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FCRM Fulcrum Utility Services Ld

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Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Fulcrum Utility Services Ld LSE:FCRM London Ordinary Share KYG368851047 ORD 0.1P (DI)
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 0.15 0.10 0.20 0.00 01:00:00
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Fulcrum Utility Services Ltd Unaudited Interim Results (0188R)

06/12/2016 7:00am

UK Regulatory


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RNS Number : 0188R

Fulcrum Utility Services Ltd

06 December 2016

FULCRUM UTILITY SERVICES LIMITED

("Fulcrum" or the "Company")

Unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2016

Fulcrum, the UK's market leading independent energy and multi-utility infrastructure and services provider, today announces its interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2016.

The Company has continued to improve its performance and strengthen its balance sheet. Trading performance this year to date is strong and prospects for the rest of the year look positive. The Company started paying dividends in 2014/15 with a modest final dividend and the Board's aim was to be able to increase dividends progressively to a stage where a formal dividend policy could be adopted. The Company's performance last year enabled the payment of significantly increased dividends for 2015/16. Today, the Board is announcing a formal dividend policy which it will apply to the current year 2016/17.

Financial highlights

   --      Profit before tax of GBP3.1 million (2015: GBP1.6 million) 
   --      EBITDA of GBP3.5 million (2015: GBP2.0 million) 
   --      Revenue up by 0.6% to GBP17.2 million (2015: GBP17.1 million) 
   --      Gross margin increased by 7.9% 

-- Net cash inflows from operations of GBP3.8 million, after the addition of GBP1.1 million in pipeline assets

   --      Cash of GBP12.5 million at September 2016 (2015: GBP5.6 million) 
   --      Revolving credit facility of GBP4.0 million remains undrawn 
   --      Basic earnings per share of 1.6p (2015: 1.0p). 

Dividend policy and interim dividend

-- The Board is of the view that the Company has reached a level of financial performance that enables it to adopt a formal dividend policy. The business is now achieving solid profits, generating cash and business prospects are positive. The Company has cash reserves, no debt and unused borrowing facilities. As a result, the Board considers that a dividend cover of around two, based on underlying, sustainable profit, is appropriate going forward. Furthermore, it is expected that the split of dividends between the interim and final dividends will be approximately one third / two thirds

-- In line with the above stated dividend policy, the Board is today declaring an interim dividend of 0.6p per share for the 2016/17 financial year (2016: 0.3p per share) payable on 27 January 2017 to members on the register on 30 December 2016. Shares will be marked ex-dividend on 29 December 2016.

Operational highlights

-- Secured a GBP4.0 million project to install a new gas pipeline to a food manufacturing plant

   --      Won and delivered an array of new gas, electricity and multi-utility contracts 

-- Order book at 30 September 2016 increased by GBP2.6 million (+12%) to GBP24.4 million, compared to 31 March 2016

   --      Recurring gas pipeline transportation income grown to an annualised GBP1.5 million 
   --      Further operational efficiencies implemented, helping to increase the gross margin 

-- Full Meter Asset Manager (MAM) accreditation gained to adopt, run and operate all classes of meters

-- Decision made to obtain independent distribution network operator (IDNO) licence to enable ownership of electrical assets

-- New IT infrastructure project delivered on time and within budget, saving GBP0.2 million per annum over next five years.

Martin Donnachie, CEO of Fulcrum, said:

"Fulcrum continues to focus on becoming the UK's most trusted utility services partner and is delighted to deliver another set of strong results. The numbers demonstrate how our integrated business model of providing multi-utility infrastructure services and growing our asset base continues to deliver financial and operational growth.

Fulcrum is well-positioned to grow sustainably in the utility services market through ongoing investment in our people and processes to deliver customer focused, streamlined operations. We believe this approach will continue to provide opportunities for further profitable growth, sustained cash generation and returns to our shareholders."

Enquiries

 
Fulcrum Utility Services Limited 
 Craig Baugh, Head of Marketing and         +44 (0)114 
 Customer Engagement                         280 4150 
 
 Cenkos Securities plc (Nominated adviser 
 and broker)                                 +44 (0)20 7397 
 Max Hartley (Nomad) / Oliver Baxendale      8900 
 (Sales) 
 
 Camarco (Financial PR advisers)             +44(0)203 757 
 Ginny Pulbrook / Tom Huddart                4992 
 

Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) Disclosure

Certain information contained in this announcement would have been deemed inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 until the release of this announcement.

