Cubic Asset Management Cut Bed Bath & Beyond (BBBY) Stake By $304,400; Urban Outfitters, Inc. (URBN) Covered By 11 Bullish Analysts Last Week

Read article : Cubic Asset Management Cut Bed Bath & Beyond (BBBY) Stake By $304,400; Urban Outfitters, Inc. (URBN) Covered By 11 Bullish Analysts Last Week

August 24, 2017 - By Vivian Currie

Cubic Asset Management Llc decreased Bed Bath & Beyond Inc (BBBY) stake by 22.04% reported in 2016Q4 SEC filing. Cubic Asset Management Llc sold 7,610 shares as Bed Bath & Beyond Inc (BBBY)’s stock declined 14.12%. The Cubic Asset Management Llc holds 26,917 shares with $1.09 million value, down from 34,527 last quarter. Bed Bath & Beyond Inc now has $3.98 billion valuation. The stock increased 0.58% or $0.16 during the last trading session, reaching $27.53. About shares traded. Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. (NASDAQ:BBBY) has declined 16.34% since August 24, 2016 and is downtrending. It has underperformed by 33.04% the S&P500.

Among 33 analysts covering Urban Outfitters Inc. (NASDAQ:URBN), 11 have Buy rating, 2 Sell and 20 Hold. Therefore 33% are positive. Urban Outfitters Inc. had 95 analyst reports since July 31, 2015 according to SRatingsIntel. Morgan Stanley downgraded the stock to “Equal-Weight” rating in Thursday, November 17 report. The rating was maintained by FBR Capital on Tuesday, March 8 with “Market Perform”. The stock of Urban Outfitters, Inc. (NASDAQ:URBN) has “Sector Perform” rating given on Tuesday, November 17 by RBC Capital Markets. The firm has “Market Perform” rating given on Friday, June 10 by Telsey Advisory Group. The company was maintained on Tuesday, August 8 by BMO Capital Markets. Mizuho maintained the shares of URBN in report on Tuesday, November 17 with “Neutral” rating. The firm earned “Neutral” rating on Wednesday, February 8 by Mizuho. The company was maintained on Wednesday, August 17 by Oppenheimer. The firm earned “Hold” rating on Wednesday, November 23 by Deutsche Bank. The firm earned “Buy” rating on Wednesday, August 16 by Robert W. Baird. See Urban Outfitters, Inc. (NASDAQ:URBN) latest ratings:

16/08/2017 Broker: SunTrust Rating: Buy Maintain
16/08/2017 Broker: Morgan Stanley Rating: Equal-Weight Old Target: $17 New Target: $19 Maintain
16/08/2017 Broker: Bank of America Rating: Buy Old Target: $22 New Target: $24 Maintain
16/08/2017 Broker: Robert W. Baird Rating: Buy New Target: $22.0 Maintain
16/08/2017 Broker: Goldman Sachs Rating: Sell New Target: $18.0
16/08/2017 Broker: Jefferies Rating: Buy New Target: $25.0 Maintain
16/08/2017 Broker: KeyBanc Capital Markets Rating: Buy New Target: $26.0
15/08/2017 Broker: Oppenheimer Rating: Hold Maintain
15/08/2017 Broker: FBR Capital Rating: Neutral Old Target: $24 New Target: $16 Maintain
08/08/2017 Broker: BMO Capital Markets Rating: Hold New Target: $20.0000 Maintain

Investors sentiment increased to 0.77 in Q4 2016. Its up 0.03, from 0.74 in 2016Q3. It increased, as 59 investors sold BBBY shares while 178 reduced holdings. 48 funds opened positions while 135 raised stakes. 138.22 million shares or 0.25% less from 138.56 million shares in 2016Q3 were reported. Panagora Asset Inc invested in 188,517 shares. Aviva Public Ltd Co reported 100,862 shares. Thompson Investment Mngmt invested in 0.77% or 96,751 shares. Boyar Asset Management stated it has 1.04% in Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. (NASDAQ:BBBY). Pitcairn invested in 0.12% or 23,196 shares. Moreover, Breithorn Cap Management has 0.33% invested in Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. (NASDAQ:BBBY). Klingenstein Fields And Ltd Liability Corp has 0.01% invested in Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. (NASDAQ:BBBY). Tci Wealth holds 0% or 200 shares in its portfolio. Sei reported 231,115 shares. Amica Mutual Insurance Commerce reported 0.06% of its portfolio in Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. (NASDAQ:BBBY). Teachers Retirement Systems Of The State Of Kentucky reported 0.01% stake. Shufro Rose And Com Lc, a New York-based fund reported 49,745 shares. Ontario Teachers Pension Plan Board holds 0.05% of its portfolio in Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. (NASDAQ:BBBY) for 124,044 shares. Old Mutual Customised Solutions (Proprietary) Ltd invested 0.05% of its portfolio in Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. (NASDAQ:BBBY). Gam Ag holds 0.25% or 356,052 shares in its portfolio.

Analysts await Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. (NASDAQ:BBBY) to report earnings on September, 19 after the close. They expect $0.95 earnings per share, down 14.41% or $0.16 from last year’s $1.11 per share. BBBY’s profit will be $137.34 million for 7.24 P/E if the $0.95 EPS becomes a reality. After $0.58 actual earnings per share reported by Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. for the previous quarter, Wall Street now forecasts 63.79% EPS growth.

Cubic Asset Management Llc increased Fedex Corporation (NYSE:FDX) stake by 3,060 shares to 30,885 valued at $5.75M in 2016Q4. It also upped Itt Inc stake by 31,540 shares and now owns 43,997 shares. Cisco Systems Inc (NASDAQ:CSCO) was raised too.

Among 28 analysts covering Bed Bath & Beyond (NASDAQ:BBBY), 2 have Buy rating, 7 Sell and 19 Hold. Therefore 7% are positive. Bed Bath & Beyond had 54 analyst reports since September 21, 2015 according to SRatingsIntel. Citigroup maintained the shares of BBBY in report on Thursday, September 22 with “Sell” rating. The company was maintained on Friday, January 8 by Telsey Advisory Group. The firm earned “Hold” rating on Monday, June 19 by Robert W. Baird. Telsey Advisory Group maintained the shares of BBBY in report on Thursday, June 23 with “Market Perform” rating. The company was maintained on Friday, January 8 by Argus Research. The firm has “Buy” rating by Cantor Fitzgerald given on Friday, September 25. The stock of Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. (NASDAQ:BBBY) earned “Neutral” rating by Robert W. Baird on Friday, January 8. Morgan Stanley maintained Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. (NASDAQ:BBBY) on Friday, June 23 with “Sell” rating. The firm earned “Sector Perform” rating on Friday, February 12 by Oppenheimer. The firm has “Sell” rating by Topeka Capital Markets given on Tuesday, May 24.

Since May 5, 2017, it had 0 insider purchases, and 1 insider sale for $3.59 million activity. Shares for $3.59 million were sold by TEMARES STEVEN H.

Urban Outfitters, Inc. is a lifestyle specialty retail company. The company has market cap of $2.26 billion. The Firm operates through two divisions: Retail and Wholesale. It has a 13.08 P/E ratio. The Company’s Retail segment consists of its Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Free People, Terrain and Bhldn brands, whose merchandise is sold to its clients through retail stores, Websites, mobile applications, catalogs and customer contact centers.

Investors sentiment decreased to 1.09 in Q4 2016. Its down 0.10, from 1.19 in 2016Q3. It is negative, as 48 investors sold Urban Outfitters, Inc. shares while 89 reduced holdings. 47 funds opened positions while 102 raised stakes. 85.37 million shares or 1.17% less from 86.38 million shares in 2016Q3 were reported. Manufacturers Life Insur The stated it has 97,468 shares. Invesco holds 0.02% of its portfolio in Urban Outfitters, Inc. (NASDAQ:URBN) for 2.02M shares. Gateway Invest Advisers Limited Liability Corp reported 0% of its portfolio in Urban Outfitters, Inc. (NASDAQ:URBN). Geode Capital Lc reported 0.01% stake. Canada Pension Plan Inv Board accumulated 0.02% or 182,762 shares. New York-based Armistice Ltd Co has invested 2.02% in Urban Outfitters, Inc. (NASDAQ:URBN). 16,591 were reported by Amalgamated Bankshares. 27,541 are held by Capstone Asset Mngmt. Citadel Advsr Limited Liability Corp accumulated 644,758 shares. Meeder Asset accumulated 0.08% or 28,345 shares. 13,400 were accumulated by Pacad Investment Ltd. Nuveen Asset Mgmt Ltd Liability Co reported 501,258 shares or 0.07% of all its holdings. State Treasurer State Of Michigan reported 0.01% stake. Tudor Inv Et Al owns 0.01% invested in Urban Outfitters, Inc. (NASDAQ:URBN) for 11,800 shares. 2.57M were accumulated by Blackrock Institutional Trust Company Na.

The stock increased 0.46% or $0.09 during the last trading session, reaching $19.55. About 200 shares traded. Urban Outfitters, Inc. (NASDAQ:URBN) has declined 30.56% since August 24, 2016 and is downtrending. It has underperformed by 47.26% the S&P500.

By Vivian Currie

Echostar Corporation-Receive News & Ratings Via Email - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings with our FREE daily email newsletter.

Capital Investment Counsel Sold 900 Company Stocks In Bed Bath Beyond

Read article : Capital Investment Counsel Sold 900 Company Stocks In Bed Bath Beyond

Bed Bath & Beyond has a 12 month low of $26.96 and a 12 month high of $48.83. It has underperformed by 33.04% the S&P500. The correct version of this news story can be accessed at https://weekherald.com/2017/08/22/janney-montgomery-scott-llc-purchases-1715-shares-of-bed-bath-beyond-inc-bbby.html. Electron Capital Partners Llc sold 1.15M shares as Cosan Ltd (CZZ)'s stock declined 18.27%. Proficio Capital Partners LLC trimmed its investment by selling 140 shares a decrease of 50.4% in the quarter. Priceline Grp Inc now has $88.98 billion valuation. It closed at $27.27 lastly. About 39,781 shares traded. It has outperformed by 20.90% the S&P500.

Bushveld Minerals Limited (LON:BMN) has 0.00% since August 22, 2016 and is. Its up 0.03, from 0.74 in 2016Q3. It improved, as 59 investors sold Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. shares while 178 reduced holdings. 24 funds opened positions while 54 raised stakes. The dividend payment will be $0.150 per share for the quarter which is $0.60 annualized. Retirement Of Alabama has 0.02% invested in Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. About shares traded. Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc (NASDAQ:RARE) has declined 6.49% since August 21, 2016 and is downtrending. Shufro Rose And Company Ltd Liability Company reported 0.23% of its portfolio in Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. Manchester Capital Mngmt Lc, Vermont-based fund reported 921 shares. Telsey Advisory Group maintained Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. Capital Fund Mngmt owns 97,600 shares for 0.03% of their portfolio. Commonwealth Equity Serv accumulated 10,682 shares or 0% of the stock. Its up 2.23% from 1.41 million shares previously.

06/23/2017 - Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. had its "hold" rating reiterated by analysts at Deutsche Bank. (NASDAQ:BBBY) or 3,818 shares. Oppenheimer maintained Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft Fi holds 0.01% or 10,896 shares in its portfolio.

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Since May 5, 2017, it had 0 insider buys, and 1 insider sale for $3.59 million activity. Shares for $3.59 million were sold by TEMARES STEVEN H on Friday, May 5. (NASDAQ:BBBY). The Connecticut-based Conning Inc has invested 0.01% in Bed Bath & Beyond Inc.

Bed Bath & Beyond (NASDAQ:BBBY) last released its earnings results on Thursday, June 22nd. They expect $0.95 EPS, down 14.41% or $0.16 from last year's $1.11 per share. After $0.58 actual earnings per share reported by Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. for the previous quarter, Wall Street now forecasts 63.79% EPS growth.

Bed Bath & Beyond Inc., launched on October 5, 1971, is a retailer, which operates under the names Bed Bath & Beyond (BBB), Christmas Tree Shops, Christmas Tree Shops andThat! or andThat! The company has market cap of $1.29 billion. The Company operates in two segments: North American Retail and Institutional Sales. It has a 17.41 P/E ratio. The Firm sells a range of domestics merchandise and home furnishings.

