TIDMBEG
RNS Number : 6294R
Begbies Traynor Group PLC
13 December 2016
13 December 2016
Begbies Traynor Group plc
Half year results
for the six months ended 31 October 2016
Begbies Traynor Group plc (the 'company' or the 'group'), the
business recovery and property services consultancy, today
announces its half year results for the six months ended 31 October
2016.
Financial highlights
2016 2015
GBPm GBPm
------------------------ ----- -----
Revenue 24.5 25.5
Adjusted profit before
tax* 2.5 2.5
Profit before tax 0.5 0.6
------------------------ ----- -----
Adjusted basic EPS**
(p) 1.8 1.8
Basic EPS (p) 0.2 0.4
Interim dividend (p) 0.6 0.6
------------------------ ----- -----
Net debt (GBPm) 12.2 11.9
------------------------ ----- -----
* Profit before tax of GBP0.5m (2015: GBP0.6m) plus amortisation
of GBP1.3m (2015: GBP1.4m) plus acquisition-related costs of
GBP0.7m (2015: GBP0.5m)
** See reconciliation in note 5
Operational highlights
-- Solid financial performance with results in line with expectations
-- Results reflect benefit of diversification into property services in December 2014
-- Insolvency and restructuring: strong margins and cash
generative, in spite of continued challenging market conditions
which have reduced activity levels in the period
-- Property services: strong revenue and profit growth with two
recent acquisitions now fully integrated and performing in line
with expectations
-- New bank facilities agreed to 2021, at a lower cost than
previous facilities, providing financial strength to execute our
strategy
-- Interim dividend maintained at 0.6p
Commenting on the results, Ric Traynor, Executive Chairman of
Begbies Traynor Group, said:
"The Group has delivered another solid financial performance in
the period, with results in line with expectations.
"This performance reflects the benefit of our diversification
into property services, which we anticipate will contribute 30% of
the group's revenue and profit for the full financial year. This
strategic development has broadened our income streams, so that we
are now operating as two complementary operating divisions, each
with good market positions and high levels of profitability.
"For the year as a whole, we anticipate growth in earnings, in
line with expectations, with the benefits of our investment in
property services complementing our market-leading, profitable and
cash generative insolvency business. We will continue to look for
opportunities to develop and enhance the group, both organically
and through selective acquisitions. We will provide an update on
third quarter trading in early March 2017."
A meeting for analysts will be held today at 8.45 for 9.00am at
the offices of MHP Communications, 6 Agar Street, London WC2N 4HN.
Please contact Rossina Garcia Izaguirre on 020 3128 8788 or via
r.garciaizaguirre@mhpc.com if you would like to attend.
Enquiries please contact:
Begbies Traynor Group plc 0161 837 1700
Ric Traynor - Executive Chairman
Nick Taylor - Group Finance Director
Canaccord Genuity Limited 020 7523 8350
(Nominated Adviser and Joint Broker)
Bruce Garrow / Nilesh Patel
Shore Capital 020 7408 4090
(Joint Broker)
Mark Percy / Anita Ghanekar
MHP Communications 020 3128 8100
Reg Hoare / Katie Hunt / Giles Robinson
begbies@mhpc.com
Information on Begbies Traynor Group can be accessed via the
Group's website at
www.begbies-traynorgroup.com
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
INTRODUCTION
I am pleased to report a solid financial performance in the
period with results in line with expectations.
This performance reflects the benefit of our diversification
into property services in December 2014. Following the investment
we have made in this service line over the last two years, we now
anticipate that it will contribute 30% of the group's revenue and
profit for this financial year. This strategic development has
broadened our income streams as a group, which is now operating as
two complementary operating divisions, each with good market
positions and high levels of profitability.
The insolvency business continues to deliver strong operating
margins and be cash generative, in spite of the challenging market
conditions we have experienced over recent years: this allows us to
invest in developing the wider group, whilst also retaining a
strong position from which to benefit from any improvement in the
market in the future. The property services business, including our
two most recent acquisitions, continues to perform well and in line
with our expectations.
In November 2016, we announced the refinancing of our debt
facilities, provided solely by HSBC. The new facilities, which
provide the group with committed funds through to 2021, are at a
lower cost to our previous facilities and provide us with the
financial strength and flexibility to execute our strategy.
Having considered the group's first half performance together
with current market conditions and expectations for the remainder
of the financial year, the board has maintained the interim
dividend at 0.6p.
