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ELCO Eleco Public Limited Company

97.00
0.00 (0.00%)
Last Updated: 08:00:00
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Eleco Public Limited Company LSE:ELCO London Ordinary Share GB0003081246 ORD 1P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 97.00 96.00 98.00 97.00 97.00 97.00 0.00 08:00:00
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Computer Programming Service 26.57M 2.4M 0.0291 33.33 79.83M

Elecosoft PLC Preliminary Results (5702A)

27/03/2017 7:01am

UK Regulatory


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TIDMELCO

RNS Number : 5702A

Elecosoft PLC

27 March 2017

27 March 2017

Elecosoft plc

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

Preliminary Results

For the Year Ended 31 December 2016

Elecosoft plc (AIM: ELCO), the construction software specialist, is pleased to announce its audited results for the year ended 31 December 2016.

Financial Highlights

Continuing operations

-- Revenue up 17% to GBP17.8m (2015: GBP15.3m) of which 48.5% was from recurring maintenance and support revenue (2015: 47.7%)

   --     Revenue up 8% in constant currency terms (2015: 9%) 
   --     Operating profit up 42% to GBP1.6m (2015: GBP1.1m) 
   --     Adjusted operating profit up 68% to GBP1.9m* (2015:GBP1.1m) 
   --     Profit before tax up 50% to GBP1.5m (2015: GBP1.0m) 
   --     EBITDA up 35% to GBP2.4m (2015: GBP1.8m) 
   --     Increased R&D spend of GBP2.6m (2015:GBP2.3m) of which GBP0.6m is capitalised 
   --     Free cash flow up 71% to GBP1.2m (2015: GBP0.7m) 
   --     Basic earnings per share up 55% to 1.7p (2015: 1.1p) 
   --     Adjusted earnings per share up 94% to 2.1p* (2015: 1.1p) 
   --     Final dividend of 0.25p, total year dividend of 0.40p 

At constant exchange rates

   --     Revenue GBP16.5m, up 8% (2015: GBP15.3m) 
   --     Operating profit GBP1.5m, up 34% (2015: GBP1.1m) 
   --     Profit before tax GBP1.4m, up 42% (2015: GBP1.0m) 

Operational Highlights

-- Acquired Icon in October 2016 which develops software for 7 of the top 10 UK retailers including ASDA, Boots & John Lewis

-- Released updated versions of Asta Powerproject(R) and Asta Powerproject(R) BIM, Staircon(R), Statcon(R) and launched a new product Bidcon(R) BIM that provides quantity take-off from a 3D BIM file

   --     First ESIGN sale to Chinese flooring manufacturer 

-- For the third year running Elecosoft won the 'Best Project Management/Planning Software' award at the UK Construction Computing awards

   --     Achieved ISO 9001 accreditation recognising Elecosoft as a 'quality supplier' 

-- An increasing number of customers are taking advantage of the full Elecosoft product portfolio

   --     Acquired an established reseller in the Netherlands 

* Adjustment for GBP0.2m acquisition expenses associated with Icon and one off director termination payment of GBP0.1m

Executive Chairman, John Ketteley said:

"I am pleased to report a significantly improved trading and financial performance by Elecosoft in 2016. Elecosoft is fast becoming a truly international provider of market leading construction software applications for digital construction, 5D BIM, project management, estimation, 3D architectural design, timber engineering, and visual marketing software applications. I am therefore pleased to say that the current year has started well, our financial position is strong and Elecosoft is particularly well placed post-Brexit from a trading standpoint."

 
 For further information please 
  contact: 
 
 Elecosoft plc                         www.elecosoft.com 
  JHB Ketteley , Executive Chairman     Tel: 0203 857 5210 
  David Pearson, Finance Director 
  Jonathan Hunter, Group Marketing 
  & Business Development Director 
 
 
 finnCap Ltd 
 Adrian Hargrave / Kate Bannatyne      Tel: 0207 220 0500 
  (Corporate Finance) 
  Camille Gochez (Corporate Broking) 
 
 
   Redleaf Communications 
 Rebecca Sanders-Hewett / David        Tel: 0207 382 4730 
  Ison / Susie Hudson                   elecosoft@redleafpr.com 
 

About Elecosoft plc

Elecosoft is listed on the Alternative Investment Market in London (AIM: ELCO). It is a specialist international provider of software and related services to the architectural, engineering, construction and digital marketing industries from centres of excellence in the UK, Sweden, Germany and the US. Elecosoft's market leading software solutions are developed by teams in the United Kingdom, Sweden and Germany; and its software programs cover project management, construction site management, estimating, timber engineering, 3D design and visualisation, and cloud based digital marketing solutions.

For more information, please visit www.elecosoft.com

Chairman's Statement

I am pleased to report a significantly improved trading and financial performance by Elecosoft in 2016, and comment on the acquisition of Icon during the year. My statement for the year ended 31 December 2016 is set out below.

Trading performance

Revenues

Elecosoft's Revenues for the year under review rose from GBP15,260,000 to GBP17,795,000, an increase of 17 per cent. The proportion of recurring maintenance revenue remained steady at approximately 48 per cent in the year under review and this recurring revenue increased by 18 per cent to GBP8,622,000 from GBP7,278,000 last year.

Profits

Operating profit for the year under review was GBP1,594,000 (2015: GBP1,126,000) an increase of GBP468,000 or 42 per cent in the year under review. This result is after acquisition expenses of GBP212,000 being legal and professional fees relating to the acquisition of Icon in October 2016 and a former Director's termination payment of GBP109,000. On the basis of these adjustments, adjusted operating profit for the year was GBP1,915,000 (2015: GBP1,137,000) an increase of 68%.

Profit after tax on continuing operations for the year under review was GBP1,243,000 (2015: GBP802,000) an increase of 55 per cent. Basic earnings per share of continuing operations for the year under review was 1.7p (2015: 1.1p), an increase of 0.6p or 55 per cent. Adjusted EPS as set out in the paragraph above was 2.1p (2015: 1.1p) an increase of 94%.

EBITDA for the year under review was GBP2,432,000 (2015: GBP1,795,000) an increase of GBP637,000 or 35 per cent in the year under review.

Financial Performance

Elecosoft continued to generate cash from operations in the year under review and at 31 December 2016 Net Assets increased to GBP9,716,000 (31 December 2015: GBP7,893,000). The net increase in cash and cash equivalents in the year under review amounted to GBP694,000, which together with the beneficial effect of changes in exchange rates used to translate overseas cash balances of GBP260,000 contributed to a significant improvement in Elecosoft's financial position during the year.

The Business

I am pleased to say that in many ways 2016 was a record year. For example, the number of Elecosoft employees increased to a record 190 (2015: 178). Elecosoft UK won the award for best Project Planning software at the Construction Computing Software Awards for the third year running; Turnover and Profits in 2016 were at record levels; Elecosoft Sweden launched its latest BidconBIM and Bidcon Climate module in conjunction with Tyrens AB; and ESIGN made its first sale to a Chinese flooring manufacturer who claims to be the largest laminated flooring manufacturer in the world.

