ADVFN Logo ADVFN

We could not find any results for:
Make sure your spelling is correct or try broadening your search.

Trending Now

Toplists

It looks like you aren't logged in.
Click the button below to log in and view your recent history.

Hot Features

Registration Strip Icon for discussion Register to chat with like-minded investors on our interactive forums.

TPFG Property Franchise Group Plc (the)

380.00
0.00 (0.00%)
Last Updated: 01:00:00
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Property Franchise Group Plc (the) LSE:TPFG London Ordinary Share GB00BH0WFH67 ORD 1P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 380.00 375.00 385.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 29,418 01:00:00
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Real Estate Agents & Mgrs 27.16M 7.23M 0.2256 16.84 121.76M

Property Franchise Group PLC (The) Interim Results (6411L)

14/09/2021 7:00am

UK Regulatory


Property Franchise (LSE:TPFG)
Historical Stock Chart


From Apr 2021 to Apr 2024

Click Here for more Property Franchise Charts.

TIDMTPFG

RNS Number : 6411L

Property Franchise Group PLC (The)

14 September 2021

14 September 2021

This announcement contains inside information.

THE PROPERTY FRANCHISE GROUP PLC

(the "Company" or the "Group")

Interim Results for the six months ended 30 June 2021

Full Year profit anticipated to be ahead of market expectations

The Property Franchise Group, the UK's largest property franchisor, is pleased to announce its interim results for the period ended 30 June 2021, and an update on current trading.

Financial Highlights

   --    Group revenue increased 117% to GBP11.1m (H1 2020: GBP5.1m) 

- 37% like for like increase to GBP7.0m*

- 29% like for like increase on 2019*

   --    Management Service Fees ("royalties") increased 73% to GBP7.3m (H1 2020: GBP4.2m) 

- 35% like for like increase to GBP5.7m*

- 23% like for like increase on 2019*

   --    Adjusted operating margin** 47% (H1 2020: 45%) 
   --    Adjusted EBITDA*** increased 108% to GBP5.2m (H1 2020: GBP2.5m) 

- 49% like for like increase to GBP3.7m

- 117% increase on H1 2019

   --    Profit before tax increased 57% to GBP3.1m (H1 2020: GBP2.0m) 

- Of which GBP0.9m arose from the underlying business and GBP0.2m arose from the acquisition of Hunters Property Plc

- 54% increase on H1 2019

   --    Adjusted basic earnings per share increased 99% to 14.9p (H1 2020: 7.5p) 

-- Highly cash generative as demonstrated by net debt of GBP5.4m at 30 June 2021 after borrowing GBP12.5m to fund the acquisition of Hunters (30 June 2020: GBPnil).

-- Cash generated from operations increased 88% to GBP4.7m after acquisition costs of GBP0.9m (H1 2020 GBP2.5m)

   --    Increased interim dividend by 81% to 3.8p (H1 2020: 2.1p) 

* like for like comparison excluding the impact of the acquisition of Hunters.

** before share-based payments charge, exceptional items and amortisation arising on consolidation

*** before share-based payments charge and exceptional items

Operational Highlights

   --    Network income increased 118% to GBP89.4m (H1 2020: GBP41.0m) 

- 38% like for like increase to GBP56.3m*

   --    Sales agreed pipeline increased 247% to GBP29.5m (H1 2020: GBP8.5m) 

- 64% like for like increase to GBP14.0m*

   --    Managing 73,000 rental properties (H1 2020: 58,000) 
   --    EweMove sold 37 new territories (H1 2020: 6) 

Gareth Samples, Chief Executive Officer of The Property Franchise Group, said:

"I am delighted to be reporting record results for our Group and significant progress with our strategic objectives. We have capitalised on the increased activity in both the residential lettings market and more notably residential sales market in H1 2021. This, together with signs that the sales market continues to perform strongly into the second half, means that we now anticipate reported profits to be ahead of current market expectations for the full year.

"We are early on in the execution of our strategic growth initiatives and are delighted to already be on track to meeting ambitious targets. EweMove sold 37 territories in H1 2021 and currently trades in 152 territories. Hunters has delivered just over three months of profitability to our Group and has much more to give. Our strategic partnership with LSL is gathering pace and has been enhanced by our post-period acquisition of The Mortgage Genie. At the same time, we have invested and continue to invest in our senior management team so that we can support our talented franchise owners to take advantage of the opportunities on offer. This momentum underpins our confidence for the future.

"We firmly believe that we have put in place the building blocks for earnings enhancing growth and, looking shorter term, that the high activity levels at the start of H2 will deliver record profitability for our Group in 2021."

