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FSJ Fisher (james) & Sons Plc

300.00
3.00 (1.01%)
09 May 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Fisher (james) & Sons Plc LSE:FSJ London Ordinary Share GB0003395000 ORD 25P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  3.00 1.01% 300.00 297.00 304.00 305.00 291.00 291.00 136,325 16:35:23
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Deep Sea Frn Trans-freight 520.9M -11.1M -0.2205 -13.56 150.54M

Fisher (James) & Sons plc Final Results (1312Y)

01/03/2017 7:00am

UK Regulatory


Fisher (james) & Sons (LSE:FSJ)
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RNS Number : 1312Y

Fisher (James) & Sons plc

01 March 2017

1 March 2017

James Fisher and Sons plc

Preliminary Results for the year ended 31 December 2016

James Fisher and Sons plc (FSJ.L) ("James Fisher"), the leading marine service provider, announces its results for the year ended 31 December 2016.

 
                                     2016        2015   % change 
 Revenue                        GBP466.0m   GBP437.9m        +6% 
 Underlying profit before 
  tax *                          GBP45.8m    GBP41.2m       +11% 
 Underlying diluted earnings 
  per share *                       76.3p       68.5p       +11% 
 Final dividend per share           17.6p       16.0p       +10% 
 Cash conversion                     103%         95%        +8% 
 Statutory profit before 
  tax                            GBP44.9m    GBP46.2m       (3)% 
 Statutory diluted earnings 
  per share                         78.7p       79.2p       (1)% 
 
   *      underlying profit excludes separately disclosed items 

Highlights:

-- Continued strong underlying operating profit growth at Marine Support, Specialist Technical and Tankships

   -        combined growth of 21% 
   -        combined operating margin up 120 basis points to 12.0% 
   --       Underlying profit before tax 11% higher at GBP45.8m (2015: GBP41.2m) 
   --       Underlying diluted earnings per share up 11% to 76.3p (2015: 68.5p) 
   --       Increased cash conversion of 103% (2015: 95%) 
   --       Final dividend raised by 10% to 17.6p per share reflecting continued profitable growth 

Commenting on the results, Chief Executive Officer Nick Henry said:

"Underlying profit before tax grew by 11% to GBP45.8m (2015: GBP41.2m) reflecting the continued resilience of the James Fisher business model with its well-balanced spread of activities across the marine sector and international markets. This is supported by a robust balance sheet and consistently strong cash generation.

Our Marine Support and Specialist Technical divisions have started 2017 with strong order books and a number of active prospects. Trading volumes in Tankships are stable and we are seeing some early signs of improved activity in Offshore Oil. We therefore have a positive view of the year ahead and are confident of the Group's potential to provide further growth and value for our shareholders in the future."

For further information:

 
                                         Chief Executive 
                                          Officer 
 James Fisher      Nick Henry             Group Finance     020 7614 
  and Sons plc      Stuart Kilpatrick     Director           9508 
----------------  --------------------  -----------------  --------- 
                   Richard 
                    Mountain 
                    Susanne                                 0203 727 
 FTI Consulting     Yule                                     1340 
----------------  ---------------------------------------  --------- 
 

Notes:

1. James Fisher and Sons plc uses alternative performance measures (APMs) as key financial indicators to assess the underlying performance of the business. APMs are used by management as they are considered to better reflect business performance and provide useful additional information. APMs include underlying operating profit, underlying profit before tax, underlying diluted earnings per share, underlying return on capital employed and cash conversion. An explanation of APMs is set out in note 2 in these Preliminary Results.

2. Certain statements contained in this announcement constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of James Fisher and Sons plc to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include exchange rates, general economic conditions and the business environment.

Chairman's Statement

I am pleased to report that James Fisher and Sons plc grew strongly in 2016 producing underlying profit before tax of GBP45.8m, an increase of 11% over the prior year. This reflected the continued resilience of the Fisher business model with its well-balanced spread of activities across the marine sector and international markets. Three of our four divisions, Marine Support, Specialist Technical and Tankships posted good improvements in results which more than absorbed continued weakness in Offshore Oil. Group revenue for the year grew by 6% to GBP466.0m (2015: GBP437.9m) and underlying diluted earnings per share were 76.3 pence, an increase of 11% compared with 2015. Statutory diluted earnings per share were 78.7 pence (2015: 79.2p).

Underlying trading improvements were the key driver of growth with currency gains making only a limited contribution to the increase in profit of GBP1.4m overall. The Group's cash conversion improved further to 103% and the year end balance sheet gearing remained at a conservative 41% despite acquisition expenditure of GBP24.6m and higher project related working capital requirements.

The underlying strength of the Group's performance and the positive outlook for the year ahead has led the Board to propose an increase in the final dividend to 17.6 pence per share (2015: 16.0p), making a total for the year of 26.15 pence per share, an increase of 10% compared with 2015.

Strategy

The 2016 results confirm the resilience of the James Fisher Group with its spread of businesses across multiple sectors of the marine services market. This has enabled the Group to offset the downturn in the oil and gas sector with continued growth elsewhere. The decentralised structure of the Group has allowed focus to be maintained on seizing the new opportunities available in the Marine Support and Specialist Technical areas in particular, without distracting from the rapid restructuring of our Offshore Oil activities.

The Group remains focused on investing in niche businesses which operate in demanding environments where their strong marine service and specialist engineering skills are valued and rewarded. Our businesses have a wide international presence across the faster growing markets of Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa and South America and we will continue to invest in expanding our position in these new markets. The Group has only a small presence in Europe outside the UK and Norway and therefore the Brexit process is likely to have limited direct impact on Group trading.

The Board believes that each of our four divisions continues to have attractive prospects based on strong market positions.

The strongest growth opportunities are currently in Marine Support and Specialist Technical. In Marine Support, the award of the Galloper wind farm contract together with the acquisition of Hughes Sub-Surface Engineering marked a significant step up in our presence in the growing renewables market. We continue to find new growth opportunities for our ship-to-ship transfer activities in Asia Pacific, Africa and Brazil. In Specialist Technical, our JFD subsidiary now has a clear market leadership position in the supply of hyperbaric and specialist diving equipment to the commercial market as well as in its niche defence activities. The past year has seen strong growth in orders from the Asia Pacific region and JFD's acquisition of Lexmar in Singapore will further strengthen our presence in this important market. Our nuclear business has also been successful in establishing an initial presence in the Chinese and Japanese markets and we will seek to build on these opportunities in the future.

Over the last seven years, our Tankships division has performed well with profit improvements every year driven mainly by cost efficiencies and tight management of capacity. The point is nearing when some of our older ships will need replacement. While we see opportunities to do this in a cost efficient manner, there will necessarily be some increase in overall vessel costs in the medium term.

The Offshore Oil division is well placed assuming some resumption in customer maintenance spend. Our gross margins have proven to be robust; capital expenditure has been reduced and costs remain under tight control. Our businesses have been very active in seeking out new markets in the Middle East and Asia Pacific. Results have stabilised at levels reported in the second half of 2015. It is too early to be confident of a strong recovery but we have now seen an improvement in the order book in Norway which should benefit 2017. We will continue to invest in Offshore Oil as attractive opportunities arise which meet our niche service criteria.

Our businesses are increasingly technology led with the recent contract gains by JFD being one example of how technological leadership can give our businesses a real competitive edge. When combined with the Group's growing scale and its ability to manage increasingly complex contracts we see good opportunities for organic growth. The strength of our balance sheet enables us to continue to invest for the future and to make bolt-on acquisitions which improve the capability and market presence of our businesses.

The Board

There were no changes in the Board's composition during the year. This year the annual board appraisal was based on an internal evaluation of its performance across the key areas of business performance, strategy, financial reporting and key performance indicators, risk management, succession planning and corporate social responsibility. The Board reviewed the key issues being raised by the investor community in relation to good corporate governance. The Board considers that it functions well as a unit, provides a good balance of support and challenge to management and reports in appropriate detail to investors for a company of its scale.

Staff

The Group continues to benefit from a strong and stable management team both at Board level and in our operating companies. It is becoming increasingly international in its operations with growing scale and complexity in the customer contracts that it undertakes. Considerable attention has been given to managing these changes effectively both in terms of management recruitment and via a significant step up in our centrally organised training programmes which have the double benefit of improving cohesion across the Group as well as raising skill levels.

