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GATC Gattaca Plc

92.00
0.00 (0.00%)
25 Apr 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Gattaca Plc LSE:GATC London Ordinary Share GB00B1FMDQ43 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% 92.00 91.00 93.00 0.00 01:00:00
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Employment Agencies 385.17M 1.23M 0.0386 23.83 29.31M

Gattaca PLC Interim Results to 31 January 2017 (7922C)

20/04/2017 7:00am

UK Regulatory


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RNS Number : 7922C

Gattaca PLC

20 April 2017

20 April 2017

Gattaca plc

Interim Results for the six months ended 31 January 2017

Gattaca plc (LSE-AIM: GATC), the UK's leading specialist Engineering and Technology recruitment business, today

announces its Interim Results for the six months ended 31 January 2017.

Financial Headlines

 
                                  2017 H1                     2016 H1                           Change 
----------------------  --------------------------  --------------------------  ------------------------------------- 
                         Statutory   Underlying(2)   Statutory   Underlying(2)   Statutory   Underlying(2)   Constant 
                                                                                                             Currency 
----------------------  ----------  --------------  ----------  --------------  ----------  --------------  --------- 
                              GBPm            GBPm        GBPm            GBPm           %               %          % 
----------------------  ----------  --------------  ----------  --------------  ----------  --------------  --------- 
 Revenue                     304.2           304.2       297.9           297.1         +2%             +2%        +1% 
----------------------  ----------  --------------  ----------  --------------  ----------  --------------  --------- 
 Net Fee Income 
  (NFI) (1)                   35.4            35.4        36.5            35.9         -3%             -1%        -4% 
----------------------  ----------  --------------  ----------  --------------  ----------  --------------  --------- 
 Contract NFI                 26.3            26.3        26.6            26.5         -1%             -1%        -3% 
----------------------  ----------  --------------  ----------  --------------  ----------  --------------  --------- 
 Permanent fees                9.1             9.1         9.9             9.4         -8%             -3%        -7% 
----------------------  ----------  --------------  ----------  --------------  ----------  --------------  --------- 
 Earnings Before 
  Interest & Tax 
  (EBIT) (2)                   5.5             8.0         7.0            10.1        -21%            -21%       -24% 
----------------------  ----------  --------------  ----------  --------------  ----------  --------------  --------- 
 Profit before 
  tax (PBT) (2)                5.2             7.4         6.9             9.4        -25%            -21%          - 
----------------------  ----------  --------------  ----------  --------------  ----------  --------------  --------- 
 
 % Contract/Permanent      74 / 26                     73 / 27 
----------------------  ----------  --------------  ----------  --------------  ----------  --------------  --------- 
 Basic earnings 
  per share (2)              10.7p           16.5p       15.4p           21.9p        -31%            -25% 
----------------------  ----------  --------------  ----------  --------------  ----------  --------------  --------- 
 Diluted earnings 
  per share (2)              10.5p           16.1p       14.8p           20.9p        -29%            -23% 
----------------------  ----------  --------------  ----------  --------------  ----------  --------------  --------- 
 Interim dividend            6.00p                       6.00p 
----------------------  ----------  --------------  ----------  --------------  ----------  --------------  --------- 
 Net debt (Jan            GBP27.9m                    GBP24.8m 
  17 v Jul 16) 
----------------------  ----------  --------------  ----------  --------------  ----------  --------------  --------- 
 

(1) NFI is calculated as revenue less contractor payroll costs; Underlying results exclude the trading of divested businesses (2017: GBPnil; 2016: GBP0.6m)

(2) Underlying results exclude the trading and net proceeds of divested businesses (2017: GBPnil; 2016: GBP0.3m loss) amortisation of acquired intangibles (2017: GBP1.4m; 2016: GBP1.8m) and integration and restructuring costs relating to the Networkers and Resourcing Solutions acquisitions (2017: GBP1.1m; 2016: GBP0.9m), exchange gains from balance sheet conversion (2017: GBP0.3m; 2016: GBP0.6m), refer to Note 9 to the Financial Statements for more details.

Operational Headlines

   --      Statutory NFI down 3% and Underlying NFI down 4% in constant currency 
   --      Engineering NFI down 4% in constant currency 

o Engineering Technology (+20%) and Aerospace (+14%) offset by other sectors

o Engineering UK contract NFI remains resilient at 40% of the Group despite challenging environment post EU Referendum in June 2016

   --      Technology NFI down 5% in constant currency 

o IT restructuring continues to improve performance with a return to growth expected in H2

o Telco (50% of Technology NFI) restructured to reduce dependence on its largest clients

   --      Overheads up 3% in constant currency (GBP0.8m), resulted in underlying EBIT down 21% 

o Savings in UK sales staff costs (commission/bonus/share scheme) offset by investments in international sales and business development to drive future growth

o Investments in increased office capacity in London, Dallas and China

o One-off cost overruns of c.GBP0.7m relating to London office, entity set-up costs to support large pan-European mandate and delays in back-office synergies

   --      Integration of Networkers now complete, final integration costs incurred in H1 

-- As announced on 13 April 2017 profits for FY2017 are anticipated to be approximately 10-15% below the Board's previous expectations

   --      Interim dividend maintained - dividend policy remains target cover of 2.0x over cycle 

Commenting on the results, Brian Wilkinson, Chief Executive of the Group said:

"As previously announced, performance in the first half of the financial year reflects the tougher UK trading conditions post the EU Referendum in June 2016. The softening in NFI in the first half was driven by near term uncertainty which led to elongated hiring decisions and some projects being delayed; however, the medium-term outlook in our sectors remains positive with some signs of a return of confidence in recent weeks.

"The reduction in NFI has coincided with investments made in growing our international headcount and ensuring that the Group has the infrastructure to build a truly scalable business. Unanticipated one-time cost overruns and delays in realisation of back office cost savings have also impacted profitability in the period.

"Given the opportunities we see, the Group has continued to strategically invest in overseas sales headcount, up 26 since 31 July 2016 and we expect to see a return on these investments during the second half and beyond.

"In line with our vision to become the leading specialist Engineering and Technology recruiter, the acquisition of Resourcing Solutions Limited on 2 February 2017 has significantly strengthened our capability in the UK Rail market, an area of high investment by the government.

"With the integration of Networkers complete, we now intend to consolidate our central cost base, whilst maintaining the structure and support we have built and to convert the sales opportunities we see into growth over the short and medium term."

For further information please contact:

 
 Gattaca plc                             +44 (0) 1489 898989 
   Brian Wilkinson, Chief Executive 
                Officer 
  Tony Dyer, Chief Financial Officer 
 Citigate Dewe Rogerson                 +44 (0) 20 7638 9571 
 Rob Newman / Nick Hayns 
 Numis Securities Limited               +44 (0) 20 7260 1000 
 Michael Meade / Tom Ballard 
 

Operational Performance

NFI performance for the Group in H1 2017 was down by 4% in constant currency to GBP35.4m.

 
 Underlying Group NFI                                 Change(1) 
                         2017 H1   2016 H1   Change       CC 
----------------------  --------  --------  -------  ---------- 
                          GBPm      GBPm       %          % 
----------------------  --------  --------  -------  ---------- 
 Contract NFI             26.3      26.5      -1%        -3% 
----------------------  --------  --------  -------  ---------- 
 Permanent Fees            9.1       9.4      -3%        -7% 
----------------------  --------  --------  -------  ---------- 
 Total NFI                35.4      35.9      -1%        -4% 
----------------------  --------  --------  -------  ---------- 
 

(1) Constant Currency basis

Engineering (60% of Group NFI)

 
 Underlying Engineering                                 Change(1) 
  NFI                      2017 H1   2016 H1   Change       CC 
------------------------  --------  --------  -------  ---------- 
                            GBPm      GBPm       %          % 
------------------------  --------  --------  -------  ---------- 
 Contract NFI               15.3      15.3      +0%        0% 
------------------------  --------  --------  -------  ---------- 
 Permanent Fees              5.8       6.4      -9%       -12% 
------------------------  --------  --------  -------  ---------- 
 Total NFI                  21.1      21.7      -3%        -4% 
------------------------  --------  --------  -------  ---------- 
 

(1) Constant Currency basis

Engineering's NFI was down by 4% in constant currency to GBP21.1m.

After a challenging period in the UK following the EU Referendum in June 2016, there are some recent signs of improving confidence.

There was continuing progress in our Engineering Technology sector, with contract NFI up 20%, where the convergence of Engineering, IT and Telecom skills sets continues. Engineering clients from the Automotive, Aerospace and Defence sectors have increasing needs for Software, Systems and Electronics Engineers. The significant growth in demand for contractors in particular reflects the high volume of requirements and the shortage of candidates that exist in the market. Gattaca is uniquely placed to satisfy this demand with strong brands and specialist presence in both Engineering and Technology.

