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HAT H&t Group Plc

424.00
-6.00 (-1.40%)
10 May 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
H&t Group Plc LSE:HAT London Ordinary Share GB00B12RQD06 ORD 5P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  -6.00 -1.40% 424.00 420.00 430.00 428.00 421.00 428.00 19,200 16:35:15
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Finance Services 220.78M 21.08M 0.4793 8.78 185.19M

H&T Group PLC Unaudited Interim Results (9262H)

09/08/2021 7:00am

UK Regulatory


H&t (LSE:HAT)
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TIDMHAT

RNS Number : 9262H

H&T Group PLC

09 August 2021

9 August 2021

H&T Group plc

("H&T" or "the Group" or "the Company")

UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE SIX MONTHSED 30 JUNE 2021

H&T Group plc today announces its interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2021.

HIGHLIGHTS

-- Profit before tax GBP4.7m (H1 2020: GBP5.0m), a robust performance against a background of Covid-19 related trading restrictions from January to April and reduced high street footfall throughout the period

-- Daily average pledge lending back to c.90% of pre-pandemic levels, recovering strongly with continuing month on month momentum

   --    Pledge book up 3.9% to GBP50.2m as at June (Dec 2020: GBP48.3m) 

-- Retail sales up 26.5% to GBP12.4m (June 2020: GBP9.8m) at improved margins. Retail gross profit up 139.3% to GBP6.7m (H1 2020 GBP2.8m)

   --    Cash balances GBP32.5m (June 2020 GBP12.9m net) 
   --    Net Assets up GBP9.0m to GBP135.9m (H1 2020: GBP126.9m) 
   --    Interim dividend increased to 4.0p (H1 2020: 2.5p) 

Chris Gillespie, H&T chief executive, said:

"H&T has traded strongly since April's progressive relaxation of the pandemic restrictions. Pledge lending is steadily returning to normal levels and demand for our value for money, high quality jewellery and watches has been particularly strong.

"Right across the business, our colleagues have done an amazing job throughout the pandemic, ensuring we meet customers' needs whether in stores, over the telephone or increasingly, online. Both our websites are now refreshed, and we continue to invest in improving our IT systems to better support colleagues, and in expanding our reach and appeal across all appropriate channels for our customers.

"The positive trading momentum seen in the second quarter has continued in the third quarter with further growth in the pledge book to GBP52.2m as at 31 July 2021. We enter the second half of the financial year with growing confidence."

 
 Financial highlights (GBPm 
  unless stated) 
 6 months ended 30 June                   2021        2020      Change %    FY2020 
=====================================  ==========  ==========  =========  ========== 
 
 EBITDA (Note 3)                         GBP9.6m     GBP9.6m      0.0%     GBP26.2m 
 Operating profit                        GBP5.2m     GBP5.5m     (5.5%)    GBP16.9m 
 Profit before tax                       GBP4.7m     GBP5.0m      (6%)     GBP15.6m 
 Diluted EPS (p)                          9.3p        10.2p      (8.8%)      32.1p 
 Dividend per share                       4.0p        2.5p       60.0%       8.5p 
 
 Key performance indicators 
 Net Pledge Book (including             GBP50.2m    GBP56.3m    (10.8%)    GBP48.3m 
  accrued interest) 
 Pawnbroking revenue less impairment    GBP18.5m    GBP16.9m     10.1%     GBP34.2m 
  (Note 2) 
 Retail sales                           GBP12.4m     GBP9.8m     26.5%     GBP29.8m 
 Retail gross profits                    GBP6.7m     GBP2.8m     139.3%    GBP11.3m 
 Personal loan book                      GBP3.4m    GBP10.0m     (66%)      GBP5.9m 
 Net assets                             GBP135.9m   GBP126.9m     7.1%     GBP134.5m 
 Number of stores                          254         251                    253 
-------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------- 
 

Enquiries:

H&T Group plc

Tel: 0870 9022 600

Chris Gillespie, chief executive

c.gillespie@handt.co.uk

Numis Securities (broker and nominated adviser)

Tel: 020 7260 1000

Luke Bordewich, nominated adviser

Haggie Partners (financial public relations)

 
 Office:           Tel:    020 7562 4444 (messaging service) 
 Damian Beeley:    Mob:    07950 481795 
 Ben Abbotts:      Mob:    07973 353241 
 

INTERIM REPORT

Introduction

During the lock-down period from January to April 2021, we were able to keep all but two of our stores open, offering pawnbroking and other financial services to continue to support our customers during these challenging times. We were unable to provide our retail sales offering through stores because of the restrictions applying to non-essential retail businesses. Jewellery and watch sales were offered via online channels, supported by a click and collect option from stores.

