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RNS Number:4896S
Connaught PLC
26 November 2003
CONNAUGHT PLC ("CONNAUGHT")
PRELIMINARY RESULTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2003
HIGHLIGHTS
Year ended Year ended % Change
31 August 31 August
2003 2002
#'m #'m
Turnover 159.4 108.3 47.1
EBITDA 7.7 4.3 81.2
EBITA 6.9 3.7 86.4
Profit before tax and goodwill 6.4 3.6 76.0
amortisation
Profit before tax 5.1 3.3 51.7
Adjusted basic earnings per share * 24.1 22.2 8.7**
(p)
Adjusted diluted earnings per share 23.8 21.7 9.7**
* (p)
Total dividend per share for the 7.7 7.5 2.7
year (p)
* Before charging goodwill amortisation and excluding the effects of
disposals of discontinued operations
** Incorporates a 79% (basic) and 77% (diluted) increase in average
number of shares in issue
*86% increase in operating profit before goodwill amortisation, 73% from
acquisitions.
*GasForce operating profit increased by 45% to #2.4 million.
*Net cash inflow from operations was #3.2 million (2002: #0.5 million).
*Total order book of approximately #680 million, including #500 million in
social housing within which the partnering element guarantees volumes and
cost plus margins.
*Orders in hand for 2003/4 already at #180 million.
Commenting on the results, Chairman, Tim Ross said:
"I am very pleased to report on another successful year of growth at Connaught.
We enjoy a leading position in the social housing market, which continues to
benefit from the Government's Decent Homes Standard whose objective is to
overcome a #20 billion backlog in repair and maintenance over the next 10 years.
In just two years our social housing partnering order book has risen from #70
million to #500 million, including a number of significant contracts we have
recently won. This market remains buoyant and we are currently bidding for
contracts with a total value of #1 billion.
At the end of last year the integration of GasForce, the UK's largest commercial
gas servicing business, was completed and I am delighted to report a 45% growth
in its operating profit in our first full year of ownership. I believe that
Connaught is very well positioned to achieve substantial growth and continued
success."
For further information please contact:
Connaught plc Mark Tincknell/David Pike Tel: 07867 908 962
Biddicks Zoe Biddick/Kathryn van der Kroft Tel: 020 7448 1000
Chairman's statement
Introduction
In my last Chairman's report I stated that it was easy to underestimate the
commitment required to transform what was only five years ago a large family
business, into a fast growing corporate. I am therefore very pleased to announce
another set of positive results for the Group for the year ended 31 August 2003.
Five year performance
Since coming to AIM in 1998, turnover has grown by some 400% and pre-tax profit
before goodwill amortisation by almost 450%. This has been achieved whilst
investing heavily in the infrastructure of the business which ensures
operational effectiveness and appropriate risk management.
Financial results
Turnover in the year increased by 47% to #159 million (2002: #108 million).
Operating profit before goodwill amortisation increased by 86% to #6.9 million
(2002: #3.7 million). Some 27% of this profit improvement was organic, with 73%
attributed to acquisitions. Prior to the disposal of discontinued operations,
fully diluted earnings per share before goodwill amortisation rose by 9.7% to
23.8p (2002: 21.7p). It should be noted that this rise incorporates a 77%
increase in the Group's share capital as a result of the GasForce acquisition.
Market diversity
These results have been achieved despite our decision, earlier this year, to
withdraw from traditional fit out. Economic conditions had caused margins in
this market to erode substantially and future prospects were poor. Three years
ago fit out contributed over 27% to the Group's operating profits. This
demonstrates the robust nature of our continuing earnings and the benefit of
operating in diverse markets.
Dividend
A final dividend of 5.1 pence (2002: 5.0 pence) is proposed, which will bring
the total dividends for the year to 7.7 pence per share (2002: 7.5 pence). This
will be paid on the 5 February 2004 to holders of ordinary shares on the
register on the 9 January 2004.
