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BEG.GB Begbies Traynor Group

105.00
-0.25 (-0.24%)
10 May 2024 - Closed
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Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Begbies Traynor Group AQSE:BEG.GB Aquis Stock Exchange Ordinary Share GB00B0305S97 Ordinary Shares 5p
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  -0.25 -0.24% 105.00 102.50 107.50 106.50 105.00 105.00 0.00 11:30:05
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
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Begbies Traynor Group PLC Half-year Report (6294R)

13/12/2016 7:00am

UK Regulatory


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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

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December 13, 2016 02:00 ET (07:00 GMT)

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