Trading update and revised guidance for the FY19
NZX, ASX and Media Release 18 March 2019
Trading update and revised guidance for the 2019 financial year
Metro Performance Glass (NZX.MPG, ASX.MPP, Metroglass) today provided an update on recent trading
performance and guidance on anticipated results for the financial year ending 31 March 2019 (FY19).
Metroglass CEO Simon Mander said: “The Group is continuing to focus on what matters most to its customers
and shareholders; improving our
execution and delivering financial performance. We have made progress across
all parts of the group, but our financial results this year illustrate that our New Zealand and Australian businesses
are at different stages of delivery against our strategy.”
New Zealand performance
“In New Zealand, we have achieved sustained improvements in customer
service, operational performance and
in making Metroglass a great company to work for and for our customers to engage with. While we continue to
have a big agenda and set of opportunities for improvement, we’re making clear progress.” said Mr Mander.
Financial performance in New Zealand has continued in line
with expectations. Pleasingly, the gross profit margin
improvement seen in the first half of the financial year has continued in the second half supported by operational
and efficiency initiatives.
Australia performance
Simon Mander said: “Australian Glass Group (AGG) has had a transformative but very disappointing year overall.
We made significant changes
in the business and while resulting financial improvements have lagged our
expectations, the business is working to a clear plan and making good progress operationally.
“In the second half of the financial year we markedly improved our service delivery, reduced reworks and have
had a much more stable and engaged
workforce. We’re firmly focussed on winning back the trust and
confidence of our customers, who were impacted by variable service levels in 2018.
“Whilst our internal execution has improved, the business has considerably further to go and we’re driving
towards a clear set of milestones. With improved operational performance and active
marketing programs in
place, AGG anticipates revenue growth in the coming year despite softening lead indicators of construction
activity in Australia. “
AGG primarily services the new detached housing and alterations and additions market segments in South East
Australia, and accordingly are less exposed to the significant declines being seen
in multi‐residential approvals
across Australia.
While activity levels are anticipated to soften in AGG’s target markets in FY20, AGG is well placed to benefit from
a roadmap of legislative changes supporting increased penetration of double glazing in Australia over the
medium to long term.
2
Anticipated FY19 results and intended release date
Whilst the Group is on course to achieve its targets for capital expenditure of approximately $8 million and debt
reduction of approximately $7 million in FY19, the consequences of the deterioration of Australian operating
performance in the second half of the financial year are twofold:
Firstly, the financial impact from Australian results will be a reduction of approximately $3m in our
Group earnings, taking our previous Group EBIT guidance from $28m down to circa $25m
Secondly, a preliminary review of the carrying value of our Australian investment suggests that an
impairment in
the order of $7m ‐ $10m to the intangible assets would be appropriate. An impairment
of intangible assets taken in the year ending 31 March 2019 will be a non‐cash charge
Metroglass will release its results for the year to 31 March 2019 on Thursday 23 May 2019.
/ends
For further information please contact:
Andrew Paterson, Investor Relations
(+64) 027 403 4323
andrew.paterson@metroglass.co.nz
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