Earnings visibility
Our total order book now stands at around #680 million (#610 million in 2002),
which includes #500 million in social housing, within which the partnering
element guarantees volumes and cost plus margins. In terms of 2003/2004, orders
in hand already stand at #180 million.
Cash utilisation
The cash dynamics of the group are changing to reflect the increasing proportion
of work being undertaken within the partnering framework agreements. This
results in a longer period of cash absorption on projects, compared to more
traditional contracting cash flows.
However, I stated in this year's interim report to shareholders that I expected
to see a marked improvement in operating cash flow by the year-end. I am pleased
to report that the cash flow from operating activities was around #11 million
better at the year end than it was at the half year, reflecting the maturing
nature of the long-term contracts started at the end of 2002. Net cash inflow
from operating activities was #3.2 million (2002: #0.5 million).
Operational performance
The Group is divided into three distinct areas: public sector social housing
(Livingspace) which accounted for 58% of sales revenue in 2002-2003; private
sector corporate (Workspace) which represented 25% of sales; and private sector
SME (GasForce) with 17%.
Public Sector
In the public sector our activities are focused on social housing. This market
continues to benefit from an increase in expenditure brought about by the
Government's Decent Homes Standard. This aims to overcome a #20 billion backlog
in social housing repair and maintenance expenditure over the next 10 years.
We enjoy a leading position within this market and, with the advent of
partnering as the principal procurement method, have seen a substantial
improvement in both our long-term order book and our earnings visibility.
Connaught has 50 partnerships in place and our national coverage overcomes any
issues related to variances in regional expenditure. Significant new contracts
include: London Borough of Hounslow #55 million over seven years; Tristar Homes
#34 million over seven years and First Choice Housing #35 million over five
years.
Market conditions remain buoyant and we are currently bidding for contracts with
a total value of #1 billion.
We have also increased our range of services to include electrical, plumbing
maintenance and gas servicing. In addition, we are utilising our position to
provide these services to other related public sector markets. Over the last 12
months, contracts have been secured from the NHS Trusts, Education and Police
Authorities, County Councils and Government Departments. The opportunity for
Connaught in the wider public sector is substantial.
The foundation we have laid through partnering should allow us to develop more
sophisticated strategic alliances with our clients, which ultimately lead to
multi service outsourcing opportunities.
Private Sector - Corporate
Our intention within the corporate market is to form a multi service division
aimed at a high quality customer base with large property portfolios and our
existing operations provide a solid foundation from which to develop this
strategy. Our services include cleaning with annual sales of around #20 million
and mechanical, electrical and fabric maintenance with annual sales around #10
million.
The business primarily operates with long-term contracts in the commercial
office and retail markets. Our retail customer base includes Tesco, O2,
Vodafone, Debenhams, BHS, Bodyshop and Boots. We currently maintain 6,000 retail
units throughout the UK.
Within the commercial office sector, we currently have an order book of around
#20 million. Our focus is entirely upon building long-term relationships with
customers who are capable of purchasing a multi service offering via our
Integrated Workspace Solutions business. We are leveraging our success in
process management and IT in public sector partnering and adapting this approach
for the private sector. Clients include Prudential, Diners Club and the
pharmaceutical business Bristol Myers Squibb.
Private Sector - SME
Our entry point into this area was our acquisition in 2002 of GasForce, the UK's
largest commercial gas servicing business. In the first year since acquisition
we have seen operating profit grow by 45% and have raised operating margins by
around 2% to 8.6%. The business is centred around the statutory requirement
under the Gas Safety Regulations 1998 for all gas appliances in non-domestic
situations to be certified that they are safe on an annual basis. GasForce has
around 60,000 contracted customers from which sales of around #10 million are
achieved. From this base the business achieves a further #20 million of sales
from related gas services.
Our integration of this business is now complete and through the improvement of
operational processes we have identified the opportunity to achieve substantial
productivity gains. In order to take advantage of this we have made a number of
structural changes to the business and are introducing a service management IT
system. We have thoroughly researched the market and tested aspects of the mix
in order to achieve additional sales and raise productivity. In addition we will
seek opportunities to provide other compliance-based services to the market.