RESULTS
The group's revenue in the half year to 31 October 2016 was
GBP24.5m (2015: GBP25.5m). Adjusted profit before tax* was GBP2.5m
(2015: GBP2.5m). Profit before tax was GBP0.5m (2015: GBP0.6m).
Profit for the period was GBP0.2m (2015: GBP0.4m).
Basic adjusted** earnings per share ('EPS') was 1.8p (2015:
1.8p). Diluted adjusted** EPS was 1.7p (2015: 1.8p). Basic and
diluted EPS were 0.2p (2015: 0.4p).
Net debt at 31 October 2016 was GBP12.2m (30 April 2016:
GBP10.4m; 31 October 2015: GBP11.9m), having invested GBP2.2m in
the period in acquisitions. These borrowings are comfortably within
the group's bank facilities, with gearing of 21% (30 April 2016:
17%; 31 October 2015: 20%) and interest cover of 6 times.
* Profit before tax of GBP0.5m (2015: GBP0.6m) plus amortisation
of GBP1.3m (2015: GBP1.4m) plus acquisition-related costs of
GBP0.7m (2014: GBP0.5m)
** Adjusted for the net of tax impact of the amortisation of
intangible assets arising on acquisitions and acquisition-related
costs. See reconciliation in note 5.
DIVID
The board remains committed to a long-term progressive dividend
policy, and to increase dividends when more confident of both the
market outlook and potential for sustained earnings growth. Recent
dividend decisions have reflected the level of profits resulting
from market conditions, and the continuing investment in the
development of the group, where we are encouraged by progress.
Having considered financial performance in the current year to
date, the outlook for the remainder of the financial year and the
on-going requirements of the business, the board is pleased to be
able to maintain the dividend at recent levels and declare an
interim dividend of 0.6p (2015: 0.6p).
The interim dividend will be paid on 5 May 2017 to shareholders
on the register as at 7 April 2017, with an
ex-dividend date of 6 April 2017.
OUTLOOK
Following a solid financial performance in the first half of the
financial year, our outlook for the year as a whole remains
unchanged.
Having experienced a period of subdued insolvency trading in the
first half, we expect a stronger second half performance. This
expectation reflects anticipated improved activity levels and the
completion of a number of contingent fee engagements that are
currently being undertaken. We expect profits for the year as a
whole to be broadly maintained, with the benefit of a lower cost
base mitigating a reduction in revenue.
In property services, performance in the first half benefitted
from the seasonality of the auctions business and one-off
consultancy fees. We therefore expect our profits for the full year
to be weighted to the first half. The division is expected to
report growth in revenue and profits for the year as a whole.
Overall, we anticipate a year on year increase in earnings, in
line with expectations, with the benefits of our investment in
property services complementing our market-leading, profitable and
cash-generative insolvency business.
We will continue to look for opportunities to develop and
enhance the group, both organically and through selective
acquisitions. We will provide an update on third quarter trading in
early March 2017.
Ric Traynor
Executive Chairman
13 December 2016
BUSINESS REVIEW
Begbies Traynor Group is a business recovery and property
services consultancy, providing services nationally from a
comprehensive network of UK locations, through two complementary
operating divisions: Begbies Traynor and Eddisons.
Begbies Traynor is the UK's leading independent business
recovery practice handling the largest number of corporate
appointments, principally serving the mid-market and smaller
companies. We provide insolvency, restructuring and consultancy
services to businesses, their professional advisors and financial
institutions.
Eddisons is a national firm of chartered surveyors, offering
transactional and advisory services to owners and occupiers of
commercial property, investors and financial institutions. The
services offered include valuation and sale of property, machinery
and other business assets (including fixed charge property
receiverships); insolvency insurance brokerage; property
management; and building consultancy services.
OPERATIONAL REVIEW
Insolvency and restructuring - Begbies Traynor
Insolvency market
The number of corporate insolvencies (Source: The Insolvency
Service) for the year ended 30 September 2016 was 14,464 (2015:
15,035), a decrease of 4%. The market appears to have stabilised at
this lower level with 7,154 appointments in the six months to 30
September 2016, which is broadly in line with the comparative
period in 2015 (7,176).
There are no expectations of an increase in insolvency levels in
the near term, notwithstanding the current uncertainty around the
Brexit negotiations and the inflationary impact on the financial
performance of importers due to the recent falls in the value of
sterling.
