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DSG Dillistone Group Plc

9.00
0.00 (0.00%)
16 Apr 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Dillistone Group Plc LSE:DSG London Ordinary Share GB00B13QQB40 ORD 5P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 9.00 8.00 10.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 100 08:00:00
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Computer Related Svcs, Nec 5.7M -183k -0.0093 -9.68 1.77M

Dillistone Group PLC Final Results (3390L)

27/04/2015 7:00am

UK Regulatory


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RNS Number : 3390L

Dillistone Group PLC

27 April 2015

27 April 2015

Dillistone Group Plc

("Dillistone", the "Company" or the "Group")

Final Results

Dillistone Group Plc, the AIM quoted supplier of recruitment software for the international recruitment industry through its Dillistone Systems and Voyager Software divisions, is pleased to announce its final audited results for the 12 months ended 31 December 2014.

Highlights for the year:

-- Revenues up 6% to GBP8.6m

-- Record level of recurring revenues of GBP5.9m, up 12% from 2013

-- Adjusted operating profits(1) up 1% to GBP1.82m

-- Adjusted EBITDA(2) up 7% to GBP2.4m

-- Adjusted pre-tax profits(3) up 1% to GBP1.82m

-- Profit for the year down 7% to GBP1.15m

-- Adjusted earnings per share(4) up 7% to 8.56p

-- Final dividend of 2.7p per share recommended, making total dividend for the year of 4p (a yield of 3.7% on a share price of 107p) (2013: 3.85p)

-- Cash funds of GBP1.9m (2013: GBP1.4m) after acquisition related payments of GBP1.3m offset by GBP1.0m placing proceeds. Bank borrowings total of GBP0.5m (2013: nil)

-- ISV Software acquisition completed in October 2014

Commenting on the results, Mike Love, Non-Executive Chairman, said:

"The Group has enjoyed another successful year in 2014, delivering its best ever performance in terms of revenue, adjusted operating profit and adjusted EPS. The business continued to invest, delivering a major new product launch in the Dillistone Systems division, while successfully completing the integration of FCP Internet into the Voyager Software division, and in September 2014 announcing the acquisition of ISV Software.

"This represents our 3rd successive year on year increase in the dividend, in line with our progressive dividend policy, which illustrates the Board's confidence in the future prospects of the Group."

(1) Adjusted operating profit is statutory operating profit before acquisition costs, related intangible amortisation, movements in contingent consideration and other one-off costs relating to acquisitions.

(2) Adjusted EBITDA is adjusted operating profit with depreciation and amortisation added back.

(3) Adjusted pre-tax profits is statutory pre-tax profits before acquisition costs, related intangible amortisation, movements in contingent consideration and other one-off costs relating to acquisitions.

(4.) Adjusted earnings per share is computed from statutory profits after tax adjusted to exclude the post-tax effect of acquisition costs, related intangible amortisation, movements in contingent consideration and other one-off costs relating to acquisitions.

Results Webinar - Jason Starr, Chief Executive, and Julie Pomeroy, Finance Director, will be hosting a webinar to review the results of 2014 at 1pm today. To register please visit www.dillistonegroup.com/ir.aspx or contact Tom Cooper on tom.cooper@walbrookpr.com or 0797 122 1972.

Annual Report and Accounts - The final results announcement can be downloaded from the Company's website (www.dillistonegroup.com). Copies of the Annual Report and Accounts (in addition to the notice of the Annual General Meeting) will be sent to shareholders by 22 May 2015 for approval at the Annual General Meeting to be held on 18 June 2015.

Enquiries:

 
 Dillistone Group 
  Plc 
 Mike Love            Chairman                         020 7749 6100 
 Jason Starr          Chief Executive                  020 7749 6100 
 Julie Pomeroy        Finance Director                 020 7749 6100 
 
 WH Ireland Limited (Nominated 
  adviser) 
                      Head of Corporate 
 Chris Fielding        Finance                         020 7220 1650 
 
 Walbrook PR 
 Tom Cooper / Paul 
  Vann                                                 0117 985 8989 
                                                       0797 122 1972 
                                           tom.cooper@walbrookpr.com 
 

Notes to Editors:

Dillistone Group Plc (www.dillistonegroup.com) is a leader in the supply and support of software and services to the recruitment industry. It has four trading businesses operating through two divisions: Dillistone Systems, which targets the executive search industry (www.dillistone.com); and Voyager Software, which targets other recruitment markets (www.voyagersoftware.com).

Dillistone has made three acquisitions: Voyager Software in September 2011, FCP Internet in July 2013 and ISV Software in October 2014. The Group operates under the FileFinder, Voyager, Evolve and ISV brands.

Dillistone was admitted to AIM, a market operated by the London Stock Exchange plc, in June 2006. The Group employs over 100 people globally with offices in London (head office) Basingstoke, Southampton, Frankfurt, New Jersey and Sydney.

Chairman's Statement

The Group has enjoyed another successful year in 2014, delivering its best ever performance in terms of revenue, adjusted operating profit and adjusted EPS. Revenue was up 6% to GBP8.63m and adjusted operating profits up 1% to GBP1.82m. Profit after tax fell 7% to GBP1.15m. Adjusted EPS rose 7% to 8.56p. The business continued to invest, delivering a major new product launch in the Dillistone Systems division, while successfully completing the integration of FCP Internet into the Voyager Software division, and in September 2014 announcing the acquisition of ISV Software (ISV).