Between January and April our stores operated reduced trading hours, reflecting low levels of footfall and reduced demand for borrowing, and we made use of flexible furlough arrangements put in place by the Government. Furlough support received amounted to GBP1.3m and has been shown in the accounts as "Other Income" (see note 2). We topped up the earnings of affected employees in full, and all had returned to normal working by May.

Since the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions across the UK during April the trading performance of the business has recovered strongly. Daily average pledge lending is already back to around 90% of pre-pandemic levels with some stores starting to show higher levels of lending than before Covid-19, reflecting a gradual but steady return of demand for borrowing. Retail sales have been particularly strong at improved margins, outperforming consistently across all categories since April, with watch sales in particular showing high demand.

We are very much on track with our priorities for the remainder of 2021 to rebuild pledge lending to pre-pandemic levels while continuing to invest in our online and stores based retail offering.

Financial Results

The Group has reported profit before tax of GBP4.7m, down 6% on the prior year (H1 2020: GBP5.0m), reflecting the impact of the trading restrictions under which the business operated from January to April and significantly reduced footfall. This was followed by a strong recovery in trading performance during May and June, and which continued into July.

H&T operated reduced opening hours in the period January to April and implemented flexible furlough arrangements. The Group received GBP1.3m Government support in relation to these arrangements.

Total direct and administrative expenses reduced 5.6% to GBP30.1m (H1 2020 GBP31.9m), reflecting careful management of expenditure, and reduced transactional costs during the trading restrictions of January to April.

The Group's balance sheet is strong with net assets of GBP135.9m, no debt and cash balances amounting to GBP32.5m, along with an undrawn revolving credit facility of GBP35m. This places the Group in an excellent position to take advantage of growth opportunities as Covid-19 restrictions are relaxed and Government support to individuals and businesses in the form of furlough and other support schemes begins to be progressively withdrawn. This is expected to contribute to the return of demand for credit to normalised levels.

Dividend

The Board has approved an increased interim dividend of 4.0pence (2019 interim: 2.5pence) per share, reflecting the positive trading momentum of the business. The Board intends to return dividend distributions to historic levels as soon as trading returns consistently to pre-pandemic levels. See Note 9 to the accounts.

Review of Operations

Pawnbroking

Pawnbroking is the core business of H&T and recovering pledge lending to at least pre-pandemic levels is a key priority for the remainder of 2021 and beyond.

Pledge balances at June 2021 stood at GBP50.2m. The book had been broadly flat at around GBP48m since August 2020, and the June 2021 balance of GBP50.2m represents growth of 3.9% since December 2020, all of which occurred in the months of May and June. Daily average pledge lending has shown week on week and month on month improvements since mid-April and as at the end of June had recovered to c.90% of pre-pandemic levels.

The recovery of lending demand has not been uniform across the customer spectrum, with many self-employed and business owning customers continuing to benefit from Covid-19 related Government support. By way of illustration, the daily average volume of pledge lending in the 70 stores acquired by the Group in 2019 and which have proportionately fewer such customers, has now fully recovered and is slightly above pre-pandemic levels.

Average pledge loan value across the business remains at c. GBP320. Annualised risk adjusted margin (RAM) for the period was 73.9% (H1 2020: 57.1.%), reflecting a revised book composition. RAM is expected to moderate as borrowing demand returns across the full customer spectrum and book composition reverts to pre-pandemic norms. RAM in 2020 was impacted by the temporary closure of all stores from March to May 2020 and the suspension of the charging of interest to customers during that period.

Alongside renewed growth in the pledgebook, annualised redemption rates are ahead of normal levels. This reflects a higher propensity of customers to repay their existing loans from cash resources built up over the pandemic period, and reduced borrowing demand.

Pawnbroking is our core business. We continue to invest in our online capabilities to better support our pawnbroking operations and we are investigating ways to broaden our appeal and geographic reach. One new store was opened in the period with one more opening and one relocation in July, two more new stores are due to open in August, and we have a number of store openings and relocations in the pipeline. We also intend to test further ways in which pawnbroking customers can interact with us without necessarily having to visit a store.