Investor presentation

The Company is hosting a live private investor presentation on Wednesday 15 September 2021 at 12:30pm. All existing and potential private investors interested in attending are asked to register using the following link: https://bit.ly/TPFG_H121_pres

For further information, please contact:

 
 The Property Franchise Group PLC 
  Gareth Samples, Chief Executive Officer 
  David Raggett, Chief Financial Officer      01202 405549 
 Canaccord Genuity Limited (Nominated 
  Adviser and Broker) 
  Bobbie Hilliam 
  Tom Diehl                                   0207 523 8000 
 
   Alma PR                                     020 3405 0205 
   Susie Hudson                                propertyfranchise@almapr.co.uk 
   Justine James 
   Harriet Jackson 
 

About The Property Franchise Group PLC:

The Property Franchise Group PLC (AIM: TPFG) is the largest property franchisor in the UK and manages the second largest estate agency network and portfolio of lettings properties in the UK.

The Company was founded in 1986 and has since grown to a diverse portfolio of nine brands operating throughout the UK, comprising longstanding high-street focused brands and a hybrid, no sale no fee agency.

The Property Franchise Group's brands are Martin & Co, EweMove, Hunters, CJ Hole, Ellis & Co, Parkers, Whitegates, Mullucks & Country Properties.

Headquartered in Bournemouth, UK, the Company was listed on AIM on the London Stock Exchange in 2013. More

information is available at      www.propertyfranchise.co.uk 

Chief Executive Officer's Statemen t

I am very pleased to be reporting on what has been another period of considerable progress for the Group, one in which our franchisees successfully capitalised on the uplift in the property market to deliver record first half figures. Additionally, results have been significantly bolstered by the acquisition of Hunters in March 2021. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the entire team and our franchisees, who have been at the core of all our success in the first half.

The six months to 30 June 2021 represent a period of clear execution against all of our stated strategic initiatives, having driven EweMove's continued rapid growth, made tangible progress in our financial services ambitions and, importantly, completed the acquisition of Hunters.

The ability with which we have been able to take advantage of the favourable market conditions and execute on strategy is reflected in our record financial results. Group revenue of GBP11.1m was delivered for the half, representing a 117% increase on the same period in the prior year. Furthermore, we have achieved an adjusted operating margin of 47%, profit before tax up 57% to GBP3.1m, and cash generated from operations has increased 88%.

I am delighted to confirm the Group has never been in a stronger position. Whilst there is of course uncertainty surrounding the broader market moving forwards, there are clear indications that demand is set to remain at a high level throughout the second half and we remain ambitious to sustain levels of progression through the execution of our strategic growth plan.

Operational review

Managed Service Fees ("MSF") increased 73% across the brands to GBP7.3m. The sales agreed pipeline at the end of the period totalled GBP29.5m, which compared to the same period in 2020, represents 247% growth. At the same time the average sales fee charged has increased by over 10% in the last year, in-line with increasing house prices. These two factors have driven the increase in network income and the Group's revenue.

The Group's revenue split for the period was 50% lettings and 50% sales, reflecting the extremely buoyant sales market this year, coupled with the acquisition of Hunters.

The Group's eight high street-led brands have performed exceptionally well in the first six months, building on the strong performance of last year. During the period five new offices were opened on the high street, with 11 'spokes' from 'hub' offices also created. Our franchisees' confidence to continue opening new offices is a testament to the confidence they have in the franchisor and reinforces that our investment into our senior leadership team is paying off. TPFG now has over 438 physical office locations, conducted the sale of over 13,000 properties in H1 FY21 and manages in excess of 73,000 tenanted properties.

Hunters has delivered a very strong performance since it was incorporated into the Group in April 2021. The integration is going well, with very low staff turnover which has supported the smooth transition. Initiatives to extract synergies and enhance revenue through the integration are underway and we expect the strategic benefits of the business to come through largely in FY22.

EweMove, the Group's hybrid estate agency, achieved profit before tax of GBP900,000 in the first six months, generating as much profit in the first half of 2021 as it did in the whole of 2020. The brand has also continued to build on its positioning with significant recruitment progress. The enhanced scale of the business and improved brand awareness has undoubtedly supported EweMove's growth and we look forward to building on the hybrid opportunity even further.

Finally, our partnership with LSL Property Services ("LSL") is progressing well with circa 260 of our 350 franchisees having signed up to LSL's mortgage and protection advice service. Initial uptake from our franchisees is very encouraging and we expect more will sign up as the rollout progresses.

