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EAS Energy Assets

725.00
0.00 (0.00%)
20 May 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Energy Assets LSE:EAS London Ordinary Share GB00B78CNY10 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% 725.00 0.00 01:00:00
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
0 0 N/A 0

Energy Assets Group plc Preliminary Results (3745A)

07/06/2016 7:01am

UK Regulatory


Energy Assets (LSE:EAS)
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TIDMEAS

RNS Number : 3745A

Energy Assets Group plc

07 June 2016

For immediate release 7 June 2016

Energy Assets Group plc

("Energy Assets", the "Company" or the "Group")

Preliminary Results for the year ended 31 March 2016

Energy Assets Group plc (LSE: EAS.L), the largest independent provider of industrial and commercial (I&C) gas metering services in the UK(1) and a major provider of multi-utility network, metering and data services, is pleased to announce its preliminary results for the year ended 31 March 2016.

Financial highlights

   --      Total revenue increased by 25% to GBP45.3m (2015: GBP36.2m); 

-- Recurring revenue, generated from the Group's meter and data asset portfolio, increased by 12% to GBP26.1m (2015: GBP23.3m) representing 58% of total revenue;

   --      Revenue from Siteworks activity increased by 49% to GBP19.2m (2015: GBP12.9m); 
   --      EBITDA before exceptional items increased by 16% to GBP22.5m from GBP19.4m; 
   --      Operating profit before exceptional items increased by 20% to GBP15.2m from GBP12.7m; 

-- Profit before tax and exceptional items increased by 20% to GBP10.7m (2015: GBP8.9m). Profit before tax was GBP10.5m (2015: GBP9.3m);

   --      Basic earnings per share increased by 11% to 30.36p (2015: 27.30p); 
   --      Cash generated from operations increased by 8% to GBP21.1m (2015: GBP19.5m); 

-- In November 2015, the Group announced a GBP10m increase to its current facility with Lombard, the asset finance division of The Royal Bank of Scotland Group, taking total facilities from the Group's three main funding partners to GBP110m. Additionally, a two year extension of the Group's GBP35m Bank of Scotland facility was also agreed in November 2015;

   --      Available facilities at 31 March 2016 were GBP29.5m and cash at bank was GBP6.7m. 

Operational highlights

-- The Group's owned and managed meter and data asset portfolio has increased by 23% in the year to circa 450,000 assets (2015: circa 365,000) with all existing major contracts across gas and electricity contributing to this growth;

-- The Company acquired Blyth Utilities Limited (Blyth), a Multi-Utility Infrastructure Provider, on 9 December 2015. Integration is progressing well;

-- Since acquisition, Blyth has successfully secured a new GBP6m contract with East Lothian Developments Ltd (ELDL) to provide utility networks for a new development in East Lothian. This is testimony to the expertise and uniquely differentiated offering within our expanded business;

-- The three new businesses acquired in the previous financial year, Bglobal Metering, Origin and SA Gas, are now fully integrated into the Group and are performing well under Energy Assets management. Performance in the 2015/16 financial year was as expected and the Board is pleased with the progress of each of these businesses;

-- Energy Assets was appointed as a preferred supplier to Crown Gas and Power (Crown), the gas supply division of Crown Oil Ltd, in December 2015. The appointment, for the provision of advanced gas metering technology and data services solutions, was made due to Energy Assets reputation for delivering a high quality service offering.

(1)    By number of meters owned and managed 

Corporate developments

On 18 April 2016, the Boards of Energy Assets and Euston BidCo Ltd (BidCo) announced that they had reached agreement on the terms of a recommended cash acquisition by BidCo, a newly established company indirectly wholly owned by the Alinda Funds, which are controlled and managed by Alinda, of the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Energy Assets.

As previously advised by the Board of Energy Assets on 19 May 2016, the Court Meeting and the General Meeting were adjourned, in each case to a date, time and place to be determined by the directors. We would expect to be in a position to further update shareholders in relation to this in the next few days.

Further information on the proposed acquisition, which has been unanimously recommended by the Energy Assets Board, and its current status can be found on the Energy Assets website.

Chief Executive's comment

Commenting on today's announcement, Chief Executive Phil Bellamy-Lee said:

"The financial year to 31 March 2016 has been very successful for Energy Assets incorporating good organic growth across our asset portfolio and Siteworks business from strong trading activity and new contract wins.

We were delighted to welcome Blyth into the Energy Assets Group in December 2015. This acquisition represents another step in our continuing growth strategy and has allowed us to expand our services to become a fully accredited multi-utility infrastructure provider in the commercial area. The acquisition has also enabled us to extend our utility networks offering to businesses within the UK house building sector at a very exciting time following recent government announcements that investment in the housing sector is set to double to support home ownership.

The addition of Crown to our customer portfolio and the confidence they have shown in the capabilities and technology that the Energy Assets Group can offer is testament to the hard work and focus of our operational team. The relationship is progressing well as we continue to deliver a level of service which matches their expectations.

We continue to enjoy good relationships with all of our banking partners who have expressed a keen interest to continue working with the Group. We are confident that these relationships will provide sufficient funding to facilitate our future growth plans as we work towards being the supplier of choice for customers within the UK I&C utilities sector and the largest independent provider of I&C energy metering services in the UK.

The new financial year has started well, all segments continue to grow and we are on track to deliver another year of strong operating and financial performance."

Enquiries

For further information visit www.energyassets.co.uk or contact:

 
 Energy Assets Group plc 
----------------------------------  ------------------------- 
 Phil Bellamy-Lee / John McMorrow    Tel: +44 (0)1506 405 405 
----------------------------------  ------------------------- 
 
 Buchanan 
----------------------------------  ------------------------- 
 Richard Darby / Patrick Hanrahan    Tel: +44 (0)20 7466 5000 
----------------------------------  ------------------------- 
 
 Numis Securities Limited 
----------------------------------  ------------------------- 
 Charlie Farquhar / Stuart Skinner   Tel: +44 (0)20 7260 1000 
----------------------------------  ------------------------- 
 

About Energy Assets:

Energy Assets provides metering and related services in the I&C segment of the UK utility market and is the largest independent provider of I&C gas metering services in the UK, by number of assets owned and managed.

The Group offers utility suppliers, end-user energy consumers and commercial and residential developers a broad spectrum of expert metering related services from the design, project management and building of utility networks to management of new and replacement meters and the collection and provision of energy consumption data.

Energy Assets (EAS) is listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange.

Chairman's statement

I am delighted to report continued strong trading in what has been another successful year for Energy Assets encompassing good organic growth, major new contract wins and the acquisition and successful integration of Blyth into the Group.

Energy Assets continues to achieve its core objectives providing metering and related services in a reliable and sustainable way and, throughout the 2015/16 financial year, the Group has continued to deliver a high quality service and strong growth which is significantly ahead of the prior year.

Profit before tax and exceptional items is up 20% to GBP10.7m and our owned and managed asset portfolio has increased by 23% to circa 450,000 assets. Our Siteworks business has generated revenues of GBP19.2m, representing an increase of 49% (2015: GBP12.9m). The strength of this performance is testament to the continuing and growing demand for our services and the strength and scalability of our operating systems and procedures.