Notes to Editor

Fulcrum is the UK's market leading independent energy and multi-utility infrastructure and services provider. The Company's primary business is the provision of unregulated utility connection services to the residential, commercial and industrial markets throughout the UK. These range from the design, installation or alteration of connections for single site properties to large complex multi-site projects. Through its subsidiary, Fulcrum Pipelines Limited, Fulcrum is also licensed as an Independent Gas Transporter, operating pipelines used to transport gas to homes and commercial properties from the main UK gas network.

BUSINESS AND OPERATING REVIEW

We are pleased to announce our interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2016. Compared to the previous half year period to 30 September 2015, we have again improved profitability, achieving a record high EBITDA of GBP3.5 million and increased cash generation with cash at bank of GBP12.5 million, supporting the proposed progressive dividend policy.

Trading

The investment in our sales team is yielding results - the order book at 30 September 2016 had grown by GBP2.6 million (12%) to GBP24.4 million, compared to 31 March 2016. In line with the stated intention to expand into electricity and multi-utility services, a greater proportion of electricity and multi-utility contracts have been tendered and won in the first half of 2016/17. These wins are incremental to the core offering of gas projects.

Notable contract wins since 31 March 2016 include:

-- A GBP4.0m project to install a new 12km gas pipeline to a large food manufacturing plant in the South West, converting the site from its existing fuel oil source to natural gas, generating large cost savings for the manufacturer.

-- A GBP1.4 million contract to install over two kilometres of gas pipeline infrastructure to a new manufacturing plant in the North East of England.

-- A GBP1.0 million contract to install four kilometres of high voltage electrical cabling as part of the development of a hospital in the West Midlands.

Our direct delivery model continues to mature - new applications have been developed and implemented for the mobile devices used by the construction teams to improve communications with customers and streamline internal processes to help to drive down the cost of delivery. We have also added two new direct delivery teams in Scotland during H1 who are skilled in laying multi-utility services.

The Fulcrum IT team has successfully replaced all of the core infrastructure with a new solution that reduces operating costs and ensures that Fulcrum has a sustainable, reliable and simplified infrastructure that is flexible to provide for the changing needs of the business. The project was delivered on time and within budget and will realise operating savings of GBP0.2 million per annum from January 2017 over the next five years.

Asset Growth

Gas: We continue to invest in our estate of gas pipeline assets, increasing our owned portfolio of domestic, industrial and commercial assets across the UK by GBP1.1 million to a total net book value of GBP10.4 million at 30 September 2016. The annualised gas transportation income has grown to GBP1.5 million and, with low costs to serve, this annuity income stream represents a secure and profitable component of the Group's future financial stability.

Meters: The decision was taken by the Board to enter the meter asset manager market to own and operate gas meters. Starting from 1 October 2016, the Company has been using its current licence to adopt, own and operate low pressure, domestic gas meters. In addition, the Company commenced commercial meter management from 1 November 2016, which will allow the adoption of medium pressure industrial and commercial meters.

Electricity: In accordance with our strategy to grow sales by developing our service offering and expanding into electricity infrastructure projects, the Company intends to gain an independent distributor network operator (IDNO) licence that will facilitate the adoption, ownership and operation of electrical assets to generate long term transportation income streams. The process to full accreditation is expected to take around 12 months from the initial application that will be made before the calendar year-end.

The meter asset ownership addition, and in due course electrical asset ownership, both complement the Company's existing gas pipeline asset ownership capabilities and completes Fulcrum's end-to-end offering by enabling the adoption of gas meters and electrical infrastructure on delivered contracts and the opportunity to expand the services provided.

Outlook

Fulcrum continues to make excellent progress and is well-positioned to grow sustainably in the utility services market, with a balanced approach across the different routes to market, asset ownership and a commitment to efficient operations and customer service.

We are confident that our robust plans will continue to deliver strong returns for our shareholders. The dividend policy announced today confirms our commitment to distribute these returns. We remain on course to generate value for all of our stakeholders by striving to become the UK's most trusted utility services partner.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Trading results

Revenue

Revenue improved by GBP0.1 million or 0.6% to GBP17.2 million (2015: GBP17.1 million). Revenues from infrastructure services amounted to GBP16.5 million (2015: GBP16.7 million which included GBP1.0 million from the distillery contract) and GBP0.7 million (2015: GBP0.4 million) from pipeline transportation income.

Profit

Gross profit is up by GBP1.4 million to GBP7.4 million (2015: GBP6.0 million), with gross profit margin increasing by 8.0% to 43.2% (2015: 35.2%) benefiting from improvements in operating efficiencies, a broader mix of sales orders being won and delivered and a larger proportion of the high margin pipeline transportation income.