The broad spread of our businesses means that some staff have been coping with the pressures of growth while others have had to face tougher times. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank all of our employees for their hard work and commitment shown to the continued success of the James Fisher Group.

Outlook

Our Marine Support and Specialist Technical divisions have started 2017 with strong order books and a number of active prospects. Trading volumes in Tankships are stable and we are seeing some early signs of improved activity in Offshore Oil. We therefore have a positive view of the year ahead and are confident of the Group's potential to provide further growth and value for our shareholders in the future.

Chief Executive's Review

Group strategy and corporate objectives

The Group's strategy is to increase shareholder value by growing its marine service businesses, primarily organically but also supplemented by selective bolt-on acquisitions which broaden our service, product and geographical capability. Our businesses are entrepreneurially led, with market leading positions and focused on less mature markets.

Our corporate objectives are to deliver long-term growth in underlying earnings per share and to deliver progressive dividend growth. Underlying earnings per share grew by 11% in the year with combined underlying operating profit growth of 21% in three divisions which more than offset a reduced result in Offshore Oil. Over the last ten years the Group has achieved compound annual growth in underlying earnings per share of 12%. Dividends have increased in each of the last 22 years and this year, it is proposed that the dividend be increased by 10%.

Business model

The Group provides a wide range of marine services predominantly to large multinational corporations and government bodies. It offers solutions to customers through specialist equipment which is often designed and assembled by our people, who then operate it and provide through-life support to our customers.

The Group has a decentralised management structure and encourages managers to be responsible for making timely decisions in response to changes in the market and the competitive environment. Whilst the Group's primary focus is organic growth, acquisitions, which broaden our range of products and services or potentially extend our geographical coverage, are also part of our business model.

The Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) we use to measure the success of the business model include revenue growth, operating margin, return on capital employed and cash conversion. This year, revenue growth was 6% of which 3% was organic and the underlying operating margin increased by 50 basis points to 10.9% (2015:10.4%).

The Group's post-tax return on capital employed was 13.0% (2015: 13.5%) due to increased investment in new businesses and working capital. The Group's cash conversion, which measures the proportion of operating profit that was turned into operating cash, was 103% (2015: 95%) which compares to an average of 115% over the last five years.

Strategic progress

Our strategy is to grow organically and to supplement organic growth with carefully selected, value enhancing acquisitions which fit into our business model and enhance our products, services or geographic offering. We seek to acquire businesses that have a niche product or service offering, with growth potential, a track record of profitability and cash generation and good management.

In February, the integrated marine services contract to support the construction of the Galloper wind farm, located 27km off the coast of Suffolk, UK, was announced. This contract is worth in excess of GBP25m and is scheduled to complete in 2018. It encompasses the site set-up, marine logistics OWMS(TM) marine management system, crew transfer vessels, vessel refueling and emergency response services. The contract is being delivered by James Fisher Marine Services (JFMS) into which a number of bolt-on acquisitions have been integrated to form a substantial offshore and subsea operator for the renewables market. Hughes Sub-Surface Engineering, which also operates in this sector was acquired in August and has been integrated into JFMS.

The Indian Navy contract to build two submarine rescue systems was announced in March. The GBP193m contract entails the design and construction of two systems for GBP83m which will be delivered by the end of 2018. This is then followed by a 25 year service contract to operate and maintain the systems in India. This significant contract award was then followed in November by the award of a c. GBP35m contract by Shanghai Salvage to supply a 24 man saturation diving system rated for diving support to a depth of 500m.

In August the acquisition of Lexmar in Singapore was completed. Lexmar designs modular saturation diving systems and other diving equipment. This strengthens our presence in the defence and diving equipment markets of the Asia Pacific region, which are of strategic importance for further future growth.

James Fisher Nuclear (JFN) was awarded a GBP60m contract by Magnox Limited to decommission the largest of the reactor cores at the Winfrith site in Dorset, UK. The contract commenced in April and will run through to 2020. This award further establishes JFN as the leading nuclear reactor decommissioning contractor in the UK.

The Group acquired the visual asset management company, Return to Scene (R2S) in June 2016. R2S provides high definition, 360 degree, photographic images to create a three dimensional image of an asset, enabling remote personnel to view a virtual environment and manage the asset without the expense of physically travelling to the site. With its customer base primarily within the oil & gas sector, it broadens our Offshore Oil services and has the potential to provide services to other sectors serviced by the Group.

Divisional performance

 
                                      Underlying    Underlying        Underlying 
                          Revenue      operating     operating         return on 
                            GBPm        profit*       margin*      capital employed* 
                                         GBPm            %                 % 
=====================  ============  ============  ============  ==================== 
                        2016   2015   2016   2015   2016   2015       2016       2015 
=====================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =========  ========= 
Marine Support         203.6  193.0   21.0   19.4   10.3   10.0       13.9       14.8 
Specialist Technical   151.8  129.4   19.9   13.9   13.1   10.7       27.8       20.9 
Offshore Oil            55.1   63.0    4.2    7.4    7.6   11.7        3.5        6.2 
Tankships               55.5   52.5    8.2    7.1   14.8   13.5       31.9       28.5 
Common Costs               -      -  (2.5)  (2.2)      -      -          -          - 
=====================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =========  ========= 
                       466.0  437.9   50.8   45.6   10.9   10.4       13.0       13.5 
=====================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =========  ========= 
 

* before separately disclosed items

Marine Support

Marine Support revenue was up 5% at GBP203.6m (2015: GBP193.0m). After adjusting for a significant contract in Angola, which ceased in March 2016 but contributed a full twelve months in 2015, currency effects and the full year contribution of acquisitions, underlying organic revenue growth was 9%.

Underlying operating profit increased by 8% to GBP21.0m with a strong performance at Fendercare and growth in renewables. Excluding the effect of currency movements, businesses acquired and the impact of the Angolan contract, organic growth in underlying operating profit was 23%.

Ship-to-ship (STS) transfer business, which in 2016 was 33% of the division, performed strongly as volumes increased by 10% and with mainly US Dollar denominated sales, revenue in the second half of the year was boosted by UK Sterling weakness. The Asia Pacific region performed strongly as did the West African market. The end of the year saw the successful completion of trials for STS operations in Brazil, which commenced in January 2017.

Revenue in marine services, principally for the renewables and tidal sectors increased by over 40%. The project to support the construction of the Galloper wind farm commenced the planning and set-up phase in February and entered the operational phase in October. The work to identify and mitigate unexploded ordnance devices for Galloper was successfully completed during the second half. We continued to provide services to the Meygen tidal array project in the Firth of Forth, UK, and also completed a project to install four subsea power cable extensions at the Wave Hub offshore tidal power project in Falmouth, UK.

Our testing and monitoring businesses performed at similar levels to 2015. With effect from 1 July 2016, export containers are required to have their weight verified prior to loading onto a vessel and our Container Weight System (CWS(TM) ), which was launched by Strainstall Marine this year, was installed into 15 ports around the World.

Following the cessation of a marine services contract in Angola and protracted negotiations with its customer, the Group has recognised a separately disclosed charge of GBP2.3m (2015: GBPnil) due to early termination in March 2016.

Specialist Technical

Specialist Technical revenue grew by 17% in the year of which 9% was organic, 2% due to currency and the balance due to businesses acquired. Underlying operating profit increased by 43% to GBP19.9m (2015: GBP13.9m) due to strong performance in JFD, our submarine rescue and saturation diving equipment business. Excluding the effect of currency and acquisitions, organic underlying operating profit growth was 31%.

JFD, which accounted for 70% of divisional sales in 2016, commenced a contract in April, to design and assemble two submarine rescue systems for the Indian Navy for delivery in 2018. The business also entered the market for hyperbaric lifeboats and won orders for six vessels. A c. GBP35m contract for Shanghai Salvage was announced for a 24 man saturation diving system capable of reaching a depth of 500m. Submarine rescue service revenues increased by 10% and diving equipment product sales were 23% higher with strong demand for our military rebreather diving equipment and a new range of compact bailout rebreathing apparatus (Cobra) which delivers up to 45 minutes of emergency life support at a depth of 120 metres.