People
Our success in securing long-term contracts and the resultant rapid growth has
seen employee numbers rise from 350 to 2,300 over the last 5 years. I would like
to thank all those whose hard work, dedication and commitment has contributed to
the success of the Group over the last 12 months.
Investment
As can been seen from this rise in employee numbers, investment in the Group's
internal infrastructure and operational effectiveness has been substantial. In
order to achieve our strategic aims we will continue with this level of
expenditure, particularly in the area of information technology.
The aim is to provide a transferable resource, able to accommodate further
organic growth and potential acquisitions. Our networks, financial control
systems, service management system and our web-based partnership system are all
areas, which provide us with a competitive advantage.
Outlook
The Group serves essentially fragmented markets, which affords the opportunity
to achieve substantial growth. Similarly, many of the long-term contracts we
have secured provide a gateway to other geographic areas and allow us to cross
sell our portfolio of services. The quality of our existing client base forms an
excellent platform for the development of long-term strategic alliances and
outsourcing contracts.
This, combined with the earnings visibility which is supported by our long-term
order book and our strong market positions, leads me to believe that Connaught
is very well placed to achieve substantial growth and continued success in the
current year and beyond.
Tim Ross
Chairman
Consolidated profit and loss account
for the year ended 31 August 2003
Audited Audited
31 August 31 August
2003 2002
#'000 #'000
Turnover 159,418 108,343
Cost of sales (135,718) (94,695)
-------------- -----------
Gross profit 23,700 13,648
Administrative expenses (18,115) (10,235)
Operating profit before goodwill 6,932 3,718
amortisation
Goodwill amortisation (1,347) (305)
Operating profit 5,585 3,413
Profit on disposal of discontinued - 250
operations -------------- -----------
Profit on ordinary activities before 5,585 3,663
interest
Interest receivable 514 97
Interest payable (1,044) (428)
-------------- -----------
Profit on ordinary activities before 5,055 3,332
taxation
Taxation (1,929) (1,079)
-------------- -----------
Profit on ordinary activities after 3,126 2,253
taxation
Dividends paid and proposed - equity (1,434) (1,185)
-------------- -----------
Retained profit for the financial year 1,692 1,068
============== ===========
Earnings per share
Basic 16.9p 21.7p
Basic before disposal of discontinued
operations and goodwill amortisation 24.1p 22.2p
Basic before goodwill amortisation 24.1p 24.7p
Diluted 16.6p 21.2p
Diluted before disposal of discontinued
operations and goodwill amortisation 23.8p 21.7p
Diluted before goodwill amortisation 23.8p 24.1p
Consolidated balance sheet
as at 31 August 2003
Audited Audited
31 August 31 August
2003 2002
#'000 #'000
Fixed assets
Intangible 24,726 25,976
Tangible 2,557 2,524
Investments 290 217
-------------- -----------
27,573 28,717
Current assets
Stock 1,245 1,191
Debtors 41,745 33,899
Cash at bank and in hand 11,780 19,171
-------------- -----------
54,770 54,261
Creditors: amounts falling due within one (44,079) (47,732)
year -------------- -----------
Net current assets 10,691 6,529
-------------- -----------
Total assets less current liabilities 38,264 35,246
Creditors: amounts falling due after one (8,443) (7,350)
year -------------- -----------
Net assets 29,821 27,896
============== ===========
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital 1,880 1,867
Share premium account 21,553 21,333
Capital redemption reserve 526 526
Profit and loss account 5,862 4,170
-------------- -----------
Equity shareholders' funds 29,821 27,896
============== ===========
Consolidated cash flow statement
for the year ended 31 August 2003
Audited Audited
31 August 31 August
2003 2002
#'000 #'000
Net cash flow from operating activities 3,169 515
Returns on investment and servicing of (530) (331)
finance
Taxation (1,914) (1,281)
Capital expenditure (570) (327)
Acquisitions (97) (2,090)
Equity dividends paid (1,399) (716)