Underlying EBITDA for the period has increased to GBP3.5 million (2015: GBP2.0 million) and profit before tax has increased by GBP1.5 million to GBP3.1 million (2015: GBP1.6 million).

Earnings per share

Basic adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations was 1.6p (2015: 1.0p). On a statutory basis, the diluted profit per ordinary share from continuing operations was 1.4p (2015: 0.9p).

Taxation

Deferred tax assets totalling GBP2.6 million have been recognised at 30 September 2016 (2015: GBP2.7 million). GBP0.6 million was utilised against the Group's taxable profits of GBP3.1 million. The total accumulated losses carried forward amount to GBP17.9 million.

Deferred tax liabilities totalling GBP0.7 million have been recognised at 30 September 2016 (2015: GBP0.6 million) in respect of the revaluation of the industrial and commercial pipeline assets. There is currently no intention to sell these assets and the Group expects to recover their valuation through use therefore no tax is currently expected to be payable in respect of the revaluation.

Cash generation

Working capital has been tightly managed throughout the period and resulted in a positive operating cash flow from trading activities of GBP3.8 million (2015: GBP0.1 million). At 30 September 2016, the Group had net funds of GBP12.5 million (2015: GBP5.6 million), a GBP6.9 million increase against the prior period, even after increased investment in our pipeline estate.

Bank facilities

The Group holds an undrawn revolving credit facility for up to GBP4 million with the Group's bankers, Lloyds Banking Group. Combined with the cash at bank, this provides the Group with sufficient funds to facilitate our trading and asset growth plans and adequate access to cash to cover its contractual obligations. The revolving credit facility remained undrawn throughout the period and the Group has complied with all the financial covenants relating to these facilities.

Principal risks and uncertainties

The risks and uncertainties faced by the Group, as disclosed in the Annual Report and Accounts to 31 March 2016, remain valid, with the main financial risks faced by the Group being credit risk and liquidity risk. The Directors regularly review and agree policies for managing these risks.

Credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents and credit exposure to the Group's customers. Over half of the Group's customers pay in advance of works commencing, with the remaining profile consisting of established large businesses. It is considered that the failure of any single counterparty would not materially impact the financial wellbeing of the Group, other than one customer, for which the risk of failure is considered to be minimal based on current market conditions and performance.

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The Board is responsible for ensuring that the Group has sufficient liquidity to meet its financial liabilities as they fall due without incurring unacceptable losses or risking damage to the Group and does so by monitoring cash flow forecasts and budgets. The Group holds a combination of short and medium term deposits and an undrawn GBP4.0 million revolving credit facility committed to November 2018. These cash deposits and committed facilities are deemed to be sufficient to meet projected liquidity requirements.

Consolidated Interim Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the six months ended 30 September 2016 (unaudited)

 
                                                     Unaudited                   Unaudited                     Audited 
                                           Six months ended 30         Six months ended 30    Year ended 31 March 2016 
                                                September 2016              September 2015 
                              Note                     GBP'000                     GBP'000                     GBP'000 
---------------------------  -----  --------------------------  --------------------------  -------------------------- 
 Revenue                                                17,170                      17,095                      34,505 
 Cost of sales                                         (9,756)                    (11,076)                    (21,520) 
---------------------------  -----  --------------------------  --------------------------  -------------------------- 
 Gross profit                                            7,414                       6,019                      12,985 
 Administrative expenses                               (4,354)                     (4,461)                     (8,748) 
---------------------------  -----  --------------------------  -------------------------- 
 Operating profit                                        3,060                       1,558                       4,237 
---------------------------  -----  --------------------------  --------------------------  -------------------------- 
 Analysed as: 
 EBITDA before share based 
  payments and exceptional 
  items                                                  3,456                       2,020                       5,301 
 Equity settled share based 
  payment charges                                        (106)                        (65)                       (314) 
 Exceptional items               5                           -                           -                         (4) 
 Depreciation and 
  amortisation                                           (290)                       (397)                       (746) 
                                    --------------------------  --------------------------  -------------------------- 
                                                         3,060                       1,558                       4,237 
---------------------------  -----  --------------------------  --------------------------  -------------------------- 
 Net finance income                                         34                           5                          21 
 Profit before tax                                       3,094                       1,563                       4,258 
 Taxation                                                (588)                           -                         476 
---------------------------  -----  --------------------------  --------------------------  -------------------------- 
 Profit for the financial 
  period                                                 2,506                       1,563                       4,734 
---------------------------  -----  --------------------------  --------------------------  -------------------------- 
 Other comprehensive income 
 Items that will never be 
 reclassified to profit 
 Revaluation of property, 
  plant and equipment                                        -                           -                         694 
 Deferred tax on items that 
  will never be 
  reclassified to profit or 
  loss                                                       -                           -                        (64) 
---------------------------  -----  --------------------------  --------------------------  -------------------------- 
 Total comprehensive income 
  for the period                                         2,506                       1,563                       5,364 
---------------------------  -----  --------------------------  --------------------------  -------------------------- 
 Profit per share attributable to the owners of the business 
 Basic                           4                        1.6p                        1.0p                        3.1p 
 Diluted                         4                        1.4p                        0.9p                        2.7p 
---------------------------  -----  --------------------------  --------------------------  -------------------------- 
 

