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| Share Name | Share Symbol | Market | Type | Share ISIN | Share Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Learning Technologies Group Plc | LSE:LTG | London | Ordinary Share | GB00B4T7HX10 | ORD 0.375P |
| Price Change | % Change | Share Price | Bid Price | Offer Price | High Price | Low Price | Open Price | Shares Traded | Last Trade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| -1.00 | -1.31% | 75.50 | 75.50 | 75.70 | 76.70 | 75.50 | 76.70 | 271,270 | 10:58:40 |
| Industry Sector | Turnover | Profit | EPS - Basic | PE Ratio | Market Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Agents & Mgrs | 562.34M | 29.45M | 0.0372 | 20.54 | 604.45M |
From Apr 2019 to Apr 2024
TIDMLTG
RNS Number : 5954B
Learning Technologies Group PLC
05 April 2017
5 April 2017
Learning Technologies Group plc
(AIM: LTG)
Final Results 2016
"Excellent progress during 2016"
Learning Technologies Group plc ("LTG" or the "Company"), a market-leader in the fast growing learning technologies sector, is pleased to announce its audited results for the year ended 31 December 2016.
Financial highlights:
Hot Features
Premium
-- Revenue increased to GBP28.3 million (2015:
GBP19.9 million) - up 42%
-- Recurring revenues increased to 27% (2015:
10%) - up 170%
-- Revenues generated outside of the UK increased
to 36% (2015: 12%) - up 200%
-- Adjusted EBITDA increased to GBP7.7 million
(2015: GBP4.3 million) - up 77%
-- Significantly improved adjusted EBITDA margin
of 27% (2015: 22%) - up 29%
-- Statutory loss before tax of GBP1.2 million
after accounting for acquisition related
deferred consideration as deemed remuneration
-- Adjusted diluted earnings per share of 1.184
pence (2015: 0.756 pence per share) - up
57%
-- Proposed dividend for the full year of 0.21
pence per share (2015: 0.15 pence) - up 40%
-- Strong balance sheet with shareholders' equity
of GBP30.7 million (2015: GBP25.1 million)
Operational highlights:
-- Excellent progress in delivering on LTG's
strategic ambition to build an international
comprehensive digital learning offering for
corporate and government clients
-- Successful acquisition in January 2016 of
Rustici Software, the acknowledged global
leader in e-learning interoperability standards;
results significantly ahead of expectations
-- 27.3% stake in Watershed Systems in January
2016 developing suite of analytical tools
to capture rich data on learners and measure
performance
-- Acquisition of NetDimensions post year-end
in March 2017; leading global enterprise
solutions provider of talent and learning
management systems
-- Leveraging of LTG's blended service strategy
reinforcing strong organic growth
-- Successful, on time and on budget implementation
of landmark Civil Service contract with revenues
anticipated to grow significantly in 2017
-- Strong start to 2017 with trading in line
with management's expectations and order
book significantly ahead of the prior year
on a like for like basis
Commenting, Jonathan Satchell, CEO of LTG, said:
"2016 was another fantastic year for LTG during which we delivered strong revenue and profit growth as well as completing the acquisition of Rustici Software and investment in Watershed Systems.
LTG is very well placed in its digital learning segment of the global corporate training market and it is pleasing to see that recurring revenues increased to 27% and revenues outside of the UK to 36%."
Commenting, Andrew Brode, Chairman of LTG, said:
"The Group has enjoyed a strong start to 2017 and is trading in line with management's expectations, and significantly ahead of last year. We expect the current financial year to benefit from a healthy order book, increased sales resulting from our compelling blended learning capability and continuing strong margins. LTG has substantially diversified its geographical reach in the past year and has developed a broad client base both across corporate and government sectors. The Board is excited by the opportunities already identified that the acquisition of NetDimensions offers the Group. The Board is therefore confident in the Group's prospects and expects to report enhanced progress during 2017."
Enquiries:
Learning Technologies Group plc Jonathan Satchell, Chief Executive Neil Elton, Group Finance +44(0)207 Director 402 1554 Numis Securities Limited Stuart Skinner/Michael Wharton (Nominated Adviser) +44 (0)20 Ben Stoop (Corporate Broker) 7260 1000 Hudson Sandler LLP +44 (0)20 Andrew Hayes/Bertie Berger 7796 4133
Chairman's Statement
Learning Technologies Group plc ("LTG"), a market-leader in the fast growing learning technologies sector, has made excellent progress during 2016. In addition to the acquisition in January 2016 and strong subsequent performance of Rustici in the US, LTG's other businesses have delivered a solid performance and improved margins.
As a result revenues increased by 42% to GBP28.3 million (2015: GBP19.9 million), adjusted EBITDA by 77% to GBP7.7 million (2015: GBP4.3 million) and adjusted diluted EPS by 57% to 1.184 (2015: 0.756). Adjusted EBITDA margins have improved from 21.8% in 2015 to 27.1% in 2016 and we expect sustainable adjusted EBITDA margins in the mid-twenties in future periods. Statutory loss before tax for the year was GBP1.2 million compared with a restated profit before tax of GBP1.2 million for 2015, after accounting for acquisition related deferred consideration as deemed remuneration.
The successful development of new learning technology solutions and expansion into new geographical markets has seen the Group increase its recurring revenues from software licences and support contracts to 27% (2015: 10%), and over the same period revenues generated outside of the UK have risen from 12% in 2015 to 36% in 2016.
Market opportunity
In an increasingly fast moving global service-based economy, organisations are becoming more aware of the significant impact that incremental improvements in staff performance can have on their businesses, particularly in efficiency, customer service and profitability.
The global corporate training market, of which LTG is focused on the digital learning segment, is estimated to be worth GBP140 billion in 2016 with a five year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23%. Organisations are now looking to measure more precisely which learning interventions are most effective, using adaptive models which draw data from multiple sources to establish returns on e-learning investment.
The e-learning industry is highly fragmented, comprising a multitude of small operators with each offering a limited range of services. There are few providers that are able to offer clients truly comprehensive services, which meet their evolving requirements for data driven solutions, and have the scale and in-depth experience to service large corporations and government organisations. We believe LTG is the only player to provide such a broad service offering.
The market opportunity for LTG is to build the leading end-to-end workplace digital learning solutions provider, which partners its global clients through the creation, implementation and maintenance of their integrated e-learning strategies.
Strategic progress
On 29 January 2016 we announced that LTG had acquired the entire issued share capital of Rustici Software LLC ('Rustici'), the expert in digital learning interoperability. Rustici is the acknowledged global leader in SCORM conformance (the de facto industry standard for e-learning interoperability), which enables online learning content and management systems to communicate and work together. I am pleased to report that, since acquisition, this business has performed significantly ahead of expectations.
At the same time, we acquired a 27.3% stake in Watershed Systems Inc ('Watershed'). Watershed has developed a SaaS-based learning analytics capability, which evaluates the impact and effectiveness of learning programmes, which is a significant advance for the e-learning industry. The acquisition of Rustici and our investment in Watershed have substantially enhanced the Group's ability to capture rich data about the learner and analyse and assess the impact of learning on organisational performance. Watershed has made good progress during the year developing its suite of analytical tools and working alongside clients to implement learning analytics solutions and we look forward to the company further demonstrating the powerful insights that its product suite offers clients, and to extending its market reach.
We are beginning to see the significant benefits of our blended service strategy, through increasing take-up by our customers. Our consultative and comprehensive approach is driving organic growth and, with the integration of our businesses and implementation of best practice, we realised impressive increases in adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margins in 2016.
The success of our strategy was best exemplified by the landmark deal announced in December 2015, to design and develop a new learning architecture and to create and deliver blended courses that incorporate a combination of digital, informal and classroom components for the entire UK Civil Service, alongside our strategic partner KPMG UK LLP. Civil Service Learning ('CSL') delivers learning to more than 400,000 civil servants for whom we have designed and developed blended learning across 15 curriculum areas, from leadership & management, diversity, EU practices, through to project management and digital delivery. We successfully completed our implementation on time and on budget. Revenues have begun to accrue in 2016 in line with our plans and will grow significantly in 2017 onwards. This demonstrates the credibility and scale of LTG's offering and capabilities.
