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DEBT Debtmatters

7.26
0.00 (0.00%)
24 May 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Debtmatters LSE:DEBT London Ordinary Share GB00B09HB648 ORD 10P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 7.26 0.00 01:00:00
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
0 0 N/A 0

Interim Results

21/12/2007 7:01am

UK Regulatory


RNS Number:4513K
Debtmatters Group PLC
21 December 2007

DEBT.L


                             DEBTMATTERS GROUP PLC
                                 ("the Group")


          Interim results for The Six Months Ended 30th September 2007


Highlights

   * Loan broking division performing well and comfortably in line with Board
     expectations

   * Disappointing performance from IVA division as a result of sector
     weakness

   * Revenues up to £14.3 million (H1 2006: £13.8 million as restated for
     IFRS)

   * EBITDA down to £770k (H1 2006: £4.6 million as restated)

   * Segmental analysis of EBITDA shows Loanmakers Limited achieved £1.63m
     whilst Debtmatters Limited incurred an EBITDA loss of £861k

   * 165 approved IVA cases per month on average for the period

   * Strategic review progressing, announcement expected early in New Year


Ges Ratcliffe, Chief Executive of Debtmatters, commented,

"2007 has been a disappointing year for the Group. Well publicised difficulties
in the IVA sector have resulted in a significant reduction in approved IVA case
volumes. Having reached a peak of over 600 a month just one year ago, current
monthly IVA run rates are in the region of 100. Debtmatters had built an
infrastructure over the previous two years to process these case numbers but the
business model relied on direct marketing. Since the start of 2007 our case
acquisition costs trebled in a matter of months and this, combined with a
reduction in nominees' fees from September 2007 of around 50%, forced the Group
to undertake a strategic review of activities. This review is ongoing and a
further announcement is anticipated early in the New Year."


Enquiries:

Ges Ratcliffe                  CEO, Debtmatters Group plc        01204 845 700
Richard Thompson / Freddy
Crossley                       Charles Stanley Securities        020 7149 6000
                               Nominated Adviser
Shane Dolan / Dan Bradley      Biddicks                          020 7448 1000



Debtmatters Group plc
Interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2007

Chairman's Statement


As a Group we have experienced a turbulent period of trading in our core area of
activity, IVAs.  As a result, the financial performance of our IVA division, 
Debtmatters Limited, has been disappointing.  By contrast, we have seen our 
loan broking division, Loanmakers Limited ("Loanmakers"), strengthen its market 
position and increase its market share, performing comfortably in line with 
expectations.

Despite the difficulties of the IVA sector, the Group continues to be 
profitable, primarily as a result of a successful period of trading by 
Loanmakers.  Loanmakers is recognised amongst its peers as a high quality 
operator, reinforcing the decision to acquire this business 18 months ago.

As previously reported, the Board of directors has, on shareholders' behalf, 
embarked upon a strategic review during which we have been considering all 
available strategies for the Group.  This process is now nearing an end and we 
have dealt with a number of interested parties who have expressed an interest in
various aspects of the Group.  We look forward to updating shareholders on 
strategy and the results of discussions with interested parties early in the New
Year.


Noel Guilford BA FCA MSI
Non Executive Chairman



Debtmatters Group plc
Interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2006

Chief Executive's Statement


Financial Summary

Turnover for the group for the six month period to September increased by 3.8
per cent to £14.31 million (2006: £13.79 million) over the prior year. Turnover
from Loanmakers was £9.23 million (2006: £4.31 million for the 3 1/2 month 
period to 30 September 2006). Turnover from Debtmatters Limited fell by 46 per 
cent to £5.08 million (2006: £9.48 million).

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) were 
£0.77 million (2006: £4.57 million). Loanmakers' EBITDA contribution was £1.63m 
(2006: £0.70 million for a period of 3 1/2 months).  Debtmatters Limited 
incurred a loss of £0.86 million (2006: £3.87 million profit).

Operating profit margins as a percentage of revenue decreased to 4.6 per cent
(2006: 32.4 per cent) and profit before taxation decreased by 92 per cent to
£0.35 million (2006: £4.32 million).  However, as an indicator of the improved 
performance of Loanmakers, EBITDA as a percentage of revenue increased to 17.6 
per cent (2006: 16.1 per cent).

