Its registered office
is 25 Southampton Buildings, London, WC2A 1AL. The Group is engaged
in the direct marketing of promotional products.
The Group presents these interim
condensed consolidated financial statements in US dollars and,
consistent with the statutory accounts for the period ended 30
December 2023, rounded to $0.1m. Numbers in the financial
statements were previously rounded to $'000, however, given the
growth of the Group, it is now considered appropriate to round
numbers to $0.1m.
These interim condensed consolidated
financial statements, which were authorised
for issue in accordance with a resolution of the Directors on 6
August 2024, do not comprise statutory
accounts within the meaning of Section 434 of the Companies Act
2006. Statutory accounts for the period ended 30 December 2023 were
approved by the Board of Directors on 12 March 2024 and delivered
to the Registrar of Companies. The report of the auditors on those
accounts was unqualified, did not contain an emphasis of matter
paragraph and did not contain any statement under Section 498 of
the Companies Act 2006.
The financial information contained
in this report has neither been audited nor reviewed by the
auditors, pursuant to Auditing Practices Board guidance on Review
of Interim Financial Information.
2
Basis of preparation
These interim condensed consolidated
financial statements for the 26 weeks ended 29 June 2024 have been
prepared, in US dollars, in accordance with the Disclosure and
Transparency Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority and IAS 34
'Interim Financial Reporting', as adopted by the United Kingdom,
and should be read in conjunction with the Group's financial
statements for the period ended 30 December 2023, which were
prepared in accordance with UK-adopted International Accounting
Standards.
As outlined in the Going concern
section of the Financial Review, the Directors consider it
appropriate to continue to adopt the going concern basis in
preparing these interim condensed consolidated financial
statements.
The tax charge for the interim period
is accrued based on the best estimate of the tax charge for the
full financial year.
3
Accounting policies
The accounting policies adopted in
the preparation of these interim condensed consolidated financial
statements are consistent with those followed in the preparation of
the Group's annual consolidated financial statements for the period
ended 30 December 2023, as described in those annual financial
statements. New accounting standards applicable for the first time
in this reporting period have no impact on the Group's results or
balance sheet.
4
Estimates and judgments
The critical accounting judgments and
key assumptions and sources of estimation uncertainty were the same
as those applied to the Group's annual
consolidated financial statements for the period ended 30 December
2023, except for the 'purchase of a bulk annuity policy' critical
accounting judgment that related to the purchase of a bulk purchase
annuity policy in 2023 and which therefore has no impact on the
half year 2024.
5
Financial risk management
The Group's activities expose it to
a variety of financial risks: currency risk; credit risk; liquidity
risk; and capital risk. These interim condensed consolidated
financial statements do not include all financial risk management
information and disclosures required in the annual financial
statements; they should be read in conjunction with the Group's
annual consolidated financial statements for the period ended 30
December 2023. There have been no changes in any financial risk
management policies since that date.
6
Segmental reporting
The Group has two operating
segments, North America and UK & Ireland. The costs of the Head
Office are reported separately to the Board, but this is not an
operating segment.
Revenue
|
Half year
2024
$m
|
Half year
2023
$m
|
Full year
2023
$m
|
North America
|
654.7
|
623.8
|
1,302.6
|
UK & Ireland
|
12.8
|
11.7
|
23.9
|
Total Group revenue
|
667.5
|
635.5
|
1,326.5
|
Profit
|
Half year
2024
$m
|
Half year
2023
$m
|
Full year
2023
$m
|
North America
|
72.6
|
66.3
|
141.0
|
UK & Ireland
|
(0.3)
|
-
|
0.2
|
Operating profit from Direct
Marketing operations
|
72.3
|
66.3
|
141.2
|
Head Office costs
|
(2.4)
|
(2.5)
|
(5.0)
|
Operating profit
|
69.9
|
63.8
|
136.2
|
Net finance income
|
3.1
|
2.2
|
4.5
|
Profit before tax
|
73.0
|
66.0
|
140.7
|
Other segmental information
|
Assets
|
Liabilities
|
|
29 June
2024
$m
|
1 July
2023
$m
|
30
Dec
2023
$m
|
29 June
2024
$m
|
1 July
2023
$m
|
30
Dec
2023
$m
|
North America
|
148.0
|
139.7
|
125.6
|
(126.0)
|
(120.5)
|
(99.8)
|
UK & Ireland
|
4.2
|
4.4
|
3.6
|
(4.1)
|
(4.4)
|
(2.9)
|
Head Office
|
126.7
|
78.1
|
109.1
|
(1.0)
|
(4.8)
|
(1.1)
|
|
278.9
|
222.2
|
238.3
|
(131.1)
|
(129.7)
|
(103.8)
|
Head Office assets principally
include other financial assets - bank deposits, cash and cash
equivalents and deferred tax assets. Head Office liabilities
include other payables and accruals.