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Among 3 analysts covering Innerworkings (NASDAQ:INWK), 3 have Buy rating, 0 Sell and 0 Hold. Therefore 7% are positive. (NASDAQ:BBBY) has "Neutral" rating given on Wednesday, December 23 by Wedbush. The firm has "Market Perform" rating by TelseyAdvisory Group given on Friday, September 25. The stock has "Neutral" rating by Robert W. Baird on Friday, January 8. (NASDAQ:BBBY) earned "Hold" rating by Jefferies on Thursday, June 22. (NASDAQ:BBBY). Meiji Yasuda Asset Mgmt Ltd has invested 0.06% in Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. (NASDAQ:BBBY) on Thursday, March 31 with "Neutral" rating. Therefore 50% are positive. The company was maintained on Tuesday, February 21 by N+1 Singer. The company was maintained on Wednesday, June 15 by UBS. The firm has "Buy" rating by Piper Jaffray given on Friday, July 28. Redburn initiated the shares of PCLN in report on Friday, September 4 with "Buy" rating. The company was maintained on Friday, September 25 by Cantor Fitzgerald.

Seabridge Investment Advisors Llc increased Hrg Group Inc. On Thursday, December 22 the stock rating was maintained by Telsey Advisory Group with "Market Perform". The rating was upgraded by Standpoint Research to "Buy" on Monday, January 18.

Investors sentiment decreased to 0.94 in 2016 Q4. Manufacturers Life Insurance Com The invested in 159,476 shares. (NASDAQ:BBBY). Winslow Evans And Crocker invested in 0% or 500 shares. Regal Investment Ltd Liability Company holds 0.81% or 2,007 shares. 993.29 million shares or 0.55% less from 998.81 million shares in 2016Q3 were reported. FMR LLC now owns 13,418,679 shares of the retailer's stock valued at $529,501,000 after buying an additional 551,019 shares in the last quarter. 150,655 were accumulated by Blackrock Advsrs. Old Point Tru And Svcs N A owns 0.23% invested in Nike Inc (NYSE:NKE) for 7,700 shares. Fjarde Ap stated it has 36,006 shares or 0.03% of all its holdings. (NASDAQ:INWK) for 66,771 shares. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 889,716 shares of the retailer's stock valued at $27,047,000 after buying an additional 633,465 shares during the period. Intact Inv holds 590 shares or 0.03% of its portfolio.

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Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. (BBBY) Stake Cut by Regentatlantic Capital LLC

Read article : Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. (BBBY) Stake Cut by Regentatlantic Capital LLC

Blue Ridge Capital Llc sold 46,200 shares as Amazon Com Inc (AMZN)'s stock rose 13.58%. According to the past 5 years report, the company on average reported -23.70% year-over-year EPS growth and sales growth was recorded at 3.70%. Cst Brands Inc now has $3.70B valuation. It closed at $20.7 lastly. It is down 31.71% since August 10, 2016 and is uptrending. It has outperformed by 16.62% the S&P500. APG Asset Management N.V. boosted its stake in shares of Bed Bath & Beyond by 21.6% in the second quarter.

Spark Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. Pictet And Cie (Europe) holds 15,234 shares.

Bed Bath & Beyond Inc (NASDAQ:BBBY) institutional sentiment increased to 0.77 in Q4 2016. It has underperformed by 33.04% the S&P500. Ten investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have issued a hold rating, two have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company's stock. Therefore 60% are positive. Stifel Nicolaus maintained the stock with "Buy" rating in Monday, December 5 report.

The stock of BioTelemetry, Inc. The firm has "Buy" rating by Standpoint Research given on Monday, January 18. Credit Suisse maintained it with "Neutral" rating and $51 target in Thursday, December 24 report. The stock has "Hold" rating by Oppenheimer on Friday, June 23.

Investors sentiment decreased to 0.7 in Q4 2016. (NASDAQ:BBBY) tinted loss of -1.97% (-0.6 points) to US$29.78. 44 funds opened positions while 56 raised stakes. Seabridge Investment Advisors Llc sold 80,040 shares as the company's stock declined 14.12% while stock markets rallied. Robeco Institutional Asset Mngmt Bv invested in 106,157 shares. The firm has a market capitalization of $4.03 billion, a P/E ratio of 6.596 and a beta of 1.13. Patten Grp Incorporated holds 0% or 95 shares. It is the franchisor of residential real estate brokerages in the world through its portfolio of brokerage brands, including Century 21, Coldwell Banker, Coldwell Banker Commercial, ERA, Sotheby's International Realty and Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate. 4,554 shares valued at $606,957 were sold by NAGARAJAN SUNDARAM on Wednesday, March 1. Manchester Cap Mgmt reported 921 shares or 0.01% of all its holdings. Moreover, Cadence Management Ltd Liability Corporation has 0.09% invested in BioTelemetry, Inc. 637,391 shares of the company traded hands. (NYSE:RES). Fifth Third Bancorp has invested 0% in RPC, Inc. Mark Sheptoff Finance Planning Ltd Liability, Connecticut-based fund reported 68 shares. Smith Graham & Co Lp reported 0.4% stake.

Since May 5, 2017, it had 0 buys, and 1 insider sale for $3.59 million activity. More interesting news about Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. Instead, they should also do their own research-such as reading the prospectus for new companies or for public companies, the quarterly and annual reports filed with the SEC-to confirm whether a particular investment is appropriate for them in light of their individual financial circumstances. Oge Energy Corp (NYSE:OGE) was reduced too. It also reduced Ishares S&P (MUB) stake by 13,657 shares and now owns 336,966 shares. Out of 28 Wall Street analysts rating Bed Bath & Beyond, 2 give it "Buy", 7 "Sell" rating, while 19 recommend "Hold".

Ratings analysis reveals 7% of Bed Bath & Beyond's analysts are positive. Analysts expect that Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. will post $4.02 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. As per Thursday, June 23, the company rating was maintained by JP Morgan. (NASDAQ:BBBY). Burney Company has invested 0.02% in Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. (NASDAQ:BBBY) on Monday, September 21 with "Buy" rating. The stock touched 52-week High of $48.83 on 12/12/16 and 52-week Low of $27.99 on 07/26/17. The firm has "Market Perform" rating by Telsey Advisory Group given on Friday, January 8. The company was downgraded on Wednesday, December 23 by SunTrust. The firm earned "Sell" rating on Tuesday, May 24 by Topeka Capital Markets. Credit Agricole maintained the shares of BBBY in report on Friday, September 25 with "Neutral" rating.

This increase is typical for the uptrend and shows the considerable optimism among investors. Its down 0.06, from 0.76 in 2016Q3. It turned negative, as 126 investors sold AMZN shares while 478 reduced holdings. 48 funds opened positions while 135 raised stakes. The retailer reported $0.58 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the Thomson Reuters' consensus estimate of $0.66 by $0.08. Advisors Asset Mgmt reported 0.01% of its portfolio in Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. Westside Investment Management Inc. now owns 3,370 shares of the retailer's stock worth $127,000 after buying an additional 440 shares during the period. Utah Retirement invested 0.03% in Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. (NASDAQ:BBBY) has declined -24.61% since January and is up 2.47% for the past week. The stock has "Hold" rating by Zacks on Friday, August 28. Janney Montgomery Scott Ltd Liability Company holds 0.1% or 52,922 shares in its portfolio. Mitsubishi Ufj holds 170 shares or 0.04% of its portfolio. UBS maintained Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. (NASDAQ:BBBY) for 27,005 shares. Jpmorgan Chase And, New York-based fund reported 471,094 shares. State Teachers Retirement Systems has invested 0.03% in Bed Bath & Beyond Inc.

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Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. (BBBY) Position Maintained by Daiwa Securities Group Inc

Read article : Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. (BBBY) Position Maintained by Daiwa Securities Group Inc

About 6,048 shares traded.

Daiwa Securities Group Inc. maintained its stake in Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. It is down 16.34% since August 21, 2016 and is downtrending. It has underperformed by 61.19% the S&P500. (BBBY) stake by 57.08% reported in 2016Q4 SEC filing. As of quarter end Proficio Capital Partners LLC had sold 140 shares trimming its holdings by 50.4%. The Argent Capital Management Llc holds 1.65 million shares with $40.39M value, down from 1.68M last quarter.

About 1.13 million shares traded. Ciena Corporation (NYSE:CIEN) has risen 44.43% since August 22, 2016 and is uptrending.

Investors sentiment increased to 0.77 in 2016 Q4. Its up 0.03, from 0.74 in 2016Q3. Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. shares had a trading volume of 1,938K in the last trading session. 138.22 million shares or 0.25% less from 138.56 million shares in 2016Q3 were reported. Rhumbline Advisers owns 0.01% invested in Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc (NASDAQ:RARE) for 41,628 shares. (NASDAQ:BBBY). Gabelli Funds Ltd owns 35,000 shares. Eaton Vance Mgmt reported 8,320 shares. Royal Comml Bank Of Scotland Group Public Limited Com reported 222,255 shares. The stock of Bed Bath & Beyond Inc.

Many analysts have quite recently published research on BBBY. Hotchkis & Wiley Capital Management LLC now owns 8,136,389 shares of the retailer's stock valued at $321,062,000 after buying an additional 872,036 shares in the last quarter. Legal & General Group Incorporated Pcl invested in 799,773 shares or 0.03% of the stock. (NASDAQ:BBBY) for 24,491 shares. 138.50 million shares or 4.28% more from 132.81 million shares in 2016Q3 were reported. Oppenheimer Holdings, Inc. restated a "hold" rating on shares of Bed Bath & Beyond in a research note on Tuesday, July 4th. (NASDAQ:BBBY) for 16,369 shares. Mogy Joel R Counsel has 0.58% invested in Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. After $0.58 actual EPS reported by Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. for the previous quarter, Wall Street now forecasts 63.79% EPS growth.

Since May 5, 2017, it had 0 insider purchases, and 1 sale for $3.59 million activity. TEMARES STEVEN H sold $3.59M worth of stock or 96,109 shares.

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Analysts await Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. (NASDAQ:BBBY) has "Buy" rating given on Monday, September 21 by SunTrust. Analysts expect next quarter's EPS to be $0.71 and the next full year EPS is anticipated to be $3.91. BBBY's profit would be $137.61M giving it 7.18 P/E if the $0.95 EPS is correct.

Bed Bath & Beyond Inc.is a retailer, which operates under the names Bed Bath & Beyond, Christmas Tree Shops, Christmas Tree Shops andThat! or andThat! Company has a valuation of $3.84 B, a price to earnings ratio of 6.27 along with a stock beta of 1.13. It has a 22.94 P/E ratio. The Firm is the owner of software solutions providing a range of virtual online gaming services over the Internet, including casino and games, poker, bingo, sport, emerging offerings and brand licensing revenue on third party platforms. Finally, Loop Capital upgraded Bed Bath & Beyond from a "sell" rating to a "hold" rating and cut their target price for the stock from $37.00 to $35.00 in a research note on Friday, May 12th. Therefore 50% are positive. The firm earned "Neutral" rating on Thursday, June 23 by Credit Suisse. The company was maintained on Friday, September 25 by Deutsche Bank.

06/19/2017 - Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. had its "neutral" rating reiterated by analysts at Robert W. Baird. (NASDAQ:BBBY) has "Hold" rating given on Friday, June 23 by BTIG Research. Jefferies maintained it with "Hold" rating and $3400 target in Thursday, June 22 report. (NASDAQ:BBBY) has "Market Perform" rating given on Wednesday, December 23 by Telsey Advisory Group. Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. The rating was initiated by Janney Capital on Thursday, September 29 with "Neutral". Ten equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have issued a hold rating, two have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. Therefore 100% are positive. The firm has "Market Perform" rating by TelseyAdvisory Group given on Friday, September 25. The stock has "Buy" rating by Peel Hunt on Monday, July 17. On Tuesday, January 19 the stock rating was downgraded by BB&T Capital to "Underweight". Stockholders of record on Friday, September 15th will be issued a $0.15 dividend. Wells Fargo maintained the shares of PCLN in report on Tuesday, November 8 with "Market Perform" rating. Finally, Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. The stock of Priceline Group Inc (NASDAQ:PCLN) has "Buy" rating given on Wednesday, August 9 by Credit Suisse. The stock has "Buy" rating by Standpoint Research on Monday, January 18.