Basic earnings per share were 0.93 pence (2006: 12.17 pence) representing a
decrease of 87 per cent, and fully diluted earnings per share fell by 92 per
cent to 0.88 pence (2006: 10.73 pence).

We continue to operate in two contrasting markets. Economic uncertainty and
negative sentiment continue to depress the debt resolution market, in particular
the IVA sector. Our loan broking subsidiary however, whilst operating against
the backdrop of the recent "credit crunch," moves from strength to strength.

The IVA industry has been beset by problems since the end of 2006. Increased
costs of case acquisition and lower fees have combined to create a challenging
environment in which to operate. At this stage, the level of fees chargeable on
a typical IVA case seems to have stabilised at its new lower level, making it
very difficult to source work in high volumes and at acceptable profit margins.

By contrast, Loanmakers has continued to grow in line with expectations.
Although there has been a great deal of negative comment surrounding the "credit
crunch," Loanmakers has thus far been relatively unaffected. Its customers
typically have credit ratings nearer to "prime" than many other secured loan
brokers and we have therefore been less affected by the tightening of credit
criteria and availability of funds than our competitors. Consequently,
Loanmakers' results for the period have been excellent and in line with our
expectations.

Outlook

The Board continues its strategic review of Group activities. Once the review is
concluded, we will communicate the outcome to shareholders (anticipated early in
the New Year). I look forward to updating shareholders in due course.


Ges Ratcliffe
Chief Executive



Debtmatters Group plc
Interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2007

Consolidated Income Statement


                   Notes        Unaudited           Unaudited
                           6 months ended      6 months ended
                             30 September        30 September      Year ended 31
                                     2007                2006         March 2007
                                                   (Restated)         (Restated)

                                      £                   £                  £

REVENUE            2,3       14,306,874          13,789,954         29,832,760

Cost of sales                (9,112,965)         (6,949,365)       (15,461,367)
                               --------            --------           --------

Gross Profit                  5,193,909           6,840,589         14,371,393

Administrative
expenses                     (4,423,720)         (2,269,321)        (5,850,009)
                               --------            --------           --------
EBITDA               3          770,189           4,571,268          8,521,384

Amortisation and
depreciation                   (115,609)           (104,732)          (256,829)
Non trading items                     -                   -             (6,036)
                               --------            --------           --------

PROFIT FROM
OPERATIONS           3          654,580           4,466,536          8,258,519

Finance costs                  (308,535)           (146,179)          (446,104)
                               --------            --------           --------

PROFIT BEFORE
TAXATION                        346,045           4,320,357          7,812,415

Taxation             4         (103,814)         (1,323,507)        (2,561,632)
                               --------            --------           --------

PROFIT AFTER
TAXATION                        242,231           2,996,850          5,250,783
                               --------            --------           --------


Earnings per share

Basic - pence        5           0.93p              12.17p             21.33p
Diluted - pence      5           0.88p              10.73p             18.62p



Debtmatters Group plc
Interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2007

Consolidated Balance Sheet


                             Notes     Unaudited      Unaudited
                                    30 September   30 September      31 March
                                            2007           2006          2007
                                                     (Restated)    (Restated)

                                               £             £             £

Non-current assets
Intangible assets                     13,449,490    11,809,934    17,094,607
Property, plant and
equipment                                399,825       396,932       394,418
Deferred tax assets                       90,510             -        90,510
                                      ----------     ---------     ---------
                                      13,939,825    12,206,866    17,579,535
Current assets
Work in progress                         737,508       321,278       842,066
Trade and other receivables           13,800,165    11,233,661    14,146,199
Cash and cash equivalents                712,104        68,669       665,771
                                      ----------     ---------     ---------
                                      15,249,777    11,623,608    15,654,036

                                      ----------     ---------     ---------
Total assets                          29,182,602    23,830,474    33,233,571
                                      ----------     ---------     ---------