People
The Group has enjoyed a transformational year in which we have seen margins improve and the benefits of our blended offering begin to have a marked effect. This could not have been achieved without the skill, passion and dedication of all our staff. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank them for their efforts during the year.
Post Year-End
On 20 March 2017 the acquisition of NetDimensions Holding Limited ('NetDimensions') by LTG was declared unconditional. NetDimensions is a leading global enterprise solutions provider of talent and learning management systems. It provides companies, government agencies, and other organisations with talent management solutions to personalise learning, share knowledge, enhance performance, foster collaboration, and manage compliance programs for employees, customers, partners, and suppliers via mobile learning, social collaboration and other extended enterprise management tools.
The acquisition brings to LTG the final major pillar of its strategic ambition to build a comprehensive full-service digital learning offering encompassing strategic consultancy, content, delivery and analytics capabilities for corporate and government clients. It deepens our expertise in highly regulated sectors such as financial services, defence and security whilst opening up access to the South East Asian market. Other LTG businesses will also have the opportunity to offer their technical capability and vertical sector specialisms to an extended client base.
On 29 March 2017, the Group also announced that it signed a new debt facility for GBP20 million that will be provided by Silicon Valley Bank ("SVB") and comprises a GBP10m term loan and GBP10m revolving credit facility, both available to LTG for five years. SVB is a bank focused on innovation businesses, enterprises and their investors and it will be able to support LTG with its global growth aspirations.
Board Changes
Following the acquisition of NetDimensions and with effect from today Peter Gordon steps down as a Non-Executive director to take on the role of Managing Director at NetDimensions. I would like to thank Peter on behalf of the Board for his invaluable work and advice over the past two years, particularly in his role in the successful acquisitions of Eukleia in 2015, Rustici in 2016, and latterly NetDimensions. We look forward to his continued contribution to the Group.
Dividend and Annual General Meeting
In light of the results for 2016 and to demonstrate our confidence in the prospects for the Group in 2017, the Board is recommending an increased final dividend of 0.14p per share (2015: 0.10p per share), giving a total dividend for the year of 0.21p per share (2015: 0.15p per share). This final dividend is subject to shareholder approval at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting to be held on 18 May 2017.
If approved, the final dividend will be paid on 7 July 2017 to all shareholders on the register at 9 June 2017.
Current trading and outlook
The Group has enjoyed a strong start to 2017 and is trading in line with management's expectations, and significantly ahead of last year. We expect the current financial year to benefit from a healthy order book, increased sales resulting from our compelling blended learning capability and continuing strong margins. LTG has substantially diversified its geographical reach in the past year and has developed a broad client base both across corporate and government sectors. The Board is excited by the opportunities already identified that the acquisition of NetDimensions offers the Group.
The Board is therefore confident in the Group's prospects and expects to report enhanced progress during 2017.
Andrew Brode
Chairman
4 April 2017
Strategic Report for the year ended 31 December 2016
Financial results
In the year ended 31 December 2016, the Group generated revenue of GBP28.3 million (2015: GBP19.9 million), delivering a 42% increase.
Adjusted EBITDA increased by 77% to GBP7.7 million (2015: GBP4.3 million). The Group measures adjusted EBITDA to provide a better understanding of the underlying operating business performance. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as the Group profit or loss before tax, excluding the amortisation of acquisition-related intangible assets, the amortisation of internally capitalised development costs, depreciation, share based payment charges, acquisition related deferred consideration and earn-outs, finance expenses, the Group's share of profits or losses in associates and joint ventures and other specific items.
The implementation of operational best practice across the Group, increased economies of scale and a change in the revenue mix of the Group towards higher margin recurring licence sales contributed towards a significant improvement in adjusted EBITDA margins in the year to 27% (2015: 22%).
On a like-for-like basis, as if the businesses that LTG owned at the end of 2016 had been owned at the end of 2015, the order book is substantially ahead of prior year, bolstered by forecast revenues that will be delivered by the Civil Service Learning (CSL) multi-year contract during 2017 and beyond. The order book is defined as the value of contracts won but not yet delivered.
The amortisation charge for acquisition-related intangible assets was GBP3.2 million (2015: GBP1.2 million) and is discussed further in Note 8. The amortisation charge for internally generated development costs was GBP0.4 million (2015: GBP0.2 million) and relates to the development of 'gomo', the Group's award-winning multi-device authoring tool, various software tools used within the Eukleia business including an internally generated library of governance, risk and compliance ('GRC') materials used to service clients, and internally developed software in Rustici including SCORM and xAPI tools. The share-based payment charge decreased from GBP0.8 million in 2015 to GBP0.6 million in 2016.
Integration costs of GBP0.1 million (2015: GBP0.1 million) relate to restructuring costs following the acquisition of Rustici in January 2016.
Statutory loss before tax was GBP1.2 million compared with a restated profit before tax of GBP1.2 million and unadjusted operating loss wwas GBP142k compared to restated unadjusted operating profit of GBP1.4 million. These are stated after deferred contingent consideration and earn-out charges of GBP3.2 million (2015: GBP0.4 million) relating to the acquisitions of Eukleia and Rustici and reflect the strong incremental revenue growth of the businesses post acquisition (see below for details on prior year adjustments). Costs of acquisitions in 2016 were GBP0.1 million (2015: GBP0.2 million) and finance charges related to contingent consideration of the acquisitions of Preloaded, were GBP57,000 (2015: GBP0.1 million). Interest charges on the debt facility were GBP0.4 million (2015: nil) and net foreign exchange losses were GBP0.3 million (2015: nil). Adjusted profit before tax (see Note 5) increased by 66% to GBP6.4 million in 2016 (2015: GBP3.8 million).
The income tax expense of GBP133,000 in 2016 (2015: GBP258,000) is stated after adjusting for the effect of the release of deferred tax on the amortisation of acquired intangibles and a deferred tax asset related to the anticipated vesting of share options. Further details are provided in Note 4.
Based on the average number of shares in issue and adjusted operating profit during the year, adjusted basic EPS increased by 59% to 1.286 pence (2015: 0.809 pence). On a statutory basis, basic earnings per share ('EPS') decreased to a loss of 0.317 pence (2015: restated profit of 0.256 pence) primarily as a result of the deferred consideration charged to profit or loss relating to Rustici following its successful performance post acquisition. Further details are provided in Note 5.
On 28 January 2016, LTG acquired Rustici, the global market leader in digital learning interoperability, for an initial consideration of USD 23.6 million of which USD 18.0 million was paid in cash and USD 5.6 million in newly issued LTG shares at 30.25 pence per share. Further performance based payments, capped at USD 11.0 million, are payable based on ambitious revenue growth targets over the next 3 years. 80% of Rustici's current revenues are from recurring subscription fees. Goodwill on acquisition has been calculated at GBP12.2 million with acquisition-related intangibles of GBP8.8 million represented mainly by customer relationships. Rustici delivered revenue of GBP6.3 million and GBP2.8 million profit before tax to the Group for the eleven months of 2016. LTG also acquired a 27.3% investment in Watershed, the developer of the next generation learning analytics platform, for USD 3.0 million. Further details of the Rustici acquisition are provided in Note 7.
The Group has a strong balance sheet with shareholders' equity at 31 December 2016 of GBP30.7 million, equivalent to 7.3 pence per share (2015: restated shareholders' equity of GBP25.1 million, equivalent to 6.3 pence per share).
In January 2016 LTG secured a USD 20.0 million term loan with Barclays, in order to part-finance the acquisition of Rustici. The loan is subject to quarterly repayments of USD 1.0 million with the balance repayable on the expiry of the loan in January 2019. The loan balance is charged interest at a 2.0% margin above USD LIBOR, and is subject to various financial covenants. Net USD cash receipts to the business have operated as an effective internal hedge against the depreciation of Sterling against the USD in the second half of the year. Management regularly review the foreign exchange exposure of the Group. On 29 March 2017 LTG agreed a new debt facility with SVB and repaid the existing Barclays loan. Further details are provided in Note 19.
