Sanderson : 2018 Preliminary Results

Regulatory Story

Go to market news section

Sanderson Group PLC ­ SND 2018 Preliminary Results Released 07:00 26­Nov­2018

RNS Number : 4086I

Sanderson Group PLC 26 November 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

26 NOVEMBER 2018

SANDERSON GROUP PLC

Preliminary Results for the year ended 30 September 2018

"Group trading results and cash ahead of market expectations; increased Final Dividend."

Sanderson Group plc ('Sanderson' or 'the Group'), the specialist provider of digital technology solutions, innovative software and managed services for the retail, wholesale, supply chain logistics, food and drink processing and manufacturing market sectors, announces Preliminary Results for the year ended 30 September 2018.

Commenting on the results, Chairman, Christopher Winn, said:

"The Group trading results for the year ended 30 September 2018 are significantly ahead of the prior year and also ahead of market expectations. Revenue has increased by 49% to £32.05 million (2017: £21.56 million) and operating profit* by 33% to £5.18 million (2017: £3.90 million)."

Highlights ­ Financial

Revenue increased by 49% to £32.05 million (2017: £21.56 million); like­for­like revenue (excluding the acquisition) rose to £22.97 million (2017: £21.56 million).

Pre­contracted recurring revenues now £17.61 million (2017: £11.18 million) representing 55% of total revenue in the period (2017: 52%); like­for­like recurring revenues grew by nearly £1.00 million to £12.17 million (2017: £11.18 million).

High gross margin at 80% (2017: 82%).

Operating profit* rose by 33% to £5.18 million (2017: £3.90 million).

Cash balance at 30 September 2018, ahead of market expectations, at £6.47 million (2017: £6.18 million).

Recommended Final Dividend and Full Year Dividend both increased by 13% to 1.75 pence per share (2017: 1.55 pence) and 3.00 pence per share (2017: 2.65 pence) respectively.

 Basic earnings per share of 5.2 pence (2017: 5.2 pence); adjusted basic earnings per share** of 7.9 pence (2017: 6.4 pence).

* **Operating profit is stated before amortisation of acquisition­related intangibles, share­based payment charges and one­off non­recurring items, the latter totalling £0.39 million.

Adjusted for amortisation of acquisition­related intangibles, share­based payment charges and one­off non­recurring items.

Highlights ­ Operational

Good sales order intake at £15.07 million (2017: £13.69 million).

Total order book at year­end (including the acquisition) stood at £7.58 million (2017: £5.79 million).Strong performances from both Digital Retail and the acquisition.

Digital Retail revenue grew over 20% to £8.82 million (2017: £7.28 million) whilst operating profit* grew by a third to £1.56 million (2017: £1.18 million).Enterprise Division was enhanced and strengthened by the acquisition, recording revenue and operating profit* (including the acquisition) of £23.23 million

(2017: £14.28 million) and £3.62 million (2017: £2.71 million) respectively.

A large order was gained with Port of Dover Cargo Limited.

*Operating profit is stated before amortisation of acquisition­related intangibles, share­based payment charges and one­off non­recurring items.

On current trading and outlook, Group Chief Executive, Ian Newcombe, added:

"The Group has a clear growth strategy. Organic growth is planned from the fast expanding Digital Retail division and renewed growth impetus from the enlarged Enterprise division. There is an ongoing plan to accelerate the Group's growth with selective acquisitions.

Sanderson has a good reputation having built­up a strong track record of delivering customer­centric solutions. Whilst the Board is mindful of potential ongoing uncertainty surrounding economic conditions post the Brexit outcome, the Board believes that Sanderson is well positioned in its target markets and has good sales prospects, backed by a healthy order book. This provides a good level of confidence that, at this relatively early stage of the new financial year, the Group will make further progress and once again deliver trading results which are, at least, in line with market expectations for the year ending 30 September 2019."

Enquiries:

Christopher Winn, Chairman Telephone: 0333 123 1400 Ian Newcombe, Group Chief Executive

Richard Mogg, Finance Director

Mark Taylor/James White

N+1 Singer Telephone: 020 7496 3000 (Nominated Adviser and Broker)

Paul Vann, Walbrook PR Limited Telephone: 0207 933 8780 Mobile: 07786 807631paul.vann@walbrookpr.com

This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of EU Regulation 596/2014.

SANDERSON GROUP PLC

Preliminary Results for the year ended 30 September 2018

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

Sanderson Group plc ('Sanderson' or 'the Group'), the specialist provider of digital technology solutions, innovative software and managed services for the retail, wholesale, supply chain logistics, food and drink processing and manufacturing market sectors, announces Preliminary Results for the financial year ended 30 September 2018.