Our Nuclear business won and commenced a four year contract to decommission a core reactor at Winfrith, Dorset, UK, worth GBP60m. Overall performance was similar to 2015 as a change in UK decommissioning policy reduced business in the second half as projects ceased to be awarded across the supply chain.

Offshore Oil

Revenue and underlying operating profit in the second half of 2016 were at similar levels to the previous two halves. Due to a stronger first half in 2015 revenue on a full year basis was down 12% and after adjusting for currency and acquisitions, 20% lower. Second half sales were 5% higher than the comparative for 2015 but flat after adjusting for currency.

Underlying operating profit was similar to the first half and GBP4.2m (2015: GBP7.4m) for the full year. Gross margins were similar to prior year confirming the strength of our niche positions and actions taken to reduce costs over the last two years. Overheads have been reduced by 21% compared to 2014. Our businesses remain well placed to benefit from any future recovery in maintenance and repair expenditure although no significant recovery in the sector has yet to emerge.

Return to Scene joined the Group in June 2016 and offers our customers a photographic three dimensional representation of an asset, such as an oil rig, allowing them to plan maintenance and repair operations reducing the cost of travelling to the site. Major projects completed in 2016 include a large production and drilling facility in the Gulf of Mexico and similar assets in the North Sea and Azerbaijan.

Tankships

Our Tankships division increased revenue by 6% to GBP55.5m (2015: GBP52.6m). Approximately half of this increase was driven by increased volumes and half due to currency. Profitability was enhanced by the return of one vessel returning to the fleet from third party charter which was required to cater for the increased demand. Our Plymouth port saw a 6% increase in volumes discharged.

Underlying operating profit was 15% above 2015 at GBP8.2m (2015: GBP7.1m) reflecting the increase in revenue and the benefit of reduced costs from the renegotiation of certain supplier contracts. Vessel utilisation was 94% (2015: 97%). The business operated 15 vessels in 2016 (2015: 14) and completed 828 voyages in the year compared to 806 in the previous year maintaining its excellent operational safety record.

Financial Review

2016 results

The Group's performance against its key performance indicators in 2016 saw an increase in underlying operating profit of 11% to GBP50.8m (2015: GBP45.6m) on revenue of GBP466.0m (2015: GBP437.9m). Underlying operating margin increased to 10.9% (2015: 10.4%) due to strong results of the Specialist Technical, Marine Support and Tankships divisions. Underlying profit before taxation was 11% higher at GBP45.8m (2015: GBP41.2m). Statutory profit before taxation was GBP44.9m (2015: GBP46.2m) due to separately disclosed items which are set out below. The Group's post-tax return on capital employed was 13.0% (2015: 13.5%) and cash conversion, the measure of how much operating profit is converted into cash, improved to 103% (2015: 95%).

The Group is exposed to fluctuations in exchange rates, primarily in respect of US Dollar cash flows and the translation of overseas business results into UK Sterling. Forward currency contracts are entered into periodically to hedge approximately half of forecast net US Dollar inflows to reduce the risk of earnings volatility. In 2016, the Group's US Dollar hedges had the effect of limiting the currency gains following the post-Brexit devaluation of UK Sterling. The Group does not hedge translation exposure where an overseas business records transactions in local currencies, which are then converted into UK Sterling at average rates. The net increase in revenue and underlying operating profit due to changes in exchange rates was GBP18.2m and GBP1.4m respectively.

 
 Revenue               GBPm   % change   Revenue increased by 6% in 
                                          the year and the incremental 
                                          effect of businesses acquired 
                                          (including the full year 
                                          effect of those added in 
                                          the prior year) was GBP27.5m. 
                                          The cessation of a marine 
                                          services contract in Angola 
                                          reduced revenue by GBP32.4m 
                                          and currency added GBP18.2m. 
                                          Organic growth was 3% comprising 
                                          a GBP13.6m fall in the Offshore 
                                          Oil division offset by an 
                                          increase of GBP28.4m in the 
                                          other divisions. 
 2015                 437.9 
 Acquisitions          27.5         6% 
 Angolan contract    (32.4)       (7)% 
 Currency              18.2         4% 
 Offshore Oil        (13.6)       (3)% 
 Other divisions       28.4         6% 
                    -------  --------- 
 2016                 466.0         6% 
                    =======  ========= 
 
 
 Underlying operating     GBPm   % change   Underlying operating profit 
  profit                                     was 11% higher than 2015. 
                                             Acquisitions added GBP2.0m 
                                             in the year and the effect 
                                             of the ceased contract in 
                                             Angola reduced profit by 
                                             GBP2.9m. The impact of currency 
                                             rates is net of US Dollar 
                                             cash flow hedges of GBP3.5m 
                                             and a GBP1.5m loss on Nigerian 
                                             Naira cash balances following 
                                             a 30% devaluation when the 
                                             peg against the US dollar 
                                             was removed during 2016. 
                                             Organic growth was 10% with 
                                             three divisions performing 
                                             strongly to offset a reduction 
                                             in Offshore Oil. 
 2015                     45.6 
 Acquisitions              2.0         4% 
 Angolan contract        (2.9)       (6)% 
 Currency                  1.4         3% 
 Offshore Oil            (4.4)      (10)% 
 Other divisions           9.1        20% 
                        ------  --------- 
 2016                     50.8        11% 
                        ======  ========= 
 
 

Interest and taxation

Net finance charges were GBP0.6m higher than 2015 at GBP5.0m (2015: GBP4.4m) due to an increase in non-cash interest on pension schemes of GBP0.2m and GBP0.4m of increased bank interest as the Group borrowed more in 2016. Interest cover, the ratio of underlying operating profit to the net finance charge, excluding pension related charges, was 12.7 times (2015: 13.2 times).

 
 Tax charge                    2016    2015   The tax charge for the 
                                               year of GBP7.1m (2015: 
                                               GBP5.9m) on profit before 
                                               tax and separately disclosed 
                                               items of GBP45.8m (2015: 
                                               GBP41.2m) represents 
                                               an underlying effective 
                                               tax rate (ETR) of 15.4% 
                                               (2015: 14.3%). The Group 
                                               ETR is impacted by recurring 
                                               items such as the geographical 
                                               mix of profits, tonnage 
                                               tax relief on the profits 
                                               of its tanker operations 
                                               and expenses disallowed 
                                               for tax. The Group operates 
                                               in 16 countries so its 
                                               ETR is a blend of national 
                                               tax rates applied to 
                                               locally generated profits. 
                                               Non-recurring items 
                                               in 2016 include adjustments 
                                               to tax calculations 
                                               in previous years where 
                                               the outturn has been 
                                               or will be lower. 
                               GBPm    GBPm 
 Underlying profit before 
  tax                          45.8    41.2 
 UK rate of 20.0% (2015: 
  20.3%)                        9.2     8.3 
 Adjusted for the effects 
  of recurring items: 
  Effect of overseas tax 
   rates                        0.4     0.5 
  Tonnage tax relief on 
   vessel activities          (1.0)   (0.9) 
  Other recurring items         0.1     0.1 
 Adjusted for the effects 
  of non-recurring items: 
  Over provisions in prior 
   years                      (0.9)   (2.1) 
  UK deferred tax rate        (0.7)       - 
   reduction 
                             ------  ------ 
                                7.1     5.9 
                             ======  ====== 
 
 

In addition, in 2016 the Group benefitted from the UK government committing to reduce future corporation tax rates to 17% with effect from 1 April 2020 which resulted in a non-recurring benefit of GBP0.7m.

The Group's tax policy has been approved by the Board and shared with the UK tax authorities. Whilst the Group has a duty to shareholders to seek to minimise its tax burden, its tax policy is to do so in a manner which is consistent with its commercial objectives, meets its legal obligations and its code of ethics. We aim to manage our tax affairs in a responsible and transparent manner and with regard for the intention of the legislation rather than just the wording itself.

Our tax objectives are to comply with all applicable tax laws and regulations, including the timely submission of all tax returns and tax payments and to undertake all dealings with local tax authorities in a professional and timely manner. The Group operates in a complex global environment and a principal tax risk is the acceptance of intragroup transaction pricing by tax authorities around the World. The Group continues to monitor the OECD's Base Erosion Profit Shifting (BEPS) project as part of its tax risk management and seeks to comply with local transfer pricing legislation in each relevant jurisdiction and involve external tax advisers, where appropriate, to identify any changes to pricing policies and related documentation.