ISV (www.isvgroup.com) is a UK based supplier of training and testing services, primarily to the recruitment industry. ISV works with 9 of the 10 largest recruitment agencies in the UK (by office numbers) and 7 of the 10 largest by revenue. It offers over 200 published materials/tests covering many business sectors. ISV contributed GBP195,000 to revenue and GBP18,000 to profit before taxation during the three months of its ownership by Dillistone in 2014.

It is the view of the Board that product development is fundamental to the long term success of the business and, as a result, 2015 will see us continue to invest in the development of software within both of our Divisions.

Dividends

The Board was pleased to increase the interim dividend payment in September 2014 to 1.30p (2013: 1.25p). The Board has recommended an increased final dividend of 2.7p per share (2013: 2.6p), subject to shareholder approval, payable on 24 June 2015 to holders on the register on 29 May 2015. Shares will trade ex-dividend from 28 May 2015. This takes the total dividend based on the 2014 results to 4.00p (2013: 3.85p), and gives a yield of 3.7% on a share price of 107p.

This represents our 3rd successive year on year increase in the dividend, in line with our progressive dividend policy, which illustrates the Board's confidence in the future prospects of the Group. The business is committed to maintaining its policy of investing in its products and services whilst rewarding its shareholders.

Staff

Our staff are fundamentally important to the success of the business. It is through their efforts, commitment and determination that we continue to be a leading technology provider in the sectors we serve. On behalf of the Board I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of them.

Outlook

Group revenues in the first quarter are ahead of the same period in 2014.

Our Dillistone Systems division has seen incoming orders in Q1 increase on the same period in the previous year reflecting, in part, the launch of the FileFinder Anywhere platform in September 2014. As noted previously, since the launch of FileFinder Anywhere, the Division has been successful in winning a number of larger than average contracts and is currently in talks with a number of potential clients which, if successfully closed, would fall into this same category. These larger contracts do however take longer to implement and the full impact may not be seen in 2015. Nonetheless, the relative scale and increasing frequency of these opportunities validates the Board's strategy of investing in new product development and in the prospects for this iteration of FileFinder.

Revenues for our Voyager Software division are also up on the same period of 2014. The Division has invested significantly in product development over the past 2 years and it expects to announce a number of further notable product updates and launches in the coming months. These are expected to have a positive impact on the business in the medium to longer term.

Both Divisions currently see recurring revenue at record levels and the Group was delighted to sign an extension of one of its largest SaaS contracts during the first quarter of 2015. This contract, worth, at a minimum, in the region of GBP250,000 per annum, has been extended until November 2016.

In the longer term, the Group's continuing investment in product development across all parts of the business gives the Board confidence in the future and, as a result, we are delighted to propose an increase in our final dividend of 3.8% to 2.7p (2013: 2.6p).

Dr Mike Love

Non-Executive Chairman

Chief Executive's Statement

Dillistone Group Plc is a global leader in the supply of technology solutions and services to the recruitment industry worldwide.

Strategy and objectives

The Group's strategy is to grow the business both organically and through acquisition. This strategy is made possible by our commitment to product development, which ensures that the business continues to command a leading role in all of the markets in which it operates.

Our acquisition strategy typically entails consideration of businesses offering:

   --     products that would further increase market share in the Group's core markets; 
   --     legacy applications where clients could be transferred to our modern suite of products; or 
   --     complementary applications which may be cross-sold to clients of the Group. 

The Group's objectives are principally to:

-- ensure our products meet the needs of the recruitment sector through continual investment and development;

   --     be a leading player in all of the markets we serve; 
   --     develop our staff; 

-- increase our profitability and deliver increased shareholder value year on year in conjunction with following a progressive dividend policy.

Group Review

2014 saw recurring revenues grow 12% to GBP5.929m (2013: GBP5.271m) reflecting the full year impact of the acquisition of FCP Internet and also the acquisition of ISV in October 2014. Non recurring revenues fell 6% to GBP2.285m (2013: GBP2.428m). As a result, overall revenues, which were negatively impacted by exchange rates, increased by 6% to GBP8.625m (2013: GBP8.101m). Recurring revenues represent 69% of Group revenues (2013: 65%). Overheads have increased across the business mainly as a result of the acquisitions with EBITDA increasing 7% to GBP2.402m (2013: GBP2.242m). Operating profits before acquisition related items increased 1% to GBP1.820m (2013: GBP1.793m) and pre-tax profits before acquisition related items also increased 1% to GBP1.824m (2013: GBP1.801m).

Divisional Review

Dillistone Systems

The Dillistone Systems division is primarily focused on providing technology solutions to the executive search market via our range of "FileFinder" applications. This client group is made up of both executive search firms and executive search teams in major organisations.

Dillistone Systems' head office is in London and it has offices in the US, Germany and Australia. The Division accounts for 53% (2013: 61%) of the Group's revenue and saw recurring revenue fall 2% to GBP3.186m (2013: GBP3.248m) mainly due to the impact of currency movements. As a whole, the Division saw segmental operating profit before amortisation and depreciation decrease by 21% to GBP1.597m (2013: GBP2.013m).

Revenue

 
                           2014       2013 
                            GBP'000    GBP'000 
 Recurring income          3,186      3,248 
 Non-recurring income      1,371      1,675 
                           4,557      4,923 
                          =========  ========= 
 

On the face of it, these are disappointing results. However, they are not unexpected, given our conscious and pre-stated decision to hold back the number of implementations we completed in the second half of the year. This enabled the successful replacement of the FileFinder 10 product with our new FileFinder Anywhere suite, launched to the market in September 2014, with the first "live" implementations in November. FileFinder systems are business critical for our clients, and so we ensured that the product went through a significant beta test process. This meant that we deliberately implemented virtually no new client FileFinder systems between September and mid-November, so as to ensure that our development, implementation and support teams were able to provide our "early adopters" with the level of service that they required.

