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Share Name | Share Symbol | Market | Type | Share ISIN | Share Description |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Zpg | LSE:ZPLA | London | Ordinary Share | GB00BMHTHT14 | ORD 0.1P |
Price Change | % Change | Share Price | Bid Price | Offer Price | High Price | Low Price | Open Price | Shares Traded | Last Trade | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0.00 | 0.00% | 379.00 | 0.00 | 01:00:00 |
Industry Sector | Turnover | Profit | EPS - Basic | PE Ratio | Market Cap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | 0 | N/A | 0 |
TIDMZPLA
RNS Number : 4825Q
Zoopla Property Group PLC
30 November 2016
ZPG DELIVERS RECORD REVENUES AND PROFITS
Full year results for the twelve months ended 30 September 2016
Zoopla Property Group Plc (LSE:ZPLA) ("ZPG" or the "Group"), owner of some of the UK's most trusted home-related digital platforms including Zoopla, uSwitch, PrimeLocation and Property Software Group, today announces its full year results for the twelve months ended 30 September 2016 (the "Period").
Summary Results
2016 2015 YoY % ------------------------------------------- ------ ------ ----- Revenue (GBPm) 197.7 107.6 84 Adjusted EBITDA(1) (GBPm) 77.1 48.7 58 Profit for the year (GBPm) 36.7 25.4 44 Net debt (GBPm) 146.3 93.2 57 Adjusted basic EPS(2) (pence per share) 12.7 8.4 51 Basic EPS (pence per share) 8.9 6.2 44 Proposed final dividend (pence per share) 3.7 2.5 48
Business highlights
-- Revenue increase of 84% to GBP197.7 million and Adjusted EBITDA increase of 58% to GBP77.1 million
-- Acquisition of Property Software Group creates UK's only end-to-end solution for property professionals
-- Continued UK Agency partner growth up 5% (ex-Property Software Group) and listings inventory up 10%
-- Total number of unique Property partners including Property Software Group at 23,101 at the end of the Period
-- Outperformance in Comparison Services division with record levels of switching activity across every vertical
-- Strong traffic with over 600m visits to the Group's websites and mobile apps, of which 68% via mobile
-- Over 23m leads generated during the Period for Property partners including 350,000 property appraisal leads
-- Comparison leads up 22% over same period last year to 30.3m, helping consumers save over GBP320m
-- Invested in and partnered with a number of leading and innovative sector relevant tech start-ups
-- Developed market-leading new products for consumers and partners such as Running Costs and MoveIT
-- Relocated into our new Group headquarters bringing all our London-based teams together under one roof
-- Proposed final dividend of 3.7p per share, bringing total dividend for the Period to 5.2 pence per share
-- Since the end of the Period the Group has:
o Acquired leading cloud-based estate agency website design business, Technicweb
o Invested in and signed partnership with connected home insurance provider, Neos
Commenting on today's announcement Alex Chesterman, Founder & CEO of ZPG said:
"The Group has had another very successful year and we are stronger and more diversified than ever. We delivered record revenues and Adjusted EBITDA of GBP197.7million and GBP77.1million respectively and continued to grow our huge and highly engaged consumer audience with over 600m visits to our websites and apps during the year. We continue to lead innovation in the property and comparison markets as we work towards fulfilling our mission of providing the most useful resources for consumers when finding, moving and managing their home and being the most effective partner for related businesses.
"Our Property Services division has traded in line with management expectations with ARPA(3) growth across every vertical and we have now seen 18 consecutive months of UK Agency partner growth. The acquisition of Property Software Group has been transformational, allowing us to offer the UK's only end-to-end solution for property professionals including software, workflow, CRM and marketing tools. As a Group, we now have significant cross-sell opportunities with over 23,000 unique Property partners taking at least of one of our services.
"Our Comparison Services division has performed very strongly with record levels of switching activity and leads in every vertical helping consumers find the best deals and save over GBP320m off their energy bills alone during the Period.
"We generated over 53m leads across the Group for our partners during the year, helping them to win more business and operate more efficiently. We have launched a number of new market-leading products as well as investing and partnering with some of the most innovative and relevant technology startups to further enhance and differentiate our proposition.
We are also pleased to announce today the acquisition of Technicweb, one of the UK's leading estate agency website design and hosting businesses as well as our investment in and strategic partnership with Neos, the UK's first connected home insurance provider."
Outlook
ZPG has had a good start to the new financial year across both divisions.
In our Property Services division, the Group's compelling and unique proposition which helps property professionals to manage, market and maximise their business, continues to resonate. Management is encouraged by the continued trend in UK Agency partner growth, with over 600 branches having now returned over the past 18 months.
The Comparison Services division has performed well, as expected, since the end of the Period as consumers increasingly become aware of the benefits of switching.
The Group will continue to invest across the business and develop further products in line with our vision to be the consumer champion at the heart of the home. Although it is early in the year, Management remains comfortable with market expectations(4) for the 2017 financial year. Our next trading update will be on 2 February 2017, the day of our AGM.
-S-
For further information, please contact:
Lawrence Hall, Head of Communications - lawrence.hall@zpg.co.uk / 07890 078 945
Rachael Malcolm, Head of Investor Relations - rachael.malcolm@zpg.co.uk / 0203 8725 648
James Isola, Maitland 020 7379 5151
http://www.zpg.co.uk/
A webcast of the management team presentation to analysts and investors will be made available at www.zpg.co.uk at 09.00am this morning and registration can be accessed here. An audio dial-in will also be made available:
UK Toll Number: 0203 003 2666
UK Toll-Free Number: 0808 109 0700
United States Toll-Free Number: 1866 966 5335
United States Toll Number: 1 646 843 4608
Participant pin: 76156743#
1. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as operating profit after adding back depreciation and amortisation, share-based payments and exceptional items.
2. Adjusted basic EPS is calculated as profit for the year excluding exceptional items and amortisation of intangibles arising on acquisitions, adjusted for tax and divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue for the Period.
3. ARPA (Average revenue per advertiser) represents revenue from property portal advertising services from the Group's Property partners in a given month divided by the total number of Property partners during the month, measured as a monthly average over the period.
4. As at 29 November 2016, market expectations for Group FY17 Revenue and EBITDA were GBP219.2m and GBP85.8m, respectively (Source: Bloomberg).
Cautionary Statement
This document contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include matters that are not historical facts. Statements containing the words "believe", "expect", "intend", "may", "estimate" or, in each case, their negative and words of similar meaning are forward-looking. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events that may or may not occur in the future. We caution you that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that the Group's actual financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, and the development of the industry in which we operate, may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements contained in this document. In addition, even if the Group's financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, and the development of the industry in which we operate are consistent with the forward-looking statements in this document, those results or developments may not be indicative of results or developments in subsequent periods. Important facts that could cause the Group's actual results of operations, financial condition or cash flows, or the development of the industry in which we operate, to differ from current expectations include those principal risks and uncertainties disclosed below. As a consequence, the Group's future financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, as well as the development of the industry in which we operate, may differ from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by us or on the Group's behalf.
About Zoopla Property Group (www.zpg.co.uk)
Zoopla Property Group Plc (LSE:ZPLA) (ZPG) owns and operates some of the UK's most trusted and effective home-related digital platforms including Zoopla, uSwitch, PrimeLocation and Property Software Group. Our mission is to provide the most useful resources for consumers when finding, moving or managing their home and be the most effective partner for related businesses.
We help consumers understand the property and home services comparison markets and make smarter decisions, whilst helping professionals to win more business and operate more effectively. The Group benefits from its multi-brand, multi-channel approach and each of our brands has a distinct market position with an unrivalled proposition. Our websites and mobile apps attract over 50 million visits per month.
Zoopla is the UK's most comprehensive property website, helping consumers to research the market and find their next home by combining hundreds of thousands of property listings with market data and local information.
uSwitch is the UK's leading comparison website for home services switching, helping consumers to find the best deal and save money on their gas, electricity, broadband, TV, phone and personal finance products.
PrimeLocation is one of the UK's leading property websites, helping house-hunters in the middle and upper tiers of the market explore and find their dream home from the top estate and letting agents.
Property Software Group is the UK's largest supplier of software and workflow solutions to the property industry with a portfolio of brands including Alto, Jupix, CFP, Vebra, Core, Encore, MyPropertyFile and MoveIT.
Zoopla Property Group Plc was founded in 2007 and has a highly experienced management team, led by Founder & CEO, Alex Chesterman OBE.
Business Review
2016 has been another very successful year for ZPG as we remain focused on being the consumer champion at the heart of the home. We continued to lead innovation in the digital property and comparison markets and the Group is now stronger and more diversified than ever, delivering Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA of GBP197.7 million and GBP77.1 million respectively during the Period.
Executing on our strategy & vision
At the time of both the uSwitch and Property Software Group acquisitions we talked about being on a multi-year journey to create the best fully-integrated products in the market by refining and enhancing the experience for both our consumers and partners. Doing so allows us to maximise the opportunity we have to fulfil our mission of providing the most useful resources for consumers when finding, moving or managing their home and being the most effective partner for related businesses.
This year we continued to invest in marketing our brands and developing our products. We created a series of new national advertising campaigns for each of our consumer brands - Zoopla, uSwitch and PrimeLocation - resulting in record levels of brand awareness. We launched our innovative 'Running Costs' tool on the Zoopla website, giving consumers an idea of the total occupancy costs for any property including likely mortgage or rental payments, energy costs, water bills, insurance and council tax charges. We saw strong take-up of the Group's award-winning AdReach product, which helps partners engage directly with their target audience and win more business.
We have grown our huge and highly engaged consumer audience, with over 600 million visits to our websites and apps during the Period, delivering incredible value to our partners by generating over 53 million leads for them during the year. And we have seen strong mobile growth, having relaunched both the Zoopla and uSwitch apps, with 68% of our traffic during the year coming via a mobile device as consumers engaged with our platforms at home, at work and on the move.
The Group also made investments and developed exclusive strategic partnerships with some of the UK's most-promising and innovative technology start-ups - PropertyDetective, Landbay and Trussle - to further differentiate and enhance our consumer and partner propositions. As a result, we have now launched individual 'Property Reports' for every home in the UK, a unique feature where prospective buyers can get a 'Mortgage in Principle' in under 5 minutes and a new 'Invest' channel where anyone can now invest from as little as GBP100 into the UK residential property market.
Acquisition of Property Software Group
In April, we acquired Property Software Group, the UK's market-leading provider of software and workflow solutions to property professionals, used in over 8,000 offices. This acquisition is a core part of ZPG's mission and enables the Group to now provide the UK property industry's first end-to-end solution including software and CRM, digital marketing and market insight tools as well as further revenue opportunities for our Property partners. It is a key step for the Group and ensures that we remain the most-valued partner for UK property professionals to help them market their inventory, manage their business and maximise their revenues.
Capital Markets Day
We held our first Capital Markets Day in September, which allowed us to provide deeper insight into our vision and strategy and the scale of the opportunity that exists throughout the property journey. As part of the day, we unveiled our updated key performance indicators ('KPIs') to reflect the evolution of the business following our recent acquisitions and our bundled property proposition. Full KPIs under the updated methodology for the Group including pro forma comparators for the same period last year can be found at the end of this release.
Property Services
Revenues in our Property Services division were GBP86.7 million for the year, including GBP7.3 million of revenue from five months of trading from Property Software Group. Our audience remains highly engaged with over 45 million visits per month to our property platform, up 2% year-on-year (YoY), delivering over 23 million leads to our Property partners over the Period.
On a like for like basis the total number of unique Property partners increased by 6% over the past year to 23,101. We saw the number of UK Agency partners advertising on our portals grow during every month of financial year 2016, ending the Period up 5% at 13,373 in addition to 2,610 New Homes developments, 1,074 Overseas agents, 415 Commercial agents and 5,003 software only partners. The remaining 626 arise as a result of aligning the calculation method for hybrids with our peers. Our inventory grew 10% to over 927,000 listings at the end of the Period.
On a like for like basis including Property Software Group, combined ARPP was GBP328, up 1% on the same Period last year. Excluding Property Software Group, ARPA increased across every vertical as the Group's Property partners continued to advertise their brands and market their inventory on our platform. UK Agency ARPA grew by 2% to GBP365, reflecting the Group's pragmatic approach to pricing during the Period. ARPA in New Homes grew by 13% to GBP377, as demand from New Homes Developers for the Group's targeted email campaigns continued. Overseas and Commercial ARPA grew by 1% to GBP150 and 21% to GBP129 respectively as we focused on growing the number of partners and inventory.
As outlined at the Capital Markets Day, the Group will report its total number of unique Property partners and Average Revenue Per Partner (ARPP) from financial year 2017 onwards. For reference under the updated KPI structure, the Group had a total of 23,101 unique Property partners and blended ARPP was GBP328 as at the end of the Period, reflecting the mix effect from five months of ownership of Property Software Group.
Comparison Services
Our Comparison Services division outperformed expectations this year with consumer adoption of comparison websites continuing to grow as the benefits of switching become increasingly clear. We experienced record levels of switching across every vertical with revenues in the division at GBP111.0 million, up 38% compared to the same twelve-month period last year, whilst helping consumers switch and save over GBP320 million off their energy bills alone.
As outlined in our half year results, the Comparison Services division had an exceptionally strong first six months with record switching volumes in both the Energy and Communications verticals as a result of our market-leading collective switch, energy supplier price cuts and a highly-competitive environment for broadband deals. We have seen these tailwinds continue in the second half driving further outperformance as outlined below.
The performance in the Energy vertical was exceptionally strong during the Period, driven by competitive supplier pricing, our market-leading collective and exclusive deals and continued regulatory support for comparison websites. In June 2016, the CMA concluded its energy market investigation setting out a wide range of reforms to modernise the market which specifically enable comparison websites to play a more active role in helping consumers to find the best deals and to save money off their household bills.
The Communications vertical also performed strongly, driven by highly competitive deals and consumer demand to switch to the best broadband and TV packages. We continued to develop our Financial Services offering with good progress in areas such as credit cards and banking as a result of the Group's targeted approach to launching into new verticals.
The number of Comparison Services leads generated during the year increased to over 30 million, up 22% compared to the same twelve-month period last year. The increase in ARPL to GBP3.67, compared to GBP3.23 for the same twelve-month period last year, was driven by the significant outperformance in the Energy vertical.
Looking Ahead
Since the end of the Period, the Group has announced further progress in differentiating its proposition for both consumers and partners with the acquisition of Technicweb, one of the UK's leading cloud-based estate agency website design and hosting businesses as well as an investment in and an exclusive strategic partnership with Neos, a leading smart home-insurance provider.
We are incredibly excited by the scale of the opportunity to help both consumers and partners throughout the property lifecycle and will continue to invest, integrate and innovate in product development and audience engagement to make the most of this opportunity across the different divisions of our business.
Finally, we will continue to work hard to attract and retain the passion and talent we have within the business as we grow. We have grown to 735 team members and have now moved all our London-based staff into one Group headquarters, providing them with a world-class working environment. I would like to welcome Andy Botha and Mark Goddard and the whole Property Software Group team to ZPG. I would also like to thank the Executive Management team and their respective team members for their ongoing hard work, dedication and commitment to our mission.
Alex Chesterman OBE
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Finance Review
Revenue increased by 84% to GBP197.7 million and Adjusted EBITDA increased by 58% to GBP77.1 million compared to the same period last year. The increase was partly a result of the inclusion of twelve months of trading in the Comparison Services division and five months of trading from Property Software Group, which we acquired in April 2016. The Comparison Services division performed ahead of expectations with record switching levels across every vertical and the Property Services division performed in line with expectations, with continued growth in the number of UK Agency partners over the Period.
Statutory profit for the year and statutory basic EPS also increased significantly by 44% to GBP36.7 million and 44% to 8.9p, respectively. When reviewing performance the Directors use a number of adjusted measures, including Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted basic EPS, as they believe these give a more relevant indicator of the Group's underlying performance. These measures are reconciled in the Summary Income Statement below.
During the Period, the Group secured a GBP50 million extension to its revolving credit facility, which was used to help fund the acquisition of Property Software Group. As at 30 September 2016, the Group had net debt of GBP146.3 million and substantial headroom against its covenants.
The Group maintains a target dividend pay-out ratio of 35-45% of profits excluding share-based payments and exceptional items and the Directors have proposed a final dividend of 3.7 pence per share. This, together with the interim dividend of 1.5 pence per share, brings the total dividend to 5.2 pence per share for the Period.
Summary Income Statement
GBPm 2016 2015 YoY % ----------------------------------------------------------- -------- ------- ----- Revenue 197.7 107.6 84 Operating costs (120.6) (58.9) 105 Adjusted EBITDA 77.1 48.7 58 Share-based payments (4.8) (1.9) 153 Depreciation (1.7) (0.4) 325 Amortisation of other intangibles (2.0) (1.6) 25 Amortisation of intangible assets arising on acquisitions (7.5) (2.0) 275 Exceptional items (11.4) (8.2) 39 Operating profit 49.7 34.6 44 Net finance costs (3.5) (1.0) 250 Profit before tax 46.2 33.6 38 Income tax expense (9.5) (8.2) 16 Profit for the year 36.7 25.4 44 ----------------------------------------------------------- -------- ------- ----- Amortisation of intangible assets arising on acquisitions 7.5 2.0 275 Exceptional items 11.4 8.2 39 Adjustment for tax (3.2) (0.8) 300 Adjusted profit for the year 52.4 34.8 51 ----------------------------------------------------------- -------- ------- ----- Adjusted earnings per share: Adjusted basic earnings per share (pence per share) 12.7 8.4 51 Adjusted diluted earnings per share (pence per share) 12.5 8.3 51
Revenue
YoY GBPm 2016 2015(2) % ------------------------------- ------ ---------------- ---- Property Services: UK Agency(1) 64.3 58.3 10 New Homes 11.7 11.0 6 Other 10.7 10.6 2 ------------------------------- ------ ---------------- ---- Property Services Revenue 86.7 79.9 9 ------------------------------- ------ ---------------- ---- Comparison Services: Energy 52.7 11.6 354 Communications 44.1 13.3 232 Other 14.2 2.8 407 ------------------------------- ------ ---------------- ---- Comparison Services Revenue 111.0 27.7 301 ------------------------------- ------ ---------------- ---- Group Revenue 197.7 107.6 84 ------------------------------- ------ ---------------- ---- (1) UK Agency includes five months of trading from Property Software Group (2) 2015 Comparison Services Revenue represents four months trading from uSwitch (acquired on 1 June 2015).