Financial results

The Group trading results for the year ended 30 September 2018 are significantly ahead of the prior year and also ahead of market expectations. Revenue has increased by 49% to £32.05 million (2017: £21.56 million) and operating profit by 33% to £5.18 million (2017: £3.90 million). The operating profit is stated after adjusting for the amortisation of acquisition­related intangibles, share­based payment charges and 'one­off' non­recurring items. Of the 'one­off' non­recurring items totalling £0.39 million, £0.30 million relates to acquisition costs and £0.09 million to restructuring costs which are partly offset by the realisation and sale of a small investment.

All Sanderson businesses traded strongly in the second half of the year with the highlight being the performance of the Digital Retail division, with revenue growing by over 20% and operating profit rising to £1.56 million for the full year (2017: £1.18 million) (stated after adjusting for the amortisation of acquisition­related intangibles, share­based payment charges and 'one­off' non­recurring items). Sanderson was expanded and enhanced by the acquisition of Anisa Consolidated Holdings Limited on 23 November 2017, which accounted for £1.00 million of the £3.62 million (2017: £2.71 million) operating profit of the Enterprise division (stated after adjusting for the amortisation of acquisition­related intangibles, share­based payment charges and 'one­off' non­recurring items). The acquired business, which specialises in the delivery and support of world­class integrated supply chain and enterprise resource planning ('ERP') solutions on a global basis, has made a good start as part of the Group.

Gross margin remained high at 80% (2017: 82%) and now reflects the blended sales mix with the inclusion of the acquisition. On a like­for­like basis, gross margin was 81% and this strong gross margin reflects the Group's continued emphasis and focus on the supply of Sanderson­owned proprietary software and services. Pre­contracted recurring revenues increased to £17.61 million (2017: £11.18 million) accounting for 55% of total revenue (2017: 52%). Like­for­like recurring revenues increased to £12.17 million (2017: £11.18 million). The Group continues to focus on building this revenue stream including growing subscription, cloud and managed services.

Sanderson continues to generate cash at least in line with its operating profit very much reflecting the Group's strong, cash­generative business model. The cash balance at 30 September 2018 was £6.47 million (2017: £6.18 million) and was ahead of market expectations. This balance is stated after increased dividend payments of £1.67 million (2017: £1.38 million) and after a net outflow of £2.65 million comprising £1.29 million consideration for the acquisition and £1.36 million of acquisition related items. As part of the terms of the acquisition, the Group assumed a five­year term debt facility with an outstanding balance of £4.13 million. After scheduled repayments, this reduced to £3.44 million, leaving the Group in a positive, net cash position of £3.03 million at 30 September 2018.

Dividend

Sanderson continues to generate cash in line with operating profit enabling the Board to maintain its progressive dividend policy whilst continuing to invest further in the ongoing development of the Group's businesses. Subject to the approval of shareholders at the Annual General Meeting, scheduled to be held at 11am on 22 January 2019, the Board is proposing an increase of 13% in the final dividend to 1.75 pence per ordinary share (2017: 1.55 pence). This makes the total dividend payable for the year 3.00 pence per ordinary share and represents an increase of 13% over the prior year (2017: 2.65 pence) and an increase in excess of 40% over the past three years (2015: 2.10 pence). The final dividend, subject to approval at the Group's Annual General Meeting, will be paid on 1 March 2019 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 15 February 2019.

Strategy

The strategy of the Board is to sustain growth by continuing to develop and to further build the Sanderson business. The deployment and adoption of the Group's solutions allow customers to increase revenues whilst making productivity and efficiency gains, thereby reducing operating costs. Investment is planned across all of the Group's businesses, but particular emphasis will again be placed on enhancing mobile and ecommerce solutions in order to capitalise on the drive for digital transformation in the retail, wholesale distribution and logistics sectors. Mobile solutions continue to be developed to address all of the Group's markets. The acquisition in November 2017 strengthens the Group's offering with complementary products covering the logistics and supply chain sectors and brings exciting new opportunities to further grow and to develop subscription, cloud and managed services revenue across the Group.

In order to supplement organic growth, selective acquisition opportunities continue to be considered. Management adopts a measured approach to acquisitions and carefully considers any risks which might be involved. The Board remains focused on maintaining a robust balance sheet, continuing to deliver growth, achieving 'on target' results, generating cash and thereby further increasing shareholder value and growing dividend returns.

Management and staff

Sanderson now employs over 315 staff who have specialist expertise and a high level of experience of the market sectors which the Group addresses. I would like to express the appreciation of the Sanderson Board of directors and thank everyone for their hard work, support, dedication and valued contribution to the ongoing development of the Group.