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables               2,281,643     1,332,084     4,063,296
Financial liabilities                  1,266,270     3,439,036     2,920,255
Current tax liabilities                3,086,499     2,706,604     3,407,876
                                      ----------     ---------     ---------
                                       6,634,412     7,477,724    10,391,427
Non-current liabilities
Trade and other payables                 552,728     2,767,071     1,888,800
Financial liabilities                  5,912,500     6,093,748     6,537,500
Deferred tax liabilities                       -        50,642             -
                                      ----------     ---------     ---------

Total liabilities                     13,099,640    16,389,185    18,817,727
                                      ----------     ---------     ---------

Equity
Share capital                  6       3,107,150     2,461,539     2,461,539
Contingent share
consideration                  6         368,486             -     4,662,226
Share premium account                  6,959,904     1,956,614     1,956,614
Merger reserve                        (1,999,996)   (1,999,996)   (1,999,996)
Share based compensation
reserve                                  415,244       280,122       338,518
Retained earnings                      7,239,174     4,743,010     6,996,943
                                      ----------     ---------     ---------

Total equity                          16,089,962     7,441,289    14,415,844
                                      ----------     ---------     ---------

Total liabilities and equity          29,189,602    23,830,474    33,233,571
                                      ----------     ---------     ---------



Debtmatters Group plc
Interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2007

Statement of Changes in Equity


                                        Share                  Share Based
                           Share      Premium         Merger  Compensation     Retained
                         Capital      account        Reserve       Reserve     Earnings        Total
                                                                             (Restated)   (Restated)
                               £            £              £             £            £            £

Equity as at 1
April 2006             2,461,539    1,956,614     (1,999,996)      225,132    1,746,160    4,389,449

Share based payments           -            -              -        54,990            -       54,990

Profit for the period          -            -              -             -    2,996,850    2,996,850

                      -----------  -----------    -----------   -----------  -----------  -----------  
Equity as at 30
September 2006         2,461,539    1,956,614     (1,999,996)      280,122    4,743,010    7,441,289
                      -----------  -----------    -----------   -----------  -----------  -----------


                                        Share                  Share Based
                           Share      Premium         Merger  Compensation     Retained
                         Capital      account        Reserve       Reserve     Earnings        Total
                                                                             (Restated)   (Restated)
                               £            £              £             £            £            £

Equity as at 1
April 2007             7,123,765    1,956,614     (1,999,996)      338,518    6,996,943   14,415,844
Shares issued under
contingent equity
consideration            382,839    2,427,203              -             -            -    2,810,042
Adjustment to
contingent equity
consideration         (4,293,740)           -              -             -            -   (4,293,740)
Shares issued
on AIM placing           262,772    2,706,552              -             -            -    2,969,324
Share issue costs              -     (130,465)             -             -            -     (130,465)
Share based payments           -            -              -        76,726            -       76,726
Profit for the period          -            -              -             -      242,231      242,231
                      -----------  -----------    -----------   -----------  -----------  -----------
Equity as at 30 
September 2007         3,475,636    6,959,904     (1,999,996)      415,244    7,239,174   16,089,962
                      -----------  -----------    -----------   -----------  -----------  -----------



Debtmatters Group plc
Interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2007

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement


Cash flows from operating                  Unaudited     Unaudited  
activities                                  6 months      6 months                    
                                            ended 30      ended 30    Year ended       
                                           September     September      31 March
                                                2007          2006          2007
                                                        (Restated)    (Restated)
                                                   £             £             £

Profit from operations                       654,580     4,466,536     8,258,519

Share based compensation                      76,726        54,990       113,386

Depreciation                                  70,417        81,484       195,670

Amortisation of IPS licences                  45,192        23,248        61,159

Loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets          -             -         6,036

Decrease / (Increase) in work in progress    104,558      (192,188)     (712,976)

Decrease / (Increase) in debtors             346,034    (5,208,812)   (7,724,880)

(Decrease) / Increase in creditors          (938,064)      596,999     1,612,277
                                             --------      --------      --------

Cash inflow / (outflow) from operations       359,443     (177,743)    1,809,191

Interest paid                                (308,535)    (151,029)     (446,104)

Income taxes paid                            (425,191)    (348,587)   (1,169,977)
                                              --------     --------      --------