This strategy has proven to be the correct one. Client feedback on the new product has been excellent, with a number of case studies and client testimonials already shown on our website.

We reported in our January trading statement that the new product had led to the Division achieving a number of early successes in the market, including:

-- Total order intake in Q4 of 2014 was more than 20% up on both Q4 of 2013 and on the average of Q1-Q3 2014;

-- We won more new business contracts in December 2014 than in any single month in the last 2 years; and

-- Contract wins included our largest single North American win since 2009 with a number of clients switching from competing products.

The Division has seen further positive signs in 2015:

   --     January 2015 saw us win our largest contract in mainland Europe since 2007; 
   --     February 2015 saw us win one of our largest ever upgrade contracts for an existing client; 

-- Several new clients converted to FileFinder Anywhere from the product of our main competitor; and

   --     Total orders in Q1 2015 were more than 12% up on Q1 2014. 

As a result, the Division has now seen 3 successive quarters of year on year growth in total orders. Divisional recurring revenues at the end of Q1 are once again climbing and we have a strong prospect pipeline. We are currently ramping up our implementation frequency meaning that Q2 is likely to see realised revenue ahead of Q1 with the expectation that H2 will be stronger again.

The new FileFinder Anywhere suite continues to be developed, and we anticipate further positive announcements within the next 12 months. As a result, while the 2014 divisional results were disappointing, the Board is confident that the Division has an exciting future.

Voyager Software

Voyager Software is a leading provider of innovative recruitment software with products targeted at the entire recruitment landscape, from front office to back office and bureaus.

Revenue

 
                           2014       2013 
                            GBP'000    GBP'000 
 Recurring income          2,743      2,023 
 Non-recurring income      914        777 
 Third party revenues      411        402 
                           4,068      3,202 
                          =========  ========= 
 

In 2014, the Voyager Software division accounted for 47% (2013: 39%) of Group revenues. The Division's revenues were GBP4.068m and its segmental operating profit before amortisation and depreciation increased by 34% to GBP0.802m (2013: GBP0.598m). Recurring revenues increased by 36% to GBP2.743m (2013: GBP2.023m).

The Division benefited from the full year impact of the FCP acquisition made in July 2013 and the acquisition of ISV in October 2014. The Division successfully won its largest ever contract and has seen its 'Infinity' product gain good momentum in the market.

The Infinity product was a major development for the business and, since launch, work has continued to optimise it for larger firms and additional delivery models. Further announcements on this are expected in due course.

The year in review was our first full year with FCP Internet under our management. This acquisition has proven to be very successful, with the Evolve product now supporting more users than at any point in its history. Work is underway to deliver an updated version of the product, with completion expected in the coming months.

ISV Software was acquired in October 2014. Unlike our other products, ISV provides pre-employment testing tools. It is the UK market leader. The business made a small contribution in 2014, and work is underway to integrate the product with the Voyager Software Infinity platform. This project should increase cross selling opportunities, and is likely to be completed this summer.

Jason Starr

Chief Executive Officer

Financial Review

Total revenues increased by 6% to GBP8.625m (2013: GBP8.101m), with pre-tax profits before acquisition related items up 1% to GBP1.824m (2013: GBP1.801m). Recurring revenues increased by 12% to GBP5.929m (2013: GBP5.271m) while non-recurring revenues saw a 6% decrease to GBP2.285m from GBP2.428m in 2013. Third party software product sales amounted to GBP0.411m in the period (2013: GBP0.402m). These results include FCP revenues for the full year and ISV revenues from October 2014.

Cost of sales increased by 16% to GBP1.108m (2013: GBP0.957m), reflecting the full year impact of FCP and also the impact of ISV from October 2014.

Administrative costs, excluding acquisition related items, depreciation and amortisation, rose 4% to GBP5.116m (2013: GBP4.901m), again reflecting the full year of FCP and ISV costs from October 2014. Depreciation and amortisation increased to GBP0.582m (2013: GBP0.449m). Administrative costs totalling GBP0.418m (2013: GBP0.210m), related to acquisition costs and amortisation of intangibles arising on the Voyager, FCP, and ISV acquisitions. Finance cost includes GBP0.101m relating to the unwinding of the discount in respect of the contingent consideration.

Recurring revenues covered 104% of administrative expenses before acquisition related costs (2013: 98%). Excluding depreciation and amortisation of our own internal development, the administrative costs are covered 116% (2013: 108%) by recurring revenues.

Tax has been provided at an effective rate of 13% (2013: 19%) excluding acquisition related items and at 12% (2013: 19%) post acquisition related costs. These rates reflect the R&D tax credits available to both Dillistone Systems and Voyager Software that have been claimed; the reduction in corporation tax rates from 23.25% to 21.5%; the release of prior year provisions relating in part to agreement of the prior years' tax position of the branch operation in Germany; and partially offset by the higher rates of corporation tax that are payable overseas. The post acquisition related items tax rate also reflects the reduction in deferred consideration and the write off of acquisition costs together with the reduction in the deferred tax rate used in the accounts from 21% to 20%.