The Acquisition of Icon

The acquisition of Icon was also significant for Elecosoft being the first substantial acquisition made by the Group for a number of years. Icon brought with it a number of good things, beginning with its enthusiastic team of outstanding software professionals, who had successfully promoted their building specification and information management systems to the giants of the UK Retail Industry - its clients now include 7 of the top 10 UK retailers, including Boots, Sainsbury's, Asda, Morrisons, John Lewis, Waitrose and The Co-operative. Icon has also worked closely with McCarthy & Stone, the largest UK specialist in the construction of retirement homes, in the development of state of the art construction software.

Icon has also provided an excellent SaaS capability to Elecosoft, with opportunities to link with Elecosoft's Bidcon(R) estimating software and Asta Powerproject(R) software which is developed in the UK. During our discussions leading up to the acquisition of Icon in October, we were pleased to hear that Jim Awe, Chief Software Architect at Autodesk Inc with which Icon had collaborated in the development of its web-based viewer, had made the following comment;

"For far too long, designers have been forced to sync associated data back into the original 3D model where it doesn't really belong. What Icon has done is an awesome demonstration of the principle of Internet-enabled design data. The data can reside and be managed in the appropriate place, but is still visible and accessible in the context of the model."

I am pleased to say that my colleagues are already beginning to exploit Icon's potential and we are confident of the opportunities that Icon will present to Elecosoft in the form of the expertise of the developers and staff of Icon and also the potential to cross-sell Icon and Elecosoft's products to each other's customers.

The total consideration payable for Icon was GBP2.4m and was partly financed by a new term loan of GBP1.8 from Barclays Bank, and GBP600,000 by way of an issue of 2.2m ordinary shares of Elecosoft to the vendors of Icon. As part of this transaction, the Group also took the opportunity to refinance its existing term loan.

Software Development

Software development expenditure for the year under review increased to GBP2,593,000 (2015: GBP2,305,000) of which the amount capitalised was GBP625,000 (2015: GBP665,000). The total development spend for the period represented 15 per cent of sales (2015: 15 per cent) and is consistent with our commitment to our customers to maintain and enhance our market leading software programmes.

For some years now, regular monthly meetings of all our lead developers across the Group have taken place to facilitate the interchange of ideas and technical opportunities. Our Lead Developer Community, is a major contributor to the technology strategies that emerge from these meetings. I hesitate to say much more because I don't wish to shine light onto magic. But I would like thank those involved in the Lead Developer Community for the creativity, the flair, the imagination and the technical know-how that they exercise as they strive to keep our technology ahead of the curve.

Re-branding

The initial "Elecosoft" rebranding exercise was announced by our Consultec colleagues at the Nordberg Fair in Stockholm in 2016 and was positively received by both customers and the market at that time. More importantly, the rebrand has since had a very beneficial effect on our business in Scandinavia with Elecosoft Sweden becoming the leading construction software provider in the Swedish construction market. We intend to rebrand the remaining elements of the Group worldwide in 2017, while seeking ways to retain some of our original brands which are well established with our customers.

Board and Management

The Board will continue in its present form and following the addition of two new Directors, whom shareholders are invited to elect, would consist of five Executive Directors and three Non-Executive Directors.

The five Executive Directors together will constitute a newly constituted Group Executive Committee, who will be responsible for the day to day running of the Group; and the three Non-Executive Directors will continue to be responsible for maintaining and enhancing Elecosoft's corporate governance standards and will participate in the Audit, Remuneration, and Nomination Committee.

The Group Executive Committee and all other Committees will be responsible to the Board, to which they will provide regular reports on those matters for which they are responsible.

The Board of Elecosoft will comprise the following directors in the year ahead.

   David Pearson                        Finance Director 
   Jason Ruddle                          Managing Director of Elecosoft UK Ltd 
   Anders Karlsson                    Managing Director of Elecosoft Consultec AB 
   Jonathan Hunter                   Marketing and Business Development Director 
   Serena Lang                             Non Executive Deputy Chairman 
   Jonathan Edwards                 Non Executive 
   Kevin Craig                               Non Executive 
   John Ketteley                          Executive Chairman 

I am pleased to welcome Anders Karlsson, the Managing Director of Elecosoft Consultec AB to the Board and I am delighted that the two executives, who are Managing Directors of their respected companies which are the largest operations in the Elecosoft Group will serve as Directors of Elecosoft plc.

Also announced earlier this year was that Graham Spratling who has been with Elecosoft for nine years, of which two were as Finance Director, has decided for personal reasons to stand down. I am pleased to say that Graham volunteered to assist David Pearson, who joined us very recently, to complete the accounts which you have before you. I would like to thank him for his contribution to our affairs during the time that he has spent with us and wish him well.

David Pearson, has had a distinguished career in IT and Finance and has led a number of high level investigations in these areas, has agreed to join the Board as Finance Director and we welcome him on board as we continue the progress of the Group.

Finally, we have announced today the appointment of Kevin Craig as a Non-Executive Director with immediate effect. Kevin brings with him a wealth of advisory and media industry experience and we look forward to working with him.

Dividend

Having regard to Elecosoft's strong trading and financial performance in the second half of the year, the Board has decided to recommend the payment of a final dividend of 0.25 pence per share. The Board has also proposed that subject to the necessary approval by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting, that shareholders will be offered an opportunity to elect to receive dividends in the form of new shares in Elecosoft in lieu of the proposed final dividend.

Payment of the Final Dividend will be subject to approval by Shareholders at the Annual General Meeting and will be paid on 24 May 2017 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 7 April 2017; the ex-dividend date will be 6 April 2017. As mentioned above, and subject to approval by Shareholders at the Annual General Meeting being given at the annual general meeting, arrangements will also be made to provide a scrip dividend alternative. The latest date to elect for the scrip dividend alternative will be 10 May 2017. The scrip reference price is 38.95p calculated from the average of the closing price for an ordinary share of the company as derived from the daily official list of the London Stock Exchange during the period of five dealing days ending on 24 March 2017. The Company will, on or before 10 April 2017, post to shareholders a letter containing additional information on the scrip dividend alternative and how shareholders may participate. At the same time, a copy of this letter will be available on the Company's website: www.elecosoft.com

Brexit

In the period leading up to the Referendum on 23 June 2016, the Board concluded that the pattern of cash generation across the Group was such that each of Elecosoft's operations, and in particular its UK operations would be in a position to service and repay their borrowing obligations in accordance with their terms.

