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AVS Avesco Group

650.00
0.00 (0.00%)
23 Apr 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Avesco Group LSE:AVS London Ordinary Share GB0000653229 ORD 10P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 650.00 0.00 01:00:00
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
0 0 N/A 0

Avesco Group PLC Preliminary Results (5246L)

12/01/2016 7:01am

UK Regulatory


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RNS Number : 5246L

Avesco Group PLC

12 January 2016

AVESCO GROUP plc

PRELIMINARY RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

Avesco Group plc ("Avesco" or the "Group") (AIM: AVS), the international provider of services to the corporate presentation, entertainment and broadcast markets, announces its preliminary results for the year ended 30 September 2015.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

   --   Revenue up 6% to GBP133.7m (2014: GBP126.4m) 
   --   Operating profit up GBP4.0m to GBP4.9m (2014: GBP0.9m) 
   --   Trading profit up 18% to GBP7.4m (2014: GBP6.3m)* 
   --   Trading EBITDA up 8% to GBP27.0m (2014: GBP25.0m)* 
   --   Continuing operations earnings per share of 12.4p (2014: loss per share of 12.8p) 
   --   Annual dividend increased by 17% to 7.0p per share (2014: 6.0p) 
   --   Profit from discontinued operations of GBP1.1m (2014: GBP1.2m) 
   --   Net debt reduced GBP3.9m to GBP17.5m (2014: GBP21.4m) 

* As described in note 8, the Group uses certain non-GAAP alternative measures to assess underlying operating performance.

Richard Murray, Chairman, commented:

"2015 has been another record breaking year for the Group with operating profit even higher than in 2012 when we had the benefit of the London Olympics in our home territory. The fact that this has been achieved in an odd year is particularly pleasing.

The sale of the land and buildings at Fountain announced earlier today will realise substantial value for shareholders, the full value of which will be reported in the coming year, and will significantly reduce our net Group debt down to very modest levels.

The current financial year has started well, with Creative Technology performing strongly in both Europe and the US. With the Group now carrying a much lower debt burden, streamlined and refocused, we expect to be able to continue our drive to increase profitability, to generate cash and to grow dividends."

For further information please contact:

 
 
   Avesco Group plc 
 Richard Murray, Chairman             01293 583400 
 John Christmas, Group Finance 
  Director 
 
 finnCap Ltd 
  Julian Blunt/Scott Mathieson, 
  Corporate Finance 
  Malar Velaigam, Corporate 
  Broking                            020 7220 0500 
 

Results

2015 has been another record breaking year for the Group with operating profit even higher than in 2012 when we had the benefit of the London Olympics in our home territory. The fact that this has been achieved in an odd year is particularly pleasing.

The main drivers behind this strong performance were CT Europe, which had the benefit of both the first European Games in Baku in June and the near elimination of losses in CT Germany (as a result of last year's restructuring there) and CTUS, which continues to be the Group's biggest profit contributor.

During the 12 months ended 30 September 2015, our revenue grew by 6% to GBP133.7m (2014: GBP126.4m), whilst trading profits grew 18% to GBP7.4m (2014: GBP6.3m), trading EBITDA was up 8% to GBP27.0m (2014: GBP25.0m), and net debt was further reduced to GBP17.5m (2014: GBP21.4m).

The increase in trading profits includes a margin increase of 1%. Overheads increased at a much lower rate than the rate of profit increase, aided by an overhead reduction of GBP1.1m resulting from our prior year restructuring in CT Germany. These savings were again mainly derived from the full year effect of the 2014 reductions in staff numbers. Our average staff numbers during the year were reduced by another 3% to 685 (2014: 705) from a 2013 high of 765.

Our operating profit was GBP4.9m (2014: GBP0.9m) and, after taking account of net interest costs of GBP1.7m (2014: GBP1.3m), the result before income tax was a profit of GBP3.2m (2014: GBP0.4m loss). The tax charge for the year was GBP0.9m (2014: GBP2.3m) and the profit from discontinued operations was GBP1.1m (2014: GBP1.2m profit). The basic earnings per share was 18.0p and the diluted earnings per share was 17.9p (2014: basic and diluted loss per share of 7.2p).