Consolidated Interim Statement of Changes in Equity

For the six months ended 30 September 2016 (unaudited)

 
                                                    Share   Share premium    Revaluation       Retained   Total equity 
                                                  capital                        reserve       earnings 
                                                  GBP'000         GBP'000        GBP'000        GBP'000        GBP'000 
-------------------------------------  ---  -------------  --------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 
  Six months ended 30 September 2016: 
 Balance at 1 April 2016                              156          15,233          3,079       (12,631)          5,837 
 Profit for the period                                  -               -              -          2,506          2,506 
 Transactions with equity 
 shareholders: 
 Issues of new shares                                   4             429              -              -            433 
 Equity settled share-based payments                    -               -              -            106            106 
 Balance at 30 September 2016                         160          15,662          3,079       (10,019)          8,882 
 
  Six months ended 30 September 2015: 
 Balance at 1 April 2015                              154          16,182          2,449       (17,693)          1,092 
 Profit for the period                                  -               -              -          1,563          1,563 
 Transactions with equity shareholders: 
  Issues of new shares                                  1              43              -              -             44 
 Equity settled share-based payments                    -               -              -             65             65 
 Balance at 30 September 2015                         155          16,255          2,449       (16,065)          2,764 
------------------------------------------  -------------  --------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 
   Year ended 31 March 2016: 
 Balance at 1 April 2015                              154          16,182          2,449       (17,693)          1,092 
  Profit for the year                                   -               -              -          4,734          4,734 
  Revaluation surplus                                   -               -            708              -            708 
  Revaluation reserve transfer                          -               -           (14)             14              - 
 Deferred tax liability                                 -               -           (64)              -           (64) 
 Transactions with equity 
 shareholders: 
 Equity-settled share based payments                    -               -              -            314            314 
  Dividends                                             -         (1,087)              -              -        (1,087) 
  Issue of new shares                                   2             138              -              -            140 
------------------------------------------  -------------  --------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Balance at 31 March 2016                             156          15,233          3,079       (12,631)          5,837 
------------------------------------------  -------------  --------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 

Consolidated Interim Balance Sheet

At 30 September 2016 (unaudited)

 
                                                  Unaudited            Unaudited          Audited 
                                          30 September 2016    30 September 2015    31 March 2016 
                                  Note              GBP'000              GBP'000          GBP'000 
-------------------------------  -----  -------------------  -------------------  --------------- 
 Non-current assets 
 Property, plant and equipment                       10,460                7,900            9,480 
 Intangible assets                                    2,492                2,690            2,597 
 Deferred tax assets                 3                2,622                2,734            3,210 
-------------------------------  -----  -------------------  -------------------  --------------- 
                                                     15,574               13,324           15,287 
-------------------------------  -----  -------------------  -------------------  --------------- 
 Current assets 
 Inventories                                          1,192                1,414            1,403 
 Trade and other receivables                          6,283                5,876            6,663 
 Cash and cash equivalents                           12,486                5,634            8,323 
                                                     19,961               12,924           16,389 
-------------------------------  -----  -------------------  -------------------  --------------- 
 Total assets                                        35,535               26,248           31,676 
-------------------------------  -----  -------------------  -------------------  --------------- 
 Current liabilities 
 Trade and other payables            8             (25,908)             (22,637)         (25,065) 
 Provisions                                            (69)                (235)             (98) 
-------------------------------  -----  -------------------  -------------------  --------------- 
                                                   (25,977)             (22,872)         (25,163) 
-------------------------------  -----  -------------------  -------------------  --------------- 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Deferred tax liabilities                             (676)                (612)            (676) 
-------------------------------  -----  -------------------  -------------------  --------------- 
 Total liabilities                                 (26,653)             (23,484)         (25,839) 
-------------------------------  -----  -------------------  -------------------  --------------- 
 Net assets                                           8,882                2,764            5,837 
-------------------------------  -----  -------------------  -------------------  --------------- 
 Equity 
 Share capital                                          160                  155              156 
 Share premium                                       15,662               16,225           15,233 
 Revaluation reserve                                  3,079                2,449            3,079 
 Retained earnings                                 (10,019)             (16,065)         (12,631) 
-------------------------------  -----  -------------------  -------------------  --------------- 
 Total equity                                         8,882                2,764            5,837 
-------------------------------  -----  -------------------  -------------------  --------------- 
 