The Aerospace sector continues to perform well with NFI up 14%, driven by strong demand from OEMs and their supply chains which we have successfully targeted in recent years.

In Infrastructure NFI in H1 was down 4% and whilst this business in the UK is benefitting from high demand for engineering staff in the private sector, especially across Highways Design and the Water industry, some funding constraints in the public sector have resulted in certain projects being delayed in Highways Site and Rail. That said, with several major projects having been confirmed by the Government, the division is in a strong position as this work starts to come through. This positioning is being replicated in the US with investments in offices and sales staff made in H1 2017 expected to start to deliver NFI growth on the back of major planned infrastructure upgrades.

Within Maritime, NFI fell by 18%. The withdrawal of supply to some UK defence projects was partly offset by an increase in contractors on the Offshore Patrol Vessel and Type 26 programmes. Contractor numbers continue to recover and this will accelerate towards the end of this calendar year with the planned work on the Queen Elizabeth Aircraft Carriers. Internationally we are well positioned to capitalise on some major ship building projects in North America.

In Automotive NFI was down 14% where we have increased fulfilment and contractor numbers with our major clients, albeit at lower margins, but have seen a reduction in contingent business and permanent placements. With demand for UK manufactured cars and components continuing to grow, together with innovation in technology for electric and hybrid vehicles, we expect to redress this trend in the next 12 months.

In Energy NFI was down 8%. Transmission & Distribution and Renewables remain our core growth markets, offset by continued lower demand in the oil and gas industry. We continued to invest in the Renewables sector, with demand buoyant across both offshore and onshore wind programmes across the UK and Europe. In Transmission & Distribution we continue to see extensive upgrades being carried out across Europe, whilst in the nuclear sector we are anticipating opportunities as key projects come online, in particular Hinkley Point C.

In Asia we now have a team of sales people in Kuala Lumpur under the Matchtech brand, promoting our Engineering recruitment services and building a strong pipeline. Post period end, we have also established a team in China to roll out the Matchtech brand. Encouragingly, Engineering placements have been made in the first weeks of trading.

Gattaca's Solutions business, which offers consulting services around clients' employer brands, has won new contracts in the first half of 2017 which we expect to start to contribute in the second half.

Technology (40% of Group NFI)

 
 Underlying Technology    2017 H1   2016 H1   Change   Change(1) 
  NFI                                                      CC 
-----------------------  --------  --------  -------  ---------- 
                           GBPm      GBPm       %          % 
-----------------------  --------  --------  -------  ---------- 
 Contract NFI              11.1      11.2      -1%        -7% 
-----------------------  --------  --------  -------  ---------- 
 Permanent Fees             3.2       3.0      +7%        0% 
-----------------------  --------  --------  -------  ---------- 
 Total NFI                 14.3      14.2      +1%        -5% 
-----------------------  --------  --------  -------  ---------- 
 

(1) Constant Currency basis

Technology's NFI was down 5% in constant currency to GBP14.3m.

As with Engineering, UK Technology has been impacted by the outcome of the EU Referendum in June 2016, but there are signs of some confidence returning.

The strategy of refocussing on niche markets implemented within our IT business in the middle of last financial year continues to take effect, resulting in NFI down 5% in constant currency, with a return to growth expected in the second half of the year.

In the UK during H1 2017 we delivered NFI growth in our Cloud, Cyber Security, ERP contract businesses, offset by weakness in IT Leadership perm, Digital Development and by a reduction in our Corporate accounts business.

The growth in Cloud infrastructure and applications globally is very evident and we have started to experience an increase in the contractor base, complemented by a steady improvement in the volume of permanent opportunities.

Our investment into our embryonic Cyber Security team is starting to gain traction as we build our capability in this high-profile area.

After a difficult couple of years our ERP business has stabilised and delivered 10% growth in the period within the Oracle and SAP contract resource market where we support consultancies and end users.

Our Leadership business is focussed on the increasing need for management staff within Change and Digital transformation. We have seen 14% growth in our contract NFI in H1 and this is set to continue in H2 2017, partially offset by a reduction in permanent placements.

The Digital Development team was heavily reliant on a couple of contract clients that have reduced demand significantly but we have seen growth in permanent roles. We expect to return to sequential growth in the contract business in the second half.

Corporate accounts were down 6% largely driven by the impact of the introduction of price caps in some of our NHS contracts.

The acquisition of Networkers enabled Gattaca to acquire an international Technology business, thereby reducing its dependence on the UK economy. However, this business was highly dependent on a small number of telecoms vendor clients which can in turn lead to a high degree of volatility, driven by changes in those clients' workloads. Telco NFI was down 5% in constant currency.

Having analysed the market and restructured our IT business, during H1 we turned our attention to our Telco business, which comprises around half of our total Technology business. Once again taking a market segmentation approach we have identified the sub-niches that we are best placed to address in this division. We have now organised our teams around the following categories: Network Infrastructure; Operating and Billing Support Systems (in each of which we have legacy strength and good candidate pools); the Connected World and Research and Development.

Network Infrastructure was down 16% in constant currency, partly due to the changing nature of the skillsets increasingly being sourced. This is reflected in the strong growth shown in the Operating and Billing Support Systems team which grew NFI by 22% in constant currency.

The new teams' focus on the Connected World and R&D are already having success, growing NFI by 31% in constant currency, as they bring their experience supporting large system integrators and vendors to the SME market. In this area margins are attractive and barriers to entry tend to be lower due to lack of legacy relationships and embedded recruitment systems.

As a natural complement to all our specialist Technology teams, we have recently established a Technology Sales business to support our Technology clients with the need for sales staff at a senior level. Whilst this is in its infancy, we are experiencing strong demand particularly within growing start-up disruptive technology organisations.

During the first half of 2017 we have invested in 26 additional sales people in our overseas locations to build scale and to enable us to significantly diversify our client base. With the sales force headcount investment made we are now starting to see a return on this spend coming through. We have increased the number of contract and permanent accounts and are seeing the decline in Telco offset to some extent by the improvement in IT and Engineering internationally.

For example, in the Americas we increased the number of active contract clients from less than five at the time of the acquisition of Networkers in April 2015 to more than twenty, significantly increasing contractor numbers and have secured substantial retained permanent business to be billed in the second half of 2017.

Integration of Networkers

The integration of Networkers is now complete. As previously reported, annual cost synergies will total GBP3.1m with GBP1.8m reinvested in the business. The final costs relating to the Networkers integration in the period were GBP0.6m higher than previously expected at GBP1.1m, mainly due to delays in the back office integration and additional redundancy costs.

Financial Overview

Revenue for the period was up 2% to GBP304.2m (2016 H1: GBP297.1m).

NFI was down 3% to GBP35.4m (2016 H1: GBP36.5m). Contract NFI was down 1% to GBP26.3m (2016 H1: GBP26.6m). Contract margins fell slightly to 8.9% (2016 H1: 9.2%). Permanent recruitment fees were down 8% to GBP9.1m (2016 H1: GBP9.9m).

EBIT was GBP5.5m (2016 H1: GBP7.0m), down 21%, and profit before tax was down 25% to GBP5.2m (2016 H1: GBP6.9m).

On an underlying basis EBIT was GBP8.0m (2016 H1 GBP10.1m). Refer to Note 2 to the Financial Statements for more details.

The following table shows the movements between 2017 H1 and 2016 H1 EBIT.

 
                                                              GBPm 
-----------------------------------------------------------  ------ 
 2016 H1 underlying EBIT                                      10.1 
-----------------------------------------------------------  ------ 
 Engineering UK NFI                                           (0.8) 
-----------------------------------------------------------  ------ 
 Technology UK NFI                                            (0.3) 
-----------------------------------------------------------  ------ 
 International NFI (constant currency)                        (0.5) 
-----------------------------------------------------------  ------ 
 Sales staff costs UK: commission, bonus & share scheme 
  costs                                                        1.0 
-----------------------------------------------------------  ------ 
 Investment in international sales headcount                  (0.9) 
-----------------------------------------------------------  ------ 
 Investment in business development & client services         (0.3) 
-----------------------------------------------------------  ------ 
 Establishment: increased office capacity London and 
  overseas                                                    (0.3) 
-----------------------------------------------------------  ------ 
 Other overheads                                               0.4 
-----------------------------------------------------------  ------ 
 One off cost overruns: incl. London office, Europe entity 
  set-up & delayed synergies                                  (0.7) 
-----------------------------------------------------------  ------ 
 Foreign exchange gain on NFI                                  1.1 
-----------------------------------------------------------  ------ 
 Foreign exchange costs overseas operations expenses          (0.8) 
-----------------------------------------------------------  ------ 
 2017 H1 underlying EBIT                                       8.0 
-----------------------------------------------------------  ------ 
 

The effective rate of tax for the period was 35.5% (2016 H1: 31.5%); the increase was mainly due to irrecoverable withholding tax on some cross-border business and differentials between UK and overseas tax rates, partly offset by the reduction of the UK standard rate of corporation tax to 19.7% (2016: 20.0%).