Profits for the year before acquisition related items rose 9% to GBP1.584m (2013: GBP1.455m) and profits for the year after acquisition related items decreased to GBP1.145m (2013: GBP1.231m). Basic earnings per share (EPS) rose 7% to 8.56p (2013: 7.99p) before acquisition related items and decreased by 9% to 6.18p (2013: 6.76p) after such items. Fully diluted EPS rose 7% to 8.23p before acquisition related items (2013: 7.70p) and decreased 9% to 5.95p (2013: 6.51p) after acquisition related items.

Capital expenditure

The Group invested GBP1.073m in property, plant and equipment and product development during the year (2013: GBP0.830m). This expenditure included GBP0.814m (2013: GBP0.747m) spent on development costs, of which GBP0.319m relates to development in Voyager Software division (2013: GBP0.250m) that has been capitalised under IFRS in the Group accounts.

Trade and other payables

As with previous years, the trade and other payables include income which has been billed in advance but is not recognised as income at that time. This principally relates to support, SaaS and hosting renewals, which are billed in 2014 but that are in respect of services to be delivered in 2015. Contractual income of this type is recognised monthly over the period to which it relates. It also includes deposits taken for work which has not yet been completed, as such income is only recognised when the work is substantially complete or the client software goes 'live'. Also included in trade and other payables is GBP1.322m (2013: GBP0.918m) relating to deferred consideration and contingent consideration due to former FCP and ISV shareholders. The contingent consideration in respect of FCP is dependent on the level of revenue achieved by the Division in the periods up to 31 March 2015. There are four tranches of contingent consideration in respect of ISV and they are dependent on levels of revenue achieved in periods up until 30 September 2017 plus a deferred consideration payment payable in January 2015.

Cash

To part finance the acquisition of ISV, a placing of GBP0.500m was carried out and a bank loan of GBP0.500m obtained. Also in view of the demand for shares, two further placings, raising a total of GBP0.500m for working capital purposes, were carried out. Dillistone finished the year with cash funds of GBP1.929m (2013: GBP1.399m) and bank borrowings of GBP0.487m (2013: nil). This is after capital expenditure of GBP1.073m, the payment to the vendors of Voyager, FCP and ISV of GBP1.268m (net of cash received with ISV) (2013: GBP0.900m) and dividend payments of GBP0.723m (2013: GBP0.683m).

Julie Pomeroy

Finance Director

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014

 
                                               2014       2013 
                                    Note    GBP'000    GBP'000 
 
 Revenue                             5        8,625      8,101 
 
 Cost of sales                              (1,108)      (957) 
                                          ---------  --------- 
 
 Gross profit                                 7,517      7,144 
 
 Administrative expenses                    (6,115)    (5,561) 
 
 Profits from operating 
  activities                                  1,402      1,583 
---------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
 Adjusted operating profit 
  before acquisition related 
  items                              4        1,820      1,793 
 Acquisition related 
  items                              7        (418)      (210) 
 Operating profit                             1,402      1,583 
---------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
 
 Financial income                                 6          8 
 Finance cost                                 (103)       (68) 
 
 Profit before tax                            1,305      1,523 
 
 Tax expense                         8        (160)      (292) 
 
 Profit for the year                          1,145      1,231 
 
 Other comprehensive 
  income net of tax: 
 Items that will be reclassified 
  subsequently to profit 
  and loss 
 
  Currency translation 
  differences                                   (8)       (16) 
 
 Total comprehensive 
  income for the year 
  net of tax                                  1,137      1,215 
                                          =========  ========= 
 

Earnings per share - from continuing activities

 
 Basic      9       6.18p   6.76p 
 Diluted    9       5.95p   6.51p 
 
 

*see accounts note 4 & 7

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014

 
                            Share      Share     Merger    Retained      Share    Foreign      Total 
                          capital    premium    Reserve    earnings     option   exchange 
                          GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000     GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000 
 
 Balance at 
  31 December 
  2012                        910        451        365       2,528         68        152      4,474 
 
 Comprehensive 
  income 
 Profit for 
  the year ended 
  31 Dec 2013                   -          -          -       1,231          -          -      1,231 
 
 Other comprehensive 
  income 
 Exchange differences 
  on translation 
  of overseas 
  operations                    -          -          -           -          -       (16)       (16) 
 
 Total comprehensive 
  income                        -          -          -       1,231          -       (16)      1,215 
                        ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 
 Transactions 
  with owners 
 Issue of share 
  capital                       4         47          -           -          -          -         51 
 Share option 
  charge                        -          -          -           -         53          -         53 
 Dividends paid                 -          -          -       (683)          -          -      (683) 
 Total transactions 
  with owners                   4         47          -       (683)         53          -      (579) 
 
 Balance at 
  31 December 
  2013                        914        498        365       3,076        121        136      5,110 
 
 Comprehensive 
  income 
 Profit for 
  the year ended 
  31 Dec 2014                   -          -          -       1,145          -          -      1,145 
 
 Other comprehensive 
  income 
 Exchange differences 
  on translation 
  of overseas 
  operations                    -          -          -           -          -        (8)        (8) 
 
 Total comprehensive 
  income                        -          -          -       1,145          -        (8)      1,137 
                        ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 
 Transactions 
  with owners 
 Issue of share 
  capital                      55        934          -           -          -          -        989 
 Share option 
  charges                       -          -          -          16        (3)          -         13 
 Dividends paid                 -          -          -       (723)          -          -      (723) 
 Total transactions 
  with owners                  55        934          -       (707)        (3)          -        279 
 
 Balance at 
  31 December 
  2014                        969      1,432        365       3,514        118        128      6,526 
                        =========  =========  =========  ==========  =========  =========  ========= 
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2014