7
Taxation
Taxation for the period has been
calculated using the estimated tax rate that would be applicable to
the full year. The major components of the income tax expense in
the interim condensed consolidated income statement are:
|
Half year
2024
$m
|
Half year
2023
$m
|
Full year
2023
$m
|
UK tax - current
|
-
|
1.8
|
2.0
|
Overseas tax - current
|
17.8
|
15.8
|
32.1
|
Total current tax
|
17.8
|
17.6
|
34.1
|
Origination and reversal of temporary
differences
|
0.5
|
(1.1)
|
0.4
|
Total deferred tax
|
0.5
|
(1.1)
|
0.4
|
Taxation
|
18.3
|
16.5
|
34.5
|
On 20 June 2023 the UK Finance Bill
was substantively enacted in the UK, including legislation to
implement the OECD Pillar Two income taxes for periods beginning on
or after 31 December 2023. The legislation includes an income
inclusion rule and a domestic minimum tax, which together are
designed to ensure a minimum effective tax rate of 15% in each
country in which the Group operates. Similar legislation is being
enacted by other governments around the world. The Group has
applied the mandatory temporary exception in the Amendments to IAS
12 issued in May 2023 and endorsed in July 2023 and has neither
recognised nor disclosed information about deferred tax assets or
liabilities relating to Pillar Two income taxes and there is no
current tax impact on the financial statements for the half year
2024. Based on an assessment of historic data and forecasts for the
period ending 28 December 2024, the Group does not expect a
material exposure to Pillar Two income taxes for the full year
2024.
8
Earnings per share
The basic and diluted earnings per
share are calculated based on the following data:
|
Half year
2024
|
Half year
2023
|
Full
year
2023
|
|
$m
|
$m
|
$m
|
Profit after tax
|
54.7
|
49.5
|
106.2
|
|
Half year
2024 Number
'000
|
Half year
2023 Number
'000
|
Full year
2023 Number
'000
|
Weighted average number of
shares
|
28,155
|
28,068
|
28,105
|
Dilutive effect of share-based
payments
|
60
|
82
|
66
|
Diluted weighted average number of
shares
|
28,215
|
28,150
|
28,171
|
Basic earnings per share
|
194.3c
|
176.2c
|
377.9c
|
Diluted earnings per share
|
193.9c
|
175.7c
|
377.0c
|
The weighted average number of shares
excludes shares held by the 4imprint Group plc employee benefit
trust (EBT). The effect of excluding shares held by the EBT is to
reduce the average number by 17,774 (H1 2023: 17,444; FY 2023:
18,008).
9
Dividends
|
Half year
2024
|
Half
year
2023
|
Full
year
2023
|
Equity dividends - ordinary shares
|
$m
|
$m
|
$m
|
Interim
paid:
nil (H1 2023: nil; FY 2023: 65.0c)
|
-
|
-
|
17.8
|
Final
paid:
150.0c (H1 2023: 120.0c; FY 2023: 120.0c)
|
42.1
|
34.9
|
34.9
|
Special
paid:
nil (H1 2023: 200.0c; FY 2023: 200.0c)
|
-
|
58.1
|
58.1
|
|
42.1
|
93.0
|
110.8
|
The Directors have declared an
interim dividend for 2024 of 80.0c per ordinary share (interim
2023: 65.0c), an estimated payment amount of $22.5m, which will be
paid on 16 September 2024 to Shareholders on the register at the
close of business on 16 August 2024.
10
Leases
The Group leases premises in Oshkosh
and Appleton, Wisconsin, and in London, England. Set out below are
the carrying amounts of lease liabilities and the movements during
the period:
|
Half year
2024
$m
|
Half year
2023
$m
|
Full year
2023
$m
|
At start of period
|
12.3
|
13.7
|
13.7
|
Additions
|
0.4
|
-
|
-
|
Interest charge
|
0.2
|
0.2
|
0.4
|
Payments
|
(0.9)
|
(0.9)
|
(1.8)
|
At
end of period
|
12.0
|
13.0
|
12.3
|
Current
|
1.6
|
1.4
|
1.4
|
Non-current
|
10.4
|
11.6
|
10.9
|
11
Capital commitments
The Group had capital commitments
contracted but not provided for in the financial statements at 29
June 2024 for property, plant and equipment of $4.7m (1 July 2023:
$1.6m; 30 December 2023: $16.3m).