The gross cash position at 31 December 2016 was GBP5.3 million (2015: GBP7.3 million). The Group's net debt at 31 December 2016 was GBP8.5 million (2015: net cash of GBP7.3 million).
Net cash generated from operating activities was GBP2.1 million (2015: GBP4.3 million). Operating cash flow in 2016 includes the upfront investment in the CSL project against which revenue receipts are expected in future periods and a bonus, accrued at the time of acquisition, payable to Rustici staff. Underlying operating cash flows were strong; debtor days were 54 days (2015: 64 days), and combined debtor and WIP days were 29 days (2015: 34 days), reflecting the Group's implementation of accelerated invoicing and effective credit control. Corporation tax payments were GBP0.6 million (2015: GBP0.5 million). Cash outflows from investing activities were GBP15.8 million (2015: GBP6.0 million). Cash inflows from financing activities were GBP11.6 million (2015: GBP5.1 million) and are stated after dividend payments which increased to GBP0.7 million from GBP0.4 million in 2015.
Our strategy
LTG's aim is to create a group of market-leading businesses providing complementary services in the fast growing learning technologies sector to form an international business of size and scale that is able to meet the demanding expectations of corporate and government customers. This strategy is being delivered through a mixture of 'best in class' acquisitions that will help us create a comprehensive e-learning solution for our customers, as well as through targeted investment in internally generated intellectual property and the extension of best working practices to deliver strong organic growth.
We continue to pursue our strategy of helping organisations adopt learning at a strategic level. 'Moving learning to the heart of business strategy' is achieved through our end-to-end service offering which enables us to partner with global clients throughout the creation, implementation and maintenance of their learning strategies. We deliver transformational results through learning innovation and the effective use of learning.
Each of our Group businesses brings a range of capability or sector specialisms that allow us to build on this strategic vision.
Strategic Consultancy
LEO Learning ('LEO') is the Group's strategic consultancy that works with clients to understand their requirements, build strategic roadmaps and then help them implement the delivery. Born out of the merger of Epic and LINE Communications in 2014, LEO now has offices in London, Brighton and Sheffield in the UK, New York and Bloomington, Indiana in the US, Zurich in Switzerland, and through its Brazilain joint venture, in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo.
Our expert learning practitioners work with clients to realise their strategic objectives, generate unique and compelling content, develop and support tailored delivery platforms and implement analytic tools that enable clients to quantify the impact of learning on their businesses and further refine and develop their strategic plans.
LTG is also developing sector expertise both organically and by acquisition.
Most notably LEO has developed a reputation as an industry leader in the automotive sector. For example, LEO has developed learning technologies that are used by dealers and customers throughout JLR's global network to learn about the latest vehicle models as they are launched. This involves the complex assignment of configuring the learning content for different territories, vehicle specifications and languages as well as different launch dates.
In certain instances LTG will acquire sector expertise. In July 2015, we acquired Eukleia Training Limited ('Eukleia'), a specialist provider of blended learning services to the financial services sector. Eukleia has performed well during the period and in October 2016 set-up an office in New York, sharing premises with its sister company LEO. The US office has already had success in winning new assignments and we are excited about the opportunities to service our existing and new clients from both sides of the Atlantic.
Content
There are myriad types of learning content ranging from face-to-face training through to a variety of e-learning formats. Tailoring the correct content and delivery mechanism to the needs of the learner is imperative in ensuring that learning is as effective as possible in driving business performance. LTG is at the forefront of developing this blended learning approach.
During 2016 LEO, in partnership with KPMG LLP, completed the roll-out of a new core-curriculum to the entire UK Civil Service ('CSL'). This involved the development of 15 core-curriculum areas ranging from leadership and management to EU practices and including 'blended' course design encompassing face-to-face training and e-learning content. The content was designed, built and launched in less than a year as part of a three year contract to deliver learning to over 400,000 civil servants. LTG has generated some revenues in 2016 as the courses have been launched during the year and expects these revenues to increase substantially during 2017 and 2018. CSL has the option to extend this contract into 2019.
LTG continues to invest in developing other forms of compelling learning content. Through its BAFTA award-winning business, Preloaded, LTG is at the forefront of the 'gamification' of learning content, or more particularly 'games with purpose'.
Preloaded worked with Eukleia in developing a training game, 'Zero Threat', that brings to life for employees and managers the importance of cyber-security in mitigating risks for all organisations. The game emotionally engages learners by showing, rather than describing, the consequences of getting cyber-security wrong. It takes a 'pull' rather than a 'push' approach to training, inviting learners to replay and try to improve their score.
Preloaded has also developed other immersive technologies such as 'augmented' and 'virtual' reality games. The company developed the Handley Page virtual reality experience for the Science Museum, an immersive 3D simulation that illustrates the mathematical principles of air flow through compelling graphics, sound effects and narration.
Delivery
Compelling e-learning content needs a platform through which it can be delivered to learners and LTG is building a comprehensive range of delivery solutions.
Moodle is an open-source Learning Management System ('LMS') platform used by organisations throughout the world and LEO has attained the recognition of becoming an accredited Moodle partner. LEO has helped clients build new Moodle systems and provides ongoing support and service desk assistance to clients around the world with particular success in the US.
LTG has also developed its own cloud-based multi device authoring tool, gomo, which enables clients to create their own e-learning content and to collaborate and publish rich and compelling learning content to a variety of platforms (including PCs, tablets and smartphones) in real-time. Gomo has won a series of significant contracts during 2016 and through its SaaS based annual licences is achieving retention rates of in excess of 90%.
In March 2017 LTG acquired NetDimensions, one of the leading global proprietary LMS providers. This proprietary offering will complement LEO's Moodle offering enabling LTG to offer clients a full suite of delivery options.
In order for LMS's to communicate with a multitude of content from various service providers the e-learning industry uses an interoperability standard. This global standard is referred to as SCORM and this protocol has underpinned the delivery of digital learning content for nearly two decades. In January 2016 LTG acquired Rustici, the acknowledged global leader in SCORM related solutions. Since acquisition, Rustici has exceeded expectations, and has developed and launched a further SaaS based product Content Controller.
Analytics
We believe that the next major disruption in the learning profession will be the ability to measure and analyse the effectiveness of learning interventions. By enabling management to understand quantitatively and objectively whether a particular learning intervention has had an impact on performance, businesses and governments will be able to target resources effectively.
Rustici was asked by Advanced Distributed Learning, a US Government body, to lead the industry in creating the next generation of learning interoperability standards. It created a global standard to capture rich data on every aspect of learning experiences - xAPI.
When LTG acquired Rustici it also acquired a 27.3% stake in Watershed for an investment of $3.0 million. Watershed focuses on developing learning analytics that provide actionable insights to customers who want to adapt their learning strategy, creating more effective learning experiences and ultimately generating verifiable business results. Watershed has made good progress during 2016 in developing its suite of analytical tools and working alongside blue-chip clients. We look forward to Watershed making significant progress during 2017.
Prior year adjustments
Following a review of the Group's Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2015 by the Financial Reporting Council's Conduct Committee, adjustments have been recognised relating to two matters: deferred consideration and tax on share options.
Deferred Contingent Consideration
The terms of the acquisition of Eukleia completed in July 2015 allow for the payment of contingent deferred consideration to the vendors based on challenging incremental revenue targets being achieved by the company during the period 1(st) January 2016 to 31(st) December 2017. These contingent deferred consideration payments may be forfeited by employee vendors should they, in certain circumstances, leave the company prior to the end of the earn-out period. The Board of LTG believe that such protections safeguard the value of the investment made by the Group. Under IFRS3, the inclusion of this substantive service condition requires that the fair value of the contingent payments are accounted for as remuneration charged to profit or loss rather than being capitalised as part of the business combination. The net effect of this adjustment in 2015 is a reduction in profit of GBP335,000. The underlying commercial effect of the acquisition agreement is unchanged and other financial measures such as cash, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EPS are unaffected.