The Property Services division generated GBP86.7 million of revenue, up 9% on the same period last year. UK Agency revenue, which includes GBP7.3 million of revenue from five months of trading from Property Software Group, was up 10% at GBP64.3 million. Excluding Property Software Group, UK Agency revenue generated GBP57.0 million of revenue (FY15: GBP58.3 million) against tough comparators from the same period last year, when the Group experienced significant UK Agency churn related to Agents' Mutual part way through the period. After adjusting for both the contribution from Property Software Group and for revenue generated from agents who churned part way through 2015, underlying UK Agency revenue was up c.5%. New Homes revenue increased 6%, driven by demand for targeted email campaigns with Other revenue, which includes revenue from advertising, marketing services, data sales, overseas and commercial property, continuing to perform in line with expectations.
The Comparison Services division generated GBP111.0 million of revenue and performed ahead of expectations across every vertical. As a reminder, the prior year comparator includes four months of Comparison Services trading as the business was acquired part way through 2015.
Operating costs
Operating costs increased by 105% to GBP120.6 million, largely attributable to the incorporation of twelve months of trading from the Comparison Services division and five months of trading from Property Software Group.
Property Services costs were GBP48.2 million, comprising Staff costs of GBP22.6 million and Other Costs of GBP25.6 million. The increase in both Staff and Other costs arose from the incorporation of five months of costs from Property Software Group and our ongoing investment in people, technology and marketing. In the second half of the year, the Group strategically stepped up its investment in above-the-line brand building activities, which resulted in Zoopla achieving a record level of national awareness and becoming the leading UK property portal with prompted brand awareness of 90%. (Source: Harris Interactive, September 2016).
Comparison Services costs were GBP72.4 million, comprising Staff costs of GBP12.6 million and Other costs of GBP59.8 million. The Group invests in helping consumers find the best deals by constantly optimising consumer experience, which in turn drives conversion and generates greater exposure for our Comparison partners. On a like-for-like basis, Other costs trended upwards in line with revenue growth as a result of Group's strength in performance-based marketing. The Group also increased its above-the-line marketing of the uSwitch brand to help educate consumers about the benefits of switching and to further grow our brand awareness.
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA increased by 58% from GBP48.7 million to GBP77.1 million compared to the prior year. Property Services Adjusted EBITDA decreased slightly to GBP38.5 million reflecting the Group's additional strategic investment in marketing in H2 2016 and tough comparators against the same period last year as outlined above. Property Services delivered a margin of 44% for the Period, lower than the previous year due to the mix effect of incorporating five months of Property Software Group. The Comparison Services division generated GBP38.6 million of Adjusted EBITDA, at an increased margin of 35%, as a result of the exceptionally strong performance in the Energy vertical. Group margins reduced to 39% due to the mix effect from incorporating a full year's trading from the Comparison Services division and five months of trading from Property Software Group.
Share-based payments
The share-based payments charge increased from GBP1.9 million to GBP4.8 million as a result of providing for financial year 2016 grants under the Group's LTIP and deferred bonus schemes and the first year of the VCP scheme for the CEO. As expected this charge will increase in financial year 2017, in line with 2017 grants for the LTIP and deferred bonus schemes.
Depreciation
Depreciation increased to GBP1.7 million due to a write-down of leasehold improvements recognised as part of the Group's relocation to a new headquarters. Underlying depreciation will increase in financial year 2017 as we see a full year of depreciation charge on costs associated with the Group's new headquarters.
Amortisation
The Group splits out amortisation of intangibles arising on acquisitions and amortisation of other intangibles for the purposes of calculating Adjusted basic EPS. Amortisation of acquired intangibles increased to GBP7.5 million as a result of a full year's amortisation charge arising on the acquisition of uSwitch and five months charge of amortisation arising on the acquisition of Property Software Group. The Group's amortisation of acquired intangibles charge will increase in financial year 2017 to reflect the valuation of Property Software Group and a full year's impact of its respective charge.
Amortisation of other intangibles increased to GBP2.0 million reflecting the Group's capital expenditure on building integrated projects and products such as the 'Running Costs' tool as outlined in the Business Review.
Exceptional items
Exceptional items include costs that Management believe to be exceptional in nature by virtue of their size or incidence. Total exceptional items of GBP11.4 million in 2016 represent costs relating to the Property Software Group acquisition in addition to deferred costs relating to the uSwitch acquisition.
Net finance costs
The Group incurred net finance costs of GBP3.5 million during the Period. The increased charge reflects the drawdown of debt via the Group's revolving credit facility to help fund the acquisition of Property Software Group.
Income tax expense
The Group's income tax charge was GBP9.5 million representing an effective income tax rate of 20.5%. This is higher than the statutory tax rate of 20.0% due to non-deductible transaction costs and management deferred and contingent consideration expenses arising on acquisitions. This was offset by the revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities as a result of the anticipated reduction in the rate of corporation tax to 19% from 1 April 2017 and 17% from 1 April 2020.
Profit for the year
Adjusted profit for the year, calculated as profit for the year after adding back exceptional items and amortisation of intangible assets arising on acquisitions adjusted for tax, increased by 51% to GBP52.4 million. Statutory profit increased by 44% to GBP36.7 million.
Earnings per share (EPS)
Adjusted basic EPS, which strips out the impact of exceptional items and amortisation of intangible assets arising on acquisitions, increased by 51% to 12.7p. Statutory basic EPS grew by 44% to 8.9p.
Summary statement of financial position
GBPm 2016 2015 Goodwill and intangibles 322.6 253.7 Available for sale financial assets 0.7 - Property, plant and equipment 6.4 1.9 Cash and cash equivalents 3.4 19.2 Working capital(1) 7.4 7.9 Loans and borrowings (149.7) (112.4) Deferred and contingent consideration(2) (30.7) (38.1) Provisions(2) (2.7) (0.8) Tax assets and liabilities(2) (15.2) (14.2) ------------------------------------------ -------- -------- Net assets 142.2 117.2 ------------------------------------------ -------- --------
The Group was in a strong financial position as at 30 September 2016 with net assets of GBP142.2 million. Intangible assets increased to GBP322.6 million reflecting acquired intangibles as a result of the Property Software Group acquisition. The increase in property, plant and equipment to GBP6.4 million reflects the Group's investment in a new headquarters as outlined in the Business Review. The Group recognised a liability of GBP30.7 million for deferred and contingent consideration payable as a result of the Group's acquisitions.
Net debt position
GBPm 2016 2015 Total loans and borrowings (149.7) (112.4) Cash and cash equivalents 3.4 19.2 Net (debt)/cash (146.3) (93.2) ---------------------------- -------- --------
As at 30 September 2016 the Group had net debt of GBP146.3 million including loans and borrowings of GBP149.7 million. The overall increase in net debt can be attributed to the acquisition of Property Software Group in April 2016 and the payment of the deferred consideration relating to the uSwitch acquisition and deal-related earnout in the second half of 2016.
Summary statement of cash flows
GBPm 2016 2015 ------------------------------------------------- ------- ------- Net cash flows from operating activities 62.1 39.1 ------------------------------------------------- ------- ------- Cash flows (used in)/from investing activities: Acquisitions and investments (88.6) (153.5) Interest income received 0.1 0.2 Capital expenditure (6.5) (0.8) Net cash used in investing activities (95.0) (154.1) ------------------------------------------------- ------- ------- Proceeds on issue of debt, net of issue costs 89.4 123.3 Repayment of debt (52.5) (11.0) Interest paid (3.0) (0.8) Treasury shares purchased (0.4) - Shares released from trust 0.2 0.4 Dividends paid (16.6) (8.7) ------------------------------------------------- ------- ------- Net cash flows from financing activities 17.1 103.2 ------------------------------------------------- ------- ------- Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (15.8) (11.8) Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period 3.4 19.2 ------------------------------------------------- ------- -------
1 Working capital is defined as both current and non-current, trade and other receivables less trade and other payables
2 Includes both current and non-current balances
The Group continues to be highly cash generative with net cash inflows from operating activities of GBP62.1 million during the Period. This 59% increase, compared to the same period last year, is largely due to the incorporation of twelve months of trading in the Comparison Services division. The Group had a net outflow of GBP88.6 million relating to the cash costs of the acquisition of Property Software Group and deferred consideration relating to the uSwitch acquisition.
Dividends
The Group maintains a target dividend pay-out ratio of 35-45% of profits excluding share-based payments and exceptional items based on the strong cash generation and long-term earnings potential of the Group. The Directors have proposed a final dividend of 3.7 pence per share, bringing total dividends for the Period to 5.2 pence per share. Subject to shareholder approval at the 2017 Annual General Meeting, this will be paid on 9 February 2017 to those shareholders on the share register as at 16 December 2016.
Appendix 1: Group proforma KPIs
As outlined at ZPG's Capital Markets Day in September, the Group has updated its key performance indicators ('KPIs') to reflect the evolution of the business following our acquisitions and our new bundled property proposition.
The table below shows how the Group will disclose its KPIs from financial year 2017 onwards. The figures below are for the twelve-month periods to 30 September 2016 and 30 September 2015. Each period includes a full year's trading in the Comparison Services division and Property Software Group in order to give a more meaningful comparative.
Group (GBPm) 2016(1) 2015(1) YoY% --------------------------------------------- -------- -------- ----- Property Services Revenue 96.4 94.6 2 Comparison Services Revenue 111.0 80.2 38 --------------------------------------------- -------- -------- ----- Revenue 207.4 174.8 19 --------------------------------------------- -------- -------- ----- Staff costs 39.8 35.2 13 Marketing costs 70.8 58.7 21 Other costs(2) 16.6 13.8 20 --------------------------------------------- -------- -------- ----- Total Operating costs 127.2 107.7 18 --------------------------------------------- -------- -------- ----- Adjusted EBITDA(3) 80.2 67.1 20 --------------------------------------------- -------- -------- ----- KPIs --------------------------------------------- -------- -------- ----- Visits(4) (million per month) 50.4 49.1 3 FTEs(5) 735 654 12 Divisional KPIs Property Services: Agency(6) (GBPm) 76.0 74.4 2 New Homes (GBPm) 11.8 11.0 7 Other(7) (GBPm) 8.6 9.2 -7 --------------------------------------------- -------- -------- ----- Property Services Revenue (GBPm) 96.4 94.6 2 --------------------------------------------- -------- -------- ----- Property Services Operating costs (GBPm) 54.8 49.9 10 --------------------------------------------- -------- -------- ----- Property Services Adjusted EBITDA (GBPm) 41.6 44.7 -7 --------------------------------------------- -------- -------- ----- Blended ARPP (average revenue per partner) (8) 328 325 1 Total unique number of Property partners(9) (000s') 23.1 21.7 6 --------------------------------------------- -------- -------- ----- Comparison Services: Energy (GBPm) 52.7 36.0 46 Communications (GBPm) 44.1 34.9 26 Other(10) (GBPm) 14.2 9.3 53 --------------------------------------------- -------- -------- ----- Comparison Services Revenue (GBPm) 111.0 80.2 38 --------------------------------------------- -------- -------- -----
Comparison Services Operating costs (GBPm) 72.4 57.8 25 --------------------------------------------- -------- -------- ----- Comparison Services Adjusted EBITDA (GBPm) 38.6 22.4 72 --------------------------------------------- -------- -------- ----- ARPL (average revenue per lead)(11) 3.67 3.23 14 Number of Comparison Services leads(12) (million) 30.3 24.8 22 --------------------------------------------- -------- -------- -----
(1) Financial year 2015 and 2016 pro forma figures include the following exceptional events: 1) UK Agency churn in H1 2015 which equated to GBP4.2m of Revenue and GBP4.2m of Adjusted EBITDA; and 2) Outperformance in the Comparison Services division in FY16 which equated to GBP15.0m of Revenue and GBP8.0m of Adjusted EBITDA
(2) Other Costs represents technology, property and administrative costs
(3) Adjusted EBITDA is defined as operating profit after adding back depreciation and amortisation, share-based payments and exceptional items.
(4) Visits comprise individual sessions on the Group's websites or mobile applications by users for the Period indicated as measured by Google Analytics
(5) FTEs is defined as the average number of full time equivalent employees across the Group
(6) Agency represents revenue generated from UK estate & lettings agents, overseas agents and commercial property agents
(7) Other represents revenue generated from advertising, marketing services, data sales
(8) ARPP (average revenue per partner) is defined as revenue generated from the Group's Property partners in a given month divided by the total number of Property partners during the month, measured as a monthly average over the Period.