Investors sentiment increased to 0.98 in Q4 2016. Its up 0.15, from 1.11 in 2016Q3.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. 112 funds opened positions while 405 raised stakes. Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft Fi holds 0.01% or 10,896 shares in its portfolio. Herndon Mngmt Ltd invested in 56 shares or 0% of the stock. Alphamark Ltd Limited Liability Company reported 57,916 shares. 150,655 were accumulated by Blackrock Advsrs. Waldron Limited Partnership invested 0.08% of its portfolio in Nike Inc (NYSE:NKE). Eulav Asset Management, New York-based fund reported 4,400 shares. Alps Advsr stated it has 10,317 shares or 0% of all its holdings. Grt Capital Partners L.L.C. owns 25,850 shares or 0.03% of their United States portfolio. Connor Clark Lunn Inv Mngmt Ltd holds 19,200 shares or 0.01% of its portfolio.

Reynders Mcveigh Capital Management Increased Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) Stake; Francescas Holdings (FRAN

Read article : Reynders Mcveigh Capital Management Increased Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) Stake; Francescas Holdings (FRAN

Pennsylvania Trust Co sold 14,786 shares as Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)'s stock rose 6.85%. The Letko Brosseau & Associates Inc holds 793,205 shares with $91.39M value, down from 883,870 last quarter. The firm has a market cap of $357.08 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.51 and a beta of 0.78. The stock increased 0.62% or $0.82 during the last trading session, reaching $133.45. It is down 0.00% since August 21, 2016 and is. It has underperformed by 4.16% the S&P500.

CLEARTRONIC INCORPORATED (OTCMKTS:CLRI) had an increase of 185.92% in short interest. About shares traded. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) has risen 12.54% since August 21, 2016 and is uptrending. Cincinnati Casualty Communications accumulated 25,000 shares. With 198,200 avg volume, 0 days are for CLEARTRONIC INCORPORATED (OTCMKTS:CLRI)'s short sellers to cover CLRI's short positions. About 3.81M shares traded. Masco Corp (NYSE:MAS) has risen 18.02% since August 21, 2016 and is uptrending. It has outperformed by 26.40% the S&P500. The company has market cap of $361.11 million. It operates through three segments: Consumer, Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices. The Company's portfolio of brands includes BEHR paint; DELTA and HANSGROHE faucets, bath and shower fixtures; KRAFTMAID and MERILLAT cabinets; MILGARD windows and doors, and HOT SPRING spas. Therefore 50% are positive. Farmland Partners had 4 analyst reports since September 23, 2015 according to SRatingsIntel. The stock of KeyCorp (NYSE:KEY) has "Outperform" rating given on Monday, November 2 by Keefe Bruyette & Woods. Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated a "buy" rating and set a $128.00 price target on shares of Johnson & Johnson in a report on Thursday, June 15th. On Thursday, January 28 the stock rating was maintained by Argus Research with "Buy". The rating was maintained by Jefferies with "Buy" on Thursday, June 8. RBC Capital Markets has "Sector Perform" rating and $118 target. The stock of Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) earned "Hold" rating by Jefferies on Tuesday, March 15. The company was maintained on Thursday, August 13 by Chardan Capital Markets. The company was upgraded on Wednesday, May 31 by FBR Capital.

Investors sentiment decreased to 0 in Q4 2016. Its down 0.05, from 0.81 in 2016Q3. Ahl Llp has invested 0.01% of its portfolio in Francesca's Holdings Corp (NASDAQ:FRAN). Finally, Taylor Wealth Management Partners raised its stake in Johnson & Johnson by 19.8% in the first quarter. 281.50 million shares or 1.49% less from 285.76 million shares in 2016Q3 were reported. The Massachusetts-based Eagle Boston Investment Management Inc has invested 0.25% in the stock. Blackrock Advisors Limited Liability Com holds 0.2% of its portfolio in KeyCorp (NYSE:KEY) for 10.91 million shares. Sfmg Ltd Liability Corp reported 6,611 shares or 0.16% of all its holdings. Cheviot Value Limited Liability Com reported 107,813 shares stake. Eidelman Virant Capital invested in 0.06% or 20,000 shares. Rdl Inc holds 6,981 shares. Yorktown Mngmt & Rech Inc reported 0.3% stake. Halbert Hargrove Russell Ltd Company holds 3,938 shares or 0.13% of its portfolio. Shares were disposed in a price range of $133.14, amounting $13,672,412.88. after the sale, the VP has an ownership of 230,342 stocks in the company, worth at $30,667,733.88. New England Private Wealth Advsrs Limited Co has 0.16% invested in Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB). Salzhauer Michael owns 55,000 shares or 0.45% of their U.S. portfolio. Beacon Tru Commerce accumulated 39,061 shares or 0.74% of the stock.

Since February 21, 2017, it had 0 insider purchases, and 47 selling transactions for $1.54 billion activity. $240,053 worth of KeyCorp (NYSE:KEY) was sold by Schosser Douglas M. About 1.58M shares traded. Shares for $71,986 were sold by LOSH J MICHAEL on Monday, March 20. It is negative, as 70 investors sold UTX shares while 516 reduced holdings.

Finally, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings Inc. increased its position in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 0.5% in the first quarter. The corporation posted $1.83 EPS for the period, exceeding Zacks' average forecast of $1.79 by $0.04. It increased, as 63 investors sold JNJ shares while 834 reduced holdings.

Other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Ar Asset Incorporated invested 1.84% in Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ). Bankshares Pictet And Cie (Asia) owns 69,000 shares or 4.06% of their USA portfolio. Thompson Invest Management reported 1.61% of its portfolio in Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ). Fil Ltd acquired 37,451 shares as Facebook Inc (FB)'s stock rose 10.88%. Peloton Wealth Strategists holds 1.21% or 12,850 shares.

The stock increased 2.04% or $0.33 on August 18, reaching $16.53. Sprucegrove Inv Mgmt reported 1.97% of its portfolio in Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ). Illinois-based Capstone Financial Advsr has invested 0.66% in Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ). 9,236 are owned by Eos Management Limited Partnership. The Nebraska-based Ameritas Investment has invested 0.11% in United Technologies Corporation (NYSE:UTX). Wills Fincl Group Inc Inc has invested 4.7% in Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ). Tetrem Capital Mngmt invested in 2.63% or 569,846 shares. Goldman Sachs Gru invested in 0.34% or 10.35 million shares.

Since February 21, 2017, it had 0 buys, and 1 sale for $240,053 activity. $3.07 million worth of KeyCorp (NYSE:KEY) was sold by Burke Edward J. on Tuesday, February 21. The insider Kapusta Ronald A sold 14,543 shares worth $1.78 million. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have given a hold rating and ten have assigned a buy rating to the company. Therefore 45% are positive. Facebook had 162 analyst reports since July 21, 2015 according to SRatingsIntel. Alembic Global Advisors downgraded Johnson & Johnson from a "neutral" rating to an "underweight" rating in a research note on Friday, July 21st. The stock of Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) has "Neutral" rating given on Wednesday, April 20 by Goldman Sachs. Also, VP Paulus Stoffels sold 102,692 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, July 24th. The firm has "Buy" rating given on Tuesday, September 22 by UBS. The stock has "Buy" rating by RBC Capital Markets on Friday, August 4. The stock has "Outperform" rating by Cowen & Co on Tuesday, August 25. Jefferies maintained it with "Buy" rating and $2100 target in Friday, August 11 report.

Bed Bath & Beyond (BBBY) Getting Somewhat Positive Press Coverage, Analysis Shows

Read article : Bed Bath & Beyond (BBBY) Getting Somewhat Positive Press Coverage, Analysis Shows

The price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) is a valuation method used to compare a company's current share price to its per-share earnings. (NASDAQ:BBBY). Aqr Cap Mgmt Limited reported 356,004 shares or 0.02% of all its holdings. About 1.94 million shares traded. Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. (NASDAQ:BBBY) opened at 27.57 on Wednesday. It has underperformed by 33.04% the S&P500. UBS Asset Management Americas Inc. now owns 1,014,516 shares of the retailer's stock valued at $41,229,000 after buying an additional 398,345 shares in the last quarter. The Hap Trading Llc holds 40,620 shares with $1.65 million value, up from 10,900 last quarter. Nationwide Fund Advisors now owns 157,832 shares of the retailer's stock valued at $6,228,000 after buying an additional 4,600 shares in the last quarter. About 152,360 shares traded. Core Laboratories N.V. (NYSE:CLB) has declined 5.82% since August 16, 2016 and is downtrending. It has underperformed by 35.89% the S&P500. Therefore 69% are positive. Core Laboratories had 39 analyst reports since August 24, 2015 according to SRatingsIntel. The company was initiated on Tuesday, December 20 by Loop Capital. The firm earned "Hold" rating on Monday, June 19 by Robert W. Baird. On Thursday, March 31 the stock rating was maintained by Credit Suisse with "Neutral". The stock of Ameris Bancorp (NASDAQ:ABCB) earned "Outperform" rating by Cowen & Co on Monday, November 2. The rating was upgraded by JP Morgan on Tuesday, January 12 to "Overweight". The firm has "Buy" rating given on Thursday, September 15 by Evercore. Proficio Capital Partners LLC now owns 138 shares worth $5,000.

Investors sentiment decreased to 1.31 in Q4 2016. Its up 0.03, from 0.74 in 2016Q3. Gsa Cap Ptnrs Llp stated it has 14,698 shares or 0.04% of all its holdings. Dimensional Fund LP accumulated 1.69 million shares. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.80 EPS. Norinchukin National Bank The owns 45,490 shares or 0.04% of their USA portfolio. Pinnacle Assocs has invested 0.02% in EnerSys (NYSE:ENS). Quantitative Invest Limited Co accumulated 95,600 shares. Minnesota-based Jnba Fincl Advsr has invested 0.08% in L Brands Inc (NYSE:LB). The New York-based Bnp Paribas Arbitrage has invested 0.02% in Callon Petroleum Company (NYSE:CPE). D E Shaw holds 0% or 53,104 shares in its portfolio. Royal Bancorp Of Canada reported 276,392 shares stake. Envestnet Asset Management Inc reported 156,558 shares stake. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Com invested in 4,873 shares or 0% of the stock.

Among 7 analysts covering Ameris Bancorp (NASDAQ:ABCB), 3 have Buy rating, 0 Sell and 4 Hold. 96,109 shares were sold by TEMARES STEVEN H, worth $3.59M on Friday, May 5.

Bed Bath & Beyond posted sales of $2.99 billion during the same quarter last year, which indicates a positive year over year growth rate of 0.3%. Therefore 6% are positive.

Sigma Planning Corp Increases Stake in Domino's Pizza Inc (DPZ)
The Cornerstone Capital Management Holdings Llc holds 98,377 shares with $13.02M value, down from 118,379 last quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC's holdings in Domino's Pizza were worth $2,528,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Analysts await Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. The rating was maintained by Deutsche Bank on Friday, September 25 with "Hold". The firm has "Sell" rating by Citigroup given on Thursday, September 22. (NASDAQ:BBBY) has "Hold" rating given on Friday, June 23 by Oppenheimer. The firm earned "Outperform" rating on Wednesday, February 22 by RBC Capital Markets. The rating was maintained by Goldman Sachs on Thursday, June 23 with "Sell". (NASDAQ:BBBY). State Treasurer State Of Michigan accumulated 101,556 shares.

Over the past 50 days, Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. stock's -26.81% off of the high and 0.86% removed from the low. It also reduced Qualcomm Inc (NASDAQ:QCOM) stake by 82,652 shares and now owns 66,198 shares. Credit Suisse maintained Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. The stock has "Buy" rating by Jefferies on Friday, July 21. (NASDAQ:BBBY) has "Market Perform" rating given on Wednesday, December 23 by Telsey Advisory Group.

Investors sentiment increased to 0.77 in Q4 2016. Its down 0.05, from 0.85 in 2016Q3. It improved, as 23 investors sold PTC shares while 102 reduced holdings. Finally, Kentucky Retirement Systems Insurance Trust Fund purchased a new stake in Bed Bath & Beyond during the fourth quarter worth approximately $200,000. Analysts are forecasting earnings of $0.95 on a per share basis this quarter. Jpmorgan Chase stated it has 0.07% of its portfolio in Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. Canada Pension Plan Inv Board has 0.06% invested in Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft Fi holds 10,896 shares. Apg Asset Mgmt Nv invested in 0.13% or 1.78M shares. (NASDAQ:BBBY). Texas-based Motco has invested 0% in Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. Winslow Evans And Crocker Inc owns 0% invested in PTC Inc (NASDAQ:PTC) for 8 shares. Huntington Savings Bank holds 0.01% of its portfolio in Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. (NASDAQ:BBBY) on Friday, May 12 to "Hold" rating. Susquehanna International Grp Incorporated Limited Liability Partnership reported 0.01% stake. Farmers Merchants Invs holds 0% or 44 shares.