Tax on share options
Part of the 2015 current tax deduction on share options exercised in the year should have been recognised directly in equity rather than as a credit to the tax expense recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income. The comparative figures have been restated, reducing profit by GBP138,000. This has not had an effect on the Statement of Financial Position.
Further details are provided in Note 18.
Jonathan Satchell
Chief Executive Officer
4 April 2017
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
Year ended 31 December (Restated)
2016 Year ended Year ended
31 Dec 31 Dec
2016 2015
Note GBP'000 GBP'000
Revenue 3 28,263 19,905
Operating expenses
(excluding acquisition
related deferred
consideration and
earn-outs) (25,194) (18,075)
------------- ------------
Operating profit
(before acquisition
related deferred
consideration and
earn-outs) 3,069 1,830
Acquisition related
deferred consideration
and earn-outs (3,211) (414)
Operating (loss)/profit (142) 1,416
Adjusted EBITDA 7,672 4,338
Depreciation 6 (320) (214)
Amortisation of
intangibles 8 (3,605) (1,419)
Share-based payment
costs (605) (776)
Integration costs (73) (99)
Acquisition related
deferred consideration
and earn-outs (3,211) (414)
------------- ------------
Operating (loss)/profit (142) 1,416
------------------------------ ----- ------------- ------------
Fair value movement
on contingent consideration - 198
Costs of acquisition 7 (99) (234)
Share of losses
on associates/joint
ventures (205) (62)
Finance expense:
Charge on contingent
consideration (57) (116)
Interest on borrowings (358) -
Net foreign exchange (333) -
difference on borrowings
Interest receivable 1 12
------------- ------------
(Loss)/profit before
taxation (1,193) 1,214
Income tax expense 4 (133) (258)
------------- ------------
(Loss)/profit for
the year (1,326) 956
(Loss)/profit per
share attributable
to owners of the
Parent:
Basic (pence) 5 (0.317) 0.256
============= ============
Diluted (pence) 5 (0.317) 0.239
============= ============
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
Year ended 31 December 2016 (continued)
Adjusted earnings per share:
Basic (pence) 5 1.286 0.809
====== ======
Diluted (pence) 5 1.184 0.756
====== ======
(Restated)
Year ended Year ended
31 Dec 31 Dec
2016 2015
GBP'000 GBP'000
(Loss)/profit for the
year (1,326) 956
Other comprehensive (loss)/income:
Items that may be subsequently
reclassified to profit
or loss
Exchange differences on
translating foreign operations 1,183 33
Total comprehensive (loss)/income
for the year attributable
to owners of the parent
Company (143) 989
------------- ------------
Consolidated Statement of Financial
Position
(Restated)
31 Dec
2015
GBP'000
Note 31 Dec
2016
GBP'000
Non-current assets
Property, plant and
equipment 6 708 543
Intangible assets 8 39,950 17,930
Deferred tax assets 11 1,717 1,029
Investments accounted 1,890 -
for under the equity
method
Other receivables,
deposits and prepayments 10 1,293 -
45,558 19,502
Current assets
Trade receivables 9 4,229 4,201
Other receivables,
deposits
and prepayments 10 1,995 554
Amounts recoverable
on contracts 2,642 1,853
Cash and bank balances 5,348 7,305
--------- -----------
14,214 13,913
Total assets 59,772 33,415
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 12 9,215 5,835
Borrowings 14 3,252 -
Corporation tax 546 309
Amount owing to related
parties 45 2
13,058 6,146
Non-current liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities 11 3,897 1,182
Other long term liabilities 13 1,426 844
Borrowings 14 10,582 -
Provisions 15 99 99
16,004 2,125
Total liabilities 29,062 8,271
Net assets 30,710 25,144
========= ===========
Shareholders' equity
Share capital 16 1,580 1,506
Share premium account 17,044 15,988
Merger reserve 31,983 28,120
Reverse acquisition
reserve (22,933) (22,933)
Share-based payment
reserve 3,245 2,273
Foreign exchange
translation reserve 1,233 50
Accumulated profits/(losses) (1,442) 140
--------- -----------
Total equity attributable
to the owners of
the parent 30,710 25,144
========= ===========
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
Year ended 31 December 2016
Share Share Merger Reverse Share Translation Retained Total
capital premium reserve acquisition based reserve earnings equity
reserve payments
reserve
Note GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Balance at 1
January 2015
reported in
the 2015
financial
statements 1,329 13,098 22,269 (22,933) 1,203 17 (574) 14,409
Adjustment
regarding
prior
years 18 (4,377) 4,377 -
--------- --------- --------- ------------ --------- ------------ --------- --------
Balance at 1
January 2015
(Restated) 1,329 8,721 26,646 (22,933) 1,203 17 (574) 14,409
--------- --------
Profit for the
period as
reported in
the 2015
financial
statements - - - - - - 1,429 1,429
Adjustment
regarding
prior
year 18 (473) (473)
--------- --------- --------- ------------ --------- ------------ --------- --------
Restated
profit for
the
period 956 956
Exchange
differences
on
translating
foreign
Operations - - - - - 33 - 33
Total
comprehensive
income
for the
period - - - - - 33 956 989
--------- --------- --------- ------------ --------- ------------ --------- --------
Issue of
shares 177 7,484 1,474 - - - - 9,135
Costs of
issuing
shares - (257) - - - - - (257)
Sale of
treasury
shares - 40 - - - - - 40
Share based
payment
charge
credited to
equity - - - - 776 - - 776
Deferred tax
credit on
share options - - - - 362 - - 362
Transfer on
exercise and
lapse of
options - - - - (68) - 68 -
Tax deduction
on exercise
of share
options
recognised
directly in
equity 18 - - - - - - 138 138
Dividend paid - - - - - - (448) (448)
--------- --------- --------- ------------ --------- ------------ --------- --------
Transactions
with owners 177 7,267 1,474 - 1,070 - (242) 9,746
--------- --------- --------- ------------ --------- ------------ --------- --------
Balance at
31 December
2015
(Restated) 1,506 15,988 28,120 (22,933) 2,273 50 140 25,144
========= ========= ========= ============ ========= ============ ========= ========
Loss for the
period - - - - - - (1,326) (1,326)
Exchange
differences
on
translating
foreign
Operations - - - - - 1,183 - 1,183
Total
comprehensive
loss
for the
period - - - - - 1,183 (1,326) (143)
--------- --------- --------- ------------ --------- ------------ --------- --------
Issue of
shares 74 1,056 3,863 - - - - 4,993
Share based
payment
charge
credited to
equity - - - - 605 - - 605
Deferred tax
credit on
share options - - - - 648 - - 648
Transfer on
exercise and
lapse of
options - - - - (281) - 281 -
Tax deduction
on exercise
of share
options
recognised
directly in
equity - - - - - - 175 175
Dividends paid - - - - - - (712) (712)
Transactions
with owners 74 1,056 3,863 - 972 - (256) 5,709
--------- --------- --------- ------------ --------- ------------ --------- --------
Balance at 31
December
2016 1,580 17,044 31,983 (22,933) 3,245 1,233 (1,442) 30,710
========= ========= ========= ============ ========= ============ ========= ========
Consolidated Statement (Restated)
of Cash Flows
Year Year
ended ended
31 Dec 31 Dec
2016 2015
GBP'000 GBP'000
Cash flows from
operating activities
Profit/(loss) before
taxation (1,193) 1,214
Adjustments for:
Share based payment
charge 605 776
Cash costs of acquisition 99 234
Amortisation of
intangible assets 3,605 1,419
Depreciation of
plant and equipment 320 214
Share of loss of
joint venture/investment 205 62
Finance expense 57 116
Interest on borrowings 358 -
Net foreign exchange 333 -
difference on borrowings
Fair value movement
on contingent consideration - (198)
Acquisition related
deferred consideration
and earn-outs 3,211 414
Interest income (1) (12)
---------- ------------
Operating cash
flows before working
capital changes 7,599 4,239
(Increase)/decrease
in trade and other
receivables (2,030) (49)
(Increase) in amount
recoverable on
contracts (788) (62)
Increase/(decrease)
in payables (1,760) 607
---------- ------------
3,021 4,735
Interest paid (275) -
Interest received 1 12
Income tax paid (645) (483)
---------- ------------
Net cash flows
from operating
activities 2,102 4,264
---------- ------------
Cash flows used
in investing activities
Purchase of property,
plant and equipment (422) (232)
Development of
intangible assets (796) (310)
Acquisition of
subsidiaries, net
of cash acquired (12,389) (5,617)
Cash costs of acquisition (99) (234)
Investment in associates/joint
ventures (2,095) (46)
Net cash flows
in investing activities (15,801) (6,439)
---------- ------------
Consolidated Statement of
Cash Flows (Continued)
Cash flows from
financing activities
Dividends paid (712) (448)
Proceeds from borrowings 13,909 -
Issue of ordinary
share capital net
of share issue
costs 647 7,379
Repayment of bank (2,278) -
loans
Sale of treasury
shares - 40
Contingent consideration
payments in the
period - (1,882)
---------- ------------
Net cash flows
from/(used) in
financing
activities 11,566 5,089
---------- ------------
Net increase/(decrease)
in cash and cash
equivalents (2,133) 2,914
Cash and cash equivalents
at beginning of
the year 7,305 4,358
Exchange (losses)/gains
on cash 176 33
Cash and cash equivalents
at end of the year 5,348 7,305
========== ============
Significant non-cash transactions
During the year, the Group issued 19,732,163 ordinary shares in the Company. 14,367,082 shares were issued as part consideration for the acquisition of Rustici Software LLC, of which 12,930,374 shares were issued to the vendors and the balance to key staff members as pre-acquisition remuneration.
