Norcros — Plenty of positives in Q2

Norcros (LSE: NXR)

Last close As at 12/12/2024

236.00

2.00 (0.85%)

Market capitalisation

212m

More on this equity

Research: Industrials

Norcros — Plenty of positives in Q2

An explicit and substantially positive update from Norcros points to a strong Q2 trading recovery after a COVID-19 affected Q1 and a significant reduction in net debt to modest levels. The company’s portfolio of businesses have demonstrated resilience and agility in being able to respond to these variable demand conditions and in doing so have probably enhanced the group’s competitive position. Our estimates remain suspended ahead of the H121 results announcement on 12 November.

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Industrials

Norcros

Plenty of positives in Q2

End H121 update

Construction & materials

19 October 2020

Price

178.0p

Market cap

£145m

ZAR21.8/£

Net debt (£m) at end September 2020

8

Shares in issue

81.6m

Free float

98%

Code

NXR

Primary exchange

LSE

Secondary exchange

N/A

Share price performance

%

1m

3m

12m

Abs

17.1

14.8

(20.2)

Rel (local)

19.5

19.3

(4.9)

52-week high/low

305p

120p

Business description

Norcros is a leading supplier of showers, enclosures and trays, tiles, taps and related fittings and accessories for bathrooms, kitchens, washrooms and other commercial environments. It has operations in the UK and South Africa, with some export activity from both countries.

Next event

H121 results

12 November

Analyst

Toby Thorrington

+44 (0)20 3077 5721

Norcros is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

An explicit and substantially positive update from Norcros points to a strong Q2 trading recovery after a COVID-19 affected Q1 and a significant reduction in net debt to modest levels. The company’s portfolio of businesses have demonstrated resilience and agility in being able to respond to these variable demand conditions and in doing so have probably enhanced the group’s competitive position. Our estimates remain suspended ahead of the H121 results announcement on 12 November.

Year end

Revenue (£m)

PBT*
(£m)

EPS*
(p)

DPS
(p)

P/E
(x)

Yield
(%)

03/18

300.1

24.4

26.8

7.8

6.6

4.4

03/19

331.0

30.9

29.6

8.4

6.0

4.7

03/20

342.0

27.1

26.1

3.1

6.8

1.7

Note: *PBT and EPS (fully diluted) are normalised, excluding amortisation of acquired intangibles, exceptionals, pension net finance costs and change in fair value of derivatives.

Significant profit generation in Q2

Norcros provided indicative H121 figures for group revenue of c £135m (-17% l-f-l y-o-y on a constant currency (CC) basis), comprising UK c £94m (-16% l-f-l) and South Africa c £42m (-21% l-f-l CC) producing underlying EBIT of £12m (pre-IFRS 16 vs £17.1m in H120). One less trading week and adverse £/ZAR movements mean that the reported year-on-year revenue changes will be more like -25%, -19% and -37% respectively. Implicitly, virtually all of the profit was generated in Q2.

Positive Q2 revenue l-f-l in the UK and South Africa

UK and South African revenues rebounded to Q2 increases of +4% and +6% y-o-y (both l-f-l and in local FX) from a heavily COVID-19 affected Q1 which included equivalent reductions of 52% and 70% respectively in the first nine weeks of the year. UK operations with greater exposure to export markets (ie Triton, Merlyn & Vado) are cited as having had a particularly good Q2 and Norcros’s multi-channel distribution network – including both online and big box DIY retailers, which have both seen firm demand – will have put the UK operations in a good position. Given that the South African division’s own retail operations (Tile Africa) saw a strong recovery, a similar renovation driver appears to have been at work in that country. The company’s tile manufacturing operations (which only restarted in July in both the UK and South Africa) are very operationally geared so the year-on-year dent in group profitability at the half year stage is understandable.

Net debt reduced to very low levels

The flagged net debt reduction to c £8m (versus £41m a year earlier and £36m at the beginning of FY21) looks very impressive. Notwithstanding the improving Q2 sales trend, a large working capital inflow (rather than a traditional H1 outflow) must have occurred in H121. Further detail will be available with the H121 results. No FY20 final dividend payout, curtailed capex and some deferred tax benefit will also have contributed but a £28m favourable net debt movement is an outstanding performance given the trading environment. No H121 dividend is to be declared but the possibility of an FY21 final DPS has been raised, subject to the usual caveats.