Christopher Winn

Chairman

SANDERSON GROUP PLC

Preliminary Results for the year ended 30 September 2018

GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S BUSINESS REVIEW

Sanderson products and services are primarily targeted at the SME (small and medium­sized enterprise) market. The well­developed business model is based on forging long­term relationships with customers. These relationships result in a large proportion of sales arising from pre­contracted recurring revenue, complemented by incremental sales to the Group's large, well­established and growing customer base. This robust revenue stream typically accounts for around 90% of Group revenue.

A pillar of the well­developed business model is the Sanderson proprietary software which is marketed and sold under a 'right to use' licence, with all sales, marketing, delivery, support and services carried out by the Group's own expert staff. On­premise, cloud­based and managed services solutions are available to customers on an ongoing annual contractual basis, together with accompanying consultancy, support and maintenance services.

Sanderson proprietary solutions are designed in anticipation of technological developments, often in conjunction and collaboration with customers. These solutions provide value for money, cost­effective, timely and tangible business benefits. Benefits typically enable customers to grow their sales whilst increasing productivity, making additional efficiencies and effecting cost savings. Sanderson customers usually reap a rapid return from their investment, often within a year of implementation.

The Group continues to invest in the further development of its software products and services, as well as increasing its sales and marketing capacity and capability. Investment has been focused on the Sanderson businesses specialising in food and drink processing, wholesale distribution and supply chain logistics, with particular emphasis on the growing market for digital retail solutions. Digital transformation is a key business driver for retailers as they strive to adapt to the changing retail environment and modernise the in­store shopping experience. Sanderson effectively partners with retailers to deliver in­store technology, mobile and ecommerce solutions that capitalise on the trend towards a fully integrated mobile, online and instore platform. This provides the opportunity for increased sales and a seamless customer shopping experience.

Following record levels of Group revenue and a strong sales performance, the sales order intake was good at £15.07 million (2017: £13.69 million) and the total order book at 30 September 2018 was £7.58 million (2017: £5.79 million). This order book includes the acquisition and the remaining element of a large order gained in June 2017, which is being delivered 'on schedule'. The year­end order book on a like­for­like basis was £2.91 million (2017: £2.67 million). The order book is also now better balanced across the Group's businesses and together with this growth of the order book and high level of sales prospects there is a good level of confidence going into the current financial year.

Review of Digital Retail

Sanderson provides comprehensive IT solutions to businesses operating in the ecommerce, mobile commerce and retail sectors of the UK. Digital retail continues to be a highly active and fast­developing sector of the market.

The Digital Retail division works with leading retailers such as Richer Sounds plc, JD Sports Fashion plc and Superdry and again made strong progress achieving continued double­digit revenue growth, rising by over 20% to £8.82 million (2017: £7.28 million). Operating profits grew by a third to £1.56 million (adjusted for amortisation of acquisition­related intangibles, share­based payment charges and 'one­off' non­recurring items) (2017: £1.18 million). Sanderson continues to invest in product innovation and delivery capacity in order to address this rapidly growing market.

The UK retail market has reported mixed results reflecting changing consumer shopping habits. With greater emphasis towards utilising online and mobile shopping channels, we are pleased to report that levels of sales activity remain high. We previously reported that following a successful pilot scheme, a phase one order had been secured with the iconic global brand, Hugo Boss. A pilot project has also been secured with a leading retailer of formal wear to deploy instore assisted­sale mobile technology for enhanced customer service. Demand for the Group's latest omni­channel solutions is strong, with additional new customers including luxury womenswear retailer, ME+EM, as well as large orders having been gained from existing customers including Richer Sounds plc and Beaverbrooks The Jewellers Limited.

The underlying year­end order book, excluding the remaining element of the large order gained in June 2017, grew 24% to £1.07 million (2017: £0.86 million). With a number of developing sales prospects, current active pilot schemes, continued innovation and strong partnerships with existing customers, the Digital Retail business is well­positioned for further growth.

Review of Enterprise

The enlarged Enterprise division, which has been significantly strengthened by the November 2017 acquisition, now comprises three market­focused businesses which operate in manufacturing, wholesale and supply chain logistics. Productivity gains, improved efficiency and cost savings are key drivers in these markets.

Following a stronger second half performance, 18 new customers were gained in the year. The division invested almost £3.00 million in software product development, a key focus being the Wholesale business which successfully secured a number of new orders for the digital suite of products launched earlier in the year. Towards the end of the financial year an innovative business intelligence product with enhanced capability was launched and this has generated a high level of early interest.

