Contract wins and extensions with major high-street brands have prompted a leap in profits at Clipper Logistics (CLG), which is firmly making its mark in the growing e-commerce world. While the company also deals with non-internet logistics, adjusted operating profit in its e-fulfilment and returns business rose 48 per cent to £5.5m, and this is likely to be a key driver of performance in the future.
The Harlow-based company already boasts major retailers among its clientele - Asos (ASC), SuperGroup (SGP) and Asda, for example - but secured a number of new clients just before the year-end, including Spanish fashion brand Zara. Organic growth was also key, with Tesco (TSCO), Harvey Nichols and New Look all signing contract extensions. Clipper's 'click and collect' solution has also been adopted by retailer John Lewis, augmenting the pair's relationship.
The acquisition of Servicecare Support Services for £5.7m in December took Clipper into electronics, while the business expanded beyond the UK by winning a contract with German fashion retailer s.Oliver.
Analysts at Numis expect EPS to rise from 8.4p in the year to April 2015 to an estimated 10.5p in FY2016.
| CLIPPER LOGISTICS (CLG) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ORD PRICE: | 225p | MARKET VALUE: | £225m | |
| TOUCH: | 220-230p | 12-MONTH HIGH: | 232p | LOW: 130p |
| DIVIDEND YIELD: | 2.1% | PE RATIO: | 31 | |
| NET ASSET VALUE: | 17p* | NET DEBT: | 80% | |
| Full year to Apr 30 | Turnover (£m) | Pre-tax profit (£m) | Earnings per share (p) | Dividend per share (p) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 165 | 4.7 | na | na |
| 2012 | 167 | 5.2 | na | na |
| 2013 | 161 | 5.2 | na | na |
| 2014 | 201 | 3.9 | 2.8** | na |
| 2015 | 235 | 9.5 | 7.3 | 4.8 |
| % change | +17 | +144 | +161 | - |
Ex-div: 3 Sep Payment: 30 Sep *Includes intangible assets of £24.8m, or 25p a share **Pro-forma prior to flotation in June 2014 | ||||