In terms of cash tax, the Group paid GBP6.9m (2015: GBP8.8m) across all of its jurisdictions with around 40% paid to the UK tax authorities. A further GBP28.2m was paid in the UK for payroll taxes (2015: GBP26.3m).

Earnings per share and dividends

Underlying diluted earnings per share increased by 11% to 76.3p per share (2015: 68.5p). Statutory diluted earnings per share were 78.7p per share (2015: 79.2p) due to a separately disclosed charge after tax of GBP0.6m compared to a gain of GBP5.3m in the previous year. The Board are recommending a 10% increase to the total dividend for the year to 26.15p per share (2015: 23.80p). A final dividend of 17.6p per share (2015: 16.0p) will be paid on 9 May 2017 to shareholders on the register on 7 April 2017, subject to approval at the Annual General Meeting. Dividend cover based on the ratio of underlying earnings per share divided by the dividend per share was 2.9 times (2015: 2.9 times).

Separately disclosed items

The Directors' consider that the alternative performance measures described in note 2 assist an understanding of the underlying trading performance of the businesses. These measures exclude separately disclosed items. Items disclosed separately comprise gains or losses on the sale of businesses, asset impairments, other significant non-recurring items and acquisition related charges or income.

 
Separately disclosed items          2016   2015    Costs incurred on acquiring 
                                    GBPm   GBPm           businesses decreased 
                                                       due to fewer businesses 
                                                       being acquired in 2016. 
                                                    Amortisation of intangible 
                                                      assets which have arisen 
                                                          when businesses have 
                                                  been acquired was unchanged, 
                                                      contingent consideration 
                                                            releases are based 
                                                           on latest estimates 
                                                    of obligations in relation 
                                                         to estimated outcomes 
                                                    against targets originally 
                                                          agreed within a sale 
                                                       and purchase agreement. 
                                                           A credit of GBP3.4m 
                                                       (2015: GBP8.5m) related 
                                                            mainly to Subtech, 
                                                            which was acquired 
                                                                      in 2015. 
Acquisition related (charges) 
 and income: 
  Costs incurred on acquiring 
   businesses                      (0.7)  (1.4) 
  Amortisation of acquired 
   intangible assets               (1.2)  (1.2) 
  Adjustments to contingent 
   consideration provisions          3.4    8.5 
                                   -----  ----- 
                                     1.5    5.9 
Provision for contract cessation 
 costs in Angola                   (2.3)      - 
Loss on disposal of businesses         -  (1.0) 
                                   -----  ----- 
Separately disclosed items 
 before tax                        (0.8)    4.9 
Tax on separately disclosed 
 items                               0.2    0.4 
                                   -----  ----- 
                                   (0.6)    5.3 
                                   =====  ===== 
 

In 2016, the Group recognised a charge of GBP2.3m relating to the early cessation of a marine services contract in Angola which is classified as separately disclosed, being a significant, non-recurring item.

Cash flow and borrowings

Free cash flow, which is the net cash generated before the cash spend on acquisitions and before dividends paid to shareholders, increased by GBP18.0m to GBP25.1m (2015: GBP7.1m) due to higher operating cash flow and a 27% reduction in capital expenditure, mainly from lower investment in Offshore Oil. Cash conversion, the ratio of underlying operating cash flow to underlying operating profit was 103% (2015: 95%) despite a further investment in working capital.

 
 Summary cash flow         2016     2015   The working capital outflow 
                                            of GBP19.0m (2015: GBP22.7m) 
                                            was primarily in respect 
                                            of projects within Specialist 
                                            Technical and growth in 
                                            the Marine Support renewables 
                                            business. The ratio of 
                                            working capital to sales 
                                            increased from 16% to 18% 
                                            and is expected to increase 
                                            further in 2017 due to 
                                            the India submarine rescue 
                                            contract. 
 
                                            Net capital expenditure 
                                            in the year was GBP14.8m 
                                            (2015: GBP20.2m) which 
                                            represents 66% of depreciation. 
                                            Spend in Offshore Oil on 
                                            rental equipment was lower 
                                            at GBP5.6m (2015: GBP7.9m), 
                                            Marine Support was GBP4.6m 
                                            (2015: GBP7.2m), reflecting 
                                            continued investment into 
                                            the renewables and tidal 
                                            sector and Specialist Technical 
                                            was GBP2.1m (2015: GBP2.3m). 
                           GBPm     GBPm 
 Underlying operating 
  profit                   50.8     45.6 
 Depreciation and 
  amortisation             24.6     23.2 
                        -------  ------- 
 Underlying Ebitda         75.4     68.8 
 Working capital         (19.0)   (22.7) 
 Pension / other          (4.3)    (2.7) 
                        -------  ------- 
 Operating cash 
  flow                     52.1     43.4 
 Interest & tax          (10.8)   (12.2) 
 Capital expenditure     (14.8)   (20.2) 
 Other                    (1.5)    (3.9) 
                        -------  ------- 
 Free cash flow            25.0      7.1 
 Businesses acquired     (24.6)   (27.2) 
 Dividends               (12.3)   (11.4) 
                        -------  ------- 
 Increase in net 
  borrowings             (11.9)   (31.5) 
                        =======  ======= 
 
 

Net borrowings increased in the year by GBP11.9m to GBP105.7m (2015: GBP93.8m) with a cash outflow on businesses acquired of GBP24.6m (2015: GBP27.2m) of which GBP6.9m related to businesses acquired in the previous year. At 31 December 2016, the ratio of net borrowings to underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) was 1.4 times (2015: 1.4 times) and the Group had GBP49.7m (2015: GBP67.4m) of undrawn committed banking facilities. Net gearing, the ratio of net debt to equity, was 41% (2015: 43%).

Acquisitions

During the year the Group acquired Lexmar Engineering Pte Limited and Lexmar Sat Systems Pte Limited (together "Lexmar") for S$26.8m (GBP15.0m), inclusive of net cash in the business on 1 August 2016 of S$8.8m (GBP4.9m). Lexmar is complementary to our saturation diving business within JFD in our Specialist Technical division and broadens the Group's offering, particularly in the Asia Pacific region. Hughes Sub-Surface Engineering Limited was acquired for an initial consideration of GBP9.0m, inclusive of net cash in the business of GBP2.0m. A further GBP1.0m is potentially payable based on the profitability of certain projects up to 28 February 2017. Return to Scene was acquired for GBP1.9m in June 2016 and a further GBP3.0m was spent to acquire SWT, Norway for its heat suppression capability.

Pensions

The Group operates a range of defined contribution schemes for current employees and in 2016, contributed GBP3.7m (2015: GBP3.7m) into those schemes. The Group has an obligation of GBP26.8m (2015: GBP27.0m) for its own closed defined benefit scheme and for two industry-wide defined benefit schemes. In respect of these obligations, the net pension liability decreased by GBP0.2m to GBP26.8m as contributions of GBP4.4m were offset by an increase in re-measurement losses due to reduced long-term interest rates, particularly following the outcome of the Brexit vote.

Annual Financial Report

In accordance with Disclosure and Transparency Rule (DTR) 6.3.5, the following additional information is required to be made through a Regulatory Information Service: Principal risks and uncertainties; and Directors' responsibility statement. The information below, which is summarised and extracted from the 2016 Annual Report and Accounts that is to be published in March 2017, is included solely for the purpose of complying with DTR 6.3.5 (2) and the requirements it places on issuers on external communications.

Risk management

The Board is ultimately responsible for the management of risk in the Group. Our internal control and risk management framework is regularly monitored and reviewed by the Board and the Audit Committee and comprises a series of policies, processes, procedures and organisational structures which are designed to ensure that the level of risk to which the Group is exposed is consistent with the Board's risk appetite and the Company's strategic objectives.