Exhibit 1: Financial summary

£m

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Year end 31 March

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

PROFIT & LOSS

 

 

Revenue

 

 

222.1

235.9

271.2

300.1

331.0

342.0

Cost of Sales

 

 

N/A

N/A

(171.7)

(190.4)

(206.8)

N/A

Gross Profit

 

 

N/A

N/A

99.5

109.7

124.2

N/A

EBITDA IFRS 16

 

 

24.3

28.0

31.6

34.7

42.2

38.8

Op Profit (before SBP)

 

 

18.3

22.5

25.2

28.3

35.6

32.2

Net Interest

 

 

(1.2)

(0.9)

(0.9)

(1.1)

(1.8)

(1.6)

Other financial – norm

 

 

(3.1)

(3.1)

(3.6)

(2.8)

(2.9)

(3.5)

Other financial

 

 

2.1

(0.2)

(4.2)

(4.5)

2.3

0.9

Intangible Amortisation

 

 

(0.3)

(0.9)

(1.2)

(2.2)

(3.5)

(3.7)

Exceptionals

 

 

(4.8)

(2.0)

(3.8)

(4.2)

(4.3)

(9.3)

Profit Before Tax (norm)

 

 

14.0

18.5

20.7

24.4

30.9

27.1

Profit Before Tax (company norm)

 

15.8

20.4

22.9

26.3

32.6

28.8

Profit Before Tax (statutory)

 

 

11.0

15.4

11.5

13.5

25.4

15.0

Tax

 

 

(3.0)

(2.4)

(3.0)

(3.6)

(6.0)

(4.1)

Other

 

 

0.1

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Profit After Tax (norm)

 

 

11.1

16.1

17.7

20.8

24.9

23.0

Profit After Tax (statutory)

 

 

8.1

13.0

8.5

9.9

19.4

10.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average Number of Shares Outstanding (m)

 

59.2

60.6

61.1

68.0

80.2

80.3

Average number of Shares Outstanding FD (m)

 

61.5

62.2

63.1

69.8

81.1

81.0

EPS fully diluted - norm (p)

 

 

18.0

24.7

24.4

26.8

29.6

26.1

EPS fully diluted - co norm (p)

 

 

21.1

27.7

27.8

29.5

31.7

28.2

EPS - statutory (p)

 

 

13.2

20.8

13.4

14.1

23.9

13.5

Dividend per share (p)

 

 

5.6

6.6

7.2

7.8

8.4

3.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross Margin (%)

 

 

N/A

N/A

36.7

36.5

37.5

N/A

EBITDA Margin (%)

 

 

10.9

11.9

11.7

11.6

12.8

11.3

Op Margin (before GW and except.) (%)

 

8.2

9.5

9.3

9.4

10.8

9.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BALANCE SHEET

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed Assets

 

 

78.3

93.4

98.8

147.9

138.0

150.8

Intangible Assets

 

 

26.9

44.7

44.8

98.9

94.9

96.5

Tangible Assets

 

 

37.6

38.2

43.0

45.0

42.3

49.6

Investments

 

 

13.8

10.5

11.0

4.0

0.8

4.7

Current Assets

 

 

100.4

119.4

165.3

165.1

169.5

188.7

Stocks

 

 

52.2

60.1

70.3

74.9

79.5

78.9

Debtors

 

 

42.6

53.4

57.5

64.4

62.8

62.5

Cash

 

 

5.6

5.9

37.5

25.8

27.2

47.3

Current Liabilities

 

 

(60.0)

(67.6)

(105.7)

(89.8)

(85.1)

(79.2)

Creditors

 

 

(58.6)

(64.8)

(74.8)

(81.3)

(81.3)

(79.1)

Short term borrowings

 

 

(1.4)

(2.8)

(30.9)

(8.5)

(3.8)

(0.1)

Long Term Liabilities

 

 

(67.4)

(97.6)

(101.8)

(118.6)

(96.7)

(155.9)

Long term borrowings

 

 

(18.4)

(35.6)

(29.8)

(64.4)

(58.4)

(83.6)

Other long term liabilities

 

 

(49.0)

(62.0)

(72.0)

(54.2)

(38.3)

(72.3)

Net Assets

 

 

51.3

47.6

56.6

104.6

125.7

104.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOW

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Cash Flow

 

 

16.2

18.5

25.5

23.5

35.3

34.8

Net Interest

 

 

(1.3)

(0.9)

(0.9)

(1.1)

(1.8)

(3.5)

Tax

 

 

(0.5)

(1.0)

(1.9)

(4.9)

(4.6)

(5.3)

Capex

 

 

(1.4)

(6.6)

(8.0)

(7.7)

(5.5)

(4.8)

Acquisitions/disposals

 

 

3.3

(23.6)

(2.7)

(59.1)

(2.1)

(9.2)

Financing

 

 

0.2

0.1

0.0

30.1

(0.9)

(0.8)

Dividends

 

 

(3.1)

(3.6)

(4.2)

(5.0)

(6.4)

(7.0)

Net Cash Flow

 

 

13.4

(17.1)

7.9

(24.2)

14.0

4.2

Opening net debt/(cash)

 

 

27.4

14.2

32.5

23.2

47.1

35.0

IFRS 16 finance leases

 

 

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

(3.8)

Other

 

 

(0.2)

(1.2)

1.4

0.3

(1.9)

(1.8)

Closing net debt/(cash)

 

 

14.2

32.5

23.2

47.1

35.0

36.4

IFRS 16 lease liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(25.1)

Source: Company accounts, Edison Investment Research

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by Norcros and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Norcros. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £49,500 pa for the production and broad dissemination of a detailed note (Outlook) following by regular (typically quarterly) update notes. Fees are paid upfront in cash without recourse. Edison may seek additional fees for the provision of roadshows and related IR services for the client but does not get remunerated for any investment banking services. We never take payment in stock, options or warrants for any of our services.