Pawnbroking Summary

 
 6 Months ended 30 June                           2021      2020    FY2020 
============================================  ========  ========  ======== 
                                                  GBPm      GBPm      GBPm 
 Period end net pledge book - Note 
  1                                               50.2      56.3      48.3 
 Average net pledge book                          48.6      68.9      58.9 
 Revenue less impairment                          18.5      16.8      34.2 
 Risk adjusted margin - Note 2                   73.9%     57.1%     58.1% 
--------------------------------------------  --------  --------  -------- 
 Notes: 
 1. Includes accrued interest and impairment. 
 2. Net Revenue expressed on an annualised basis as a percentage of 
  average net pledge book. 
 

Pawnbroking Scrap

The average gold price during the period was broadly flat at GBP1,301 per Troy ounce (H1 2020: GBP1,306). As at 30 June 2021, the price was GBP1,274 (30(th) June 2020: GBP1,440).

The gold price directly affects margins earned on sales of scrapped gold. Further, the reduction in the size of the pledge book coupled with higher redemption rates has reduced the volume of gold which, having failed to sell at auction, was subsequently sent for scrap processing.

No auctions were undertaken from December to April due to pandemic restrictions. Customers whose pledge had become aged during lockdown, were given further time to redeem their items or make alternative arrangements such as a payment plan. No further interest was charged for this period of additional forbearance. Auctions were undertaken during May and June and the backlog was cleared by period end.

During the period, the gross value of scrap sales reduced 22.4% to GBP5.2m (H1 2020: GBP6.7m) and a combination of product mix, timing of auctions and gold price fluctuations reduced gross profits from the exceptionally high levels seen in H1 2020, to GBP1.0m (H1 2020: GBP2.0m).

Retail

The Group was unable to offer retail jewellery for sale in its stores during the period January to April because of Covid-19 trading restrictions. During this period, we continued to sell via our online websites and a click and collect service from our stores. Retail sales during Q1 - generated overwhelmingly online - were at approximately 25% of normalised pre-pandemic levels.

Since the relaxation of restrictions progressively during April, retail sales have significantly outperformed in terms of volume, value and margins. Online originated sales in May and June have grown in line with overall sales levels, and currently represent approximately 16% of total sales by value (H1 2020: 16%).

Retail sales for the period overall were up 26.5% to GBP12.4m (H1 2020: GBP9.8m), generating gross profits of GBP6.7m (H1 2020: GBP2.8m). Strong demand in particular for high quality watches enabled us to release provisions held in accordance with our normal accounting policy, against previously slow-moving stock items. Headline gross margin of 54% (H1 2020: 28%) reflects this dynamic. Underlying gross margin excluding provision movements was 46% (H1 2020: 41%), reflecting both business mix and strong demand for high quality pre-owned watches and jewellery.

Sales of new items in the period were broadly flat at GBP1.6m, representing 13% of overall retail sales (H1 2020: 17%). Lack of growth in this category primarily reflects supply related issues caused by Covid-19 disruption within supply chains and significantly lengthened delivery lead times from overseas suppliers. This has been addressed through changes to our ordering processes.

Stock holding of retail jewellery and watches at period end was GBP28.1m (H1 2020: GBP27.3m).

Gold Purchasing

Gold purchasing profits reduced 53.6% to GBP1.3m (H1 2020: GBP2.8m) on sales of GBP8.0m (H1 2020: GBP9.6m), a reduction of 16.7% and primarily reflecting reduced transaction volumes from January to April 2021. At 16%, the margin on purchased gold has moderated back closer to historic norms after the positive impact in 2020 of a higher gold price (H1 2020: 29%, H1 2019: 17%).

Personal Loans

The net personal loans book reduced significantly to GBP3.4m (H1 2020: GBP10.0m) in line with our plans. Other than a small sample of loans written as part of the s.166 review, no High Cost Short Term ("HCST") loans were written in the period. Non-HSCT lending continues at modest levels, with GBP1.0m lent during the period (H1 2020: GBP3.3m).

The increase in annualised risk adjusted margin to 106.9% (H1 2020: 61.8%) reflects the ongoing collect out of the book and reversal of impairment charges under IFRS9 accounting, together with further tightening of credit risk and affordability assessments.