Invesco Ltd increased Hawkins Inc (NASDAQ:HWKN) stake by 15,262 shares to 35,042 valued at $1.89M in 2016Q4. PRXL's SI was 2.14M shares in August as released by FINRA. Ambev Sa (NYSE:ABEV) was raised too.

Norcros PLC Interim Results - ADVFN

Read article : Norcros PLC Interim Results - ADVFN

Norcros (LSE:NXR)
Historical Stock Chart 2 Years : From Oct 2015 to Oct 2017 TIDMNXR RNS Number : 4598F Norcros PLC 12 November 2015 12 November 2015 Norcros plc Results for the six months ended 30 September 2015 'Strong momentum within our businesses' Norcros, the market leading supplier of innovative branded showers, taps, bathroom accessories, tiles and adhesives, today announces its results for the six months ended 30 September 2015. Financial Summary 2015 2014 % change % change as reported at constant currency ----------------------- ---------- ---------- ------------- ------------- Revenue GBP118.7m GBP108.6m +9.3% +12.0% ----------------------- ---------- ---------- ------------- ------------- Underlying* operating profit GBP9.9m GBP7.4m +34% ----------------------- ---------- ---------- ------------- ------------- Underlying* profit before tax GBP9.4m GBP6.7m +40% ----------------------- ---------- ---------- ------------- ------------- Profit before tax GBP7.0m GBP6.3m +11% ----------------------- ---------- ---------- ------------- ------------- Underlying operating cash flow** GBP13.3m GBP11.6m +15% ----------------------- ---------- ---------- ------------- ------------- Diluted underlying EPS * 11.8p 8.1p +46% ----------------------- ---------- ---------- ------------- ------------- Net debt GBP29.2m GBP20.0m ----------------------- ---------- ---------- ------------- ------------- Interim dividend per share 2.2p 1.85p +19% ----------------------- ---------- ---------- ------------- ------------- * Underlying is before IAS 19R administrative expenses, acquisition related costs and exceptional operating items and, where relevant, before non-cash finance costs ** Underlying operating cash flow means cash generated from continuing operations before exceptional cash flows and pension fund deficit recovery contributions Restated for the 10:1 share consolidation completed on 29 September 2015 Highlights -- Strong first half performance -- Revenue increased by 12.0% on a constant currency basis -- Underlying operating profit increased by 34% to GBP9.9m -- Underlying profit before tax increased by 40% to GBP9.4m -- Profit before tax increased by 11% to GBP7.0m -- Continued strong underlying operating cash generation: 104% of underlying EBITDA -- Acquisition of Croydex completed on 25 June 2015 -- Diluted underlying earnings per share 46% higher at 11.8p -- Interim dividend increased by 19% to 2.2p per share Martin Towers, Chairman, commented: "I am pleased to announce a strong set of results for the six months ended 30 September 2015. Not only has the Group continued to make excellent progress in its existing businesses, but it has continued to advance towards its strategic targets with the acquisition of Croydex at the end of June 2015. With our strong brands, leading market positions and continued self-help initiatives focused on market share gain the Group is well positioned to make further progress. Given the strong first half performance and momentum within our businesses, the Board now expects the Group to achieve underlying operating profit marginally ahead of market expectations for the year to 31 March 2016." There will be a presentation today at 9.30 am for analysts at the offices of Hudson Sandler, 29 Cloth Fair, London, EC1A 7NN. The supporting slides will be available on the Norcros website at http://www.norcros.com later in the day. ENQUIRIES Norcros plc Tel: 01625 547700 Nick Kelsall, Group Chief Executive Martin Payne, Group Finance Director Hudson Sandler Tel: 0207 796 4133 Nick Lyon Charlie Jack Katie Matthews Notes to Editors -- Norcros is a leading supplier of high quality and innovative showers, taps, bathroom accessories, ceramic wall and floor tiles and adhesive products with operations primarily in the UK and South Africa. -- Based in the UK, Norcros operates under five brands: - Triton Showers - Market leader in the manufacture and marketing of showers in the UK - 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 - Johnson Tiles - A 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 three brands: - Tile Africa - Chain of retail stores focused on ceramic and porcelain tiles, and associated products such as sanitary ware, showers and adhesives - Johnson Tiles South Africa - Manufacturer of ceramic and porcelain tiles - TAL - The leading manufacturer of ceramic and building adhesives -- Norcros is headquartered in Wilmslow, Cheshire and employs around 1800 people. The Company is listed on the London Stock Exchange. For further information please visit the Company website: http://www.norcros.com/ Chairman's statement I am pleased to announce a strong set of results for the six months ended 30 September 2015. Not only has the Group continued to make excellent progress in its existing businesses, but it has continued to advance towards its strategic targets with the acquisition of Croydex at the end of June 2015. Market conditions in the UK continue to be mixed, with the trade sector continuing to perform well driven by new house build and commercial specifications, although RMI driven demand is muted and retail markets generally remain challenging. In South Africa, market conditions have been impacted by the recent slow-down in China affecting the commodity sector which is a significant part of the South African economy. However, the strong self-help culture evident in all our businesses has continued to offset these challenges and has been a key factor in delivering these strong results. Underlying operating profit rose by 34% to GBP9.9m (2014: GBP7.4m) representing an improved margin of 8.3% (2014: 6.8%). UK performance benefitted from the return to profitability of Johnson Tiles UK following its manufacturing inefficiencies in the prior year and the three month contribution from Croydex. South Africa nearly doubled its underlying operating profit despite a weaker Rand, driven by strong constant currency revenue growth and an improvement in underlying profit performance in all three businesses including a return to profitability at Johnson Tiles South Africa. Through a combination of strong underlying EBITDA and continued prudent management of working capital, underlying operating cash generation was GBP13.3m (2014: GBP11.6m), representing 104% of underlying EBITDA (2014: 112%). This performance and a cash outflow of GBP20.1m relating to the acquisition of Croydex left net debt at GBP29.2m compared to GBP14.2m at 31 March 2015 and represents leverage of 1.1 times underlying proforma EBITDA. Acquisition of Croydex As previously announced, the Group acquired 100% of the ordinary share capital of Croydex Group Limited ("Croydex"), a market leading, innovative designer, manufacturer and distributor of high quality bathroom furnishings and accessories, on 25 June 2015. The acquisition of Croydex is an important next step in the Group's growth strategy to increase revenue to GBP420m by 2018 and follows on from the very successful integration of the Vado business which Norcros acquired in March 2013. The addition of the Croydex business to the Group's existing portfolio has increased the breadth of our product range in the bathroom segment and has enabled the Group to offer an even broader array of complementary bathroom products to our customers. Croydex will also benefit from the global distribution channels, sourcing skills and strong financial position of the enlarged Group. I am excited by the prospects for Croydex within the Norcros Group and have been impressed by the energy and enthusiasm of its management and employees. Results Revenue for the six month period to 30 September 2015 at GBP118.7m (2014: GBP108.6m) was 12.0% higher on a constant currency basis compared to the prior year, and 9.3% on a Sterling reported basis. Of this growth, 5.5% was attributable to a three month contribution from Croydex. On a like for like basis excluding Croydex, constant currency growth was 6.5% and 4.0% on a Sterling reported basis. Underlying operating profit rose by 34% to GBP9.9m (2014: GBP7.4m) reflecting improvements in both the UK and South Africa together with a three month contribution from Croydex. Underlying profit before taxation increased by 40% to GBP9.4m (2014: GBP6.7m) reflecting the higher underlying operating profit and lower interest costs driven by improved margins offset by increased borrowings due to the acquisition of Croydex in June 2015. Profit before taxation for the period was GBP7.0m (2014: GBP6.3m), reflecting increased underlying profit before taxation, higher exceptional operating income of GBP2.3m (2014: GBP0.3m) primarily as a result of settlement in the period of a contractual dispute with Morrisons relating to a previous agreement to sell them freehold land in Tunstall, Stoke on Trent, offset by higher non-underlying interest of GBP1.3m (2014: income of GBP0.6m) and higher acquisition related costs of GBP2.6m (2014: GBP0.5m) relating to the final year of the Vado earn out mechanism of GBP1.3m and the costs of acquiring Croydex of GBP0.8m. (MORE TO FOLLOW) Dow Jones Newswires November 12, 2015 02:01 ET (07:01 GMT) Diluted underlying earnings per share were 46% higher at 11.8p (2014: 8.1p restated for the 10:1 share consolidation), reflecting improved underlying earnings. Financial We have continued to demonstrate strong cash conversion with underlying operating cash generated in the period at GBP13.3m (2014: GBP11.6m), representing 104% of underlying EBITDA for the period (2014: 112%). There was a working capital outflow of GBP0.2m in the period which compared to a GBP0.6m inflow in the prior period. A pension deficit recovery payment of GBP1.1m (2014: GBP1.0m) in the period (as part of the GBP2.0m plus CPI per annum contribution agreed with the Trustee in 2013) and cash inflows relating to exceptional items of GBP0.7m (2014: outflows of GBP0.7m) resulted in net cash generated from continuing operations at GBP12.9m (2014: GBP9.9m). Investment in capital expenditure in the period amounted to GBP3.2m (2014: GBP3.4m) and has remained consistent at 1.1 times depreciation. Net debt increased in the six months to 30 September 2015 by GBP15.0m to GBP29.2m principally as a result of the acquisition of Croydex, which, including costs related to the acquisition of GBP0.8m, resulted in a net cash outflow in the period of GBP20.1m. The gross deficit relating to our UK defined benefit pension scheme as calculated under IAS 19R has improved slightly from a deficit of GBP44.3m at 31 March 2015 to a deficit of GBP42.4m at 30 September 2015. The reduction in the deficit principally reflects an increase in the discount rate to 3.8% net of a lower return on scheme assets. During the previous year the plan undertook a number of liability management exercises which resulted in the recognition of a net settlement gain of GBP1.7m. A further gain of GBP0.4m has been recognised in the period as a result of these exercises which has been included within exceptional operating items. Property As highlighted in the Group's 2015 Annual Report, the contractual dispute arising from the conditional sale of part of the surplus land in Tunstall to a subsidiary of Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc was settled on 15 May 2015. The Company has recognised exceptional operating income of GBP1.9m in relation to this settlement. Dividend The Board is declaring an interim dividend of 2.20p per share reflecting the strong first half performance and its confidence in the Group's future prospects. Taking into account the 10:1 share consolidation which took place on 29 September 2015, this represents an increase of 19% over the restated interim dividend from the previous year of 1.85p per ordinary share. The dividend is payable on 7 January 2016 to shareholders on the register on 4 December 2015. The shares will be quoted as ex-dividend on 3 December 2015. Operating review UK For the six months ended 30 September 2015 total revenue in our UK businesses was 9.8% ahead of the prior period at GBP79.9m (2014: GBP72.8m). On a like for like basis excluding Croydex revenue of GBP5.8m, total revenue increased by 1.8%. Underlying operating profit at GBP8.0m was 25% higher than last year at GBP6.4m and represents an improved return on sales of 10.0% (2014: 8.8%). The trends in our UK markets seen in the prior year have continued into the first half of this year, with good growth in the trade sector, but a challenging retail sector. Triton Our market leading shower operation, Triton Showers, recorded revenue growth of 3.1% for the six month period to 30 September 2015 to GBP26.2m (2014: GBP25.4m). UK revenue for Triton was 1.9% higher than the prior year. Revenue from the UK trade sector increased by 3.3% compared to the prior year, with strong trading across major national merchants and electrical wholesale customers and a much improved performance in the specification sector, which has been a key area of focus for the business. The retail sector however remains challenging, principally due to weak consumer demand and the impact of product range changes at some of the major DIY accounts. Notwithstanding this, Triton still delivered marginally higher retail revenue compared to the previous year. Triton has continued to invest significantly in new product development and in product innovation with the recent launch of the T80ZFF thermostatic electric shower range which further strengthens our offer in the growing thermostatic shower market. Export markets account for 17% of Triton's overall revenue and have continued to grow, increasing by 10.0% compared to the prior year. The principal export market for Triton is Ireland, where a revitalised new build and RMI sector has helped drive revenue growth. Markets further afield, principally Latin America, continue to be developed. We have invested in both new product development and marketing including representation at a number of major trade fairs in the region. Triton has continued to generate strong cashflows and delivered underlying operating profits which were marginally ahead of last year. Vado Our leading manufacturer of taps, mixer showers, bathroom accessories and valves, Vado, recorded revenue of GBP15.9m for the period (2014: GBP14.8m), 7.4% higher than the prior year. UK revenue was 16.7% higher than the prior year, with growth in both the retail and trade segments. In the trade sector, we continue to make strong progress in both residential and commercial specifications, benefitting particularly from increased new private housing programmes. In retail, we are beginning to see the benefits of investing in the expansion of the sales team and were recently recognised as tap brand of the year by BKU magazine in its inaugural awards. Export revenue, which accounts for approximately 30% of Vado revenue, was 9.6% lower than the same period last year. This performance reflects a mixed picture with lower revenue outside of our major Middle East market held back by credit issues with a number of sub-Saharan customers and a number of larger projects last year not being repeated this year. However, in the Middle East