Consolidated Interim Cash flow Statement

For the six months ended 30 September 2016 (unaudited)

 
                                                     Unaudited                   Unaudited 
                                           Six months ended 30         Six months ended 30                     Audited 
                                                September 2016              September 2015    Year ended 31 March 2016 
                              Note                     GBP'000                     GBP'000                     GBP'000 
---------------------------  -----  --------------------------  --------------------------  -------------------------- 
 Cash flows from operating 
 activities 
 Profit before tax for the 
  period                                                 3,094                       1,563                       4,258 
 Depreciation                                              157                         247                         447 
 Amortisation of intangible 
  assets 
                                                           133                         150                         299 
  Capitalisation of 
  pipeline assets                                      (1,083)                       (558)                     (1,886) 
 Net finance income                                       (34)                         (5)                        (21) 
 Equity settled share based 
  payment charges                                          106                          65                         314 
 Exceptional items               5                           -                           -                           4 
 Decrease/(increase) in 
  trade and other 
  receivables                                              380                     (2,036)                     (2,824) 
 Decrease/(increase) in 
  inventories                                              211                       (125)                       (114) 
 Increase in trade and 
  other payables                 8                         843                         790                       3,448 
 Decrease in provisions                                   (29)                           -                       (137) 
---------------------------  -----  --------------------------  --------------------------  -------------------------- 
 Cash generated from 
  operations                                             3,778                          91                       3,788 
 Net interest received                                      34                           5                          24 
 Net cash from operating 
  activities                                             3,812                          96                       3,812 
---------------------------  -----  --------------------------  --------------------------  -------------------------- 
 Cash flows from investing 
 activities 
 Purchase of property, 
  plant and equipment                                     (55)                        (63)                        (56) 
 Purchase of intangible 
  assets                                                  (27)                        (19)                        (59) 
 Net cash used in investing 
  activities                                              (82)                        (82)                       (115) 
---------------------------  -----  --------------------------  --------------------------  -------------------------- 
 Cash flows from financing 
 activities 
 Dividends paid                                              -                           -                     (1,087) 
 Proceeds from issue of 
  share capital                                            433                          44                         138 
 Repayment of finance lease 
  liabilities                                                -                       (170)                       (171) 
---------------------------  -----  --------------------------  --------------------------  -------------------------- 
 Net cash from/(used in) 
  financing activities                                     433                       (126)                     (1,120) 
---------------------------  -----  --------------------------  --------------------------  -------------------------- 
 Net increase/(decrease) in 
  cash and cash equivalents                              4,163                       (112)                       2,577 
 Cash and cash equivalents 
  at 1 April 2016                                        8,323                       5,746                       5,746 
---------------------------  -----  --------------------------  --------------------------  -------------------------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents 
  at 30 September 2016                                  12,486                       5,634                       8,323 
---------------------------  -----  --------------------------  --------------------------  -------------------------- 
 

NOTES TO THE INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION

   1.         General information 

Fulcrum Utility Services Limited is a limited company incorporated in the Cayman Islands and domiciled in the UK. The address of its registered office is PO Box 309, Ugland House, Grand Cayman, KY1-1104, Cayman Islands. The Company is listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange.

The condensed consolidated interim financial information, including the financial information for the year ended 31 March 2016 set out in this interim financial information, does not comprise statutory accounts within the meaning of section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. The information for the period ended 31 March 2016 is derived from the non-statutory accounts for that financial period. The non-statutory accounts for the year ended 31 March 2016 were approved on 7 June 2016. The Auditor's report on those accounts was unqualified and did not draw attention to any matters by way of emphasis of matter.

These interim financial statements have been reviewed, not audited, by the Group's auditors and their Report is set out on page 13.