Personal Loan Summary

 
                                               2021         2020       FY2020 
 6 Months ended - 30 June                      GBPm         GBPm         GBPm 
========================================  =========  ===========  =========== 
 Period end net loan book                    GBP3.4      GBP10.0       GBP5.9 
 Average net loan book                       GBP4.3      GBP13.1      GBP10.2 
 Revenue                                     GBP1.7       GBP6.4       GBP9.8 
 Impairment                                  GBP0.7     (GBP2.1)     (GBP1.7) 
 Revenue add/less impairment                 GBP2.4       GBP4.3       GBP8.1 
 Risk Adjusted Margin - Note 1               106.9%        61.8%        79.4% 
----------------------------------------  ---------  -----------  ----------- 
 Note 1 - Net Revenue expressed on an annualised basis as a percentage 
  of average net loan book 
 

Other Services and Other Revenue

Other Services comprises trading activities in respect of foreign currency exchange (FX), money transfer, and cheque cashing. A buy-back product was previously offered, but was withdrawn in Q1 2020.

Overall, net revenue from Other Services was broadly flat at GBP2.3m (H1 2020 GBP2.4m).

FX profit reduced to GBP1.0m (H1 2020: GBP1.3m). Transaction volumes were down 56% and aggregate transaction value reduced by 45%. Transaction volumes in the period were at c23% of pre-pandemic levels with signs of a modest recovery during May and June. We expect this recovery to continue as foreign travel begins to re-open over the summer.

Money transfer revenues grew to GBP0.8m (H1 2020: GBP0.3m) on transaction volumes up 66% to 226k (H1 2020: 136k), considerably above pre-pandemic levels. Money transfer, although not significantly profitable in its own right, is a key driver of footfall into our stores.

Cheque cashing revenue was broadly flat at GBP0.4m on reduced volumes, reflecting a systemic decline in cheque usage which has accelerated during the pandemic.

Other Income primarily represents funds received from the Government support in the form of the furlough job retention scheme, amounting to GBP1.3m in the period (H1 2020: GBP3.5m).

Regulation - FCA s.166 Review

As previously advised, the Group has been working with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to undertake via a skilled person, a review of the credit worthiness, affordability assessments and lending process within its High Cost Short Term loan (HCST) business since 2014.

A methodology for conducting the required past book review has been developed in close collaboration with the skilled person. This methodology is under review by the FCA, following which a process of testing will be undertaken by the skilled person before the methodology and implementation approach can be finalised.

Further updates will be provided in due course although it is not currently possible to put a timescale on completion of the review by the FCA, nor completion of the subsequent testing work by the skilled person.

Strategy and Outlook

The Group's core business is pawnbroking, supported by a strong new and pre-owned jewellery and watches franchise - both online and through our store network - and a range of financial services tailored to the needs of the communities we serve.

Our Pawnbroking Customers are usually seeking to borrow a relatively modest sum - typically less than GBP500 - over a short term. The withdrawal of a number of non-standard lenders from the lending market creates a growth opportunity for pawnbroking, and an opportunity for H&T in particular as the clear market leader. We are investing in broadening our reach and modernising our appeal to new and returning customers across all appropriate channels by further extending our store network, improving our fulfilment and product delivery infrastructure, and upgrading our digital and social media capabilities.

The business has positive trading momentum and a strong, debt free balance sheet. The momentum seen in May and June has continued into the third quarter, with further growth in the pledge book to GBP52.2m as at 31 July. Retail sales continue to outperform and we have seen a recent increase in FX volumes as overseas travel begins to recover.

Notwithstanding the ongoing uncertainties presented by the Covid - 19 pandemic, the Board believes there are highly attractive growth opportunities for the Group, including the potential for further market consolidation, and we view the future with optimism and excitement.