 
                                        Group 
                                     2014       2013 
 ASSETS                           GBP'000    GBP'000 
 Non-current assets 
 Goodwill                           3,415      2,745 
 Other intangible assets            6,317      4,833 
 Property, plant and 
  equipment                           299        127 
 Investments                            -          - 
 
                                   10,031      7,705 
 Current assets 
 Inventories                           41         78 
 Trade and other receivables        1,784      1,790 
 Cash and cash equivalents          1,929      1,399 
 
                                    3,754      3,267 
 Total assets                      13,785     10,972 
 
 EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 
 Equity attributable 
  to owners of the parent 
 Share capital                        969        914 
 Share premium                      1,432        498 
 Merger reserve                       365        365 
 Retained earnings                  3,514      3,076 
 Share option reserve                 118        121 
 Translation reserve                  128        136 
                                ---------  --------- 
 
 Total equity                       6,526      5,110 
                                ---------  --------- 
 
 Liabilities 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Trade and other payables             666        459 
 Borrowings                           325 
 Deferred tax liability             1,152        901 
 
 Current liabilities 
 Trade and other payables           4,669      4,313 
 Borrowings                           162          - 
 Current tax payable                  285        189 
                                ---------  --------- 
 Total liabilities                  7,259      5,862 
 
 Total liabilities and 
  equity                           13,785     10,972 
                                =========  ========= 
 

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014

 
                                             2014      2014      2013      2013 
 Operating activities                     GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
 
 Profit before tax                          1,305               1,523 
 Less taxation paid                         (122)               (273) 
 Adjustment for 
 Financial income                             (6)                 (8) 
 Financial cost                               103                  68 
 Depreciation and amortisation                868                 621 
 Share option expense                          13                  53 
 Foreign exchange adjustments arising 
  from operations                             (3)                  14 
                                         --------            -------- 
 Operating cash flows before                2,158               1,998 
 movement in working capital 
 Increase in receivables                     (81)               (120) 
 Decrease/ (increase) in inventories           37                (15) 
 Increase in payables                           4                 259 
                                         --------            -------- 
 Net cash generated from operating 
  activities                                          2,118               2,122 
 Investing activities 
 
 Interest received                              6                   7 
 Finance cost                                 (2)                   - 
 Purchases of property, plant and 
 equipment                                  (259)                (83) 
 Investment in development costs            (814)               (747) 
 Acquisition of subsidiaries net 
  of cash acquired                          (718)               (715) 
 Contingent consideration paid              (550)               (185) 
 
 Net cash used in investing activities              (2,337)             (1,723) 
 Financing activities 
 
 Net proceeds from issue of share 
  capital                                     989                  51 
 Bank loan received                           500                   - 
 Bank loan repayments made                   (13)                   - 
 Dividends paid                             (723)               (683) 
                                         --------            -------- 
 Net cash generated from/(used 
  in) by financing activities                           753               (632) 
 Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash 
  equivalents                                           534               (233) 
 Cash and cash equivalents at                         1,399               1,643 
 beginning of year 
 Effect of foreign exchange rate 
  changes                                               (4)                (11) 
 Cash and cash equivalents at end 
  of year                                             1,929               1,399 
                                                   ========            ======== 
 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014

   1.         Publication of non-statutory accounts 

In accordance with section 435 of the Companies Act 2006, the Directors advise that the financial information set out in this announcement does not constitute the Group's statutory financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2014 or 2013, but is derived from these financial statements. The financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2014 have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union. The financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2014 will be forwarded to the Registrar of Companies following the Company's Annual General Meeting. The Auditors have reported on these financial statements; their reports were unqualified and did not contain statements under Section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

The consolidated statement of financial position at 31 December 2014 and the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, consolidated statement of changes in equity and consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended have been extracted from the Group's financial statements. Those financial statements have not yet been delivered to the Registrar.

   2.         Basis of preparation 

The preliminary announcement is extracted from the consolidated financial statements of the Group. The financial statements of the subsidiaries are prepared for the same reporting date as the parent company. Consistent accounting policies are applied for like transactions and events in similar circumstances.

The preliminary announcement has been prepared under the historical cost convention, except for revaluation of certain financial instruments.

All intra-group balances, transactions, income and expenses and profits and losses resulting from intra-group transactions that are recognised in assets, are eliminated in full.

   3.         Accounting policies and changes thereto 

This preliminary announcement has been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies adopted in the last annual financial statements for the year to 31 December 2013 except for the adoption of the following new interpretations, revisions and amendments to IFRS issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, which are relevant to and effective for the Group's financial statements for the financial year beginning 1 January 2014:

   --     IFRS 10 'Consolidated Financial Statements' (IFRS 10) 
   --     IFRS 12 'Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities' (IFRS 12) 

None of the above had a material impact on the financial statements of the group. As such there have been no material changes to the Group's accounting policies since the previous Annual Report.