Dynamic market opportunities

The UK residential housing market has been extremely buoyant in the first six months and continues to be active post-period end. Favourable market dynamics, such as the stamp duty holiday and residents' desire to relocate for more space or a change of scenery following periods of lockdown, has supported strong sales.

Despite the end of the full stamp duty holiday in June 2021 the demand for homes remains high as a result of a shortage in supply. Whilst July and August were moderately busy, as a result of more residents taking holidays, we have noticed activity ramping up in early September.

Likewise, the lettings market remains active and we have experienced incredible resilience in this sector.

Strategic progress

Over the period there has been clear progress made against our six core areas of strategic focus, as outlined below.

Lettings growth

There has been like for like growth in lettings' revenues amongst our high-street led brands of 9% during the period. This is a good performance considering the current nature of the market, which is focused on sales.

Develop sales activity in the high street-led brands

We have been encouraged by the increased sales activity seen in our high-street led brands over the period and by franchisees investing to meet the improved activity expected in future years.

Financial Services growth

We are committed to further growth of our Financial Services division, as demonstrated by the strategic partnership with LSL announced in April, which has significantly helped our franchisees pursue their own financial services growth ambitions. Our recent acquisition of Mortgage Genie also supports the supply of these specialist services. The Group is currently on track to reach its target of 100 financial consultants by the end of the year.

EweMove recruitment

EweMove recruited 37 new territories in the period setting a new record for the total number of territories operating of 142 at 30 June 2021 and this record continues to be surpassed as new joiners begin to trade. Its currently operating from 152 territories. The Group remains on track to double the size of EweMove territories to 230 by the end of 2022.

Acquisitions (franchisee and franchisor level)

We continue to support franchisee acquisitions of local competitors' lettings books, in turn increasing the stability and profitability of their businesses. In the period there have been seven acquisitions made by franchisees, representing an increase on the same period in the prior year. Whilst the opportunity for acquisitions has been somewhat subdued during the period given the buoyant market, we anticipate the pipeline to return to a more normal level by FY22.

Hunters continues to perform strongly, giving the Group a huge opportunity for further growth and development. Integration has progressed well so far and over the next 12 months the brand will become more closely aligned with our established high-street brands. Pleasingly, Hunters staff turnover has also been at a very low level, highlighting the positive reaction of Hunters staff to the change in ownership.

Digital marketing

We operate best-in-class digital marketing, providing local solutions for franchisees and a Group-wide customer journey management. New campaigns which launched three weeks ago are driving pleasing levels of results.

Board Changes

Richard Martin has confirmed to the Board that, following the next AGM in May 2022, he will step down from his role as Chairman of the Group. As a result, the Board has elected Paul Latham, its current Deputy Chairman and member of the Board since flotation in 2013, to become Chairman of the Group at that time. Richard will remain an active member of the Board and move to Deputy Chairman following the appointment of Paul.

Current Trading and Outlook

Trading has remained encouraging into the second half, with all brands performing well, notwithstanding the expected slight softening in the holiday months of July and August. This good performance, together with the record results of the first half and healthy demand levels, mean the Board now anticipates its full year profit performance will be ahead of market expectations.

In the longer term, whilst we anticipate a gradual move towards more normal market conditions over the coming periods, and there remains some uncertainty as to how external market conditions will develop, we expect the Group to continue to grow materially driven by our strategic growth initiatives.

Pushing ahead with the strategic priorities will remain our primary objective over the second half, with a particular focus on the full integration of Hunters, continued recruitment into EweMove and the development of our Financial Services division following the post-period end acquisition of The Mortgage Genie. Maximising our margins is a key focus, with the ambition for this to flow through into even further improved cash generation in due course.

We continue to have a substantial growth opportunity ahead of us and have thus far demonstrated our ability to deliver on the strategic initiatives that allow us to capitalise on that opportunity. Our ultimate purpose remains to support our franchisees and to help them become more successful, an ethos that drives forward all our central team and that we are excited to deliver on further going forwards.

Financial Review for FY21 Interim Results

Revenue

Revenue for the six months ended 30 June 2021 increased 117% to GBP11.1m (H1 2020: GBP5.1m) after adjustments for IFRS15 and the impending disposal of Auxilium Partnership Limited. The increase is due to the increased sales activity, commencing in H2 FY20, translating into increased sales MSF from February 2021 onwards. We have had two outstanding months in March 2021 and June 2021 driven by the stamp duty holiday and, of course, the acquisition of Hunters Property Plc ("Hunters") on 19 March 2022, a more sales focused franchisor.

The increase of GBP6.0m resulted from a like for like increase of GBP1.9m (37%) over H1 FY20 and a contribution from Hunters of GBP4.1m.