Interim Condensed Financial Statements

Unaudited statement of comprehensive income

For the 6 months ended 30 June 2021

 
                                                               6 months              6 months                12 months 
                                                     ended 30 June 2021    ended 30 June 2020   ended 31 December 2020 
                                              Note                Total                 Total                    Total 
                                                              Unaudited             Unaudited 
                                                                GBP'000               GBP'000                  GBP'000 
 
           Revenue                               2               51,929                55,830                  129,115 
           Cost of sales                                       (16,619)              (18,478)                 (46,316) 
                                                               ________              ________                 ________ 
 
             Gross profit                        2               35,310                37,352                   82,799 
 
           Other direct expenses                               (21,190)              (21,567)                 (50,188) 
           Administrative expenses                              (8,917)              (10,324)                 (15,727) 
                                                               ________              ________                 ________ 
 
             Operating profit                    3                5,203                 5,461                   16,884 
 
           Investment revenue                                         -                     -                        5 
           Finance costs                         5                (549)                 (446)                  (1,257) 
                                                               ________              ________                 ________ 
 
             Profit before taxation                               4,654                 5,015                   15,632 
 
           Tax on profit                         6              (1,015)               (1,132)                  (3,070) 
                                                               ________              ________                 ________ 
 
             Total comprehensive income for 
             the period                                           3,639                 3,883                   12,562 
                                                               ________              ________                 ________ 
 
                                                                  Pence                 Pence                    Pence 
 
           Earnings per ordinary share - 
            basic                                7                 9.29                 10.21                    32.11 
           Earnings per ordinary share - 
            diluted                              7                 9.29                 10.20                    32.11 
 
 

All results derive from continuing operations.

Unaudited condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity

For the 6 months ended 30 June 2021

 
                                       Note  6 months ended  6 months ended  12 months ended 
                                                    30 June         30 June      31 December 
                                                       2021            2020             2020 
                                                  Unaudited       Unaudited          Audited 
                                                    GBP'000         GBP'000          GBP'000 
 
Opening total equity                                134,549         122,606          122,606 
 
Total comprehensive income for the 
 period                                               3,639           3,883           12,562 
Issue of share capital                                    -             313              313 
Share option movement taken directly 
 to equity                                              120             102               64 
Dividends paid                            9         (2,392)               -            (996) 
 
Closing total equity                                135,916         126,904          134,549 
 
 

Unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet

At 30 June 2021

 
                                                                             At 30 June  At 30 June  At 31 December 
                                                                                   2021        2020            2020 
                                                                              Unaudited   Unaudited 
                                                                       Note     GBP'000     GBP'000         GBP'000 
           Non-current assets 
           Goodwill                                                              19,330      19,330          19,330 
           Other intangible assets                                                2,229       3,264           2,729 
           Property, plant and equipment                                          9,721       7,595           8,635 
           Deferred tax assets                                                    2,749       2,184           2,822 
           Right-of-use assets                                                   18,311      18,689          18,337 
 
                                                                                 52,340      51,062          51,853 
           Current assets 
           Inventories                                                           28,159      27,306          27,564 
           Trade and other receivables                                           55,951      68,809          55,751 
           Other current assets                                                       -          38               1 
           Cash and cash equivalents                                             32,493      13,938          34,453 
 
                                                                                116,603     110,091         117,769 
 
           Total assets                                                         168,943     161,153         169,622 
 
           Current liabilities 
           Trade and other payables                                            (10,266)     (8,842)        (10,807) 
           Lease liability                                                      (3,260)     (5,708)         (3,568) 
           Current tax liabilities                                                (919)       (890)         (1,972) 
 
                                                                               (14,445)    (15,440)        (16,347) 
 
           Net current assets                                                   102,158      94,651         101,422 
 
           Non-current liabilities 
           Borrowings                                                     4           -     (1,000)               - 
           Lease liability                                                     (16,909)    (16,298)        (17,077) 
           Provisions                                                           (1,673)     (1,511)         (1,649) 
 
                                                                               (18,582)    (18,809)        (18,726) 
 
           Total liabilities                                                   (33,027)    (34,249)        (35,073) 
 
           Net assets                                                           135,916     126,904         134,549 
 
 
           EQUITY 
           Share capital                                                  8       1,993       1,993           1,993 
           Share premium account                                                 33,486      33,486          33,486 
           Employee Benefit Trust share reserve                                    (35)        (35)            (35) 
           Retained earnings                                                    100,472      91,460          99,105 
 
           Total equity attributable to equity holders of the parent            135,916     126,904         134,549 
 
 