Non trading items, which have been removed from the operating results in order to calculate the trading profit, gave a net cost of GBP2.5m in the 12 months ended September 2015 (2014: GBP5.4m). Significant restructuring costs within this balance in 2015 include GBP1.3m for the impairment of fixtures and fittings at Fountain (due to the sale of the Wembley site), an onerous lease provision of GBP0.7m necessitated by the streamlining of the London branch of mclcreate and a GBP0.4m increase to the amount provided in the prior year in relation to the onerous lease in CT Germany. Other non-recurring items in 2015 include a cost of GBP0.2m caused by a change in estimate of dilapidation provisions in the UK, a cost of GBP0.2m relating to potential claims relating to prior year activities in the US and credits of GBP0.3m relating to prior period transactions in the South East Asian region and the UK. Exceptional items in 2014 were mainly in respect of the substantial restructuring costs in CT Germany.

Discontinued operations relate to the successful outcome of our litigation with the Walt Disney Company and others in 2013. In 2015, we recorded a GBP1.1m gain from the release of an accrual for a related indemnity that is no longer required (2014: a GBP1.2m reduction in our estimate of the tax payable on the gain). No further gains or losses are expected to be recognised in discontinued operations as a result of the Disney litigation.

In 2016, we expect the net gain from the Fountain transaction to amount to approximately GBP7m after tax and related costs.

Creative Technology (CT)

The Creative Technology division saw revenues climb GBP11.0m to GBP107.1m (2014: GBP96.1m) and trading profit more than doubled to GBP9.1m (2014: GBP4.4m). Our main profit driver, CTUS, saw revenue grow by a further 21%, on top of last year's 18% increase, and profits there rose commensurately. Revenue in CT Europe was down slightly but profits were significantly increased as we reaped the benefit of our much lower cost base in Germany. The European Games in Baku were also very beneficial, generating over GBP5m in revenue.

Creative Technology Asia Pacific ("CTAP") again failed to reach its break even target but results there were on a par with last year's much improved set of numbers. CTAP remains a significant asset to our other larger CT operations seeking to service their clients in the region and we continue to work towards creating a profitable business there.

Full Service

mclcreate, our full service business, had a solid year. Revenue fell to GBP14.0m (2014: GBP14.4m) but trading profit rose to GBP0.3m (2014: GBP0.2m), reflecting a 2% margin improvement. The business lost a significant exhibition based client and has reshaped its business around fewer, larger warehouses across the UK, the benefits of which are expected to begin to flow in 2015/16.

Broadcast Services

Our Broadcast Services division performed poorly this year, with revenue dropping to GBP12.5m (2014: GBP15.8m) resulting in a trading loss of GBP1.9m (2014: GBP1.7m profit). Presteigne was unable to build on the strong progress made last year as it struggled in a very competitive, commodity driven market. The results were also impacted by a GBP0.9m write off as a result of a customer suffering cashflow issues and being unable to fully repay a debt brought forward from the prior year. Steps have been taken to bolster the sales team in Presteigne and we expect to see an improved performance in 2016, an even year.

Fountain Studios suffered a small trading loss of GBP0.1m (2014: breakeven) as pricing pressures pushed margins down by 3%. This is clearly an inadequate return on the investment we have in this asset and on 12 January 2016 we announced that we had sold the land and buildings for GBP16m with a lease back agreement until at least 31 December 2016. It is likely that this will lead to the closure of the business in Wembley and we are therefore commencing a consultation process with the affected staff. At the end of our lease the equipment there will be moved or sold and we have therefore recorded an impairment of GBP1.3m in exceptional items in anticipation of these eventual disposals. The further anticipated GBP7m net profit of the Fountain transaction will be reported in the 2016 accounts.

Taxation

The total income tax expense for the year was GBP0.9m (2014: GBP2.3m). The Group tax charge has benefited significantly from our success in discussions with HMRC to allow prior period losses and other allowances from our partnership in Germany to be set against tax payable in the UK.

The income tax expense for the year consists of a GBP1.7m current tax charge (2014: GBP0.0m) and a deferred tax credit of GBP0.9m (2014: charge of GBP2.3m). The current tax charge primarily relates to charges in the US (high taxable profits earned in the US cannot be offset against taxable losses elsewhere in the world) and is mitigated somewhat by a GBP1.5m credit arising from the availability of the German losses. The deferred tax credit has arisen due to the availability of German capital allowances in the UK tax group.

Our deferred tax asset at the year end stood at GBP4.6m (2014: GBP3.9m). Tax losses represent GBP0.6m (2014: GBP1.0m) of this asset, with the balance of GBP4.0m (2014: GBP2.9m) mostly resulting from the temporary difference between the tax base and the book value of property, plant and equipment.

Further deferred tax assets amounting to GBP7.2m at the year end (2014: GBP4.5m) remain unrecognised on the balance sheet.

The majority of the deferred tax liability of GBP5.3m (2014: GBP5.3m) relates to temporary differences between the tax base and the book value of property, plant and equipment and has primarily arisen due to the availability of high levels of first year allowances on equipment purchases in CTUS.