The success we have achieved to date and our continued growth is pivotal as we strive towards our goal of being able to provide a full end to end multi-utility service offering across gas, electricity and water.

Strategy

The Group operates within a clearly defined, long-term strategic framework which is built around the efficient operation of and strategic investment in a balanced range of businesses across the UK I&C multi-utility metering and network markets and provides effective scope for continued expansion.

We remain well positioned to achieve our primary objectives which are:

-- To further consolidate our position as the largest independent metering and data service provider to the UK I&C gas sector;

   --      To grow our position across the utility sector as a whole; and 

-- To grow our successful Siteworks business and expand the range and complexity of the services provided.

Following the year end, the Group made a strategic decision to optimise the combined expertise of Blyth and the Energy Assets' Siteworks gas design and project management service to create a new force in gas, electricity and water utility network provision for housebuilders and I&C markets, Energy Assets Utilities. Going forward, Energy Assets Utilities will deliver all utility network services and activities as an integral part of the wider Group activities.

Acquisitions

The Energy Assets strategy focuses primarily on continuing to achieve growth both organically and through making targeted acquisitions which can add value.

The Blyth acquisition in December 2015 has now been successfully integrated into the Group. This acquisition represented another positive growth milestone for Energy Assets and has enabled us to progress further towards meeting our primary objectives as we continue to extend our product ranges and service offering to the wider multi-utility market sector, encompassing gas, electricity and water.

Funding

In November 2015 we announced a GBP10m increase to our current facility with Lombard, the asset finance division of The Royal Bank of Scotland Group, taking total facilities from the Group's three main funding partners to GBP110m.

The expansion of the Group's relationship with Lombard increased the facility to GBP70m, on the same terms as previously agreed. Additionally, an extension was also agreed in November 2015 on the Group's GBP35m Bank of Scotland facility which is now available for a further two years.

Dividend

At the time of the Company's IPO it was stated that it was the Directors' intention to prioritise investment to grow the Company's installed asset base. This remains the case and, in the financial year to 31 March 2016, a total of GBP22.9m (2015: GBP22.5m) was invested in assets that generate long term recurring revenue for the business. Additionally, Group return on capital employed at 31 March 2016 was 13.2%.

The Board is, therefore, not recommending a dividend for the financial year ended 31 March 2016 but is continuing to keep the dividend policy under review as the scope and nature of the Group's activities continue to expand.

People

We now have over 300 employees across the Group and each of these individuals has a key role to play in the successful operation of our business. In particular, we have a dedicated and talented management team who have steered the business through a period of significant growth with great success.

On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank all of our people for their hard work during this financial year and for their continued commitment to Energy Assets.

Outlook

The new financial year has started well across the business and we are on track to deliver another year of sound operating and financial performance in 2016/17 as we continue to look to the future with confidence.

Dr Christopher Masters

Chairman

7 June 2016

Business and financial review

Energy Assets is the largest independent provider of I&C gas metering services in the UK (by number of assets owned and managed) and a major provider of multi-utility network, metering and data services.

Our strategy

The Group's primary objectives are:

-- To further consolidate our position as the largest independent metering and data service provider to the UK I&C gas sector;

   --      To grow our position across the utility sector as a whole; and 

-- To grow our successful Siteworks business and expand the range and complexity of the services provided.

This strategy focuses primarily on growing the business organically while making targeted acquisitions which can add value to our core business.

In implementing this strategy we expect to:

   --      Continue to grow our asset base, focussing on the I&C segment of the metering market; 
   --      Grow and diversify the primary energy supplier client base; 
   --      Increase direct engagement with end-user consumers; 
   --      Offer services across a multi-utility platform; and 
   --      Increase operational flexibility. 

The Group's achievement of these key strategic priorities to date can be linked to key performance indicators as follows:

 
 Strategic                                                Our progress in 2015/16                                             Continued focus for 2016/17 
 priority 
 
 Continue to 
 grow                   *    Total owned and managed asset portfolio increased by               *    Increase meter installations in the I&C gas market 
 our asset                   23% to circa 450,000 assets;                                            through servicing of contracts with existing 
 base,                                                                                               customers; 
 focussing on 
 the                    *    Recurring revenue accounts for 58% of total revenue 
 I&C segment                 being GBP26.1m compared to GBP23.3m in the previous                *    Continue to increase our presence in the electricity 
 of                          year, an increase of 12%;                                               market installing additional meters and contracting 
 the metering                                                                                        MOP and DC/DA services; 
 market 
                        *    Total future contracted revenue from I&C gas meters 
                             was GBP281.8m at 31 March 2016 (2015: GBP255.3m).                  *    Increase recurring revenue through further organic 
                                                                                                     growth and strategic acquisitions. 
  Strategic                                               Our progress in 2015/16                                             Continued focus for 2016/17 
  priority 
 
 Grow and 
 diversify              *    Energy Assets was appointed as a preferred supplier           *    Continue to grow relationships with existing gas and 
 the primary                 to Crown in December 2015. The appointment, for the                electricity suppliers and seek to gain new 
 energy                      provision of advanced gas metering technology and                  relationships by actively marketing and continually 
 supplier                    data services solutions, was made due to Energy                    improving our service offering. 
 client                      Assets reputation for delivering a high quality 
 base                        service offering. 
 Increase 
 direct                *    The Energy Assets service is now being provided to             *    Continue to grow relationships, revenues and profits 
 engagement                 over 1,500 end-users across data services and                       with existing end-user consumers and seek to cement 
 with                       Siteworks;                                                          new relationships by offering increasingly 
 end-user                                                                                       sophisticated and integrated services. 
 consumers 
                       *    Siteworks revenue increased by 49% to GBP19.2m in the 
                            year to 31 March 2016; 
 
 
                       *    The acquisition of Blyth in December 2015, further 
                            increased the Group's direct customer base; 
 
 
                       *    Immediately following the year end, the Group 
                            announced that it has secured a new contract with 
                            ELDL to provide utility networks for a new 
                            development at St Clements Well, Wallyford, East 
                            Lothian. The new contract has a contract value of 
                            GBP6m over the complete project term and is the 
                            largest Utility Networks contract to ever be secured 
                            by Energy Assets. 
 Offer 
 services               *    The acquisition of Blyth, a Multi-Utility                     *    Continue to grow relationships with existing 
 across a                    Infrastructure Provider, in December 2015 enables                  multi-utility suppliers and end users and actively 
 multi-utility               Energy Assets to provide a complete multi-utility                  seek to cement new relationships; 
 platform                    network offering to the commercial and residential 
                             property development sector. 
                                                                                           *    Continue to develop internal technology which will 
                                                                                                enable the Group to provide services across all 
                                                                                                utilities. 
 Strategic                                                Our progress in 2015/16                                             Continued focus for 2016/17 
 priority 
 
 Increase 
 operational            *    Continued growth of the Group's internal resource             *    Continue to utilise internal resources to install 
 flexibility                 team enabling further control over operational                     meters, further improving operational flexibility; 
                             activities; 
 
                                                                                           *    Successfully integrate Blyth to enable the Group to 
                        *    The internal direct labour organisation (DLO)                      obtain maximum benefit from the acquisition. 
                             installed over 30% of total meters (2015: 24%) 
                             reducing reliance on subcontracted labour to install 
                             assets; 
 
 
                        *    Acquisition of Blyth during the year increased 
                             internal operational capability; 
 
 
                        *    No significant non-conformities reported across all 
                             of the Group's accreditations. 
 