Basic earnings per share were down 31% to 10.7p (2016 H1: 15.4p) and diluted earnings per share were down 29% to 10.5p (2016 H1: 14.8p).

Debtors, Cashflow and Net Debt

Net debt at the end of the period was GBP27.9m (31 July 2016: GBP24.8m).

Debtor days at the end of the period were 52 (31 January 2016: 49; 31 July 2016: 50).

Capital expenditure for the period was GBP0.9m (2016 H1: GBP0.2m), largely related to office fit out/refurbishment costs and new software.

As at 31 January 2017 the Group had GBP105m of committed facilities with HSBC Bank until October 2020, consisting of a Confidential Invoice Discounting ("CID") facility of GBP75m and a Revolving Credit Facility of GBP30m.

Dividend

The Board has today declared an interim dividend of 6.00 pence per share (2016: 6.00 pence) to be paid on 16 June 2017 to shareholders on the register at 26 May 2017.

Risks

The Board considers strategic, financial and operational risks and identifies actions to mitigate those risks. Key risks and their mitigation were disclosed on pages 18 and 19 of the Annual Report for the year ended 31 July 2016.

Notwithstanding that no new key risks have been identified in the period, we continue to manage a number of potential risks and uncertainties - many of which are common to other similar businesses - which could have a material impact on our longer term performance.

Outlook

The continuing shortage of Engineering and Technology skills will lead to increased demand from our clients as their projects move through the delivery cycle. Gattaca, with its Matchtech and Networkers brands, is now a highly specialised business focussed on Engineering and Technology recruitment solutions. Our investment in the international network is now paying off as we accelerate the introduction of our mainstream services to our global customers, in-line with our strategy. Investment in headcount is continuing outside the UK as we aim to build market share and develop international into a substantial part of our operations.

As announced on 13 April 2017, the Board has reviewed its outlook for the remainder of the year to 31 July 2017 and now believes that profits for the year will be approximately 10-15% below its prior expectations.

Performance in the first half of the year reflects the tougher UK trading conditions post the EU Referendum vote. The softening in NFI in the first half was driven by near term uncertainty which led to elongated hiring decisions and some projects being delayed; and is expected to continue into the second half, however the medium-term outlook in our sectors remains positive with some signs of a return of confidence in recent weeks. However, we await to see whether the announcement of a UK General Election in June will have any impact on confidence or delay investment decisions.

One-time cost overruns relating to the setting up of international entities to support a pan-European contract win and delays in realisation of back office cost savings will result in our central overheads exceeding our expectations for the second half. Alongside this we have been making the appropriate investments to ensure that the Group has the infrastructure to build a truly scalable business. Given the opportunities we see, the Group has continued to strategically invest in sales headcount, up 26 since 31 July 2016 and we expect to see a return on these investments during the second half and beyond.

With the integration of Networkers now complete, we intend to consolidate our central cost base, whilst maintaining the structure and support we have built and to convert the sales opportunities we see into growth over the next few years.

Brian Wilkinson

Chief Executive Officer

20 April 2017

Cautionary Statement

This announcement has been prepared for the shareholders of the Company, as a whole and its sole purpose and use is to assist shareholders to exercise their governance rights. The Company and its directors and employees are not responsible for any other purpose or use or to any other person in relation to this announcement and their responsibility to shareholders shall be limited to that which is imposed by statute.

This announcement contains indications of likely future developments and other forward-looking statements that are subject to risk factors associated with, among other things, the economic and business circumstances occurring from time to time in the countries, sectors and business segments in which the Group operates. These and other factors could adversely affect the Group's results, strategy and prospects. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. They relate to events and/or depend on circumstances in the future which could cause actual results and outcomes to differ from those currently expected. No obligation is assumed to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

for the period ended 31 January 2017

 
 
                                               Note       6 months       6 months      12 months 
                                                       to 31/01/17    to 31/01/16    to 31/07/16 
                                                         unaudited      unaudited        audited 
                                                           GBP'000        GBP'000        GBP'000 
 Revenue                                        2          304,211        297,907        617,604 
 Cost of Sales                                           (268,843)      (261,450)      (544,608) 
--------------------------------------------  -----  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 GROSS PROFIT                                   2           35,368         36,457         72,996 
 
 Administrative expenses                                  (29,921)       (29,504)       (57,934) 
--------------------------------------------  -----  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 PROFIT FROM OPERATIONS                                      5,447          6,953         15,062 
 
 Profit from operations before amortisation 
  of acquired intangibles and non-recurring 
  costs                                         2            7,979          9,669         21,089 
 Amortisation of acquired intangibles           2          (1,432)        (1,828)        (3,656) 
 Non-recurring costs included within 
  administrative expenses                       2          (1,100)          (888)        (2,371) 
--------------------------------------------  -----  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 
 Profit on disposal of subsidiary                                -             58             58 
 
 Finance income                                                278            571          1,025 
 Finance costs                                               (559)          (649)        (1,076) 
--------------------------------------------  -----  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 PROFIT BEFORE TAX                                           5,166          6,933         15,069 
 
 Taxation                                       3          (1,833)        (2,182)        (5,152) 
--------------------------------------------  -----  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 PROFIT FOR THE PERIOD ATTRIBUTABLE 
  TO EQUITY HOLDERS OF THE PARENT                            3,333          4,751          9,917 
--------------------------------------------  -----  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 
 

All of the activities of the Group are classed as continuing.

EARNINGS PER ORDINARY SHARE

 
                pence   pence   pence 
 Basic      5    10.7    15.4    32.1 
 Diluted    5    10.5    14.8    31.0 
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 
 for the period ended 31 January 2017               6 months       6 months      12 months 
                                                 to 31/01/17    to 31/01/16    to 31/07/16 
                                                   unaudited      unaudited        audited 
                                                     GBP'000        GBP'000        GBP'000 
 PROFIT FOR THE PERIOD                                 3,333          4,751          9,917 
 
 OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 
 Exchange differences on translating foreign 
  operations                                             419           (44)            835 
---------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE PERIOD               419           (44)            835 
 TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE PERIOD 
  ATTRIBUTABLE TO EQUITY HOLDERS OF THE 
  PARENT                                               3,752          4,707         10,752 
---------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

as at 31 January 2017

 
                                        Note    31/01/2017   31/01/2016   31/07/2016 
                                                 unaudited    unaudited      audited 
 ASSETS                                            GBP'000      GBP'000      GBP'000 
 Non-Current Assets 
 Intangible assets                       6          47,059       50,183       48,371 
 Property, plant and equipment                       1,532        1,290        1,125 
 Deferred tax assets                                   737        1,253          969 
-------------------------------------  -----  ------------  -----------  ----------- 
                                                    49,328       52,726       50,465 
 Current Assets 
 Trade and other receivables             7         100,587       89,804      100,811 
 Cash and cash equivalents                           6,423        9,071        7,442 
-------------------------------------  -----  ------------  -----------  ----------- 
                                                   107,010       98,875      108,253 
 
 TOTAL ASSETS                                      156,338      151,601      158,718 
-------------------------------------  -----  ------------  -----------  ----------- 
 
 LIABILITIES 
 Non-Current Liabilities 
 Deferred tax liability                            (3,597)      (4,626)      (4,286) 
 Provisions                                          (278)        (278)        (278) 
 Bank loans and overdrafts                        (13,608)     (13,608)     (13,608) 
-------------------------------------  -----  ------------  -----------  ----------- 
                                                  (17,483)     (18,512)     (18,172) 
 
 Current Liabilities 
 Trade and other payables                         (36,663)     (34,106)     (37,861) 
 Current tax liability                             (1,004)      (1,845)      (2,224) 
 Bank loans and overdrafts                        (20,760)     (20,226)     (18,847) 
-------------------------------------  -----  ------------  -----------  ----------- 
                                                  (58,427)     (56,177)     (58,932) 
 
 TOTAL LIABILITIES                                (75,910)     (74,689)     (77,104) 
 
 NET ASSETS                                         80,428       76,912       81,614 
-------------------------------------  -----  ------------  -----------  ----------- 
 