Cash Generation and Capital Expenditure

During the year the Group reduced net debt by GBP3.9m to GBP17.5m (2014: 21.4m).

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January 12, 2016 02:01 ET (07:01 GMT)

This was derived from a trading EBITDA of GBP27.0m (2014: GBP25.0m), net investments in new equipment of GBP16.0m (2014: GBP19.0m), 70% of which went to CTUS, net outflows of working capital and other balance sheet items of GBP0.7m (2014: GBP2.3m outflow), cash held on the acquisition of Sports Technology of GBP0.6m, dividends of GBP1.5m (including those paid to minority interests), interest and tax payments of GBP4.6m (2014: GBP1.9m) and adverse foreign exchange movements of GBP0.9m.

The Group's cash flow (and interest expense) during 2014 was impacted by the GBP30.5m return of cash to shareholders and LTIP holders, the GBP9.8m buy-back of shares from Taya Communications Ltd (both in January 2014, following receipt of our GBP44.5m net share of the proceeds from the Disney litigation in 2013) and the Group restructuring programme.

The net assets of the Group increased over the year to GBP34.4m at 30 September 2015 (2014: GBP32.1m). This equates to a net asset value of GBP1.80 per share (2014: GBP1.70 per share or GBP1.67 on a fully diluted basis when the then remaining 0.4m shares subject to LTIP awards were taken into account).

In addition to the Group's cash balances of GBP12.7m, the Group had unutilised banking and HP facilities of GBP19.9m at the year end and was comfortably within its finance and banking facilities of some GBP50.1m. The main component of the Group's facilities was a GBP20m multi currency revolving loan from HSBC, which will be reduced to GBP10m, in light of the approximate GBP13m net receipt from the Fountain asset disposal. The remaining GBP10m line with HSBC is now in place until June 2018, with other facilities comprising a combination of overdraft and leasing lines.

Dividend

At the half year, we increased the interim dividend to 2.0p per share (2014: 1.5p), which was paid in October 2015. The Board is now pleased to announce that it proposes to increase the final dividend this year to 5.0p (2014: 4.5p) per share, thus making a total dividend for the year of 7.0p per share (2014: 6.0p), reflecting our continued confidence in the longer term prospects for the Group.

Subject to shareholder approval, the proposed dividend is expected to be paid on 6 April 2016 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 11 March 2016.

People

This has been another tremendously busy year and our staff have yet again risen to the occasion, maintaining the high levels of quality and technical expertise our customers have come to expect, often under pressure and in difficult conditions. I thank them most sincerely for their loyalty, efforts and exceptional skill in performing their duties.

Current Trading and Outlook

We have now realised the cost savings anticipated by the Group's previous restructuring programmes and believe that the Group's profitability has been effectively rebased. The sale of the land and buildings at Fountain will realise substantial value for shareholders, the full value of which will be reported in the coming year, and significantly reduce our net Group debt down to very modest levels.

As for trading, the current financial year has started well, with CT performing strongly in both Europe and the US. With the Group now carrying a much lower debt burden, streamlined and refocused, we expect to be able to continue our drive to increase profitability, to generate cash and to grow dividends.

Richard Murray

12 January 2016

Avesco Group plc

Consolidated Income Statement

For the year ended 30 September 2015

 
                                                     Year ended 30 
                                                         September 
                                                 2015         2014 
                                    Note      GBP000s      GBP000s 
---------------------------------  -----  -----------  ----------- 
 
 Revenue                             1        133,674      126,391 
 Cost of sales                               (83,035)     (80,186) 
---------------------------------  -----  -----------  ----------- 
 Gross profit                                  50,639       46,205 
 
 Operating expenses and 
  income                                     (45,754)     (45,721) 
 Share of associate's 
  profit/(loss)                                  (27)          384 
---------------------------------  -----  -----------  ----------- 
 
 Trading profit                                 7,357        6,253 
 Exceptional items                            (2,499)      (5,385) 
---------------------------------  -----  -----------  ----------- 
 
 Operating profit                    1          4,858          868 
 
 Finance income                                     6           23 
 Finance costs                                (1,656)      (1,321) 
---------------------------------  -----  -----------  ----------- 
 Profit/(loss) before 
  income tax                                    3,208        (430) 
 
 Income tax expense                  3          (854)      (2,310) 
---------------------------------  ----- 
 Profit/(loss) from continuing 
  operations                                    2,354      (2,740) 
 Profit on discontinued 
  operation, net of tax                         1,072        1,192 
 Profit/(loss) for the 
  financial year                                3,426      (1,548) 
---------------------------------  -----  -----------  ----------- 
 