Our progress in relation to our strategy can be further highlighted through the trends in our asset base and revenue over the past few years as follows:

 
                                   2011      2012       2013       2014       2015       2016 
 
 Gas meter portfolio             47,000    63,000     81,000    101,000    123,000    147,000 
 Gas data collection points      15,000    21,000     52,500     62,500     75,000     87,000 
 Electricity meter portfolio          -         -          -          -     68,000     93,000 
 Electricity data collection 
  points                              -         -          -          -     99,000    123,000 
 Recurring revenue              GBP5.3m   GBP8.3m   GBP12.3m   GBP16.9m   GBP23.3m   GBP26.1m 
 Siteworks revenue              GBP4.3m   GBP4.4m    GBP5.7m    GBP7.3m   GBP12.9m   GBP19.2m 
 

Business model

Energy Assets provides metering and related services in the I&C segment of the UK utility market and is the largest independent provider of I&C gas metering services in the UK, by number of assets owned and managed.

The Group offers utility suppliers, end-user energy consumers and commercial and residential developers a broad spectrum of expert metering related services from the design, project management and building of utility networks to management of new and replacement meters and the collection and provision of energy consumption data.

Meter Asset Management and Data Services

The Group's main area of recurring revenue activity is the provision, management and maintenance of I&C gas and electricity meters and the collection and provision of consumption data and, during the year, the meter and data asset portfolio has increased by circa 85,000 assets bringing the owned and managed meter and data asset portfolio to circa 450,000 assets.

Recurring revenue, which is generated through recurring meter rental payments and payments for the provision of consumption data from utility suppliers and end user consumers, increased by 12% to GBP26.1m in the current period (2015: GBP23.3m) representing 58% of total revenue.

The Group has relationships with some of the largest UK utility suppliers and also some of the most respected niche suppliers, operating across both gas and electricity.

In December 2015, Energy Assets announced that it has been appointed as a preferred supplier to Crown, the gas supply division of Crown Oil Ltd. The appointment is for the provision of advanced gas metering technology and data services solutions.

The Energy Assets offering encompasses a suite of innovative options and solutions to help customers manage their energy use and meet the industry's obligations on carbon reduction. The Group has a reputation for delivering high quality solutions to customers and Energy Assets will partner with Crown, and all of its existing customers, to deliver metering and data services of the highest calibre, delivering a service which merits the confidence our customers have shown in the capabilities and technology that the Energy Assets Group can offer.

Going forward the I&C asset base is expected to continue to grow as a result of existing contracts and future demand for the installation of advanced and smart gas meters being driven by Government policy which currently requires every metering point in the UK to have advanced or smart-enabled energy meters by 2020.

Siteworks

Through its Siteworks division the Group provides customers with an expert engineering, consultancy, system design and project management service of the highest standard for multi-utility networks and metering installations.

The business is rapidly establishing a reputation as a technical leader in the design, project management and building of utility networks and metering installations enabling continued growth and revenue from Siteworks activity has increased by 49% during the year to GBP19.2m (2015: GBP12.9m).

The acquisition of Blyth, a Multi-Utility Infrastructure Provider involved in the design and construction of utility networks direct to commercial and residential developers throughout Scotland and the North of England on 9 December 2015, now enables Energy Assets to provide a complete multi-utility product offering across gas, electricity and water, in accordance with the Group's strategy. The acquisition also creates growth opportunities through targeting businesses within the UK house building sector and will enable the Group to increase the market share of its existing Siteworks division and provide a broader service offering to customers.

Following the year end, the Group made a strategic decision to optimise the combined expertise of Blyth and the Energy Assets' Siteworks gas design and project management service to create a new force in gas, electricity and water utility network provision for housebuilders and I&C markets, Energy Assets Utilities. Going forward, Energy Assets Utilities will deliver all utility network services and activities as an integral part of the wider Group activities.

Financial results and Key Performance Indicators

The Group monitors a number of financial and key performance indicators as follows:

 
                                         March 2016   March 2015   Growth 
 
 Revenue                                   GBP45.3m     GBP36.2m      25% 
 Recurring revenue                         GBP26.1m     GBP23.3m      12% 
 Siteworks revenue                         GBP19.2m     GBP12.9m      49% 
 EBITDA (before exceptional items)         GBP22.5m     GBP19.4m      16% 
 Operating profit (before exceptional 
  items)                                   GBP15.2m     GBP12.7m      20% 
 Profit before tax                         GBP10.5m      GBP9.3m      13% 
 Profit before tax and exceptional 
  items                                    GBP10.7m      GBP8.9m      20% 
 
 Cash generated from operations            GBP21.1m     GBP19.5m       8% 
 Total future contracted revenue from 
  I&C gas meters                          GBP281.8m       255.3m      10% 
 Net Debt/EBITDA                                3.4          3.4 
 Return on capital employed                   13.2%        13.2% 
 Basic earnings per share                    30.36p       27.30p 
 Share price                                475.30p      458.80p       4% 
 
 Asset portfolio 
 Gas meter portfolio                        147,000      123,000      20% 
 Gas data collection points                  87,000       75,000      16% 
 Electricity meter portfolio                 93,000       68,000      37% 
 Electricity data collection points         123,000       99,000      24% 
                                        -----------  ----------- 
 Total asset portfolio (owned and 
  managed)                                  450,000      365,000      23% 
 

The Group has continued to grow revenue and profits through strong performances across each of its business segments.

For the year ended 31 March 2016, revenue was GBP45.3m, showing an increase of GBP9.1m (25%) compared with the previous financial year. This increase is predominantly due to the expanding asset portfolio owned and managed by the Group and the strong organic growth of the Siteworks offering.

At 31 March 2016 recurring revenue accounted for 58% of total revenue being GBP26.1m compared to GBP23.3m in the previous year, an increase of 12%. These recurring revenues are as a result of the long term nature of the Group's metering and data contracts.

Gross profit margins have been maintained against the prior year.

During the year the Group incurred non-recurring transaction costs relating to the acquisition of Blyth amounting to GBP0.1m. In the prior year similar costs of GBP0.1m were incurred in relation to the acquisitions of Origin and SA Gas. The Group also incurred non-recurring transaction costs of GBP0.1m in the current year relating to the proposed acquisition by Euston BidCo Limited.

Upon acquisition of Bglobal Metering in the prior year, the fair value of the net assets of this company was greater than the fair value of the consideration paid resulting in a gain on the acquisition of GBP0.8m in the prior year.

The Group implemented a number of share based payment schemes as part of the IPO on 22 March 2012. The expense for the prior year in relation to these schemes amounted to GBP0.2m. No further expense will be incurred in the future in relation to these schemes.