Unaudited condensed consolidated cash flow statement

For the 6 months ended 30 June 2021

 
                                                                       6 months ended  6 months ended  12 months ended 
                                                                 Note         30 June         30 June      31 December 
                                                                                 2021            2020             2020 
                                                                            Unaudited       Unaudited 
                                                                              GBP'000         GBP'000          GBP'000 
           Cash flows from operating activities 
           Profit for the period                                                3,639           3,883           12,562 
           Adjustments for: 
           Investment revenue                                                       -               -              (5) 
           Finance costs                                                          549             446            1,257 
           Increase in provisions                                                  24              21              160 
           Income tax expense                                                   1,015           1,132            3,070 
           Depreciation of property, plant and equipment                        1,250           1,097            2,204 
           Depreciation of right-of-use assets                                  2,517           2,239            5,122 
           Amortisation of intangible assets                                      655             785            1,428 
           Right of use asset impairment                                            -               -              531 
           Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment                       11              92               99 
           Share based payment expense                                            134              69             (35) 
 
           Operating cash flows before movements in working 
            capital                                                             9,794           9,764           26,393 
 
           (Increase)/Decrease in inventories                                   (595)           1,851            1,679 
           Decrease in other current assets                                         1             676              713 
           (Increase)/Decrease in receivables                                   (200)          22,022           35,200 
           (Decrease) in payables                                               (917)         (3,734)          (3,842) 
 
           Cash generated from operations                                       8,083          30,579           60,143 
 
           Income taxes paid                                                  (2,010)         (2,279)          (3,707) 
           Interest paid on loan facility                                       (170)           (259)            (350) 
           Interest paid on lease liability                                     (502)           (108)            (736) 
 
           Net cash generated from operating activities                         5,401          27,933           55,350 
 
           Investing activities 
           Interest received                                                        -               -                5 
           Purchases of intangible assets                                       (155)           (160)            (233) 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment                                    (2,325)         (1,037)          (3,005) 
Purchase of right-of-use assets                                               (2,489)           (365)          (2,934) 
Acquisition of trade and assets of business                                         -             251             (50) 
 
           Net cash used in investing activities                              (4,969)         (1,311)          (6,217) 
 
Financing activities 
           Dividends paid                                           9         (2,392)               -            (996) 
(Decrease) in borrowings                                                            -        (25,000)         (26,000) 
Proceeds on Issue of shares                                                         -             313              313 
 
Net cash used in financing activities                                         (2,392)        (24,687)         (26,683) 
 
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents                          (1,960)           1,935           22,450 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period                               34,453          12,003           12,003 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period                                     32,493          13,938           34,453 
 
 

Unaudited notes to the condensed interim financial statements

For the 6 months ended 30 June 2021

Note 1 Basis of preparation

The interim financial statements of the Group for the six months ended 30 June 2021, which are unaudited, have been prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards ('IFRS') accounting policies adopted by the Group and set out in the annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020. The Group does not anticipate any change in these accounting policies for the year ended 31 December 2021. As permitted, this interim report has been prepared in accordance with the AIM rules but not in accordance with IAS 34 "Interim financial reporting". While the financial figures included in this preliminary interim earnings announcement have been computed in accordance with IFRSs applicable to interim periods, this announcement does not contain sufficient information to constitute an interim financial report as that term is defined in IFRSs.

The financial information contained in the interim report also does not constitute statutory accounts for the purposes of section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. The financial information for the year ended 31 December 2020 is based on the statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020. The auditors reported on those accounts: their report was unqualified, did not draw attention to any matters by way of emphasis and did not contain a statement under section 498 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

The Board have conducted an extensive review of forecast earnings and cash over the next twelve months, considering various scenarios and sensitivities given the Covid--19 situation and uncertainty around the future economic environment. The Board have a reasonable expectation that the Company and Group have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the interim condensed financial statements.

Unaudited notes to the condensed interim financial statements

For the 6 months ended 30 June 2021

Note 2 Segmental Reporting

 
                                                                                                          Consolidated 
                                                                                                             for the 6 
                                           Gold                 Pawnbroking  Personal     Other    Other  months ended 
2021                    Pawnbroking  purchasing         Retail        scrap     Loans  Services   Income  30 June 2021 
 Revenue                    GBP'000     GBP'000        GBP'000      GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000  GBP'000       GBP'000 
 
External revenue             20,949       7,995         12,438       5,2 40     1,715     2,322    1,270        51,929 
 
Total revenue                20,949       7,995         12,438        5,240     1,715     2,322    1,270        51,929 
 
Gross profit                 20,949       1,319          6,718        1,017     1,715     2,322    1,270        35,310 
 
Impairment                  (2,414)           -              -            -       681         -        -       (1,733) 
 