Results
Revenue in the period decreased to GBP17.4m (2015: GBP19.4m)
with segmental profits* of GBP3.2m (2015: GBP4.3m). This
performance reflects the ongoing impact of market pressures on both
volumes and fees, combined with a very quiet summer period. The
business continues to generate strong operating margins and be cash
generative.
We expect a stronger second half performance, which reflects
anticipated improved activity levels from those seen over the
summer and the completion of a number of contingent fee engagements
that are currently being undertaken.
We have continued to manage our cost base in response to
activity levels, with operating costs in the period reduced by
GBP0.8m to GBP14.2m, which has partially mitigated the revenue
reduction. The number of people employed in the division has
decreased to 328 as at 31 October 2016 from 355 at the start of the
financial year.
We have maintained our market share and remain the leading
corporate appointment taker by volume.
* see note 2
Property services - Eddisons
Revenue in the period increased to GBP7.1m (2015: GBP6.1m) with
segmental profits* of GBP2.0m (2015: GBP1.2m), reflecting good
progress in developing our property services consultancy during the
period. Revenue and profit from current and prior year acquisitions
has been partially offset by reduced levels of insolvency-related
activity in property services and the prior year exit from low
margin contracts. The number of people employed in the division has
increased to 164 as at 31 October 2016 from 150 at the start of the
financial year.
The Pugh & Co property auctions business, which was acquired
in June 2016, has been fully integrated with our existing Eddisons
auctions business in the period and has performed well and in line
with expectations. The business is now the largest firm of
commercial property auctioneers (by number of lots) outside London.
The seasonal profile of the auctions business results in four
auctions being held in the first half, compared to three in the
second half, with a proportionate revenue and profit profile for
the business.
The valuations practice, including the Taylors acquisition which
completed in November 2015, has performed in line with
expectations. The team provide a full range of property valuations
and recovery advice to all the major banks on a national basis.
The Eddisons insolvency teams are working alongside Begbies
Traynor teams on a number of engagements, leading to value being
retained in the group on our insolvency appointments.
The business also benefitted from one-off consultancy fee income
in the period following the conclusion of an advisory contract.
* see note 2
FINANCE REVIEW
2016 2015
GBPm GBPm
Continuing operations:
Revenue 24.5 25.5
---------------------------------- ------ ------
EBITA (pre acquisition-related
costs) 3.0 3.0
Finance costs (0.5) (0.5)
---------------------------------- ------ ------
Adjusted profit before tax 2.5 2.5
Acquisition-related costs (0.7) (0.5)
Amortisation of intangible assets
arising on acquisitions (1.3) (1.4)
Profit before tax 0.5 0.6
Tax (0.3) (0.2)
---------------------------------- ------ ------
Profit for the period 0.2 0.4
---------------------------------- ------ ------
Revenue
Revenue in the period was GBP24.5m (2015: GBP25.5m). Revenue
from property services increased by GBP1.0m, which was offset by a
reduction of GBP2.0m in the insolvency division. Revenue generated
from acquisitions in the period was GBP1.0m.
EBITA (pre acquisition-related costs)
Operating costs reduced to GBP21.5m (2015: GBP22.5m). The impact
of costs in the period relating to acquired businesses is GBP0.5m,
which was offset by cost savings of GBP1.5m as a result of the
on-going management of the cost base.
EBITA was maintained at GBP3.0m (2015: GBP3.0m) with operating
margins having increased to 12.1% (2015: 11.8%).
Finance costs
Finance costs were GBP0.5m (2015: GBP0.5m).
Acquisition-related costs
Acquisition-related costs in the period comprise:
-- deemed remuneration charges of GBP0.6m (2015: GBP0.4m), which
represents consideration paid for acquisitions where selling
shareholders have post-acquisition service obligations to the
group; and
-- acquisition costs of GBP0.1m (2015: GBP0.1m).
Amortisation
Amortisation of intangible assets arising on acquisitions was
GBP1.3m (2015: GBP1.4m).
Tax
The tax charge for the period was GBP0.3m (2015: GBP0.2m), based
on the expected tax rate for the full year.
Earnings per share ('EPS')
Basic adjusted* earnings per share ('EPS') was 1.8p (2015:
1.8p). Diluted adjusted* EPS was 1.7p (2015: 1.8p). Basic and
diluted EPS were 0.2p (2015: 0.4p).