Management Service Fees ("MSF")

MSF from our franchised network increased by 73% to GBP7.3m (H1 2020: GBP4.2m). The increase of GBP3.1m resulted from a like for like increase of GBP1.6m (35%) over H1 FY20 and a contribution from Hunters of GBP1.5m.

 
 H1 FY21       Total      Like       Total      Like      Total   Like 
               Growth    for Like    Result    for Like    Mix     for 
                          Growth                Result             like 
 Lettings 
  MSF             18%          9%   GBP3.6m    GBP3.4m     50%     59% 
             --------  ----------  --------  ----------  ------  ------ 
 Sales MSF       226%        106%   GBP3.7m    GBP2.4m     50%     41% 
             --------  ----------  --------  ----------  ------  ------ 
 

Lettings MSF performed strongly on a like for like basis over H1 FY20 as activity levels returned. The pattern of transactions mirroring H1 FY20 rather than H1 FY19.

Sales MSF had a tremendous half-year following the trend in sales' exchanges, up 259% in the Group to 13,020 (H1 2020: 3,631). The increase of 9,389 sales' exchanges in the Group resulted from a like for like increase of 4,148 (114%) over H1 FY20 and a contribution from Hunters of 5,241 sales' exchanges.

Our hybrid brand EweMove, which charges a monthly licence fee per territory occupied and a fee per completed transaction, generated a 51% increase in MSF to GBP1.4m (H1 2020: GBP0.9m). EweMove contributed sales' exchanges of 2,469 (H1 2020: 1,003).

Owned Offices

Hunters operates 10 owned offices. All 10 offering letting agency services and 8 offering sales agency services. These offices contributed GBP2.0m to revenue in H1 FY21 from the date of acquisition.

Franchise Sales

Franchise sales income was GBP0.3m (H1 2020: GBP0.05m) generated equally from resales of high-street led franchises and new territory sales by EweMove. (Note: revenue generated from rationalising the network in H1 FY20 of GBP0.2m has been moved from franchise sales to other).

There were 8 resales of high-street led franchises in the period (H1 2020: 2) and EweMove sold 37 new territories in the period (H1 2020: 4) of which existing franchisees bought 10. There were also 5 new franchise sales in the high-street led brands something that's not been seen for several years.

These investments by existing franchisees together with the 11 new representatives working as spokes from established offices represents a significant increase in the interest, participation in and commitment to the Group's strategic objectives.

Other

Other income increased by 81% to GBP1.6m (H1 2020: GBP0.9m). The increase of GBP0.7m resulted from a like for like increase of GBP0.2m (24%) and a contribution of GBP0.5m from Hunters. In part this is due to discounts on services provided by the Group to its franchisees to support them through the pandemic which did not continue into H1 FY21 but also higher levels of activity placing increased demand for the services provided via the Group.

The revenue generated by Auxilium Partnership Limited has been removed from both periods and included within the profit/(loss) from discontinued operation, net of tax. This was due to its imminent sale which completed on 22 July 2021 (see note 6 to the interim statements). Following the acquisition of Hunters, our Board took the decision to agree a strategic partnership with LSL Property Services Plc to provide the significantly enlarged Group with the expertise and capacity needed to engage in financial services rather than to invest in and scale up its own service offering.

Administrative expenses

Administrative expenses increased by 123% to GBP5.9m (H1 2020: GBP2.6m). The increase of GBP3.3m resulted from a like for like increase of GBP0.4m due to the repayment of GBP0.1m of furlough monies, full time working in H1 FY21 over H1 FY20 and the investment in managing directors and their teams to support the growth initiatives. The remaining increase of GBP2.9m relates to Hunters of which the amortisation arising on consolidation was GBP0.2m.

EBITDA

The Group's EBITDA increased 55% to GBP3.8m (H1 2020: GBP2.4m). The increase resulted from a like for like increase of GBP0.8m and a contribution from Hunters of GBP0.6m.

There were exceptional costs of GBP1.2m in the period of which the costs of acquiring Hunters were GBP0.9m and GBP0.3m related to costs incurred in the newly created employee benefit trust acquiring ordinary shares from employees who exercised their share options in the period. Adding back these exceptional costs to EBITDA along with the share-based payments charge of GBP0.3m derives an adjusted EBITDA which increased 108% to GBP5.2m (H1 2020: GBP2.5m). The increase resulted from a like for like increase of GBP1.2m and a contribution from Hunters of GBP1.5m.