Segment result               18,535       1,319          6,718        1,017     2,396     2,322    1,270        33,577 
 
Other direct expenses excluding impairment                                                                    (19,457) 
Administrative expenses                                                                                        (8,917) 
 
Operating profit                                                                                                 5,203 
Finance costs                                                                                                    (549) 
 
Profit before taxation                                                                                           4,654 
Tax charge on profit                                                                                           (1,015) 
 
Profit for the financial year and total comprehensive income                                                     3,639 
 
 
                                                                                                          Consolidated 
                                                                                                             for the 6 
                                           Gold                 Pawnbroking  Personal     Other    Other  months ended 
2020                    Pawnbroking  purchasing         Retail        scrap     Loans  Services   Income  30 June 2020 
 Revenue                    GBP'000     GBP'000        GBP'000      GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000  GBP'000       GBP'000 
 
           External 
            revenue          17,399       9,607          9,768        6,698     6,426     2,434    3,498        55,830 
 
           Total 
            revenue          17,399       9,607          9,768        6,698     6,426     2,434    3,498        55,830 
 
           Gross 
            profit           17,399       2,831          2,775        1,989     6,426     2,434    3,498        37,352 
 
           Impairment         (642)           -              -            -   (2,147)         -        -       (2,789) 
 
           Segment 
            result           16,757       2,831          2,775        1,989     4,279     2,434    3,498        34,563 
 
Other direct expenses excluding impairment                                                                    (18,778) 
Administrative expenses                                                                                       (10,324) 
 
Operating profit                                                                                                 5,461 
Finance costs                                                                                                    (446) 
 
Profit before taxation                                                                                           5,015 
Tax charge on profit                                                                                           (1,132) 
 
Profit for the financial year and total comprehensive income                                                     3,883 
 
 
 

Unaudited notes to the condensed interim financial statements (continued)

For the 6 months ended 30 June 2021

Note 2 Segmental Reporting (continued)

 
                                                                                                    For the 
                                                                                                       year 
                                       Gold            Pawnbroking  Personal      Other     Other     ended 
  2020             Pawnbroking   purchasing    Retail        scrap     Loans   Services    Income      2020 
  Revenue              GBP'000      GBP'000   GBP'000      GBP'000   GBP'000    GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
 
External 
 revenue                38,970       21,508    29,827       19,249     9,781      6,014     3,766   129,115 
 
Total revenue           38,970       21,508    29,827       19,249     9,781      6,014     3,766   129,115 
 
Gross profit            38,970        6,802    11,303        6,163     9,781      6,014     3,766    82,799 
 
Impairment             (4,763)            -         -            -   (1,675)          -         -   (6,438) 
 
Segment result          34,207        6,802    11,303        6,163     8,106      6,014     3,766    76,361 
 
Other direct expenses excluding 
 impairment                                                                                        (43,750) 
Administrative expenses                                                                            (15,727) 
 
Operating profit                                                                                     16,884 
Interest receivable                                                                                       5 
Finance costs                                                                                       (1,257) 
 
Profit before taxation                                                                               15,632 
Tax charge on profit                                                                                (3,070) 
 
Profit for the financial year and total 
 comprehensive income                                                                                12,562 
 
 
 

Note 3 Operating profit and EBITDA

EBITDA

The Board consider EBITDA to be a key performance measure as the Group borrowing facility includes a number of loan covenants based on it.

EBITDA is defined as Earnings Before Interest, Taxation, Depreciation and Amortisation. It is calculated by adding back depreciation and amortisation to the operating profit as follows:

 
 6 months ended 30 June 2021              6 months ended     6 months      12 months 
  Unaudited                                      30 June        ended          ended 
                                                    2021      30 June    31 December 
                                               Unaudited         2020           2020 
                                                            Unaudited        Audited 
                                                   Total        Total          Total 
                                                 GBP'000      GBP'000        GBP'000 
 Operating profit                                  5,203        5,461         16,884 
 Depreciation and amortisation                     1,905        1,882          3,633 
 Depreciation of right-of-use assets               2,516        2,239          5,122 
 Impairment of the right-of-use-assets                 -            -            531 
 
 EBITDA                                            9,624        9,582         26,170 
 
 

Unaudited notes to the condensed interim financial statements (continued)

