FW Thorpe: Record Annual Results Spotlight Further Double-Digit Growth As Dividend Lifted For 15th Consecutive Year

22 September 2017
By Maynard Paton

Quick update on FW Thorpe (TFW).

Event: Preliminary results for the twelve months to 30 June 2017 published 21 September 2017

Summary: Yet again this lighting specialist has delivered a very satisfactory annual performance, with revenue and profit attaining fresh all-time highs and the dividend lifted for the fifteenth consecutive year. Although the group’s largest division appears to be performing very well, other subsidiaries did not enjoy the very best of second halves. Management comments about 2018 seemed quite cautious, too. The accounts remain in pristine condition, but I am mindful of the shares trading at a rich multiple. I continue to hold.

Price: 340p
Shares in issue: 115,675,590
Market capitalisation: £393m
Click here to read all my TFW posts

Results:

My thoughts:

* Revenue, profit and dividend all advance to fresh record highs

TFW’s impressive interim statement — which showed growth of 20%-plus and carried an “optimistic” outlook from the usually conservative board — had already suggested these preliminary figures would be very respectable.

In actual fact, the full-year results showed revenue, profit and the dividend all advancing strongly to fresh record highs:

Year to 30 June20132014201520162017
Revenue (£k)55,33261,35273,54488,946105,448
Operating profit (£k)10,75011,75213,71815,95918,189
Finance income (£k)85676372775(249)
Other items (£k)(80)(93)(303)235411
Pre-tax profit (£k)11,52612,42214,14216,26918,351
Earnings per share (p)8.128.729.9011.2412.54
Dividend per share (p)3.003.253.654.054.90
Special dividend per share (p)-1.50-2.0-

During 2017, revenue gained 19% and operating profit (before research tax credits) climbed 14% as all companies within the group apparently showed “improved trading performances”.

The progress meant the business has now reported record results for the last four years and has doubled in size since 2007.

One point missing from the management commentary concerned currency fluctuations.

There had been no word on the effect of the weaker GBP on TFW’s performance within March’s first-half update, and there was no word again within this statement.

Some 32% of revenue during 2017 was produced overseas and I am sure the weaker GBP helped to bolster these figures. Given TFW’s large overseas income, I can’t understand why the effect of foreign-exchange movements has not been disclosed.

I should add that these results were the first to be signed off by TFW’s newly appointed executive chairman.

Veteran TFW leader Andrew Thorpe stepped down to become a part-time executive (and part-time angler) during July, and made way for long-time joint chief exec, Mike Allcock, to take on the executive chairman role.

As handovers go, the move did not appear too worrying. Indeed, Mr Thorpe still owns a 24%/£93m shareholding and therefore ought to have more than a passing interest in how the group performs from here. But I feel these results make clear that he wanted to effectively retire from TFW when the business was riding high.

* H1-H2 splits spotlight Thorlux as star performer 

TFW’s second half did not experience the same spectacular growth as the first:

H1 2016H2 2016FY 2016H1 2017H2 2017FY 2017
Revenue (£k)41,37047,57688,94651,23654,212105,448
Operating profit (£k)6,4949,70116,1957,64910.54018,189

H2 revenue and profit gained 14% and 9% respectively, versus 24% and 18% for H1.

However, I was pleased TFW’s main division, Thorlux, enjoyed a bumper H2:

ThorluxH1 2016H2 2016FY 2016H1 2017H2 2017FY 2017
Revenue (£k)26,84627,31154,15731,47033,85365,323
Operating profit (£k)5,1666,63311,6995,9338,22914,162

The subsidiary’s revenue and profit soared about 25% during H2, versus around 16% for H1.

Thorlux’s 2017 performance was certainly its best for several years — the subsidiary had been previously growing at a very low single-digit rate.

I think it is worth repeating the new chairman’s latest comments on Thorlux (my bold):

Thorlux is our largest company, producing the most extensive range of lighting products for the widest market sectors. It is a product-led business offering solutions with key features and benefits. 

Thorlux never targets being the lowest capital cost supplier, instead it targets the lowest cost to the end user through the lifetime of a project after energy and maintenance costs are taken into consideration.

[…]

Following its successful transition through the LED lighting revolution, and in its subsequent strengthened position, Thorlux has now entered the wireless lighting controls arena, having fully launched its SmartScan system. 

Developed in-house and on sale since September 2016, SmartScan delivered sales that grew rapidly and became a significant part of the year’s success. SmartScan’s features have found favour with existing and new clients. 

Understanding and reacting to these technological times, Thorlux continues to invest in research and development. Having launched phase 1 of SmartScan last year, Thorlux will launch phases 2 and 3 in this new financial year, with exciting and desirable new features.