Operating profit

Operating profit was GBP3.2m (H1 2020: GBP2.0m) and operating margin was 29% (H1 2020: 38%). The reduction in operating margin was caused by the exceptional costs of GBP1.2m, the increase in the share-based payments charge of GBP0.2m and the increase in the amortisation arising on consolidation of GBP0.2m following the acquisition of Hunters. Adding back these costs to operating profit and also the amortisation arising on consolidation of previous acquisitions derives an adjusted operating margin of 47% (H1 2020: 45%) which indicates the margin being derived from the underlying activities.

Profit before income tax

Profit before taxation increased 57% to GBP3.1m (H1 2020: GBP2.0m). The increase of GBP1.1m resulted from a like for like increase of GBP0.9m and a contribution from Hunters of GBP0.2m after exceptional costs and financing costs.

Adding back, exceptional items, the share-based payments charge and amortisation arising on consolidation derives adjusted profit before tax which increased 121% to GBP5.1m (H1 2020: GBP2.3m). The increase of GBP2.8m resulted from a like for like increase of GBP1.4m and a contribution from Hunters of GBP1.4m.

Taxation

The effective rate of corporation tax for the period was 24.8% (H1 2020: 17.8%). The Budget announced in March 2021 signalled an increase in the corporation tax rate from April 2023 onwards. This was substantially enacted in May 2021. As a result, deferred tax balances expected to reverse after April 2023 have been remeasured at 25%. An additional charge of GBP0.2m has been recognised for this in H1 2021.

Profit after taxation

Profit after taxation for the period increased by 43% to GBP2.3m (H1 2020: GBP1.6m)

Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share increased 14% to 7.3p (H1 2020: 6.4p) based on a weighted average number of shares in issue in the period of 29,178,704 (H1 2020: 25,822,750).

Adjusted basic earnings per share increased 97% to 15.0p (H1 2020: 7.6p) based on a weighted average number of shares in issue in the period of 29,178,704 (H1 2020: 25,822,750).

See note 7 to the interim statements for the detailed EPS calculations.

Dividends

The Board has pursued a progressive dividend policy since the IPO, its only deviation being the final dividend for 2019 where the Board decided to retain the funds earmarked due to the onset of the lockdown and the significant uncertainty that existed about future performance.

The Group has made significant progress with its strategic objectives and continues to deliver strong cash generation from its significantly enlarged operations. As a result, the Board is pleased to announce an interim dividend of 3.8p (H1 2020: 2.1p). It will be paid on 8 October 2021 to all shareholders on the register on 24 September 2021. Our shares will be marked ex-dividend on 23 September 2021. The total amount payable is GBP1,218k.

Summary of Key Financials

 
                                H1 2021    H1 2020   Growth 
 Revenue                        GBP11.1m   GBP5.1m    117% 
                               ---------  --------  ------- 
 MSF                            GBP7.3m    GBP4.2m    73% 
                               ---------  --------  ------- 
 Admin expenses                 GBP5.9m    GBP2.6m    123% 
                               ---------  --------  ------- 
 EBITDA                         GBP3.8m    GBP2.4m    55% 
                               ---------  --------  ------- 
 Adjusted EBITDA                GBP5.2m    GBP2.5m    108% 
                               ---------  --------  ------- 
 Operating profit               GBP3.2m    GBP2.0m    63% 
                               ---------  --------  ------- 
 Adjusted operating profit      GBP5.2m    GBP2.3m    127% 
                               ---------  --------  ------- 
 Profit before tax              GBP3.1m    GBP2.0m    57% 
                               ---------  --------  ------- 
 Adjusted profit before tax     GBP5.1m    GBP2.3m    121% 
                               ---------  --------  ------- 
 Earnings per share (basic)       7.3p      6.4p      14% 
                               ---------  --------  ------- 
 Adjusted earnings per share 
  (basic)                        15.0p      7.6p      97% 
                               ---------  --------  ------- 
 Adjusted earnings per share 
  (diluted)                      14.9p      7.5p      99% 
                               ---------  --------  ------- 
 Dividend                         3.8p      2.1p      81% 
                               ---------  --------  ------- 
 Net cash generated from 
  operations                    GBP4.1m    GBP2.2m    88% 
                               ---------  --------  ------- 
 

EweMove

We often get asked about the financial performance of EweMove, our hybrid brand, which has steadily improved its financial performance over the last few years and, post the first lockdown, has been making great strides towards representation in 230 territories by 31 December 2022.

 
                      H1 2021   H1 2020   Growth 
 Revenue              GBP2.1m   GBP1.3m    68% 
                     --------  --------  ------- 
 Costs                GBP1.2m   GBP0.9m    39% 
                     --------  --------  ------- 
 Profit before tax    GBP0.9m   GBP0.4m    133% 
                     --------  --------  ------- 
 Profit margin          42%       31% 
                     --------  --------  ------- 
 

Cash flow

At an operational level, the Group remains highly cash generative with net cash generated from operations increasing by 88% to GBP4.1m (H1 2020: GBP2.2m). That represents 126% conversion of operating profit into net cash generated from operations (H1 2020: 109%).