(9) Total unique number of Property partners is defined as the total number of UK estate & lettings agency branches, new home developers, overseas and commercial agency branches paying subscription fees to for either advertising or software services
(10) Other represents revenue generated from financial services switching, boiler cover, business energy and data insight
(11) ARPL (average revenue per lead) is the revenue generated from energy switching, communications switching, financial services switching, boiler cover, business energy and data insight divided by the total number of Comparison Services leads during the month, measured as a monthly average over the period
(12) A Comparison Services lead is measured at the point when a consumer completes an application form hosted on the Group's website or at the point in time when the customer leaves the Group's website having clicked through to a third party website
Principal risks and uncertainties
Description Impact Management and mitigation Movement -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------- Changing online landscape The way in which consumers Up and consumer trends interact with businesses * Increasing user engagement levels by continuing a The Group participates in is evolving rapidly. consumer-centric approach to product development; fast-moving marketplaces There is a risk that which are subject to rapid consumer engagement and technological traffic may decline if the development and changes in Group does not keep * Regular open dialogue with our partners to ensure consumer trends which may up with evolving consumer that we continually develop our products to meet impact the Group's ability trends. their needs; to offer the Furthermore, the Group's best products and services partners are constantly * Continual optimisation of all our websites, and to its partners and developing their business products across all platforms and devices; consumers. models and the way in which they interact * Maintaining organisational flexibility, allowing fast with consumers directly. responses to new business opportunities or threats; Failure of the Group to and adapt to meet the needs of its partners * Monitoring and regularly reviewing search engine could lead to a fall in optimisation and digital marketing spend. the number of partners and revenues. The Group is also subject to changes in policies set by search engine providers. Failure to keep pace with these changes may lead to the Group's websites receiving less exposure to consumers and result in a fall in visitor numbers. -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Competitive environment If competitors can Flat The Group operates in provide, or are perceived * Ensuring partners understand the value proposition of marketplaces which are to provide, an enhanced advertising on the Group's websites and the unique highly competitive. The partner or consumer benefits of its recent acquisitions; actions of the Group's service competitors can have a then there is a risk to * Offering attractive and competitive pricing packages direct impact on the the Group's forecasted to partners; Group. traffic, partner numbers, revenue and other * Continuing to develop and extend the Group's KPIs. innovative product offering and improve the value The Group invests provided for partners; significantly in marketing to build brand awareness * Developing and maintaining a number of strong and drive traffic to consumer brands through marketing; its websites. Increased digital marketing * Continuous optimisation of our websites, software and expenditure by the consumer and partner experience to maximise competitors, or general traffic and create a barrier to entry; and price increases, may cause the Group to * Diversifying risk through multiple revenue streams. incur additional marketing spend to ensure that it can continue to compete effectively. There is the risk of competitors entering or targeting the Group's primary revenue markets and reducing the Group's relative market share. In addition, there is a risk that the Group may not be able to achieve significant traction in its nascent revenue channels due to the size, scale or market share of existing players in the market. -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulatory environment There is a risk that Up The Group operates in a changes to the regulatory * Maintaining regular open and constructive dialogue number of regulated environment force the with all significant regulatory bodies; environments. Certain Group to revise its revenue streams within the strategy, * Implementing processes to ensure compliance with all Comparison Services operations or business mandatory reporting obligations; businesses are regulated model. by the FCA. The Comparison Changes in regulation may * Employing a dedicated Regulation and Compliance Services division also impact the Group's Manager; and also voluntarily complies profitability via with the Ofgem Confidence increased compliance costs * Regular monitoring of regulatory risks by the Board, Code and is involved in or a fall in revenues as a Audit Committee, legal function and throughout the regular communication result of subsequent business. with Ofcom. changes in consumer behaviour. Non-compliance with regulations set by a regulatory body, including data protection
regulations, may also have both reputational and financial implications. -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Reputational and brand Damage to any of the Up damage Group's brands could lead * Embedding a culture of transparency, social awareness The Group operates a to a fall in consumer and ethical behaviour throughout the Group; number of identifiable and confidence, reducing respected brands which traffic and leads for the * Regularly reviewing the Group's risks and developing could be damaged by Group's partners and in internal controls to mitigate the risk of error or factors such as unethical turn impacting the Group's fraud; or unlawful activity, poor revenue. customer service or * Executing the Group's strategy, which has both negative press. There is also a risk that consumers and partners at its core; the Group's partners may choose to terminate their * Employing a dedicated public relations team; and existing relationship with the Group as a result * Continually investing in the Group's brands. of any reputational damage which would directly impact the Group's revenues. -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- IT systems and Any failure of the Group's Flat cyber-security IT infrastructure through * Regularly testing the security of the IT systems and A number of the Group's IT error or attack could platforms including penetration testing and testing systems are interdependent impair the operation of DDoS attack procedures; and a failure in one of the Group's websites, system or a security the processing and storage * Maintaining separate platforms for the Property breach may disrupt the of data and the day-to-day Services and Comparison Services businesses; efficiency and functioning management of the Group's operations. of the Group's business. * Restricting access to data, systems and code and The Group may In addition, any theft or ensuring all systems are secure and up to date; and also be subject to misuse of data held within cyber-attacks. the Group's databases * Providing training for staff on data protection and The Group holds consumer could have both compliance and operating a Group-wide data policy. and Partner data which reputational and financial could be susceptible to implications for the loss or theft. Group. -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Retention and recruitment Competition for qualified Down Success depends on the talent is intense and an * Building a strong employee brand in the recruitment continued service and inability to attract market, and building strong talent pipelines; performance of the Group's highly skilled employees Executive Management could adversely impact the Team and other key Group's operations, employees. Skilled financial condition or * Operating a structured approach to recruitment using development, technical, prospects. specialist teams to ensure timely recruitment of high operating, sales and Similarly, an inability to quality employees; marketing motivate, develop and personnel are also retain key team members essential for the business could adversely impact to meet its strategic the Group's operations, * Investing in succession planning and improving goals. financial condition or learning and development, giving opportunities for prospects. employees to upgrade skills; The Group has a track record of growth through * Investment in a new head office and team environment; acquisition -integration of these diverse * Providing competitive reward and compensation businesses packages to all staff, comprising a blend of short could increase the risk of and long-term incentives for managers; and staff churn. * Instilling the culture of the Group to build and maintain staff loyalty. -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Macroeconomic conditions Changes in the UK economy Up The Group derives all its could lead to changes in * Regularly reviewing market conditions and indicators; material revenues from average property prices, markets within the UK. The the number of * Building consumer and partner brand loyalty; Group is therefore mortgage approvals and the dependent on the volume of transactions in * Maintaining a flexible cost base that can respond to macroeconomic conditions the UK housing market. changing conditions; in the UK and within each Subsequently the of its key markets. marketing budgets of the * Diversifying risk by maintaining a balance between See separate section below Group's partners could different revenue streams, including diversification on the result of the UK's decrease, which could through the acquisition of uSwitch and Property EU referendum. reduce demand for the Software Group, in order to provide protection Group's services. against volatility within our different markets; The Group is also exposed to changes in consumer and * Developing revenue streams in other related/adjacent partner behaviour and markets; pricing driven by fluctuations within the * Communicating the effectiveness of digital media energy, broadband and versus alternative mediums such as print; and mobile markets, which could impact demand * Promoting the benefit and potential savings for for the Group's services. consumers of home services switching. -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Debt covenants and funding Failure of the Group to Down The Group holds external comply with its existing * Negotiating sufficient headroom within the Group's debt and therefore must debt covenants may lead to existing facility, including renegotiation on the ensure compliance with its a default on the acquisition of Property Software Group; covenant ratios. Group's borrowings and a The Group also needs to requirement for the Group * Consideration of current debt covenants embedded into ensure that it has the to repay any amounts budgeting and forecasting processes; funding required to outstanding or to deliver on its strategy renegotiate the terms of * Regularly monitoring compliance with current debt and future growth plans its facility. covenants and available headroom; and that it manages its The level of debt within debt and cash balances the business and the * Proactive cash management; and effectively. covenants in place may also restrict the amount * Consideration of additional or alternative funding of funds available for should significant opportunities for growth be future growth including identified. M&A activity. -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Integration of Failure to realise the Down acquisitions Group's strategy to become * Executing the integration strategy and plan developed
The Group is highly the "consumer champion at on acquisition; acquisitive, including the the heart of the acquisition of uSwitch in home" and in building an * Oversight of the enlarged Group by the Executive team 2015 and Property integrated and optimised to ensure harmonisation of strategy and objectives Software Group in 2016. consumer product offering across the Group; The integration of new may adversely businesses presents affect the consumer * Experienced Management team in dealing with inherent operational, experience with a acquisitions; strategic and cultural resulting impact on the challenges. Group's future revenues. * Clear communication of the Group vision and strategy Similarly, failure to to align the team; integrate the Group's partner offering, particularly considering the * Harmonisation of benefits and practices across the acquisition of Property group Software Group, and leverage the Group's unique position could lead to a failure to generate * Relocation of all London based staff to a single synergies and future location to encourage greater integration; revenues. The challenges surrounding * Communicating the benefits of acquisitions to both integrating different partners and consumers; and cultures and working practices could also * Forming functional teams across the Group where impact team retention and possible. performance. -------------------------- -------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The EU referendum
The result of the UK's EU referendum has increased the level of macroeconomic uncertainty and could increase the likelihood of the impacts outlined under 'macroeconomic conditions' above. During the year, the Group considered the impact of this result on the business and its potential implications. The Directors believe that the Group's multi-channel, multi-brand strategy creates a diverse revenue base which means it is well placed to minimise any negative impacts. In particular:
-- The Property Services division is largely subscription based and is therefore less susceptible to short term shocks or variations in the property market or wider economy;
-- A large proportion of our Property partners are engaged in both sales and lettings which reduces the risk of any downturn in the property market on their businesses;
-- An economic downturn increases the propensity for consumers to search our Comparison platform for the best deals to save money on their household expenses;
-- The Group has minimal exposure to foreign exchange although a weaker Pound may lead to higher price inflation in areas such as energy bills which may benefit our Comparison division; and
-- The Group has external debt with a variable interest rate and therefore any decrease in interest rates should reduce the Group's finance costs.
Full year results
The financial information set out below has been taken from the consolidated financial statements of Zoopla Property Group Plc for the year ended 30 September 2016 which were approved by the Board of Directors on 29 November 2016. The financial information does not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of sections 435(1) and (2) of the Companies Act 2006. The consolidated financial statements will be filed with the Registrar of Companies, subject to their approval by the Company's shareholders at the Company's Annual General Meeting on 2 February 2016. The Company's Annual Report for the year ended 30 September 2016 will be posted to shareholders, and will be made available on the Company's website, in December 2016.
Independent Auditors' report to the shareholders of Zoopla Property Group Plc on the preliminary announcement.
We confirm that we have issued an unqualified opinion on the full financial statements of Zoopla Property Group Plc.
Our audit report on the full financial statements sets out the following risks of material misstatement which had the greatest effect on our audit strategy; the allocation of resources in our audit; and directing the efforts of the engagement team, together with how our audit responded to those risks:
Acquisition of Property Software Group - valuation of acquired intangible assets ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Risk description This is a new risk for 2016 following the acquisition of Property Software Group in the period. On 28 April 2016, the Group completed its previously announced acquisition of Property Software Group on a cash-free, debt-free basis. The gross valuation of acquired intangible assets as part of the purchase price allocation ("PPA") exercise is reliant on management judgement, and hence there is a risk that if management use inappropriate methodologies or assumptions within the PPA exercise, that the intangible assets will not be stated within an acceptable range of valuations. We have included the risk in our audit report due to the quantum of the balance, its highly judgemental nature, and the fact that it had a substantial impact on our overall audit strategy. The purchase price was settled through consideration of GBP69.6 million, of which GBP22.2 million was paid in cash, GBP24.9 million was the repayment of external debt, and a further GBP22.5 million is deferred. An additional GBP5.7 million is payable to management shareholders as remuneration, contingent on them remaining in employment. The excess of consideration over the fair value of net assets acquired has been recognised as intangible assets comprised of customer relationship intangibles of GBP20.5 million, brands of GBP2.2 million and goodwill of GBP47.2 million. Refer to notes 1, 1.20 and 13 for the group accounting policy, management's consideration of critical accounting judgements and disclosure note respectively. ----------------- ---------------------------------------------------------- How the Our procedures entailed: scope i) Auditing the acquired statement of financial of our position prior to the purchase price allocation audit to gain assurance over the valuation of net responded assets acquired; to the ii) Engaging our internal experts to review risk the methodologies employed, and challenge assumptions utilised by management in their valuation of acquired intangible assets with reference to third party data for comparable transactions and asset types; iii) obtaining the underlying cash flow forecast calculations and challenging their reasonableness; iv) Confirming that the useful economic lives allocated to each class of asset are appropriate based on their nature and Group accounting policies; and v) Reviewing the associated disclosures within the financial statements to assess whether they are in accordance with IFRS 3. ----------------- ---------------------------------------------------------- Revenue recognition in the Comparison Services division - Valuation of accrued income ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Risk description Comparison services revenue is accrued each month based upon the number of switches provided to suppliers, net of an estimated drop-out. At the period end there is a proportion of switches that has not been confirmed as having been completed and accepted by the third party provider. There is therefore a risk in respect the valuation of accrued revenue balance at year-end. During 2016, management implemented a new system which has enabled more accurate matching of confirmations back to original switches and hence has enabled more accurate recognition of accrued income. Refer to notes 1, 1.20 and 2 for the group accounting policy, management's consideration
of critical accounting judgements and disclosure note respectively. ----------------- ---------------------------------------------------------- How the Our procedures entailed: scope i) Assessing management's processes and the of our design and implementation of controls in respect audit of the appropriate recognition of revenue, responded in particular the valuation of switches in to the line with contractual terms and the subsequent risk confirmation of switches through third party customer confirmations; ii) Verifying that for a sample of customer contracts, that revenue had been appropriately recognised in line with the contractual terms and IAS 18; iii) Analysing revenue streams to understand the drivers of fluctuations and obtain support for any unusual movements; and iv) For a sample of suppliers for which there is accrued income at year end, obtaining post year-end confirmation of the balance from the relevant third party. ----------------- ---------------------------------------------------------- Revenue recognition in the Property Services division - Completeness of agency subscription arrangements ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Risk description Revenue in the property services division primarily consists of recurring subscription payments in return for property listings on the Group's websites. Individual contracts exist with each customer with a range of different terms and conditions, and as a result there are a significant number of agreements. Consequently there is a risk that customer subscription agreements may not be appropriately captured and accounted for in line with underlying contractual terms and hence the revenue population may not be complete. We have included the risk in our audit report due to the quantum of the balance and the fact that it had a substantial impact on our overall audit strategy. Refer to notes 1, 1.20 and 2 for the group accounting policy, management's consideration of critical accounting judgements and disclosure note respectively. ----------------- ---------------------------------------------------------- How the Our procedures entailed: scope i) Analysing revenue streams to understand of our the drivers of fluctuations including monthly audit partner numbers and the Average Revenue per responded Advertiser ("ARPA") trend, and obtaining support to the for any unusual movements; risk ii) Assessing management's processes and the design and implementation of controls in respect of the appropriate recognition of revenue, in particular the billing of customers in line with contractual terms; iii) Selecting a sample of estate agents, ascertaining whether they were a ZPG customer or not, and if so, obtaining the underlying contract to determine whether the information within the Customer Relationship Management system is accurate and hence the revenue population is complete; and iv) Verified information for a sample of customer contracts (or equivalent agreements) selected from the Customer Relationship Management system to subscription details, and then in turn back to the ledger to determine whether revenue has been appropriately recognised. ----------------- ----------------------------------------------------------
These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we did not provide a separate opinion on these matters.
Our liability for this report, and for our full audit report on the financial statements is to the company's members as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company's members as a body, for our audit work, for our audit report or this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Deloitte LLP
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor
Statement of Directors' responsibilities
The responsibility statement below has been prepared in connection with the Company's full Annual Report for the year ended 30 September 2016. Certain parts thereof are not included within this Announcement.
The Directors confirm to the best of their knowledge that:
a) the Group consolidated financial statements from which the financial information within these preliminary consolidated financial results have been extracted, are prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union and give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit of the Group and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole; and
b) the Annual Report and the Business Review and Finance Review include 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 faced by the Group.
The Directors of Zoopla Property Group Plc and their respective responsibilities are listed in the Annual Report for 2016. This responsibility statement was approved by the Board of Directors and is signed on its behalf by:
Alex Chesterman
Director
29 November 2016
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
For the year ended 30 September 2016 from continuing operations
2016 2015 Notes GBP000 GBP000 ---------------------------------------------- ----- --------- -------- Revenue 197,728 107,556 Administrative expenses (148,053) (72,994) ---------------------------------------------- ----- --------- -------- Adjusted EBITDA 3 77,110 48,694 Share-based payments 24 (4,852) (1,873) Depreciation and amortisation (11,179) (4,072) Exceptional items 3 (11,404) (8,187) ---------------------------------------------- ----- --------- -------- Operating profit 4 49,675 34,562 Finance income 51 184 Finance costs (3,564) (1,163) ---------------------------------------------- ----- --------- -------- Profit before tax 46,162 33,583 Income tax expense 9 (9,484) (8,200) ---------------------------------------------- ----- --------- -------- Profit for the year being total comprehensive income 36,678 25,383 ---------------------------------------------- ----- --------- -------- Attributable to Owners of the parent 36,678 25,383 ---------------------------------------------- ----- --------- -------- Earnings per share Basic (pence) 11 8.9 6.2 Diluted (pence) 11 8.8 6.0 ---------------------------------------------- ----- --------- --------
Consolidated statement of financial position
As at 30 September 2016
2016 2015 Notes GBP000 GBP000 -------------------------------------- ----- ------- ------- Assets Non-current assets Intangible assets 14 322,621 253,674 Property, plant and equipment 15 6,413 1,930 Available for sale financial assets 16 724 - Trade and other receivables 17 3,262 7,446 333,020 263,050 -------------------------------------- ----- ------- ------- Current assets Trade and other receivables 17 36,615 22,780 Cash and cash equivalents 3,367 19,199 -------------------------------------- ----- ------- ------- 39,982 41,979 -------------------------------------- ----- ------- ------- Total assets 373,002 305,029 -------------------------------------- ----- ------- ------- Liabilities Current liabilities Trade and other payables 18 32,522 22,251 Current tax liabilities 6,146 4,990 Deferred and contingent consideration 19 28,143 35,393 Provisions 20 1,304 190 -------------------------------------- ----- ------- ------- 68,115 62,824 -------------------------------------- ----- ------- ------- Non-current liabilities Loans and borrowings 21 149,696 112,432 Deferred and contingent consideration 19 2,533 2,739 Provisions 20 1,410 609 Deferred tax liabilities 22 9,021 9,185 -------------------------------------- ----- ------- ------- 162,660 124,965 -------------------------------------- ----- ------- ------- Total liabilities 230,775 187,789 -------------------------------------- ----- ------- ------- Net assets 142,227 117,240 -------------------------------------- ----- ------- ------- Equity attributable to owners of the parent Share capital 23 418 418 Share premium reserve 50 50 Other reserves 23 86,007 87,101 Retained earnings 55,752 29,671 -------------------------------------- ----- ------- ------- Total equity 142,227 117,240 -------------------------------------- ----- ------- -------
The consolidated financial statements of Zoopla Property Group Plc were approved by the Board of Directors and were signed on its behalf by:
A Chesterman A Botha Director Director 29 November 2016 29 November 2016
Consolidated statement of cash flows
For the year ended 30 September 2016
2016 2015 GBP000 GBP000 ---------------------------------------------------- -------- --------- Cash flows from operating activities Profit before tax 46,162 33,583 Adjustments for: Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 1,709 415 Amortisation of intangible assets 9,470 3,657 Finance income (51) (184) Finance costs 3,564 1,163 Share-based payments 4,852 1,873 Transaction costs on acquisitions 1,256 5,130 Movement in contingent and deferred consideration 7,075 2,142 ---------------------------------------------------- -------- --------- Operating cash flow before changes in working capital 74,037 47,779 Increase in trade and other receivables (4,991) (428) Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables 3,862 (46) Increase in provisions 505 30 ---------------------------------------------------- -------- --------- Cash generated from operating activities 73,413 47,335 Income tax paid (11,290) (8,224) ---------------------------------------------------- -------- --------- Net cash flows from operating activities 62,123 39,111 ---------------------------------------------------- -------- --------- Cash flows (used in)/from investing activities Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired (48,381) (146,012) Settlement of deferred and contingent consideration (37,042) - Amounts paid into escrow in relation to deferred and contingent consideration (2,448) (7,436) Acquisition of available for sale financial assets (979) - Disposal of available for sale financial assets 255 - Interest received 51 184 Acquisition of property, plant and equipment (3,980) (111) Acquisition and development of intangible assets (2,561) (709) ---------------------------------------------------- -------- --------- Net cash flows used in investing activities (95,085) (154,084) ---------------------------------------------------- -------- --------- Cash flows from/(used in) financing activities Proceeds on issue of debt, net of issue costs 89,358 123,291 Repayment of debt (52,500) (11,000) Interest paid (2,942) (780) Treasury shares purchased (414) - Shares released from trust 182 303 Dividends paid (16,554) (8,667) ---------------------------------------------------- -------- --------- Net cash flows from financing activities 17,130 103,147 ---------------------------------------------------- -------- --------- Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (15,832) (11,826) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 19,199 31,025 ---------------------------------------------------- -------- --------- Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 3,367 19,199 ---------------------------------------------------- -------- ---------
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
For the year ended 30 September 2016
Other reserves -------- ----------------------------- Notes Share Treasury Share premium EBT share Merger shares Retained Total capital reserve reserve reserve GBP000 earnings equity GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 ---------------------- ----- -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- --------- -------- At 1 October 2015 418 50 (1,017) 88,118 - 29,671 117,240 Profit and total comprehensive income for the period - - - - - 36,678 36,678 Transactions with owners recorded directly in equity: Share-based payments 24 - - - - - 3,990 3,990 Treasury shares purchased 23 - - - - (414) - (414) Treasury shares released 23 - - - - 56 (56) - Current tax on share-based payments 9 - - - - - 217 217 Deferred tax on share-based payments 9 - - - - - 888 888 Shares released from trust - - 249 - - (67) 182 Transfer between reserves(1) - - - (985) - 985 - Dividends paid 10 - - - - - (16,554) (16,554) ---------------------- ----- -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- --------- -------- At 30 September 2016 418 50 (768) 87,133 (358) 55,752 142,227 ---------------------- ----- -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- --------- -------- Other reserves -------- ---------------------------- Notes Share EBT Treasury Share premium share Merger shares Retained Total capital reserve reserve reserve GBP000 earnings equity GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 ---------------------- ----- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------- -------
At 1 October 2014 418 50 (1,566) 89,103 - 10,166 98,171 Profit and total comprehensive income for the period - - - - - 25,383 25,383 Transactions with owners recorded directly in equity: Share-based payments 24 - - - - - 1,723 1,723 Current tax on share-based payments 9 - - - - - 565 565 Deferred tax on share-based payments 9 - - - - - (238) (238) Shares released from trust - - 549 - - (246) 303 Transfer between reserves(1) - - - (985) - 985 - Dividends paid 10 - - - - - (8,667) (8,667) ---------------------- ----- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------- ------- At 30 September 2015 418 50 (1,017) 88,118 - 29,671 117,240 ---------------------- ----- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------- -------
1 The transfer from merger reserve to retained earnings in 2016 and 2015 represents an equalisation adjustment in respect of the amortisation charge on intangibles which arose on acquisition of The Digital Property Group Limited on 31 May 2012.