* Adjusted for the net of tax impact of the amortisation of
intangible assets arising on acquisitions and acquisition-related
costs. See reconciliation in note 5.
Acquisitions
On 2 June 2016, the group acquired the entire issued share
capital of Pugh Auction Group Limited ("Pugh & Co"), for a net
investment of GBP1.6m, representing initial cash consideration of
GBP2.0 million less cash acquired of GBP0.4m.
Under the terms of the acquisition, additional contingent
consideration of up to GBP2.625 million will become payable subject
to the achievement of stretching financial targets for the
consolidated auctions business (representing the original Eddisons
auctions business combined with Pugh & Co) in the five-year
period directly following completion, calculated according to an
agreed formula.
Up to GBP0.25 million of the contingent consideration is payable
based on meeting financial targets in the first year post
acquisition and may be satisfied through either the issuing of new
ordinary shares at the prevailing market value or cash at the
group's discretion. The remainder of the contingent consideration
is payable in cash over the five-year period post acquisition.
The consideration payable for this acquisition requires
post-acquisition service obligations to be performed by the selling
shareholder. These amounts are treated as deemed remuneration and
will be charged to the consolidated statement of comprehensive
income over the period of the obligation.
Cash flows
Net cash flows from operating activities (after interest and
tax) in the period were GBP1.1m (2015: GBP2.3m). This cash flow is
stated after GBP0.4m (2015: GBP0.9m) of payments relating to
provisions made in prior periods.
Investing cash outflows of GBP2.2m (2015: GBP0.7m) include
acquisition payments of GBP1.6m (2015: GBP0.4m), deferred
consideration payments of GBP0.5m (2015: GBP0.1m) and capital
expenditure of GBP0.1m (2015: GBP0.2m).
Financing cash outflows of GBP1.6m (2015: GBP4.6m) comprise a
repayment under the group's revolving credit facility of GBP1.0m
(2015: GBP4.0m) and dividend payments of GBP0.6m (2015:
GBP0.6m).
Financing
On 1 November 2016, we renewed our debt facilities, in line with
our previously stated intention to renew them during the current
financial year.
The new GBP30 million facilities are being provided by HSBC
solely and replace the group's previous GBP30 million facilities.
These were due to mature between July 2017 and April 2021 and were
provided by three lenders (including HSBC). All bank covenants in
relation to these facilities were met during the year.
The new facilities are unsecured, mature on 31 August 2021 and
comprise a GBP25 million committed revolving credit facility and a
GBP5 million uncommitted acquisition facility. These facilities are
at a lower overall cost to the previous facilities.
The arrangement costs associated with this refinancing will be
recognised over the expected life of the facilities in accordance
with IFRS. There will be one-off costs charged in the current year
in connection with the refinancing for early settlement charges of
GBP0.2m with the full benefit of the reduced finance costs being
realised in future years.
The group is in a strong financial position, with net borrowings
at 31 October 2016 of GBP12.2m (30 April 2016: GBP10.4m; 31 October
2015: GBP11.9m), gearing of 21% (2015: 20%) and significant
headroom within our new facilities.