On 19 March 2022 the Group completed on the acquisition of Hunters for GBP13.0m net of cash acquired.

With the imminent disposal of Auxilium Partnership Limited, cash held by that company of GBP0.3m has been identified separately and effectively removed from the cashflow of the Group.

On 23 February 2021, the Group paid a second interim dividend of 6.6p in lieu of a final dividend for FY20 which amounted to GBP1.7m.

The Group agreed a bank facility with Barclays Bank Plc on 27 January 2021 consisting of a revolving credit line of GBP5.0m and a term loan of GBP7.5m. It then drew the GBP12.5m to fund the acquisition of Hunters in March 2021. The interest rates are similar for each element at 2.2% and 2.4% respectively plus, in each case, the Bank of England's Bank Rate.

Hunters had existing facilities with HSBC Bank Plc on acquisition of GBP3.0m which have been repaid in full in the period.

Overall, the cash balances of the Group increased by GBP1.0m to GBP7.1m (H1 2020: GBP6.1m). This balance excludes the cash held by Auxilium Partnership Limited of GBP0.3m.

Liquidity

The Group had a net debt balance of GBP5.4m at the end of the period (H1 2020: net cash GBP6.1m). This balance excludes the cash held by Auxilium Partnership Limited of GBP0.3m.

Financial position

Our Group has a consistent history of strong and improving cash generating capabilities. It is already comfortably ahead of its expectations for the reduction in net debt this year following the acquisition of Hunters. The strength of the enlarged business in the period was also evident in its bank covenants. Debt service cover was 5.7 times and leverage was 1.1:1.

The greater than expected reduction in net debt and the enhanced cash generating capabilities of the Group again bring to the fore the Group's capital allocation policy. The Board intends to pursue its progressive dividend policy to generate an attractive yield for investors. At the same time, the Group's improved balance sheet strength, with equity attributable to the owners increasing 73% to GBP32.8m in the period, enables our Board to continue to pursue corporate acquisitions as and when they arise and to fulfil the other elements of its strategic plan.

David Raggett, Chief Financial Officer

THE PROPERTY FRANCHISE GROUP PLC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE SIX MONTHSED 30 JUNE 2021

 
                                                        Unaudited   Unaudited         Audited 
                                                         6 Months    6 Months       12 Months 
                                                            Ended       Ended           Ended 
                                                         30.06.21    30.06.20        31.12.20 
                                                Notes     GBP'000     GBP'000         GBP'000 
 CONTINUING OPERATIONS 
 Revenue                                            3      11,122       5,131          11,017 
 Cost of sales                                              (542)       (441)           (933) 
                                                       ----------  ----------  -------------- 
 
 GROSS PROFIT                                              10,580       4,690          10,084 
 Administrative expenses                                  (5,893)     (2,646)         (5,256) 
 Share-based payments charge                                (301)        (68)            (68) 
 
 OPERATING PROFIT BEFORE EXCEPTIONAL 
  ITEMS                                                     4,386       1,976           4,759 
 Exceptional costs                                  4     (1,168)           -               - 
 
 OPERATING PROFIT                                           3,218       1,976           4,759 
 Finance income                                                 2           5              11 
 Finance costs                                              (118)           -             (3) 
                                                       ----------  ---------- 
 
 PROFIT BEFORE INCOME TAX EXPENSE                           3,102       1,981           4,767 
 Income tax expense                                 5       (769)       (352)         (1,008) 
                                                       ----------  ----------  -------------- 
 PROFIT FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS                          2,333       1,629           3,759 
 
   (Loss) / profit on discontinued 
   operation, net of tax                            6       (185)          26              33 
                                                                   ----------  -------------- 
 PROFIT                                                     2,148       1,655           3,792 
                                                       ==========  ==========  ============== 
 
 PROFIT AND TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE 
  INCOME FOR THE PERIOD ATTRIBUTABLE 
  TO: 
 Owners of the parent                                       2,117       1,648           3,783 
 Non-controlling minority interest                             31           7               9 
                                                            2,148       1,655           3,792 
                                                       ==========  ==========      ========== 
 Statutory: 
 Earnings per share attributable 
 to owners of the parent                            7        7.3p        6.4p           14.6p 
                                                       ==========  ==========      ========== 
 