Net cash (outflow) / inflow from
operating activities                         (374,283)    (677,359)      193,110
                                              --------     --------      --------

Cash flows from investing activities

Payments to acquire property, plant and
equipment                                     (72,290)     (46,219)     (191,359)

Payments to acquire intangible assets         (66,968)     (68,984)     (119,850)

Receipts from sale of property, plant 
and equipment                                       -            -         2,520

Acquisition of subsidiary undertaking               -  (10,235,633)  (10,235,633)

Net cash acquired with subsidiary undertaking       -    1,524,251     1,524,251
                                              --------     --------      --------

Net cash used in investing activities        (139,258   (8,826,585)   (9,020,071)
                                              --------     --------      --------

Cash flows from financing activities

Proceeds on issue of ordinary shares        2,969,324            -             -

Share issue costs                            (130,465)           -             -

Net movement in short term borrowings               -    1,406,250     1,250,000

Net movement in long term borrowings         (625,000)   6,093,750     6,537,500

Capital element of finance lease agreements   (14,770)      (6,237)      (12,178)

Interest received                                   -        4,850            -
                                              --------     --------      --------

Net cash inflow from financing              2,199,089    7,498,613     7,775,322
                                              --------     --------      --------
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and
cash equivalents                            1,685,548   (2,005,331)   (1,051,639)

Cash & cash equivalents at the beginning 
of the financial period                      (973,444)      78,195        78,195
                                              --------     --------      --------
Cash & cash equivalents at the end of
the financial period                          712,104   (1,927,136)     (973,444)
                                              --------     --------      --------



Debtmatters Group plc
Interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2007

Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net debt


                                         Unaudited       Unaudited
                                          6 months        6 months 
                                             ended           ended    Year ended 
                                      30 September    30 September      31 March 
                                              2007            2006          2007
                                                 £               £             £

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and
cash equivalents                         1,685,548      (2,005,331)   (1,051,639)

Cash outflow/(inflow) from debt
financing                                  625,000      (7,500,000)   (7,787,500)
                                           --------        --------      --------

Movement in net debt in the period       2,310,548      (9,505,331)   (8,839,139)

Net (debt)/cash at beginning of the 
period                                  (8,760,944)         78,195        78,195
                                           --------        --------      --------

Net debt at the end of the period       (6,450,396)    (9,427,136)    (8,760,944)
                                           --------        --------      --------



Debtmatters Group plc
Interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2007

Notes to the Interim Financial Statements


1. Basis of preparation

These financial statements are the unaudited interim consolidated financial
statements for the six month period ended 30 September 2007. They have been
prepared in accordance with IAS 34 "Interim Financial Reporting" and should be
read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year
ended 31 March 2007.

The Interim Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance
with the accounting policies set out in the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 March 2007, except for the accounting policy change as
detailed in note 7.



2. Revenue

Revenue in the Consolidated Income Statement represents amounts billed or to be
billed in respect of services performed on behalf of clients. The amounts taken
to turnover are calculated as follows:

Nominee fees:     on approval of a proposal in a formal creditor meeting the 
                  full amount of the nominee fee is taken less a provision for 
                  cases on which the full fee may not be recoverable.

Supervisory fees: on a monthly basis as earned following the creditors' meeting.

Loan commissions: on approval of loan applications.



3. Segmental information

The business segment results for the 6 months ended 30 September 2007, together
with comparative figures are as follows:

                             Unaudited            Unaudited
                        6 months ended       6 months ended         Year ended
                          30 September         30 September           31 March
                                  2007                 2006               2007
                                                 (Restated)         (Restated)
                                     £                    £                  £

Segment Revenue
Insolvency                   5,080,466            9,476,616         18,062,550
Secured loans                9,226,408            4,313,338         11,770,210
                            -----------          -----------         ----------
                            14,306,874           13,789,954         29,832,760
                            -----------          -----------         ----------
EBITDA
Insolvency services           (860,904)           3,874,265          6,319,098
Secured loans                1,631,093              697,003          2,202,286
                            -----------          -----------         ----------
                               770,189            4,571,268          8,521,384
                            -----------          -----------         ----------



4. Taxation

Taxation is provided for at an estimated effective rate of 30%.