I’m hopeful the division’s new wireless systems can enjoy further success.

* Less inspiring H2 progress at Lightronics and ‘Other’ UK divisions

The upbeat progress at Thorlux masked some less inspiring second-half performances elsewhere in the group.

After impressing with a 57% profit jump during the first half, TFW’s Dutch operation, Lightronics, reported a 9% profit drop for H2:

LightronicsH1 2016H2 2016FY 2016H1 2017H2 2017FY 2017
Revenue (£k)7,0278,49715,5249,7139,53019,243
Operating profit (£k)7031,4002,1031,1041,2682,372

One off projects” were said to have helped Lightronics during H1, so I’m guessing a lack of such work hindered the H2 effort.

Still, I can’t really complain about the division’s overall achievements for 2017.

Indeed, the ‘downside’ to Lightronics’ progress is that the sum TFW owes to the division’s former owners as an ‘earn-out’ — which is based on the operation’s profitability — has increased once again and now stands at £5.8m.

There wasn’t too much excitement within TFW’s collection of smaller UK subsidiaries:

OtherH1 2016H2 2016FY 2016H1 2017H2 2017FY 2017
Revenue (£k)7,49711,76819,26510,05310,82920,882
Operating profit (£k)4281,7612,1896201,5432,163

An improved first half was followed by a second half similar to that of 2016, and profit ended the year flat on last year.

* Balance sheet, cash flow and margin

TFW’s accounts continue to be a pleasure to read.

For a start, the balance sheet remains in pristine condition.

TFW’s cash — combined with its eclectic mix of investment property, quoted shares and loan notes — finished the year more than £7m higher at a sizeable £52m.

Furthermore, the balance sheet continues to carry no borrowings and I am glad TFW’s final-salary pension scheme still shows a surplus.

With the aforementioned £5.8m earn-out for Lightronics being the only sizeable liability, I calculate net cash and investments to be approximately £46m or 40p per share.

Favourable working-capital movements assisted the cash position during 2017:

Year to 30 June20132014201520162017
Operating profit (£k)10,75011,75213,71815,95918,189
Depreciation and amortisation (£k)2,2642,7082,7723,8003,999
Cash capital expenditure (£k)(4,052)(3,560)(4,892)(4,307)(7,286)
Working-capital movement (£k)(242)(3,101)(3,151)(909)1
Net cash and investments (£k)36,23437,37831,94136,94245,678

Although capital expenditure once again exceeded the deprecation charged against earnings, past differences have generally been due to property purchases. Management comments suggested that was again the case for this year.

The cash production allowed the full-year ordinary dividend to be raised 21% to 4.9p per share. My records show the annual payout has now been lifted for 15 consecutive years, during which time four special dividends have also been declared.

I remain particularly impressed by TFW’s operating margin and equity returns:

Year to 30 June20132014201520162017
Operating margin (%)19.419.218.717.917.2
Return on average equity* (%)30.729.927.626.227.2

(*Adjusted for cash, various investments, Lightronics’ earn-out and discontinued operations)

The 17% group margin hides the fact the Thorlux division converts a superb 22% of revenue into profit.

Meanwhile, my return on average equity ratio — which ignores the group’s cash and investment hoard and adds back the Lightronics’ earn-out — remains very respectable.

Valuation

Using the 2017 operating profit of £18m and applying tax at the 21% seen in this annual statement, earnings come to about £14.4m or 12.4p per share.

Then adjusting the present £393m market cap (at 340p) for the group’s net cash, investments and the Lightronics earn-out, I arrive at an enterprise value (EV) of £348m or 300p per share.

Dividing that 300p per share EV figure by my 12.4p earnings guess gives me a trailing P/E of 24.

Given the impressive headline growth rates for the full year, I suppose that upbeat multiple is to be expected in the current stock market, where rich valuations continue to be applied to many attractive growth stories.

However, there are some causes for concern with TFW.

Certainly the second-half progress at Lightronics was not as spectacular as the first, while profit at the Other UK operations appears to have stalled.

I would also suggest this comment from the new chairman (my bold)…

This year’s excellent performance will be difficult to replicate, as we will have to contend with ongoing economic uncertainty from Brexit, government instability and exchange rate variations.

…may be a hint that the growth rate could moderate — or even reverse — during 2018.

I also wonder about the decision by long-time boss Andrew Thorpe to step down and become a part-time executive in July. I just hope his bowing out is not due to him foreseeing a slowdown on the horizon.

Anyway, perhaps the leadership change can one day prompt a shift to TFW’s perennially tight dividend policy.