Net assets
At 31 October 2016 net assets were GBP57.7m (2015: GBP59.1m) and
are analysed as follows:
31 Oct 30 Apr 31 Oct
2016 2016 2015
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Non-current assets 61.2 60.4 60.0
Current assets 34.9 35.2 34.9
Net borrowings (12.2) (10.4) (11.9)
Current tax (1.0) (1.3) 0.2
Other liabilities (25.2) (24.2) (24.1)
Net assets 57.7 59.7 59.1
====== ====== ======
Ric Traynor Nick Taylor
Executive Chairman Group Finance Director
13 December 2016 13 December 2016
Statement of comprehensive
income
Six months Six months Year ended
ended ended
31 October 31 October 30 April
2016 2015 2016
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
Note GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ -----------
Revenue 24,454 25,476 50,135
Direct costs (13,739) (13,802) (28,058)
--------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ -----------
Gross profit 10,715 11,674 22,077
Other operating income 186 74 249
Administrative expenses (7,932) (8,732) (16,838)
--------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ -----------
Earnings before interest,
tax and amortisation
prior to acquisition-related
costs 2,969 3,016 5,488
Acquisition-related costs 4 (692) (500) (1,080)
Earnings before interest,
tax and amortisation 2,277 2,516 4,408
Amortisation of intangible
assets arising on acquisitions (1,291) (1,348) (2,827)
Finance costs 3 (499) (532) (1,023)
Profit before tax 487 636 558
Tax (263) (230) (264)
--------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ -----------
Profit for the period 224 406 294
--------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ -----------
Other comprehensive income
Exchange differences
on translation of foreign
operations - - 3
--------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ -----------
Total comprehensive income
for the period 224 406 297
Earnings per share
Basic and diluted 5 0.2p 0.4p 0.3p
--------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ -----------
All of the profit and comprehensive income for the period is
attributable to equity holders of the parent
Consolidated statement of
changes in equity
For the six months ended Share Share Merger Translation Retained Total
31 October 2016 (unaudited)
capital premium reserve reserve earnings equity
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- ------------ --------- --------
At 1 May 2016 5,611 23,042 17,584 (2) 13,446 59,681
Profit for the period - - - - 224 224
Other comprehensive income:
Exchange differences on translation - - - - - -
of foreign operations
------------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- ------------ --------- --------
Total comprehensive income
for the period - - - - 224 224
Dividends - - - - (2,335) (2,335)
Credit to equity for equity-settled
share-based payments - - - - 125 125
Shares issued 1 11 - - - 12
------------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- ------------ --------- --------
At 31 October 2016 5,612 23,053 17,584 (2) 11,460 57,707
------------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- ------------ --------- --------
For the six months ended Share Share Merger Translation Retained Total
31 October 2015 (unaudited)
capital premium reserve reserve earnings equity
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
At 1 May 2015 5,536 22,473 17,584 (5) 15,392 60,980
Profit for the period - - - - 406 406
Other comprehensive income:
Exchange differences on translation
of foreign operations - - - (1) - (1)
------------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- ------------ --------- --------
Total comprehensive income
for the period - - - (1) 406 405
Dividends - - - - (2,302) (2,302)
Credit to equity for equity-settled
share-based payments - - - - 31 31
Shares issued 3 17 - - - 20
At 31 October 2015 5,539 22,490 17,584 (6) 13,527 59,134
------------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- ------------ --------- --------
For the year ended 30 April Share Share Merger Translation Retained Total
2016 (audited)
capital premium reserve reserve earnings equity
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- ------------ --------- --------
At 1 May 2015 5,536 22,473 17,584 (5) 15,392 60,980
Profit for the year - - - - 294 294
Other comprehensive income:
Exchange differences on translation
of foreign operations - - - 3 - 3
------------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- ------------ --------- --------
Total comprehensive income
for the year - - - 3 294 297
Dividends - - - - (2,302) (2,302)
Credit to equity for equity-settled
share-based payments - - - - 62 62
Shares issued 75 569 - - - 644
At 30 April 2016 5,611 23,042 17,584 (2) 13,446 59,681
------------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- ------------ --------- --------
The merger reserve arose on the formation of the group in
2004.
Consolidated balance sheet
31 October 31 October 30 April
2016 (unaudited) 2015 2016
(audited)
(unaudited)
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------- ------------------ ------------- -----------
Non-current assets
Intangible assets 59,523 57,713 58,407
Property, plant and equipment 1,677 2,313 1,979
------------------------------- ------------------ ------------- -----------
61,200 60,026 60,386
------------------------------- ------------------ ------------- -----------
Current assets
Trade and other receivables 34,923 34,862 35,151
Current tax receivable - 238 -
Cash and cash equivalents 4,823 6,119 7,634
39,746 41,219 42,785