The Board also decided that our overseas interests, which are profitable and cash generative, should retain their cash balances in their own currencies because the Board's view was that, whichever way the Referendum vote went, the Group would still be in a position to meet all its financial obligations as they fall due, whether in Sterling or our other major trading currencies, namely the Swedish Krona, the Euro and the US dollar. This position is not only logically sound to match cash position with operations, given the movement of currencies in 2016, this alignment has also strengthened the Group's financial position in Sterling terms.

Employees

Elecosoft has development teams, testing teams, marketing teams, sales teams, training teams, finance teams, administration teams and support teams and our people is our greatest asset. In 2016 they worked very hard to produce what I consider to be a good result achieved in not the easiest of markets. I would therefore like to take this opportunity to thank them all on your behalf for their contribution to Elecosoft's performance in 2016 and to say that I am confident that they will produce another good result in 2017, of which they will be proud.

Outlook

These are uncertain times and with the added uncertainties that events such as Brexit may bring, we know that new challenges will present themselves as we go forward. However, that said we are confident that we shall be able to meet them because of the resilience, innovative skills, dedication and application of our employees and the urgent need for companies such as Elecosoft to provide the means to enhance the performance of industries in which we involved and in particular, the construction industry. I believe that it is because of the effort, creativity and collaboration of all our employees in all the countries in which Elecosoft operates that Elecosoft is fast becoming a truly international provider of market leading construction software applications for 5D BIM, project management, estimation, 3D architectural design, timber engineering, digital visualisation, and augmented reality software applications.

I am therefore pleased to say that the current year has started well, our financial position is strong and Elecosoft is particularly well placed post the EU referendum, from a trading standpoint. Therefore, against this background, we will continue to invest in our core business of developing market leading software solutions and also to ensure that high quality training is available to our customers in the markets we serve. We will also be taking additional measures to enhance the co-ordination between our sales, support and training teams to improve our service to our customers and remain open to inorganic growth opportunities to accelerate our development should they arise.

John Ketteley

Executive Chairman

24 March 2017

Operating Review

A strong, stable and progressive year with our wider software portfolio delivered revenue and profit growth beyond market expectations. With a new management team and renewed focus on our core strengths and strategy to grow Elecosoft as a leading provider of innovative integrated solutions we stepped out of blocks and led from the start amongst growing competition. Although we experienced some challenges and timing delays in our use of resellers this year, we continue to have our sights set on expanding through them going forward. The performance of our leading applications of Asta Powerproject(R) and Bidcon(R) within project management and estimating was outstanding, with double digit growth achieved both in the UK and Sweden which contributed to a successful year and surpassed a number of key milestones.

   --              Revenue grew to GBP17.8m up from GBP15.3m 
   --              Profit before tax of GBP1.5m up from GBP1.0m 

Our Focus on Sales Growth

With an underlining growth performance across our core revenue lines of licences, maintenance and services, the Group delivered results significantly ahead of industry sector bench marks. With a prominent influence through our direct model approach, we have proven that amongst a number of major global competitors Elecosoft is highly regarded as a provider of quality software and services. Revenue growth is pivotal to our long term strategy and with an improved performance in all graphical areas, Elecosoft is in a strong position to maintain our current momentum. A summary of revenue growth on 2015 is as follows:

   --              UK revenue increased by 13% 
   --              Scandinavia revenue increased by 13% 
   --              Germany revenue increased by 29% 
   --              Rest of Europe increased by 22% 
   --              Rest of World increased by 17% 

Historically, our software portfolio has centred on the PC market but with ever increasing competition and expansion into other verticals we have a growing number of SaaS product offerings that sit alongside and complement our existing applications. Through continued investment in our direct approach and through channel expansion, Elecosoft is in a strong position to maintain progressive growth over and above the broader market.

Growing International Awareness

With a wide portfolio of products that cover project management, construction site management, estimating, timber engineering, 3D design and visualisation, cloud based digital marketing and data storage solutions we have some great opportunities in reaching out to a wider audience with our integrated offering. With a continuing trend across the globe to standardise processes through common data exchanges and a collaborative approach to sharing of data, Elecosoft is strongly placed to deliver international awareness and growth.

In recent years, we have established the cross selling of our products to help deliver on local government legislations which in turn has positioned Elecosoft as a major player in the provision of 4D & 5D BIM. Our marketing teams have successfully developed and implemented promotional plans for market sector and territory growth to help drive the increased awareness out to the end client through increased use of webinars, exhibition attendance, event speaking and corporate sponsorship. With the acquisition in January of one of Asta Powerproject's Dutch resellers, we have also delivered on the plans to improve the performance of the business and also commenced the transition approach to selling more products to existing and new customers.

Our colleagues in Sweden delivered a sterling performance with the new management team that was orchestrated the previous year and also expanded their international reach by establishing new resellers in New Zealand, Canada, Finland and Denmark for Bidcon(R), Statcon(R) and Staircon(R). We have seen successful expansion within the interior market with key business wins in China and the US through our modular marketing solution for simplifying and automating databased marketing activities throughout the marketing chain.

Brand Awareness

Elecosoft is now a well-established technology organisation focused on delivering leading edge applications across multiple sectors with strong brand identity both at company and product level. The company has been very successful in leveraging the Elecosoft name into established market spaces with clear and directive marketing campaigns directed from the Group management team. Our new website now reflects a product identity through the six main disciplines of focus, these being:

Project Management

Asta Powerproject(R) has continued to gain market share within its core focus on construction and infrastructure organisations across the globe. Many leading contractors worldwide have delivered major projects utilising the project management tool and have expanded their use on growing bolt-on tools such as Asta Powerproject(R) BIM and Site Progress Mobile. The application is now available in 13 languages and continues to be enhanced based on the client feedback and industry requirements.

Estimating

Our cost estimating software Bidcon(R), remains a key part of our integrated solution selling into new and existing customers. With a strong adoption in its home market in Sweden, Bidcon(R) is now leading the way alongside Asta Powerproject(R) in providing a full 5D BIM solution to the wider audience either through our direct model or via the growing reseller channel.

CAD/Design

Our prominent position in Germany with Arcon Evo(R) and o2c(R) is maintained with continued development of the product based on customer feedback and technology advancements. This in turn is growing the product awareness and is being used to expand the use of the software into new markets through our eCommerce offering and a reseller channel.

Visualisation

Our reach into the Interiormarket through our Esign portfolio highlights the significant steps we've made in gaining 80% of the European floor manufactures who use our offering to successfully marketing their interior products through Digitalisation, Visualisation, Configuration and Product Information Management (PIM). During 2016 we've seen good progress on wider global adoption with floor manufacturers in China and the US working with our German colleagues on adopting our offering.

Engineering

Our portfolio of timber engineering applications maintain their strong market presence in the UK, Sweden, Germany and Benelux and have recently seen adoption through resellers in Canada, Finland and Denmark. With local territories demands of increased housing stock and commercial timber structures through focus on modular construction, our applications of Staircon(R), Framing and Statcon(R) serve the needs of design, manufacturing and site management processes.