Although the full-year payout was upped 21%, it remains covered a sizeable 2.6 times by earnings and 8 times covered by the group’s net cash and investments.

The yield at 340p is a paltry 1.4%.

Maynard Paton

Disclosure: Maynard owns shares in FW Thorpe.

4 thoughts on “FW Thorpe: Record Annual Results Spotlight Further Double-Digit Growth As Dividend Lifted For 15th Consecutive Year”

  1. FW Thorpe (TFW)

    AGM Statement

    This statement was announced on 23 November. It seems to me the new chairman is suggesting the second half may not be that great. Here is the full text:

    ———————————————————————————————————————-

    “Last year we achieved record results and my September statement referred to the challenges in maintaining these for the current financial year. We presently expect the interim results to be in line with the same period last year.

    At this time it is difficult to predict what the second half may bring, however, we are confident that the Group is well placed to face any political and economic head winds that may arise from much-publicised issues both domestically and overseas. Our continuing focus is for sustainable, long-term growth for the Group”

    ———————————————————————————————————————-

    The caution is not great for a stock rated at 24x earnings. Still, it has not really paid to be a seller of this business long term.

    Maynard

  2. FW Thorpe (TFW)

    Acquisition

    It seems I missed this acquisition announcement — it was published originally on 21 December 2017. The deal does not look too bad. Here is the full text:

    ——————————————————————————————————————————–

    F W Thorpe is pleased to announce the acquisition of 100% of the share capital of Famostar B.V. (“Famostar”) in the Netherlands, a specialist in emergency lighting for a range of different sectors.

    The acquisition is expected to enhance earnings per share in the first full financial year of ownership (to 30 June 2019), as well as complementing the Company’s existing technologies, providing potential growth opportunities and synergies. It is expected to make a minor contribution to Group profits in the year ending 30 June 2018.

    F W Thorpe has paid an initial consideration of €7.6m (circa £6.8m), with up to an additional €0.5m (circa £0.4m) payable subject to performance conditions relating to the EBITDA for 2017 and 2018.

    The Famostar investment will be acquired via Lightronics Participaties B.V., our holding company in the Netherlands and be subject to similar share appreciation conditions established when F W Thorpe acquired Lightronics in 2015.

    The initial consideration has been funded from the Company’s existing cash reserves and this is the intention for any additional consideration.

    The senior management team will remain in the business and report directly to the board of Lightronics B.V.

    About Famostar

    Famostar specialises in the development, manufacture and supply of emergency lighting products. Revenues are derived from the Netherlands, where it is considered one of the foremost brands in the market. Famostar was originally established in 1947, is based in Velp and currently employs 31 people.

    During its last financial year ended 31st December 2016, Famostar achieved revenues of €6.8m and adjusted profit before tax of €0.9m. For the year ending 31st December 2017 forecast revenues are €7.8m, with an adjusted profit before tax of €1.2m. Net assets as at 31st December 2016 were €2.9m.

    The addition of Famostar will further develop the Lightronics presence in the Netherlands and expand its emergency lighting product portfolio.

    Chairman, Mike Allcock commented:

    “I would like to welcome Famostar to the F W Thorpe group. We are looking to build upon our successful acquisition of Lightronics by growing our presence and our product portfolio in the Netherlands.

    With the addition of the successful Famostar brand and the potential to share our recent developments in wireless emergency lighting systems, we are looking forward to the opportunity to generate further value for our shareholders.”
    ——————————————————————————————————————————–

    Paying €7.6m plus up to €0.5m for pre-tax profit of €1.2m equates to a 6.3x pre-tax multiple — although my sums do not include the additional “share appreciation conditions” that will incur an extra cost.

    Famostar looks a decent business. Established for 70 years, enjoys a respectable 15% margin and employs 31 workers each producing average revenue at a sizeable c€250k.

    Maynard

  3. FW Thorpe (TFW)

    Publication of 2017 annual report

    Oh dear. Reading TFW’s subsequent interim results made me realise that I did not study the firm’s 2017 annual report. I did wonder why some of the balance-sheet entries were odd.

    Anyway, here are the main points of interest:

    1) Risks

    The Risks section noted two extra (but not so unusual) dangers: cyber security and Brexit:

    Among the three risks TFW reckons had increased, ‘adverse economic conditions’ is probably the most worrying:

    There was no real indication of why economic conditions may deteriorate, unless it relates to the new Brexit risk.

    2) Thorlux

    Some snippets about Thorlux.

    The new SmartScan product — which allows users to monitor lighting via a computer — produced revenue of £7m-plus:

    Representing almost 7% of total revenue in its first year is not bad.