Notes to the financial statements
1. Accounting policies
Zoopla Property Group Plc is a company domiciled and incorporated in the United Kingdom. The address of the registered office is The Cooperage, 5 Copper Row, London SE1 2LH.
1.1 Basis of preparation
The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial statements are set out below for the years ended 30 September 2016 and 30 September 2015. The policies have been consistently applied to all the periods presented, unless otherwise stated.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, International Accounting Standards and IFRIC Interpretations (collectively IFRS) issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) as adopted by the European Union ("adopted IFRS"). They are prepared on the historical cost basis.
The preparation of financial statements in compliance with adopted IFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires Management to exercise judgement in applying the Group's accounting policies. Note 1.20 gives further details relating to the Group's critical accounting estimates.
At the date of approval, the following standards and interpretations which have not been applied in these financial statements were in issue but are only effective for financial years beginning on or after 1 January 2016:
-- IFRS 9 - financial instruments - classification of financial assets and financial liabilities -- Amendments to IFRS 11 - accounting for acquisition of interests in joint operations
-- Amendments to IAS 16 and IAS 38 - clarification of acceptable methods of depreciation and amortisation
-- IFRS 15 - revenue from contracts with customers -- Amendments to IAS 27 - equity method in separate financial statements -- Improvements 2014 - annual improvements to IFRSs: 2012-2014
-- Amendments to IFRS 10, IFRS 12 and IFRS 28 - investment entities: Applying the consolidation exception
-- Amendments to IAS 1 - Disclosure initiative -- IFRS 16 - leases
IFRS 15 - revenue from contracts with customers is effective for the first time for the Group's financial year commencing 1 October 2018. The Group is currently in the process of assessing the full impact of IFRS 15. It is not currently practical to quantify the impact of this standard.
The impact of IFRS 16 - leases is to require the Group to record its current head office building and fleet of motor vehicles on the statement of financial position. These items are currently treated as operating expenses. The change in recognition is expected to increase future depreciation charges and lead to a reduction in operating expenses.
All other standards identified above are not expected to have a material impact on the financial statements.
1.2 Adoption of new and revised standards
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the policies set out in the Group's Annual Report for the year ended 30 September 2015. No new or revised accounting standards were adopted in the period.
1.3 Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the accounts of Zoopla Property Group Plc ("the Company") and entities controlled by the Company ("its subsidiaries") (together "the Group"). Control exists when the Group has existing rights to give it the ability to direct the relevant activities of an entity and has the ability to affect the returns the Group will receive as a result of its involvement with the entity. The results of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date control commences until the date when control ceases.
On 28 April 2016 the Group acquired Property Software Holdings Limited and its subsidiaries (together "Property Software Group") from which date the results of Property Software Group have been consolidated. Therefore, consolidated results for 2016 include five months of performance of Property Software Group and are not a like for like comparison for 2015. Details of the acquisition are set out in Note 13.
On 1 June 2015 the Group acquired Ulysses Enterprises Limited and its subsidiaries (together "uSwitch") from which date the results of uSwitch have been consolidated. Therefore, consolidated results for 2015 include only four months of performance within the Group's Comparison Services division and are not a like for like comparative for 2016. Details of the acquisition are set out in the Group's Annual Report 2015 and are summarised in Note 13.
1.4 Going concern
The financial position of the Group shows a positive net asset position and the Group continues to generate positive Adjusted EBITDA, positive net cash flows from operating activities and maintain its current dividend policy. As a consequence, the Directors believe that the Group is well placed to manage its business and financial risks successfully.
The Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future, thus they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the historical financial information.
1.5 Revenue
Revenue represents amounts due for services provided during the period, net of value added tax. The Group recognises revenue under two categories - Property Services and Comparison Services.
Revenue from Property Services derives principally from subscription to the Group's property websites and from the provision of property software to UK domestic estate agents ("UK Agency revenue"), home developers ("New Homes revenue") and overseas and commercial estate agents. Subscription revenue is recognised over the period of the subscription. Software revenue includes subscription to Software as a Service ("SaaS"), desktop software licensing, support and installation fees. Installation fees are recorded at fair value when the installation is complete. Ongoing SaaS revenue, support and licensing fees are recognised over the service period. Revenue from other property services is recognised in the month in which the service is provided.
The main sources of Comparison Services revenue are fees received for gas and electricity comparison services ("Energy revenue") and mobile, broadband, pay TV and home phone comparison services ("Communications revenue"). Revenue is recognised at the point at which the Group generates a lead to an energy or communications provider, based on the historical conversion of such leads into completed switches. Revenue from other comparison services ("Other Comparison Services revenue") is recognised in the month in which the service is provided.
1.6 Leases
During the period the Group entered into a new 15 year lease agreement for the Group's head office at The Cooperage, London.
All of the Group's current lease arrangements are recognised as operating leases as the material risks and rewards incidental to ownership remain with the lessor. Operating lease rentals are charged to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease. Rent-free periods, lease arrangement fees and other direct costs are amortised through the consolidated statement of comprehensive income over the term of the lease.
1.7 Finance income and costs
Finance income represents interest receivable on cash and deposit balances. Interest income is recognised as it accrues using the effective interest method.
Finance costs represent interest and certain fees charged on the Group's revolving credit facility. Finance costs are recognised as they accrue using the effective interest method.
1.8 Property, plant and equipment
Items of property, plant and equipment are initially recognised at cost. This cost includes the purchase price, directly attributable costs and the estimated present value of any future unavoidable costs of dismantling and removing items. The corresponding liability is recognised within provisions. Items of property, plant and equipment are subsequently measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and are not revalued.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost of assets less their residual values over their useful economic lives, using the straight-line method, as follows:
Fixtures and over 2 to 5 years fittings Computer equipment over 2 to 5 years Leasehold improvements over the lease term Freehold property over 50 years
The Directors review the residual values and useful economic lives of assets on an annual basis.
1.9 Business combinations
The acquisition of subsidiaries and businesses is accounted for using the acquisition method in accordance with IFRS 3. The consideration for each acquisition is measured at the aggregate of fair values of assets given, liabilities incurred or assumed, and equity instruments issued by the Group in exchange for control of the acquiree, net of cash acquired. Acquisition related costs, other than those associated with the issue of debt or equity securities, are recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income as incurred.
At the acquisition date, the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recognised at their fair value with the exception of deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are measured in accordance with IAS 12 - income taxes. Identifiable net assets include the recognition of any separately identifiable intangible assets. Further detail of the identifiable assets and liabilities recognised during the year on the acquisition of Property Software Group and on the 2015 acquisition of uSwitch is provided in Note 13.
Deferred and contingent consideration are measured at fair value at the date of acquisition. Where the amounts payable are classified as a financial liability any subsequent change in the fair value is charged/credited to the Group's consolidated statement of comprehensive income. Amounts classified as equity are not subsequently remeasured. Where consideration to management shareholders is contingent on their continued employment the amount is recognised as a remuneration expense in the statement of comprehensive income over the deferral period.
1.10 Goodwill
Goodwill arising on a business combination represents the difference between the fair value of the consideration paid and the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired and is recorded as an intangible asset. Goodwill is not subsequently subject to amortisation but is tested for impairment annually and whenever the Directors have an indication that it may be impaired. For the purposes of impairment testing goodwill is allocated to the cash-generating units expected to benefit from the combination. Any impairment in carrying value is charged to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.
1.11 Intangible assets
Purchased intangible assets with finite lives are initially recorded at cost. Intangibles arising on acquisition are recorded at fair value. All intangibles are subsequently stated at initial value less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses. Amortisation is charged to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the intangible assets as follows:
Brand 5-10 years Domain names 5 years Database 3-10 years Customer relationships 5-10 years Website development and 3-5 years Computer software
1.12 Impairment of tangible and intangible assets
If the recoverable amount of an asset is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to its recoverable amount. Where the asset does not generate cash flows that are independent from other assets, the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs is estimated. Any impairment loss is recognised immediately in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.
Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that this increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised immediately in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.
1.13 Research and development
The Group incurs expenditure on research and development in order to develop new products and enhance the existing websites. Research expenditure is expensed in the period in which it is incurred. Development costs are expensed when incurred unless they meet certain criteria for capitalisation. Development costs whereby research findings are applied to creating a substantially enhanced website or new product are only capitalised once the technical feasibility and the commercial viability of the project has been demonstrated and they can be reliably measured. Capitalised development costs are amortised on a straight-line basis over their expected useful economic life.
Once the new website enhancement or product is available for use, subsequent expenditure to maintain the website or product, or on small enhancements to the website or product, is recognised as an expense when it is incurred.
Research and Development tax credit claims made are recognised as a credit to administrative expenses in the financial year relevant to the claim.
1.14 Financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised on the statement of financial position when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Full details of financial instruments are included in Note 26.
Investments in unlisted securities not meeting the definition of associates, joint ventures or subsidiaries are classified as available for sale financial assets and are initially recorded at fair value plus transaction costs. The investments are then remeasured at each subsequent reporting date to fair value. Changes in the fair value or impairments arising from the significant or prolonged decline in fair value of the unlisted securities are recognised in other comprehensive income. On disposal of the asset any gains and losses recorded within other comprehensive income are realised and are reclassified to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.
Trade and other receivables are designated as loans and receivables. They are recognised at amortised cost, which is net of any allowance for impairment in relation to irrecoverable amounts. This is deemed to be a reasonable approximation of their fair value. The provision is reviewed regularly in conjunction with a detailed analysis of historical payment profiles and past default experience. When a trade receivable is deemed uncollectable, it is written off against the allowance account. The Group receives interest income on certain amounts held in escrow.
Debt and equity instruments are classified as either financial liabilities or as equity in accordance with the substance of the contractual arrangement.
Trade and other payables are not interest bearing and are designated as other financial liabilities. They are recognised at their carrying amount, which is deemed to be a reasonable approximation of their fair value.
Loans and borrowings are measured at amortised cost, net of direct costs. Direct costs are released through the consolidated statement of comprehensive income under the effective interest method, along with interest charged, over the life of the instrument.
An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of an entity after deducting all of its liabilities. The Company's Ordinary Shares are classified as equity instruments and are recognised at the proceeds received, net of any direct issue costs. Repurchase of the Company's own equity instruments is recognised and deducted directly in equity. No gain or loss is recognised in profit or loss on the purchase, sale, issue or cancellation of the Company's own equity instruments.
Financial instruments are not used for speculative purposes.
The Group's cash and cash equivalents represent amounts held in the Group's current accounts and overnight deposits that are immediately available.
1.15 Current tax
Current income tax comprises UK income tax and is provided at amounts expected to be paid (or recovered) using the tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the statement of financial position date. Current tax is recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income except to the extent that it is required to be recognised directly in equity.
1.16 Deferred tax
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognised where the carrying amount of an asset or liability in the consolidated statement of financial position differs from its tax base, except for differences arising on:
-- the initial recognition of goodwill;
-- the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction which is not a business combination and at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting or taxable profit; and
-- investments in subsidiaries and jointly controlled entities where the Group is able to control the timing of the reversal of the difference and it is probable that the difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.
Recognition of deferred tax assets is restricted to those instances where it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the difference can be utilised. Deferred tax is recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income except to the extent that it is required to be recognised directly in equity.
The amount of the asset or liability is determined using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date and are expected to apply when the deferred tax assets are recovered.
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against current tax liabilities and when deferred income tax assets and liabilities relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority on either the same taxable entity or different taxable entities where there is an intention to settle balances on a net basis.
1.17 Provisions
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation, legal or constructive, as a result of a past event, it is probable that the Group will be required to settle that obligation and a reliable estimate of the amount of the obligation can be made. Provisions are measured at Management's best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the obligation at the statement of financial position date and are discounted to present value where the impact is material. The unwinding of any discount is recognised in finance costs.
Dilapidation provisions are recognised based on Management's best estimate of costs to make good the Group's leasehold properties at the end of the lease term.
Onerous lease provisions relate to contracts whereby the unavoidable costs of meeting the obligations exceed the economic benefits expected to be received under it. The Group's onerous lease provision relates to one of the Group's previous office buildings which was vacated in September 2016.
1.18 Employee benefits: defined contribution benefit scheme
The Group operates a defined contribution pension scheme which is a post-employment benefit plan under which the Group pays fixed contributions into a fund. The Group has no legal or constructive obligations to pay further contributions if the fund does not hold sufficient assets to pay all employees the benefits relating to employee service in the current and prior periods. Contributions payable to the fund are charged to the statement of comprehensive income in the period to which they relate.
1.19 Share-based payments
The Group provides equity-settled share-based incentive plans whereby Zoopla Property Group Plc grants shares or nil-cost options over its shares to employees of its subsidiaries for their employment services. The Group also issues warrants over shares in Zoopla Property Group Plc to a number of the Group's estate agent partners, allowing them to acquire shares in exchange for making their property listings available for inclusion on the Group's property websites.
Equity-settled share-based payments to employees and partners are measured at the fair value of the equity instruments at the grant date. The fair value is measured using a suitable valuation model, including the Black-Scholes and Monte-Carlo valuation models where appropriate, and is charged to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income over the vesting period. Non-market vesting conditions are taken into account by adjusting the number of equity instruments expected to vest at each statement of financial position date so that, ultimately, the cumulative amount recognised over the vesting period is based on the number of options that eventually vest. Market vesting conditions are factored into the fair value of the options granted. The cumulative expense is not adjusted for failure to meet a market vesting condition. Details regarding the determination of the fair value of equity-settled share-based payment transactions are set out in Note 24.
Where the terms and conditions of options are modified before they vest, the increase in fair value of the options, measured immediately before and after the modification, is charged to the income statement over the remaining vesting period.
Within the company accounts of Zoopla Property Group Plc equity-settled share options granted directly to employees or estate agent partners of a subsidiary are treated as a capital contribution to the subsidiary. The capital contribution is measured by reference to the fair value of the share-based payments charge for the period and is recognised as an increase in the cost of investment with a corresponding credit to equity.
A number of shares are held in trust in order to settle future exercises of the Group's share incentive schemes. Details of the trusts are included in Note 24. Shares held in trust are treated as a deduction from equity.
Employer's National Insurance Contributions are accrued, where applicable, at a rate of 13.8%. The amount accrued is based on the market value of the shares at 30 September 2016 after deducting the exercise price of the share option.
1.20 Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
Management makes certain estimates and assumptions regarding the future. Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the current circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates and assumptions. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within future periods are discussed below.
Acquisition of Property Software Group
On 28 April 2016 the Group completed its acquisition of Property Software Group. The process of determining the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired is inherently judgemental and there is a risk that inappropriate methodologies or assumptions could lead to the valuation of acquired intangibles, goodwill or the fair value of other net assets being misstated. The details of the assets and liabilities recognised are set out in Note 13. The Group engaged third party valuations experts to mitigate the risk associated with the valuation of assets and liabilities on acquisition; however, Management judgement remains in the preparation of forecasts and other assumptions which are included within the valuation model.
Impairment of goodwill and intangibles
The Group holds goodwill and intangibles on the statement of financial position in respect of business acquisitions made. During 2016 the Group has recognised intangible assets and goodwill of GBP75.9 million in respect of the acquisition of Property Software Group. In 2015 the Group recognised GBP181.4 million in respect of the uSwitch acquisition. Acquired intangibles include acquired brands, customer relationships, databases, websites and software. The Group is required to review these assets annually for impairment. Determining whether goodwill and intangible assets are impaired or whether a reversal of impairment of intangible assets should be recorded requires an estimation of the recoverable value of the relevant cash-generating unit, which represents the higher of fair value and value in use. The value in use calculation requires Management to estimate the future cash flows expected to arise from the cash-generating unit, discounted using a suitable discount rate to determine if any impairment has occurred. A key area of judgement is deciding the long-term growth rate of the applicable businesses and the discount rate applied to those cash flows. Details of the assumptions used for 2016 are included in Note 14 to the financial statements.