Operating profit before exceptional items increased from GBP12.7m to GBP15.2m, a rise of 20% and EBITDA before exceptional items increased by 16% from GBP19.4m to GBP22.5m.

Profit before tax and exceptional items increased by 20% to GBP10.7m (2015: GBP8.9m). Profit before tax was GBP10.5m (2015: GBP9.3m) after deducting exceptional acquisition costs.

At a divisional level, the Group has installed circa 24,000 gas meter assets during the year, increasing its total portfolio by 20% to circa 147,000 meters. Given that the design life of meters is in excess of 20 years it is expected that these assets will continue to provide a solid source of long term recurring revenue over the life of the asset which is currently forecast at GBP281.8m (2015: GBP255.3m). Current year revenue increased to GBP16.6m (2015: GBP14.1m).

In addition, the managed electricity meter asset portfolio acquired with Bglobal Metering has increased to circa 93,000 assets by the year end, up 37% compared to the prior year end.

Revenue from our data services business has increased to GBP9.5m (2015: GBP9.2m) and the number of meter points from which data is collected has increased to circa 210,000 across gas and electricity (2015: circa 174,000). This represents one of the largest portfolios within the UK I&C sector.

The Siteworks division continues to develop with significant annual growth during the current financial year. Overall revenues improved by 49% to GBP19.2m as a result of significant organic growth across gas and electricity and the acquisition of Blyth in December 2015.

Blyth Utilities Limited (Blyth)

On 9 December 2015, Energy Assets acquired the entire issued share capital of Blyth, a Multi-Utility Infrastructure Provider involved in the design and construction of utility networks direct to commercial and residential developers throughout Scotland and the North of England.

The transaction consideration comprises an initial cash payment of GBP1.5m, 200,784 shares in Energy Assets Group plc with a market value of GBP1m at the time of issue, which are subject to the sellers of Blyth remaining with the Group during a restrictive period of two years, and a three year earnout consideration of up to GBP2.5m contingent on the future performance of Blyth.

Since incorporation in 2003, and now with a team of circa 80 highly qualified and professional employees, Blyth has built a proven track record and has a strong reputation, based on quality, expertise and delivery, as a key multi-utility network provider in the commercial and residential construction sectors within Scotland and the North of England.

This acquisition therefore enables Energy Assets to provide a complete multi-utility product offering across gas, electricity and water network design, project management and build, in accordance with the Group's strategy, whilst also creating growth opportunities to businesses within the UK house building sector.

Energy Assets recognises the importance of high quality, responsive and competitive provision of utility networks and, as such, we are excited to be able to offer Blyth the support of the wider Group to realise the potential for growth within both businesses as a result of this acquisition.

Going forward, the Group will also examine the opportunity arising from this acquisition to grow a pipeline asset portfolio, utilising Blyth's existing Independent Gas Transporter (IGT) licence, and it is intended that the Blyth business model will be expanded across the UK using the existing Energy Assets footprint.

The acquisition is in line with Energy Assets' established strategy of making selective acquisitions which add value to the Group and the Energy Assets directors are confident that the Blyth business will provide enhanced earnings from the financial year 2016/17.

New contracts

Crown Gas and Power (Crown)

In December 2015, Energy Assets announced that it has been appointed as a preferred supplier to Crown, the gas supply division of Crown Oil Ltd. The appointment is for the provision of advanced gas metering technology and data services solutions.

As the leading independent provider of I&C gas metering services in the UK, the Energy Assets offering encompasses a suite of innovative options and solutions to help customers manage their energy use and meet the industry's obligations on carbon reduction. The Group has a reputation for delivering high quality solutions to customers and Energy Assets will partner with Crown to deliver Meter Asset Management and AMR services of the highest calibre, delivering a service which merits the confidence Crown has shown in the capabilities and technology that the Energy Assets Group can offer.

East Lothian Developments Ltd (ELDL)

Immediately following the year end, the Group announced that it has secured a new contract with ELDL to provide utility networks for a new development at St Clements Well, Wallyford, East Lothian.

The new contract, which was signed by recently acquired subsidiary Blyth, encompasses the provision of gas, water and electricity networks for the development which will include approximately 1,450 mixed residential units along with offices, retail and supermarket units and a primary school.

With a contract value of GBP6m over the complete project term, this is the largest Utility Networks contract to ever be secured by Energy Assets and reaffirms the Group's strategy to provide a complete multi-utility infrastructure offering across gas, electricity and water.

The award of this contract underpins the growth aspirations the Group has for Blyth as part of the Energy Assets Group and is testimony to the expertise and uniquely differentiated offering within the expanded business.

New branding

Following the acquisition of Blyth in December 2015, the Group made a strategic decision to optimise the combined expertise of Blyth and the Energy Assets' Siteworks gas design and project management service to create a new force in gas, electricity and water utility network provision for housebuilders and I&C markets. The new Energy Assets Utilities brand was launched immediately following the year end and, going forward, will deliver all utility network services and activities as an integral part of the wider Group activities.

Funding and financial position

In November 2015 we announced a GBP10m increase to our current facility with Lombard, the asset finance division of The Royal Bank of Scotland Group, taking total facilities from the Group's three main funding partners to GBP110m.

The expansion of the Group's relationship with Lombard increased the facility to GBP70m, on the same terms as previously agreed. Additionally, an extension was agreed on the Group's GBP35m Bank of Scotland facility which is now available for a further two years.

We continue to enjoy good relationships with all of our banking partners, who have expressed a keen interest to continue working with the Group, and we are confident that these relationships will provide sufficient funding to facilitate our future growth plans as we work towards being the supplier of choice for customers within the UK I&C utility sector and the largest independent provider of I&C energy metering services in the UK.

Net debt at 31 March 2016 of GBP75.9m was GBP10.8m higher than the previous year mainly as a result of the increase in capital expenditure to service the growing meter portfolio. Capital investment in meters amounted to GBP21.7m in the year and, at 31 March 2016, Energy Assets had a gas meter portfolio of circa 147,000 meters with a net book value of GBP101.5m (2015: circa 123,000 gas meters with a net book value of GBP85.4m).

Available facilities at the financial year end amounted to GBP29.5m (2015: GBP28.7m) and the cash at bank balance at 31 March 2016 was GBP6.7m (2015: GBP7.8m).

Principal business risks and uncertainties

With 58% of our revenue being long term recurring revenue, over a period of up to 20 years, much of our business is considered to be predictable and relatively low risk.