we grew revenue strongly in the first half of this year reflecting more buoyant construction activity. We have recently increased our presence in this market and established a directly employed resource in the region to strengthen the Vado brand in the important specification sector. Underlying operating profits were ahead of the same period last year driven largely by revenue growth. Croydex Croydex, our market-leading, innovative designer, manufacturer and distributor of high quality bathroom furnishings and accessories, which was acquired on 25 June 2015, recorded revenue of GBP5.8m for the three month period since acquisition to 30 September 2015, in line with our expectations. Whilst it was not under Group ownership for the full period, revenue for the six months ended 30 September 2015 was GBP10.9m, 3.7% higher than the prior year. UK sales at GBP10.3m were in line with the prior year with the challenging retail environment being offset by growth in the trade sector. Export sales of GBP0.6m were GBP0.4m higher than the prior period, reflecting the additional focus employed to target growth outside the UK, with particular success being achieved in Germany. Operationally, Croydex has been integrated into the Norcros group seamlessly, and the performance of the business since acquisition has been highly encouraging, with the business generating an underlying profit performance in line with the Board's expectations. Johnson Tiles Our UK market leading ceramic tile manufacturer and a market leader in the supply of both own manufactured and imported tiles, Johnson Tiles, recorded revenue 4.5% lower than the same period last year at GBP27.9m (2014: GBP29.2m). UK revenue was 2.7% lower than the comparative period last year. Excellent progress continues to be made in the trade segment with revenue 5.0% higher, notwithstanding that last year included the one-off benefit of the supply of ceramic poppies which formed the main part of the World War I commemorations at the Tower of London. Again, good progress has been made in the specification sector, with projects completed in the period for Holiday Inn and Total Fitness. In the retail sector, subdued demand in the DIY sector generally combined with the withdrawal from some unprofitable ranges resulted in revenues 9.6% lower than the prior year. Export revenue was also 16.7% lower than the prior year principally reflecting the combined impact of weak market conditions in France and credit issues in the Middle East. Operationally, the excellent progress made at the end of the last financial year has been sustained throughout this first half period. As a result of management actions manufacturing efficiencies have significantly improved compared to the prior period. This, together with the continued trade revenue growth, have been key factors in delivering a solid underlying operating profit performance for the period, a marked improvement over the small operating loss recorded in the prior period. Norcros Adhesives Norcros Adhesives, our manufacturer and supplier of tile and stone adhesives and ancillary products, once again demonstrated excellent growth with revenue 20.6% higher at GBP4.1m (2014: GBP3.4m). This performance principally reflects further development of our distribution channels in the trade segment, as well as some initial success in the retail DIY sector. The business continues to develop innovative new products to address the technical issues in fixing tiles to different types of substrate, for example the launch of the Ultima8 B+ range, which solves the problem of fixing tiles to bituminous surfaces. Additionally, the business has continued to invest in future growth, achieving the ISO 14001 accreditation for environmental management, commencing the construction of a new training centre and laboratory in the UK and establishing a local presence in the Middle East to better capitalise on the opportunities in the significant specification market in this region. (MORE TO FOLLOW) Dow Jones Newswires November 12, 2015 02:01 ET (07:01 GMT) This continued strong growth has delivered an underlying operating profit performance ahead of the same period last year. South Africa Once again our South African businesses reported another period of double digit constant currency growth resulting in revenue 16.9% higher than prior year on a constant currency basis. Reported Sterling revenue was 8.4% higher at GBP38.8m (2014: GBP35.8m), reflecting an 8% weaker Rand. Underlying operating profit at GBP1.9m was 90% higher than the previous period (2014: GBP1.0m) despite the weaker Rand adversely impacting reported profits by GBP0.1m. This represents a significantly improved return on sales of 4.9% (2014: 2.7%). All three businesses delivered an improvement in local currency underlying operating profit performance. Our South African operations have made further progress in the first half of the year with all three businesses growing ahead of the market as we continue to implement our strategy of growing our brands through geographic expansion and range diversification. Gross margins improved against the previous year, with the benefits in our supply chain and production efficiencies delivering tangible benefits over the period. Johnson Tiles South Africa Our tile manufacturing business, Johnson Tiles South Africa, achieved independent sector revenue of GBP5.4m (2014: GBP5.2m), 12.5% higher than prior year on a constant currency basis, and 3.8% higher on a reported Sterling basis. Following the investment in two inkjet printers over the last two years we have successfully enriched our product offer with the launch of a number of additional inkjet ranges and a new rectangular product format in response to market trends. An improved product offer and a consistent manufacturing performance have resulted in a marked improvement in performance. As reported in our last annual report, Johnson Tiles South Africa experienced some manufacturing disruption as a result of the national electricity load-shedding programme. Consequently a new standby diesel generator has been successfully installed in the period which will significantly reduce the impact of being unable to operate the manufacturing facility in the event of a power outage. Notwithstanding the disruption from load shedding prior to the generator being installed, the business delivered an underlying operating profit compared to a small underlying operating loss in the prior period. TAL Our market leading adhesive business, TAL, delivered constant currency independent sector revenue growth of 20.5% in the period, or an 11.9% increase on a Sterling reported basis to GBP9.4m (2014: GBP8.4m). This growth was achieved through market share gain in domestic markets and through continued focus on growing sub-Saharan export markets, as well as product range extensions, such as a new 2kg bag to its grout range and a new powdered bond range, both of which have received a favourable market reaction. In addition to the considerable growth in revenue, we have continued to drive profitability through further improvements in plant and procurement efficiencies. This has been reflected in a stronger underlying operating profit performance than the prior year. Tile Africa Revenue at our leading retailer of wall and floor tiles, adhesives, showers, sanitaryware and bathroom fittings, Tile Africa, increased by 16.5% on a constant currency basis compared to the prior year, and by 8.1% on a Sterling reported basis to GBP24.0m (2014: GBP22.2m). Tile Africa currently operates from 29 stores and four franchises, with a new store in Boksburg, Gauteng, expected to open by the end of this financial year. The new CX format stores that we developed to improve the overall retail customer experience, and were showcased in the last Annual Report, have continued to perform strongly, and consequently there are plans to retrofit this format into further stores. The store at Lenasia has recently been refitted as a factory outlet aimed at the emerging consumer segments following on from the positive results achieved at the existing store of this type in Silverton. The improved CX store layout, together with benefits from our increased focus on in-stock and on-display offering has been reflected in market share gain and revenue growth, and in an improved underlying operating profit compared to the prior year. Share consolidation On 29 September 2015 the Company undertook an exercise to consolidate its existing 1p ordinary shares into new 10p ordinary shares, and the new shares began to be traded on the London Stock Exchange on 30 September. The resolution permitting the Board to effect the consolidation had been passed at the Company's AGM on 22 July. The Board considered it was important to reduce the number of shares in issue to a level more appropriate for a company of Norcros's size, and to make the shares more attractive to investors, whilst having no effect on the relative holdings of individual shareholders. Full details of the share consolidation are provided on the Company's website www.norcros.com. Summary and outlook The Group has made a very pleasing start to the year, with each of our businesses delivering an improvement in underlying operating profit performance. As I have already highlighted, we took decisive management action in our tiles businesses in both the UK and South Africa to address the operational challenges of recent years and now have a much stronger base from which to develop our medium term growth plans. Whilst conditions in our UK retail and export markets remain testing, we continue to capitalise on the demand opportunities in the more positive trade sector where we continue to perform strongly. The acquisition of the Croydex business is a further step in realising our strategic target of generating revenues of GBP420m by 2018 and importantly the business has already been smoothly integrated into the Group. With our strong brands, leading market positions and continued self-help initiatives focused on market share gain the Group is well positioned to make further progress. Given the strong first half performance and momentum within our businesses, the Board now expects the Group to achieve underlying operating profit marginally ahead of market expectations for the year to 31 March 2016. M. G. Towers Chairman 12 November 2015 Condensed consolidated income statement Six months to 30 September 2015 6 months to 6 months to Year ended 30 September 30 September 31 March 2015 2014* 2015* (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) Notes GBPm GBPm GBPm ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ---------- Continuing operations Revenue 118.7 108.6 222.1 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ---------- Underlying operating profit 9.9 7.4 17.0 IAS 19R administrative expenses (0.8) (0.8) (1.7) Acquisition related costs 4 (2.6) (0.5) (2.2) Exceptional operating items 4 2.3 0.3 (2.5) ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ---------- Operating profit 8.8 6.4 10.6 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ---------- Finance costs 7 (1.1) (0.8) (1.4) Exceptional finance costs 7 - (0.4) (0.4) ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ---------- Total finance costs 7 (1.1) (1.2) (1.8) Finance income 7 - 1.6 3.3 IAS 19R finance cost (0.7) (0.5) (1.1) ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ---------- Profit before taxation 7.0 6.3 11.0 Taxation 6 (1.6) (1.6) (2.9) ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ---------- Profit for the period from continuing operations 5.4 4.7 8.1 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ---------- Profit for the period from discontinued operations - 0.1 0.1 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ---------- Profit for the period 5.4 4.8 8.2 (MORE TO FOLLOW) Dow Jones Newswires November 12, 2015 02:01 ET (07:01 GMT) ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ---------- Earnings per share attributable to the owners of the Company Basic earnings per share: From continuing operations 5 9.0p 8.0p 13.6p From discontinued operations 5 - 0.2p 0.2p ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ---------- From profit for the period 5 9.0p 8.2p 13.8p ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ---------- Diluted earnings per share: From continuing operations 5 8.7p 7.7p 13.1p From discontinued operations 5 - 0.2p 0.2p ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ---------- From profit for the period 5 8.7p 7.9p 13.3p ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ---------- Weighted average number of shares for basic earnings per share (millions) 5 60.1 59.0 59.2 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ---------- Non-GAAP measures Underlying profit before taxation (GBPm) 3 9.4 6.7 15.8 Underlying earnings (GBPm) 3 7.3 5.0 13.0 Basic underlying earnings per share 5 12.2p 8.4p 21.9p Diluted underlying earnings per share 5 11.8p 8.1p 21.1p ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ---------- * The results of previous periods have been restated where required to reflect the revised presentation of acquisition related costs and the 10:1 share consolidation completed on 29 September 2015. Condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income Six months to 30 September 2015 6 months to 6 months to Year ended 30 September 30 September 31 March 2015 2014 2015 (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) GBPm GBPm GBPm ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------- Profit for the period 5.4 4.8 8.2 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------- Other comprehensive income and expense: Items that will not subsequently be reclassified to the income statement Actuarial gains/(losses) on retirement benefit obligations 1.6 (14.8) (18.8) Items that may be subsequently reclassified to the income statement Foreign currency translation adjustments (6.0) (1.2) (0.6) -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------- Other comprehensive expense for the period (4.4) (16.0) (19.4) -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------- Total comprehensive income/(expense) for the period 1.0 (11.2) (11.2) -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------- Attributable to equity shareholders arising from Continuing operations 1.0 (11.4) (11.4) Discontinued operations - 0.2 0.2 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------- 1.0 (11.2) (11.2) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------- Items in the statement are disclosed net of tax. Condensed consolidated balance sheet At 30 September 2015 At At At 30 September 30 September 31 March 2015 2014 2015 (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) Notes GBPm GBPm GBPm -------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ --------- Non-current assets Goodwill 29.5 22.0 22.2 Intangible assets 12.2 4.8 4.7 Property, plant and equipment 37.5 36.8 37.6 Investment properties - 4.3 - Derivative financial instruments 15 - 0.2 - Deferred tax assets 6 11.2 14.1 13.8 -------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ --------- 90.4 82.2 78.3 -------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ --------- Current assets Inventories 56.3 51.0 52.2 Trade and other receivables 43.6 42.1 40.5 Derivative financial instruments 15 1.0 - 2.1 Cash and cash equivalents 