For the 6 months ended 30 June 2021

Note 4 Borrowings

 
                                       6 months ended  6 months ended     12 months 
                                              30 June         30 June         ended 
                                                 2021            2020   31 December 
                                                                               2020 
                                            Unaudited       Unaudited       Audited 
                                              GBP'000         GBP'000       GBP'000 
 
 
Long term portion of bank loan                      -          26,000        26,000 
Cash flows                                          -        (25,000)      (26,000) 
                                       --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 
Amount due for settlement after more              - -           1,000             - 
 than one year 
                                       ==============  ==============  ============ 
 
 
 

Note 5 Finance costs

 
                                                  6 months    6 months        12 months 
                                                     ended       ended            ended 
                                                   30 June     30 June      31 December 
                                                      2021        2020             2020 
                                                 Unaudited   Unaudited          Audited 
                                                   GBP'000     GBP'000          GBP'000 
 
 Interest payable on bank loans and overdraft         (10)         280              404 
 Other interest                                          -           -                1 
 Amortisation of debt issue costs                       58          58              117 
 Interest on expense on the lease liability            501         108              735 
 
 Total finance costs                                   549         446            1,257 
 
 

Unaudited notes to the condensed interim financial statements (continued)

For the 6 months ended 30 June 2021

Note 6 Tax on profit

The taxation charge for the 6 months ended 30 June 2021 has been calculated by reference to the expected effective corporation tax and deferred tax rates for the full financial year to end on 31 December 2021. The underlying effective full year tax charge is expected to be 19% (six months ended 30 June 2020: 19%).

Note 7 Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit for the period attributable to equity shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period.

For diluted earnings per share, the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue is adjusted to assume conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares. With respect to the Group these represent share options granted to employees where the exercise price is less than the average market price of the company's ordinary shares during the period.

Reconciliations of the earnings per ordinary share and weighted average number of shares used in the calculations are set out below:

 
                                           Unaudited                                                             Unaudited 
                                       6 months ended 30                                                     6 months ended 30                                                      12 months ended 31 
                                            June 2021                                                             June 2020                                                            December 2020 
 
                          Earnings                Weighted              Per-share              Earnings                Weighted                Per-share              Earnings                Weighted                Per-share 
                           GBP'000                 average                 amount               GBP'000                 average                   amount               GBP'000                 average                   amount 
                                                    number                  pence                                        number                    pence                                        number                    pence 
                                                 of shares                                                            of shares                                                              of shares 
 
 Earnings 
  per 
  share - 
  basic                      3,639              39,162,612                   9.29                 3,883              38,039,328                    10.21                12,562              39,124,959                    32.11 
 
 Effect of 
 dilutive 
 securities 
 Options                         -                       -                      -                     -                  18,201                   (0.01)                     -                   1,278                   (0.00) 
 
 Earnings 
  per 
  share 
  diluted                    3,639              39,162,612                   9.29                 3,883              38,057,529                    10.20                12,562              39,126,237                    32.11 
 
 

Unaudited notes to the condensed interim financial statements (continued)

For the 6 months ended 30 June 2021

Note 8 Share capital

 
                                             At              At             At 
                                   30 June 2021    30 June 2020    31 December 
                                                                          2020 
                                      Unaudited       Unaudited        Audited 
 Allotted, called up and fully 
  paid 
  (Ordinary Shares of GBP0.05 
  each) 
 GBP'000 Sterling                         1,993           1,993          1,993 
 
 Number                              39,864,077      39,864,077     39,864,077 
 
 

Note 9 Dividends

On 5 August 2021, the directors approved a 4 pence interim dividend (30 June 2020 Interim: 2.5 pence) which equates to a dividend payment of GBP1,595,000 (30 June 2020 Interim: GBP997,000). The dividend will be paid on 1 October 2021 to shareholders on the share register at the close of business on 5 September 2021 and has not been provided for in the 2021 interim results. The shares will be marked ex-dividend on 3 September 2021.

Note 10 Contingent Liabilities

As set out in the market release issued on 18(th) November 2019 by H&T Group plc , we are working with a skilled person subsequently appointed in conjunction with the FCA in September 2020 on a past-book review of our lending since April 2014 within the High Cost Short Term unsecured lending (HCSTC) market. At this stage, under the criteria in IAS 37 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets it is possible that a liability may exist, but H&T is currently unable to estimate the quantum of any such possible liability.

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