The Group also issued 1,284,641 shares in payment of part of the deferred contingent consideration to the vendors of Preloaded Limited and 4,080,440 in settlement of the exercise of employee share options.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2016
1. General information
Learning Technologies Group plc ('the Company') and its subsidiaries (together, 'the Group') provide a range of e-learning services and technologies to corporate and government clients. The principal activity of the Company is that of a holding company for the Group, as well as performing all administrative, corporate finance, strategic and governance functions of the Group.
The Company is a public limited company, which is listed on the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange and domiciled in England and incorporated and registered in England and Wales. The address of its registered office is Sherborne House, 5(th) Floor, 119-121 Cannon Street, London, EC4N 5AT. The registered number of the Company is 07176993.
2. Summary of significant accounting policies
The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these Consolidated Financial Statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied unless otherwise stated.
A) Basis of preparation
The Consolidated Financial Statements of Learning Technologies Group plc have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union (IFRSs as adopted by the EU), issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), including interpretations issued by the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC), and the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified for any financial assets which are stated at fair value through profit or loss. The Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in pounds sterling, the functional currency of Learning Technologies Group plc and figures have been rounded to the nearest thousand.
Going concern
At 31 December 2016 the Group had GBP5.3 million of cash and good cash conversion. Having undertaken a detailed budgeting exercise, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and therefore continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the annual Financial Statements.
Adoption of new and revised International Financial Reporting Standards
A number of new standards and amendments to standards and interpretations have been issued but are not yet effective and in some cases have not yet been adopted by the EU.
The Directors do not expect that the adoption of these standards will have a material impact on the financial statements of the company in future periods, except that IFRS 9 will impact both the measurement and disclosures of financial instruments, IFRS 15 may have an impact on revenue recognition and related disclosures and IFRS 16 will have an impact on the recognition of operating leases. The Directors are completing their detailed review of these standards and will give a clearer indication of the potential impact in the next set of financial statements. At this point it is not practicable for the Directors to provide a reasonable estimate of the effect of these standards as the Directors wish to complete a detailed review of these standards on a Group wide basis following the acquisition of Net Dimensions.
(b) Basis of consolidation
A subsidiary is defined as an entity over which the Group has control. The Group controls an entity when the Group is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group. They are deconsolidated from the date that control ceases.
The share for share acquisition of Epic Performance Improvement Limited and its subsidiary companies by Epic Group Limited on 10 May 1996 was that of a re-organisation of entities which were under common control. As such, that combination also falls outside the scope of IFRS 3 'Business Combinations' (Revised 2008). The Directors have therefore decided that it is appropriate to reflect the combination using the merger basis of accounting in order to give a true and fair view. No fair value adjustments were made as a result of that combination.
The basis of consolidation of the acquisition of Epic Group Limited by the Company in November 2013 is described below:
The substance of the share for share acquisition of Epic Group Limited and its subsidiary companies by In-Deed Online plc on 8 November 2013 was outside the scope of IFRS 3 'Business Combinations' (Revised 2008) on the basis that the Directors made a judgement that prior to the transaction, In-Deed Online plc was not a business under IFRS 3 Appendix A. The Directors have therefore decided that it is appropriate to reflect the combination using the merger basis of accounting in order to give a true and fair view. No fair value adjustments were made as a result of that combination.
Business combinations other than noted above are accounted for under the acquisition method and merger relief has been taken on recognising the shares issued on acquisition, where applicable.
Under the acquisition method, the results of the subsidiaries acquired or disposed of are included from the date of acquisition or up to the date of disposal. At the date of acquisition, the fair values of the subsidiaries' net assets are determined and these values are reflected in the Consolidated Financial Statements. The cost of acquisition is measured at the aggregate of the fair values at the date of exchange, of assets given, liabilities incurred or assumed, and equity instruments issued by the Group in exchange for control of the acquiree. Any excess of the purchase consideration of the business combination over the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired is recognised as goodwill. Goodwill, if any, is not amortised but reviewed for impairment at least annually. If the consideration is less than the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired, the difference is recognised directly in the statement of comprehensive income.Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred.
Intra-group transactions, balances and unrealised gains on transactions are eliminated; unrealised losses are also eliminated unless cost cannot be recovered. Where necessary, adjustments are made to the Financial Statements of subsidiaries to ensure consistency of accounting policies with those of the Group.
3. Segment analysis
IFRS 8 requires operating segments to be identified on the basis of internal reports about components of the Group that are regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker (which takes the form of the Board of Directors of the Company) as defined in IFRS 8, in order to allocate resources to the segment and to assess its performance.
The Directors of the Company consider the principal activity of the Group to be the production of interactive multimedia programmes, and to constitute one reportable segment, that of the production of interactive multimedia programmes. A majority of sales were generated by the operations in the United Kingdom in the two years ended 31 December 2015 and 2016.
All other segments primarily comprise income and expenses relating to the Group's administrative functions. Interest income and interest expense are not allocated to segments, as this type of activity is driven by the central treasury function, which manages the cash position of the Group. Accordingly, this information is not separately reported to the Board of Directors.
Geographical information
All revenues of the Group are derived from its principal activity, the production of interactive multimedia programmes. The Group's revenue from external customers and non-current assets by geographical location are detailed below.
UK Switzerland Italy Rest United Canada Rest Total
of States of
Europe the
world
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
31 December
2016
revenue 18,205 777 257 334 7,736 613 341 28,263
-------- ------------ ---------- ---------- -------- ---------- -------- --------
Non-current
assets 45,270 - - - 288 - - 45,558
-------- ------------ ---------- ---------- -------- ---------- -------- --------
31 December
2015
revenue 17,528 539 - 20 1,638 110 70 19,905
-------- ------------ ---------- ---------- -------- ---------- -------- --------
Non-current
assets (Restated) 19,481 - - - 21 - - 19,502
-------- ------------ ---------- ---------- -------- ---------- -------- --------
Information about major customers
In both the year ended 31 December 2015 and the year ended 31 December 2016, no customer accounted for more than 10 per cent of reported revenues.