4. Reconciliation of adjusted operating profits to consolidated statement of comprehensive income

 
 
                                   Adjusted     Acquisition                    Adjusted     Acquisition 
                                  operating         related                   operating         related 
                                    profits           items                     profits           items 
                         Note          2014           2014*       2014             2013           2013*       2013 
                                    GBP'000         GBP'000    GBP'000          GBP'000         GBP'000    GBP'000 
 
 Revenue                              8,625               -      8,625            8,101               -      8,101 
 
 Cost of sales                      (1,108)               -    (1,108)            (957)               -      (957) 
                         ------------------  --------------  ---------      -----------  --------------  --------- 
 
 Gross profit                         7,517               -      7,517            7,144               -      7,144 
 
 Administrative 
  expenses                          (5,697)           (418)    (6,115)          (5,351)           (210)    (5,561) 
 
 Results from operating 
  activities                          1,820           (418)      1,402            1,793           (210)      1,583 
 
 Financial income                         6               -          6                8               -          8 
 Financial cost                         (2)           (101)      (103)                -            (68)       (68) 
 
 Profit before 
  tax                                 1,824           (519)      1,305            1,801           (278)      1,523 
 
 Tax expense                          (240)              80      (160)            (346)              54      (292) 
 
 Profit for the 
  year                                1,584           (439)      1,145            1,455           (224)      1,231 
 
 Other comprehensive 
  income net of 
  tax: 
 Currency translation 
  differences                           (8)               -        (8)             (16)               -       (16) 
 
 Total comprehensive 
  income for the 
  year net of tax                     1,576           (439)      1,137            1,439           (224)      1,215 
                         ==================  ==============  =========      ===========  ==============  ========= 
 
 

Earnings per share - from continuing activities

 
 Basic      9   8.56p   6.18p   7.99p   6.76p 
 Diluted    9   8.23p   5.95p   7.70p   6.51p 
 

* see accounts note 7

   5.         Segment reporting 

The Board principally monitors the Group's operations in terms of results of the two divisions, Dillistone Systems and Voyager Software. Segment results reflect management charges made or received. Intercompany balances are excluded from segment assets and liabilities.

Divisional segments

 
 For the year ended 31 December 
  2014 
                                                            Inter-divisional 
                                                                     Revenue 
                                     Dillistone   Voyager                        Central     Total 
                                        GBP'000   GBP'000            GBP'000     GBP'000   GBP'000 
 Recurring income                         3,186     2,743                  -           -     5,929 
 Non-recurring income                     1,371       914                (-)           -     2,285 
 Third party revenues                         -       411                  -           -       411 
                                    -----------  --------  -----------------  ----------  -------- 
 Segment revenue                          4,557     4,068                (-)           -     8,625 
                                    -----------  --------  -----------------  ----------  -------- 
 Segment EBITDA                           1,597       802                              3     2,402 
 Depreciation and amortisation 
  expense                                 (429)     (153)                                    (582) 
                                                                              ---------- 
 
 Segment result                           1,168       649                              3     1,820 
 Acquisition related amortisation             -         -                          (286)     (286) 
 Acquisition related charges                  -         -                          (132)     (132) 
                                    -----------  --------                     ----------  -------- 
 
 Operating profit/ (loss)                 1,168       649                          (415)     1,402 
 Financial income                             5         1                                        6 
 Loan interest                                                                       (2)       (2) 
 Acquisition related interest 
  expenses                                                                         (101)     (101) 
 Income tax expense                                                                          (160) 
                                                                                          -------- 
 Profit after tax                                                                            1,145 
                                                                                          ======== 
 
 
 Additions of non-current 
  assets                                    720       353                                    1,073 
 
 Segment assets                           2,546     1,107                            400     4,053 
 Intangibles and goodwill                 2,003       884                          6,845     9,732 
                                    -----------  --------                     ---------- 
 Total                                    4,549     1,991                          7,245    13,785 
                                    -----------  --------                     ----------  -------- 
 
 
 Segment liabilities                      3,097     1,376                          2,796     7,269 
                                    -----------  --------                     ----------  -------- 
 

For the year ended 31 December 2013

 
                                                            Inter-divisional 
                                                                     Revenue 
                                     Dillistone   Voyager                        Central     Total 
                                        GBP'000   GBP'000            GBP'000     GBP'000   GBP'000 
 Recurring income                         3,248     2,023                  -           -     5,271 
 Non-recurring income                     1,675       777               (24)           -     2,428 
 Third party revenues                         -       402                  -           -       402 
                                    -----------  --------  -----------------  ----------  -------- 
 Segment revenue                          4,923     3,202               (24)           -     8,101 
                                    -----------  --------  -----------------  ----------  -------- 
 Segment EBITDA                           2,013       598                          (369)     2,242 
 Depreciation and amortisation 
  expense                                 (358)      (91)                                    (449) 
                                                                              ---------- 
 
 Segment result                           1,655       507                          (369)     1,793 
 Acquisition related amortisation             -         -                          (172)     (172) 
 Acquisition related charges                  -         -                           (38)      (38) 
                                    -----------  --------                     ----------  -------- 
 
 Operating profit/ (loss)                 1,655       507                          (579)     1,583 
 Financial income                             7         1                                        8 
 Acquisition related interest 
  expenses                                                                          (68)      (68) 
 Income tax expense                                                                          (292) 
                                                                                          -------- 
 Profit after tax                                                                            1,231 
                                                                                          ======== 
 
 
 Additions of non-current 
  assets                                    546       284                                      830 
 
 Segment assets                           2,341       971                             82     3,394 
 Intangibles and goodwill                 1,870       691                          5,017     7,578 
                                    -----------  --------                     ---------- 
 Total                                    4,211     1,662                          5,099    10,972 
                                    -----------  --------                     ----------  -------- 
 
 
 Segment liabilities                      2,959     1,009                          1,894     5,862 
                                    -----------  --------                     ----------  -------- 
 

Products and services

The following table provides an analysis of the Group's revenue by products and services:

Revenue

 
                               2014       2013 
                            GBP'000    GBP'000 
 Recurring income             5,929      5,271 
 Non-recurring income         2,285      2,428 
 Third party revenues           411        402 
                              8,625      8,101 
                          =========  ========= 
 

Recurring income includes all support services, SaaS and hosting income. Non-recurring income includes sales of new licenses, and income derived from installing those licenses including training, installation, and data translation. Third party revenues arise from the sale of third party software.