 EQUITY 
 Called-up equity share capital          8             316          309          312 
 Share premium account                               8,696        8,696        8,696 
 Merger reserve                                     28,750       28,750       28,750 
 Share based payment reserve                         2,526        2,822        2,537 
 Translation of foreign operations                   1,234         (64)          815 
 Retained earnings                                  38,906       36,399       40,504 
 
 TOTAL EQUITY ATTRIBUTABLE TO EQUITY 
  HOLDERS OF PARENT                                 80,428       76,912       81,614 
-------------------------------------  -----  ------------  -----------  ----------- 
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT

for the period ended 31 January 2017

 
                                                     6 months           6 months         12 months 
                                                  to 31/01/17        to 31/01/16       to 31/07/16 
                                                    unaudited          unaudited           audited 
                                                      GBP'000            GBP'000           GBP'000 
 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 
 Profit after taxation                                  3,333              4,751             9,917 
 Adjustments for: 
Depreciation and amortisation                           1,901              2,389             4,776 
Profit on disposal of subsidiary                            -               (58)                 - 
Profit on disposal of property, plant 
 and equipment                                           (12)                (6)               (7) 
Interest income                                         (278)                (2)           (1,025) 
Interest expense                                          559                 80             1,076 
Taxation expense recognised in profit 
 and loss                                               1,833              2,182             5,152 
Decrease/(increase) in trade and other 
 receivables                                              224              9,093           (1,914) 
(Decrease)/increase in trade and other 
 payables                                             (1,400)            (3,294)               299 
Share based payment charge                                548                894             1,537 
----------------------------------------------  -------------      -------------  ---------------- 
 Cash generated from operations                         6,708             16,029            19,811 
 Interest paid                                          (522)              (644)           (1,186) 
 Income taxes paid                                    (2,931)            (1,658)           (4,067) 
----------------------------------------------  -------------      -------------  ---------------- 
 NET CASH FROM OPERATING ACTIVITES                      3,255             13,727            14,558 
----------------------------------------------  -------------      -------------  ---------------- 
 
 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES 
 Purchase of plant and equipment                        (711)              (186)             (471) 
 Purchase of intangibles                                (189)               (53)             (462) 
 Acquisitions net of cash received                          -              (390)             (390) 
 Proceeds from sale of plant and equipment                 39                 19                53 
 Proceeds from sale of subsidiary                           -                420               420 
 Interest received                                          -                  2                 - 
 NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES                  (861)              (188)             (850) 
----------------------------------------------  -------------      -------------  ---------------- 
 
 CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES 
 Proceeds from issue of share capital                       7                  2                 5 
 Repayment of term loan                                     -           (15,000)          (15,000) 
 Dividends paid                                       (5,289)            (5,031)           (6,892) 
----------------------------------------------  -------------      -------------  ---------------- 
 NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES                (5,282)           (20,029)          (21,887) 
----------------------------------------------  -------------      -------------  ---------------- 
 
 Effects of exchange rates on cash and cash 
  equivalents                                              62                575             1,908 
 
 NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS            (2,826)            (5,915)           (6,271) 
 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF 
  PERIOD                                             (11,511)            (5,240)           (5,240) 
----------------------------------------------  -------------      -------------  ---------------- 
 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT OF PERIOD          (14,337)           (11,155)          (11,511) 
----------------------------------------------  -------------      -------------  ---------------- 
 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 
 Cash                                                   6,423              9,071             7,442 
 Bank overdrafts                                         (31)               (15)              (14) 
 Working capital facility used                       (20,729)           (20,211)          (18,939) 
 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS IN CASH 
  FLOW STATEMENT                                     (14,337)           (11,155)          (11,511) 
----------------------------------------------  -------------      -------------  ---------------- 
 
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

for the period ended 31 January 2017

 
 
 
 
                                                        Share 
                                                        based   Translation 
                       Share      Share     Merger    payment    of foreign   Retained    Non-controlling 
                     capital    premium    reserve    reserve    operations   earnings          interests      Total 
                     GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000       GBP'000    GBP'000            GBP'000    GBP'000 
-----------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  -----------------  --------- 
 Balance at 1 
  August 2015            309      8,694     28,750      2,140          (20)     36,648                 16     76,537 
-----------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  -----------------  --------- 
 Profit for the 
  period                   -          -          -          -             -      4,751                  -      4,751 
 Other 
  comprehensive 
  income                   -          -          -          -          (44)          -                  -       (44) 
-----------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  -----------------  --------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income                   -          -          -          -          (44)      4,751                  -      4,707 
 Dividends paid 
  in the period            -          -          -          -             -    (5,031)                  -    (5,031) 
 Deferred tax 
  movement re 
  share options            -          -          -          -             -       (57)                  -       (57) 
 Acquisition 
  of 
  non-controlling 
  interest                 -          -          -          -             -      (124)               (16)      (140) 
 IFRS 2 charge             -          -          -        894             -          -                  -        894 
 IFRS 2 reserves 
  transfer                 -          -          -      (212)             -        212                  -          - 
 Shares issued             -          2          -          -             -          -                  -          2 
-----------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  -----------------  --------- 
 Transactions 
  with owners              -          2          -        682             -    (5,000)               (16)    (4,332) 
-----------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  -----------------  --------- 
 
 Balance at 31 
  January 2016           309      8,696     28,750      2,822          (64)     36,399                  -     76,912 
-----------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  -----------------  --------- 
 
 Balance at 1 
  August 2015            309      8,694     28,750      2,140          (20)     36,648                 16     76,537 
-----------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  -----------------  --------- 
 Profit for the 
  year                     -          -          -          -             -      9,917                  -      9,917 
 Other 
  comprehensive 
  income                   -          -          -          -           835          -                  -        835 
-----------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  -----------------  --------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income                   -          -          -          -           835      9,917                  -     10,752 
 Dividends paid 
  in the period            -          -          -          -             -    (6,892)                  -    (6,892) 
 Deferred tax 
  movement re 
  share options            -          -          -          -             -      (185)                  -      (185) 
 Acquisition 
  of 
  non-controlling 
  interest                 -          -          -          -             -      (124)               (16)      (140) 
 IFRS 2 charge             -          -          -      1,537             -          -                  -      1,537 
 IFRS 2 reserves 
  transfer                 -          -          -    (1,140)             -      1,140                  -          - 
 Shares issued             3          2          -          -             -          -                  -          5 
-----------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  -----------------  --------- 
 Transactions 
  with owners              3          2          -        397             -    (6,061)               (16)    (5,675) 
-----------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  -----------------  --------- 
 Balance at 31 
  July 2016              312      8,696     28,750      2,537           815     40,504                  -     81,614 
-----------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  -----------------  --------- 
 
 
 
 Balance at 1 
  August 2016           312   8,696   28,750   2,537     815    40,504     -    81,614 
---------------------  ----  ------  -------  ------  ------  --------  ----  -------- 
 Profit for the 
  period                  -       -        -       -       -     3,333     -     3,333 
 Other comprehensive 
  income                  -       -        -       -     419         -     -       419 
---------------------  ----  ------  -------  ------  ------  --------  ----  -------- 
 Total comprehensive 
  income                  -       -        -       -     419     3,333     -     3,752 
 Dividends paid 
  in the period           -       -        -       -       -   (5,289)     -   (5,289) 
 Deferred tax 
  movement re 
  share options           -       -        -       -       -     (201)     -     (201) 
 IFRS 2 charge            -       -        -     548       -         -     -       548 
 IFRS 2 reserves 
  transfer                -       -        -   (559)       -       559     -         - 
 Shares issued            4       -        -       -       -         -     -         4 
 Transactions 
  with owners             4       -        -    (11)       -   (4,931)     -   (4,938) 
 Balance at 31 
  January 2017          316   8,696   28,750   2,526   1,234    38,906     -    80,428 
---------------------  ----  ------  -------  ------  ------  --------  ----  -------- 
 

Notes forming part of the financial statements

1 The Group and Company Significant Accounting Policies

i The Business and Address of the Group

Gattaca plc is a human capital resources business dealing with contract and permanent recruitment in the private and public sectors. The Company is incorporated in the United Kingdom. The Group's address is: Gattaca plc, 1450 Parkway, Whiteley, Fareham PO15 7AF.

ii Basis of Preparation of the Financial Statements

These interim condensed consolidated financial statements are for the six months ended 31 January 2017. They have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 "Interim Financial Reporting". They do not include all of the information required for full annual financial statements, and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 July 2016. The comparative figures for the financial year ended 31 July 2016 are not the company's statutory accounts for that financial year. Those accounts have been reported on by the company's auditor and delivered to the registrar of companies. The report of the auditor was (i) unqualified, (ii) did not include a reference to any matters to which the auditor drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their report, and (iii) did not contain a statement under section 498 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

These condensed consolidated interim financial statements ('the interim financial statements') have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out below which are based on the recognition and measurement principles of IFRS in issue as adopted by the European Union (EU) and are effective at 31 July 2017 or are expected to be adopted and effective at 31 July 2017.

These financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The accounting policies have been applied consistently throughout the Group for the purposes of preparation of these condensed interim financial statements. A summary of the principal accounting policies of the group are set out below.

iii Going Concern

The Directors have reviewed forecasts and budgets for the coming year, which have been drawn up with appropriate regard for the current macroeconomic environment and the particular circumstances in which the Group operates. These were prepared with reference to historical and current industry knowledge, taking future strategy of the Group into account. As a result, at the time of approving the financial statements, the Directors consider that the Company and the Group have sufficient resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future, and accordingly, that it is appropriate to adopt the going concern basis in the preparation of the financial statements. As with all business forecasts, the Directors cannot guarantee that the going concern basis will remain appropriate given the inherent uncertainty about future events.

iv New Standards and Interpretations

These following standards and amendments to existing standards are applicable for the period ending 31 January 2017:

 
                                                            Effective date 
                                                 (Annual periods beginning 
Standard                                                      on or after) 
--------  ------------------------------------  -------------------------- 
IFRS 11   Joint Arrangements                                1 January 2016 
IFRS 14   Regulatory Deferral Accounts                      1 January 2016 
IAS 1     Presentation of Financial Statements              1 January 2017 
IFRS 12   Interests in Other Entities                       1 January 2017 
--------  ------------------------------------  -------------------------- 
 

The adoption of the above standards has had no material impact on the financial statements.

New Standards in Issue, Not Yet Effective

The following relevant standards, amendments to existing standards and Interpretations, which are new and yet to become mandatory, have not been applied in the Group financial statements.

 
                                                        Effective date 
                                             (Annual periods beginning 
Standard                                                  on or after) 
-----------------  -----------------------  -------------------------- 
IAS 7              Statement of Cash Flows              1 January 2018 
IAS 12             Income Taxes                         1 January 2018 
IFRS 2             Share Based Payments                 1 January 2019 
IFRS 9             Fair Values                          1 January 2019 
IFRS 15            Revenue                              1 January 2019 
IFRS 16            Leases                               1 January 2020 
IFRS improvements  Various                                     Various 
-----------------  -----------------------  -------------------------- 
 

The Board needs to complete its assessment of the impact of the above new standards. However, based on the Group's current business model and accounting policies, the Directors do not expect material impacts on the figures in the Group's financial statements when the interpretations become effective.

The Group does not intend to apply any of these pronouncements early.

v Basis of Consolidation

The Group financial statements consolidate those of the Company and all of its subsidiary undertakings drawn up to the Statement of Financial Position date. Subsidiaries are entities over which the Group has power to control the financial and operating policies so as to obtain benefits from their activities. The Group obtains and exercises control through voting rights.

Acquisitions of subsidiaries are dealt with by the purchase method. The purchase method involves the recognition at fair value of all identifiable assets and liabilities, including contingent liabilities of the subsidiary, at the acquisition date, regardless of whether or not they were recorded in the financial statements of the subsidiary prior to acquisition. On initial recognition, the assets and liabilities of the subsidiary are included in the Group Statement of Financial Position at their fair values, which are also used as the bases for subsequent measurement in accordance with Group accounting policies.

Transactions between Group companies are eliminated on consolidation.

vi Revenue

Revenue is measured by reference to the fair value of consideration received or receivable by the Group for services provided, excluding VAT and trade discounts. Revenue on temporary placements is recognised upon receipt of a client approved timesheet or equivalent. Revenue from permanent placements, which is based on a percentage of the candidate's remuneration package, is recognised when candidates commence employment, at which point it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will be transferred. Fees for the provision of engineering services are recognised on completion of work performed in accordance with customer contracts. Other fees are recognised on confirmation from the client committing to the agreement.

vii Non-recurring Items

Non-recurring items are items that are unusual because of their size, nature and incidence and are presented within the consolidated income statement but highlighted through separate disclosure. The Group's Directors consider that these items should be separately identified within the income statement to enable a true and fair understanding of the Group's results.

Items which are included within this category include:

   -     costs of acquisitions; 
   -     integration costs of acquisitions; 
   -     significant restructuring costs; and 
   -     other particularly significant or unusual items. 

viii Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost, net of depreciation and any provision for impairment.

Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost of an asset, less its estimated residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset in terms of annual depreciation as follows:

 
Motor vehicles                 25.0%                   Reducing balance 
Fixtures, Fittings and Office  12.5% to 33.0%             Straight line 
 equipment 
Leasehold Improvements         Over the period of the     Straight line 
                                lease term 
-----------------------------  ----------------------  ---------------- 
 

ix Intangible Assets

Goodwill

Goodwill arises on the acquisition of subsidiaries and represents the excess of the fair value of the consideration given for a business over the Company's interest in the fair value of the net identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of the acquiree. Goodwill is stated at cost less accumulated impairment.

Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units and is not amortised, but is tested at least annually for impairment. For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill acquired in a business acquisition is allocated to each of the cash generating units (CGUs), or groups of CGUs that is expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination. Each unit or group of units to which the goodwill is allocated represents the lowest level within the entity at which the goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes. Goodwill is monitored at the operating segment level.

Goodwill impairment reviews are undertaken annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate a potential impairment. The carrying value of goodwill is compared to the recoverable amount, which is the higher of value in use and fair value less costs to sell. Any impairment is recognised immediately as an expense and is not subsequently reversed. Gains and losses on the disposal of an entity include the carrying amount of goodwill relating to the entity sold.

Expenditure on internally generated goodwill, brands and intangibles is expensed in the Income Statement when incurred.

Customer relationships

Acquired customer relationships comprise principally of existing customer relationships which may give rise to future orders (customer relationships), and existing order books (backlog orders). Acquired customer relationships are recognised at fair value at the acquisition date and have a finite useful life. Amortisation of customer relationships is amortised in line with the expected cashflows. Acquired customer relationships are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment. Backlog orders are recognised at fair value at the acquisition date and amortised in line with the expected cash flows. Backlog orders are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment. Customer relationships are amortised over their useful economic life of between 2 and 10 years.

Trade names and trademarks

Trade names and trademarks have arisen on the consolidation of acquired businesses and are recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. Where trade names and trademarks are considered to have a finite useful life, amortisation is calculated using the straight line method to allocate the cost of trade names and trademarks over their estimated useful lives. Where trade names and trademarks are considered to have an indefinite useful life, they are not subject to amortisation; they are tested annually for impairment and when there are indications that the carrying value may not be recoverable, detailed within the impairment of non-financial assets section below. Trade names and trademarks are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment. Trade names and trademarks are amortised over their useful economic life of between 2 and 11 years.

Other

Other intangible assets acquired by the Group that have a finite life useful life are measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated losses. Other intangibles are amortised over their useful economic life of between 2 and 5 years.

Amortisation of intangible assets is recognised in the income statement under administrative expenses. Provision is made against the carrying value of intangible assets where an impairment in value is deemed to have occurred. Impairment losses are recognised in the Income Statement under administrative expenses.

Software Licenses

Acquired computer software licences are capitalised on the basis of the costs incurred to acquire and bring into use the specific software. These costs are amortised using the straight line method to allocate the cost of the software licences over their useful lives of between two and five years. Software licences are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation.

x Disposal of Assets

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset and is recognised in the Income Statement.

xi Operating Lease Agreements

Rentals applicable to operating leases are charged against profits on a straight line basis over the lease term. Lease incentives are spread over the term of the lease.

xii Taxation

Current tax is the tax currently payable based on taxable profit for the year.

Deferred income taxes are calculated using the liability method on temporary differences. Deferred tax is generally provided on the difference between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases. However, deferred tax is not provided on the initial recognition of goodwill, nor on the initial recognition of an asset or liability unless the related transaction is a business combination or affects tax or accounting profit.

Deferred tax liabilities are provided in full, with no discounting. Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that the underlying deductible temporary differences will be able to be offset against future taxable income. Current and deferred tax assets and liabilities are calculated at tax rates that are expected to apply to their respective period of realisation, provided they are enacted or substantively enacted at the Statement of Financial Position date.

Deferred tax on temporary differences associated with shares in subsidiaries is not provided if these temporary differences can be controlled by the Group and it is probable that reversal will not occur in the foreseeable future.