Information Management

The management of information in any business is critical to gaining success and with our Marketing manager offering to the floor manufacturers which sits alongside our visualisation tools, we've seen further adoption within existing and new clients. This is assisting organisations to efficiently control multi-channel marketing from a central database and saves considerable time and expenses in the company-wide data workflow.

With the acquisition of Icon taking place in late October, the opportunity to expand its current offering outside the retail sector is a strong focus moving forward. Icon's one-stop property asset information system is a web-based building information management system that is used from concept design, through construction and fit-out to completion and management. This clearly complements our existing project management and cost estimating suite of programs and presents a great opportunity in further upselling within the existing client base across our territory bases.

Award Winning Software

Offering the best possible proposition to our customers has remained our core focus and is central to driving the growth of our software offering in both our direct markets and reseller channel. Our customers have continued to recognise the quality of our products, service and extending range of products, evidenced by the continued success of our award winning software. Asta Powerproject(R) achieved for the 3rd year in succession the Project Management/Planning Software of the Year Award at the Construction Computing Awards 2016. Recognition was also made for our cost estimating application, Bidcon(R), as this was voted runner-up in the Estimation & Valuation Software category. We believe this reflects the strengthening recognition of our consumer brand.

The retention rate of our customers is important to support our growth and this has remained in line with historical trends. We have introduced to our markets product releases across the whole software portfolio that reflect the requirements of our customers. We have seen progression in our eCommerce product offering with our CAD and visualisation 22 applications and have continuous plans to expand the reach into new territories using effective web platforms.

Outlook

2016 delivered a milestone year in revenue and profit growth and looking forward the teams within Elecosoft are excited about the future and look forward to contributing to another fruitful year both in our direct markets and growing international reach through the reseller channel network.

John Ketteley

Executive Chairman

24 March 2017

Financial Review

The Group has had a successful year with strong trading performances in all areas validating the strategy. The acquisition of Integrated Computing and Office Networking Limited ("Icon") in October positions the Group for the future. Exchange rate movements in the Group's core trading currencies during the year had a positive impact on the results which has accentuated the Group's strong underlying performance.

Revenue

Revenue for continuing operations for the year increased 17% to GBP17.8m (2015: GBP15.3m) This growth was accentuated by the weakness of Sterling against the Swedish Krona, the US Dollar and the Euro which collectively accounted for over 60% of the Group's sales. The underlying growth at constant exchange rates was 8% (2015: 9%).

The Group continues to drive high levels of recurring revenue from Maintenance and Support with the balance of the revenue coming from Licence sales and Services. The level of deferred income at the balance sheet date, which is a measure of future maintenance revenue, increased from GBP3.7m to GBP4.4m during the year representing a positive growth rate of 19%.

Revenue growth was driven by direct sales with an increase of 17% to GBP16.6m (2015: GBP14.2m) with the Group committed to growing both the Direct and Reseller channels going forward. The mix of sales across Licences 28% (2015: 30%), Maintenance 48% (2015: 48%) and Services 24% (2015: 23%) is balanced and similar to prior years.

The geographic revenue performance of the Group was good on all fronts with Germany leading the growth 29% to GBP3.0m (2015: GBP2.3m), while the UK and Scandinavia both grew 13% during the year. The strategy to move into new geographic markets continues to provide strong results with the Rest of the World up by 20% to GBP2.6m (2015: GBP2.1m).

Gross profit

Gross profit is revenue less the direct cost of providing products and services to customers, principally the costs of training and consultancy staff. In 2016 the gross profit margin fell slightly from 89% to 87% due to the slight changed mix of Licences, Maintenance and Services revenue.

Overheads

Selling and administrative expenses increased 11% over prior year to GBP13.8m (2015: GBP12.4m). Tight control of overheads is expected to be a feature of the Group while ensuring that development is prioritised. The average number of employees during the year was 190 (2015: 178).

Software product development expenses amounted to GBP2.6m for the year (2015: GBP2.3m) of which GBP0.6m (2015: GBP0.7m) was capitalised demonstrating the commitment to Group-wide development.

The major projects during the year which met the requirements of the accounting policy for capitalisation and were therefore capitalised in the year include the following: Arcon Evo phase 2, Bidcon BIM and Bidcon.net databases. The carrying value of these software assets together with the carrying value of software assets capitalised in previous periods was reviewed for impairment at the balance sheet date and no impairment was required.

Profit

Continuing operations operating profit was GBP1.6m (2015: GBP1.1m) a growth of over 40% over the prior period, a reflection of strong revenue performance with overhead control. Adjusted Operating Profit for the year was GBP1,915,000 (2015: GBP1,137,000) an increase of 68%. Profit before tax was GBP1.5m, up GBP0.5m, an increase of 50% compared to the prior period. Taxation amounted to GBP0.3m in the period (2015: GBP0.2m).

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow

Shareholder's equity increased to GBP9.7m, up GBP1.8m, 23% at 31 December compared to 2015.

Net borrowings, including finance leases, increased by GBP0.5m to GBP1.3m (2015: GBP0.8m) as a result of additional borrowings of GBP1.8m to complete the Icon acquisition.

Trade and other receivables increased to GBP3.7m (2015: GBP2.9m) as anticipated and in line with the growth of the Group. This represented 54 days sales outstanding compared to 48 for the prior period. Trade and other payables increased to GBP1.5m (2015: GBP1.3m) and accruals were slightly higher at GBP1.6m (2015: GBP1.4m) in line with Group activities.

Cash generated from operations amounted to GBP2.4m in the year up from GBP1.6m in 2015. Free cash flow increased to GBP1.2m compared to GBP0.7m in 2015, a continuing upward trend reflective of the Group performance overall.

 
 
                                        2016      2015 
                                        GBP'000   GBP'000 
  Cash generated in 
   operations                           2,422     1,640 
  Net capital expenditure               (1,103)   (645) 
  Net interest 
   paid                                 (82)      (152) 
  Income tax paid                       (17)      (127) 
  Free cash flow                        1,220     716 
 
  Acquisitions and disposals            (1,700)   726 
  Loan (repayments)/proceeds            1,438     (1,091) 
  Finance lease repayments              (153)     (251) 
  Equity dividends 
   paid                                 (111)     - 
  Net cash inflow                       694       100 
  Exchange difference                   260       (15) 
  Net increase in cash and cash 
   equivalents                          954       85 
 -----------------------------------   --------  -------- 
 
 

Capital and financing

The UK banking facilities are with Barclays Bank plc and the Group facilities comprise the following:

-- The previous loan was repaid and a new term loan of GBP3.16m, with 16 quarterly loan repayments of GBP197,500 commencing from October 2016 was agreed to help fund the acquisition of ICON, carrying an interest rate of 2.75% over base rate, a reduction of 0.5% on the previous facility; and

   --     a GBP1.0m overdraft facility, carrying an interest rate of 2.75% over base rate 

Security provided to the bank for the provision of these facilities is a cross guarantee and debenture between the parent company and certain UK subsidiary companies and a commitment of the shares of the operating companies.