   1.1.   Basis of preparation 

The condensed consolidated interim financial information for the period ended 30 September 2016 has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34, 'Interim financial reporting' as adopted by the European Union. The condensed consolidated interim financial information should be read in conjunction with the Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2016 which have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union. The accounting policies adopted in the condensed consolidated interim financial information are consistent with those of the annual financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2016.

   1.2.   Going concern 

As at 30 September 2016 the Group had net assets of GBP8.9 million (2015: GBP2.8 million), including cash of GBP12.5 million (2015: GBP5.6 million) as set out in the consolidated balance sheet and an unused revolving credit facility of GBP4.0 million (2015: GBP4.0 million) and so would be in a position to pay its obligations as they arise. In the six months to 30 September 2016, the Group generated a profit before tax of GBP3.1 million and had net cash inflows of GBP4.2 million.

The Group's forecasts and projections, after taking account of sensitivity analysis of changes in trading performance and corresponding mitigating actions, show that the Group has adequate cash resources for the foreseeable future. As a consequence, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to fund its operations for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the condensed consolidated interim financial statements.

   1.3.   Accounting policies 

The financial statements have been prepared using consistent accounting policies. The following adopted IFRSs have been issued but have not been applied by the Group in the condensed consolidated interim financial information.

   --      IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (effective date 1 January 2018) 
   --      IFRS 14 Regulatory Deferral Accounts (effective date 1 January 2016) 
   --      IFRS 15 Revenue from Contract with Customers (effective date 1 January 2018) 
   --      IFRS 16 Leases (effective date 1 January 2019) 
   --      Annual Improvements to IFRSs - 2012-2014 Cycle (effective date 1 January 2016) 

The adoption of IFRS 15 and IFRS 16 may have an impact on the financial statements when introduced, however, a detailed analysis of the effect is not yet possible. The adoption of other standards is not expected to have a material effect on the financial statements.

In preparing the condensed consolidated interim financial information, the significant judgments made by management in applying the Group's accounting policies and the key sources of estimation uncertainty were the same as those that applied to the consolidated financial statements for the period ended 31 March 2016.

   2.         Segmental analysis 

The Board has been identified as the Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM) as defined under IFRS 8: Operating Segments. The Directors consider there to be two operating segments, infrastructure services and pipelines. Fulcrum's Infrastructure Services provides utility infrastructure and connections services and the pipeline business comprises both the ownership of gas infrastructure assets and the safe and efficient conveyance of gas through its gas transportation networks. Gas transportation services are provided under the IGT licence granted from Ofgem in June 2007.

The information provided to the Board includes management accounts comprising operating profit before exceptional items for each segment and other financial and non-financial information used to manage the business on a consolidated basis.

 
                      Six months to                            Six months to 
                    30 September 2016                         30 September 2015                Year ended 31 March 2016 
                -------------------------  -------  ------------------------------------  ---------------------------------- 
                Infrastructure               Total  Infrastructure                 Total  Infrastructure               Total 
                      Services  Pipelines    Group        Services  Pipelines      Group        Services  Pipelines    Group 
                       GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000         GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000         GBP'000    GBP'000  GBP'000 
                                                    --------------  ---------  ---------  --------------  ---------  ------- 
Reportable 
 segment 
 revenue                16,455        715   17,170          16,651        444     17,095          33,445      1,060   34,505 
Underlying 
 EBITDA                  3,087        369    3,456           1,840        180      2,020           4,829        472    5,301 
Share based 
 payment 
 charge                  (106)          -    (106)            (65)          -       (65)           (314)          -    (314) 
Depreciation 
 and 
 amortisation            (154)      (136)    (290)           (368)      (129)      (397)           (522)      (224)    (746) 
--------------  --------------  ---------  -------  --------------  ---------  ---------  --------------  ---------  ------- 
Reportable 
 segment 
 operating 
 profit before 
 exceptional 
 items                   2,827        233    3,060           1,507         51      1,558           3,993        248    4,241 
Exceptional 
 items                       -          -        -               -          -          -             (4)          -      (4) 
--------------  --------------  ---------  -------  --------------  ---------  ---------  --------------  ---------  ------- 
Reporting 
 segment 
 operating 
 profit                  2,827        233    3,060           1,507         51      1,558           3,989        248    4,237 
Finance income              39          7       46              10          3         13              25          6       31 
Finance 
 expense                  (12)          -     (12)             (8)          -        (8)            (10)          -     (10) 
--------------  --------------  ---------  -------  --------------  ---------  ---------  --------------  ---------  ------- 
Profit before 
 tax                     2,854        240    3,094           1,509         54      1,563           4,004        254    4,258 
--------------  --------------  ---------  -------  --------------  ---------  ---------  --------------  ---------  ------- 
 
 

The Group derives all of its revenue from the UK and all of the Group's customers are based in the UK.