Nonetheless, potential risks to the business are continuously reviewed as part of our Operational Risk Self Assessment process and actions to mitigate these risks are identified. The key risks identified and managed are set out in the Strategic Report within the 2016 Annual Report and Accounts and are summarised below:

 
 Key risk                          Mitigation 
--------------------------------  ------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 Interruption or failure 
  of IT systems which                     *    Robust systems with appropriate back-up procedures in 
  could impair the Group's                     place both on and off-site; 
  ability to provide 
  services and invoice 
  assets effectively                      *    Experienced internal IT software development 
                                               resource; 
 
 
                                          *    Stringent test regime in respect of operating 
                                               platforms; 
 
 
                                          *    Disaster recovery and business interruption processes 
                                               regularly tested. 
--------------------------------  ------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 Debt funding availability 
                                          *    Ongoing dialogue with potential funders; 
 
 
                                          *    Relationships with new funding partners who are keen 
                                               to work with Energy Assets; 
 
 
                                          *    Current funding which, based on current plans, covers 
                                               a period of at least 18 months. 
--------------------------------  ------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 Reliance on the performance 
  of subcontractors                       *    Careful monitoring of the quality of work undertaken 
                                               by subcontractors and the accreditations accorded to 
                                               them; 
 
 
                                          *    Development and expansion of the Group's existing 
                                               internal resource team. 
--------------------------------  ------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 Changes in government 
  policy for all meters                   *    Active engagement with industry bodies and working 
  to be smart or advanced                      groups; 
  by 2020 
 
                                          *    Contribution to sector consultation; 
 
 
                                          *    Well respected internal resource influencing industry 
                                               standards and DECC policy. 
--------------------------------  ------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 Key risk                          Mitigation 
--------------------------------  ------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 Economic conditions 
  impacting demand for                    *    Broad customer mix of retail organisations, local 
  Group services                               governments and purchasing clubs minimising the 
                                               effect of economic conditions and short-term 
                                               decisions. 
--------------------------------  ------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 Pricing pressures 
                                          *    Pricing pressures are regularly monitored and the 
                                               Group maintains strong relationships and 
                                               communication with all customers; 
 
 
                                          *    The Group constantly reviews its prices and costs to 
                                               ensure these remain competitive whilst continuing to 
                                               ensure adequate levels of shareholder return. 
--------------------------------  ------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 Dependency on a limited 
  number of gas suppliers.                *    The Group maintains strong relationships with all 
                                               customers; 
 
 
                                          *    Customer service is paramount and the level of 
                                               service provided to Energy Assets' customers is 
                                               second to none; 
 
 
                                          *    Strict service levels are monitored throughout the 
                                               business to ensure the Group meets and exceeds 
                                               customer expectations; 
 
 
                                          *    Continued diversification of products and services to 
                                               new and existing clients dilutes such dependencies. 
--------------------------------  ------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 Change of gas supplier 
  by end-user consumer                    *    The Group strives to maintain continued dialogue with 
  which may lead to                            a number of gas suppliers and those in need of our 
  the return of meters                         services as a fully integrated metering solution; 
  to the Group and a 
  corresponding loss 
  of rental income                        *    Energy Assets now serves gas suppliers who represent 
                                               over 80% of the I&C gas market by volume of gas 
                                               supplied and the Group seeks to build and maintain 
                                               strong relationships with all of these gas suppliers 
                                               ensuring the risk of churn is minimised. 
--------------------------------  ------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 Loss of required accreditations 
                                          *    The Group takes its commitment to retaining 
                                               accreditations seriously and the internal compliance 
                                               manager is responsible for ensuring all requirements 
                                               are met and all staff members are fully trained; 
 
 
                                          *    The Group has no significant non-conformities in 
                                               respect of the accreditations it holds. 
--------------------------------  ------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 

By order of the Board

Philip Bellamy-Lee John McMorrow

Chief Executive Officer Chief Financial Officer

7 June 2016 7 June 2016

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

For year ended 31 March 2016

 
                                                Note       2016       2015 
                                                        GBP'000    GBP'000 
 
 Revenue                                         4       45,270     36,208 
 Cost of sales                                   4     (20,064)   (16,098) 
                                                      ---------  --------- 
 Gross profit                                            25,206     20,110 
 Administrative expenses                         4     (10,214)    (6,991) 
                                                      ---------  --------- 
 Operating profit                                        14,992     13,119 
 
 Attributable to: 
 Operating profit before exceptional 
  items                                                  15,228     12,721 
 Exceptional acquisition costs                   5        (236)      (129) 
 Exceptional gain on acquisition                 5            -        760 
 Exceptional IPO share based payment 
  expense                                        5            -      (233) 
                                                      --------- 
 Operating profit                                        14,992     13,119 
---------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------- 
 
 Finance income                                              16         10 
 Finance costs                                          (4,504)    (3,811) 
                                                      ---------  --------- 
 Profit before tax                                       10,504      9,318 
 
 Taxation                                        6      (2,051)    (1,852) 
                                                      ---------  --------- 
 Profit for the year                                      8,453      7,466 
 
 Other comprehensive income 
 Items that may subsequently be reclassified 
  to profit or loss 
 Cash flow hedge movement, net of tax                         3      (891) 
                                                      ---------  --------- 
 Total comprehensive income for the 
  year                                                    8,456      6,575 
                                                      ---------  --------- 
 
 Basic earnings per share (pence)                7        30.36      27.30 
 
 Diluted earnings per share (pence)              7        29.37      26.61 
 

Consolidated Balance Sheet

As at 31 March 2016

 
                                         Note       2016       2015 
                                                 GBP'000    GBP'000 
 ASSETS 
 
 Non-current assets 
 Intangible assets                                22,535     17,658 
 Property, plant and equipment            8      107,199     90,586 
 Deferred tax asset                                3,782      4,363 
                                               ---------  --------- 
                                                 133,516    112,607 
 Current assets 
 Inventories                                       2,357      1,717 
 Trade and other receivables                      13,051      7,785 
 Cash and cash equivalents                         6,748      7,835 
                                               ---------  --------- 
                                                  22,156     17,337 
 
 TOTAL ASSETS                                    155,672    129,944 
                                               ---------  --------- 
 
 EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 
 
 Liabilities 
 Current liabilities 
 Trade and other payables                         19,223     14,240 
 Current tax liabilities                             129        184 
 Borrowings                                        9,891      8,207 
                                               ---------  --------- 
                                                  29,243     22,631 
 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Borrowings                                       72,746     64,707 
 Derivative financial instruments                  2,062      2,117 
 Deferred tax liabilities                          5,323      3,995 
                                               ---------  --------- 
                                                  80,131     70,819 
 
 Total liabilities                               109,374     93,450 
 
 NET ASSETS                                       46,298     36,494 
                                               ---------  --------- 
 
 Equity attributable to owners of the 
  parent 
 Share capital                                       280        278 
 Share premium                                    16,270     15,272 
 Share based payment reserve                       1,351      1,050 
 Other reserves                                 (33,876)   (33,879) 
 Retained earnings                                62,273     53,773 
                                               ---------  --------- 
                                                  46,298     36,494 
                                               ---------  --------- 
 
 TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES                    155,672    129,944 
                                               ---------  --------- 
 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

For year ended 31 March 2016

 
                                                        Share based 
                                                            payment                     Retained 
                        Share capital   Share premium       reserve   Other reserves    earnings     TOTAL 
                              GBP'000         GBP'000       GBP'000          GBP'000     GBP'000   GBP'000 
 Attributable 
  to the owners 
  of the Parent 
  Company: 
 
 At 1 April 
  2014                            272          14,274         1,171         (32,988)      45,672    28,401 
 
 Profit for 
  the year                          -               -             -                -       7,466     7,466 
 Cash flow hedge 
  movement, net 
  of tax                            -               -             -            (891)           -     (891) 
---------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------  ---------------  ----------  -------- 
 Total comprehensive 
  (expense)/ 
  income for 
  the year                          -               -             -            (891)       7,466     6,575 
---------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------  ---------------  ----------  -------- 
 