Accuracy of content: All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report and have not sought for this information to be independently verified. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations.

Exclusion of Liability: To the fullest extent allowed by law, Edison shall not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential losses, loss of profits, damages, costs or expenses incurred or suffered by you arising out or in connection with the access to, use of or reliance on any information contained on this note.

No personalised advice: The information that we provide should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, the information provided by us should not be construed by any subscriber or prospective subscriber as Edison’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, any transaction in a security. The securities described in the report may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors.

Investment in securities mentioned: Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing and conflicts of interest. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report, subject to Edison's policies on personal dealing and conflicts of interest.

Copyright: Copyright 2020 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison).

Australia

Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Edison AU) is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison AU is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Crown Wealth Group Pty Ltd who holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (Number: 494274). This research is issued in Australia by Edison AU and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. Any advice given by Edison AU is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, needs or objectives. You should, before acting on this advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. If our advice relates to the acquisition, or possible acquisition, of a particular financial product you should read any relevant Product Disclosure Statement or like instrument.

New Zealand

The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (i.e. without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision.

United Kingdom

This document is prepared and provided by Edison for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation for investment in any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. A marketing communication under FCA Rules, this document has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research.

This Communication is being distributed in the United Kingdom and is directed only at (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments, i.e. investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "FPO") (ii) high net-worth companies, unincorporated associations or other bodies within the meaning of Article 49 of the FPO and (iii) persons to whom it is otherwise lawful to distribute it. The investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to such persons. It is not intended that this document be distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons and in any event and under no circumstances should persons of any other description rely on or act upon the contents of this document.

This Communication is being supplied to you solely for your information and may not be reproduced by, further distributed to or published in whole or in part by, any other person.

United States

Edison relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. This report is a bona fide publication of general and regular circulation offering impersonal investment-related advice, not tailored to a specific investment portfolio or the needs of current and/or prospective subscribers. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personal advice and the research provided is for informational purposes only. No mention of a particular security in this report constitutes a recommendation to buy, sell or hold that or any security, or that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

1185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by Norcros and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Norcros. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £49,500 pa for the production and broad dissemination of a detailed note (Outlook) following by regular (typically quarterly) update notes. Fees are paid upfront in cash without recourse. Edison may seek additional fees for the provision of roadshows and related IR services for the client but does not get remunerated for any investment banking services. We never take payment in stock, options or warrants for any of our services.

Accuracy of content: All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report and have not sought for this information to be independently verified. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations.

Exclusion of Liability: To the fullest extent allowed by law, Edison shall not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential losses, loss of profits, damages, costs or expenses incurred or suffered by you arising out or in connection with the access to, use of or reliance on any information contained on this note.

No personalised advice: The information that we provide should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, the information provided by us should not be construed by any subscriber or prospective subscriber as Edison’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, any transaction in a security. The securities described in the report may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors.

Investment in securities mentioned: Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing and conflicts of interest. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report, subject to Edison's policies on personal dealing and conflicts of interest.

Copyright: Copyright 2020 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison).

Australia

Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Edison AU) is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison AU is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Crown Wealth Group Pty Ltd who holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (Number: 494274). This research is issued in Australia by Edison AU and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. Any advice given by Edison AU is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, needs or objectives. You should, before acting on this advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. If our advice relates to the acquisition, or possible acquisition, of a particular financial product you should read any relevant Product Disclosure Statement or like instrument.

New Zealand

The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (i.e. without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision.

United Kingdom

This document is prepared and provided by Edison for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation for investment in any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. A marketing communication under FCA Rules, this document has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research.

This Communication is being distributed in the United Kingdom and is directed only at (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments, i.e. investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "FPO") (ii) high net-worth companies, unincorporated associations or other bodies within the meaning of Article 49 of the FPO and (iii) persons to whom it is otherwise lawful to distribute it. The investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to such persons. It is not intended that this document be distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons and in any event and under no circumstances should persons of any other description rely on or act upon the contents of this document.

This Communication is being supplied to you solely for your information and may not be reproduced by, further distributed to or published in whole or in part by, any other person.

United States

Edison relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. This report is a bona fide publication of general and regular circulation offering impersonal investment-related advice, not tailored to a specific investment portfolio or the needs of current and/or prospective subscribers. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personal advice and the research provided is for informational purposes only. No mention of a particular security in this report constitutes a recommendation to buy, sell or hold that or any security, or that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

1185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

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