5. Earnings per share

Earnings and the number of shares used in the calculations of earnings per share
are set out below:

                                   Unaudited 6     Unaudited 6
                               months ended 30   months ended 30   Year ended 31
                                September 2007    September 2006      March 2007
                                                      (Restated)      (Restated)
                                             £                 £               £

Profit for the period                  242,231         2,996,850       5,250,783

Weighted average number of
shares in issue:                           No.               No.             No.

For basic earnings per share        26,015,157        24,615,385      24,615,385
Executive share options              1,295,764         3,311,318       1,281,980
Contingent share consideration         231,752                 -       2,297,574
                                      --------           -------         -------
For diluted earnings per share      27,542,673        27,926,703      28,194,939
                                      --------           -------         -------
Earnings per share:

Basic                                   0.93p             12.17p          21.33p
Diluted                                 0.88p             10.73p          18.62p


The diluted earnings per share for the period includes 1,295,764 shares arising
from the dilutive effect of share options and 231,752 shares arising from the
dilutive effect of contingent share consideration.



6. Called up share capital

                                                          No.                  £
Authorised
Ordinary shares of 10p each                        35,200,000          3,520,000
                                                    ---------          ---------


                                         Unaudited      Unaudited
                                      30 September   30 September       31 March
                                              2007           2006           2007

                                               No.            No.            No.
Allotted, called up and fully paid

Ordinary shares of 10p each             31,071,499     24,615,385     24,615,385
Contingent share consideration             231,752              -      2,932,218
                                          --------        -------        -------
                                        31,303,251     24,615,385     27,547,603
                                          --------        -------        -------

                                                 £              £              £
Allotted, called up and fully paid
24,615,385 Ordinary shares of 10p each   2,461,539      2,461,539      2,461,539
6,456,114 Ordinary shares of 10p each 
issued during the period                   645,611              -              -
                                          --------        -------        -------

                                         3,107,150      2,461,539      2,461,539

Contingent share consideration             368,486              -      4,662,226
                                          --------        -------        -------
                                         3,475,636      2,461,539      7,123,765
                                          --------        -------        -------


Ordinary Shares

On 15 June 2006 Debtmatters Group Plc acquired the entire share capital of
Loanmakers (Holdings) Limited. The total consideration (including contingent
consideration) amounted to £14,981,233. The contingent consideration takes the
form of equity and cash. The contingent consideration is provisional based on
the performance of Loanmakers Limited.

On 19th September 2007, 3,828,394 ordinary shares of 10p each were issued at
£0.73 per ordinary share as a part of the contingent consideration discussed
above. The equity element of the contingent consideration outstanding amounts to
231,752 ordinary shares at £1.59 per share.

On 13th July 2007, 2,627,720 ordinary shares of 10p each were issued at a price
of £1.13 per ordinary share.



7. Prior period adjustment

Change in accounting policy

The company has consistently applied all the relevant accounting standards
except for the change in accounting policy detailed below.

Advertising costs are now recognised when incurred and are not deferred to match
them against the income to which they relate. In the Directors' opinion, this
change in accounting treatment of advertising costs more accurately represents
the performance of the business in the period.

This change in accounting policy is also in line with IFRIC proposed changes as
part of the IFRS annual improvements process. The IFRIC indicate that the
correct treatment of advertising and promotional costs should be to recognise
them as an expense when the advertising is distributed to customers.

An analysis of the impact of the change in accounting policy is as follows:

Profit and loss account
                                         Unaudited      Unaudited
                                          6 months       6 months           Year 
                                          ended 30       ended 30       ended 31
                                         September      September          March 
                                              2007           2006           2007
                                                 £              £              £

(Loss) / profit before change in
accounting policy                         (419,021)     3,253,680      6,078,401
Impact of change in accounting
policy                                     661,252       (256,830)      (827,618)
                                           --------        -------        -------
Restated profit after change in
accounting policy                          242,231      2,996,850      5,250,783
                                           --------        -------        -------

There is a corresponding credit to prepayments. The prior year adjustment and
corresponding adjustment to prepayments as at 1st April 2006 amounted to
£356,957.








                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END
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