It is not possible to allocate assets and additions between recurring, non-recurring income and third party revenue.

No customer represented more than 10% of revenue of the Group.

   6          Geographical analysis 

The following table provides an analysis of the Group's revenue by geographic market.

The Board does not review the business from a geographical performance viewpoint and this analysis is provided for information only.

Revenue

 
                    2014       2013 
                 GBP'000    GBP'000 
 UK                6,859      6,188 
 US                1,198      1,228 
 Australia           568        685 
                   8,625      8,101 
               =========  ========= 
 

Non-current assets by geographical location

 
                    2014       2013 
                 GBP'000    GBP'000 
 UK               10,025      7,698 
 US                    4          5 
 Australia             2          2 
                  10,031      7,705 
               =========  ========= 
 
   7.         Acquisition related items 
 
                                                  2014       2013 
                                               GBP'000    GBP'000 
 Included within administrative expenses 
 Estimated change in fair value of 
  contingent consideration (note 10)               (9)       (57) 
 Amortisation of acquisition intangibles           286        172 
 Fees relating to the acquisition of 
  ISV/FCP (note 10)                                141         95 
                                             ---------  --------- 
                                                   418        210 
 Included within finance cost 
 Unwinding of discount on contingent 
  consideration                                    101         68 
 
                                                   519        278 
                                             =========  ========= 
 
   8.         Tax expense 
 
                                                  2014       2013 
                                               GBP'000    GBP'000 
 
 Current tax                                       200        308 
 Deferred tax                                       40         38 
 Deferred tax re acquisition intangibles          (80)       (54) 
 Income tax expense for the year                   160        292 
                                             =========  ========= 
 
 Factors affecting the tax charge for 
  the year 
 Profit before tax                               1,305      1,523 
                                             =========  ========= 
 
 UK rate of taxation                             21.5%     23.25% 
 
 Profit before tax multiplied by the UK 
  rate of taxation                                 281        354 
 
 Effects of: 
 Overseas tax rates                                 84         49 
 Impact of deferred tax not provided               (-)       (15) 
 Enhanced R&D relief                              (99)      (112) 
 Disallowed expenses                                75        103 
 Rate change impact on deferred tax               (37)       (27) 
 Prior year adjustments                          (144)       (60) 
 
 Tax expense                                       160        292 
                                             =========  ========= 
 

Deferred tax provided in the financial statements is as follows:

 
                                         Group                      Company 
                                 2014   Movement       2013       2014       2013 
                              GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000 
 
 Accelerated intangible 
  amortisation                    473         40        433          -          - 
 Provisions                       (7)          2        (9)          -          - 
 Acquisition intangibles          686        209        477          -          - 
                                       ---------             ---------  --------- 
                                 1152        251        901          -          - 
                            =========  =========  =========  =========  ========= 
 

The UK corporation tax rate in the year fell from 23% to 21% giving an effective rate for the year of 21.5%. The tax rate is expected to fall again to 20% in April 2015. Where deferred tax is provided in relation to the UK it has been provided at 20%. The tax charge is impacted by the higher rates of corporation tax payable in the US and Australia partially offset by the R&D tax credits available to both Dillistone Systems, Voyager Software, FCP and ISV. The release of prior year provisions relate in part to the agreement of the prior years' tax position of the branch operation in German. The Group has gross tax losses and temporary timing differences of GBP292,000 (2013: GBP227,000) for which no deferred tax asset has been recognised.

   9.         Earnings per share 
 
                                        2014         2014             2013         2013 
                              Using adjusted                Using adjusted 
                                   operating                     operating 
                                      profit                        profit 
                                     GBP'000      GBP'000          GBP'000      GBP'000 
 Profit attributable 
  to ordinary shareholders         1,584,000    1,145,000        1,455,000    1,231,000 
 Weighted average number 
  of shares                       18,512,594   18,512,594       18,211,321   18,211,321 
 Basic earnings per share         8.56 pence   6.18 pence       7.99 pence   6.76 pence 
                             ===============  ===========  ===============  =========== 
 
 Weighted average number 
  of shares after dilution        19,243,357   19,243,357       18,902,055   18,902,055 
 Fully diluted earnings           8.23 pence   5.95 pence       7.70 pence   6.51 pence 
  per share 
                             ===============  ===========  ===============  =========== 
 

Reconciliation of basic to diluted average number of shares

 
                                                  2014         2013 
 
 Weighted average number of shares 
  (basic)                                   18,512,594   18,211,321 
 Effect of dilutive potential ordinary 
  shares - employee share plans                730,763      690,734 
 Weighted average number of shares 
  after dilution                            19,243,357   18,902,055 
                                           ===========  =========== 
 
   10.       Acquisitions 

On 29 September 2014 the Group signed an agreement to acquire the entire share capital ISV Software Limited ("ISV") for an estimated consideration before fees of GBP1.924m, which was satisfied as detailed below. This was part of the Group's strategy to broaden our offering to the recruitment sector. The acquisition was completed on 3 October 2015.

ISV (www.isvgroup.com) is a UK based supplier of training and testing services, primarily to the recruitment industry. ISV works with 9 of the 10 largest recruitment agencies in the UK (by office numbers) and 7 of the 10 largest by revenue. It offers over 200 published materials/tests covering many business sectors and over 500,000 tests were carried out in 2014 for over 350 clients.

