Tracsis PLC Trading Update (8945W)

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RNS Number : 8945W

Tracsis PLC

15 February 2017

15 February 2017

Tracsis plc

("Tracsis" or the "Group")

Trading Update

Tracsis plc, a leading provider of software and services for the traffic data and transportation industry, is pleased to provide the following trading update for the six months ended 31 January 2017.

Group overview

Group revenues for the six months to 31 January 2017 were c. GBP15.5m (2016: GBP13.1m*), and EBITDA is expected to be slightly ahead of the previous period (2016: GBP3.2m*) as is Adjusted Pre Tax Profit (2016: GBP2.9m*).

Group cash balances remained strong at c. GBP12.5m, after paying aggregate contingent consideration in respect of the SEP and On-trac acquisitions of GBP1.1m. The business continues to be debt free.

*Comparative figures restated for the disposal of Tracsis Traffic Data Pty Limited that took place 22(nd) December 2015.

Rail Technology & Services

On-trac, which was acquired in December 2015 performed well in the period and made a good contribution towards overall Group performance, with high levels of recurring revenue. The On-trac pipeline remains strong with new products garnering significant interest with our major rail customers.

We were also pleased to complete delivery of our North American Remote Condition Monitoring order which was announced in August 2016, and continue to target further sales in North America both with this client and others to complement our strong UK position in this market.

The Group's software and consultancy offering continued to benefit from high renewal rates for existing products. Due to longer sales cycles associated with higher value products combined with changes in the Department for Transport's franchise bid timetable, some sales anticipated to take place in H1 are now expected to take place in H2 which is supported by our current pipeline.

Traffic & Data Services

SEP, which was acquired in September 2015 continues to trade well and as noted previously, the majority of the revenue and profit from this business will be delivered over the summer months. Due to this seasonality, and as evidenced by last year's trading, the second half of the financial year is expected to be significantly stronger than the first half.

In addition, the Traffic & Data Services division is trading well albeit within competitive market conditions, which has led to increased price competition and associated gross margin pressure. Given the Group has grown rapidly to become the UK's largest transport data collection company, management has taken steps to maintain operational efficiency through an investment of technology and an improvement of internal processes which has led to an associated reduction of costs. These changes ensure the Group is well positioned for the future.

Summary

Due to the timing of software sales that are anticipated and the high seasonality inherent in some parts of the Group, the second half of the financial year is expected to be significantly stronger than the first half.

The outcome for the full year remains subject to the timely conversion of new sales for our various software products and services, supported by the improvement in gross margin initiatives that commenced at the start of the financial year. Delivery of these goals will result in revenues and profits being in line with current expectations and we will provide a further update with our Interim Results.

The Group's strategy of growth via organic and acquisitive growth remains unchanged and so too do the key market drivers within the traffic and transport markets which remain positive.

Results Announcement

The Group's Interim results will be announced on or around 23 March 2017.

For more information please contact:

 
 John McArthur/Max Cawthra,         Tel: [phone] 
  Tracsis plc                        9162 
 Dominic Emery/Matt Lewis,          Tel: [phone] 
  Investec Bank plc                  4000 
 Rebecca Sanders-Hewett / Sarah     Tel: [phone] 
  Fabietti-Dallison / Sam Modlin,    4730 
  Redleaf Communications             [e-mail] 
 

The information communicated in this announcement is inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014.

Notes to editors:

-- The Group specialises in solving a variety of data capture, reporting and resource optimisation problems along with the provision of a range of associated professional services.

-- Tracsis' products and services are used to increase efficiency, reduce cost and improve the operational performance and decision making capabilities for clients and customers.

-- The Company offers the following services:

- Rail Technology & Services: Software and technology led consulting, and Remote Condition Monitoring: Industry strength software that covers a variety of asset classes working alongside consulting and related professional services across the operational and strategic planning horizon, plus Technology and reporting for critical infrastructure assets in real time, to identify problems and aid with preventative maintenance.

- Traffic & Data Services: Collation, analytical services, and event management within traffic and pedestrian rich environments.

-- Tracsis has a blue chip client base which includes the majority of UK transport operators. The business also works extensively with Network Rail, the Department of Transport, multiple local authorities, Silverstone, Goodwood, and a variety of large engineering/infrastructure companies.

-- The business drives growth both organically and through acquisition and has made eight acquisitions since 2008.

-- Tracsis listed on AIM in 2007 under ticker TRCS.

-- For more information visit http://www.tracsis.com

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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February 15, 2017 02:00 ET (07:00 GMT)