Revenue and accrued income
Revenue generated by the Group's Comparison Services division is recognised predominantly from online switching services. An element of Management judgement is required in calculating a revenue accrual which estimates the number of successful switches based on leads provided for each partner in the period between the last date of billing and the latest partner data being made available. The accrued income is estimated by considering the volume of leads that have passed from the Group's websites to the partner, the historical conversion of such leads into completed switches and contracted revenue per switch. As at 30 September 2016 the Group holds GBP17.2 million of accrued income (2015: GBP10.7 million) on the statement of financial position.
Revenue from Property Services is predominantly subscription based and therefore there is a lower amount of estimation uncertainty and Management judgement involved in its recognition and measurement.
1.21 Non-GAAP performance measures
In the analysis of the Group's financial performance certain information disclosed in the financial statements may be prepared on a non-GAAP basis or has been derived from amounts calculated in accordance with IFRS but is not itself an expressly permitted GAAP measure. These measures are reported in line with how financial information is analysed by Management. The Directors believe that these non-GAAP measures provide a more appropriate measure of the Group's underlying business performance. The non-GAAP measures are designed to increase comparability of the Group's financial performance year on year. However, these measures may not be comparable with non-GAAP measures adopted by other companies. The key non-GAAP measures presented by the Group are:
-- Adjusted EBITDA - which is defined as operating profit after adding back depreciation and amortisation, share-based payments and exceptional items (Note 3); and
-- Adjusted basic EPS - which is defined as profit for the year, excluding exceptional items and amortisation of intangible assets arising on acquisitions, adjusted for tax and divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue for the year (Note 11).
Both of these measures are used in determining the remuneration of the Executive Directors and Management.
2. Business segments
The Board of Directors has been identified as the Group's chief operating decision maker. The monthly reporting pack provided to the Board to enable assessment of the performance of the business has been used as the basis for determining the Group's operating segments.
Whilst the chief operating decision maker monitors the performance of the business at a revenue and Adjusted EBITDA level, depreciation and amortisation, share-based payments, exceptional items, finance income and costs and income tax are all monitored on a consolidated basis. As the Group continues to evolve we will assess the relevance of splitting out Adjusted EBITDA for the Property Services and Comparison Services divisions.
Assets and liabilities are also managed on a centralised basis and are not reported to the chief operating decision maker in a disaggregated format.
The chief operating decision maker monitors six individual revenue streams as set out below. The six revenue streams are grouped under two headings: Property Services and Comparison Services. Adjusted EBITDA is monitored on an aggregated basis under these two headings. Revenue and costs shown under the UK Agency heading include trading for the five months from 28 April 2016 to 30 September 2016 of Property Software Group, being the period of consolidation. The consolidated results for 2015 include only four months of performance within the Group's Comparison Services division and are therefore not a like for like comparative for 2016.
Property Services
-- UK Agency revenue, which represents property advertising services and the provision of property software to UK estate agents and lettings agents;
-- New Homes revenue, which represents property advertising services provided to new home developers;
-- Other Property Services revenue, which predominantly represents overseas and commercial property advertising services, display advertising and data services.
Comparison Services
-- Energy revenue, which represents gas and electricity switching services;
-- Communications revenue, which represents mobile, broadband, pay TV and home phone switching services; and
-- Other Comparison Services revenue, which predominantly represents financial services switching, boiler cover, business energy and data insight services.
All material revenues are generated in the UK.
The following table analyses the Group's revenue streams as described above:
Property Comparison Total Services Services Group 2016 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 ---------------------------------------------- --------- ---------- --------- Revenue UK Agency 64,257(1) - 64,257 New Homes 11,736 - 11,736 Other Property Services 10,757 - 10,757 Energy - 52,659 52,659 Communications - 44,137 44,137 Other Comparison Services - 14,182 14,182 ---------------------------------------------- --------- ---------- --------- Total revenue 86,750 110,978 197,728 ---------------------------------------------- --------- ---------- --------- Underlying costs (48,202) (72,416) (120,618) ---------------------------------------------- --------- ---------- --------- Adjusted EBITDA 38,548 38,562 77,110 ---------------------------------------------- --------- ---------- --------- Share-based payments (4,852) Depreciation and amortisation (11,179) Exceptional items (11,404) ---------------------------------------------- --------- ---------- --------- Operating profit 49,675 ---------------------------------------------- --------- ---------- --------- Finance income 51 Finance costs (3,564) ---------------------------------------------- --------- ---------- --------- Profit before tax 46,162 ---------------------------------------------- --------- ---------- --------- Income tax expense (9,484) ---------------------------------------------- --------- ---------- --------- Profit for the year being total comprehensive income 36,678 ---------------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ---------
(1) Includes revenue of GBP7.3 million contributed by Property Software Group during the year (2015: GBPNil).
Property Comparison Total Services Services Group 2015 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 ---------------------------------------------- --------- ---------- -------- Revenue UK Agency 58,269 - 58,269 New Homes 10,965 - 10,965 Other Property Services 10,663 - 10,663 Energy - 11,576 11,576 Communications - 13,322 13,322 Other Comparison Services - 2,761 2,761 ---------------------------------------------- --------- ---------- -------- Total revenue 79,897 27,659 107,556 ---------------------------------------------- --------- ---------- -------- Underlying costs (39,031) (19,831) (58,862) ---------------------------------------------- --------- ---------- -------- Adjusted EBITDA 40,866 7,828 48,694 ---------------------------------------------- --------- ---------- -------- Share-based payments (1,873) Depreciation and amortisation (4,072) Exceptional items (8,187) ---------------------------------------------- --------- ---------- -------- Operating profit 34,562 ---------------------------------------------- --------- ---------- -------- Finance income 184 Finance costs (1,163) ---------------------------------------------- --------- ---------- -------- Profit before tax 33,583 ---------------------------------------------- --------- ---------- -------- Income tax expense (8,200) ---------------------------------------------- --------- ---------- -------- Profit for the year being total comprehensive income 25,383 ---------------------------------------------- --------- ---------- --------
3. Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA is used by Management as a key measure to monitor the Group's business and the Directors believe it should be disclosed on the face of the statement of comprehensive income to assist in the understanding of the Group's underlying financial performance. Furthermore, the terms of the Group's revolving credit facility require Management to report on the Group's net debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio. Adjusted EBITDA is therefore considered a key performance metric for Management, the providers of the Group's external debt and other stakeholders.
The Group defines Adjusted EBITDA as operating profit after adding back depreciation and amortisation, share-based payments and exceptional items. Exceptional items include costs and income which Management believes to be exceptional in nature by virtue of their size or incidence. Such items would include costs associated with business combinations, one-off gains and losses on disposal, and similar items of a non-recurring nature together with reorganisation costs and similar charges. In 2016 exceptional items related to the acquisition of Property Software Group and the 2015 acquisition of uSwitch.
This is further adjusted for share-based payment expenses which are comprised of charges relating to: (i) warrants issued to certain of the Group's partners; and (ii) employee incentive plans which are aimed at retaining staff and aligning employee objectives with those of the Group. The Directors consider that excluding share-based payments and other non-cash charges such as depreciation and amortisation in arriving at Adjusted EBITDA gives a more appropriate measure of the Group's underlying financial performance and a closer approximation to the Group's operating cash flows.
The table below presents a reconciliation of profit for the period to Adjusted EBITDA for the periods shown:
2016 2015 GBP000 GBP000 ---------------------------------------------- ------- ------- Operating profit 49,675 34,562 Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 1,709 415 Amortisation of intangible assets arising on acquisitions 7,481 2,047 Amortisation of other intangible assets 1,989 1,610 Share-based payments (Note 24) 4,852 1,873 Exceptional items 11,404 8,187 ---------------------------------------------- ------- ------- Adjusted EBITDA 77,110 48,694 ---------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Exceptional items comprise:
2016 2015 GBP000 GBP000 ---------------------------------------------- ------- ------- Transaction costs incurred on acquisitions 1,256 5,130 Management deferred consideration conditional on continued employment 4,412 936 Management earn-out consideration conditional on continued employment 2,663 1,206 Management deal related performance bonuses 3,073 915 Exceptional items 11,404 8,187 ---------------------------------------------- ------- -------
4. Operating profit
2016 2015 GBP000 GBP000 ------------------------------------------------------- ------- ------- Operating profit is stated after charging/(crediting): Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 1,709 415 Amortisation of intangible assets arising on the acquisitions 7,481 2,047 Amortisation of other intangible assets 1,989 1,610 Research and Development tax credits (472) - Operating lease rentals: - Land and buildings 1,671 597 - Other 339 341 Share-based payments (Note 24) 4,852 1,873 ------------------------------------------------------- ------- -------
The total gross value of research and development expenditure in the period was GBP4.3 million, of which GBP1.5 million was capitalised on the statement of financial position. Research and development expenditure relates to staff costs incurred in the development of new products and features.
5. Auditor's remuneration
2016 2015 GBP000 GBP000 ----------------------------------------------- ------- ------- Fees payable to the Group's auditor and its associates: - for the audit of Zoopla Property Group Plc and the consolidated financial statements 65 55 - for the audit of subsidiaries of Zoopla Property Group Plc 125 135 ----------------------------------------------- ------- ------- Total audit fees 190 190 ----------------------------------------------- ------- ------- Fees payable to the Group's auditor and its associates for other services to the Group: - Audit related assurance services 28 20 - Services related to acquisitions - 182 - Services related to corporate finance - - transactions ----------------------------------------------- ------- ------- Total non-audit fees 28 202 ----------------------------------------------- ------- -------
6. Employee costs
2016 2015 GBP000 GBP000 -------------------------------------------- ------- ------- Staff costs (including Directors) comprise: Wages and salaries 30,454 17,121 Social security costs 4,839 1,966 Defined contribution pension costs 770 391 Share-based payments (Note 24) 3,584 1,757 -------------------------------------------- ------- ------- 39,647 21,235 -------------------------------------------- ------- -------
7. Remuneration of key Management personnel
2016 2015 GBP000 GBP000 ---------------------------------- ------- ------- Salary, benefits and bonus 2,959 1,949 Defined contribution pension cost 146 129 Share-based payments 1,772 448 ---------------------------------- ------- ------- 4,877 2,526 ---------------------------------- ------- -------
Key Management personnel comprises the Chairman, the Directors and the Managing Directors of the Property Services and Comparison Services divisions.
Further information about the remuneration of the Directors is provided in the audited part of the Directors' remuneration report in the Group's Annual Report 2016.
All of the key Management personnel excluding the Chairman and the Non-Executive Directors are members of the Group's defined contribution pension plans (2015: all).
8. Director and employee numbers
The average monthly number of Directors and employees in administration and Management during the period was:
2016 2015 Number Number --------------- ------- ------- Administration 580 285 Management 19 18 --------------- ------- ------- 599 303 --------------- ------- -------
9. Income tax expense
2016 2015 GBP000 GBP000 -------------------------------------------------- ------- ------- Current tax Current period 14,076 9,095 Adjustment in respect of prior periods (625) (145) -------------------------------------------------- ------- ------- Total current tax 13,451 8,950 -------------------------------------------------- ------- ------- Deferred tax Origination and reversal of temporary differences (3,282) (765) Adjustment in respect of prior periods 215 - Effect of change in UK corporation tax rate (900) 15 -------------------------------------------------- ------- ------- Total deferred tax (3,967) (750) -------------------------------------------------- ------- ------- Total income tax expense 9,484 8,200 -------------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Corporation tax is calculated at 20% (2015: 20.5%) of the taxable profit for the year.
On 15 September 2016 the Finance act 2016 confirmed a reduction in the rate of corporation tax to 19% from 1 April 2017 and 17% from 1 April 2020. The Finance Bill was substantively enacted at the year end date and therefore the one-off impact of remeasuring the UK deferred tax assets and liabilities for the rate change is recognised at 30 September 2016.
The charge for the period can be reconciled to the profit in the statement of comprehensive income as follows:
2016 2015 GBP000 GBP000 --------------------------------------------- ------- ------- Profit before tax 46,162 33,583 --------------------------------------------- ------- ------- Current corporation tax rate of 20% (2015: 20.5%) 9,232 6,885 Non-deductible expenses 1,562 1,390 Adjustments in respect of prior periods (410) (145) Adjustment for the exercise of share options and warrants - 104 Enhanced relief for R&D expenditure - (14) Effect of change in UK corporation tax rate (900) (20) Total income tax expense 9,484 8,200 --------------------------------------------- ------- -------
In addition to the amount charged to profit and loss, the following amounts relating to tax have been recognised directly in equity:
2016 2015 GBP000 GBP000 ------------------------------------------------ ------- ------- Current tax Credit for current tax on share-based payments (217) (565) Deferred tax (Credit)/charge for deferred tax on share-based payments (888) 238 ------------------------------------------------ ------- ------- Total income tax recognised directly in equity (1,105) (327) ------------------------------------------------ ------- -------
The Group's effective tax rate for the year ended 30 September 2016 is 20.5% (2015: 24%). The effective tax is higher than the statutory rate due to non-deductible transaction costs, management deferred and contingent consideration incurred on acquisitions. In 2016 this has been offset by the revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities as a result of the reduction in the corporation tax rate to 19% from 1 April 2017 and 17% from 1 April 2020.
10. Dividends
2016 2015 GBP000 GBP000 ------------------------------------------- ------- ------- Interim dividend for 2016 of 1.5 pence per Ordinary Share paid on 24 June 2016 6,210 - Final dividend for 2015 of 2.5 pence per Ordinary Share paid on 3 March 2016 10,344 - Interim dividend for 2015 of 1.0 pence per Ordinary Share paid on 24 June 2015 - 4,131 Final dividend for 2014 of 1.1 pence per Ordinary Share paid on 23 February 2015 - 4,536 Total dividends paid in the year 16,554 8,667 ------------------------------------------- ------- -------
During the year the Group paid GBP16.6 million in dividends to shareholders. Additionally, the Directors propose a final dividend for 2016 of 3.7 pence per share (2015: 2.5 pence per share) resulting in a final proposed dividend of GBP15.3 million (2015: GBP10.3 million). The dividend is subject to approval at the Group's AGM on 2 February 2017. The final dividend proposed has not been included as a liability at the statement of financial position date.
11. Earnings per share
2016 2015 GBP000 GBP000 ----------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- Earnings for the purposes of basic and diluted earnings per share, being profit for the year 36,678 25,383 Exceptional items (Note 3) 11,404 8,187 Amortisation of intangible assets arising on the acquisition of subsidiaries 7,481 2,047 Adjustment for tax (3,170) (784) ----------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- Adjusted earnings for the year 52,393 34,833 ----------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- , Weighted average number of Ordinary Shares 413,262,135 412,509,761 Dilutive effect of share options and warrants 5,305,776 3,761,746 Dilutive effect of potentially issuable shares - 4,063,633 ----------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- Dilutive earnings per share denominator 418,567,911 420,335,140 ----------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- Basic and diluted earnings per share Basic earnings per share (pence) 8.9 6.2 Diluted earnings per share (pence) 8.8 6.0 ----------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- Adjusted earnings per share Adjusted basic earnings per share (pence) 12.7 8.4 Adjusted diluted earnings per share (pence) 12.5 8.3 ----------------------------------------------- ----------- -----------
Adjusted Earning per Share figures for 2016 exclude the amortisation of intangible assets arising on the acquisitions of uSwitch and Property Software Group, which arise only on consolidation. Management believes that excluding the amortisation of these intangibles better reflects the underlying performance of the Group and increases comparability of performance year on year.
The dilutive effect of share options and warrants arises from the various share schemes operated by the Group as set out in note 24. The dilutive effect of potentially issuable shares of 4.1 million in 2015 related to the institutional deferred consideration on acquisition of uSwitch which could be settled in either cash or shares. This was fully settled in cash during 2016.
12. Investment in subsidiaries
Details of the Company's direct and indirect subsidiaries at 30 September 2016 are shown below. All of the subsidiaries listed are included in the consolidated accounts of Zoopla Property Group Plc, the ultimate parent company of the Group. The Ordinary Share capital of each subsidiary is owned entirely by the direct parent indicated. ZPG Limited, Ulysses Enterprises Limited and Property Software Holdings Limited are the only direct subsidiaries of Zoopla Property Group Plc. All subsidiaries are incorporated in the UK and registered at The Cooperage, 5 Copper Row, London, SE1 2LH.
Ownership of Ordinary Shares and voting interest Country of at 30 September Name Direct parent incorporation 2016 ------------------------ -------------------- --------------- ---------------- Active Zoopla Property ZPG Limited Group Plc United Kingdom 100% Ulysses Enterprises Zoopla Property Limited Group Plc United Kingdom 100% Ulysses Enterprises uSwitch Digital Limited Limited United Kingdom 100% uSwitch Digital uSwitch Limited Limited United Kingdom 100% uSwitch Communications uSwitch Digital Limited Limited United Kingdom 100% Property Software Zoopla Property Holdings Limited Group Plc United Kingdom 100% Property Software Jupix Limited Holdings Limited United Kingdom 100% MoveIT Network Limited Jupix Limited United Kingdom 100% Property Software Property Software Limited Holdings Limited United Kingdom 100% Property Software Core Estates Limited Limited United Kingdom 100% Property Software CFP Software Limited Limited United Kingdom 100% Vebra Investments Property Software Limited Limited United Kingdom 100% Vebra Investments Vebra Limited Limited United Kingdom 100% Vebra Solutions Limited Vebra Limited United Kingdom 100% Dormant PSG Web Services Limited Vebra Limited United Kingdom 100% Real Estate Technology Limited Vebra Limited United Kingdom 100% ------------------------ -------------------- --------------- ----------------
The acquired entity Property Software Holdings Limited and its direct and indirect subsidiaries have a reporting period ending 31 March. The dormant subsidiaries have not taken an exemption from the preparation of individual accounts in respect of the year ended 31 March 2016 by virtue of the s394A of Companies Act 2006. All other subsidiaries have a reporting period ending 30 September.