Changes in deferred tax assets or liabilities are recognised as a component of tax expense in the income statement, except where they relate to items that are charged or credited directly to equity (such as share-based payments) in which case the related deferred tax is also charged or credited directly to equity.

xiii Pension Costs

The Company operates defined contribution pension schemes for employees. The assets of these schemes are held separately from those of the Company. The annual contributions payable are charged to the Income Statement as they accrue.

xiv Share-based Payments

The transitional arrangements of IFRS 1 have been applied to all grants of equity instruments after 7 November 2002 that were unvested at 1 August 2006. All share-based remuneration is ultimately recognised as an expense in the Income Statement with a corresponding credit to "share-based payment reserve". All goods and services received in exchange for the grant of any share-based remuneration are measured at their fair values. Fair values of employee services are indirectly determined by reference to the fair value of the share options awarded. Their value is appraised at the grant date and excludes the impact of non-market vesting conditions (for example, profitability and sales growth targets).

If vesting periods or other non-market vesting conditions apply, the expense is allocated over the vesting period, based on the best available estimate of the number of share options expected to vest. Estimates are subsequently revised if there is any indication that the number of share options expected to vest differs from previous estimates. Any cumulative adjustment prior to vesting is recognised in the current period. No adjustment is made to any expense recognised in prior periods if share options ultimately exercised are different to that estimated on vesting. Upon exercise of share options, proceeds received net of attributable transaction costs are credited to share capital and share premium.

The Company is the granting and settling entity in the group share-based payment arrangement where share options are granted to employees of its subsidiary companies. The Company recognises the share-based payment expense as an increase in the investment in subsidiary undertakings.

The Group operates a Share Incentive Plan (SIP) which is HMRC approved, and enables employees to purchase Company shares out of pre-tax salary. For each share purchased the Company grants an additional share at no cost to the employee. The expense in relation to these 'free' shares is recorded as employee remuneration and measured at fair value of the shares issued as at the date of grant.

xv Business Combinations Completed Prior to Date of Transition to IFRS

The Group has elected not to apply IFRS 3 Business Combinations retrospectively to business combinations prior to 1 August 2006. Accordingly the classification of the combination (merger) remains unchanged from that used under UK GAAP. Assets and liabilities are recognised as at the date of transition if they would be recognised under IFRS, and are measured using their UK GAAP carrying amount immediately post-acquisition as deemed cost under IFRS, unless IFRS requires fair value measurement. Deferred tax is adjusted for the impact of any consequential adjustments after taking advantage of the transitional provisions.

xvi Financial Assets

All financial assets are recognised when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial assets are recognised at fair value plus transaction costs.

In the Company financial statements, investment in the subsidiary Company is measured at cost, and provision made where an impairment value is deemed to have occurred.

Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. Trade receivables are classified as loans and receivables. Loans and receivables are measured subsequent to initial recognition at amortised cost using effective interest method, less provision for impairment. Any change in their value through impairment or reversal of impairment is recognised in the Income Statement.

Provision against trade receivables is made when there is objective evidence that the Group will not be able to collect all amounts due to it in accordance with the original terms of those receivables. The amount of the write-down is determined as the difference between the asset's carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows.

A financial asset is derecognised only where the contractual rights to cash flows from the asset expire or the financial asset is transferred and that transfer qualifies for derecognition. A financial asset is transferred if the contractual rights to receive the cash flows of the asset have been transferred or the Group retains the contractual rights to receive the cash flows of the asset but assumes a contractual obligation to pay the cash flows to one or more recipients. A financial asset that is transferred qualifies for derecognition if the Group transfers substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the asset, or if the Group neither retains nor transfers substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership but does transfer control of that asset.

Trade receivables subject to the invoice discounting facility are recognised in the Statement of Financial Position until they are settled by the customer.

xvii Financial Liabilities

Financial liabilities are obligations to pay cash or other financial assets and are recognised when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument and comprise trade and other payables and bank loans. Financial liabilities are recorded initially at fair value, net of direct issue costs and are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.

A financial liability is derecognised only when the obligation is extinguished, that is, when the obligation is discharged or cancelled or expires.

xviii Financial instruments

Financial instruments often consist of a combination of debt and equity and the Group has to decide how to attribute values to each. They are treated as equity only to the extent that they meet the following two conditions:

(i) they include no contractual obligations upon the Group to deliver cash or other financial assets or to exchange financial assets or financial liabilities with another party under conditions that are potentially unfavourable to the Group; and

(ii) where the instrument will or may be settled in the Group's own equity instruments, it is either a non-derivative that includes no obligation to deliver a variable number of the Group's own equity instruments or is a derivative that will be settled by the Group exchanging a fixed amount of cash or other financial assets for a fixed number of its own equity instruments.

To the extent that this definition is not met, the proceeds of issue are classified as a financial liability, and where such an instrument takes the legal form of the Company's own shares, the amounts presented in these financial statements for called up share capital and share premium account exclude amounts in relation to those shares.

Finance payments associated with financial liabilities are dealt with as part of finance costs. Finance payments associated with financial instruments that are classified in equity are dividends and are recorded directly in equity

The Group uses financial instruments, in particular forward currency contracts to manage the financial risks associated with the Group's underlying business activities. The forward exchange contracts are used to hedge foreign currency exposures arising on forecast receipts and payments in foreign currencies. These forward contracts are revalued to the rates of exchange at the Statement of Financial Position date and any aggregate unrealised gains and losses arising on revaluation are included in other debtors or creditors. At maturity, or when the contract ceases to be a hedge, gains and losses are taken to the Income Statement. The Group does not undertake any trading activity in financial instruments.

Fair value hierarchy

The Group analyses financial instruments carried at a fair value by valuation method. The different levels have been defined as follows:

   -     Level 1: quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; 

- Level 2: inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for assets or liabilities, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. directly from prices); and

- Level 3: inputs for assets or liabilities that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).

xix Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand, on demand deposits, and bank overdrafts.

xx Dividends

Dividend distributions payable to equity shareholders are included in "other short term financial liabilities" when the dividends are approved in the annual general meeting prior to the balance sheet date.

xxi Foreign Currencies

Transactions in foreign currencies are translated at the exchange rate ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are translated at the rates of exchange ruling at the Statement of Financial Position date. Non-monetary items that are measured at historical cost in a foreign currency are translated at the exchange rate at the date of the transaction. Non-monetary items that are measured at fair value in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates at the date when the fair value was determined.

Any exchange differences arising on the settlement of monetary items or on translating monetary items at rates different from those at which they were initially recorded are recognised in the profit or loss in the period in which they arise.

The assets and liabilities in the financial statements of foreign subsidiaries are translated at the rate of exchange ruling at the Statement of Financial Position date. Income and expenses are translated at the actual rate. The exchange differences arising from the retranslation of the opening net investment in subsidiaries are taken directly to "Translation of foreign operations" in equity. On disposal of a foreign operation the cumulative translation differences are transferred to the Income Statement as part of the gain or loss on disposal.

As permitted by IFRS 1, the balance on the cumulative translation adjustment on retranslation of subsidiaries' net assets has been set to zero at the date of transition to IFRS.

xxii Equity

Equity comprises the following:

   -     "Share capital" represents the nominal value of equity shares. 

- "Share premium" represents the excess over nominal value of the fair value of consideration received for equity shares, net of expenses of the share issue.

- "Share based payment reserve" represents equity-settled share-based employee remuneration until such share options are exercised.

- "Merger reserve" represents the equity balance arising on the merger of Matchtech Engineering and Matchmaker Personnel and to record the excess fair value above the nominal value of the consideration on the acquisition of Networkers International plc

- "Translation of foreign operations" represents the foreign currency differences arising on translating foreign operations into the presentational currency of the Group.

   -     "Retained earnings" represents retained profits. 

xxiii Alternative Performance Measures

Alternative performance measures used within the Group's Annual Report are explained within Note 9 to the Interim Results.

xxiv Significant Accounting Estimates and Judgments

Estimates and assumptions concerning the future and judgments are made in the preparation of the financial statements. They affect the application of the Group's accounting policies, reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses, and disclosures made. They are assessed on an on-going basis and are based on experience and relevant factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

Critical Judgments

The judgments made which, in the opinion of the Directors, are critical in drawing up the financial statements are as follows:

Key Sources of Estimation Uncertainty

The key assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the Statement of Financial Position date are discussed below. These are included for completeness, although it is the Directors' view that none of these have significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year.

Impairment Loss of Trade and Other Receivables

The Group's policy for doubtful receivables is based on the on-going evaluation of the collectability and ageing analysis of the trade and other receivables and on management's judgments. Considerable judgment is required in assessing the ultimate realisation of these receivables, including the current creditworthiness and the past collection history of each debtor. If the financial conditions of the Group's receivables were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional impairment loss of trade and other receivables may be required. The carrying amounts of these assets are shown in note 7.