 Attributable to: 
 Owners of the Company                          3,032      (1,548) 
 Non-controlling interests                        394            - 
---------------------------------  -----  -----------  ----------- 
                                                3,426      (1,548) 
---------------------------------  -----  -----------  ----------- 
 
                                                Pence        Pence 
                                            per share    per share 
 Earnings/(losses) per 
  share attributable to 
  the equity holders of 
  the company (note 4) 
 - basic                                        18.0p       (7.2)p 
 - diluted                                      17.9p       (7.2)p 
 
 Earnings/(losses) per 
  share for profit attributable 
  to the equity holders 
  of the company from continuing 
  operations (note 4) 
 - basic                                        12.4p      (12.8)p 
 - diluted                                      12.3p      (12.8)p 
 

Avesco Group plc

Alternative Performance Measures (non-GAAP)

For the year ended 30 September 2015

 
 
                                              Year ended 30 
                                                  September 
                                             2015      2014 
                                          GBP000s   GBP000s 
 -------------------------------------   --------  -------- 
 
 
  Operating profit                          4,858       868 
  Adjusted to exclude: 
 -------------------------------------   --------  -------- 
  Restructuring costs and 
   compensation for loss of 
   office                                   2,387     5,738 
  Payments to LTIP holders 
   and bonuses in connection 
   with the Disney settlement                   -     (246) 
  Other non-recurring costs/(credits)         112     (107) 
 --------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
  Exceptional items                         2,499     5,385 
 
  Trading profit                            7,357     6,253 
 
  Net finance costs                       (1,650)   (1,298) 
  Trading profit after net 
   finance costs                            5,707     4,955 
 --------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
  Trading EBITDA (note 2)                  26,955    24,968 
 --------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
 

Refer to note 8 for a full description of the alternative performance measures adopted by the Group.

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the year ended 30 September 2015

 
                                              Year ended 30 
                                                  September 
                                             2015      2014 
                                          GBP000s   GBP000s 
--------------------------------------   --------  -------- 
 
 Profit/(loss) for the 
  financial year                            3,426   (1,548) 
 
 Other comprehensive income: 
 Currency translation 
  differences                                 511       187 
---------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Total comprehensive income/(expense) 
  for the year                              3,937   (1,361) 
---------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
 Attributable to: 
 Owners of the Company                      3,543   (1,361) 
 Non-controlling interests                    394         - 
--------------------------------------   --------  -------- 
                                            3,937   (1,361) 
 --------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 

Avesco Group plc

Consolidated balance sheet

As at 30 September 2015

 
                                       30 September           30 September 
                                               2015                   2014 
                                            GBP000s                GBP000s 
-----------------------------   -------------------  --------------------- 
 Assets 
 Non-current assets 
 Property, plant and 
  equipment                                  54,266                 57,787 
 Intangible assets                              209                    130 
 Investment in associate                          -                    327 
 Deferred income tax 
  assets                                      4,585                  3,919 
 Trade and other receivables                    141                    148 
------------------------------  -------------------  --------------------- 
                                             59,201                 62,311 
 Current assets 
 Inventories                                    649                    596 

(MORE TO FOLLOW) Dow Jones Newswires

January 12, 2016 02:01 ET (07:01 GMT)

 Trade and other receivables                 25,860                 23,801 
 Current income tax 
  assets                                      1,483                      - 
 Cash at bank and on 
  hand                                       12,749                  9,065 
                                             40,741                 33,462 
 -----------------------------  -------------------  --------------------- 
 Total assets                                99,942                 95,773 
------------------------------  -------------------  --------------------- 
 Liabilities 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Borrowings and loans                        21,866                 22,602 
 Deferred income tax 
  liabilities                                 5,330                  5,292 
 Provisions                                   2,735                  2,477 
------------------------------  -------------------  --------------------- 
                                             29,931                 30,371 
 Current liabilities 
 Trade and other payables                    25,138                 24,543 
 Current income tax 
  liabilities                                   876                    384 
 Borrowings and loans                         8,345                  7,902 
 Provisions                                   1,233                    430 
------------------------------  -------------------  --------------------- 
                                             35,592                 33,259 
 -----------------------------  -------------------  --------------------- 
 Total liabilities                           65,523                 63,630 
------------------------------  -------------------  --------------------- 
 Total assets less total 
  liabilities                                34,419                 32,143 
------------------------------  -------------------  --------------------- 
 