Covenants have been made to the bank in respect of three elements: EBITA to gross financing costs, net borrowings to EBITDA and cash flow to debt service. These covenants are tested quarterly.

Business disposal / Discontinued operations

There were no disposals in the period.

Earnings per share and dividends

The basic earnings per share on continuing operations is 1.7p (2015: 1.1p).The basic earnings per share on total operations is 1.7p (2015: 1.6p).

The Board has recommended the payment of a final dividend in respect of the year ended 31 December 2016 of 0.25p per share, with a scrip alternative to be made available.

David Pearson

Group Finance Director

24 March 2016

Consolidated Income Statement

For the year ended 31 December 2016

 
 
 
                                               2016           2015 
                                       Notes   GBP'000        GBP'000 
 -------------------------------      ------  ---------      --------- 
  Continuing 
   operations 
  Revenue                              1,2     17,795         15,260 
  Cost of sales                                (2,374)        (1,688) 
  Gross profit                                 15,421         13,572 
 --------------------------------     ------  ---------      --------- 
  Operating expenses before 
   amortisation of intangible 
   assets, acquisition expenses 
   and termination payments                    (12,875)       (11,940) 
  Amortisation of 
   intangible assets                   2       (631)          (495) 
  Operating expenses before 
   acquisition expenses and 
   termination payments                3       (13,506)       (12,435) 
 -----------------------------------  ------  ---------      --------- 
  Operating profit before 
   acquisition expenses and 
   termination payments                        1,915          1,137 
  Acquisition 
   expenses                                    (212)          - 
  Former directors' termination 
   payments                                    (109)          (11) 
 ----------------------------------   ------  ---------      --------- 
  Selling and administrative 
   expenses                            3       (13,827)       (12,446) 
 ---------------------------------    ------  ---------      --------- 
  Operating profit                     2,3     1,594          1,126 
 
  Finance income                       5       3              1 
  Finance cost                         5       (93)           (121) 
  Profit before 
   tax                                         1,504          1,006 
  Tax                                  6       (261)          (204) 
  Profit for the financial 
   period from continuing 
   operations                          2,8     1,243          802 
 
  Profit for the financial 
   period from discontinued 
   operations                                  -              360 
 
  Profit for the financial 
   period                                      1,243          1,162 
 ---------------------------------    ------  ---------      --------- 
 
  Attributable 
   to: 
  Equity holders of 
   the parent                                  1,243          1,162 
 ---------------------------------    ------  ---------      --------- 
 
  Earnings per share 
   - basic 
 ---------------------------------    ------  ---------      --------- 
  Continuing 
   operations                          8       1.7        p   1.1        p 
  Discontinued 
   operations                          8       0.0        p   0.5        p 
  Total operations                     8       1.7        p   1.6        p 
 --------------------------------     ------  ---------      --------- 
 
  Earnings per share 
   - diluted 
 ---------------------------------    ------  ---------      --------- 
  Continuing 
   operations                          8       1.6        p   1.1        p 
  Discontinued 
   operations                          8       0.0        p   0.5        p 
  Total operations                     8       1.6        p   1.6        p 
 --------------------------------     ------  ---------      --------- 
 
 

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

for the year ended 31 December 2016

 
 
 
                                            2016      2015 
                                            GBP'000   GBP'000 
  -----------------------------------      --------  -------- 
  Profit for 
   the period                               1,243     1,162 
 
  Other comprehensive 
   income: 
 -------------------------------------     --------  -------- 
 
  Items that will be reclassified 
   subsequently to profit and loss: 
   Translation differences 
    on foreign operations                   92        (11) 
  Other comprehensive income 
   net of tax                               92        (11) 
 
  Total comprehensive income 
   for the period                           1,335     1,151 
 --------------------------------------    --------  -------- 
 
  Attributable 
  to: 
  Equity holders 
   of the parent                            1,335     1,151 
 -------------------------------------     --------  -------- 
 
 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

For the year 31 December 2016

 
 
                              Share      Share      Merger     Translation   Other      Retained 
                               capital    premium    reserve    reserve       reserve    earnings   Total 
                              GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000       GBP'000    GBP'000     GBP'000 
 --------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ----------  -------- 
  At 1 January 2016           749        -          -          (172)         (338)      7,654       7,893 
 
  Dividends                   -          -          -          -             -          (111)       (111) 
  Share-based payments        -          -          -          -             13         -           13 
  Elimination of cancelled 
   share based payments       -          -          -          -             (14)       -           (14) 
  Issue of share capital      22         578        -          -             -          -           600 
  Transactions with 
   owners                     22         578        -          -             (1)        (111)       488 
 --------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ----------  -------- 
 
  Profit for the period       -          -          -          -             -          1,243       1,243 
  Other comprehensive 
   income: 
  Exchange differences 
   on translation of 
   net investments in 
   foreign operations         -          -          -          92            -          -           92 
  Total comprehensive 
   income for the period      -          -          -          92            -          1,243       1,335 
                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ----------  -------- 
 
  At 31 December 2016         771        578        -          (80)          (339)      8,786       9,716 
                             =========  =========  =========  ============  =========  ==========  ======== 
 
 
 
                              Share      Share      Merger     Translation   Other      Retained 
                               capital    premium    reserve    reserve       reserve    earnings   Total 
                              GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000       GBP'000    GBP'000     GBP'000 
 --------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ----------  -------- 
  At 1 January 2015           7,487      7,923      4,086      (161)         (358)      (12,255)    6,722 
 
  Share-based payments        -                     -          -             20         -           20 
  Capitalisation of 
   merger reserve             4,086      -          (4,086)    -             -          -           - 
  Capital reduction           (10,824)   (7,923)    -          -             -          18,747      - 
  Transactions with 
   owners                     (6,738)    (7,923)    (4,086)    -             20         18,747      20 
                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ----------  -------- 
 
  Profit for the period       -          -          -          -             -          1,162       1,162 
  Other comprehensive 
   income: 
  Exchange differences 
   on translation of 
   net investments in 
   foreign operations         -          -          -          (11)          -          -           (11) 
  Total comprehensive 
   income for the period      -          -          -          (11)          -          1,162       1,151 
                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ----------  -------- 
 
  At 31 December 2015         749        -          -          (172)         (338)      7,654       7,893 
                             =========  =========  =========  ============  =========  ==========  ======== 
 
 

Consolidated Balance Sheet

At 31 December 2016

 
 