------------------------------- ------------------ ------------- -----------
Total assets 100,946 101,245 103,171
------------------------------- ------------------ ------------- -----------
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables (15,704) (14,695) (14,903)
Current tax liabilities (997) - (1,263)
Borrowings (7,000) - -
Provisions (614) (1,069) (728)
(24,315) (15,764) (16,894)
------------------------------- ------------------ ------------- -----------
Net current assets 15,431 25,455 25,891
------------------------------- ------------------ ------------- -----------
Non-current liabilities
Trade and other payables (1,367) (1,388) (1,501)
Borrowings (10,000) (18,000) (18,000)
Provisions (711) (338) (994)
Deferred tax (6,846) (6,621) (6,101)
------------------------------- ------------------ ------------- -----------
(18,924) (26,347) (26,596)
------------------------------- ------------------ ------------- -----------
Total liabilities (43,239) (42,111) (43,490)
------------------------------- ------------------ ------------- -----------
Net assets 57,707 59,134 59,681
------------------------------- ------------------ ------------- -----------
Equity
Share capital 5,612 5,539 5,611
Share premium 23,053 22,490 23,042
Merger reserve 17,584 17,584 17,584
Translation reserve (2) (6) (2)
Retained earnings 11,460 13,527 13,446
------------------------------- ------------------ ------------- -----------
Equity attributable to owners
of the company 57,707 59,134 59,681
------------------------------- ------------------ ------------- -----------
Consolidated cash flow statement
Six months Six months
ended ended Year
31 31 October ended
October 2015 30 April
2016 (unaudited) (unaudited) 2016
(audited)
Note GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------ ----- ------------------ ------------- ------------
Cash flows from operating
activities
Cash generated by operations 7 2,190 3,159 7,909
Income taxes paid (701) (415) (139)
Interest paid (429) (489) (996)
------------------------------------ ----- ------------------ ------------- ------------
Net cash from operating activities 1,060 2,255 6,774
------------------------------------ ----- ------------------ ------------- ------------
Investing activities
Purchase of property, plant
and equipment (72) (235) (511)
Purchase of intangible fixed
assets (8) (13) (13)
Proceeds on disposal of fixed
assets - - 10
Deferred consideration payments
in the period (539) (83) (639)
Acquisition of businesses (1,627) (407) (937)
------------------------------------ ----- ------------------ ------------- ------------
Net cash from investing activities (2,246) (738) (2,090)
------------------------------------ ----- ------------------ ------------- ------------
Financing activities
Dividends paid (637) (627) (2,302)
Proceeds on issue of shares 12 20 43
Repayment of loans (1,000) (4,000) (4,000)
Net cash from financing activities (1,625) (4,607) (6,259)
------------------------------------ ----- ------------------ ------------- ------------
Net decrease in cash and
cash equivalents (2,811) (3,090) (1,575)
Cash and cash equivalents
at beginning of period 7,634 9,209 9,209
------------------------------------ ----- ------------------ ------------- ------------
Cash and cash equivalents
at end of period 4,823 6,119 7,634
------------------------------------ ----- ------------------ ------------- ------------
1. Basis of preparation and accounting policies
(a) Basis of preparation
The half year condensed consolidated financial statements do not
include all of the information and disclosures required for full
annual financial statements and should be read in conjunction with
the group's annual financial statements as at 30 April 2016, which
have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the
European Union.
This condensed consolidated half year financial information does
not comprise statutory accounts within the meaning of Section 435
of the Companies Act 2006. Statutory accounts for the year ended 30
April 2016 were approved by the board of directors on 12 July 2016
and delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The report of the
auditor on those accounts was unqualified, did not include a
reference to any matters to which the auditor drew attention by way
of emphasis without qualifying their report and did not contain
statements under section 498 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act
2006.
The directors have reviewed the financial resources available to
the group and have concluded that the group is a going concern.
This conclusion is based upon, amongst other matters, a review of
the group's financial projections for a period of twelve months
following the date of this announcement, together with a review of
the cash and committed borrowing facilities available to the group.
Accordingly, the going concern basis has been used in preparing
these half year condensed consolidated financial statements.
The condensed consolidated financial statements for the six
months ended 31 October 2016 have not been audited nor subject to
an interim review by the auditors. IAS 34 'Interim financial
reporting' is not applicable to these half year condensed
consolidated financial statements and has therefore not been
applied.
(b) Significant accounting policies
The accounting policies adopted in preparation of the half year
condensed consolidated financial statements are consistent with
those followed in the preparation of the group's annual financial
statements for the year ended 30 April 2016.