The Enterprise division achieved a good set of results, strengthened by the acquisition. Divisional revenue was £23.23 million (2017: £14.28 million). Operating profit (adjusted for amortisation of acquisition­related intangibles, share­based payment charges and 'one­off' non­recurring items) was £3.62 million (2017: £2.71 million). On a like­for­like basis, having adjusted for the acquisition, revenue was £14.14 million (2017: £14.28 million) with operating profit (adjusted for amortisation of acquisition­related intangibles, share­based payment charges and 'one­off' non­recurring items) of £2.49 million (2017: £2.71 million). The business performance improved in the second half of the financial year ending 30 September 2018 and is expected to continue into the current financial year. The order book at the financial year­end was £5.36 million (2017: £1.81 million) and, excluding the acquisition, the underlying order book was healthy at £1.84 million (2017: £1.81 million).

Enterprise ­ Manufacturing

Businesses in the engineering, plastics, aerospace, electronics, print and, most especially, food and drink processing sectors, represent the main areas of specialisation for Sanderson. Activity is very much driven by developments in the food and drink processing market. Here, traceability of ingredients through the supply chain and the need for compliance with increasingly stringent regulatory standards are key industry requirements and strong features of the Sanderson solution. Four new customers were gained during the year (2017: six new customers), including Omega Ingredients Limited and Nitron Racing Systems Limited, with large orders gained from existing customers such as Adelie Foods Group Limited and Cereform Limited. Prospects continue to be healthy but sales cycles remain protracted.

Enterprise ­ Wholesale Distribution

Sanderson supplies solutions to the wholesale distribution, cash and carry and fulfilment sectors, as well as to the specialist warehousing market. Six new customers were gained during the year, the same as the previous year, with an average initial order value of £120,000 (2017: £89,000). New customers include Eden Farm Limited, East N West Cash & Carry Limited and Windsor Foodservice, with major sales orders gained from several existing customers such as PRL Group and Pedigree Wholesale Limited. Following the drive towards digital transformation, the Group launched an innovative suite of digital solutions in the wholesale industry which capitalise on the growing use of mobile devices. The level of interest and prospects for the solutions are very positive and product innovation, together with the Group's track record in the wholesale industry, position our business well for growth in the coming financial year ending 30 September 2019.

Enterprise ­ Anisa Supply Chain Logistics

This business specialises in the delivery of world­class integrated supply chain and ERP solutions. Over 90 staff are employed in office locations across the UK and in smaller operations in Singapore and Australia, providing 250 customers with 24­hour, 365 days a year support on a worldwide basis.

The acquisition has made a good start as part of Sanderson, is well­managed and has successfully integrated into the Group. Eight new customers have been gained and earlier in the year we reported that a scoping exercise was underway at a major UK port for a new supply chain system. We are pleased to confirm that the Port of Dover Cargo Limited has appointed the Group to supply warehouse management and cargo terminal management software for its new refrigerated cargo terminal. A number of exciting sales prospects are being developed and the customer base is very active with major orders from Moran Logistics Limited, Culina Group, DX plc and NHS Blood and Transplant during the year.

The acquisition considerably enhances the range of solutions and services which Sanderson can now offer. In particular hosted managed services, delivered from our own dedicated, specialist data centre, provide an opportunity to exploit and accelerate market trends towards subscription and cloud­based options for solution delivery going forward.

Outlook

The Group has a clear growth strategy. Organic growth is planned from the fast expanding Digital Retail division and renewed growth impetus from the enlarged Enterprise division. There is an ongoing plan to accelerate the Group's growth with selective acquisitions.

Sanderson has a good reputation having built­up a strong track record of delivering customer­centric solutions. Whilst the Board is mindful of potential ongoing uncertainty surrounding economic conditions post the Brexit outcome, the Board believes that Sanderson is well positioned in its target markets and has good sales prospects, backed by a healthy order book. This provides a good level of confidence that, at this relatively early stage of the new financial year, the Group will make further progress and once again deliver trading results which are, at least, in line with market expectations for the year ending 30 September 2019.

Ian Newcombe

Group Chief Executive

Consolidated income statement

for the year ended 30 September 2018

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

for the year ended 30 September 2018

Profit for the yearOther comprehensive income/(expense)

Items that will not subsequently be reclassified to profit or loss Re­measurement of net defined benefit pension liability Deferred taxation effect of defined benefit pension plan itemsItems that may subsequently be reclassified to profit or loss Derecognition/change in fair value of available for sale financial asset Foreign exchange translation differences

Total other comprehensive income

2018 2017

£000 £000

3,026 2,867

1,972 1,802

(375) (413)

1,597 1,389

(57) (22)

(10) 3

1,530

1,370

Total comprehensive income attributable to equity holders of the parent

4,556

4,237