    I am pleased Thorlux appears to have global ambitions:

    3) Lightronics

    I think this was the only reference to currency-adjusted growth within the whole annual report:

    9% constant-currency growth versus 25% reported growth really ought to have been spotlighted prominently within the management narrative.

    Seems there is still work to do for Lightronics to enter the ‘industrial’ lighting marketplace:

    4) TRT

    The TRT division, which has suffered pricing pressure from customers, represents close to 9% of revenue:

    Street lighting is where the competition is being felt the most:

    The outlook suggests currency movements have put pressure on margins:

    However, the subsequent interim results suggested the issue is stiffer competition.

    5) IFRS15 and IFRS16

    Nothing to worry about with upcoming accounting changes:

    6) Assets

    Let’s now run through TFW’s eclectic collection of assets, which I include in my net cash/investment calculation:

    6a) Loans and receivables

    These are IOUs that were issued to:

    i) two former subsidiaries that were subject (I’m sure) to management buyouts, and;
    ii) the former owners of Lightronics to fund their new 35% equity participation within the subsidiary.

    I see the Mackwell notes were not repaid as initially scheduled:

    And a re-arrangement was agreed after the year end:

    The subsequent interim results showed loans and receivables up £2m to £6m. I assume the Mackwell situation explains part of that increase.

    6b) Investment property

    Here is the investment property note:

    Seems as if the riverbank land and the woodland may be worth more than their book values (which are not specified exactly):

    It is a bit sad that these properties only just cover their income:

    I have been told the land near the River Wye, which includes fishing rights (see point 7 below), is used for entertaining clients (and directors?).

    6c) Available-for-sale assets

    These are UK shares:

    Years ago I heard TFW’s portfolio included Lloyds TSB.

    6d) Other financial assets

    These are units in a sterling cash fund:

    No, I am not sure why you’d bother with such a fund either.

    7) Intangible assets

    I am quite confident TFW is the only quoted company that lists ‘fishing rights’ within its accounts:

    More notably, I see intangible write-offs and transfers came to £2,334k during the year. The transfer looks to be just £23k, so the £2m-plus write-off was significant.

    TFW’s cash flow statement…

    …shows amortisation of £2,302k, so I can only assume the write-off is taken directly as an expense to the income statement. For 2016, the write-off was £1.2m and for 2015 it was £0.8m. So the sums are becoming larger, which may indicate certain product developments are not going entirely to plan.

    Note also a £262k goodwill impairment — a small figure, but indicates something TFW has acquired has not worked out.

    8) Freeholds

    TFW’s freeholds have not been revalued for 20-plus years:

    The current book value is £11m:

    9) Trade receivables

    I like this. Higher revenue for the year, but lower unpaid customer invoices:

    Average trade receivables as a proportion of revenue was 17.6% for 2017, versus 20%-plus for the three previous years and the lowest percentage since 2009.

    10) Other payables

    These ‘other payables’ now include a few subsidiary liabilities as well as what TFW reckons it still has to pay for Lightronics:

    The subsequent interim results showed these ‘other payables’ advancing significantly to £11m… and I am not entirely sure why.

    There is another acquisition to consider, but I am not sure that explains everything. This is an entry I will need to keep an eye on.

    11) R&D tax credit

    TFW collected a £233k R&D tax credit during 2017 (sorry, no red box to highlight it):

    I don’t know why this credit is effectively treated as income, and not part of the tax calculation:

    I am sure other companies — Getech being one — account for such credits in the tax calculation.

    12) Pension scheme

    TFW’s pension notes show that final-salary schemes need not be ‘black holes’:

    This scheme boasts a small £714k surplus, which for complex bookkeeping reasons is not displayed on the balance sheet:

    Pension assets of £38m, plus combined employee/employer contributions of £1m, ought to be able to fund benefits of £1.2m a year:

    The pension contributions were largely charged to the income statement, with only £140k escaping but then showing up in the cash flow numbers:

    Company contributions for 2018 will not increase dramatically:

    13) Employees

    Some encouraging numbers here:

    Employee costs as a percentage of revenue — at 26.6% — was the lowest since at least 2004. Up until 2016, the figure had generally been 28%-plus. Revenue per employee also set a new record at £165k — 10% up on 2016 and double that achieved back in 2005. Average employee cost is now £44k, up 10% on 2016.

    14) Director pay

    No complaints here, given the year’s double-digit growth rate:

    Basic wages for the top two increased by only a few 000, and do not appear extravagant for a business reporting an £18m operating profit. Bonuses do not appear outrageous either. Staff options represent less than 2% of the share count, and board options less than 1%.

    Maynard

Comments are closed.