   3.         Taxation 
 
                   Six months to 30 September 2016  Six months to 30 September 2015 
                                           GBP'000                          GBP'000 
-----------------  -------------------------------  ------------------------------- 
Current tax                                  (588)                                - 
Deferred tax                                     -                                - 
-----------------  -------------------------------  ------------------------------- 
Total tax charge                             (588)                                - 
-----------------  -------------------------------  ------------------------------- 
 

Deferred tax has been recognised in respect of tax losses carried forward that are expected to be utilised against future taxable profits. Reductions in the UK corporation tax rate from 23% to 21% (effective from 1 April 2014) and 20% (effective from 1 April 2015) were substantively enacted on 2 July 2013. Further reductions to 19% (effective from 1 April 2017) and to 18% (effective 1 April 2020) were substantively enacted on 26 October 2015. The deferred tax assets at balance sheet date has been calculated based on these rates.

An additional reduction to 17% (effective from 1 April 2020) was announced in the Budget on 16 March 2016. The impact of the change in rate in 2020 does not have a significant impact on the deferred tax balance due to the planned utilisation of the tax losses.

The Group has a further GBP17.9 million (2015: GBP21.4 million) of tax losses of which a deferred tax asset of GBP2.6 million has been recognised. During the period GBP0.6 million of the deferred tax asset was utilised against taxable profits.

   4.         Earnings per share 

Basic earnings per share have been calculated by dividing the profit attributable to shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period which were 155,953,125 (September 2015: 155,864,756, March 2016: 155,062,292). Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary share in issue adjusted to assume conversion of all potentially dilutive ordinary shares from the start of the year, producing a figure of 184,803,122 (September 2015: 177,414,399, March 2016: 177,810,228). The earnings per share from continued operations were as follows:

 
                               Six months to 30 September   Six months to 30 September 2015   Year ended 31 March 2016 
   Profit per share                                  2016 
------------------------  -------------------------------  --------------------------------  ------------------------- 
 Basic                                               1.6p                              1.0p                       3.1p 
------------------------  -------------------------------  --------------------------------  ------------------------- 
 Adjusted basic                                      1.6p                              1.0p                       2.7p 
------------------------  -------------------------------  --------------------------------  ------------------------- 
 Diluted basic                                       1.4p                              0.9p                       2.7p 
------------------------  -------------------------------  --------------------------------  ------------------------- 
 Diluted adjusted basic                              1.4p                              0.9p                       2.4p 
------------------------  -------------------------------  --------------------------------  ------------------------- 
 

The calculation of the basic and diluted earnings per share is based upon the following data:

 
                                  Six months to 30 September     Six months to 30 September   Year ended 31 March 2016 
                                                        2016                           2015 
 Profit for the period                               GBP'000                        GBP'000                    GBP'000 
 Profit for the period 
  attributable to 
  shareholders                                         2,506                          1,563                      4,734 
 Add exceptional items                                     -                              -                          4 
 Less deferred tax asset 
  recognised                                               -                              -                      (476) 
-----------------------------  -----------------------------  -----------------------------  ------------------------- 
 Adjusted profit for the 
  period attributable to 
  shareholders                                         2,506                          1,563                      4,262 
-----------------------------  -----------------------------  -----------------------------  ------------------------- 
 
   5.         Exceptional items 

There were no exceptional items in the period (2015: GBPnil). The exceptional items in 2016 relate to restructuring activities and changing the operating model.

   6.         Related party transactions 

There are no disclosable related party transactions during the period (2015: none).

   7.         Dividend 

At the start of the year the Group declared a dividend of 0.6p per share bringing the total dividend for the full financial year 2015/2016 to 0.9p per share (FY 2014/2015: 0.4p per share). This was paid on 28 October 2016. The Board have proposed an interim dividend for financial year 2017 of 0.6p per share (2015: 0.3p) which will be payable in January 2017.