7.8 4.5 5.6 108.7 97.6 100.4 -------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ --------- Current liabilities Trade and other liabilities (60.5) (54.1) (54.9) Derivative financial instruments 15 (0.3) (0.8) (1.0) Current tax liabilities (1.4) (1.7) (1.3) Financial liabilities - borrowings 8 (4.5) (4.1) (1.4) (66.7) (60.7) (58.6) -------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ --------- Net current assets 42.0 36.9 41.8 -------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ --------- Total assets less current liabilities 132.4 119.1 120.1 -------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ --------- Non-current liabilities Financial liabilities - borrowings 8 (32.5) (20.4) (18.4) Pension scheme liability 12 (42.4) (40.6) (44.3) Other non-current liabilities (2.1) (1.5) (1.4) Provisions (3.2) (3.7) (3.3) -------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ --------- (80.2) (66.2) (67.4) -------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ --------- Net assets 52.2 52.9 52.7 -------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ --------- Financed by: Ordinary share capital 9 6.1 5.9 6.0 Share premium 1.0 0.9 1.0 Retained earnings and other reserves 45.1 46.1 45.7 -------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ --------- Total equity 52.2 52.9 52.7 -------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ --------- Condensed consolidated statement of cash flow (MORE TO FOLLOW) Dow Jones Newswires November 12, 2015 02:01 ET (07:01 GMT) Six months to 30 September 2015 6 months to 6 months to Year ended 30 September 30 September 31 March 2015 2014 2015 (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) Notes GBPm GBPm GBPm ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ---------- Cash generated from operations 10 12.9 10.0 16.2 Income taxes paid (0.6) (0.2) (0.5) Interest paid (0.5) (0.7) (1.3) ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ---------- Net cash generated from operating activities 11.8 9.1 14.4 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ---------- Cash flows from investing activities Proceeds from sale of investment property - - 6.1 Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment - 0.4 0.4 Purchase of investment property - - (0.9) Purchase of property, plant and equipment (3.2) (3.4) (7.0) Acquisition of subsidiary undertakings net of cash acquired (20.5) (0.3) (0.5) Disposal of subsidiary undertakings net of cash divested - 3.8 3.8 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ---------- Net cash (used in)/generated from investing activities (23.7) 0.5 1.9 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ---------- Cash flows from financing activities Net proceeds from issue of ordinary share capital - - 0.2 Drawdown/(repayment) of borrowings 14.0 (10.1) (12.1) Costs of raising debt finance - (0.7) (0.7) Dividends paid to equity shareholders (2.2) (2.0) (3.1) ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ---------- Net cash generated from/(used in) financing activities 11.8 (12.8) (15.7) ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ---------- Net (decrease)/increase in cash at bank and in hand and bank overdrafts (0.1) (3.2) 0.6 Cash at bank and in hand and bank overdrafts at beginning of the period 4.2 3.7 3.7 Exchange movements on cash and bank overdrafts (0.8) (0.1) (0.1) ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ---------- Cash at bank and in hand and bank overdrafts at end of the period 3.3 0.4 4.2 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ------------ ---------- Non-GAAP measures Underlying operating cash flow 3 13.3 11.6 22.9 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ---------- Condensed consolidated statements of changes in equity Six months to 30 September 2015 (unaudited) Ordinary Retained share Share Treasury Translation earnings/ capital premium reserve reserve (losses) Total GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm ------------------------------------------------- -------- ------- -------- ----------- --------- ----- At 31 March 2015 6.0 1.0 (0.1) (9.1) 54.9 52.7 Comprehensive income: Profit for the period - - - - 5.4 5.4 Actuarial gain on retirement benefit obligations - - - - 1.6 1.6 Other comprehensive expense: Foreign currency translation adjustments - - - (6.0) - (6.0) Total other comprehensive (expense)/ income - - - (6.0) 7.0 1.0 ------------------------------------------------- -------- ------- -------- ----------- --------- ----- Transactions with owners: Dividends paid - - - - (2.2) (2.2) Share option schemes and warrants 0.1 - (0.1) - 0.7 0.7 ------------------------------------------------- -------- ------- -------- ----------- --------- ----- At 30 September 2015 6.1 1.0 (0.2) (15.1) 60.4 52.2 ------------------------------------------------- -------- ------- -------- ----------- --------- ----- Six months to 30 September 2014 (unaudited) Ordinary Retained share Share Treasury Translation earnings/ capital premium reserve reserve (losses) Total GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm ------------------------------------------------- -------- ------- -------- ----------- --------- ------ At 31 March 2014 5.8 0.9 - (8.5) 67.3 65.5 Comprehensive income: Profit for the period - - - - 4.8 4.8 Other comprehensive expense: Actuarial loss on retirement benefit obligations - - - - (14.8) (14.8) Foreign currency translation adjustments - - - (1.2) - (1.2) ------------------------------------------------- -------- ------- -------- ----------- --------- ------ Total other comprehensive expense - - - (1.2) (14.8) (16.0) ------------------------------------------------- -------- ------- -------- ----------- --------- ------ Transactions with owners: Dividends paid - - - - (2.0) (2.0) Share option schemes and warrants 0.1 - (0.1) - 0.6 0.6 ------------------------------------------------- -------- ------- -------- ----------- --------- ------ At 30 September 2014 5.9 0.9 (0.1) (9.7) 55.9 52.9 ------------------------------------------------- -------- ------- -------- ----------- --------- ------ Year ended 31 March 2015 (audited) Ordinary Retained share Share Treasury Translation earnings/ capital premium reserve reserve (losses) Total GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm ------------------------------------------------- -------- ------- -------- ----------- --------- ------ At 31 March 2014 5.8 0.9 - (8.5) 67.3 65.5 Comprehensive income: Profit for the year - - - - 8.2 8.2 Other comprehensive expense: Actuarial loss on retirement benefit obligations - - - - (18.8) (18.8) Foreign currency translation adjustments - - - (0.6) - (0.6) ------------------------------------------------- -------- ------- -------- ----------- --------- ------ Total other comprehensive expense - - - (0.6) (18.8) (19.4) ------------------------------------------------- -------- ------- -------- ----------- --------- ------ Transactions with owners: Shares issued 0.2 0.1 (0.1) - - 0.2 Dividends paid - - - - (3.1) (3.1) (MORE TO FOLLOW) Dow Jones Newswires November 12, 2015 02:01 ET (07:01 GMT) Share option schemes and warrants - - - - 1.3 1.3 ------------------------------------------------- -------- ------- -------- ----------- --------- ------ At 31 March 2015 6.0 1.0 (0.1) (9.1) 54.9 52.7 ------------------------------------------------- -------- ------- -------- ----------- --------- ------ Notes to the accounts Six months to 30 September 2015 1. Accounting policies General information The Company is a public limited company which is listed on the London Stock Exchange and incorporated and domiciled in the UK. This condensed consolidated interim financial information was approved for issue on 12 November 2015. This condensed consolidated financial information does not comprise statutory accounts within the meaning of Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. This condensed consolidated interim financial information has been neither audited nor reviewed. Basis of preparation This condensed consolidated interim financial information for the six months to 30 September 2015 has been prepared in accordance with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority and with IAS 34, 'Interim financial reporting', as adopted by the European Union. The Directors consider, after making appropriate enquiries at the time of approving the condensed consolidated interim financial information, that the Company and the Group have adequate resources to continue in operational existence and, accordingly, that it is appropriate to adopt the going concern basis in the preparation of the condensed consolidated interim financial information. The condensed consolidated interim financial information should be read in conjunction with the Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2015, which has been prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the European Union. The Annual Report and Accounts was approved by the Board on 18 June 2015 and delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The report of the external auditor on the financial statements was unqualified. Accounting policies The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of this condensed consolidated interim financial information are included in the financial report for the year ended 31 March 2015. These policies have been applied consistently to all periods presented. Taxes on income in the interim periods are accrued using the tax rate that would be applicable to the expected total annual profits or losses. New standards, amendments to standards and interpretations The following new standards, amendments to standards or interpretations are mandatory for the first time for the financial year beginning 1 April 2015. The Group has adopted the following new standards, amendments and interpretations now applicable. None of these standards and interpretations has had any material effect on the Group's results or net assets. Applicable for financial years Standard or interpretation Content beginning on or after -------------------------------------- ----------------- --------------------- Amendment to IAS 19 (revised) Employee benefits 1 April 2015 Annual improvements to IFRSs 2010-2012 Various 1 April 2015 Annual improvements to IFRSs 2011-2013 Various 1 April 2015 -------------------------------------- ----------------- --------------------- The following standards, amendments and interpretations are not yet effective and have not been adopted early by the Group: Applicable for financial years Standard or interpretation Content beginning on or after --------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------- --------------------- Amendment to IFRS 10 Consolidated financial statements 1 April 2016 Amendment to IFRS 11 Joint arrangements 1 April 2016 Amendment to IFRS 12 Disclosure of interests in other entities 1 April 2016 IFRS 14 Regulatory deferral accounts 1 April 2016 Amendment to IAS 1 Presentation of financial statements 1 April 2016 Amendment to IAS 16 Property, plant and equipment 1 April 2016 Amendment to IAS 27 Separate financial statements 1 April 2016 Amendment to IAS 28 Investments in associates and joint ventures 1 April 2016 Amendment to IAS 38 Intangible assets 1 April 2016 Amendment to IAS 41 Agriculture 1 April 2016 Annual improvements to IFRSs 2014 Various 1 April 2016 IFRS 15 Revenue from contracts with customers 1 April 2018 IFRS 9 Financial instruments: classification and measurement 1 April 2018 --------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------- --------------------- None of these standards or interpretations is expected to have a material impact on the Group. Risks and uncertainties The principal strategic level risks and uncertainties affecting the Group, together with the approach to their mitigation, remain as set out on pages 24 to 27 in the 2015 Annual Report, which is available on the Group's website (www.norcros.com). In summary the Group's principal risks and uncertainties are: -- key commercial relationships; -- accounting for customer rebates and other trade promotional spend; -- competition; -- reliance on production facilities; -- staff retention and recruitment; -- foreign currency exchange risk; -- interest rate risk; -- pension scheme management; -- energy price risk; -- additional capital requirements to fund ongoing operations; -- performance against banking covenants; -- changing consumer preferences; -- overseas operations; and -- acquisition risk. The Chairman's Statement in this condensed consolidated interim financial information includes comments on the outlook for the remaining six months of the financial year. Forward-looking statements This condensed consolidated interim financial information contains forward-looking statements. Although the Group believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that these expectations will prove to be correct. Due to the inherent uncertainties, including both economic and business risk factors underlying such forward-looking information, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. The Group undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Accounting estimates and judgments The preparation of condensed consolidated interim financial information requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amount of assets and liabilities, income and expense. Actual results may differ from these estimates. In preparing the condensed consolidated interim financial information, the significant judgments made by management in applying the Group's accounting policies and the key sources of estimation uncertainty were the same as those applied to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2015. 