 Issue of shares                    6             998             -                -           -     1,004 
 Value of employee 
  services                          -               -           290                -           -       290 
 Equity element 
  of deferred 
  tax on share 
  based payments                    -               -           269                -           -       269 
 Transfer to 
  retained earnings 
  upon exercise 
  of share options                  -               -         (680)                -         635      (45) 
---------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------  ---------------  ----------  -------- 
 Transactions 
  with owners 
  of the Parent 
  Company                           6             998         (121)                -         635     1,518 
---------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------  ---------------  ----------  -------- 
 
 At 31 March 
  2015                            278          15,272         1,050         (33,879)      53,773    36,494 
                       --------------  --------------  ------------  ---------------  ----------  -------- 
 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

For year ended 31 March 2016

 
                                                        Share based 
                                                            payment                     Retained 
                        Share capital   Share premium       reserve   Other reserves    earnings     TOTAL 
                              GBP'000         GBP'000       GBP'000          GBP'000     GBP'000   GBP'000 
 Attributable 
  to the owners 
  of the Parent 
  Company: 
 
 At 1 April 
  2015                            278          15,272         1,050         (33,879)      53,773    36,494 
 
 Profit for 
  the year                          -               -             -                -       8,453     8,453 
 Cash flow hedge 
  movement, net 
  of tax                            -               -             -                3           -         3 
---------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------  ---------------  ----------  -------- 
 Total comprehensive 
  income for 
  the year                          -               -             -                3       8,453     8,456 
---------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------  ---------------  ----------  -------- 
 
 Issue of shares                    2             998             -                -           -     1,000 
 Value of employee 
  services                          -               -           599                -           -       599 
 Equity element 
  of deferred 
  tax on share 
  based payments                    -               -         (212)                -           -     (212) 
 Transfer to 
  retained earnings 
  upon exercise 
  of share options                  -               -          (86)                -          47      (39) 
---------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------  ---------------  ----------  -------- 
 Transactions 
  with owners 
  of the Parent 
  Company                           2             998           301                -          47     1,348 
---------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------  ---------------  ----------  -------- 
 
 At 31 March 
  2016                            280          16,270         1,351         (33,876)      62,273    46,298 
                       --------------  --------------  ------------  ---------------  ----------  -------- 
 

Consolidated statement of cash flows

For year ended 31 March 2016

 
                                                          2016       2015 
                                                       GBP'000    GBP'000 
 Cash flows from operating activities 
 Profit before taxation                                 10,504      9,318 
 Finance income                                           (16)       (10) 
 Finance costs                                           4,504      3,811 
 Exceptional gain on acquisition                             -      (760) 
 Depreciation                                            6,592      6,160 
 Intangibles amortisation                                  678        545 
 Net foreign exchange gains                                  -        (4) 
 Share based payment expense                               599        290 
 Increase in inventories                                 (440)      (253) 
 Increase in trade and other receivables               (2,318)    (1,353) 
 Increase in trade and other payables                      962      1,794 
                                                     ---------  --------- 
 Cash generated from operations                         21,065     19,538 
 Income tax                                              (225)          - 
                                                     ---------  --------- 
 Net cash from operating activities                     20,840     19,538 
 
 Cash flows for investing activities 
 Payments to acquire property, plant and equipment    (23,589)   (22,866) 
 Payments to acquire intangible assets                   (823)      (339) 
 Purchase of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired        (2,750)    (6,541) 
 Finance income                                             16         10 
                                                     ---------  --------- 
 Net cash used in investing activities                (27,146)   (29,736) 
 
 Cash flows from financing activities 
 Proceeds from new borrowings                           18,878     20,922 
 Repayments of borrowings                              (9,155)    (6,931) 
 Finance costs                                         (4,504)    (3,811) 
 Net cash from financing activities                      5,219     10,180 
 
 Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents             (1,087)       (18) 
 
 Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of 
  the year                                               7,835      7,853 
 
 Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the 
  year                                                   6,748      7,835 
                                                     ---------  --------- 
 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2016

   1)   Financial information 

This announcement does not constitute full accounts within the meaning of section 434 of the Companies Act 2006 but is derived from the audited accounts for the year ended 31 March 2016 for which an unqualified audit report has been received. The statutory accounts for the year ended 31 March 2016 will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies.

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Energy Assets Group plc is intended to take place in London on 7 September 2016. Notice of the AGM and related papers, including the statutory accounts, will be sent to shareholders at least 21 clear days before the meeting.

While the information included within this announcement has been prepared in accordance with the recognition and measurement criteria of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), as adopted by the European Union (EU), it does not in itself contain sufficient information to comply with IFRS.

This information has been approved for issue by the Board of Directors of Energy Assets Group plc on 7 June 2016. Energy Assets Group plc was incorporated in the United Kingdom on 1 February 2012 which is where it is domiciled.

   2)   Basis of preparation 

The consolidated financial statements of Energy Assets Group plc have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union (IFRSs as adopted by the EU), the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS and the Listing Rules.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified by financial assets and liabilities (including derivative instruments) at fair value through profit or loss.

   3)   Going concern 

The Group's business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance and position, are set out in the Strategic Report within the 2016 Annual Report and Accounts.

The Directors have considered these factors, the likely performance of the business and possible alternative outcomes, the financing facilities available to the Group, compliance with financial covenants and the possible actions able to be taken should new facilities not be available in the future.

Having taken all of these factors into consideration, the Directors confirm that forecasts and projections indicate that the Group and its Parent Company have adequate resources for the foreseeable future and at least for the period of 12 months from the date of this report. Accordingly the financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis.

   4)   Segment information 

Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the reports made to the chief operating decision maker. It is considered that the role of chief operating decision maker is performed by the Board of Directors.

The Group currently only operates in the UK and for management purposes is organised into three core divisions:

                 --      Meter asset management; 
                 --      Data services; and 
                 --      Siteworks 

This currently forms the basis of the Group's reportable operating segments. However, in the future as the business develops and moves towards a multi utility offering in accordance with its primary strategy, meter asset management and data services are likely to converge into a single division as customer demand increases for a combined service offering meaning it may become less relevant to split out revenue and costs associated with these divisions.

The measure of profit principally used to allocate resources is gross profit. However, as interest costs arise on borrowings which are wholly attributable to the meter asset management and data services segments, finance costs are also allocated to these segments.

EBITDA is monitored on a Group level but not at segment level and therefore this has not been presented within this note.

Certain central costs, assets and liabilities are not allocated to segments as they are managed on a Group basis. These comprise primarily central and management overhead costs, cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable.