                                      2016       2015 
                                      GBP'000    GBP'000 
 -----------------------------       ---------  -------- 
  Non-current 
   assets 
  Goodwill                            11,469     10,152 
  Other intangible 
   assets                             3,321      1,910 
  Property, plant 
   and equipment                      868        503 
  Total non-current 
   assets                             15,658     12,565 
 -------------------------------     ---------  -------- 
  Current assets 
  Inventories                         11         9 
  Trade and other 
   receivables                        3,674      2,871 
  Current tax 
   assets                             67         173 
  Cash and cash equivalents           2,576      1,957 
  Total current 
   assets                             6,328      5,010 
 ------------------------------      ---------  -------- 
  Total assets                        21,986     17,575 
 ------------------------------      ---------  -------- 
  Current liabilities 
  Bank overdraft                      (339)      (674) 
  Borrowings                          (790)      (750) 
  Obligations under 
   finance leases                     (163)      (139) 
  Trade and other 
   payables                           (1,459)    (1,255) 
  Provisions                          (228)      (203) 
  Current tax 
   liabilities                        (89)       (2) 
  Accruals and deferred 
   income                             (6,003)    (5,068) 
  Total current 
   liabilities                        (9,071)    (8,091) 
 ------------------------------      ---------  -------- 
  Non-current 
   liabilities 
  Borrowings                          (2,370)    (972) 
  Obligations under 
   finance leases                     (218)      (225) 
  Deferred tax 
   liabilities                        (570)      (242) 
  Non-current 
   provisions                         (41)       (139) 
  Other non-current 
   liabilities                        -          (13) 
  Total non-current 
   liabilities                        (3,199)    (1,591) 
 -------------------------------     ---------  -------- 
  Total liabilities                   (12,270)   (9,682) 
 ------------------------------      ---------  -------- 
  Net 
   assets                             9,716      7,893 
 ==================================  =========  ======== 
 
  Equity 
  Share capital                       771        749 
  Share premium 
   account                            578        - 
  Translation 
   reserve                            (80)       (172) 
  Other reserve                       (339)      (338) 
  Retained earnings                   8,786      7,654 
  Equity attributable to 
   shareholders of the parent         9,716      7,893 
 ================================    =========  ======== 
 
 

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

for the year ended 31 December 2016

 
 
 
                                        2016      2015 
                                        GBP'000   GBP'000 
 ---------------------------------     --------  -------- 
  Cash flows from operating 
   activities 
  Profit 
   before 
   tax                                  1,504     881 
  Net finance costs                     90        123 
  Depreciation charge                   207       174 
  Amortisation charge                   631       495 
  Profit on sale of property, 
   plant and equipment                  (28)      (18) 
  Share-based payments 
   charge                               13        20 
  Decrease in provisions                (75)      (20) 
  Cash generated in operations 
   before working capital 
   movements                            2,342     1,655 
  Decrease in trade and 
   other receivables                    403       349 
  Increase in inventories 
   and work in progress                 (1)       (1) 
  Decrease in trade and 
   other payables                       (322)     (363) 
  Cash generated 
   in operations                        2,422     1,640 
  Interest 
   paid                                 (85)      (153) 
  Interest received                     3         1 
  Income tax paid                       (17)      (127) 
  Net cash inflow from 
   operating activities                 2,323     1,361 
 -----------------------------------   --------  -------- 
 
  Investing activities 
  Purchase of intangible 
   assets                               (754)     (754) 
  Purchase of property, 
   plant and equipment                  (449)     (58) 
  Acquisition of subsidiary 
   undertakings net of cash 
   acquired                             (1,700)   (28) 
  Proceeds from sale of 
   property, plant, equipment 
   and intangible assets                100       167 
  Sale of business net 
   of expenses                          -         754 
  Net cash (outflow)/inflow from 
   investing activities                 (2,803)   81 
 ------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
  Financing activities 
  Proceeds from 
   new bank loan                        3,160     - 
  Repayment of bank 
   loans                                (1,722)   (1,091) 
  Repayments of obligations under 
   finance leases                       (153)     (251) 
  Equity dividends 
   paid                                 (111)     - 
  Net cash inflow/(outflow) from 
   financing activities                 1,174     (1,342) 
 ------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
  Net increase in cash 
   and cash equivalents                 694       100 
 -----------------------------------   --------  -------- 
 
  Cash and cash equivalents at 
   beginning of period                  1,283     1,198 
  Effects of changes in 
   foreign exchange rates               260       (15) 
  Cash and cash equivalents 
   at end of period                     2,237     1,283 
 -----------------------------------   --------  -------- 
 
  Cash and cash equivalents 
   comprise: 
  Cash and short-term 
   deposits                             2,576     1,957 
  Bank overdrafts                       (339)     (674) 
                                        2,237     1,283 
    ---------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
 

Extract from Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Revenue

Revenue from continuing operations disclosed in the income statement is analysed as follows:

 
 
 
                                2016      2015 
                                GBP'000   GBP'000 
  Licence 
   sales                        4,955     4,536 
  Recurring maintenance 
   and support revenue          8,622     7,278 
  Services 
   income                       4,218     3,446 
  Total revenue                 17,795    15,260 
 ------------------------      --------  -------- 
 
 

2. Segment information

IFRS 8 requires operating segments to be identified on the basis of internal reports about components of the Group

that are regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker to allocate resources to the segments and to assess

their performance.

The chief operating decision maker has been identified as the Executive Directors. The Group revenue is derived entirely from the sale of software licences, software maintenance and support and related services. Consequently, the Executive Directors review the three revenue streams but as the costs are not recorded in the same way the information is presented as one segment and as such the information is presented in line with management information.

 
 
                                   2016       2015 
                                   Software   Software 
                                   GBP'000    GBP'000 
 
   Revenue                         17,795     15,260 
  ------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 
   Adjusted operating 
    profit                         4,721      3,446 
   Depreciation charge             (207)      (174) 
   Product development 
    costs                          (1,968)    (1,640) 
   Operating profit before 
    amortisation of intangible 
    assets and exceptionals        2,546      1,632 
   Amortisation of intangible 
    assets                         (631)      (495) 
   Acquisition expenses            (212)      - 
   Former directors' 
    termination payments           (109)      (11) 
  ------------------------------ 
   Operating profit                1,594      1,126 
   Net finance cost                (90)       (120) 
   Segment profit before 
    tax                            1,504      1,006 
   Tax                             (261)      (204) 
  ------------------------------ 
   Segment profit after 
    tax                            1,243      802 
  ==============================  =========  ========= 
 
   Internal development costs 
    capitalised                    (625)      (665) 
   Total development 
    costs                          (2,593)    (2,305) 
  ==============================  =========  ========= 
 
   Operating profit                1,594      1,126 
   Amortisation of intangible 
    assets                         631        495 
   Depreciation charge             207        174 
   EBITDA                          2,432      1,795 
  ==============================  =========  ========= 
 

Adjusted operating profit of GBP4,721,000 (2015: GBP3,446,000) is stated before depreciation and amortisation of intangible assets, product development costs and certain items considered as non-recurring. The latter includes acquisition expenses and termination payments relating to former directors.