2. Segmental reporting The Group operates in two main geographical areas: the UK and South Africa. All inter-segment transactions are made on an arm's length basis. The chief operating decision maker, which is considered to be the Board, assesses performance and allocates resources based on geography as each segment has similar economic characteristics, complementary products, distribution channels and regulatory environments. Continuing operations - 6 months to 30 September 2015 (unaudited) --------------------------------------------- South UK Africa Group Notes GBPm GBPm GBPm ---------------------------------- ----- ------------- -------------- -------------- Revenue 79.9 38.8 118.7 ---------------------------------- ----- ------------- -------------- -------------- Underlying operating profit 8.0 1.9 9.9 IAS 19R administrative expenses (0.8) - (0.8) Acquisition related costs 4 (2.6) - (2.6) Exceptional operating items 4 2.3 - 2.3 ---------------------------------- ----- ------------- -------------- -------------- (MORE TO FOLLOW) Dow Jones Newswires November 12, 2015 02:01 ET (07:01 GMT) Operating profit 6.9 1.9 8.8 ---------------------------------- ----- ------------- -------------- -------------- Finance costs (net) (1.8) ---------------------------------- ----- ------------- -------------- -------------- Profit before taxation 7.0 Taxation 6 (1.6) ---------------------------------- ----- ------------- -------------- -------------- Profit from continuing operations 5.4 ---------------------------------- ----- ------------- -------------- -------------- Net debt 10 (29.2) ---------------------------------- ----- ------------- -------------- -------------- Continuing operations - 6 months to 30 September 2014 (unaudited)* ---------------------------------------------- South UK Africa Group Notes GBPm GBPm GBPm ---------------------------------- ----- ------------- --------------- -------------- Revenue 72.8 35.8 108.6 ---------------------------------- ----- ------------- --------------- -------------- Underlying operating profit 6.4 1.0 7.4 IAS 19R administrative expenses (0.8) - (0.8) Acquisition related costs 4 (0.5) - (0.5) Exceptional operating items 4 0.3 - 0.3 ---------------------------------- ----- ------------- --------------- -------------- Operating profit 5.4 1.0 6.4 ---------------------------------- ----- ------------- --------------- -------------- Finance costs (net) (0.1) ---------------------------------- ----- ------------- --------------- -------------- Profit before taxation 6.3 Taxation 6 (1.6) ---------------------------------- ----- ------------- --------------- -------------- Profit from continuing operations 4.7 ---------------------------------- ----- ------------- --------------- -------------- Net debt 10 (20.0) ---------------------------------- ----- ------------- --------------- -------------- * The results have been restated to reflect the revised presentation of acquisition related costs. Continuing operations - Year ended 31 March 2015 (audited) --------------------------------------- South UK Africa Group Notes GBPm GBPm GBPm ------------------------------------------------ ------ ----------- ------------ ------------ Revenue 149.1 73.0 222.1 ------------------------------------------------ ------ ----------- ------------ ------------ Underlying operating profit 13.8 3.2 17.0 IAS 19R administrative expenses (1.7) - (1.7) Acquisition related costs 4 (2.2) - (2.2) Exceptional operating items 4 (2.3) (0.2) (2.5) ------------------------------------------------ ------ ----------- ------------ ------------ Operating profit 7.6 3.0 10.6 ------------------------------------------------ ------ ----------- ------------ ------------ Finance income (net) 0.4 ------------------------------------------------ ------ ----------- ------------ ------------ Profit before taxation 11.0 Taxation 6 (2.9) ------------------------------------------------ ------ ----------- ------------ ------------ Profit for the year from continuing operations 8.1 ------------------------------------------------ ------ ----------- ------------ ------------ Net debt 10 (14.2) ------------------------------------------------ ------ ----------- ------------ ------------ There are no differences from the last Annual Report in the basis of segmentation or in the basis of measurement of segment profit or loss. 3. Non-GAAP measures Condensed Consolidated Income Statement 6 months to 6 months to Year ended 30 September 30 September 31 March 2015 2014 2015 (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) GBPm GBPm GBPm --------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------- Profit before taxation from continuing operations 7.0 6.3 11.0 Adjusted for: IAS 19R administrative expenses 0.8 0.8 1.7 Acquisition related costs 2.6 0.5 2.2 Exceptional operating items (2.3) (0.3) 2.5 Amortisation of costs of raising debt finance 0.1 0.1 0.1 Amortisation of costs of raising debt finance - exceptional - 0.4 0.4 Net movement on fair value of derivative financial instruments 0.5 (1.6) (3.3) Discount on property lease provisions - - 0.1 IAS 19R finance cost 0.7 0.5 1.1 --------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------- Underlying profit before taxation 9.4 6.7 15.8 Taxation attributable to underlying profit before taxation (2.1) (1.7) (2.8) --------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------- Underlying earnings 7.3 5.0 13.0 --------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------- The Directors believe that underlying profit before taxation and underlying earnings provide shareholders with additional useful information on the underlying performance of the Group. Underlying profit before taxation is defined as profit before taxation, IAS 19R administrative expenses, acquisition related costs, exceptional operating items, exceptional finance costs, amortisation of costs of raising finance, net movement on fair value of derivative financial instruments, discounting of property lease provisions and finance costs relating to pension schemes. 6 months to 6 months to Year ended 30 September 30 September 31 March 2015 2014 2015 (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) GBPm GBPm GBPm -------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------- Operating profit from continuing operations 8.8 6.4 10.6 Adjusted for: Depreciation 2.9 3.0 6.0 IAS 19R administrative expenses 0.8 0.8 1.7 Acquisition related costs 2.6 0.5 2.2 Exceptional operating items (2.3) (0.3) 2.5 -------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------- Underlying EBITDA 12.8 10.4 23.0 -------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------- (MORE TO FOLLOW) Dow Jones Newswires November 12, 2015 02:01 ET (07:01 GMT) EBITDA is a measure commonly used by investors and financiers to assess business performance. Underlying EBITDA has been provided which reflects EBITDA as adjusted for IAS 19R administrative expenses, acquisition related costs and exceptional operating items. The Directors consider that these measures provide shareholders with additional useful information on the performance of the Group. Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow 6 months to 6 months to Year ended 30 September 30 September 31 March 2015 2014 2015 (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) GBPm GBPm GBPm ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------- Cash generated from continuing operations (note 10) 12.9 9.9 16.1 Adjusted for: Cash (inflows)/outflows from exceptional items and acquisition related costs (0.7) 0.7 4.7 Pension fund deficit recovery contributions 1.1 1.0 2.1 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------- Underlying operating cash flow 13.3 11.6 22.9 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------- Underlying operating cash flow is defined as cash generated from continuing operations before cash outflows from exceptional items and pension fund deficit recovery contributions. The Directors believe that underlying operating cash flow provides shareholders with additional useful information on the underlying cash generation of the Group. 4. Acquisition related costs and exceptional operating items An analysis of acquisition related costs and exceptional operating items is shown below. 6 months to 6 months to Year ended 30 September 30 September 31 March 2015 2014 2015 (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) GBPm GBPm GBPm --------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------- Acquisition related costs Deferred remuneration(1) 1.2 0.3 1.1 Intangible asset amortisation(2) 0.3 0.2 0.3 Staff costs and advisory fees(3) 1.1 - 0.8 --------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------- 2.6 0.5 2.2 --------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------- 1 Consideration payable to the former shareholders of Vado and Croydex which is required to be treated as remuneration and, accordingly, is expensed to the income statement as incurred. 2 Non-cash amortisation charges in respect of intangible assets recognised following the acquisitions of Vado and Croydex. 3 Costs of maintaining an in-house acquisitions department and professional advisory fees incurred in connection with the Group's business combination activities. In the 6 months to 30 September 2015 this included GBP0.8m in connection with the acquisition of Croydex. 6 months to 6 months to Year ended 30 September 30 September 31 March 2015 2014 2015 (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) GBPm GBPm GBPm ------------------------------------------ ------------ ------------ ---------- Exceptional operating items Legal claim(1) (1.9) 0.1 0.3 Pension scheme settlement gain(2) (0.4) - (1.7) Profit on disposal of surplus property(3) - (0.4) (0.4) Sheffield lease surrender(4) - - 2.5 Loss on disposal of property portfolio(5) - - 1.5 Restructuring costs(6) - - 0.3 (2.3) (0.3) 2.5 ------------------------------------------ ------------ ------------ ---------- 1 The legal claim relating to the land at the Highgate site in Tunstall, UK was settled in the period. Under the terms of the settlement with Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc the Group received a payment of GBP2.0m. Costs in connection with the claim of GBP0.1m were incurred in the period (2014: GBP0.1m). 2 The Group implemented a liability management exercise in the previous year in connection with its principal UK defined benefit pension scheme. This resulted in a further settlement gain of GBP0.4m being recognised in the period in addition to the GBP1.7m gain in the previous year. 3 A profit of GBP0.4m was generated in the previous year following the sale of a small parcel of land in Braintree, UK. 4 In the previous year the Group exited its onerous lease in connection with the Orgreave Drive, Sheffield property at a cost of GBP2.5m. 5 The Group's remaining surplus freehold property portfolio was sold to Clowes Developments (UK) Ltd in March 2015 for net proceeds of GBP6.1m, leading to a loss on disposal of GBP1.5m. 6 Restructuring costs related to redundancies and asset write-downs as a result of restructuring initiatives throughout the Group's business units. 5. Earnings per share Basic and diluted earnings per share Basic earnings per share (EPS) is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year, excluding those held in the Norcros Employee Benefit Trust. For diluted EPS, the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue is adjusted to assume conversion of all potential dilutive ordinary shares. As described in note 9, on 29 September 2015 the Company consolidated its existing ordinary shares of 1p each into new ordinary shares of 10p each. In order to effect fair comparison, the comparative figures for share numbers and earnings per share have been restated to reflect the impact of the share consolidation. The calculation of EPS is based on the following profits and numbers of shares: 6 months to 6 months to Year ended 30 September 30 September 31 March 2015 2014 2015 (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) GBPm GBPm GBPm --------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------- Profit for the period from continuing operations 5.4 4.7 8.1 Profit for the period from discontinued operations - 0.1 0.1 --------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------- Profit for the period 5.4 4.8 8.2 --------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------- 6 months to 6 months to Year ended 30 September 30 September 31 March 2015 2014 2015 (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) Number Number Number (restated) (restated) ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------- Weighted average number of shares for basic earnings per share 60,126,284 58,959,370 59,223,135 Share options and warrants 1,902,048 2,159,547 2,303,299 Weighted average number of shares for diluted earnings per share 62,028,332 61,118,917 61,526,434 ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------- 6 months to 6 months to Year ended 30 September 30 September 31 March 2015 2014 2015 (unaudited) (audited) (unaudited) (restated) (restated) ----------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------- Basic earnings per share: From continuing operations 9.0p 8.0p 13.6p From discontinued operations - 0.2p 0.2p ----------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------- From profit for the period 9.0p 8.2p 13.8p (MORE TO FOLLOW) Dow Jones Newswires November 12, 2015 02:01 ET (07:01 GMT) ----------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------- Diluted earnings per share: From continuing operations 8.7p 7.7p 13.1p From discontinued operations - 0.2p 0.2p ----------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------- From profit for the period 8.7p 7.9p 13.3p ----------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------- Basic and diluted underlying earnings per share Basic and diluted underlying earnings per share have also been provided which reflect underlying earnings from continuing operations divided by the weighted average number of shares set out above. 6 months to 6 months to Year ended 30 September 30 September 31 March 2015 2014 2015 (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) GBPm GBPm GBPm -------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------- Underlying earnings for the period (note 3) 7.3 5.0 13.0 -------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------- 6 months to 6 months to Year ended 30 September 30 September 31 March 2015 2014 2015 (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) -------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------- Basic underlying earnings per share 12.2p 8.4p 21.9p Diluted underlying earnings per share 11.8p 8.1p 21.1p -------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------- 6. Taxation Taxation comprises: 6 months to 6 months to Year ended 30 September 30 September 31 March 2015 2014 2015 (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) GBPm GBPm GBPm -------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------- Current UK taxation 0.5 0.5 0.4 Deferred Origination and reversal of temporary differences 1.1 1.1 2.5 -------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------- Taxation 1.6 1.6 2.9 -------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------- Current tax expense is recognised based on management's estimate of the weighted average annual income tax rate expected for the full financial year. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against current tax liabilities and when the deferred income taxes relate to the same fiscal authority. Deferred tax is calculated in full on temporary differences under the liability method. The movement on the deferred tax account is as shown below: 6 months to 6 months to Year ended 30 September 30 September 31 March 2015 2014 2015 (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) GBPm GBPm GBPm -------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------- Deferred tax asset at the beginning of the period 13.8 11.6 11.6 Charged to the income statement (1.1) (1.1) (2.5) (Charged)/credited to statement of comprehensive income (0.4) 3.7 4.7 Acquisitions (see note 13) (0.8) - - Exchange movement (0.3) (0.1) - -------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------- Deferred tax asset at the end of the period 11.2 14.1 13.8 -------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------- At At At 30 September 30 September 31 March 2015 2014 2015 (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) GBPm GBPm GBPm ----------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ --------- Accelerated capital allowances 2.6 2.9 2.7 Tax losses 2.5 3.8 3.3 Other timing differences (2.4) (0.7) (1.1) Deferred tax asset relating to pension deficit 8.5 8.1 8.9 ----------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ --------- 11.2 14.1 13.8 ----------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ --------- 7. Finance income and costs 6 months to 6 months to Year ended 30 September 30 September 31 March 2015 2014 2015 (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) GBPm GBPm GBPm ----------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------- Finance costs Interest payable on bank borrowings 0.5 0.7 1.2 Amortisation of costs of raising debt finance 0.1 0.1 0.1 Movement on fair value of derivative financial instruments 0.5 - - Unwind of discount on property lease provisions - - 0.1 ----------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------- Finance costs 1.1 0.8 1.4 ----------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------- Exceptional finance costs(1) - 0.4 0.4 ----------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------- Total finance costs 1.1 1.2 1.8 ----------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------- Finance income Movement on fair value of derivative financial instruments - (1.6) (3.3) ----------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------- Total finance income - (1.6) (3.3) ----------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------- 1 Following the refinancing of the Group's banking facilities in July 2014, the unamortised costs relating to the previous facility were written off in full. 8. Borrowings At At At 30 September 30 September 31 March 2015 2014 2015 (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) GBPm GBPm GBPm --------------------------------- ------------ ------------ --------- Non-current Bank borrowings (unsecured): - bank loans 33.0 21.0 19.0 - less: costs of raising finance (0.5) (0.6) (0.6) --------------------------------- ------------ ------------ --------- Total non-current 32.5 20.4 18.4 --------------------------------- ------------ ------------ --------- Current Bank borrowings (unsecured): - bank overdrafts 4.5 4.1 1.4 --------------------------------- ------------ ------------ --------- Total borrowings 37.0 24.5 19.8 --------------------------------- ------------ ------------ --------- The fair value of bank loans equals their carrying amount as they bear interest at floating rates. (MORE TO FOLLOW) Dow Jones Newswires November 12, 2015 02:01 ET (07:01 GMT) The repayment terms of borrowings are as follows: At At At 30 September 30 September 31 March 2015 2014 2015 (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) GBPm GBPm GBPm ----------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ --------- Not later than one year 4.5 4.1 1.4 ----------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ --------- After more than one year: - between one and two years - - - - later than two years and not later than five years 33.0 21.0 19.0 - costs of raising finance (0.5) (0.6) (0.6) ----------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ --------- 32.5 20.4 18.4 ----------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ --------- Total borrowings 37.0 24.5 19.8 ----------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ --------- In July 2014 the Group agreed an unsecured GBP70m revolving credit facility with a GBP30m accordion facility with Lloyds Bank plc, Barclays Bank plc and HSBC Bank plc. The banking facility is in force for five years to July 2019. Net debt The Group's net debt is calculated as follows: At At At 30 September 30 September 31 March 2015 2014 2015 (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) GBPm GBPm GBPm -------------------------- ------------ ------------ --------- Cash and cash equivalents (7.8) (4.5) (5.6) Total borrowings 37.0 24.5 19.8 -------------------------- ------------ ------------ --------- Net debt 29.2 20.0 14.2 -------------------------- ------------ ------------ --------- 9. Called up share capital At At At 30 September 30 September 31 March 2015 2014 2015 (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) GBPm GBPm GBPm --------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ --------- Issued and fully paid 60,995,930 ordinary shares of 10p each 6.1 - - 594,917,377 ordinary shares of 1p each - 5.9 6.0 --------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ --------- Total 6.1 5.9 6.0 --------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ --------- Following the approval by shareholders of the consolidation of 1p ordinary shares into ordinary shares of 10p at the Annual General Meeting of the Company held on 22 July 2015, the Company duly completed the share capital consolidation with a record date of 29 September 2015. As a result of the consolidation, the ordinary shares of 1p each were amended to new ordinary shares of 10p each. The share consolidation had no impact on the value of the Company's issued and fully paid share capital. 10. Consolidated Cash Flow Statements (a) Cash generated from continuing operations 6 months to 6 months to Year ended 30 September 30 September 31 March 2015 2014 2015 (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) GBPm GBPm GBPm ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ------------ ---------- Profit before taxation 7.0 6.3 11.0 Adjustments for: - IAS 19R administrative expenses included in the above 0.8 0.8 1.7 - acquisition related costs included in the above 2.6 0.5 2.2 - exceptional operating items included in the above (2.3) (0.3) 2.5 - cash inflows/(outflows) from exceptional items and acquisition related costs 0.7 (0.7) (4.7) - depreciation 2.9 3.0 6.0 - pension fund deficit recovery plan contributions (1.1) (1.0) (2.1) - loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment - - 0.1 - total finance costs 1.1 1.2 1.8 - finance income - (1.6) (3.3) - IAS 19R finance cost 0.7 0.5 1.1 - share-based payments 0.7 0.6 1.3 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ------------ ---------- Operating cash flows before movements in working capital 13.1 9.3 17.6 Changes in working capital: - increase in inventories (4.4) (1.4) (2.0) - increase in trade and other receivables (1.0) (0.8) (1.4) - increase in payables 5.2 2.8 1.9 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ------------ ---------- Cash generated from continuing operations 12.9 9.9 16.1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ------------ ---------- Cash flows from exceptional items includes expenditure charged to exceptional provisions relating to onerous lease costs, acquisition related costs (excluding deferred remuneration) and other business rationalisation and restructuring costs. (b) Cash generated from discontinued operations 6 months to 6 months to Year ended 30 September 30 September 31 March 2015 2014 2015 (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) GBPm GBPm GBPm --------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------- Profit before taxation - - - Adjustments for: - depreciation - - - --------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------- Operating cash flows before movements in working capital - - - Changes in working capital: - decrease in inventories - 0.4 0.4 - increase in trade and other receivables - (0.1) (0.1) - decrease in payables - (0.2) (0.2) --------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------- Cash generated from discontinued operations - 0.1 0.1 --------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------- Cash generated from operations 12.9 10.0 16.2 --------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------- (MORE TO FOLLOW) Dow Jones Newswires November 12, 2015 02:01 ET (07:01 GMT) (c) Analysis of net debt Cash included within Cash and assets held-for-sale overdrafts Debt Total GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm ------------------------- -------------------- ---------- ------ ------ At 1 April 2014 0.5 3.2 (30.6) (26.9) Cash flow (0.5) 1.1 12.1 12.7 Other non-cash movements - - 0.1 0.1 Exchange movement - (0.1) - (0.1) ------------------------- -------------------- ---------- ------ ------ At 31 March 2015 - 4.2 (18.4) (14.2) ------------------------- -------------------- ---------- ------ ------ At 1 April 2014 0.5 3.2 (30.6) (26.9) Cash flow (0.5) (2.7) 10.1 6.9 Other non-cash movements - - 0.1 0.1 Exchange movement - (0.1) - (0.1) ------------------------- -------------------- ---------- ------ ------ At 30 September 2014 - 0.4 (20.4) (20.0) ------------------------- -------------------- ---------- ------ ------ At 1 April 2015 - 4.2 (18.4) (14.2) Cash flow - (0.1) (14.0) (14.1) Other non-cash movements - - (0.1) (0.1) Exchange movement - (0.8) - (0.8) ------------------------- -------------------- ---------- ------ ------ At 30 September 2015 - 3.3 (32.5) (29.2) ------------------------- -------------------- ---------- ------ ------ 11. Dividends A final dividend in respect of the year ended 31 March 2015 of GBP2.2m (0.375p per 1p ordinary share) was paid on 29 July 2015. On 12 November 2015 the Board declared an interim dividend in respect of the year ended 31 March 2016 of GBP1.3m (2.2p per 10p ordinary share). This dividend will be paid on 7 January 2016 and is not reflected in this condensed consolidated interim financial information. 12. Retirement benefit obligations (a) Pension costs Norcros Security Plan The Norcros Security Plan (the "Plan"), the principal UK pension scheme of Norcros plc subsidiaries, is funded by a separate trust fund which operates under UK trust law and is a separate legal entity from the Company. The Plan is governed by a Trustee board which is required by law to act in the best interests of the Plan members and is responsible for setting policies together with the Company. It is predominantly a defined benefit scheme with a modest element of defined contribution benefits. The valuation used for IAS 19R disclosures has been produced by KPMG, a firm of qualified actuaries, to take account of the requirements of IAS 19R in order to assess the liabilities of the scheme at 30 September 2015. Scheme assets are stated at their market value at 30 September 2015. (b) IAS 19R, 'Retirement benefit obligations' The principal assumptions used to calculate the scheme liabilities of the Norcros Security Plan under IAS 19R are: At At At 30 September 30 September 31 March 2015 2014 2015 --------------------- ------------ ------------ -------- Discount rate 3.80% 3.90% 3.30% Inflation rate (RPI) 3.00% 3.05% 2.90% Inflation (CPI) 2.00% 2.05% 1.90% Salary increases 2.25% 3.30% 2.15% --------------------- ------------ ------------ -------- The amounts recognised in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet are determined as follows: At At At 30 September 30 September 31 March 2015 2014 2015 (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) GBPm GBPm GBPm ------------------------------------ ------------ ------------ --------- Total market value of scheme assets 367.8 385.0 397.0 Present value of scheme liabilities (410.2) (425.6) (441.3) ------------------------------------ ------------ ------------ --------- Pension deficit (42.4) (40.6) (44.3) ------------------------------------ ------------ ------------ --------- 13. Business combinations On 25 June 2015, the Group acquired 100% of the ordinary share capital of Croydex Group Limited ("Croydex"), a market leading, innovative designer, manufacturer and distributor of high quality bathroom furnishings and accessories. The acquisition of Croydex is an important next step in the Group's growth strategy to increase revenue to GBP420m by 2018 and follows on from the very successful integration of the Vado business, which Norcros acquired in March 2013. Adding the Croydex business to the Group's existing portfolio will increase the breadth of our product range in the bathroom segment and enable the Group to offer an even broader range of complementary bathroom products to our customers. Croydex will also benefit from the global distribution channels, sourcing skills and strong financial position of the enlarged Group. Croydex is incorporated in England and is based in Andover, Hampshire. The following table summarises the consideration paid for Croydex and the provisional fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed: GBPm ------------------------- ----- Consideration Cash 20.8 Deferred consideration 1.1 ------------------------- ----- 21.9 ------------------------ ----- GBPm --------------------------------------------------- --------- Recognised amounts of identifiable assets and liabilities Intangible assets 7.9 Property, plant and equipment 1.6 Inventories 2.8 Trade and other receivables 5.0 Cash 3.5 Trade and other payables (5.7) Current tax liabilities (0.2) Deferred tax liability (0.8) Total identifiable net assets 14.1 --------------------------------------------------- --------- Goodwill 7.8 Total 21.9 --------------------------------------------------- --------- Due to the proximity of the acquisition date to the date of this interim statement it has not been possible for the Group to finalise the fair values of Croydex's assets and liabilities. The provisional fair value adjustments reflect the preliminary assessment of the value of acquired intangible assets of GBP7.9m, the revaluation of the leasehold property of GBP0.9m, and a deferred tax liability of GBP1.0m mainly arising from the recognition of acquired intangible assets. A full review of the fair values of the identifiable assets and liabilities will take place over the coming months with the expectation that a revised position will be presented in the Group's Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2016. In most business combinations there is an element of cost which cannot be allocated against the individual assets and liabilities acquired. This residual amount is recognised as goodwill and is supported by a number of factors which do not meet the criteria required for them to be treated as intangible assets. In this case the most significant elements relate to Croydex's unique product portfolio and its knowledgeable workforce. It is not expected at this stage that any of the goodwill will be deductible for tax purposes. The fair value of trade and other receivables is GBP5.0m, which includes trade receivables with a fair value of GBP4.6m. The gross contractual amount for trade receivables due is GBP4.8m, of which GBP0.2m is expected to be uncollectible. Costs relating to the transaction of GBP0.8m have been expensed to the Consolidated Income Statement and included within acquisition related costs. The deferred consideration of GBP1.1m is unconditional and will be paid in the year ended 31 March 2019. As part of the transaction, a long-term incentive scheme has been put in place for the Croydex Managing Director which is dependent on the financial performance of Croydex over the next three years. The maximum amount and current expectation is that GBP0.9m will be payable under this scheme which will be treated as deferred remuneration and included within acquisition related costs in the Consolidated Income Statement. The revenue included in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income since 25 June 2015 contributed by Croydex was GBP5.8m. Over the same period, Croydex contributed profit after tax of GBP0.6m. Had Croydex been consolidated from the beginning of the period, the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income would have shown pro-forma revenue of GBP123.7m and pro-forma profit after tax of GBP5.6m. (MORE TO FOLLOW) Dow Jones Newswires November 12, 2015 02:01 ET (07:01 GMT)