Cash outflow before financing and management
of liquid resources (1,341) (4,230)
Financing (6,050) 21,139
-------------- -----------
(Decrease)/increase in cash (7,391) 16,909
-------------- -----------
Reconciliation of operating profit to net cash flow from operating activities
Operating profit 5,585 3,413
Depreciation charge 812 556
Amortisation of goodwill 1,347 305
Loss on sale of fixed assets 26 7
Movement in stocks (54) -
Movement in debtors (7,846) (5,979)
Movement in creditors 3,299 2,213
-------------- -----------
Net cash flow from operating activities 3,169 515
-------------- -----------
Reconciliation of net cash flow to movements in net debt
(Decrease)/increase in cash (7,391) 16,909
Cash used to decrease debt and lease 6,283 (8,164)
financing -------------- -----------
Change in net funds resulting from cash (1,108) 8,745
flows
Finance lease and hire purchase contracts
acquired with subsidiary - (63)
New finance leases (374) (282)
Loan notes issued on the acquisition of - (11,926)
subsidiary undertakings -------------- -----------
Movement in net debt in the year (1,482) (3,526)
Net debt at the beginning of the year (3,830) (304)
-------------- -----------
Net debt at the end of the year (5,312) (3,830)
-------------- -----------
Notes
1 The Group accounts include the accounts of the Company and its
subsidiary undertakings all of which are made up to 31 August 2003.
The financial information does not constitute the Company's
statutory accounts for the years ended 31 August 2003 or 2002 but it
is derived from those accounts. Statutory accounts for the year
ended 31 August 2002 have been delivered to the Registrar of
Companies, and those for 2003 will be delivered following the
Company's annual general meeting. The auditors have reported on
those accounts; their reports were unqualified and did not contain
statements under section 237(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 1985.
2 The basic earnings per share calculations are based upon the average
number of ordinary shares in issue in the year of 18,533,650 (2002:
10,376,870). The diluted earnings include the effects of all
potentially dilutive ordinary shares, which increase the average
number of shares to 18,789,254 (2002:10,617,609). The earnings are
as set out in the table below. Additional earnings measures have
been included this year to highlight the impact of the disposal of
discontinued activities in 2002 on the earnings per share growth in
the year.
Earnings Earnings per
share
2003 2002 2003 2002
#'000 #'000 p p
Basic earnings 3,126 2,253
Basic 16.9 21.7
Diluted 16.6 21.2
------- -------
Add back goodwill amortisation 1,347 305
------- -------
4,473 2,558
Basic before goodwill amortisation 24.1 24.7
Diluted before goodwill amortisation 23.8 24.1
Deduct profit on disposal of discontinued - (250)
activities ------- -------
4,473 2,308
======= =======
Basic before goodwill and profit on discontinued 24.1 22.2
activities
Diluted before goodwill and profit on discontinued 23.8 21.7
activities
3 Analysis of debt At 31 At 31
August August
2003 2002
#'000 #'000
Obligations under finance leases and hire purchase
contracts
In one year or less, or on demand 245 182
Between one and five years 395 304
--------- ----------
640 486
--------- ----------
Bank loans
In one year or less, or on demand 1,483 1,483
Between one and five years 7,913 6,896
--------- ----------
9,396 8,379
--------- ----------
Loan notes
In one year or less, or on demand 6,922 13,986
Between one and five years 135 150
--------- ----------
7,057 14,136
========= ==========
4 The proposed final dividend of 5.1 pence (2002: 5.0 pence) per share
will be paid on 5 February 2004 to holders on the register on 9
January 2004. This dividend, when added to the interim dividend
already paid of 2.6 pence per share, totals 7.7 pence (2002: 7.5
pence) for the year.
5 The board approved this financial information on 25 November 2003.
These results were announced to the London Stock Exchange on 26
November 2003. Copies will be available from the Company's
registered office at Connaught House, Rydon Lane, Pynes Hill, Exeter
EX2 5TZ.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
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