   8.     Trade and other payables 
 
                                  Six months to 30 September     Six months to 30 September   Year ended 31 March 2016 
                                                        2016                           2015 
                                                     GBP'000                        GBP'000                    GBP'000 
 Trade payables                                        1,717                          1,567                      2,068 
 Accruals and deferred income                         21,810                         19,071                     20,568 
 Other payables                                        2,381                          1,999                      2,429 
------------------------------  ----------------------------  -----------------------------  ------------------------- 
                                                      25,908                         22,637                     25,065 
------------------------------  ----------------------------  -----------------------------  ------------------------- 
 

Of the GBP21.8 million accruals and deferred income, GBP13.9 million (2015: GBP12.4 million) relates to deferred income. Deferred income represents contracted sales for which services to customers will be provided in future periods.

   9.     Financial risk management 

The Group's principal financial instruments are cash, trade receivables and payables. The Group does not have any financial instruments that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair values of all financial instruments are equal to their book values and there is no difference between the carrying amount and contracted cash flows. All contracted cash flows are due within one year.

Credit risk

Credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents and credit exposure to the Group's customers. Over half of the Group's customers pay in advance of works commencing, with the remaining profile consisting of established businesses. The credit worthiness of new customers is assessed by taking into account their financial position, past experience and other factors. It is considered that the failure of any single counterparty would not materially impact the financial wellbeing of the Group, other than one customer, for which the risk of failure is considered to be minimal based on current market conditions and performance.

The Group has a policy of ensuring cash deposits are made with the primary objective of security of the principal. Deposits are held with Lloyds Bank plc, which is rated A+ by Fitch and A by Standards and Poor. These credit ratings are regularly monitored to ensure that they meet the required minimum criteria set by the Board through the treasury policy.

Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The Board is responsible for ensuring that the Group has sufficient liquidity to meet its financial liabilities as they fall due without incurring unacceptable losses or risking damage to the Group and does so by monitoring cash flow forecast and budgets. The Group's exposure to liquidity risk reflects its ability to readily access the funds to support its operations. The Group has an undrawn revolving credit facility in order to provide the flexibility required in the management of the Group's liquidity. The Group's liquidity requirements are continually reviewed and additional facilities put in place as appropriate.

Liquidity forecasts are produced on a regular basis and include the expected cash flows that will occur on a weekly, monthly and quarterly basis. This information is used in conjunction with the weekly reporting of actual cash balances at bank in order to calculate the level of funding that will be required in the short and medium term. The Group holds a combination of short and medium-term deposits and a GBP4.0 million revolving credit facility committed to November 2018. These committed facilities are deemed to be sufficient to meet projected liquidity requirements.

Market risk

The Group may be affected by general market trends which are unrelated to the performance of the Group itself, such as fluctuations in interest rates. The Group is currently not exposed to interest rate risk as it has not drawn down on its GBP4.0 million (2015: GBP4.0 million) revolving credit facility and has no market debt.

Capital risk

The Group defines capital as total equity. The Group's objectives when managing capital are to safeguard its ability to continue as a going concern in order to provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders and to maintain a capital structure which optimises the cost of capital. In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may adjust the amount of dividends paid to shareholders, return capital to shareholders or issue new shares. Decisions regarding the balance of equity and borrowings, dividend policy and all major borrowing facilities are reserved for the Board.

INDEPENT REVIEW REPORT TO FULCRUM UTILITY SERVICES LIMITED

Introduction

We have been engaged by the company to review the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly report for the six months ended 30 September 2016 which comprises the Consolidated Interim Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Consolidated Interim Statement of Changes in Equity, the Consolidated Interim Balance Sheet, the Consolidated Interim Cash Flow Statement and the related explanatory notes. We have read the other information contained in the half-yearly report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the condensed set of financial statements.

This report is made solely to the company in accordance with the terms of our engagement. Our review has been undertaken so that we might state to the company those matters we are required to state to it in this report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company for our review work, for this report, or for the conclusions we have reached.

Directors' responsibilities

The half-yearly report is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the directors. The directors are responsible for preparing the half-yearly report in accordance with the AIM Rules.

As disclosed in note 1.1 the annual financial statements of the group are prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU. The condensed set of financial statements included in this half-yearly report has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting as adopted by the EU.

Our responsibility

Our responsibility is to express to the company a conclusion on the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly report based on our review.

Scope of review

We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410 Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the UK. A review of interim financial information consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

Conclusion

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly report for the six months ended 30 September 2016 is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with IAS 34 as adopted by the EU and the AIM Rules.

David Morritt

for and on behalf of KPMG LLP

Chartered Accountants

1 Sovereign Square

Sovereign Street

Leeds

LS1 4DA

6 December 2016

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

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December 06, 2016 02:00 ET (07:00 GMT)

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