 Equity 
 Capital and reserves 
  attributable to equity 
  holders of the company 
 Ordinary shares                              2,095                  2,095 
 Share premium                               11,194                 11,194 
 Capital redemption                          12,646                 12,646 
 Translation reserve                            743                    232 
 Retained earnings                            7,633                  5,976 
------------------------------  -------------------  --------------------- 
 Equity attributable 
  to owners of the Company                   34,311                 32,143 
 Non-controlling interests                      108                      - 
-----------------------------   -------------------  --------------------- 
 Total equity                                34,419                 32,143 
------------------------------  -------------------  --------------------- 
 

Avesco Group plc

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

For the year ended 30 September 2015

 
                               Share             Share           Capital 
                             capital           premium        redemption       Translation          Retained                     Non-controlling      Total 
                             account           account           reserve           reserve          earnings             Total          interest     equity 
                             GBP000s           GBP000s           GBP000s           GBP000s           GBP000s           GBP000s           GBP000s    GBP000s 
------------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  --------- 
 
 Balance at 
  1 October 2014               2,095            11,194            12,646               232             5,976            32,143                 -     32,143 
 Profit for 
  the period                       -                 -                 -                 -             3,032             3,032               394      3,426 
 Other 
  comprehensive 
  income, net 
  of tax                           -                 -                 -               511                 -               511                 -        511 
------------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  --------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income for 
  the period                       -                 -                 -               511             3,032             3,543               394      3,937 
 Transactions 
 with owners 
 in their capacity 
 as owners: 
 Non-controlling 
  interest 
  acquired                         -                 -                 -                 -                 -                 -                47         47 
 External 
  dividends 
  paid                             -                 -                 -                 -           (1,141)           (1,141)             (333)    (1,474) 
 LTIP and share 
  options                          -                 -                 -                 -             (234)             (234)                 -      (234) 
                                                                                                                                ---------------- 
 Balance at 
  30 September 
  2015                         2,095            11,194            12,646               743             7,633            34,311               108     34,419 
------------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  --------- 
 
                               Share             Share           Capital 
                             capital           premium        redemption       Translation          Retained                     Non-controlling      Total 
                             account           account           reserve           reserve          earnings             Total          interest     equity 
                             GBP000s           GBP000s           GBP000s           GBP000s           GBP000s           GBP000s           GBP000s    GBP000s 
------------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  --------- 
 
 Balance at 
  1 October 2013               2,649            23,286                 -                45            47,219            73,199                 -     73,199 
 Loss for the 
  period                           -                 -                 -                 -           (1,548)           (1,548)                 -    (1,548) 
 Other 
  comprehensive 
  income, net 
  of tax                           -                 -                 -               187                 -               187                 -        187 
------------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  --------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income/(expense) 
  for the period                   -                 -                 -               187           (1,548)           (1,361)                 -    (1,361) 
 Transactions 
 with owners 
 in their capacity 
 as owners: 
 Issue of B 
  and C shares                12,092          (12,092)                 -                 -                 -                 -                 -          - 
 Redemption 
  of B shares               (12,092)                 -            12,092                 -          (12,092)          (12,092)                 -   (12,092) 
 Dividend on 
  C shares                         -                 -                 -                 -          (16,455)          (16,455)                 -   (16,455) 
 Purchase of 
  ordinary shares              (554)                 -               554                 -           (9,769)           (9,769)                 -    (9,769) 
 External 
  dividends 
  paid                             -                 -                 -                 -           (1,013)           (1,013)                 -    (1,013) 
 LTIP and share 
  options                          -                 -                 -                 -             (366)             (366)                 -      (366) 
                                                                                                                                                  --------- 
 Balance at 
  30 September 
  2014                         2,095            11,194            12,646               232             5,976            32,143                 -     32,143 
------------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  --------- 
 

Avesco Group plc

Consolidated cash flow statement

For the year ended 30 September 2015

 
 
                                                                       Year ended 30 September 
                                                              2015                         2014 
                                                           GBP000s                      GBP000s 
-----------------------------------   ----------------------------  --------------------------- 
 
 Cash flows from operating 
  activities 
 Cash generated from operations                             26,292                       16,415 
 Income tax paid                                           (2,942)                      (1,268) 
 Net cash generated from 
  operating activities                                      23,350                       15,147 
------------------------------------  ----------------------------  --------------------------- 
 
 Cash flows from investing 
  activities 
 Purchases of property, 
  plant and equipment and 
  software                                                (19,237)                     (23,492) 
 Proceeds from sale of 
  property, plant and equipment                              3,262                        4,450 

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January 12, 2016 02:01 ET (07:01 GMT)