4. Income tax
(Restated)
31 Dec 31 Dec
2016 2015
GBP'000 GBP'000
Current tax expense:
- UK Current Tax on profits
for the year 565 684
- Adjustments in respect
to prior years (35) (169)
- Foreign Current Tax
on profits for the year 528 56
-------- -----------
Total current tax 1,058 571
-------- -----------
Deferred tax (Note 11):
- Origination and reversal
of temporary differences (943) (341)
- Adjustments in respect
to prior years 2 28
Change in deferred tax 16 -
rate
Total deferred tax (925) (313)
Income tax expense 133 258
======== ===========
A reconciliation of income tax expense applicable to the loss before taxation at the statutory tax rate to the income tax expense at the effective tax rate of the Group is as follows:
(Restated)
31 Dec 31 Dec
2016 2015
GBP'000 GBP'000
Profit / (loss)
before taxation (1,193) 1,214
========== ===========
Tax calculated
at the domestic
tax rate of 20%
(2015: 20.25%): (239) 246
Tax effects of:
-
Income not subject
to tax (157) (70)
Expenses not deductible
for tax purposes 467 187
Joint venture/associate
results reported
net of tax 41 12
Tax deductions (234) -
not recognised
as an expense
Tax losses for 2 -
which no deferred
tax is recognised
Difference of
deferred rate
and current tax
rate 38 3
Adjustments in
respect to prior
years (33) (141)
Effect of different
international
tax rates 248 21
---------- -----------
133 258
========== ===========
The aggregate current and deferred tax directly credited to equity amounted to GBP823,000 (2015: GBP500,000).
5. Earnings per share
(Restated)
31 Dec 31 Dec
2016 2015
Pence Pence
Basic profit/loss
per share (0.317) 0.256
Diluted profit/loss
per share (0.317) 0.239
---------------------------- ---------- -----------
Adjusted basic earnings
per share 1.286 0.809
Adjusted diluted
earnings per share 1.184 0.756
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit/loss after tax attributable to the equity holders of the Group by the weighted average number of shares in issue during the year.
Diluted earnings per share is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of shares outstanding to assume conversion of all potential dilutive shares, namely share options or deferred consideration payable in shares where the contingent conditions have been met.
In order to give a better understanding of the underlying operating performance of the Group, an adjusted earnings per share comparative has been included. Adjusted earnings per share is stated after adjusting the profit/(loss) after tax attributable to equity holders of the Group for certain charges as set out in the table below. Adjusted diluted earnings per share has been calculated to also include the contingent shares payable as deferred consideration on acquisitions where the future conditions have not yet been met, as shown below.
The calculation of earnings per share is based on the following earnings and number of shares.
(Restated)
2016 2015
(Loss) Weighted Pence Profit Weighted Pence
after average per share after average per
tax number tax number share
of shares of shares
GBP'000 '000 GBP'000 '000
Basic earnings
per ordinary
share (1,326) 418,619 (0.317) 956 373,505 0.256
-------- ----------- ----------- -------- ----------- --------
Effect of
adjustments:
Amortisation
of acquired
intangibles 3,200 1,203
Share based
payment costs 605 776
Integration
costs 73 99
Cost of acquisitions 99 234
Fair value
movement on
contingent
consideration - (198)
Deferred consideration
and earn-outs
from acquisitions 3,211 414
Net foreign 333 -
exchange differences
on borrowings
Interest receivable (1) (12)
Finance expense 57 116
Income tax
expense 133 258
-------- ----------- ----------- -------- ----------- --------
Effect of
adjustments 7,710 - 1.842 2,890 - 0.774
-------- ----------- ----------- -------- ----------- --------
Adjusted profit
before tax 6,384 - - 3,846 - -
-------- ----------- ----------- -------- ----------- --------
Tax impact
after adjustments (1,000) - (0.239) (824) - (0.221)
Adjusted basic
earnings per
ordinary share 5,384 418,619 1.286 3,022 373,505 0.809
Effect of
dilutive potential
ordinary shares:
Share options - 30,031 (0.086) - 26,406 (0.053)
Deferred consideration
payable (conditions
met) 1,819 (0.005) - -
Deferred consideration
payable (contingent) 4,412 (0.011) - -
-------- ----------- ----------- -------- ----------- --------
Adjusted diluted
earnings per
ordinary share 5,384 454,881 1.184 3,022 399,911 0.756
6. Property, plant and equipment
Fixtures
Computer and Leasehold
equipment fittings improvements Total
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Cost
At 1 January
2015 1,088 226 104 1,418
Additions on
acquisitions 48 21 117 186
Additions 160 58 14 232
At 31 December
2015 1,296 305 235 1,836
Additions on
acquisitions 9 8 - 17
Additions 206 211 5 422
Foreign exchange
differences 15 31 - 46
At 31 December
2016 1,526 555 240 2,321
=========== ========== =============== ========
Accumulated Depreciation
At 1 January
2015 820 165 94 1,079
Charge for the
year 135 62 17 214
----------- ---------- --------------- --------
At 31 December
2015 955 227 111 1,293
Charge for the
year 168 116 36 320
----------- ---------- --------------- --------
At 31 December
2016 1,123 343 147 1,613
=========== ========== =============== ========
Net book value
At 31 December
2015 341 78 124 543
=========== ========== =============== ========
At 31 December
2016 403 212 93 708
=========== ========== =============== ========
7. Acquisitions
Rustici Software LLC
On 28 January 2016 LTG acquired the entire issued share capital of Rustici Software LLC ("Rustici"), the global market leader in digital learning interoperability. Rustici was established in Nashville, USA in 2002 and has been instrumental in the support and development of the universal technical standards for the e-learning software industry. It is the acknowledged global leader in SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model) conformance. SCORM is the de facto industry standard for e-learning interoperability, allowing online learning content and learning management systems to communicate and work together.
Rustici is also the co-creator of the next generation of learning interoperability standards, Tin Can API, or xAPI. This global standard was created to capture rich data on every aspect of learning experiences.
The consideration for Rustici comprised an initial payment of USD 23.6 million of which USD 18.0 million was paid in cash and USD 5.6 million in new LTG shares to the vendors (issued at a price of 30.25 pence per share). The fair value of these shares was determined using the quoted price as required by IFRS 3. Cash consideration was adjusted to take account of surplus cash in Rustici at completion. Merger relief has been taken on recognising the excess over nominal value of the shares issued on acquisition.
Further performance based payments, capped at USD 11.0 million, are payable to the Rustici vendors and key employees based on ambitious revenue growth targets in each of the years ending 31 December 2016, 2017 and 2018, payable with up to 25% in new LTG shares at the option of the Company, and the remainder in cash. Although the directors consider that these payments are in substance contingent consideration, they have been accounted for as a remuneration expense in line with the requirements of IFRS 3 and will be recognised directly in the Statement of Comprehensive Income over the service period.
The following table summarises the consideration paid for Rustici, the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date.
Book Fair
value value
----------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Consideration GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Cash 12,999
Equity instruments (12,930,374 ordinary
shares) 3,911
Contingent consideration due in 2017 1,860
Contingent consideration due in 2018 1,684
Contingent consideration due in 2019 1,525
Less: Contingent consideration on
acquisitions accounted for as a remuneration
expense (5,069)
----------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Total consideration 16,910
----------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Recognised amounts of identifiable
assets acquired and liabilities assumed
----------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents 610 610
Property, plant and equipment 17 17
Internally generated intangible assets
- software 249 249
Gross trade and other receivables 732 732
Trade and other payables (2,677) (2,677)
Deferred tax liabilities on acquisition - (3,094)
Intangible assets identified on acquisition - 8,840
----------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Total identifiable net assets (1,069) 4,677
----------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Goodwill 12,233
Total 16,910
----------------------------------------------- -------- --------
The goodwill arising is attributable to the acquired workforce, anticipated future profit from expansion opportunities and synergies of the business. The goodwill arising from the acquisition has been allocated to the Rustici CGU. Fair value adjustments have been recognised for acquisition-related intangible assets and related deferred tax and in alignment with accounting policies.
Acquisition related intangible assets of GBP8.6 million relate to the valuation of the customer relationships which are amortised over a period of five years and GBP0.26 million which relates to the value of the Rustici brand and is amortised over five years.
Acquisition costs of GBP99,000 have been charged to the statement of comprehensive income in the year relating to the acquisition of Rustici.