Development project costs are expensed as incurred unless they meet the accounting policy requirements for capitalisation. The software projects that have been capitalised in the twelve months to 31 December 2016 are explained in the Financial Review.

 
 
                               2016       2015 
                               Software   Software 
                               GBP'000    GBP'000 
  Group assets and 
   liabilities 
   Segment assets              21,986     17,595 
   Unallocated assets          -          - 
   Total Group assets          21,986     17,595 
  --------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 
   Segment liabilities         12,270     9,682 
   Unallocated liabilities     -          - 
   Total Group liabilities     12,270     9,682 
  --------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 
 

Geographical, Product and sales channel information

Revenue by geographical area represents continuing operations revenue from external customers based upon the geographical location of the customer.

Revenue by geographical destination is as follows:

 
 
 
                      2016      2015 
                      GBP'000   GBP'000 
  UK                  5,498     4,857 
  Scandinavia         6,745     5,950 
  Germany             2,982     2,308 
  Rest of 
   Europe             1,653     1,359 
  Rest of 
   World              917       786 
                      17,795    15,260 
      -------------  --------  -------- 
 
 

Rest of World includes revenue from customers in the USA of GBP633,000 (2015: GBP571,000).

Revenue by product group represents continuing operations revenue from external customers.

Revenue by product group is as follows:

 
 
 
                             2016      2015 
                             GBP'000   GBP'000 
  Project management         8,572     7,493 
  Site management            474       396 
  Estimating                 2,964     2,557 
  Engineering                2,827     2,373 
  CAD/Design                 1,137     1,001 
  Visualisation              1,821     1,440 
                             17,795    15,260 
      --------------------  --------  -------- 
 
 

The Group utilises resellers to access certain markets. Revenue by sales channel represents continuing operations revenue from external customers.

2. Segment information continued

Revenue by sales channel is as follows:

 
 
 
                   2016      2015 
                   GBP'000   GBP'000 
  Direct           16,674    14,236 
  Reseller         1,121     1,024 
                   17,795    15,260 
      ----------  --------  -------- 
 
 

Non-current assets excluding deferred tax by geographical area represent the carrying amount of assets based in the geographical area in which the assets are located.

Non-current assets by geographical location are as follows:

 
 
 
                      2016      2015 
                      GBP'000   GBP'000 
  UK                  8,027     7,130 
  Scandinavia         6,145     4,350 
  Germany             1,396     1,040 
  Rest of 
   Europe             88        44 
  Rest of 
   World              2         1 
                      15,658    12,565 
      -------------  --------  -------- 
 
 

Information about major customers

Revenues arising from sales to the Groups' largest customer were below the reporting threshold of 10% of Group revenue (2015: Below 10% reporting threshold).

3. Operating profit

The continuing operations operating profit for the period is stated after charging/(crediting) the following items.

 
 
                                          2016      2015 
                                          GBP'000   GBP'000 
  Software product development            1,968     1,640 
  Depreciation of property, 
   plant and equipment                    207       174 
  Amortisation of intangible 
   assets acquired                        389       380 
  Amortisation of capitalised 
   development costs                      242       115 
  Profit on disposal of property, 
   plant and equipment                    (28)      (18) 
  Foreign exchange (gains)/losses         (73)      85 
  Fees payable to the Company's 
   auditor for the audit of 
   the Company's financial statements     38        35 
  Fees payable to the Company's 
   auditor for other services: 
  - Audit of the subsidiaries 
   financial statements                   54        39 
  - Other assurance services              2         - 
  Operating lease rentals: 
   Plant, equipment and vehicles          42        47 
   Properties                             394       359 
  Acquisition expenses                    212       - 
  Former directors termination 
   payments                               109       11 
 
 

4. Employee information

The average number of employees during the period, including Directors, in continuing operations was made up as follows:

 
 
 
                               2016     2015 
                               number   number 
  Sales & 
   marketing                   54       57 
  Client services              56       52 
  Software development         46       41 
  Management and 
   administration              34       28 
                               190      178 
      ----------------------  -------  ------- 
 
 

Staff costs during the period, including Directors, in continuing operations amounted to:

 
 
 
                                   2016      2015 
                                   GBP'000   GBP'000 
  Wages and 
   salaries                        8,194     6,814 
  Social security                  1,680     1,419 
  Pension 
   costs                           566       485 
  Share-based payments             13        20 
                                   10,453    8,739 
  Less: Development 
   staff costs capitalised         (625)     (665) 
 ----------------------------- 
                                   9,828     8,074 
      --------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
 

Pension costs relate to contributions to defined contribution pension schemes. Development staff costs are charged to projects and capitalised if those projects meet the criteria for capitalisation. The details of the criteria for capitalisation is set out in the Significant Accounting Policies under section I.

The remuneration of the Directors, who are the key management personnel of the Group, is set out below:

 
 
 
                               2016      2015 
                               GBP'000   GBP'000 
  Short-term employee 
   benefits                    576       643 
  Post-employment 
   benefits                    23        22 
  Termination 
  benefits                     100       11 
  Share based payments         13        20 
  Executive 
   Directors                   712       696 
  Fees - non-executive 
   Directors                   82        90 
 ------------------------               -------- 
                               794       786 
      ----------------------  --------  -------- 
 
 

The emoluments of the highest paid Director were GBP280,000 (2015: GBP361,000). Employers NIC payments in respect of the Directors' remuneration was GBP85,000 (2015: GBP95,000)

The remuneration of the non-executive Directors is determined by the Board. The non-executive Directors do not have service contracts but are appointed for an initial term of three years, which may thereafter be renewed from year to year. They do not participate in any of the Groups' share based incentive or pension schemes.

5. Net finance income/(cost)

Finance income and costs from continuing operations is set out below:

 
 
 
                                            2016      2015 
                                            GBP'000   GBP'000 
  Finance income: 
   Bank and other interest 
    receivable                              3         1 
  Finance costs: 
   Bank overdraft 
    and loan interest                       (84)      (107) 
   Finance leases and hire purchase 
    contracts                               (9)       (14) 
  Total net 
   finance cost                             (90)      (120) 
 ------------------------------------      --------  -------- 
 
 

6. Taxation

(a) Tax on profit on ordinary activities

The tax charge in the income statement from continuing operations is as follows:

 
 
 
                                     2016      2015 
                                     GBP'000   GBP'000 
  Current 
   tax: 
  UK corporation tax 
   on profits of the 
   year                              34        2 
                                     34        2 
  Foreign 
   tax                               145       121 
  Total current 
   tax                               179       123 
 -----------------------------      --------  -------- 
 
  Deferred 
   tax: 
  Origination and reversal 
   of temporary differences          87        74 
  Tax adjustments in respect 
   of previous years                 (5)       7 
  Total deferred 
  tax                                82        81 
 -----------------------------      --------  -------- 
  Tax charge in the 
   income statement                  261       204 
 -------------------------------    --------  -------- 
 
 

Income tax for the UK has been calculated at the standard rate of UK corporation tax of 20.0% effective from 1 April 2015 (2015: 20.25%) on the estimated assessable profit for the period. Taxation for foreign companies is calculated at the rates prevailing in the relevant jurisdictions.