 Dividends from associate                                        -                          200 
 Interest received                                               6                           23 
 Acquisition of subsidiary                                     634                            - 
 Net cash (used in)/generated 
  from investing activities                               (15,335)                     (18,819) 
------------------------------------  ----------------------------  --------------------------- 
 
 Cash flows from financing 
  activities 
 Interest paid                                             (1,640)                      (1,247) 
 Proceeds from external 
  borrowings                                                23,672                       23,361 
 Repayments of external 
  borrowings                                              (25,031)                     (13,544) 
 Purchase of ordinary 
  shares                                                         -                      (9,769) 
 Redemption of B shares                                          -                     (12,092) 
 Dividends paid to Company's 
  shareholders                                             (1,141)                     (17,468) 
 Dividends paid to non-controlling                           (333)                            - 
  interest 
 Net cash used in financing 
  activities                                               (4,473)                     (30,759) 
------------------------------------  ----------------------------  --------------------------- 
 
 Net increase/(decrease) 
  in cash and cash equivalents                               3,542                     (34,431) 
 Cash, cash equivalents 
  and bank overdrafts at 
  beginning of year                                          8,968                       43,107 
 Exchange gains on cash 
  and bank overdrafts                                          227                          292 
 Cash and cash equivalents 
  at end of year                                            12,737                        8,968 
------------------------------------  ----------------------------  --------------------------- 
 

Avesco Group plc

Notes to the preliminary announcement

For the year ended 30 September 2015

   1.     Segmental information 

Management has determined the operating segments based on the reports reviewed by the Board of Directors that are used to make strategic decisions.

The Board of Directors categorises Group companies based on the services they provide and as a result the business is split into four segments. These correspond to three operating segments (Creative Technology, Full Service and Broadcast Services) which together provide the Group's principal activity of services to the corporate presentation, entertainment and broadcast markets. In addition, the Group recognises a further segment, Head Office, which provides administrative support to the rest of the Group.

Creative Technology provides specialist AV services and equipment to the live events, broadcast and entertainment markets. The Full Service segment provides full technical support for conferences, sports, music, corporate and television programmes. Finally, the Broadcast Services segment provides broadcast equipment, systems and services to the broadcast industry.

The Board of Directors assesses performance of the operating segments based on trading profit (see note 8). As segmental performance does not therefore include finance costs and tax, such items are not allocated to segments.

The segmental results for the year ended 30 September 2015 are as follows:

 
                               Creative             Full   Broadcast                 Head 
                             Technology          Service    Services               Office     Group 
                                GBP000s          GBP000s     GBP000s              GBP000s   GBP000s 
-------------------------  ------------  ---------------  ----------  -------------------  -------- 
 
 Total segment 
  revenue                       107,374           14,060      12,989                    -   134,423 
 Inter segment 
  revenue                         (263)             (33)       (453)                    -     (749) 
                                                                      ------------------- 
 Revenue                        107,111           14,027      12,536                    -   133,674 
-------------------------  ------------  ---------------  ----------  -------------------  -------- 
 
 Trading profit/(loss)            9,132              265     (1,923)                (117)     7,357 
 Restructuring 
  costs and compensation 
  for loss of office              (384)            (712)     (1,291)                    -   (2,387) 
 Other non-recurring 
  (costs)/credits                  (49)                -        (65)                    2     (112) 
-------------------------  ------------  ---------------  ----------  -------------------  -------- 
 Operating profit/(loss)          8,699            (447)     (3,279)                (115)     4,858 
 
 Net finance costs                                                                          (1,650) 
 Profit before 
  income tax                                                                                  3,208 
 
 Income tax expense                                                                           (854) 
-------------------------  ------------  ---------------  ----------  ------------------- 
 Profit for the 
  financial year 
  from continuing 
  operations                                                                                  2,354 
-------------------------  ------------  ---------------  ----------  -------------------  -------- 
 

The segmental results for the year ended 30 September 2014 are as follows:

 
                                     Creative       Full   Broadcast                 Head 
                                   Technology    Service    Services               Office     Group 
                                      GBP000s    GBP000s     GBP000s              GBP000s   GBP000s 
-------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ----------  -------------------  -------- 
 
 Total segment revenue                 96,258     14,446      16,266                    -   126,970 
 Inter segment revenue                  (133)       (17)       (429)                    -     (579) 
                                                                      ------------------- 
 Revenue                               96,125     14,429      15,837                    -   126,391 
-------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ----------  -------------------  -------- 
 