13. Acquisitions
Property Software Group
On 28 April 2016 Zoopla Property Group Plc completed its acquisition of Property Software Group through the purchase of 100% of the issued share capital of Property Software Holdings Limited for total consideration of GBP69.6 million as measured in accordance with IFRS 3.
Expenses incurred on the acquisition of GBP1.3 million are included within administration expenses in the statement of comprehensive income. These costs have been considered exceptional in arriving at Adjusted EBITDA for 2016 (Note 3).
Property Software Group was consolidated into the Group on 28 April 2016. In the period post acquisition, Property Software Group recorded revenue of GBP7.3 million and adjusted EBITDA of GBP1.7 million. On a like-for-like basis, assuming Property Software Group was consolidated from the commencement of the 2016 financial year, the combined Group would have recorded revenue of GBP207.4 million and adjusted EBITDA of GBP80.2 million.
The purchase has been accounted for as a business combination under the acquisition method in accordance with IFRS 3. In calculating the goodwill arising on acquisition the fair value of net assets acquired was assessed and no material adjustments from book value were made to existing assets and liabilities with the exception of "intangible assets - software" which has been recorded at a fair value of GBP5.9 million compared to a book value of GBP3.5 million. The Group has also recognised a number of separately identifiable intangibles as part of the acquisition, details of which are set out in Note 13.1.
The fair values of the assets and liabilities acquired are as follows:
Fair value GBP000 ---------------------------------------------- ---------- Property, plant and equipment 463 Intangible assets - software (Note 14) 5,904 Trade receivables 1,543 Prepayments and other receivables 669 Corporation tax asset 66 Trade payables (188) Accruals and other payables (1,707) Deferred income (2,385) Provisions (35) ---------------------------------------------- ---------- Total net assets acquired 4,330 ---------------------------------------------- ---------- Intangible assets recognised on acquisition: - Brand (13.1) 2,222 - Customer relationships (13.1) 20,484 Deferred tax liability arising on intangibles (4,646) Goodwill on acquisition (Note 13.2) 47,246 ---------------------------------------------- ---------- 69,636 ---------------------------------------------- ---------- Satisfied by: Cash consideration, net of cash acquired 22,263 Debt assumed and discharged (Note 13.3) 24,862 Deferred and contingent consideration (Note 13.4) 22,511 ---------------------------------------------- ----------
Total consideration 69,636 ---------------------------------------------- ----------
13.1 Intangible assets recognised on consolidation
Brand
GBP2.2 million has been recognised in respect of brand names operated by Property Software Group. The brands consist of desktop software products "Vebra", "Core" and "CFP" and SaaS products "Alto" and "Jupix". Property Software Group is an established software developer and supplier and the brands are considered to be highly recognisable in the UK real estate market. The brands have been valued using a relief from royalty approach. A brand royalty rate of 1.75% and a post-tax discount rate of 14.4% have been used to determine the net present value of avoided cash flows. Useful economic life of the brand assets are assessed as five years for desktop products and ten years for SaaS products.
Customer relationships
GBP20.5 million has been recognised in respect of customer relationships held by Property Software Group. The customer relationships relate to existing customers with subscriptions and licences to Property Software Group's desktop and SaaS products. The customer relationships have been valued using a multi-period excess earnings approach. A post-tax discount rate of 14.7% has been applied to forecast cash flows relating to the existing customers. Useful economic life of the customer relationships are assessed as five years for desktop products and ten years for SaaS products.
Software
GBP5.9 million has been recognised in respect of software assets developed by Property Software Group. Property Software Group has developed market leading desktop and SaaS software products. The software has been valued using a relief from royalty approach. A royalty rate for the software of 7% and a post-tax discount rate of 14.5% has been used to determine the net present value of avoided cash flows. Useful economic life of the software is assessed as three years for Desktop products and five years for SaaS products.
13.2 Goodwill
The acquisition of Property Software Group provides a number of benefits to the Group. The goodwill recognised on acquisition represents the value arising from intangible assets that are not separately identifiable under IAS 38 including the skills and knowledge of Property Software Group's workforce.
The Board believes that the integration of Property Software Group into the Property Services division will result in an unrivalled UK property market proposition supporting professionals with their software and CRM solutions, digital marketing requirements and market insight tools along with providing them a range of new revenue opportunities through Property Software Group's MoveIT platform. The Board believes this unique proposition will drive an increase in revenue from its partners.
13.3 Debt assumed and discharged
Immediately prior to acquisition Property Software Group had outstanding debt of GBP24.9 million. The outstanding debt was assumed and discharged by Zoopla Property Group Plc on acquisition.
The following table provides a reconciliation of the amounts included in the consolidated statement of cash flows:
2016 GBP000 -------------------------------------------- ------- Cash consideration, net of cash acquired on acquisition 22,263 Debt assumed and discharged 24,862 Cash expenses incurred on acquisition 1,256 Cash outflow on acquisition of subsidiaries 48,381 -------------------------------------------- -------
13.4 Deferred and contingent consideration
On acquisition the Group recognised deferred consideration of GBP22.5 million. A further GBP5.7 million is payable to Management shareholders and is conditional on the continued employment of Management up to and including the date of payment. In accordance with IFRS 3, this consideration will be recognised as a remuneration expense in the Group's consolidated statement of comprehensive income over the deferral period of between 12 months and 24 months from the date of acquisition. The Group is accruing the full GBP5.7 million over the deferral period, adjusted by an estimation of the number of leavers.
The movement in the value of deferred and contingent consideration between the date of acquisition and 30 September 2016 is set out in Note 19.
13.5 uSwitch
On 1 June 2015 Zoopla Property Group Plc completed its acquisition of uSwitch through the purchase of 100% of the issued share capital of Ulysses Enterprises Limited for total consideration of GBP177.6 million as measured in accordance with IFRS 3. Full details of the acquisition are included in the Annual Report 2015. On a like-for-like basis, assuming uSwitch was consolidated from the commencement of the 2015 financial year, the combined Group would have recorded revenue of GBP160.1 million and adjusted EBITDA of GBP63.3 million.
The fair values of the assets and liabilities acquired were as follows:
Fair value GBP000 ---------------------------------------------- ---------- Property, plant and equipment 777 Intangible assets - computer software 86 Trade receivables 5,466 Accrued income 10,056 Prepayments and other receivables 953 Deferred tax assets 379 Trade payables (3,079) Accruals and other payables (6,708) Provisions (135) Corporation tax payable (1,053) ---------------------------------------------- ---------- Total net assets acquired 6,742 Intangible assets recognised - Brand 48,770 - Website and technology platform 2,890 - Database 900 Deferred tax liability arising on intangibles (10,512) Goodwill on acquisition 128,782 ---------------------------------------------- ---------- 177,572 ---------------------------------------------- ---------- Satisfied by: Cash consideration, net of cash acquired 61,907 Debt assumed and discharged 79,675 Deferred and contingent consideration 35,990 ---------------------------------------------- ---------- Total consideration 177,572 ---------------------------------------------- ----------
The following table provides a reconciliation of the amounts included in the consolidated statement of cash flows:
2015 GBP000 -------------------------------------------- --------- Cash consideration, net of cash acquired on acquisition (61,907) Debt assumed and discharged (79,675) Cash expenses incurred on acquisition (4,430) Cash outflow on acquisition of subsidiaries (146,012) --------------------------------------------- ---------
The earn-out performance period for the uSwitch acquisition ended on 30 April 2016. As a result of the performance of the Comparison Services division during the performance period the full GBP30.0m became due to the business' previous shareholders. The full amount, less a reduction for any management shareholders which left the business prior to settlement, was paid in May 2016. Of the amount settled, GBP2.5m is contingent on the continued employment for a further 24 months of Management shareholders and is currently held in escrow.
14. Intangible assets
Websites Customer Domain and computer Goodwill Brand relationships names software Database Total GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 ---------------- -------- ------- ---------------------- ------- ------------- -------- ------- Cost At 1 October 2015 199,575 48,770 6,091 1,451 3,847 1,129 260,863 On acquisition (Note 13) 47,246 2,222 20,484 - 5,904 - 75,856 Additions - - - - 2,561 - 2,561 ---------------- -------- ------- ---------------------- ------- ------------- -------- ------- At 30 September 2016 246,821 50,992 26,575 1,451 12,312 1,129 339,280 ---------------- -------- ------- ---------------------- ------- ------------- -------- ------- At 1 October 2014 70,793 - 6,091 1,451 162 229 78,726 On acquisition (Note 13) 128,782 48,770 - - 2,976 900 181,428 Additions - - - - 709 - 709 ---------------- -------- ------- ---------------------- ------- ------------- -------- ------- At 30 September 2015 199,575 48,770 6,091 1,451 3,847 1,129 260,863 ---------------- -------- ------- ---------------------- ------- ------------- -------- ------- Amortisation At 1 October 2015 - 1,626 3,696 1,109 440 318 7,189 Charge for
the year - 4,979 2,212 187 1,785 307 9,470 ---------------- -------- ------- ---------------------- ------- ------------- -------- ------- At 30 September 2016 - 6,605 5,908 1,296 2,225 625 16,659 ---------------- -------- ------- ---------------------- ------- ------------- -------- ------- At 1 October 2014 - - 2,478 847 - 207 3,532 Charge for the year - 1,626 1,218 262 440 111 3,657 ---------------- -------- ------- ---------------------- ------- ------------- -------- ------- At 30 September 2015 - 1,626 3,696 1,109 440 318 7,189 Net book value At 30 September 2016 246,821 44,387 20,667 155 10,087 504 322,621 ---------------- -------- ------- ---------------------- ------- ------------- -------- ------- At 30 September 2015 199,575 47,144 2,395 342 3,407 811 253,674 ---------------- -------- ------- ---------------------- ------- ------------- -------- -------
Goodwill and intangibles are tested for impairment by comparing the carrying amount of the cash-generating unit (CGU) with its recoverable amount, which represents the higher of its estimated fair value and value in use. An impairment loss is recognised when the carrying value of the asset exceeds its recoverable amount.
The intangible assets relate to the three separate CGU's: Comparison Services, Property Services excluding Property Software Group and Property Software Group. Goodwill is allocated to each CGU per the below table.
2016 GBP000 Comparison Services 128,782 Property Services excluding Property Software Group 70,793 Property Software Group 47,246 ---------------------------------------------- ------- At 30 September 2016 246,821 ---------------------------------------------- -------
The recoverable amounts of intangible assets and goodwill are based on the value in use, which is determined using cash flow projections derived from financial plans approved by the Board covering a three year period. They reflect Management's expectations of revenue, EBITDA growth, capital expenditure, working capital and operating cash flows, based on past experience and future expectations of business performance. Cash flows beyond the three year period have been extrapolated using perpetuity growth rates.
A growth rate of 3% has been applied to extrapolate the cash flows into perpetuity. Growth has been capped at 3% across both business units so as not to exceed the long-term expected growth rate of the country and industry the Group operates in, in accordance with IAS 36. The pre-tax discount rate was used for each CGU was in the range 10.1% to 14.2%.
The analysis performed calculates that the recoverable amount of each CGU's assets exceeds their carrying value, as such no impairment was identified. The Directors are comfortable that a reasonable change in the underlying assumptions would not indicate an impairment. Amending the analysis such that a growth rate into perpetuity of negative 3%, or a reasonable increase in discount rate, is applied across all CGU's whilst holding all other variables constant would still not give rise to an impairment.
15. Property, plant and equipment
Fixtures Freehold and property Computer Leasehold fittings GBP000 equipment improvements Total GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 ------------------------- --------- --------- ---------- ------------- ------- Cost At 1 October 2015 340 - 983 1,240 2,563 Acquired on acquisitions 34 209 150 70 463 Additions 570 - 829 4,330 5,729 ------------------------- --------- --------- ---------- ------------- ------- At 30 September 2016 944 209 1,962 5,640 8,755 ------------------------- --------- --------- ---------- ------------- ------- At 1 October 2014 209 - 359 1,107 1,675 Acquired on acquisitions 123 - 521 133 777 Additions 8 - 103 - 111 ------------------------- --------- --------- ---------- ------------- ------- At 30 September 2015 340 - 983 1,240 2,563 ------------------------- --------- --------- ---------- ------------- ------- Accumulated depreciation At 1 October 2015 120 - 310 203 633 Charge for the year 253 2 411 1,043 1,709 ------------------------- --------- --------- ---------- ------------- ------- At 30 September 2016 373 2 721 1,246 2,342 ------------------------- --------- --------- ---------- ------------- ------- At 1 October 2014 35 - 126 57 218 Charge for the year 85 - 184 146 415 At 30 September 2015 120 - 310 203 633 ------------------------- --------- --------- ---------- ------------- ------- Net book value At 30 September 2016 571 207 1,241 4,394 6,413 ------------------------- --------- --------- ---------- ------------- ------- At 30 September 2015 220 - 673 1,037 1,930 ------------------------- --------- --------- ---------- ------------- -------
16. Available for sale financial assets
2016 GBP000 At 1 October 2015 - Additions 974 Disposals (250) --------------------- ------- At 30 September 2016 724 --------------------- -------
Available for sale financial assets represent the Group's strategic partnerships with a number of UK Proptech and Fintech companies.
17. Trade and other receivables
2016 2015 GBP000 GBP000 ----------------------- ------- ------- Trade receivables 8,896 8,850 Accrued income 17,228 10,740 Prepayments 3,160 2,348 Amounts held in escrow 9,884 7,446 Other receivables 709 842 ----------------------- ------- ------- 39,877 30,226 ----------------------- ------- ------- Non-current 3,262 7,446 Current 36,615 22,780 ----------------------- ------- ------- 39,877 30,226 ----------------------- ------- -------
The Directors consider that the carrying value of trade and other receivables is approximate to their fair value. The carrying value also represents the maximum credit exposure.
GBP9.9 million is held in escrow for the settlement of deferred consideration payable in relation to the acquisition of uSwitch.
Details of the Group's exposure to credit risk are given in Note 26.
18. Trade and other payables
2016 2015 GBP000 GBP000 -------------------------------------------- ------- ------- Trade payables 7,618 5,507 Accruals 16,955 10,599 Other taxation and social security payments 5,865 5,512 Deferred income 1,813 380 Other payables 271 253 -------------------------------------------- ------- ------- 32,522 22,251 -------------------------------------------- ------- -------
The Directors consider that the carrying value of trade and other payables is approximate to their fair value. Details of the Group's exposure to liquidity risk are given in Note 26.
19. Deferred and contingent consideration
The Group's liabilities in respect of deferred and contingent consideration arising on the acquisition of Property Software Group on 28 April 2016 and the acquisition of uSwitch on 1 June 2015 and are set out below:
Contingent consideration Deferred - consideration earn-out Total GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 --------------------------------------------- -------------- -------------- -------- At 1 October 2015 11,976 26,156 38,132 Recognised on acquisition of Property Software Group 22,511 - 22,511 Charge in the period for amounts conditional on the continued employment of Management 4,412 2,663 7,075 uSwitch settlement (10,040) (27,002) (37,042) --------------------------------------------- -------------- -------------- --------
At 30 September 2016 28,859 1,817 30,676 --------------------------------------------- -------------- -------------- -------- Current 26,813 1,330 28,143 Non-current 2,046 487 2,533 --------------------------------------------- -------------- -------------- -------- At 1 October 2014 - - - Recognised on acquisition of uSwitch 11,040 24,950 35,990 Charge in the period for amounts conditional on the continued employment of Management 936 1,206 2,142 At 30 September 2015 11,976 26,156 38,132 --------------------------------------------- -------------- -------------- -------- Current 10,000 25,393 35,393 Non-current 1,976 763 2,739 --------------------------------------------- -------------- -------------- --------
20. Provisions
The movement in provisions can be analysed as follows:
Dilapidation Onerous provisions lease Total GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 ------------------------------------ ------------ ------- ------- At 1 October 2015 799 - 799 Acquired on acquisition of Property Software Group 35 - 35 Recognised in the period 1,375 729 2,104 Utilised in the period (224) - (224) ------------------------------------ ------------ ------- ------- At 30 September 2016 1,985 729 2,714 ------------------------------------ ------------ ------- ------- Current 575 729 1,304 Non-current 1,410 - 1,410 ------------------------------------ ------------ ------- ------- At 1 October 2014 634 - 634 Acquired on acquisition of uSwitch 135 - 135 Charged in the period 30 - 30 Utilised in the period - - - ------------------------------------ ------------ ------- ------- At 30 September 2015 799 - 799 ------------------------------------ ------------ ------- ------- Current 190 - 190 Non-current 609 - 609 ------------------------------------ ------------ ------- -------
The dilapidation provisions relate to Management's best estimate of costs to make good the Group's leasehold properties at the end of the lease term. The charge in the period represents expected exit costs on completion of the Group's new property lease at the Cooperage, London. During the period the Group vacated a number of previous office buildings, utilising GBP0.2m of the brought-forward provision.
The onerous lease provision relates to Management's best estimate of the fair value of future lease payments falling due prior to the expected assignment of the lease of one of the Group's previous office buildings which was vacated in September 2016. It is anticipated that the onerous lease provision shall be fully utilised in the 2017 financial year.
21. Loans and borrowings
On 30 April 2015 the Group entered into an agreement for the provision of a five year, GBP150.0 million revolving credit facility. On 18 April 2016 a GBP50.0 million extension to the revolving credit facility was agreed to finance the acquisition of Property Software Group.
The drawn portion of the facility incurs interest at UK Libor plus a margin. The margin is variable based on the Group's net debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio. The effective interest rate for the period is set out in Note 26.