 Diluted earnings per share 
  attributable to owners of 
  the parent                                        7        7.2p        6.2p           14.4p 
                                                       ==========  ==========      ========== 
 Adjusted: 
 Earnings per share attributable 
 to owners of the parent                            7       15.0p        7.6p           16.8p 
                                                       ==========  ==========      ========== 
 
 Diluted earnings per share 
  attributable to owners                            7       14.9p        7.5p           16.5p 
                                                       ==========  ==========      ========== 
 
 

THE PROPERTY FRANCHISE GROUP PLC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

AS AT 30 JUNE 2021

 
                                             Unaudited                        Unaudited                     Audited 
                                        As at 30.06.21                   As at 30.06.20              As at 31.12.20 
                       Notes                   GBP'000                          GBP'000                     GBP'000 
 ASSETS 
 NON-CURRENT 
 ASSETS 
 Intangible assets         9                    46,678                           14,663                      14,380 
 Property, plant 
  and equipment                                    254                               76                          67 
 Investment                                        427                                -                           - 
 property 
 Investments                                        86                                -                           - 
 Right of use 
  assets                                         2,068                               44                          86 
 Prepaid assisted 
  acquisitions 
  support                                          517                              682                         600 
                                                50,030                           15,465                      15,133 
                                  --------------------  -------------------------------          ------------------ 
 CURRENT ASSETS 
 Trade and other 
  receivables                                    3,512                            1,120                       1,292 
 Cash and cash 
  equivalents                                    7,107                            6,125                       8,771 
                                  --------------------  -------------------------------  ------  ------------------ 
                                                10,619                            7,245                      10,063 
 Assets in a                                       212                                -                           - 
 disposal group 
 classified as 
 held for 
 sale 
                                  --------------------  -------------------------------          ------------------ 
                                                10,831                            7,245                           - 
                                  --------------------  -------------------------------          ------------------ 
 TOTAL ASSETS                                   60,861                           22,710                      25,196 
                                  ====================  ===============================          ================== 
 
 
 ISSUED CAPITAL AND RESERVES 
  ATTRIBUTABLE TO OWNERS OF 
  PARENT 
 Share capital                     320                                              258                      258 
 Share premium                                   4,129                            4,040                       4,040 
 Merger reserve                                 14,345                            2,797                       2,797 
 Other reserves                                    196                              778                         778 
 Retained earnings                              13,834                           11,097                      12,690 
                                  --------------------  -------------------------------          ------------------ 
                                                32,824                           18,970                      20,563 
 NON-CONTROLLING 
  INTEREST                                          40                                7                           9 
 TOTAL EQUITY                                   32,864                           18,977                      20,572 
                                  --------------------  -------------------------------          ------------------ 
 
 LIABILITIES 
 NON-CURRENT 
 LIABILITIES 
 Borrowings                                     10,156                                -                           - 
 Lease liabilities                               2,335                               18                          45 
 Provisions                                        197                                -                           - 
 Deferred tax                                    5,491                            1,083                       1,115 
                                                18,179                            1,101                       1,160 
                                  --------------------  -------------------------------          ------------------ 
 CURRENT 
 LIABILITIES 
 Borrowings                                      2,344                                -                           - 
 Trade and other 
  payables                                       5,934                            1,945                       2,751 
 Lease liabilities                                 473                               27                          41 
 Tax payable                                       875                              660                         672 
                                  --------------------  -------------------------------          ------------------ 
                                                 9,626                            2,632                       3,464 
 Liabilities                                       192                                -                           - 
 directly 
 associated 
 with assets in a 
 disposal 
 group classified 
 as held 
 for sale 
                                  --------------------  -------------------------------          ------------------ 
                                                 9,818                            2,632                       3,463 
                                  --------------------  -------------------------------          ------------------ 
 TOTAL LIABILITIES                              27,997            3,733                                    4,624 
                                  --------------------      -----------                  ----------------------- 
 TOTAL EQUITY AND 
  LIABILITIES                                   60,861           22,710                                   25,196 
                                  ====================      ===========                  ======================= 
 
 

THE PROPERTY FRANCHISE GROUP PLC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