A deferred tax liability of GBP3.1 million in respect of the acquisition-related intangible assets was established on acquisition (refer to Note 11). An amortisation charge on this goodwill which is not recognised in the accounts is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.
Rustici contributed GBP6.3 million of revenue for the period between the date of acquisition and the balance sheet date and GBP2.8 million of profit before tax. If the acquisition of Rustici had been completed on the first day of the financial year, Group revenues would have been GBP0.5 million higher and Group profit attributable to equity holders of the parent would have been GBP0.2 million higher.
Details regarding the strategic decision to acquire Rustici can be found in the Chairman's statement and Strategic report.
8. Intangible assets
Customer
contracts IP and
Goodwill and relationships Branding Software Total
development
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Cost
At 1 January
2015 9,615 1,880 180 565 12,240
Additions on
acquisitions 2,764 4,411 248 252 7,675
Additions - - - 310 310
----------- ------------------- ----------- -------------- ---------
At 31 December
2015 (Restated) 12,379 6,291 428 1,127 20,225
Additions on
acquisition 12,233 8,584 256 249 21,322
Additions - - - 796 796
Foreign exchange
differences 1,996 1,317 125 69 3,507
At 31 December
2016 26,608 16,192 809 2,241 45,850
Accumulated amortisation
At 1 January
2015 - 546 24 306 876
Amortisation
charged in year - 1,063 140 216 1,419
----------- ------------------- ----------- -------------- ---------
At 31 December
2015 - 1,609 164 522 2,295
Amortisation
charged in year - 3,060 140 405 3,605
At 31 December
2016 - 4,669 304 927 5,900
=========== =================== =========== ============== =========
Carrying amount
At 31 December
2015 (Restated) 12,379 4,682 264 605 17,930
=========== =================== =========== ============== =========
At 31 December
2016 26,608 11,523 505 1,314 39,950
=========== =================== =========== ============== =========
Goodwill and acquisition-related intangible assets recognised have arisen from acquisitions. Refer to Note 7 for further details of acquisitions undertaken during the year. IP and software development reflects the recognition of development work undertaken in-house.
Goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated, at acquisition, to the cash generating units ('CGUs') that are expected to benefit from that business combination. The Group has four CGUs. Following the acquisition of LINE and its merger with Epic in July 2014, to form LEO, management have determined that LEO represents one CGU. The carrying amount of goodwill has been allocated as follows:
CGU Goodwill Growth rate Pre-tax discount
rate
2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015
GBP'000 GBP'000 % % %
LEO 7,435 7,435 8% 8% 11.0% 11.0%
Preloaded 2,180 2,180 9% 9% 12.5% 12.5%
Eukleia 2,764 2,764 9% 9% 12.5% 12.5%
Rustici 14,229 - 9% - 12.5% -
-------- --------
26,608 12,379
-------- --------
The Group tests goodwill annually for impairment or more frequently if there are indications that goodwill might be impaired. The recoverable amounts of the CGUs are determined from value in use. The key assumptions for the value in use calculations are those regarding the discount rates (being the companies cost of capital), growth rates (based on past experience and pipeline in place) and future EBITDA margins (which are based on past experience). The Group monitors its pre-tax Weighted Average Cost of Capital and those of its competitors using market data. In considering the discount rates applying to CGUs, the Directors have considered the relative sizes, risks and the inter-dependencies of its CGUs. The impairment reviews use a discount rate adjusted for pre-tax cash flows. The Group prepares cash flow forecasts derived from the most recent financial plan approved by the Board and extrapolates revenues, net margins and cash flows for the following four years based on forecast growth rates of the CGUs. Cash flows beyond this five-year period are also considered in assessing the need for any impairment provisions. The growth rates are based on internal growth forecasts of between 8% and 9% for the first five years. The terminal rate used for the value in use calculation thereafter is 2.25%.
No reasonably possible change in a key assumption would produce a significant movement in the carrying value of goodwill allocated to a CGU and therefore no sensitivity analysis is presented.
Customer contracts, relationships and branding
These intangible assets include the Group's aggregate amounts spent on the acquisition of industry-specific knowledge, software technology, branding and customer relationships. These assets arose from acquisition as part of business combinations.
The fair value of these assets is determined by discounting estimated future net cash flows generated by the asset where no active market for the assets exists.
The cost of these intangible assets is amortised over the estimated useful life of each separate asset of between two and five years.
IP and software development
IP and software development costs principally comprise expenditure incurred on major software development projects and the production of generic e-learning content where it is reasonably anticipated that the costs will be recovered through future commercial activity.
Capitalised development costs are amortised over the estimated useful life of between three and five years.
9. Trade receivables
31 Dec 31 Dec
2016 2015
GBP'000 GBP'000
Trade receivables 4,286 4,241
Allowance for
impairment losses (57) (40)
-------- --------
4,229 4,201
======== ========
Impairment losses:
At 1 January 40 10
Additions 17 30
Amounts written-back - -
--- ---
At 31 December 57 40
=== ===
The Group's normal trade credit term is 30 days. Other credit terms are assessed and approved on a case-by-case basis.
The fair value of trade receivables approximates their carrying amount, as the impact of discounting is not significant. No interest has been charged to date on overdue receivables.
10. Other receivables, deposits and prepayments
Current assets
31 Dec 31 Dec
2016 2015
GBP'000 GBP'000
Sundry receivables 238 38
Prepayments 1,757 516
1,995 554
======== ========
Non-current assets
31 Dec 31 Dec
2016 2015
GBP'000 GBP'000
Prepayments 1,293 -
1,293 -
======== ========
11. Deferred tax assets/(liabilities)
Short-term
Share timing differences Total
options
Deferred tax assets GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
At 1 January 2015 548 70 618
Acquisition of subsidiaries - - -
Deferred tax charge
directly to the
income statement 119 (70) 49
Deferred tax charge
directly to equity 362 - 362
--------- ------------------- --------
At 31 December 2015 1,029 - 1,029
--------- ------------------- --------
Acquisition of subsidiaries - - -
Deferred tax charged
directly to the
income statement 38 2 40
Deferred tax charged
directly to equity 648 - 648
--------- ------------------- --------
At 31 December 2016 1,715 2 1,717
========= =================== ========
Accelerated
tax
Intangibles depreciation Total
Deferred tax liabilities GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
At 1 January 2015 (313) (133) (446)
Deferred tax on
acquired intangibles
and via acquisition (932) (68) (1,000)
Deferred tax charge
directly to the
income statement 249 15 264
Exchange rate differences - - -
------------
At 31 December 2015 (996) (186) (1,182)
------------ ------------- --------
Deferred tax on
acquired intangibles
and via acquisition (3,094) - (3,094)
Deferred tax charge
directly to the
income statement 919 (34) 885
Exchange rate differences (506) - (506)
------------ ------------- --------
At 31 December 2016 (3,677) (220) (3,897)
============ ============= ========
The deferred tax balances relate to temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the Financial Statements. Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that the future taxable profits will allow the deferred tax assets to be recovered.
12. Trade and other payables
31 Dec 31 Dec
2016 2015
GBP'000 GBP'000
Trade payables 871 814
Payments received
on account 2,711 1,858
Tax and social
security 1,002 1,140
Contingent consideration 59 405
Acquisition related 2,824 -
deferred consideration
and earn outs
Accruals 1,748 1,618
-------- --------
9,215 5,835
======== ========
The contingent consideration relates wholly to the acquisition of Preloaded Limited. The acquisition related deferred consideration and earn-outs balance relates wholly to the acquisition of Rustici Software LLC.
13. Other long-term liabilities
(Restated)
31 Dec 31 Dec
2016 2015
GBP'000 GBP'000
Acquisition related
deferred consideration
and earn-outs 1,055 414
Contingent consideration 371 430
-------- -----------
1,426 844
======== ===========
The contingent consideration relates wholly to the acquisition of Preloaded Limited and is repayable over the period 2018 to 2019. The acquisition related deferred consideration and earn-outs balance relates wholly to the acquisition of Eukleia Training Limited and is payable in 2018.