For the year ended 31 December 2013 the unaudited accounts of ISV showed profit before tax and profit after tax of GBP162,000 and GBP159,000 respectively on revenues of GBP750,000. These accounts also showed net assets of GBP256,000 as at 31 December 2013. Following the acquisition the revenues and profits have been restated to reflecting accounting for deferred income on annual contracts and the income in respect of token sales. ISV forms part of the Voyager Software division.

The details of the business combination are as follows:

 
                                                                           Fair value 
                                                   Book     Fair value    intangibles 
                                                  value    adjustments    adjustments   Fair value 
                                                GBP'000        GBP'000        GBP'000      GBP'000 
 Assets 
 Non-current assets 
 Property, plant and equipment                       14            (7)              -            7 
 Intangible assets                                    -              -          1,443        1,443 
 Current assets 
 Trade and other receivables                        105           (10)              -           95 
 Cash and cash equivalents                          345              -              -          345 
 
 Total assets                                       464           (17)          1,443        1,890 
 
 Liabilities 
 Trade and other payables                         (303)           (38)              -        (341) 
 Tax liability                                        -            (7)                         (7) 
 Deferred tax liability                               -              -          (289)        (289) 
 
 Net assets acquired                                161           (62)          1,154        1,253 
                                               --------  -------------  ------------- 
 Goodwill                                                                                      671 
                                                                                             1,924 
                                                                                       ----------- 
 Satisfied by 
 Initial Cash consideration                                                                    850 
 Deferred cash consideration 
  (discounted)                                                                                 148 
 Cash consideration in relation to surplus 
  working capital                                                                              213 
 Contingent consideration                                                                      713 
 
                                                                                             1,924 
                                                                                       ----------- 
 
 Consideration transferred                                                                GBP'000 
  Amount settled in cash consideration 
   in period                                                                                 1,063 
  Cash and cash equivalents acquired                                                         (345) 
  Net cash outflow on acquisition                                                              718 
  Acquisition costs charged to expenses                                                        141 
                                                         ----------------------------------------- 
  Net cash paid relating to acquisition                                                        859 
                                                         ----------------------------------------- 
 
 

The total consideration of GBP1,924,000 net of cash acquired of GBP345,000 was GBP1,579,000. The fair value adjustment of GBP62,000 relates mainly to the writing down of property, plant and equipment to their fair value and adopting more closely the accounting policies adopted by the Group. Fees of GBP141,000 were expensed and included in acquisition related costs. In addition, following a detailed review of the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired, in accordance with IFRS 3 Business Combinations the Group has recognised two intangible assets totalling GBP1,443,000 made up as follows:

 
                            GBP'000   Estimated 
                                           life 
 Intangible assets 
 Brand /IP                      614    15 years 
 Customer relationships         829    10 years 
 
                              1,443 
                           -------- 
 

Goodwill of GBP671,000 represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangibleand intangible assets acquired. The goodwill arising on the acquisition consists largely of the workforce value, synergies and economies of scale expected from combining the operating with Dillistone Group companies.

From the date of acquisition to 31 December 2014, the acquired companies contributed GBP195,000 to revenue and GBP18,000 to profit before taxation. In the last financial year, being the year ended 31 December 2013, the acquired companies made a profit before taxation of GBP162,000. However, as no audited accounts had previously been required and change in the accounting policies including those for deferred income on annual contracts and token sales, pro-forma profit or loss of the combined entity for the complete 2014 reporting period cannot readily be determined.

As part of the acquisition, deferred consideration of GBP150,000 is payable in January 2015. The Group also agreed to pay additional consideration based on surplus working capital retained in the business at completion. Following a completion accounts verification process, an amount of GBP213,000 was agreed to be paid to the vendors and this was paid in the year. In addition, the vendors are entitled to contingent consideration as follows:

   --     30% of net revenues in the three month period to 31 December 2014. 
   --     30% of net revenues in the year to 31 December 2015 less GBP15,000 
   --     30% of net revenues in the year to 31 December 2016 less GBP15,000 
   --     30% of net revenues in the nine month period to 31 December 2017 less GBP25,000. 

The fair value of the contingent consideration has been calculated based on the information available based on the information available at the time of the acquisition. The contingent consideration as at acquisition has been discounted at an annual rate of 3.48% with a resulting charge in the 2014 accounts of GBP6,000. The value of the contingent consideration at 31 December 2014 was GBP713,000. The maximum total consideration, including contingent consideration, payable is capped at GBP2,500,000.

Contingent consideration payable in respect of earlier acquisitions

As part of the acquisition of Voyager Software in 2011, the Group agreed to pay additional contingent consideration. During 2014 it made the final payment due of GBP129,000. A GBP2,000 discount was charged in 2014.

As part of the acquisition of FCP, the Group agreed to pay the vendors contingent consideration over the period to 31 March 2015. During 2014, contingent consideration of GBP421,000 was paid. At the year end the Group had a liability for contingent consideration calculated as follows:

-- Up to 50% of recurring revenues in the nine month period to 31 December 2014. The percentage varies depending on the level of recurring revenues.

-- Up to 50% of recurring revenues in the three month period to 31 March 2015. The percentage varies depending on the level of recurring revenues.

In the 2014 accounts, the amounts payable under the contingent consideration have been reduced by GBP9,000 based on the revenues for 2014 and on the estimated revenue for 2015. This contingent consideration had originally been discounted at 16.99% but following the acquisition of ISV and the availability of bank finance the rate has been reduced to 3.48%. The discount charged to the profit and loss account in 2014 totalled GBP93,000.

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

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