Total GBP000 --------------------------------------------- -------- Gross borrowings at 1 October 2015 114,000 Repayment of borrowings (46,500) Drawdown of borrowings 84,000 --------------------------------------------- -------- Gross borrowings at 30 September 2016 151,500 --------------------------------------------- -------- Capitalised costs at 30 September 2016 (1,804) --------------------------------------------- -------- Total loans and borrowings 149,696 --------------------------------------------- -------- Gross loans and borrowings at 1 October 2014 - Initial draw down on acquisition of uSwitch 125,000 Repayment of borrowings (11,000) Gross borrowings at 30 September 2015 114,000 --------------------------------------------- -------- Capitalised costs at 30 September 2015 (1,568) --------------------------------------------- -------- Total loans and borrowings 112,432 --------------------------------------------- --------
The Group has no other loans or borrowings.
22. Deferred tax
Property, plant and equipment and computer Intangible Share-based software assets payments Other Total GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 ------------------------------- -------------- ------------ ----------- ------- -------- Deferred tax asset/(liability) at 1 October 2015 136 (10,623) 866 436 (9,185) On acquisition of Property Software Group (45) (4,646) - - (4,691) (Charge)/credit to profit or loss (103) 2,794 778 713 4,182 Charge to equity - - 888 - 888 Prior year adjustment 38 - - (253) (215) ------------------------------- -------------- ------------ ----------- ------- -------- Deferred tax asset/(liability) at 30 September 2016 26 (12,475) 2,532 896 (9,021) ------------------------------- -------------- ------------ ----------- ------- -------- Deferred tax asset/(liability) at 1 October 2014 326 (784) 895 - 437 On acquisition of uSwitch - (10,512) - 379 (10,133) (Charge)/credit to profit or loss (190) 673 209 57 749 Charge to equity - - (238) - (238) Deferred tax asset/(liability) at 30 September 2015 136 (10,623) 866 436 (9,185) ------------------------------- -------------- ------------ ----------- ------- --------
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset where the Group has a legally enforceable right to do so. Deferred tax assets have been recognised in respect of all temporary differences giving rise to income tax assets because it is probable that these assets will be recoverable.
The following is an analysis of the deferred tax balances (after offset) for financial reporting purposes:
2016 2015 GBP000 GBP000 ------------------------- -------- -------- Deferred tax liabilities (12,475) (10,623) Deferred tax assets 3,454 1,438 ------------------------- -------- -------- (9,021) (9,185) ------------------------- -------- --------
23. Equity
Share capital
2016 2015 GBP000 GBP000 --------------------------------------------- ------- ------- Shares classified as capital Authorised 418,116,472 (2015: 418,116,472) shares of GBP0.001 (2015: GBP0.001) each 418 418 --------------------------------------------- ------- ------- Called-up share capital - allotted and fully paid 418,116,472 (2015: 418,116,472) Ordinary Shares of GBP0.001 (2015: GBP0.001) each 418 418 --------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Ordinary Shares
The Ordinary Shares carry one vote per share and rights to dividends, except when they are held as Treasury shares by the Company.
Other reserves - Merger reserve
The merger reserve was created in May 2012 from the premium on shares issued for the acquisition of The Digital Property Group Limited. In 2014 the merger reserve increased as a result of the Group's reorganisation prior to the IPO.
Other reserves - EBT share reserve
The EBT share reserve represents shares in issue that are held by the Employee Benefit Trust for the purpose of settling the Group's obligations under the Employee Share Option Scheme.
Other reserves - Treasury shares
Between 11 February 2016 and 17 February 2016 the Group acquired 188,340 of its own shares at a weighted average price of 220.0p in order to settle the exercise of outstanding warrants. As at 31 March 2016 25,551 of the shares had been released from treasury to satisfy warrant exercises leaving 162,789 shares in treasury with a weighted average price of 220.0p and a total value of GBP358,000 as at 30 September 2016.
24. Share-based payments
The Group operates a number of share-based incentive schemes for both its employees and certain estate agent partners. The Group recognised a total share-based payments charge of GBP4.9 million for 2016 (2015: GBP1.9 million) as set out below:
2016 2015 GBP000 GBP000 -------------------------------------------- ------- ------- Employee Share Option Scheme (i) 486 600 Long-Term Incentive Plan (ii) 881 600 Share Incentive Plan (iii) 276 231 Deferred Bonus Plan (iv) 427 175 Value Creation Plan (v) 1,156 - Management deal related performance bonus (vi) 358 - Warrant charges (vii) 406 117 National Insurance Contributions payable in respect of eligible share-based payment schemes (viii) 862 150 -------------------------------------------- ------- ------- 4,852 1,873 -------------------------------------------- ------- -------
i) Employee Share Option Scheme
The Group operates an equity-settled share-based incentive scheme which was in place prior to the Group's listing on the London Stock Exchange for all employees under an approved plan up to 31 May 2012 and an unapproved plan thereafter. The options vest in instalments over four years. Options are forfeited if the employee leaves the Group before the options vest. The Group recognised a charge of GBP0.5 million (2015: GBP0.6 million) in respect of options under this scheme.
The Employee Share Option Scheme will continue to operate until all shares vest or lapse, or the scheme is otherwise cancelled. There will be no future grants under this scheme.
Details of options under the scheme outstanding at 30 September 2016 are set out below:
2016 2015 ----------------- ------------------ Weighted Weighted average average exercise exercise Number price Number price '000 GBP '000 GBP ------------------------------------- ------ --------- ------- --------- Outstanding options at the beginning of the year 3,739 0.27 5,693 0.26 Exercised during the year (653) 0.28 (1,416) 0.21 Forfeited during the year (197) 0.34 (538) 0.32 ------------------------------------- ------ --------- ------- --------- Outstanding options at the end of the year 2,889 0.27 3,739 0.27 ------------------------------------- ------ --------- ------- ---------
The options outstanding at 30 September 2016 had a weighted average exercise price of GBP0.27 (2015: GBP0.27) and a weighted average remaining contractual life of 6.7 years (2015: 8.6 years). The range of exercise prices for outstanding options is GBP0.06 to GBP0.35 (2015: GBP0.06 to GBP0.35).
The number of options exercisable as at 30 September 2016 was 2,100,000 (2015: 2,023,000).
ii) Long-Term Incentive Plan
The Group operates an equity-settled Long-Term Incentive Plan that grants nil-cost options to eligible employees which vest at the end of a three year vesting period. The vesting of the options is subject to both Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) and Total Shareholder Return (TSR) performance criteria. The Group recognised a charge of GBP0.9 million (2015: GBP0.6 million) in respect of this scheme.
A total of 1,465,419 options have been granted in respect of the 2016 financial year. None of the options granted are exercisable as at 30 September 2016. The following information is relevant in the determination of the fair value of the LTIP options granted on 9 December 2015. There were no other material grants in 2016. The total outstanding number of LTIP options granted to date is 2,866,354.
9 December 2015 grant --------------------------- ------------- Valuation method - TSR Monte-Carlo Valuation method - EPS Black-Scholes Share price at grant date GBP2.32 Exercise price GBPnil Expected volatility 32.9% Expected life 3 years Expected dividend yield n/a Risk-free interest rate 0.9% Fair value per share - TSR GBP1.41 Fair value per share - EPS GBP2.32 --------------------------- -------------
The volatility assumption, measured at the standard deviation of expected share price returns, has been calculated using historical daily data of six comparator companies over a term commensurate with the expected life of each option. Dividend equivalent payments will be made in respect of vested options in the form of additional shares.
iii) Share Incentive Plan (SIP)
The SIP is an all-employee share ownership plan which has been designed to meet the requirements of Schedule 2 of the Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003 so that shares can be provided to UK employees under the SIP in a tax-efficient manner. Under the scheme employees may be awarded Free Shares and/or offered the opportunity to purchase Partnership Shares with one Free Matching Share for each Partnership Share purchased. During the period the Group granted a total of 92,581 Matching Shares all of which are still subject to forfeiture should the employee leave within 12 months of the grant date. The Group recognised a charge of GBP0.3 million (2015: GBP0.2 million) in respect of shares under this scheme.
iv) Deferred Bonus Plan
From 1 October 2014 the Group has operated a Deferred Bonus Plan (DBP) which defers a proportion of eligible employees' annual bonuses into nil-cost options. The options vest over a period of between one and three years from the end of the performance period. The performance period for the 2016 DBP runs from 1 October 2015 until 30 September 2016. The Group recognised a charge of GBP0.4 million (2015: GBP0.2 million) in respect of this scheme. In December 2015 a total of 317,155 options were granted in respect of the 2015 financial year.
v) Value Creation Plan
On 1 October 2015 the Group launched the VCP. The VCP grants nil-cost options to the Group's CEO based on Total Shareholder Return over a three and four year period. The fair value of the scheme is GBP4.3m spread over the four year period. A charge of GBP1.2m (2015: GBPNil) was recognised in the 2016 financial year. The following information is relevant in the determination of the fair value:
1 October 2015 grant -------------------------- ----------- Valuation method Monte-Carlo Share price at grant date GBP2.10 Initial measurement price GBP2.19 Exercise price GBPnil Expected volatility 26.4% Expected life 3.24/4.24 years Expected dividend yield 0.8% Risk-free interest rate 0.5%
vi) Management deal related performance bonus
On 1 May 2016 an amendment was made to the uSwitch deal related management performance bonus such that the employee can elect to receive the bonus in the form of shares in Zoopla Property Group Plc's shares instead of a fixed cash element. The fair value of the employee's option to elect to receive shares is GBP1.3m to be spread over the 2.08 year remaining term of the bonus agreement. The Group recognised a charge of GBP0.4 million (2015: GBPNil) in respect of this scheme. The following information is relevant in determination of the fair value:
1 May 2016 grant -------------------------- ------------- Valuation method Black-Scholes Share price at grant date GBP2.94 Deemed exercise price GBP2.71 Expected volatility 32.9% Expected life 2.08 years Expected dividend yield 1.01% Risk-free interest rate 0.97%
vii) Warrants
The Group has entered into agreements with a number of estate agent partners whereby the partners agree to pay annual fees for advertising on the Group's property websites over a five year period in exchange for a fixed number of warrants over Ordinary Shares. The warrants are issued annually over the five year term of the agreements at an exercise price equal to the nominal value of each share (GBP0.001). Some or all of the warrants are forfeited if service agreements are terminated before the end of the term.
Between 11 February 2016 and 17 February 2016 Zoopla Property Group Plc purchased 188,340 of its own shares, which are held in treasury, to settle future warrant exercises. 162,789 shares remained in treasury at 30 September 2016.
The total charge recognised for the year ended 30 September 2016 in respect of warrants was GBP0.4 million (2015: GBP0.1 million).
2016 2015 ------------------- Weighted Weighted average average exercise exercise Number price Number price '000 GBP '000 GBP ---------------------------- -------- --------- -------- --------- Outstanding warrants at the beginning of the year 114,009 0.001 - - Issued during the year 142,861 0.001 137,779 0.001 Exercised during the year (25,551) 0.001 (23,770) 0.001 ---------------------------- -------- --------- -------- --------- Outstanding warrants at the end of the year 231,319 0.001 114,009 0.001 ---------------------------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
The number of warrants outstanding at 30 September 2016 was 231,319 (2015: 114,009). The warrants had a weighted average exercise price of GBP0.001 and a weighted average remaining contractual life of 3.9 years (2015: 4.4 years).
The number of warrants issuable over shares in Zoopla Property Group Plc under existing partner contracts is 1,055,000 (2015: 1,198,300). The warrants will be issued with an exercise price of GBP0.001 over the lives of the contracts.
vii) National Insurance Contributions (NIC)
National Insurance Contributions are payable in respect of certain share-based payment schemes. These contributions are treated as cash-settled transactions and are accrued at a rate of 13.8%. The total NIC charge relating to share-based payment schemes was GBP0.9m (2015: GBP0.2m).
viii) The Employee Benefit Trust and Share Incentive Plan Trust
Employee Benefit Trust (EBT)
The Group has established an Employee Benefit Trust which is constituted by a trust deed entered into between the Company and Appleby Trust (Jersey) Limited. The Trust held 3,838,636 Ordinary Shares in Zoopla Property Group Plc at 30 September 2016 (2015: 4,491,861). These shares are held to satisfy future exercises under the Group's share-based payment schemes. Shares are allocated by the Trust when the awards are exercised. The Trust waives its right to any dividends. The market value of the shares held in the Trust at 30 September 2016 was GBP14.6 million (2015: GBP9.4 million). The cost of the shares has been deducted from equity.
Share Incentive Plan Trust (SIP Trust)
The Group has established a Share Incentive Plan Trust which is constituted by a trust deed which was entered into between Zoopla Property Group Plc and Yorkshire Building Society. The Trust held 602,817 Ordinary Shares in Zoopla Property Group Plc at 30 September 2016 (2015: 427,515). These shares are held to satisfy future Free Share and Partnership and Matching Share exercises. Shares are allocated by the Trust when the awards are exercised. Dividends paid on shares held in the Trust are passed to the employees when the shares are allocated. The market value of the shares held in the Trust at 30 September 2016 was GBP2.0 million (2015: GBP0.9 million). The cost of the shares has been deducted from equity.
25. Related party transactions
a) Key Management personnel
The Chairman and the Directors are considered to be the key Management personnel of the Group along with the Managing Directors of Property and Comparison Services. Details of remuneration for key Management personnel are shown in Note 7.
No share options were exercised by key Management personnel in the period.
Further information on the remuneration of the Chairman and the Directors can be found in the Directors' remuneration report in the Group's Annual Report 2016.
b) Other Group companies
Details of transactions with subsidiaries are outlined in the Company's financial statements. Transactions with other Group companies have been eliminated on consolidation.
c) Other related parties
Other related party transactions are as follows:
At 30 September 2016 Daily Mail and General Trust plc (DMGT) owned 31.3% of the share capital of Zoopla Property Group Plc (2015: 31.3%).
A&N Media Finance Services Limited (ANMFS), a subsidiary of DMGT, supplied various shared services to ZPG Limited for which the fee was GBP38,000 (2015: GBP43,000) for the year. The balance outstanding at 30 September 2016 was GBPNil (2015: GBPNil).
There are no further related party transactions.
26. Financial instruments
Carrying amount and fair value of financial assets and liabilities
All financial assets, including cash and cash equivalents, are designated as "Loans and receivables" and are held at amortised cost other than "Available for sale" financial assets which are held at fair value as disclosed in Note 16. All financial liabilities are classified as Other liabilities and are measured at amortised cost. The Directors consider that the carrying amounts of financial assets and liabilities recorded at amortised cost in the financial statements are approximate to their fair values.
Financial risk management
The Group is exposed to the following risks from financial instruments:
-- credit risk; -- market risk; and -- liquidity risk.
Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Group if a customer or bank ("counterparty") fails to meet its contractual obligations resulting in financial loss to the Group. The Group's maximum exposure to credit risk at the end of each period was equal to the carrying amount of financial assets recorded in the financial statements. The exposure to credit risk is influenced by the individual characteristics of each counterparty.
The potential for customer default varies between the Group's two divisions. The customer base of the Property Services division is large, so there is no significant concentration of credit risk. The Comparison Services division operates in a market with a small number of customers, which creates a concentration of debtor balances, and from time to time the amounts due from one or a number of suppliers may be material. However, customers within this market are often large energy and telecommunications organisations with high credit ratings and access to significant funds. The Group's largest customer contributed to 18% (2015: 19%) of the Group's trade receivables balance.
The Group manages counterparty risk on its trade receivables through strict credit control quality measures and regular aged debt monitoring procedures. The Group reserves the right to charge interest on overdue receivables, although it does not hold collateral over any trade receivable balances. Overdue amounts are regularly reviewed and impairment provisions are created where necessary. This provision is reviewed regularly in conjunction with a detailed analysis of ageing profile, historical payment profiles and past default experience. The Group has long-standing relationships with its key customers and extremely low historical levels of customer credit defaults.
The ageing of trade receivables at the period end is as follows:
2016 2015 ------------------ ------------------ Gross Provision Gross Provision GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 ----------- ------- --------- ------- --------- 0-30 days 4,634 - 7,205 - 31-60 days 3,154 (104) 1,234 - 61-90 days 721 (151) 400 (38) 91+ days 767 (125) 680 (631) ----------- ------- --------- ------- --------- Total 9,276 (380) 9,519 (669) ----------- ------- --------- ------- ---------
In determining the recoverability of a trade receivable, the Group considers any change in the credit quality of the trade receivable from the date credit was granted up to the period end date.
Receivables written-off during the year to 30 September 2016 was GBP470,000 (2015: 333,000). As at 30 September 2016 receivables of GBP1,386,000 were past due but not impaired (2015: GBP1,314,000).
The credit risk associated with bank and deposit balances is mitigated by the use of banks with good credit ratings.
Market risk
Market risk is the risk that changes in foreign exchange and interest rates will affect the income and financial management of the Group. The Group is not exposed to any significant currency risk and there is a minimal interest rate risk on cash and bank balances. However, the Group has borrowings subject to an interest rate calculated with reference to Libor. Changes in interest rates therefore impact the financial results of the Group. The Directors actively monitor interest rate risk and note that interest rates remain at a historical low. The Directors believe that any reasonable increase in the Libor rate would not significantly impact the Group. Therefore, the Group does not hedge its interest rate risk at this time. At 30 September 2016 borrowings of GBP151.5 million were subject to floating interest rates (2015: GBP114.0 million).
At 30 September 2016 if Libor were to have increased by 1% throughout the year with all other variables held constant profit before tax would decrease by GBP1.2 million (2015: GBP0.4 million) as a result of additional interest incurred. Therefore, the Directors are comfortable that any sensitivity to fluctuations in interest or exchange rates would not have a material impact on the results of the Group.