(b) Reconciliation of continuing operations tax charge

The tax assessed on continuing operations accounting profit before income tax for the year is the same as the standard rate of UK corporation tax of 20.0% for the period under review. The reconciliation is explained below:

 
 
 
                                               2016      2015 
                                               GBP'000   GBP'000 
  Profit on continuing 
   operations before tax                       1,504     1,006 
 -----------------------------------------    --------  -------- 
  Tax calculated at the average 
   standard rate of UK corporation 
   tax of 20.0% (2015: 20.25%) applied 
   to profits before tax                       301       204 
 
  Effects 
   of: 
  Expenses not deductible 
   for tax purposes                            90        46 
  Research & development 
   tax relief                                  (54)      (94) 
  Group relief/losses 
   surrendered not paid                        -         4 
  Non taxable statutory 
   compensation                                -         (15) 
  Deferred tax not 
   recognised                                  (15)      39 
  Share option deduction                       -         4 
  Prior year adjustments                       (5)       7 
  Utilisation 
   of losses                                   (80)      (17) 
  Tax rate differences 
   in foreign jurisdictions                    16        24 
  Other differences                            8         2 
  Continuing operations tax 
   charge for the year                         261       204 
 ------------------------------------------   --------  -------- 
 
 

(c) Unrecognised tax losses

The Group has tax losses of GBP696,000 (2015: GBP762,000) arising at one of its operations in Germany for which no deferred tax

asset has been recognised and tax losses of GBP1,764,000 (2015: GBP1,874,000) arising in the UK. Potential deferred tax asset not recognised in respect of losses in UK subsidiaries is GBP347,000 (2015: GBP390,000). No deferred tax is recognised on the unremitted earnings of overseas subsidiaries.

7. Dividends

Dividends of GBP111,000 (2015: GBPnil) were paid during the year as follows:

 
 
 
                                  2016     2015     2016      2015 
  Ordinary                        per      per 
   shares                          share    share   GBP'000   GBP'000 
 ---------------------------     -------  -------  --------  -------- 
  Declared and paid during 
   the year 
  Interim - 
   current year                   0.15     -        111       - 
  Final - previous 
  year                            -        -        -         - 
                                  0.15     -        111       - 
     --------------------------  -------  -------  --------  -------- 
 
 

The directors have recommended a final dividend of 0.25p per ordinary share for 2016 (2015: 0.0p) resulting in a total dividend for the year of 0.40p per ordinary share (2015: 0.0p) If the 2016 final dividend is approved at the Annual General Meeting the dividend will be paid on 24 May 2017 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 7 April 2017 (ex-div date 6 April 2017) In accordance with IFRS, the dividend is not provided for as a liability in the accounts until it becomes a legal liability of the Company and therefore will be recorded in the interim and annual accounts for 2017.

8. Basic and diluted earnings per share

The calculation of the basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share from continuing operations is based on the data below:

 
 
 
                                   2016           2015 
 -------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 
  Continuing operations            GBP1,243,000   GBP802,000 
  Discontinued operations          -              GBP360,000 
 -------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 
  Total profit after taxation      GBP1,243,000   GBP1,162,000 
 -------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 
  Basic weighted average number 
   of shares                       74,433,243     73,970,534 
  Dilutive effect of share 
   options                         1,029,000      882,000 
  Diluted weighted average 
   number of shares                75,462,243     74,852,534 
 -------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 
 

Basic earnings per ordinary share is calculated from continuing operations profit after tax attributable to ordinary equity shareholders of the Company and the weighted average number of shares in issue for the reporting period.

 
 
  Basic earnings per share    2016       2015 
  Continuing operations       1.7    p   1.1    p 
  Discontinued operations     -      p   0.5    p 
 --------------------------  -----      ----- 
 
  Total operations            1.7    p   1.6    p 
 --------------------------  -----      ----- 
 
 

Dilutive earnings per ordinary share is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of shares in issue for the reporting period to include the assumed conversion of the dilutive share options outstanding at 31 December 2016.

 
 
  Diluted earnings per share    2016       2015 
  Continuing operations         1.6    p   1.1    p 
  Discontinued operations       -      p   0.5    p 
 ----------------------------  -----      ----- 
 
  Total operations              1.6    p   1.6    p 
 ----------------------------  -----      ----- 
 
 
 

Shares held by the Employee Share Ownership Trust are excluded from the weighted average number of shares in the period.

Notes

1. The financial information in this announcement, which is audited, does not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of section 435 of the Companies Act 2006. Statutory accounts of the Company, on which the Auditors will report, will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The comparative figures for the 12 months to 31 December 2015 have been taken from, but do not constitute, the Company's statutory financial statements for that financial year.

2. The Group's activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance and position are set out in the Operating Review and Financial Review.

3. The Groups' clients include many top contractors in the building and construction sector in the UK, Sweden, Germany, Benelux and the United States with no significant client concentration. The software products and services provided by the Group are reasonably embedded in their client's core operations and 48% (2015: 48%) of the Groups' revenue is from recurring revenue contracts.

These maintenance contracts are renewed throughout the year although there is a slightly greater weighting in the fourth quarter. For these reasons, the Group has good visibility on any potential deterioration in its trading outlook and potential risk to the business. Not-withstanding the Group has net current liabilities of GBP2,743,000 at 31 December 2016 (2015: GBP3,081,000) these amounts are after deferred income of GBP4,401,000 (2015: GBP3,708,000) relating to annual maintenance contracts which are non-refundable. Historically, there is a low level of maintenance cancellations each year and the Board closely monitors clients that are potentially at risk of cancellation as well as the pipeline of new business.

The Group has both cash and undrawn credit facilities available to support its business operations and therefore the Board believes that the Group is well-positioned to manage the business risks. Revenue, operating profit and cash flow budgets have been prepared at business unit level. After making appropriate enquiries, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operation for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, the Group continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its consolidated financial statements

4. The information herein has been prepared on the basis of the accounting policies adopted for the year ended 31 December 2016, set out in the Company's Annual Report and Accounts and as previously disclosed in the Company's Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2015.

5. The Annual General Meeting of Elecosoft plc will be held Brewers' Hall, Aldermanbury Square, London EC2V 7HR on 4th May 2017 at 12 noon.

6. The Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2016 will be sent to shareholders by 10 April 2017 and will be available to view on the Company's website, www.elecosoft.com, from that date.

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

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