The Board determines the Group's policies on risk, appetite for risk and levels of risk tolerance and specifically approves: risk management policies and plans; significant insurance and/or legal claims and/or settlements; major acquisitions, disposals and capital expenditures; and the Group budget, forecast and three year plan. The Board has put in place a documented organisational structure with strictly defined limits of authority from the Board to operating units that have been communicated throughout the businesses and are well understood by the Executive Directors, the central management team, functional and business leaders who have delegated authority and specific responsibility for ensuring compliance with and implementing policies at corporate, divisional and business unit level. Central functions and operating units are each required to operate within this control environment and in accordance with the Group's established policies and procedures which include ethical, anti-bribery and corruption, treasury, employment, health and safety and environmental policies and procedures.

The Group's trading companies are supported by centralised finance, treasury, taxation, internal audit, legal and company secretarial, human resource and payroll and information systems functions: the functional heads report to a nominated Executive Director. The Board retains an oversight role, receives regular reports on key issues and has a schedule of matters specifically reserved to it for decision thus ensuring that it maintains full and effective control over appropriate strategic, investment, financial, organisational and compliance issues. This schedule is subject to review by the Board on an annual basis.

Principal risks and uncertainties

The most significant risks that the Board considers may affect our business are listed below. These risks are similar to last year except for the addition of 'Contractual risk' and the re-designation of 'Reputational risk from operations' to 'Health, safety and environment'.

   --      Project delivery 
   --      Contractual risk 
   --      Recruitment and retention of key staff 
   --      Health, safety and environment 
   --      Financial risk 
   --      Energy markets 
   --      Operations in emerging markets 
   --      Cyber security 

Contractual risk refers to the exposure to late payment, or cost overruns as a result of winning larger contracts and operating in more geographies. The Group utilises professional expertise to minimise risk in contract negotiation and levels of authority are designed to ensure that contracts are reviewed and approved at appropriate levels prior to commitment. A full description of the principal risk and uncertainties and their management and mitigation will be set out in the 2016 Annual Report and Accounts.

Directors' responsibility statement

The following is an extract of the full statement prepared in connection with the Company's Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2016.

The Directors of the Company confirm that to the best of their knowledge:

-- the Group nancial statements, prepared in accordance with the applicable set of accounting standards, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, nancial position and pro t or loss of the Group and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole; and

-- the Preliminary Results report includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the Group and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that they face.

The Directors of James Fisher and Sons plc and their respective responsibilities are set out in the 2015 Annual Report and Accounts. The responsibility statement was approved by the Board on 28 February 2017 and signed on its behalf by:

 
 N P Henry                 S C Kilpatrick 
 Chief Executive Officer   Group Finance Director 
 

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

for the year ended 31 December 2016

 
                                             Year ended                             Year ended 
                                          31 December 2016                       31 December 2015 
                               -------------------------------------  ------------------------------------- 
                                     Before                                 Before 
                                 separately   Separately                separately   Separately 
                                  disclosed    disclosed                 disclosed    disclosed 
                                      items        items       Total         items        items       Total 
                                                   (note                                  (note 
                                                      4)                                     4) 
                        Notes        GBP000       GBP000      GBP000        GBP000       GBP000      GBP000 
 Group revenue              3       465,969            -     465,969       437,930            -     437,930 
 Cost of sales                    (324,239)            -   (324,239)     (307,208)            -   (307,208) 
                               ------------               ----------  ------------               ---------- 
 Gross profit                       141,730            -     141,730       130,722            -     130,722 
 Administrative 
  expenses                         (92,363)      (2,278)    (94,641)      (85,219)            -    (85,219) 
 Share of post-tax 
  results of joint 
  ventures                            1,414            -       1,414            87            -          87 
 Acquisition related 
  income and (expense)      4             -        1,456       1,456             -        5,926       5,926 
                               ------------  -----------  ----------  ------------  -----------  ---------- 
 Operating profit           3        50,781        (822)      49,959        45,590        5,926      51,516 
 Loss on disposal 
  of business                             -            -           -             -        (959)       (959) 
 Net finance expense                (5,026)            -     (5,026)       (4,343)            -     (4,343) 
                               ------------  -----------  ----------  ------------  -----------  ---------- 
 Profit before taxation              45,755        (822)      44,933        41,247        4,967      46,214 
 Income tax                 5       (7,053)          267     (6,786)       (5,903)          396     (5,507) 
 Profit for the 
  year                               38,702        (555)      38,147        35,344        5,363      40,707 
                               ============  ===========  ==========  ============  ===========  ========== 
 Attributable to: 
 Owners of the Company               38,508        1,245      39,753        34,522        5,363      39,885 
 Non-controlling 
  interests                             194      (1,800)     (1,606)           822            -         822 
                                     38,702        (555)      38,147        35,344        5,363      40,707 
                               ============  ===========  ==========  ============  ===========  ========== 
 Earnings per share         6                                  pence                                  pence 
 Basic                                                          79.4                                   79.7 
 Diluted                                                        78.7                                   79.2 
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

for the year ended 31 December 2016

 
                                                         Year        Year 
                                                        ended       ended 
                                                           31          31 
                                                     December    December 
                                                         2016        2015 
                                                       GBP000      GBP000 
 
 Profit for the year                                   38,147      40,707 
                                                   ----------  ---------- 
 Items that will not be classified to the income 
  statement 
 Remeasurement loss on defined benefit pension 
  schemes                                             (3,054)     (8,596) 
 Actuarial gain in defined benefit pension 
  schemes                                                   -         813 
 Tax on items that will not be reclassified             (124)       1,635 
                                                   ----------  ---------- 
                                                      (3,178)     (6,148) 
 Items that may be reclassified to the income 
  statement 
 Exchange differences on foreign currency net 
  investments                                          16,771     (4,587) 
 Effective portion of changes in fair value 
  of cash flow hedges                                 (3,249)         836 
 Effective portion of changes in fair value 
  of cash flow hedges in joint ventures                 (139)         354 
 Net changes in fair value of cash flow hedges 
  transferred to income statement                         551          77 
 Deferred tax on items that may be reclassified           432       (220) 
                                                   ----------  ---------- 
                                                       14,366     (3,540) 
 Total comprehensive income for the year               49,335      31,019 
                                                   ==========  ========== 
 
 Owners of the Company                                 50,725      30,067 
 Non-controlling interests                            (1,390)         952 
                                                       49,335      31,019 
                                                   ==========  ========== 
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

at 31 December 2016

 
                                                  31 December   31 December 
                                                         2016          2015 
                                          Notes        GBP000        GBP000 
 Non-current assets 
 Goodwill                                             165,047       140,414 
 Other intangible assets                               15,453        16,041 
 Property, plant and equipment                        131,026       127,594 
 Investment in joint ventures                           6,424         6,250 
 Available for sale financial assets                    1,377         1,478 
 Deferred tax assets                                    2,852         3,189 
                                                      322,179       294,966 
                                                 ------------  ------------ 
 
 Current assets 
 Inventories                                           54,092        47,436 
 Trade and other receivables                          157,384       141,736 
 Cash and cash equivalents                  9          21,848        22,962 
                                                      233,324       212,134 
                                                 ------------  ------------ 
 
 Current liabilities 
 Trade and other payables                           (129,332)     (126,827) 
 Current tax                                          (8,426)       (7,190) 
 Loans and borrowings                       9         (3,086)         (106) 
                                                    (140,844)     (134,123) 
                                                 ------------  ------------ 
 
 Net current assets                                    92,480        78,011 
                                                 ------------  ------------ 
 Total assets less current liabilities                414,659       372,977 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Other liabilities                                    (4,962)       (8,728) 
 Retirement benefit obligations             8        (26,770)      (26,956) 
 Cumulative preference shares                           (100)         (100) 
 Loans and borrowings                       9       (124,380)     (116,645) 
 Deferred tax liabilities                               (111)         (153) 
                                                    (156,323)     (152,582) 
                                                 ------------  ------------ 
 Net assets                                           258,336       220,395 
                                                 ============  ============ 
 
 Equity 
 Called up share capital                               12,543        12,541 
 Share premium                                         25,573        25,525 
 Treasury shares                                        (554)       (1,613) 
 Other reserves                                         2,797      (11,354) 
 Retained earnings                                    216,979       192,908 
                                                 ------------  ------------ 
 Equity attributable to owners of the 
  Company                                             257,338       218,007 
 Non-controlling interests                                998         2,388 
 Total equity                                         258,336       220,395 
                                                 ============  ============ 
 