 Trading profit/(loss)                  4,420        229       1,680                 (76)     6,253 
 Restructuring (costs)/credits 
  and compensation 
  for loss of office                  (5,247)      (474)        (38)                   21   (5,738) 
 Payments to LTIP 
  holders and bonuses 
  in connection with 
  the Disney settlement                    59         16           9                  162       246 
 Other non-recurring 
  credits/(costs)                         426        (8)       (249)                 (62)       107 
-------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ----------  -------------------  -------- 
 Operating (loss)/profit                (342)      (237)       1,402                   45       868 
 
 Net finance costs                                                                          (1,298) 
 Loss before income 
  tax                                                                                         (430) 
 
 Income tax expense                                                                         (2,310) 
-------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ----------  ------------------- 
 Loss for the financial 
  year from continuing 
  operations                                                                                (2,740) 
-------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ----------  -------------------  -------- 
 

Inter-segment transactions are entered into under the normal commercial terms and conditions that would be available to unrelated third parties.

No single customer contributed revenues of greater than 10% of the Group's total revenue for 2015 or 2014.

The Group's main business segments operate in four main geographical areas. Details of the segmental allocation of revenue can be found below.

 
                                 2015      2014 
 Revenue                      GBP000s   GBP000s 
--------------------------   --------  -------- 
 
 United Kingdom                45,060    48,801 
 Mainland Europe               10,777    14,577 
 United States of America      62,618    51,545 
 Rest of the World             15,219    11,468 
                              133,674   126,391 
 --------------------------  --------  -------- 
 

Revenue is allocated based on the country in which the customer is located.

   2.     Trading earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation ('Trading EBITDA') 
 
                                 2015      2014 
                              GBP000s   GBP000s 
--------------------------   --------  -------- 
 
 Trading profit                 7,357     6,253 
 Depreciation                  18,357    17,880 
 Impairment                     1,158       726 
 Amortisation of software          83       109 
 Trading EBITDA                26,955    24,968 
---------------------------  --------  -------- 
 

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Trading EBITDA is defined in note 8.

   3.     Income tax expense 
 
                                  2015      2014 
                               GBP000s   GBP000s 
---------------------------   --------  -------- 
 
 Current tax 
 Current tax on profits 
  for the year                   3,461       393 
 Adjustments in respect 
  of prior years               (1,749)     (428) 
----------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Total current tax               1,712      (35) 
 
 Deferred tax 
 Origination and reversal 
  of temporary differences       (858)     2,345 
----------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Total deferred tax              (858)     2,345 
 
 Income tax charge                 854     2,310 
----------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
   4.     Earnings/(losses) per share 
 
                                         2015      2014 
                                      GBP000s   GBP000s 
-----------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
 Profit/(loss) for the financial 
  year                                  3,426   (1,548) 
 Profit on discontinued operation, 
  net of tax                          (1,072)   (1,192) 
-----------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Profit/(loss) from continuing 
  operations                            2,354   (2,740) 
-----------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
 
 Weighted average number of 
  shares (net of treasury shares) 
 For basic earnings per share 
  (000's)                              19,004    21,361 
 Effect of dilutive share 
  options (000's)                         148       848 
                                               -------- 
 For diluted earnings per 
  share (000's)                        19,152    22,209 
-----------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
 Earnings/(losses) per share 
 Basic                                  18.0p    (7.2)p 
 Diluted                                17.9p    (7.2)p 
-----------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
 Continuing operations basic            12.4p   (12.8)p 
 Continuing operations diluted          12.3p   (12.8)p 
-----------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
 Discontinued operations basic           5.6p      5.6p 
 Discontinued operations diluted         5.6p      5.6p 
-----------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 

Basic earnings per share have been calculated by dividing profit/loss for the period by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period.

Diluted earnings per share have been calculated by dividing profit/loss for the period by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period, adjusted for any awards under the Company's Long Term Incentive Plan ("LTIP") where pre-specified performance conditions have been satisfied and any required conversion of dilutive potential options.

Adjusted earnings per share have been calculated as per note 8.

   5.     Dividends 

An interim dividend for the year ended 30 September 2015 of 2.0p per ordinary share amounting to a total of GBP382,000 was approved and was paid on 1 October 2015 to shareholders on the Register at 6.00pm on 4 September 2015.

A final dividend for the year ended 30 September 2015 of 5.0p per share has been proposed and, subject to shareholders' approval, will be paid on 6 April 2016 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 11 March 2016.

An interim dividend for the year ended 30 September 2014 of 1.5p per ordinary share amounting to a total of GBP283,000 was approved and was paid on 1 October 2014 to shareholders on the Register at 6.00pm on 5 September 2014.