2. Segmental analysis by class of business
Six months Six
ended months Year
31 October ended ended
2016 31 October 30 April
(unaudited) 2015 2016
(unaudited) (audited)
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ------------
Revenue
Insolvency and restructuring 17,360 19,368 37,723
Property 7,094 6,108 12,412
----------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ------------
24,454 25,476 50,135
----------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ------------
EBITA (before acquisition-related
costs)
Insolvency and restructuring 3,150 4,336 7,478
Property 2,006 1,161 2,410
Shared and central costs (2,187) (2,481) (4,400)
----------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ------------
2,969 3,016 5,488
----------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ------------
3. Finance costs
Six months Six
ended months Year
31 October ended ended
2016 31 October 30 April
(unaudited) 2015 2016
(unaudited) (audited)
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ------------
Interest payable 473 510 981
Unwinding of discount on deferred
consideration liabilities 26 22 42
----------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ------------
499 532 1,023
----------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ------------
4. Acquisition-related costs
Six months Six months
ended ended Year
31 October 31 ended
2016 October 30 April
(unaudited) 2015 (unaudited) 2016
(audited)
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------- ------------- ------------------ ------------
Deemed remuneration 619 361 1,058
Acquisition costs 73 139 287
Gain on acquisition - - (265)
692 500 1,080
--------------------- ------------- ------------------ ------------
5. Earnings per share
The calculation of the basic and diluted earnings per share is
based on the following data:
Six months Six months
ended ended Year
31 October 31 October ended
2016 (unaudited) 2015 (unaudited) 30 April
2016
(audited)
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------ ------------------ ------------------ ------------
Earnings
Profit for the period attributable
to equity holders 224 406 294
------------------------------------ ------------------ ------------------ ------------
31 October 31 October 30 April
2016 (unaudited) 2015 (unaudited) 2016
(audited)
number number number
----------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ -------------
Number of shares
Weighted average number of
ordinary shares for the purposes
of basic earnings per share 106,160,734 104,641,513 105,245,846
Effect of dilutive potential
ordinary shares:
Share options 478,874 952,912 1,156,466
Contingent shares 325 - 63,982
----------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ -------------
Weighted average number of
ordinary shares for the purposes
of diluted earnings per share 106,639,933 105,594,425 106,466,294
----------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ -------------
Six months Six months
ended ended Year
31 31 October ended
October 2015 (unaudited) 30 April
2016 (unaudited) 2016
(audited)
pence pence pence
---------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------
Basic and diluted earnings
per share 0.2 0.4 0.3
---------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------
The following additional earnings per share figures are
presented as the directors believe they provide a better
understanding of the trading position of the group:
Six months Six months
ended ended Year
31 31 October ended
October 2015 (unaudited) 30 April
2016 (unaudited) 2016
(audited)
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------
Earnings
Profit for the period attributable
to equity holders 224 406 294
Amortisation of intangible
assets arising on acquisitions 1,291 1,348 2,827
Acquisition-related costs 692 500 1,080
Unwinding of discount on
deferred consideration liabilities 26 22 42
Tax effect of above items (375) (370) (848)
------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------
Adjusted earnings 1,858 1,906 3,395
------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------
Six months Six months
ended ended Year
31 31 October ended
October 2015 (unaudited) 30 April
2016 (unaudited) 2016
(audited)
pence pence pence
----------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------
Adjusted basic earnings per
share 1.8 1.8 3.2
Adjusted diluted earnings
per share 1.7 1.8 3.2
----------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------
6. Dividends
The interim dividend of 0.6p (2015: 0.6p) per share (not
recognised as a liability at 31 October 2016) will be payable on 5
May 2017 to ordinary shareholders on the register at the close of
business on 7 April 2017. The final dividend of 1.6p per share as
proposed in the 30 April 2016 financial statements and approved at
the group's AGM was paid on 4 November 2016 and was recognised as a
liability at 31 October 2016.
7. Reconciliation to the cash flow statement
Six months Six months
ended ended Year
31 October 31 October ended
2016 2015 30 April
(unaudited) (unaudited) 2016
(audited)
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ------------
Profit for the period 224 406 294
Adjustments for:
Tax 263 230 264
Finance costs 499 532 1,023
Amortisation of intangible
assets 1,378 1,435 3,000
Depreciation of property, plant
and equipment 381 433 848
Deemed remuneration 619 361 1,058
Gain on acquisition - - (265)
Loss on disposal of property,
plant and equipment 5 2 192
Share-based payment expense 125 31 62
Decrease in provisions (397) (884) (1,239)
--------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ------------
Operating cash flows before
movements in working capital 3,097 2,546 5,237
Decrease in receivables 206 96 1,223
(Decrease) increase in payables (1,113) 517 1,449
Cash generated by operations 2,190 3,159 7,909
--------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ------------
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
IR UUSBRNRAUAAA
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
December 13, 2016 02:00 ET (07:00 GMT)