14. Borrowings
The acquisitions of the subsidiary Rustici Software LLC and the associate Watershed LLC were part funded by a USD 20.0 million debt facility which was entered into on 29 January 2016 with Barclays Bank plc. The duration of the loan is 3 years and attracts interest at 2% above US Dollar LIBOR with quarterly repayments of USD 1.0 million with the balance repayable on the expiry of the loan in January 2019.
The bank loan is secured by a fixed and floating charge over the assets of the Group and is subject to various financial covenants.
31 Dec 31 Dec
2016 2015
GBP'000 GBP'000
Current interest-bearing 3,252 -
loans and borrowings
Non-current interest-bearing 10,582 -
loans and borrowings
-------- --------
13,834 -
======== ========
15. Provisions
31 Dec 31 Dec
2016 2015
GBP'000 GBP'000
Property costs
At 1 January -
brought forward 99 49
Paid in the year - -
Addition via acquisition - 50
Addition - -
-------- --------
99 99
======== ========
The provision relates to the Group's share of dilapidation costs in respect of costs to be incurred at the end of property leases.
16. Share capital
Shares were issued during the year as follows:
Number Share Share Merger Total
of shares capital premium reserve
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
At 1 January
2016 401,679,817 1,506 15,988 28,120 45,614
Issue of shares
to acquire Rustici
Software LLC 14,367,082 54 429 3,863 4,346
Issue of shares
on payment of
Preloaded contingent
consideration 1,284,641 5 456 - 461
Shares issued
on the exercise
of options 4,080,440 15 171 - 186
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------
At 31 December
2016 421,411,980 1,580 17,044 31,983 50,607
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------
The par value of all shares is GBP0.00375. All shares in issue were allotted, called up and fully paid.
On 3 March 2015 the Group incorporated Learning Technologies Group (Trustee) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. The purpose of the company is to act as an Employee Benefit Trust ('EBT') for the benefit of current and previous employees of the Group. At 31 December 2016 the EBT holds 404,340 ordinary shares in the Company. These shares are held in treasury.
On 29 January 2016, the Company announced that it had agreed to acquire the entire issued share capital of Rustici Software LLC ('Rustici'). 12,930,374 new shares were issued in the Company in part consideration of the acquisition of Rustici along with 1,436,708 new shares issued to certain employees as pre-acquisition remuneration, this resulted in GBP3.8 million being recognised in the merger reserve. Further details of the acquisition are provided in Note 7.
During the year, 1,284,641 new ordinary shares were issued as part payment of the deferred contingent consideration due on the acquisition of Preloaded.
4,080,440 ordinary shares were issued during the course of the year as a result of the exercise of employee share options.
17. Dividends paid
31 Dec 31 Dec
2016 2015
GBP'000 GBP'000
Final dividend
paid 418 248
Interim dividend
paid 294 200
-------- --------
712 448
======== ========
On 24 October 2016, the Company paid an interim dividend of 0.07 pence per share (2015: 0.05 pence per share). The Directors propose to pay a final dividend of 0.14 pence per share for the year ended 31 December 2016 (totalling GBP763,000 based on the issued share capital of the Company at the date of this report), equating to a total payout in respect of the year of 0.21 pence per share (2015: 0.15 pence per share). The final dividend paid in 2016 relates to the year ending 31 December 2015.
18. Prior year adjustments
Following a review of the Group's Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2015 by the Financial Reporting Council's Conduct Committee adjustments have been recognised relating to three matters; deferred consideration, tax on share options and the merger reserve.
Deferred consideration
The 2015 comparative figures have been restated to incorporate the impact of an adjustment to the deferred contingent consideration payable to the vendors of Eukleia Training Limited ('Eukleia') on acquisition.
It has been decided that the deferred contingent consideration which had been accounted for as part of the business combination, and so capitalised, does not meet the requirements of IFRS 3, as there is a substantive post-acquisition service condition and the employees who leave voluntarily automatically forfeit the contingent payments. On this basis this should be accounted for as a separate arrangement and charged through profit or loss as remuneration.
The impact on the 2015 figures have been summarised in the table below:
Effect on
2015
GBP'000
Acquisition related deferred consideration
charged to the income statement (414)
Decrease finance expense to reverse
the unwinding of the discounted deferred
consideration 79
----------
Prior year adjustment - decrease
in profit (335)
==========
GBP'000
Decrease in goodwill by the fair
value of the deferred consideration
at the acquisition date (1,873)
Increase in non-current liabilities
by the accrual of the deferred consideration
charged to the income statement (414)
Decrease in non-current liabilities
by the fair value of the deferred
consideration at the balance sheet
date 1,952
----------
Prior year adjustment - increase
in equity (335)
==========
Tax on share options
Part of the 2015 current tax deduction on options exercised in the year should have been recognised directly in equity rather than the Statement of Comprehensive Income. The comparative figures have been restated to correct this with the impact shown below. This has not had an effect on the Statement of Financial Position.
Effect on
2015
GBP'000
Increase in current tax charge (138)
----------
Prior year adjustment - decrease
in profit (138)
==========
Merger reserve
On review of the business combinations where the company's equity was used as part of the consideration it was concluded that section 612 of the Companies Act 2006 applies and a merger relief adjustment in the merger reserve should have been recorded.
The results of these adjustments on each relevant line in the Statement of Comprehensive Income and the Statement of Financial Position are detailed below.
2015 reported Adjustment 2015 restated
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Acquisition related
deferred consideration - (414) (414)
Finance expense (195) 79 (116)
----------------- -------------- -----------------
Profit before
taxation 1,549 (335) 1,214
Taxation (120) (138) (258)
----------------- -------------- -----------------
Profit for the
year 1,429 (473) 956
Total comprehensive
income 1,462 (473) 989
================= ============== =================
Earnings per
share:
Basic (pence) 0.382 (0.126) 0.256
Diluted (pence) 0.357 (0.118) 0.239
Intangible assets 19,803 (1,873) 17,930
Other long term
liabilities 2,382 (1,538) 844
Share premium
account 21,839 (5,851) 15,988
Merger reserve 22,269 5,851 28,120
Accumulated profits/(losses) 475 (335) 140
19. Events since the reporting date
On 3 February 2017 LTG announced an all cash Offer for the issued and to be issued share capital of NetDimensions (Holdings) Limited ('NetDimensions') for an approximate value of GBP53.6 million.
NetDimensions is a leading global enterprise solutions provider of talent and learning management systems, headquartered in Hong Kong and with operations in the USA, UK, Germany, Australia and the Philippines.
On an estimated equivalent basis to LTG's accounting policies under IFRS, NetDimensions generated audited revenues of USD 25 million and EBITDA loss of USD 0.5 million in the year-ended 31 December 2015. It is anticipated that there will be Goodwill arising on the acquisition due to the synergies created and the opportunities of access to new markets for the Group.
On 9 February 2017, the Group announced the purchase of 1,000,000 ordinary shares in NetDimensions (representing 1.95%) for total consideration of GBP0.984 million.
On 20 March 2017, the Offer was declared unconditional in all respects and as at 28 March 2017 LTG had received acceptances against 97.05% of the shares to which the Offer related.
The completion accounting has not been finalised at the date of signing these financial statements so the value of acquired assets, liabilities, contingent liabilities and goodwill has not been disclosed.
The acquisition was part funded by a Placing of 124,000,000 new ordinary shares in LTG at a price of 37.5 pence per share. The Placing raised GBP46.5 million.
At the time of the Placing the Company entered into a GBP5 million loan facility with Andrew Brode for an arrangement fee of GBP75,000. The arrangement is deemed to be on an arm's length basis.
On 29 March 2017 LTG entered into a new Debt Facility with Silicon Valley Bank ('SVB') for GBP20.0 million. This debt facility is for a term of five years, comprises a GBP10 million term loan and a GBP10 million revolving credit facility, is secured on the assets of the Group and is subject to various financial covenants. The new debt facility was used to repay the existing USD 16.0 million facility held with Barclays Bank plc and as a result of the SVB facility the Group has not drawdown on the Andrew Brode loan facility.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
FR UGUPUCUPMGBC
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
April 05, 2017 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)
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