 
                                 Meter asset 
 Year ended 31 March 2016         management   Data services   Siteworks   Total operations 
                                     GBP'000         GBP'000     GBP'000            GBP'000 
 Revenue from external 
  customers                           16,653           9,476      19,141             45,270 
 Cost of sales - depreciation        (5,501)           (621)           -            (6,122) 
 Cost of sales - amortisation          (331)               -           -              (331) 
 Cost of sales - other                     -         (4,326)     (9,285)           (13,611) 
                                ------------  --------------  ----------  ----------------- 
 Group gross profit                   10,821           4,529       9,856             25,206 
 
 Items not reported by 
  segment: 
 Other operating costs                                                              (9,161) 
 Depreciation                                                                         (470) 
 Amortisation                                                                         (347) 
 Exceptional costs                                                                    (236) 
                                                                          ----------------- 
 Group operating profit                                                              14,992 
 
 Net finance costs                   (4,169)           (127)                        (4,488) 
 
 Profit before tax                     6,652           4,402                         10,504 
                                ------------  -------------- 
 
 Tax                                                                                (2,051) 
 
 Profit for the year                                                                  8,453 
                                                                          ----------------- 
 

During the year, sales to related parties amounted to GBP9.5m (2015: GBP9.0m) being sales made on an arm's length basis to a company controlled by one of the Group's significant shareholders. In addition, revenue of GBP5.3m (2015: GBP4.5m) was received from another single external customer in relation to data and metering services.

 
 At 31 March 2016            Meter asset 
                              management   Data services   Siteworks   Total operations 
                                 GBP'000         GBP'000     GBP'000            GBP'000 
 
 Intangible assets                 5,116               -           -              5,116 
 Property, plant and 
  equipment                      101,527           4,841           -            106,368 
 Assets not reported 
  by segment                                                                     44,188 
                                                                      ----------------- 
 Total assets                                                                   155,672 
                                                                      ----------------- 
 
 Bank borrowings                (74,410)         (1,552)           -           (75,962) 
 Liabilities not reported 
  by segment                                                                   (33,412) 
                                                                      ----------------- 
 Total liabilities                                                            (109,374) 
                                                                      ----------------- 
 
 
                                 Meter asset 
 Year ended 31 March 2015         management   Data services   Siteworks   Total operations 
                                     GBP'000         GBP'000     GBP'000            GBP'000 
 Revenue from external 
  customers                           14,089           9,229      12,890             36,208 
 Cost of sales - depreciation        (4,418)         (1,386)           -            (5,804) 
 Cost of sales - amortisation          (331)               -           -              (331) 
 Cost of sales - other                     -         (3,561)     (6,402)            (9,963) 
                                ------------  --------------  ----------  ----------------- 
 Group gross profit                    9,340           4,282       6,488             20,110 
 
 Items not reported by 
  segment: 
 Other operating costs                                                              (6,819) 
 Depreciation                                                                         (356) 
 Amortisation                                                                         (214) 
 Net exceptional gain                                                                   398 
                                                                          ----------------- 
 Group operating profit                                                              13,119 
 
 Net finance costs                   (3,632)           (169)                        (3,801) 
 
 Profit before tax                     5,708           4,113                          9,318 
                                ------------  -------------- 
 
 Tax                                                                                (1,852) 
 
 Profit for the year                                                                  7,466 
                                                                          ----------------- 
 
 
 At 31 March 2015            Meter asset 
                              management   Data services   Siteworks   Total operations 
                                 GBP'000         GBP'000     GBP'000            GBP'000 
 
 Intangible assets                 5,447               -           -              5,447 
 Property, plant and 
  equipment                       85,412           4,240           -             89,652 
 Assets not reported 
  by segment                                                                     34,845 
                                                                      ----------------- 
 Total assets                                                                   129,944 
                                                                      ----------------- 
 
 Bank borrowings                (65,510)         (2,462)           -           (67,972) 
 Liabilities not reported 
  by segment                                                                   (25,478) 
                                                                      ----------------- 
 Total liabilities                                                             (93,450) 
                                                                      ----------------- 
 
   5)   Exceptional items 

Items that are material because of their size or nature, non-recurring and whose significance is sufficient to warrant separate disclosure and identification within the consolidated financial information are referred to as exceptional items. The separate reporting of exceptional items helps to provide an understanding of the Group's underlying performance.

 
                                                   2016      2015 
                                                GBP'000   GBP'000 
 Exceptional acquisition costs                      236       129 
 Exceptional gain on acquisition                      -     (760) 
 Exceptional IPO share based payment expense          -       233 
                                               --------  -------- 
                                                    236     (398) 
                                               --------  -------- 
 

During the year the Group incurred non-recurring transaction costs relating to the acquisition of Blyth amounting to GBP0.1m. In the prior year similar costs of GBP0.1m were incurred in relation to the acquisitions of Origin and SA Gas. The Group also incurred non-recurring transaction costs of GBP0.1m in the current year relating to the proposed acquisition by Euston BidCo Ltd.

Upon acquisition of Bglobal Metering, the fair value of the net assets of this company were greater than the fair value of the consideration paid resulting in a gain on the acquisition of GBP0.8m in the prior year.

The Group implemented a number of share based payment schemes as part of the IPO on 22 March 2012. The expense for the prior year in relation to these schemes amounted to GBP0.2m. No further expense will be incurred in the future in relation to these schemes.

   6)   Taxation 
 
                                                          2016      2015 
                                                       GBP'000   GBP'000 
 Analysis of charge in the year 
 
 Current tax: 
 Adjustments in respect of previous periods                 17         - 
 
 Deferred tax: 
 Origination and reversal of temporary differences     (2,212)   (1,852) 
 Effect of changes in tax rate on opening liability        144         - 
                                                      --------  -------- 
 Total deferred tax                                    (2,068)   (1,852) 
 
 Tax charge                                            (2,051)   (1,852) 
                                                      --------  -------- 
 

The tax on the Group's profit before tax differs from the theoretical amount that would arise using the weighted average tax rate applicable to profits of the consolidated entities as follows:

 
                                                      2016      2015 
                                                   GBP'000   GBP'000 
 
 Profit before tax                                  10,504     9,318 
 
 Tax calculated at domestic tax rate applicable 
  to profits (2016: 20%, 2015: 21%)                (2,101)   (1,957) 
 
 Effects of: 
 Effect of items not deductible/taxable for tax 
  purposes                                           (103)       137 
 Adjustments in respect of previous periods              9      (32) 
 Effect of changes in tax rate                         144         - 
                                                  --------  -------- 
 Tax charge                                        (2,051)   (1,852) 
                                                  --------  -------- 
 

A number of changes to the UK Corporation tax system were announced in the March 2015 Budget Statement with the main rate of corporation tax reduced from 20% to 19% from 1 April 2017 and from 19% to 18% from 1 April 2020. Deferred taxes at the balance sheet date have been measured using these enacted tax rates and reflected in these financial statements.

   7)   Earnings per share 

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to ordinary equity holders of the Group by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year.

 
                                                             2016     2015 
 Net profit attributable to equity holders of 
  the Group (GBP'000)                                       8,453    7,466 
 Weighted average number of shares in issue (thousands)    27,846   27,346 
 Basic earnings per share from continuing operations 
  (pence)                                                   30.36    27.30 
 

Diluted earnings per share is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding to assume conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares.

This is done by calculating the number of shares that could have been acquired at fair value (determined as the average market share price of the Company's shares in the year) based on the monetary value of the exercise price attached to outstanding share options. The number of shares calculated above is compared with the number of shares that will be issued assuming the exercise of the share options.