12
Cash generated from operations
|
Half year
2024
$m
|
Half
year
2023
$m
|
Full
year
2023
$m
|
Profit before tax
|
73.0
|
66.0
|
140.7
|
Adjustments for:
|
|
|
|
Depreciation of property, plant and
equipment
|
2.2
|
2.1
|
4.3
|
Amortisation of intangible
assets
|
0.1
|
0.2
|
0.4
|
Depreciation of right-of-use
assets
|
0.8
|
0.8
|
1.7
|
Profit on disposal of property, plant
and equipment
|
(0.1)
|
(0.2)
|
-
|
Share option charges
|
0.9
|
0.5
|
1.1
|
Net finance income
|
(3.1)
|
(2.2)
|
(4.5)
|
Defined benefit pension
administration costs paid by the Plan
|
-
|
0.5
|
0.5
|
Contributions to defined benefit
pension Plan
|
-
|
(2.1)
|
(6.5)
|
Changes in working capital:
|
|
|
|
(Increase)/decrease in
inventories
|
(6.8)
|
(0.2)
|
4.5
|
(Increase)/decrease in trade and
other receivables
|
(6.5)
|
3.8
|
20.0
|
Increase in trade and other
payables
|
26.6
|
29.2
|
4.7
|
Cash
generated from operations
|
87.1
|
98.4
|
166.9
|
13
Related party transactions
Transactions and balances between the
Company and its subsidiaries have been eliminated on consolidation.
The Group did not participate in any related party transactions
with parties outside of the Group.
Alternative Performance Measures
An Alternative Performance Measure
(APM) is a financial measure of historical or future financial
performance, financial position, or cash flows, other than a
financial measure defined or specified within IFRS.
The Group uses APMs to supplement
standard IFRS measures to provide users with information on
underlying trends and additional financial measures, which the
Group considers will aid users' understanding of the
business.
Definitions of the Group's APMs can
be found on pages 146 and 147 of the Annual Report & Accounts
2023.
Reconciliations of the free cash flow, capital expenditure, underlying operating cash flow, and
cash and bank deposits
APMs to their closest IFRS measures are provided below:
|
Half year
2024
$m
|
Half year
2023
$m
|
Net movement in cash and cash
equivalents
|
31.4
|
22.5
|
Add back: Decrease in current asset
investments - bank deposits
|
(14.0)
|
(36.1)
|
Add back: Dividends paid to
Shareholders
|
42.1
|
93.0
|
Less: Exchange (losses)/gains on cash
and cash equivalents and bank deposits
|
(0.4)
|
1.3
|
Free
cash flow
|
59.1
|
80.7
|
|
Half year
2024
$m
|
Half year
2023
$m
|
Purchase of property, plant and
equipment
|
(13.5)
|
(3.6)
|
Proceeds from sale of property, plant
and equipment
|
0.1
|
0.1
|
Capital expenditure
|
(13.4)
|
(3.5)
|
|
Half year
2024
$m
|
Half year
2023
$m
|
Cash generated from
operations
|
87.1
|
98.4
|
Add: Contributions to defined benefit
pension Plan
|
-
|
2.1
|
Add: Profit on disposal of property,
plant and equipment
|
0.1
|
0.2
|
Less: Purchases of property, plant
and equipment and intangible assets
|
(13.5)
|
(3.6)
|
Add: Proceeds from sale of property,
plant and equipment
|
0.1
|
0.1
|
Underlying operating cash flow
|
73.8
|
97.2
|
|
29 June
2024
|
1
July
2023
|
30
Dec
2023
|
|
$m
|
$m
|
$m
|
Other financial assets - bank
deposits
|
-
|
-
|
14.0
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
121.5
|
74.5
|
90.5
|
Cash
and bank deposits
|
121.5
|
74.5
|
104.5
|
Statement of Directors' Responsibilities
The Directors confirm that, to the
best of their knowledge, these interim condensed consolidated
financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34
as adopted by the United Kingdom and that the interim management
report includes a fair review of the information required by DTR
4.2.7 and 4.2.8, namely:
· An
indication of the important events that have occurred during the
first half of the year and their impact on the interim condensed
consolidated financial statements, and a description of the
principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of
the financial year; and
· Material related party transactions in the first half of the
year and any material changes in the related party transactions
described in the last annual report.
The Directors of 4imprint Group plc
are as listed in the Group's Annual Report & Accounts
2023.
By order of the Board
Kevin Lyons-Tarr
|
|
David Seekings
|
|
Chief Executive Officer
|
|
Chief Financial Officer
|
|
|
|
|
|
6 August 2024
|
|
|
|