Intangible assets

The Group determines whether goodwill and other intangible assets (including acquired intangibles) are impaired on an annual basis or otherwise when changes in events or situations indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. This is requires an estimation of the recoverable amount of the cash generating unit to which the assets are allocated. Consideration is given to the future cash flows of each cash generating unit and the discount rate applied to calculate the present value of those cash flows.

   2        SEGMENTAL INFORMATION 

The chief operating decision maker, as defined in IFRS 8, has been identified as the Board of Directors of Gattaca plc. The information reported below for the current period is consistent with the reports regularly provided to the Board of Directors.

 
 6 months to 31 January 2017 
                                                              Exchange 
                                                                 gains 
 unaudited                                                        from 
                                                               balance                   Amortisation 
  All amounts                                                    sheet   Non-recurring    of acquired 
  in GBP'000        Engineering   Technology   Underlying   conversion           items    intangibles     Group Total 
---------------    ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  --------------  -------------  -------------- 
 
 Revenue                192,998      111,213      304,211                            -              -       304,211 
 Gross profit            21,118       14,250       35,368                            -              -        35,368 
 Operating 
  contribution           11,121        6,554       17,675                            -              -        17,675 
 Central 
  overheads             (5,638)      (4,058)      (9,696)                      (1,100)        (1,432)      (12,228) 
-----------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  --------------  -------------  ------------ 
 Profit/(loss) 
  from 
  operations              5,483        2,496        7,979                      (1,100)        (1,432)         5,447 
 Finance cost, 
  net                                               (559)          278                                        (281) 
-----------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  --------------  -------------  ------------ 
 Profit before 
  tax                                               7,420                                                     5,166 
 Depreciation 
  and 
  amortisation              273          196                                                    1,432         1,901 
 Segment net 
  assets                 62,418       35,968                                                                 98,386 
 Unallocated net 
  liabilities                                                                                              (17,958) 
----------------   ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  --------------  -------------  ------------ 
 Total net assets                                                                                            80,428 
-----------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  --------------  -------------  ------------ 
 
 
 6 months to 31 
 January 
 2016 
                                                                             Exchange 
                                                                                gains 
 unaudited                                                                       from 
                                                                              balance                     Amortisation 
  All amounts                                                   Divested        sheet    Non-recurring     of acquired         Group 
  in GBP'000        Engineering   Technology    Underlying    businesses   conversion            items     intangibles         Total 
---------------    ------------  -----------  ------------  ------------  -----------  ---------------  --------------  ------------ 
 
 Revenue                190,030      107,105       297,135           772                             -               -       297,907 
 Gross profit            21,630       14,218        35,848           609                             -               -        36,457 
 Operating 
  contribution           11,067        7,267        18,334          (46)                             -               -        18,288 
 Central 
  overheads             (4,980)      (3,294)       (8,274)         (345)                         (888)         (1,828)      (11,335) 
-----------------  ------------  -----------  ------------  ------------  -----------  ---------------  --------------  ------------ 
 Profit/(loss) 
  from operations         6,087        3,973        10,060         (391)                         (888)         (1,828)         6,953 
 Profit on 
  disposal of 
  subsidiary                                                                                                                      58 
 Finance cost, 
  net                                                (649)                        571                                           (78) 
-----------------  ------------  -----------  ------------  ------------  -----------  ---------------  --------------  ------------ 
 Profit before 
  tax                                                9,411                                                                     6,933 
 Depreciation 
  and 
  amortisation              324          237                                                                     1,828         2,389 
 Segment net 
  assets                 55,508       31,586                                                                                  87,094 
 Unallocated 
  net 
  liabilities                                                                                                               (10,182) 
----------------   ------------  -----------  ------------  ------------  -----------  ---------------  --------------  ------------ 
 Total net 
  assets                                                                                                                      76,912 
-----------------  ------------  -----------  ------------  ------------  -----------  ---------------  --------------  ------------ 
 
 
 
 12 months to 31 July 2016 
                                                                                 Exchange 
                                                                                    gains 
 audited                                                                             from 
                                                                                  balance                     Amortisation 
  All amounts                                                       Divested        sheet    Non-recurring     of acquired      Group 
  in GBP'000            Engineering   Technology    Underlying    businesses   conversion            items     intangibles      Total 
---------------   ---  ------------  -----------  ------------  ------------  -----------  ---------------  --------------  --------- 
 
 Revenue                    397,737      219,095       616,832           772                             -               -    617,604 
 Gross profit                43,508       28,879        72,387           609                             -               -     72,996 
 Operating 
  contribution               23,583       14,640        38,223          (46)                             -               -     38,177 
 Central 
  overheads                 (9,614)      (7,112)      (16,726)         (362)                       (2,371)         (3,656)   (23,115) 
-----------------  ----------------  -----------  ------------  ------------  -----------  ---------------  --------------  --------- 
 Profit/(loss) 
  from 
  operations                 13,969        7,528        21,497         (408)                       (2,371)         (3,656)     15,062 
 Profit on 
  disposal 
  of subsidiary                                                                                                                    58 
 Finance cost, 
  net                                                  (1,076)                      1,025                                        (51) 
-----------------      ------------  -----------  ------------  ------------  -----------  ---------------  --------------  --------- 
 Profit before 
  tax                                                   20,421                                                                 15,069 
 Depreciation 
  and 
  amortisation                  877          243                                                                     3,656      4,776 
 Segment net 
  assets                     63,292       34,864                                                                               98,156 
 Unallocated net 
  liabilities                                                                                                                (16,542) 
----------------  ---  ------------  -----------  ------------  ------------  -----------  ---------------  --------------  --------- 
 Total net assets                                                                                                              81,614 
-----------------      ------------  -----------  ------------  ------------  -----------  ---------------  --------------  --------- 
 
 

A segmental analysis of total assets has not been included as this information is not available to the Board; the majority of assets are centrally held and are not allocated across the reportable segments. Only trade receivables and acquired intangibles are reported by segment and as such they are included as segment net assets above. Unallocated net liabilities include non-current assets, other receivables, cash and cash equivalents and current liabilities.

Geographical information

 
                                         Revenue                        Non-current assets 
                         ----------------------------------------  ---------------------------- 
All amounts in GBP'000       6 months      6 months     12 months 
                          to 31/01/17   to 31/01/16   to 31/07/16  31/01/17  31/01/16  31/07/16 
-----------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  --------  --------  -------- 
UK                            273,114       267,596       562,976    48,896    52,447    49,940 
Rest of Europe                    365           780         1,241         -         -         - 
Middle East and Africa         11,357        12,861        17,042        69       215       227 
Americas                       10,012        10,155        21,126       159        49       138 
Asia Pacific                    9,363         6,515        15,219       204        15       160 
-----------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  --------  --------  -------- 
                              304,211       297,907       617,604    49,328    52,726    50,465 
-----------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  --------  --------  -------- 
 

Revenue and non-current assets are allocated to the geographic market based on the domicile of the respective subsidiary.

   3        INCOME TAX EXPENSE 

Analysis of charge in the period:

 
                                                     6 months       6 months        12 months 
                                                  to 31/01/17    to 31/01/16      to 31/07/16 
                                                    unaudited      unaudited          audited 
                                                      GBP'000        GBP'000          GBP'000 
 
  Total income tax expense                              1,833          2,182            5,152 
                                               --------------  -------------  --------------- 
           The total tax charge is higher (31 January 2016: higher; 31 July 
            2016: higher) than the standard rate of corporation tax. The differences 
            are detailed below: 
  Profit before tax                                     5,166          6,933           15,069 
 
  Corporation tax at average rate 
   for the period 19.7% (31/01/16: 
   20.0%, 31/07/16: 20.0%)                              1,016          1,387            3,014 
 
  Expenses not (chargeable)/deductible 
   for tax purposes                                     (141)            266              610 
  Irrecoverable withholding tax                           721            443            1,137 
  Difference between UK and overseas 
   tax rates                                              132            176              400 
  Overseas losses not provided for                        105              -                - 
  Adjustments to tax charge in respect 
   of previous periods                                      -           (90)              (9) 
                                               --------------  -------------  --------------- 
  Total tax charge                                      1,833          2,182            5,152 
                                               --------------  -------------  --------------- 
 
   4        DIVIDS 
 
  Dividends on shares classed as equity:        6 months       6 months      12 months 
                                             to 31/01/17    to 31/01/16    to 31/07/16 
                                               unaudited      unaudited        audited 
                                                 GBP'000        GBP'000        GBP'000 
  Paid during the period 
  Equity dividends on ordinary shares              5,289          5,031          6,892 
                                           -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 
   5          EARNINGS PER SHARE 

Earnings per share has been calculated by dividing the consolidated profit after taxation attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period.