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk refers to the ability of the Group to meet the obligations associated with its financial liabilities that are settled in cash as they fall due. Management regularly reviews performance against budgets and forecasts to ensure sufficient cash funds are available to meet its contractual obligations.
The Group's activities are highly cash generative allowing it to effectively service working capital requirements. At 30 September 2016 the Group held total cash and cash equivalents of GBP3.4 million (2015: GBP19.2 million) and net debt of GBP146.3 million (2015: GBP93.2 million).
The Group has access to a GBP200.0 million revolving credit facility (RCF), of which GBP151.5 million was drawn-down at 30 September 2016. The remaining GBP48.5 million undrawn facility allows the Group to secure additional external financing should it be required. The total facility requires the Group to meet certain covenants based on the Group's interest cover and net debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio. Exceeding the covenants would result in the Group being in breach of the facility, which may lead to the facility being withdrawn. Management regularly monitors and models covenant compliance and prepares detailed forecasts to ensure that sufficient headroom is available. The Directors are satisfied that there is reasonable headroom on each of the Group's debt covenant ratios.
The following tables detail the Group's remaining contractual maturities for undiscounted financial liabilities, including interest. The contractual maturity is based on the earliest date on which the Group may be required to settle. Where interest rates are variable the undiscounted amount is derived from interest rate curves at 30 September 2016.
Total Effective Within 1 2 to More than contractual interest year 1 to 2 years 5 years 5 years amount rate GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 --------------- --------- -------- ------------ -------- --------- ------------ 2016 Trade payables 7,618 - - - 7,618 Borrowings(1) 2.9% 4,096 4,535 158,927 - 167,558 --------------- --------- -------- ------------ -------- --------- ------------ Total 11,714 4,535 158,927 - 175,176 --------------- --------- -------- ------------ -------- --------- ------------ 2015 Trade payables 5,507 - - - 5,507 Borrowings(1) 3.0% 2,920 3,222 123,513 - 129,655 --------------- --------- -------- ------------ -------- --------- ------------ Total 8,427 3,222 123,513 - 135,162 --------------- --------- -------- ------------ -------- --------- ------------
1 Interest on the Group's borrowings assumes that the Group makes no further capital repayments until maturity of the RCF in 2020.
Treasury and capital risk management
The Group's policy is to actively manage its cash and capital structure to ensure that it complies with its current debt covenant ratios, maintains its current dividend policy and minimises the Group's interest payments by paying down its debt where possible.
Management will consider the use of excess cash, including the payment of special dividends to shareholders and M&A activity, based on the risks and opportunities of the Group at that time.
The Directors can manage the Group's capital structure through the issue or redemption of either debt or equity instruments and by adjustment to the Group's dividend paid to equity holders. The Directors believe that the current debt to equity ratio remains appropriate but continue to monitor the efficiency of the capital structure on an ongoing basis.
27. Operating lease commitments
At the statement of financial position date, the Group had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:
2016 2015 GBP000 GBP000 -------------------------------------- ------- ------- Within one year 3,267 1,139 In the second to fifth year inclusive 13,067 3,565 After five years 27,214 2,306 -------------------------------------- ------- ------- 43,548 7,010 -------------------------------------- ------- -------
All operating lease commitments are in respect of property leases held by the Group.
28. Subsequent events
On 28 November 2016 the Group entered into an agreement to purchase 100% of the issued share capital of Technicweb Limited for initial consideration of GBP1.5 million, deferred consideration of GBP250,000 due 12 months from the date of completion and earn-out consideration based on performance over a 30 month period post acquisition.
There have been no other reportable subsequent events between 30 September 2016 and the date of signing of this report.
29. Ultimate controlling party
The Directors are of the opinion that there was no ultimate controlling party in either period presented.
Company statement of financial position
As at 30 September 2016
2016 2015 Notes GBP000 GBP000 -------------------------------------- ----- ------- ------- Assets Non-current assets Investment in subsidiaries 4 250,790 200,478 Intangible assets 128 - Property, plant and equipment 5 5,315 - Trade and other receivables 6 74,698 77,446 Deferred tax assets 600 183 -------------------------------------- ----- ------- ------- 331,531 278,107 -------------------------------------- ----- ------- ------- Current assets -------------------------------------- ----- ------- ------- Trade and other receivables 6 9,092 164 Cash and cash equivalents 414 4,668 -------------------------------------- ----- ------- ------- 9,506 4,832 -------------------------------------- ----- ------- ------- Total assets 341,037 282,939 -------------------------------------- ----- ------- ------- Liabilities Current liabilities Trade and other payables 7 27,732 21,905 Deferred and contingent consideration 8 28,143 35,393 Non-current liabilities Loans and borrowings 9 149,696 112,432 Deferred and contingent consideration 8 2,533 2,739 Provisions 10 1,375 - -------------------------------------- ----- ------- ------- Total liabilities 209,479 172,469 -------------------------------------- ----- ------- ------- Net assets 131,558 110,470 -------------------------------------- ----- ------- ------- Equity Share capital 11 418 418 Share premium reserve 50 50 Other reserves 11 90,137 90,495 Retained earnings 40,953 19,507 -------------------------------------- ----- ------- ------- Total equity 131,558 110,470 -------------------------------------- ----- ------- -------
The financial statements of Zoopla Property Group Plc (company number 09005884) were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors and were signed on its behalf by:
A Chesterman A Botha Director Director 29 November 29 November 2016 2016
Company statement of cash flows
For the year ended 30 September 2016
2016 2015 GBP000 GBP000 ---------------------------------------------------- -------- --------- Cash flows from operating activities Profit before tax 33,649 26,119 Adjustments for: Finance income (1,615) (618) Finance costs 3,559 1,162 Dividend income received (47,000) (35,000) Transaction costs on acquisition of Property Software Group 1,256 5,130 Movement in contingent and deferred consideration 7,075 2,142 ---------------------------------------------------- -------- --------- Operating cash flow before changes in working capital (3,076) (1,065) Decrease in trade and other receivables 21,093 9,669 Increase in trade and other payables 4,984 20,477 Net cash flows from operating activities 23,001 29,081 ---------------------------------------------------- -------- --------- Cash flows (used in)/from investing activities Acquisition of subsidiaries (49,892) (155,540) Settlement of deferred and contingent consideration (37,042) - Amounts paid into escrow in relation to deferred and contingent consideration (2,448) (7,436) Purchase of property, plant and equipment (3,441) - Interest income received 1,615 618
Dividend income received 47,000 35,000 ---------------------------------------------------- -------- --------- Net cash flows used in investing activities (44,208) (127,358) ---------------------------------------------------- -------- --------- Cash flows from/(used in) financing activities Proceeds on issue of debt, net of issue costs 89,358 123,291 Repayment of debt (52,500) (11,000) Interest paid (2,937) (779) Treasury shares purchased (414) - Dividends paid (16,554) (8,667) ---------------------------------------------------- -------- --------- Net cash flows from financing activities 16,953 102,845 ---------------------------------------------------- -------- --------- Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents (4,254) 4,568 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 4,668 100 ---------------------------------------------------- -------- --------- Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 414 4,668 ---------------------------------------------------- -------- ---------
Company statement of changes in equity
For the year ended 30 September 2016
Share Treasury Share premium shares Merger Retained Total capital reserve GBP000 reserve earnings equity GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 ------------------------------- -------- -------- --------- -------- --------- -------- At 1 October 2015 418 50 - 90,495 19,507 110,470 Profit and total comprehensive income for the period - - - - 34,066 34,066 Transactions with owners recorded directly in equity: Share-based payments - - - - 3,990 3,990 Treasury shares purchased - - (414) - - (414) Treasury shares released - - 56 - (56) - Dividends paid - - - - (16,554) (16,554) ------------------------------- -------- -------- --------- -------- --------- -------- At 30 September 2016 418 50 (358) 90,495 40,953 131,558 ------------------------------- -------- -------- --------- -------- --------- -------- Share Treasury Share premium Shares Merger Retained Total capital reserve GBP000 reserve earnings equity GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 ------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------- ------- At 1 October 2014 418 50 - 90,495 151 91,114 Profit and total comprehensive income for the period - - - - 26,302 26,302 Transactions with owners recorded directly in equity: Dividends paid - - - - (8,667) (8,667) Share-based payments - - - - 1,721 1,721 ------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------- ------- At 30 September 2015 418 50 - 90,495 19,507 110,470 ------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------- -------
Notes to the Company financial statements
1. Accounting policies and basis of accounting
The Directors have applied International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European Union.
The accounting policies and the financial risk management policies, where relevant to the Company, are consistent with those of the consolidated Group as set out in Notes 1 to 29 of the consolidated financial statements.
Statement of comprehensive income
The Company has taken advantage of the exemption available under section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 and has not presented a statement of comprehensive income. The profit for the period ended 30 September 2016 was GBP34.1 million (2015: GBP26.3 million).
2. Auditor's remuneration
The Company incurred a cost of GBP65,000 (2015: GBP55,000) for statutory audit services for the period ended 30 September 2016. The Company incurred a cost of GBP28,000 (2015: GBPNil) in relation to non-audit fees provided by the statutory auditor.
3. Employee costs and Directors' remuneration
The Company has no employees other than the Directors of the Company. Remuneration paid to the Directors was accounted for and paid by the Company's subsidiary, ZPG Limited. Details of Directors' remuneration are set out in the Directors' remuneration report in the Group's Annual Report 2016.
4. Investments in subsidiaries
Investments in subsidiaries are valued at cost less any provision for impairment. The investment in subsidiaries balance of GBP250.8 million represents the Company's 100% shareholding in ZPG Limited, Ulysses Enterprises Limited and Property Software Holdings Limited as set out in note 13 to the consolidated financial statements. Property Software Holdings Limited was acquired on 28 April 2016 as detailed in note 13 to the consolidated financial statements. Ulysses Enterprises Limited was acquired on 1 June 2015 as set out in the 2015 Annual Report.
During the year the Company recognised an increase in the investment in ZPG Limited and Ulysses Enterprises Limited in respect of the Group's employee share schemes. Consistent with the Group accounting policies outlined in Note 1.19 to the consolidated financial statements, equity-settled share options granted directly to a subsidiary's employees are treated as a capital contribution to the subsidiary. The capital contribution is measured by reference to the consolidated share-based payments charge and is recognised as an increase in the cost of investment with a corresponding credit to retained earnings.
ZPG Ulysses Property Limited Enterprises Software GBP000 Limited Holdings GBP000 Limited Total GBP000 GBP000 ------------------------------------------- --------- ------------- --------- ------- At 1 October 2015 93,053 107,425 - 200,478 Acquisition of Property Software Group - - 46,324 46,324 Share based payment - Capital contribution 3,630 358 - 3,988 ------------------------------------------- --------- ------------- --------- ------- At 30 September 2016 96,683 107,783 46,324 250,790 ------------------------------------------- --------- ------------- --------- ------- At 1 October 2014 91,332 - - 91,332 Acquisition of Ulysses Enterprises Limited - 107,425 - 107,425 Share based payment - Capital contribution 1,721 - - 1,721 ------------------------------------------- --------- ------------- --------- ------- At 30 September 2015 93,053 107,425 - 200,478 ------------------------------------------- --------- ------------- --------- -------
5. Property, plant and equipment
Fixtures Computer Leasehold and fittings equipment improvements Total GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 ------------------------- ------------- ---------- ------------- ------- Cost At 1 October 2015 - - - - Additions 545 440 4,330 5,315 ------------------------- ------------- ---------- ------------- ------- At 30 September 2016 545 440 4,330 5,315 ------------------------- ------------- ---------- ------------- ------- Accumulated depreciation At 1 October 2015 - - - - Charge for the year - - - - ------------------------- ------------- ---------- ------------- ------- At 30 September 2016 - - - - ------------------------- ------------- ---------- ------------- ------- Net book value At 30 September 2016 545 440 4,330 5,315 ------------------------- ------------- ---------- ------------- ------- At 30 September 2015 - - - - ------------------------- ------------- ---------- ------------- -------
6. Trade and other receivables
2016 2015 GBP000 GBP000 ---------------------------------------- ------- ------- Amounts receivable from Group Companies 73,405 70,000 Prepayments 501 164 Amounts held in escrow 9,884 7,446 83,790 77,610 ---------------------------------------- ------- ------- Current 9,092 164 Non-current 74,698 77,446 ---------------------------------------- ------- ------- 83,790 77,610 ---------------------------------------- ------- -------
The Directors consider that the carrying value of trade and other receivables are approximate to their fair value.
Amounts held in escrow are held for the settlement of deferred consideration due on the acquisition of uSwitch.
The Company has a receivable of GBP48.5 million due from Ulysses Enterprises Limited and GBP22.9 million from Property Software Holdings Limited. Both amounts are designated as unsecured, intercompany loans. The loans accrue interest at Libor + 2% and have no fixed repayment dates. A trading balance of GBP2.0m is due from Ulysses Enterprises Limited. No interest is receivable on the balance. The Company is comfortable that these amounts are recoverable in full.
7. Trade and other payables
2016 2015 GBP000 GBP000 ----------------------------------- ------- ------- Trade payables 270 11 Accruals 5,964 1,894 Amounts payable to Group companies 21,498 20,000 ----------------------------------- ------- ------- 27,732 21,905 ----------------------------------- ------- -------
At 30 September 2016 a trading balance of GBP21.5 million is due to ZPG Limited. No interest is payable on the balance.
The Directors consider that the carrying value of trade and other payables are approximate to their fair value. All trade and other payables are classified as current liabilities.
Details of the Group's exposure to liquidity risk are given in Note 26 to the consolidated financial statements.
8. Deferred and contingent consideration
Details of deferred and contingent consideration are given in Note 19 to the consolidated financial statements.
9. Loans and borrowings
Details of loans and borrowings are given in Note 21 to the consolidated financial statements.
10. Provisions
The movement in provisions can be analysed as follows:
Dilapidation provisions GBP000 ---------------------- ------------ At 1 October 2015 - Charged in the period 1,375 At 30 September 2016 1,375
The dilapidation provisions relate to Management's best estimation of costs to make good the Company's leasehold property at the end of the lease term. The charge in the period represents expected exit costs on completion of the Company's property lease.
11. Equity
Share capital
Details of the Company's share capital are included in Note 23 to the consolidated financial statements.
Other reserves - merger reserve
The merger reserve represents the difference between the investment recognised in ZPG Limited on restructuring in 2014 of GBP90.9 million and the value of the shares issued of GBP0.4 million.
Other reserves - treasury shares
Between 11 February 2016 and 17 February 2016 the Group acquired 188,340 of its own shares at a weighted average price of 220.0p in order to settle the exercise of outstanding warrants. As at 31 March 2016 25,551 of the shares had been released from treasury to satisfy warrant exercises, leaving 162,789 shares in treasury with a weighted average price of 220.0p and a carrying value of GBP358,000. The market value of treasury shares as at 30 September 2016 is GBP530,000.
12. Financial instruments
The IFRS 7 - Financial Instruments disclosures, where relevant to the Company, are consistent with those of the Group as set out in Note 26 to the consolidated financial statements.
13. Related parties
a) Key Management personnel
There are no employees of the Company. The Directors are employed and/or remunerated by the Company's subsidiary, ZPG Limited. There were no transactions during the year between the Directors and the Company other than the issue of shares and share options as outlined in the Directors' remuneration report in the Group's Annual Report 2016.
b) Subsidiaries
Transactions with subsidiaries
On 28 April 2016 the Company acquired Property Software Holdings Limited and its subsidiaries as set out in Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements. The transaction included Zoopla Property Group Plc assuming and discharging external debt of GBP24.9 million through an intercompany loan with Property Software Holdings Limited. During the period to 30 September 2016 Property Software Holdings Limited repaid GBP2.0 million of this balance to the Company.
During the year to 30 September 2016 Ulysses Enterprises Limited made a drawdown of GBP8.0 million and repaid GBP28.8 million in respect of the intercompany loan with the Company.
During the year ZPG Limited paid dividends of GBP33.0 million (2015: 35 million) to the Company.
During the year Ulysses Enterprises Limited paid dividends of GBP14.0 million (2015: GBPNil) to the Company.
The Company issues shares to employees and estate agent partners of its subsidiaries as part of the Group's share-based payment and warrant schemes as set out in Note 24 to the consolidated financial statements.
There have been no other transactions with the Company's subsidiaries during the year.
Year end balances with subsidiaries
At 30 September 2016 GBP48.5 million of the intercompany loan due from Ulysses Enterprises Limited was outstanding. Interest at Libor + 2% per annum is due on the outstanding balance.
At 30 September 2016 GBP22.9 million of the intercompany loan due from Property Software Holdings Limited was outstanding. Interest at Libor + 2% per annum is due on the outstanding balance.
At 30 September 2016 a trading balance of GBP2.0m is due from Ulysses Enterprises Limited. No interest is receivable on the balance.
At 30 September 2016 a trading balance of GBP21.5 million is due to ZPG Limited. This amount will be settled on receipt of any dividend from ZPG Limited. No interest is payable on the balance.
There were no other related party transactions in the period.
c) Other related parties
There were no transactions between the Company and any other related parties.
14. Subsequent events
On 28 November 2016 the Group entered into an agreement to purchase 100% of the issued share capital of Technicweb Limited for initial consideration of GBP1.5 million, deferred consideration of GBP250,000 due 12 months from the date of completion and earn-out consideration based on performance over a 30 month period post acquisition.
There have been no other reportable subsequent events between 30 September 2016 and the date of signing of this report.
15. Ultimate controlling party
The Directors are of the opinion that there was no ultimate controlling party in either period presented.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
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November 30, 2016 02:00 ET (07:00 GMT)
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