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT

for the year ended 31 December 2016

 
                                                       31 December   31 December 
                                                              2016          2015 
                                               Notes        GBP000        GBP000 
 Profit before tax                                          44,933        46,214 
 Adjustments to reconcile profit before 
  tax to net cash flows 
     Depreciation and amortisation                          25,821        24,442 
     Acquisition costs charged                                 727         1,355 
     Profit on disposal of fixed assets                      (556)         (417) 
     Provision for contract cessation                        2,278           959 
     Adjustment to provision for contingent 
      consideration                                        (3,384)       (8,491) 
     Net finance expense                                     5,026         4,343 
     Share of post-tax results of joint 
      ventures                                             (1,414)          (87) 
     Share based payments                                    1,144           214 
 Increase in inventories                                      (54)       (6,073) 
 Increase in trade and other receivables                   (5,675)      (19,911) 
 (Decrease)/increase in trade and 
  other payables                                          (13,291)         3,095 
 Defined benefit pension cash contributions 
  less service cost                                        (4,233)       (3,494) 
                                                      ------------  ------------ 
 Cash generated from operations                             51,322        42,149 
 Cash outflow from acquisition costs                         (631)       (1,325) 
 Income tax payments                                       (6,930)       (8,828) 
                                                      ------------  ------------ 
 Cash flow from operating activities                        43,761        31,996 
 
 Investing activities 
 Dividends from joint venture undertakings                     700         1,089 
 Proceeds from the disposal of property, 
  plant and equipment                                        1,678         2,120 
 Proceeds from the disposal of investments                     144             - 
 Finance income                                                180           236 
 Acquisition of subsidiaries, net 
  of cash acquired                                        (19,093)      (25,933) 
 Proceeds from the sale of business                              -            88 
 Acquisition of property, plant and 
  equipment                                               (13,859)      (19,597) 
 Development expenditure                                   (2,672)       (2,704) 
                                                      ------------  ------------ 
 Cash flows used in investing activities                  (32,922)      (44,701) 
 
 Financing activities 
 Proceeds from the issue of share 
  capital                                                       50           303 
 Finance costs                                             (4,115)       (3,603) 
 Purchase of own shares by Employee 
  Share Ownership Trust                                      (556)       (2,590) 
 Capital element of finance lease 
  repayments                                                 (174)         (102) 
 Proceeds from other non-current borrowings                  2,363        35,807 
 Dividends paid                                           (12,303)      (11,364) 
                                                      ------------  ------------ 
 Cash flows from financing activities                     (14,735)        18,451 
 
 Net (decrease)/increase in cash and 
  cash equivalents                               9         (3,896)         5,745 
 Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January                     22,962        17,719 
 Net foreign exchange differences                            2,782         (502) 
 
 Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December                   21,848        22,962 
                                                      ============  ============ 
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

 
 for the year ended 31 December 
  2016 
 
                                                    Attributable to equity 
                       Capital                         holders of parent 
                 -------------------  -------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                                   Total           Non- 
                    Share      Share    Retained       Other    Treasury    shareholders    controlling      Total 
                  capital    premium    earnings    reserves      shares          equity      interests     equity 
                   GBP000     GBP000      GBP000      GBP000      GBP000          GBP000         GBP000     GBP000 
 At 1 January 
  2015             12,525     25,238     174,663     (7,684)     (1,988)         202,754          1,436    204,190 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income                -          -      33,737     (3,670)           -          30,067            952     31,019 
 Contributions 
 by and 
 distributions 
 to owners: 
 Ordinary 
  dividends 
  paid                  -          -    (11,364)           -           -        (11,364)              -   (11,364) 
 Share based 
  payments              -          -         214           -           -             214              -        214 
 Tax effect of 
  share based 
  payments              -          -          70           -           -              70              -         70 
 Purchase of 
  shares 
  by ESOT               -          -           -           -     (4,220)         (4,220)              -    (4,220) 
 Sale of shares 
  by ESOT               -          -           -           -         183             183              -        183 
 Arising on the 
  issue of 
  shares               16        287           -           -           -             303              -        303 
                 --------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------  --------------  -------------  --------- 
                       16        287    (11,080)           -     (4,037)        (14,814)              -   (14,814) 
 Transfer               -          -     (4,412)           -       4,412               -              -          - 
                 --------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------  --------------  -------------  --------- 
 At 31 December 
  2015             12,541     25,525     192,908    (11,354)     (1,613)         218,007          2,388    220,395 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income                -          -      36,574      14,151           -          50,725        (1,390)     49,335 
 Contributions 
 by and 
 distributions 
 to owners: 
 Ordinary 
  dividends 
  paid                  -          -    (12,303)           -           -        (12,303)              -   (12,303) 
 Share based 
  payments              -          -       1,144           -           -           1,144              -      1,144 
 Tax effect of 
  share based 
  payments              -          -         271           -           -             271              -        271 
 Purchase of 
  shares 
  by ESOT               -          -           -           -     (1,102)         (1,102)              -    (1,102) 
 Sale of shares 
  by ESOT               -          -           -           -         546             546              -        546 
 Arising on the 
  issue of 
  shares                2         48           -           -           -              50              -         50 
                 --------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------  --------------  -------------  --------- 
                        2         48    (10,888)           -       (556)        (11,394)              -   (11,394) 
 Transfer               -          -     (1,615)           -       1,615               -              -          - 
                                      ----------              ----------  -------------- 
 At 31 December 
  2016             12,543     25,573     216,979       2,797       (554)         257,338            998    258,336 
                 ========  =========  ==========  ==========  ==========  ==============  =============  ========= 
 

Other reserve movements

 
                                               Translation   Hedging 
                                                   reserve   reserve      Total 
 Other reserves                                     GBP000    GBP000     GBP000 
 At 1 January 2015                                 (5,335)   (2,349)    (7,684) 
 Other comprehensive income for the period         (4,717)     1,047    (3,670) 
                                              ------------  --------  --------- 
 At 31 December 2015                              (10,052)   (1,302)   (11,354) 
 Other comprehensive income for the period          16,556   (2,405)     14,151 
                                              ------------  --------  --------- 
 At 31 December 2016                                 6,504   (3,707)      2,797 
                                              ============  ========  ========= 
 

NOTES TO THE PRELIMINARY RESULTS

   1.       General information 

James Fisher and Sons plc (the Company) is a public limited company registered and domiciled in England and Wales and listed on the London Stock Exchange. The consolidated financial statements comprise the financial statements of the Company, its subsidiary undertakings and its interest in associates and jointly controlled entities (together referred to as the Group), for the year ended 31 December 2016. The Company's shares are listed on the London Stock Exchange. The Company and consolidated financial statements were approved for publication by the Directors on 28 February 2017.

The Group and Company financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), adopted by the European Union (adopted IFRS). The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis and on an historical cost basis, modified to include revaluation to fair value of certain financial instruments. As permitted by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, a separate income statement and related notes for the holding company have not been presented in these financial statements. The profit after taxation in the Company was GBP39.8m (2015: GBP39.6m). The Group and Company financial statements are presented in Sterling and all values are rounded to the nearest thousand pounds (GBP000) except when otherwise indicated.

The consolidated financial statements and those of the Company have been prepared in accordance with IFRS adopted by the EU as at 31 December 2016 and are applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006

Financial information

The financial information set out above does not constitute the Company's statutory accounts for the years ended 31 December 2016 or 2015. Statutory accounts for 2015 have been delivered to the registrar of companies, and those for 2016 will be delivered in due course. The auditors have reported on those accounts; their reports were (i) unqualified, (ii) did not include a reference to any matters to which the auditors 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 in respect of the accounts for 2016.

The Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2016 will be posted to shareholders in March 2017. The preliminary announcement was approved by the Board of Directors on 28 February 2017.

   2.       Alternative performance measures 

The Group uses a number of alternative (non-Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (non-GAAP)) financial measures which are not defined within IFRS. The Directors use these measures in order to assess the underlying operational performance of the Group and, as such, these measures are important and should be considered alongside the IFRS measures. The adjustments are separately disclosed and are usually items that are significant in size or non-recurring in nature. The following non-GAAP measures are referred to in this Annual Report and Accounts.