A final dividend for the year ended 30 September 2014 of 4.5p per ordinary share amounting to a total of GBP858,000 was approved and was paid on 8 April 2015 to shareholders on the register on 12 March 2015.

A special dividend of GBP1.10 per C share was approved and was paid on 24 January 2014 under the Return of Cash.

   6.     Analysis of net debt 
 
                                                      Other                          At 
                             At       Net               non       Currency           30 
                      1 October      cash              cash    translation    September 
                           2014      flow           changes    differences         2015 
 Group                  GBP000s   GBP000s           GBP000s        GBP000s      GBP000s 
-----------------   -----------  --------  ----------------  -------------  ----------- 
 
 Cash at bank 
  and in hand             9,065     3,447                 -            237       12,749 
 Bank overdrafts           (97)        95                 -           (10)         (12) 
------------------  -----------  --------  ----------------  -------------  ----------- 
 Net cash                 8,968     3,542                 -            227       12,737 
 
 Bank loans due 
  in more than 
  one year             (16,848)     2,500                 -          (506)     (14,854) 
 HP obligations 
  due in less 
  than one year         (7,805)     6,649           (6,827)          (350)      (8,333) 
 HP obligations 
  due in more 
  than one year         (5,754)   (7,790)             6,827          (295)      (7,012) 
 Net debt              (21,439)     4,901                 -          (924)     (17,462) 
------------------  -----------  --------  ----------------  -------------  ----------- 
 
 
                                                       Other 
                             At        Net               non       Currency        At 30 
                      1 October       cash              cash    translation    September 
                           2013       flow           changes    differences         2014 
 Group                  GBP000s    GBP000s           GBP000s        GBP000s      GBP000s 
-----------------   -----------  ---------  ----------------  -------------  ----------- 
 
 Cash at bank 
  and in hand            43,699   (34,859)                 -            225        9,065 
 Bank overdrafts          (592)        428                 -             67         (97) 
------------------  -----------  ---------  ----------------  -------------  ----------- 
 Net cash                43,107   (34,431)                 -            292        8,968 
 
 Bank loans due 
  in more than 
  one year              (7,419)    (9,492)                 -             63     (16,848) 
 HP obligations 
  due in less 
  than one year         (7,303)      5,613           (6,182)             67      (7,805) 
 HP obligations 
  due in more 
  than one year         (6,048)    (5,938)             6,182             50      (5,754) 
 Net cash/(debt)         22,337   (44,248)                 -            472     (21,439) 
------------------  -----------  ---------  ----------------  -------------  ----------- 
 
 
   Other non cash changes 
   relate to the passage of 
   time. 
 
   7.     Status of preliminary announcement 

The financial information set out in this announcement for the year ended 30 September 2015 does not constitute the Group's statutory accounts as defined by s435 of the Companies Act but has been extracted from the 2015 statutory accounts on which an unqualified audit report has been made by the auditors, and which did not contain an emphasis of matter paragraph nor a statement under section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

Statutory Accounts for the year ended 30 September 2014 have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies and the auditors' report on these accounts was unqualified and did not contain a statement under either Section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

   8.     Basis of preparation 

The preliminary results for the year ended 30 September 2015 have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the annual report and accounts for the year ended 30 September 2014.

Non-GAAP financial measures

For the purposes of this preliminary announcement and the annual report and accounts, the Group uses alternative non-Generally Accepted Accounting Practice ("non-GAAP") financial measures which are not defined within IFRS. The Directors use these measures in order to assess the underlying operational performance of the Group and as such, these measures are important and should be considered alongside the IFRS measures. The following non-GAAP measures are referred to in the preliminary announcement:

   a)    Trading profit/loss 

'Trading profit/loss' is separately disclosed, being defined as operating profit adjusted to exclude restructuring costs and compensation for loss of office, payments to LTIP holders and bonuses in connection with the Disney settlement, and other non-recurring costs. Other non-recurring costs relate to items which management believe do not accurately reflect the underlying trading performance of the business in the period. Examples of other non-recurring costs are one off costs and charges incurred which management believe do not accurately reflect the trading performance of the business. The Directors believe that trading profit/loss is an important measure of the underlying performance of the Group.

   b)     Trading EBITDA 

Trading earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation ('Trading EBITDA') is separately disclosed in note 2, being defined as trading profit/loss adjusted to exclude depreciation and amortisation of software, as well as any impairment which has been included in trading profit/loss. Trading EBITDA includes profits on disposal of property, plant and equipment. The Directors believe that trading EBITDA is an important measure of the underlying performance of the Group.

   9.     Post balance sheet event 

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