Therefore, the earnings per share calculation is required to be adjusted in relation to the share options that are in issue under the LTIP, Deferred Bonus Plan and the IPO Award Plan as follows. None of the shares under the SIP or the Employee Retention Award Plan are potentially dilutive as these are to be settled with shares purchased on the open market.

 
                                                             2016     2015 
 Net profit attributable to equity holders of 
  the Group (GBP'000)                                       8,453    7,466 
 Weighted average number of shares in issue (thousands)    28,786   28,062 
 Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations 
  (pence)                                                   29.37    26.61 
 
   8)   Property, plant and equipment 
 
                                                     Furniture, 
                                                       fittings 
                                              Data     & office    Plant and       Motor 
                             Gas meters    loggers    equipment    machinery    vehicles     TOTAL 
                                GBP'000    GBP'000      GBP'000      GBP'000     GBP'000   GBP'000 
 At 31 March 2016 
 
 Cost 
 At 1 April 2015                 99,304      7,952        1,736           78          64   109,134 
 Additions                       21,708      1,222          293           80           -    23,303 
 From acquisitions                    -          -           45            -          15        60 
 FV balance sheet                  (92)          -         (18)         (20)        (27)     (157) 
 Disposals                            -          -            -            -         (1)       (1) 
 At 31 March 2016               120,920      9,174        2,056          138          51   132,339 
 
 Accumulated depreciation 
 At 1 April 2015                 13,892      3,712          921           13          10    18,548 
 Charge for the 
  year                            5,501        621          398           46          26     6,592 
 At 31 March 2016                19,393      4,333        1,319           59          36    25,140 
 
 NBV 
                            -----------  ---------  -----------  -----------  ----------  -------- 
 At 31 March 2016               101,527      4,841          737           79          15   107,199 
                            -----------  ---------  -----------  -----------  ----------  -------- 
 At 31 March 2015                85,412      4,240          815           65          54    90,586 
 

Gas Meter additions include directly attributable costs of GBP5.3m (2015: GBP4.1m).

Borrowings are secured by a fixed and floating charge over the metering assets to which they relate.

 
                                                     Furniture, 
                                                       fittings 
                                              Data     & office    Plant and       Motor 
                             Gas meters    loggers    equipment    machinery    vehicles     TOTAL 
                                GBP'000    GBP'000      GBP'000      GBP'000     GBP'000   GBP'000 
 At 31 March 2015 
 
 Cost 
 At 1 April 2014                 77,988      6,352        1,162            -           9    85,511 
 Additions                       20,890      1,600          359           17           -    22,866 
 From acquisitions                  426          -          215           61          67       769 
 Disposals                            -          -            -            -        (12)      (12) 
 At 31 March 2015                99,304      7,952        1,736           78          64   109,134 
 
 Accumulated depreciation 
 At 1 April 2014                  9,474      2,326          579            -           9    12,388 
 Charge for the 
  year                            4,418      1,386          342           13           1     6,160 
 At 31 March 2015                13,892      3,712          921           13          10    18,548 
 
 NBV 
                            -----------  ---------  -----------  -----------  ----------  -------- 
 At 31 March 2015                85,412      4,240          815           65          54    90,586 
                            -----------  ---------  -----------  -----------  ----------  -------- 
 At 31 March 2014                68,514      4,026          583            -           -    73,123 
 
   9)     Net debt/EBITDA 

The Group monitors capital on the basis of net debt divided by EBITDA. Net debt is calculated as total borrowings less cash and EBITDA is calculated as operating profit before any exceptional items, interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation as follows:

 
                                     2016      2015 
                                  GBP'000   GBP'000 
 Profit before tax                 10,504     9,318 
 Add: finance costs                 4,504     3,811 
 Less: finance income                (16)      (10) 
 Add: depreciation                  6,592     6,160 
 Add: amortisation                    678       545 
 Add/(less): exceptional items        236     (398) 
                                 --------  -------- 
 EBITDA                            22,498    19,426 
                                 --------  -------- 
 
 
                                       2016      2015 
                                    GBP'000   GBP'000 
 Total borrowings                    82,637    72,914 
 Less: cash and cash equivalents    (6,748)   (7,835) 
                                   --------  -------- 
 Net debt                            75,889    65,079 
 
 EBITDA                              22,498    19,426 
 
 Net debt/EBITDA                        3.4       3.4 
 

10) Leased assets

The Group, as part of its core business, is a lessor of gas metering assets. These are leased to customers under operating leases. The minimum lease rentals receivable at current prices assuming the lease remains in place for its expected term are as follows:

 
                                   2016      2015 
                                GBP'000   GBP'000 
 Within one year                 16,992    14,870 
 Between one to two years        16,992    14,870 
 Between three to five years     50,976    44,610 
 More than five years           196,844   180,985 
                               --------  -------- 
                                281,804   255,335 
                               --------  -------- 
 

These lease payments are subject to annual reviews and are cancellable by the customer.

11) Acquisitions

Blyth

On 9 December 2015, Energy Assets acquired the entire issued share capital of Blyth, a Multi-Utility Infrastructure Provider involved in the design and construction of utility networks direct to commercial and residential developers throughout Scotland and the North of England.

The following table summarises the consideration paid for Blyth and the fair value of the amounts recognised at the acquisition date for each major class of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as provisionally determined. The fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed may be revised within the 12 month period post acquisition:

 
 
  Consideration                                GBP'000 
 Cash                                            1,500 
 Shares                                          1,000 
 Deferred consideration                          2,500 
                                              -------- 
                                                 5,000 
 Less: cash acquired through the subsidiary          - 
                                              -------- 
 Net cash to acquire subsidiary                  5,000 
                                              -------- 
 
 
 Net assets acquired: 
 Property, plant and equipment         60 
 Inventories                          200 
 Trade and other receivables        2,948 
 Cash and cash equivalents              - 
 Trade and other payables         (2,597) 
                                      611 
 Goodwill                           4,389 
                                 -------- 
 Total purchase price               5,000 
                                 -------- 
 

Goodwill has been reflected within intangible assets on the Group balance sheet. Goodwill recognised is attributable to a variety of intangible benefits including economies of scale from bringing the Blyth business in-house, the ability to provide a broader service offering to customers and access to the company's highly qualified team of specialist engineers and technicians.

The fair value of trade and other receivables is GBP2.9m and GBP2.3m is attributed to trade receivables. This is the gross contractual amount of which all is expected to be collectible.

In the year to 31 March 2016, revenue of GBP3.4m and a profit of GBP0.26m was included in the income statement relating to Blyth for the period from the date of acquisition. If the acquisition had taken place at the start of the year revenue of GBP10.4m and a profit of GBP0.5m would have been included.

Acquisition costs relating to the transaction amounted to GBP0.1m and have been charged to exceptional administrative expenses in the income statement in the year ended 31 March 2016.

Further details of the above business combinations and the benefits that these will bring to the Group are included within the Strategic Report.

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

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(END) Dow Jones Newswires

June 07, 2016 02:01 ET (06:01 GMT)

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