2.1 Underlying operating profit and underlying profit before taxation

Underlying operating profit is defined as operating profit before amortisation or impairment of acquired intangible assets, acquisition expenses, adjustments to deferred consideration (together, 'acquisition related income and expense'), the costs of a material restructuring, asset impairment or rationalisation of operations and the profit or loss relating to the sale of businesses. Amortisation of acquired intangible assets and acquisition expenses are recurring in nature where business combinations are part of a group's strategy. As acquisition expenses fluctuate with activity and to provide a better comparison to businesses that are not acquisitive, the Directors consider that both of these items should be separately disclosed to give a better understanding of operating performance. The Directors believe that the underlying operating profit is an important measure of the operational performance of the Group. Underlying profit before taxation is defined as underlying operating profit less net finance expense.

2.2 Underlying earnings per share

Underlying earnings per share (EPS) is calculated as the total of underlying profit before tax, less income tax, but excluding the tax impact on separately disclosed items included in the calculation of underlying profit less profit attributable to non-controlling interests, divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year. The Directors believe that underlying EPS provides an important measure of the underlying earnings capability of the Group.

2.3 Capital employed and return on capital employed (ROCE)

Capital employed is defined as net assets less cash and short-term deposits and after adding back borrowings. Average capital employed is adjusted for the timing of businesses acquired and after adding back cumulative amortisation of customer relationships. Segmental ROCE is defined as the underlying operating profit, divided by average capital employed. The key performance indicator, Group post-tax ROCE, is defined as underlying operating profit, less notional tax, calculated by multiplying the effective tax rate by the underlying operating profit, divided by average capital employed.

2.4 Cash conversion

Cash conversion is defined as the ratio of operating cash flow to underlying operating profit. Operating cash flow comprises cash generated from operations adjusted for dividends from joint venture undertakings.

 
                                                   2016       2015 
                                                 GBP000     GBP000 
 Operating profit                                49,959     51,516 
 Separately disclosed items before taxation         822    (5,926) 
 Underlying operating profit                     50,781     45,590 
 Net finance expense                            (5,026)    (4,343) 
 Underlying profit before tax                    45,755     41,247 
                                              ---------  --------- 
 
 
 Return on capital employed for the Group 
  is calculated as follows: 
                                                   2016       2015 
                                                 GBP000     GBP000 
 Capital employed: 
 Net assets                                     258,336    220,395 
 less cash and short-term deposits             (21,848)   (22,962) 
 plus borrowings                                127,466    116,645 
 Capital employed:                              363,954    314,078 
                                              ---------  --------- 
 
 Underlying operating profit                     50,781     45,590 
 Notional tax at the effective tax rate         (7,820)    (6,519) 
                                                 42,961     39,071 
 Average capital employed                       331,344    290,224 
 Return on average capital employed               13.0%      13.5% 
                                              ---------  --------- 
 
   3.       Segmental information 

For management reporting purposes, the Group has four operating segments reviewed by the Board: Marine Support, Specialist Technical, Offshore Oil and Tankships. These operating segments form the basis of the primary segmental disclosures below.

The Board assess the performance of the segments based on operating profit as set out in note 2. The Board believes that such information is the most relevant in evaluating the results of certain segments relative to other entities which operate within these industries. Intersegmental sales are made using prices determined on an arms length basis.

Sector assets exclude cash and short-term deposits and corporate assets that cannot reasonably be allocated to operating segments. Sector liabilities exclude borrowings, retirement benefit obligations and corporate liabilities that cannot reasonably be allocated to operating liabilities.

 
 Year ended 
 31 December 2016 
                                Marine   Specialist   Offshore 
                               Support    Technical        Oil   Tankships    Corporate       Total 
                                GBP000       GBP000     GBP000      GBP000       GBP000      GBP000 
 Segmental revenue             203,926      152,678     55,490      55,492            -     467,586 
 Intersegment sales              (354)        (893)      (362)         (8)            -     (1,617) 
 Revenue                       203,572      151,785     55,128      55,484            -     465,969 
                             =========  ===========  =========  ==========   ==========  ========== 
 
 Underlying operating 
  profit                        20,956       19,950      4,200       8,188      (2,513)      50,781 
 Contract cessation 
  costs                        (2,278)            -          -           -            -     (2,278) 
 Acquisition costs               (249)        (312)      (166)           -            -       (727) 
 Amortisation of 
  acquired intangibles           (400)        (801)          -           -            -     (1,201) 
 Adjustment to provision 
  for contingent 
  consideration                  2,865          519          -           -            -       3,384 
                             ---------  -----------  ---------  ----------   ----------  ---------- 
 Operating profit               20,894       19,356      4,034       8,188      (2,513)      49,959 
 Net finance expense                                                                        (5,026) 
                                                                                         ---------- 
 Profit before tax                                                                           44,933 
 Income tax                                                                                 (6,786) 
 Profit for the 
  year                                                                                       38,147 
                                                                                         ========== 
 Assets and liabilities 
 Segment assets                208,605      141,792    133,611      33,398       31,673     549,079 
 Investment in joint 
  ventures                       3,744        2,680          -           -            -       6,424 
                             ---------  -----------  ---------  ----------   ----------  ---------- 
 Total assets                  212,349      144,472    133,611      33,398       31,673     555,503 
 Segment liabilities          (48,440)     (60,335)    (8,363)     (7,160)    (172,869)   (297,167) 
                             ---------  -----------  ---------  ----------   ----------  ---------- 
                               163,909       84,137    125,248      26,238    (141,196)     258,336 
                             =========  ===========  =========  ==========   ==========  ========== 
 Other segment information 
 Capital expenditure             4,622        2,077      5,599       1,413          160      13,871 
 Depreciation and 
  amortisation                   7,437        4,002     10,978       3,166          239      25,822 
                             =========  ===========  =========  ==========   ==========  ========== 
 
 Year ended 
 31 December 2015 
                                Marine   Specialist   Offshore 
                               Support    Technical        Oil   Tankships    Corporate       Total 
                                GBP000       GBP000     GBP000      GBP000       GBP000      GBP000 
 Segmental revenue             194,389      130,293     63,742      52,627            -     441,051 
 Intersegment sales            (1,411)        (850)      (786)        (74)            -     (3,121) 
 Revenue                       192,978      129,443     62,956      52,553            -     437,930 
                             =========  ===========  =========  ==========  ===========  ========== 
 
 Underlying operating 
  profit                        19,352       13,907      7,399       7,164      (2,232)      45,590 
 Acquisition costs               (904)        (451)          -           -            -     (1,355) 
 Amortisation of 
  acquired intangibles           (397)        (769)       (45)           -            -     (1,211) 
 Adjustment to provision 
  for contingent 
  consideration                  4,998        3,494          -           -            -       8,492 
                             ---------  -----------  ---------  ----------  -----------  ---------- 
 Operating profit               23,049       16,181      7,354       7,164      (2,232)      51,516 
 Loss on sale of 
  business                       (393)            -      (566)           -            -       (959) 
 Net finance expense                                                                        (4,343) 
                                                                                         ---------- 
 Profit before tax                                                                           46,214 
 Income tax                                                                                 (5,507) 
 Profit for the 
  year                                                                                       40,707 
                                                                                         ========== 
 
 Assets & liabilities 
 Segment assets                202,612      100,480    126,405      32,898       38,455     500,850 
 Investment in joint 
  ventures                       4,023        2,227          -           -            -       6,250 
                             ---------  -----------  ---------  ----------  -----------  ---------- 
 Total assets                  206,635      102,707    126,405      32,898       38,455     507,100 
 Segment liabilities          (66,346)     (41,881)    (8,300)     (6,441)    (163,737)   (286,705) 
                             ---------  -----------  ---------  ----------  -----------  ---------- 
                               140,289       60,826    118,105      26,457    (125,282)     220,395 
                             =========  ===========  =========  ==========  ===========  ========== 
 Other segment information 
 Capital expenditure             7,221        2,324      7,898       1,629          525      19,597 
 Depreciation and 
  amortisation                   6,708        3,174     10,812       3,294          454      24,442 
                             =========  ===========  =========  ==========  ===========  ========== 
 
 
   4.       Separately disclosed items 

In order for a better understanding of the underlying performance of the Group certain items are disclosed separately as set out in note 2. Separately disclosed items are as follows:

 
                                                  2016      2015 
                                                GBP000    GBP000 
 Administrative expenses: 
  Contract cessation costs in Angola           (2,278)         - 
 Acquisition related income and (expense): 
  Costs incurred in acquiring businesses         (727)   (1,355) 
  Amortisation of acquired intangibles         (1,201)   (1,210) 
  Adjustment to provision for contingent 
   consideration                                 3,384     8,491 
                                              --------  -------- 
                                                 1,456     5,926 
 Loss on disposal of business                        -     (959) 
                                              --------  -------- 
 Separately disclosed items before taxation      (822)     4,967 
 Tax on separately disclosed items                 267       396 
                                                 (555)     5,363 
                                              ========  ======== 
 

Contract cessation costs relate to a five year Marine Service contract in Angola which was terminated early by the Group's customer and ceased in March 2016. The adjustment to the provision for contingent consideration comprises GBP2.9m in respect of Subtech and GBP0.5m in respect of Divex. Contingent consideration has been adjusted based on the most recent business forecasts.