Diluted earnings per share has been calculated, on the same basis as above, except that the weighted average number of ordinary shares that would be issued on the conversion of all the dilutive potential ordinary shares (arising from the Group's share option schemes) into ordinary shares has been added to the denominator. There are no changes to the profit (numerator) as a result of the dilutive calculation.

The earnings per share information has been calculated as follows:

 
                                                     6 months       6 months      12 months 
                                                  to 31/01/17    to 31/01/16    to 31/07/16 
                                                    unaudited      unaudited 
                                                      GBP'000        GBP'000        GBP'000 
 
  Profit for the period                                 3,333          4,751          9,917 
 
  Number of Shares                                      000's          000's          000's 
 
  Weighted average number of ordinary 
   shares in issue                                     31,078         30,815         30,887 
  Effect of dilutive potential ordinary 
   shares under option                                    823          1,339          1,153 
                                                -------------  -------------  ------------- 
                                                       31,901         32,154         32,040 
                                                -------------  -------------  ------------- 
  Earnings per Share 
                                                        pence          pence          pence 
  Earnings per ordinary share from continuing 
   operations: 
  - Basic                                                10.7           15.4           32.1 
  - Diluted                                              10.5           14.8           31.0 
 
 
 
 6   INTANGIBLE ASSETS 
 
 
                                                                   Acquired    Software 
                                                    Goodwill    intangibles    licences     Total 
                                                     GBP'000        GBP'000     GBP'000   GBP'000 
 
 COST               At 1 August 2015                  26,451         27,495       1,769    55,715 
   Additions                                               -            250          53       303 
   Disposals                                           (380)              -           -     (380) 
                                          ------------------ 
   At 31 January 
    2016                                              26,071         27,745       1,822    55,638 
                                          ------------------  -------------  ----------  -------- 
 
   At 1 August 2015                                   26,451         27,495       1,769    55,715 
   Additions                                              23            250         189       462 
   Disposals                                           (380)              -           -     (380) 
                                          ------------------  -------------  ----------  -------- 
   At 1 August 2016                                   26,094         27,745       1,958    55,797 
                                          ------------------  -------------  ----------  -------- 
   Additions                                               -              -         255       255 
   At 31 January 
    2017                                              26,094         27,745       2,213    56,052 
                                          ------------------  -------------  ----------  -------- 
 
 AMORTISATION       At 1 August 2015                       -          2,659         826     3,485 
   Charge for the 
    period                                                 -          1,828         142     1,970 
                                          ------------------  -------------  ----------  -------- 
   At 31 January 
    2016                                                   -          4,487         968     5,455 
                                          ------------------  -------------  ----------  -------- 
 
 
     At 1 August 2015                                      -          2,659         826     3,485 
   Charge for the 
    year                                                   -          3,656         285     3,941 
                                          ------------------ 
   At 1 August 2016                                        -          6,315       1,111     7,426 
   Charge for the 
    period                                                 -          1,432         135     1,567 
                                          ------------------  -------------  ----------  -------- 
   At 31 January 
    2017                                                   -          7,747       1,246     8,993 
                                          ------------------  -------------  ----------  -------- 
 
                     At 31 January 
 NET BOOK VALUE       2016                             26,071         23,258         854    50,183 
   At 31 July 2016                                    26,094         21,430         847    48,371 
                                          ------------------  -------------  ----------  -------- 
   At 31 January 
    2017                                              26,094         19,998         967    47,059 
                                          ------------------  -------------  ----------  -------- 
 

The balances at 31 January 2016 and 31 January 2017 are unaudited, the remaining balances are audited.

   7        TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES 
 
                        31/01/2017    31/01/2016    31/07/2016 
                         unaudited     unaudited       audited 
                           GBP'000       GBP'000       GBP'000 
 
  Trade receivables         98,386        87,094        98,156 
  Other receivables            376           389           887 
  Prepayments                1,825         2,321         1,768 
                           100,587        89,804       100,811 
                      ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 

Included in the Group's trade receivable balance are debtors with a carrying amount of GBP12,899,000 (31 January 2016: GBP9,728,000, 31 July 2016: GBP10,407,000) which are past due at the reporting date for which the Group has not provided as the Directors do not believe there has been a significant change in credit quality and consider the amounts to be recoverable in full. The Group does not hold any collateral over these balances.

The Directors consider all trade receivables not past due to be fully recoverable.

Ageing of overdue but not impaired trade receivables:

 
                             31/01/2017    31/01/2016    31/07/2016 
  Number of days overdue      unaudited     unaudited       audited 
                                GBP'000       GBP'000       GBP'000 
 
  0-30 days                       8,250         7,463         7,427 
  30-60 days                      2,304         1,706         2,046 
  60-90 days                      1,216           559           744 
  90+ days                        1,129             -           190 
                                 12,899         9,728        10,407 
                           ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
   8        SHARE CAPITAL 
 
  Authorised share capital                       31/01/2017    31/01/2016    31/07/2016 
                                                  unaudited     unaudited       audited 
                                                    GBP'000       GBP'000       GBP'000 
 
  40,000,000 Ordinary shares of GBP0.01 each            400           400           400 
                                               ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
 
  Allotted, called up and fully paid             31/01/2017    31/01/2016    31/07/2016 
                                                  unaudited     unaudited       audited 
                                                    GBP'000       GBP'000       GBP'000 
 
  Ordinary shares of GBP0.01 each                       316           309           312 
                                               ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 

The movement in the number of shares in issue is shown below:

 
                                  '000 
 In issue at 1 August 2015      30,922 
 Exercise of share options          26 
 In issue at 31 January 2016    30,948 
                               ------- 
 
 In issue at 1 August 2015      30,922 
 Exercise of share options         245 
 In issue at 31 July 2016       31,167 
                               ------- 
 
 In issue at 1 August 2016      31,167 
 Exercise of share options         422 
 In issue at 31 January 2017    31,589 
                               ------- 
 
   9          ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES 

Alternative performance measures are disclosed below to show the adjusted and underlying trading

performance             of the Group. 

The underlying basis is reported excluding non-recurring items, amortisation of acquired intangibles, results from divested businesses and exchange gains from balance sheet conversion.

6 months to January 2017

unaudited

 
                                                                          Exchange 
                                                   Amortisation         gains from 
                         Statutory  Non-recurring   of acquired            balance    Underlying 
All amounts in GBP'000       basis          costs   intangibles   sheet conversion         basis 
-----------------------  ---------  -------------  ------------  -----------------  ------------ 
Revenue                    304,211              -             -                  -       304,211 
Gross profit                35,368              -             -                  -        35,368 
Profit from operations       5,447          1,100         1,432                  -         7,979 
Profit before tax            5,166          1,100         1,432              (278)         7,420 
-----------------------  ---------  -------------  ------------  -----------------  ------------ 
 

6 months to January 2016

unaudited

 
                                                                          Exchange 
                                                   Amortisation         gains from      Divested 
All amounts in           Statutory  Non-recurring   of acquired            balance    businesses  Underlying 
 GBP'000                     basis          costs   intangibles   sheet conversion                     basis 
-----------------------  ---------  -------------  ------------  -----------------  ------------  ---------- 
Revenue                    297,907              -             -                  -         (772)     297,135 
Gross profit                36,457              -             -                  -         (609)      35,848 
Profit from operations       6,953            888         1,828                  -           391      10,060 
Profit before tax            6,933            888         1,828              (571)           333       9,411 
-----------------------  ---------  -------------  ------------  -----------------  ------------  ---------- 
 

12 months to July 2016

audited

 
                                                                          Exchange 
                                                   Amortisation         gains from      Divested 
All amounts in           Statutory  Non-recurring   of acquired            balance    businesses  Underlying 
 GBP'000                     basis          costs   intangibles   sheet conversion                     basis 
-----------------------  ---------  -------------  ------------  -----------------  ------------  ---------- 
Revenue                    617,604              -             -                  -         (772)     616,832 
Gross profit                72,996              -             -                  -         (609)      72,387 
Profit from operations      15,062          2,371         3,656                  -           408      21,497 
Profit before tax           15,069          2,371         3,656            (1,025)           350      20,421 
-----------------------  ---------  -------------  ------------  -----------------  ------------  ---------- 
 
   10      SUBSEQUENT EVENTS 

On 2 February 2017, the Group announced the acquisition of 70% of the ordinary share capital of Resourcing Solutions Limited, a niche engineering recruitment business. The Group acquired an initial 70% for GBP6.9m with the remaining 30% subject to a put and call option exercisable from 12 months post-completion.

Statement of Directors' Responsibilities

The Board of Directors confirm that this condensed consolidated half year financial information has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34, as adopted by the European Union.

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

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