   5.      Income tax 
 
 The tax charge is based on profit for the 
  year and comprises:                                      2016      2015 
                                                         GBP000    GBP000 
 Current tax: 
 UK corporation tax                                     (4,709)   (3,804) 
 Overseas tax                                           (4,746)   (4,209) 
 Adjustment in respect of prior years: 
  UK corporation tax                                        336       753 
  Overseas tax                                              346     1,217 
 Total current tax                                      (8,773)   (6,043) 
                                                       --------  -------- 
 Deferred tax: 
 Origination and reversal of temporary differences: 
  UK corporation tax                                        752     (666) 
  Overseas tax                                            1,235     1,202 
 Total taxation on profit for the year                  (6,786)   (5,507) 
                                                       ========  ======== 
 
 

The total tax charge in the income statement includes a further GBP0.2m (2015: GBP0.2m) which is stated within the share of post-tax results of joint ventures.

Reconciliation of effective tax rate

The Group falls under the UK tonnage tax regime on its ship owning and operating activities and a charge is based on the net tonnage of vessels operated. Profits for these activities are not subject to corporation tax. The tax on the Group's profit before tax differs from the theoretical amount that would arise using the rate applicable under UK corporation tax rules as follows:

 
                                                         2016      2015 
                                                       GBP000    GBP000 
 Profit before tax                                     44,933    46,214 
 Tax arising from interests in joint ventures             166       218 
                                                       45,099    46,432 
                                                    =========  ======== 
 Tax on profit at UK statutory tax rate 
  of 20% (2015: 20.25%)                                 9,020     9,403 
 Tonnage tax relief on vessel activities                (990)     (884) 
 Expenses not deductible for tax purposes                 417       554 
 Over provision in 
  previous years 
  Current tax                                           (682)   (1,970) 
  Deferred tax                                          (188)     (246) 
 Higher tax rates 
  on overseas income                                      437       497 
 Research and development 
  relief                                                (250)     (200) 
 Non-taxable income                                   (1,077)   (1,722) 
 Impact of change 
  of rate                                               (750)      (19) 
 Losses not recognised                                    508       210 
 Other                                                    507       102 
                                                        6,952     5,725 
                                                    =========  ======== 
 
   6.      Earnings per share 

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to equity holders of the Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year, after excluding 45,368 (2015: 148,275) ordinary shares held by the James Fisher and Sons plc Employee Share Ownership Trust (ESOT), as treasury shares. Diluted earnings per share are calculated by dividing the net profit attributable to ordinary equity holders of the Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares that would be issued on conversion of all the dilutive potential ordinary shares into ordinary shares.

At 31 December 2016, 112,108 options (2015: 332,893) were excluded from the diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares calculation as their effect would be anti-dilutive. The average market value of the Company's shares for purposes of calculating the dilutive effect of share options was based on quoted market prices for the period during which the options were outstanding.

Weighted average number of shares

 
                                                     2016         2015 
                                                   Number       Number 
                                                       of           of 
                                                   shares       shares 
 Basic weighted average number of shares       50,096,089   50,040,647 
 Potential exercise of share based payment 
 schemes                                          387,067      344,743 
 Diluted weighted average number of shares     50,483,156   50,385,390 
                                              ===========  =========== 
 

Underlying earnings per share

To provide a better understanding of the underlying performance of the Group, underlying earnings per share on continuing activities is reported as an alternative performance measure (note 2). Underlying profit is as follows:

 
                                                  2016      2015 
                                                GBP000    GBP000 
 Profit attributable to owners of the 
  Company                                       39,753    39,885 
 Adjustments: 
 Separately disclosed items before taxation        822   (4,967) 
 Non-controlling interest in separately        (1,800)         - 
  disclosed items 
 Tax on separately disclosed items               (267)     (396) 
 Underlying profit attributable to owners 
  of the Company                                38,508    34,522 
                                              ========  ======== 
 

Earnings per share

 
                                           pence   pence 
 Basic earnings per share                   79.4    79.7 
 Diluted earnings per share                 78.7    79.2 
 Underlying basic earnings per share        76.9    69.0 
 Underlying diluted earnings per share      76.3    68.5 
 
   7.      Dividends paid and proposed 
 
                                     2016     2015      2016     2015 
                                    Pence    pence 
                                      Per      per 
                                    share    share    GBP000   GBP000 
 Declared and paid during 
  the year 
 
 Equity dividends on ordinary 
 shares: 
 Final dividend for 2015:           16.00    14.90     8,026    7,471 
 Interim dividend for 
  2016:                              8.55     7.80     4,290    3,913 
 
 Less dividends on own shares 
  held by ESOP                                          (13)     (20) 
                                                      12,303   11,364 
                                                    ========  ======= 
 

A final dividend in respect of the year ended 31 December 2016 of 17.6p per share (2015: 16.0p) is proposed.

   8.      Retirement benefit obligations 

The Group and Company defined benefit pension scheme obligations relate to the James Fisher and Sons plc Pension Fund for Shore Staff (Shore staff), the Merchant Navy Officers Pension Fund (MNOPF) and the Merchant Navy Ratings Pension Fund (MNRPF). The financial statements incorporate the latest full actuarial valuations of the schemes which have been updated to 31 December 2016 by qualified actuaries using assumptions set out in the table below. The Group's obligations in respect of its pension schemes at 31 December 2016 were as follows:

 
                    2016       2015 
                  GBP000     GBP000 
 Shore staff    (10,057)    (8,630) 
 MNOPF           (8,464)    (9,730) 
 MNRPF           (8,249)    (8,596) 
               ---------  --------- 
                (26,770)   (26,956) 
               =========  ========= 
 
   9.      Reconciliation of net debt 

Net debt comprises interest bearing loans and borrowings less cash and cash equivalents.

 
 Group                1 January       Cash     Other   Exchange   31 December 
                                                 non 
                           2016       flow      cash   movement          2016 
                         GBP000     GBP000    GBP000     GBP000        GBP000 
 Cash in hand 
  and at bank            22,962    (3,896)         -      2,782        21,848 
 Debt due after 
  1 year              (116,650)    (4,066)      (12)    (3,652)     (124,380) 
 Debt due within 
  1 year                      -      1,703   (4,765)         68       (2,994) 
                     ----------  ---------  --------  ---------  ------------ 
                      (116,650)    (2,363)   (4,777)    (3,584)     (127,374) 
 Finance leases           (201)        174     (127)       (38)         (192) 
 Net debt              (93,889)    (6,085)   (4,904)      (840)     (105,718) 
                     ==========  =========  ========  =========  ============ 
 
                      1 January       Cash     Other   Exchange   31 December 
                                                 non 
                           2015       Flow      cash   Movement          2015 
                         GBP000     GBP000    GBP000     GBP000        GBP000 
 Cash in hand 
  and at bank            17,719      5,745         -      (502)        22,962 
 Debt due after 
  1 year               (79,965)   (35,807)     1,276    (2,154)     (116,650) 
 Finance leases            (88)        102     (247)         32         (201) 
 Net debt              (62,334)   (29,960)     1,029    (2,624)      (93,889) 
                     ==========  =========  ========  =========  ============ 
 
   10.     Related party transactions 

There have been no significant changes in the nature of related party transactions from that disclosed in the 2015 Annual Report.

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

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