FOR THE SIX MONTHSED 30 JUNE 2021

 
   Called up share capital     Retained         Share       Merger        Other     Total   Non-controlling     Total 
                               earnings       premium      reserve     reserves                    interest    equity 
                   GBP'000      GBP'000       GBP'000      GBP'000      GBP'000   GBP'000           GBP'000   GBP'000 
 Balance at 1 
  January 2020 
  (audited)            258        9,450         4,040        2,796          711    17,255                 -    17,255 
----------------  --------  -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  --------  ----------------  -------- 
 Profit and 
  total 
  comprehensive 
  income                 -        1,648             -            -            -     1,648                 7     1,655 
----------------  --------  -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  --------  ----------------  -------- 
 Share-based 
  payments 
  charge                 -            -             -            -           68        68                 -        68 
                  --------  -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  --------  ----------------  -------- 
 Total 
  transactions 
  with owners            -            -             -            -           68        68                 -        68 
----------------  --------  -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  --------  ----------------  -------- 
 Balance at 30 
  June 2020 
  (unaudited)          258       11,097         4,040   2,796               779    18,970                 7    18,977 
----------------  --------  -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  --------  ----------------  -------- 
 Profit and 
  total 
  comprehensive 
  income                 -        2,135             -            -            -     2,135                 2     2,137 
----------------  --------  -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  --------  ----------------  -------- 
 Dividends               -        (542)             -            -            -     (542)                 -     (542) 
----------------  --------  -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  --------  ----------------  -------- 
 Total 
  transactions 
  with owners            -        (542)             -            -            -     (542)                 -     (542) 
----------------  --------  -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  --------  ----------------  -------- 
 Balance at 31 
  December 2020 
  (audited)            258       12,690         4,040        2,796          779    20,563                 9    20,572 
----------------  --------  -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  --------  ----------------  -------- 
 Profit and 
  total 
  comprehensive 
  income                 -        2,117             -            -            -     2,117                31     2,148 
----------------  --------  -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  --------  ----------------  -------- 
 Share-based 
  payments 
  charge                 -            -             -            -          301       301                 -       301 
----------------  --------  -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  --------  ----------------  -------- 
 Net settlement 
  of PAYE on 
  options by EBT         -            -             -            -         (72)      (72)                 -      (72) 
----------------  --------  -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  --------  ----------------  -------- 
 Shares issued - 
  acquisition 
  consideration         55            -             -       11,549            -    11,604                 -    11,604 
----------------  --------  -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  --------  ----------------  -------- 
 Share issued - 
  share option 
  exercises              7          731            89            -        (731)        96                 -        96 
----------------  --------  -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  --------  ----------------  -------- 
 Release of 
  deferred tax 
  on share 
  options                -            -             -            -         (81)      (81)                 -      (81) 
----------------  --------  -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  --------  ----------------  -------- 
 Dividends               -      (1,704)             -            -            -   (1,704)                 -   (1,704) 
----------------  --------  -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  --------  ----------------  -------- 
 Total 
  transactions 
  with owners           62        (973)            89       11,549        (583)    10,144                 -    10,144 
----------------  --------  -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  --------  ----------------  -------- 
 Balance at 30 
  June 2021 
  (unaudited)          320       13,834         4,129       14,345          196    32,824                40    32,864 
----------------  --------  -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  --------  ----------------  -------- 
 
 

THE PROPERTY FRANCHISE GROUP PLC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE SIX MONTHSED 30 JUNE 2021

 
                                                     Unaudited       Unaudited     Audited 
                                                6 Months Ended        6 Months   12 Months 
                                                                         Ended       Ended 
                                                      30.06.21        30.06.20    31.12.20 
                                                       GBP'000         GBP'000     GBP'000 
 Cash flows from operating activities 
 Profit before income tax                                3,102           2,013       4,805 
 Depreciation and amortisation charges                     555             454         888 
 Revaluation of investments in shares                       32               -           - 
 Share-based payments charge                               301              68          68 
 Loss on discontinued operations,                          140               -           - 
  net of tax 
 Finance costs                                             119               -           3 
 Finance income                                            (2)             (5)        (11) 
                                               ---------------  --------------  ---------- 
 
 Operating cash flow before changes in 
  working capital                                        4,247           2,530       5,753 
 (Increase) / Decrease in trade and 
  other receivables                                      (445)             170        (18) 
 Increase / (Decrease) in trade and 
  other payables                                           917           (215)         643 
                                               ---------------  --------------  ---------- 
 Cash generated from operations                          4,719           2,485       6,378 
 
 Interest paid                                            (42)               -           - 
 Tax paid                                                (625)           (325)       (972) 
 Net cash generated from operations                      4,052           2,160       5,406 
                                               ---------------      ----------  ---------- 
 
 Cash flows from investing activities 
 Purchase of subsidiary net of cash 
  acquired                                            (13,070)            (83)        (81) 
 Cash in disposal group held for sale                    (327)               -           - 
 Purchase of intangible assets                            (13)               -           - 
 Purchase of tangible assets                                 -            (14)        (17) 
 Payment of assisted acquisitions 
  support                                                 (31)           (122)       (155) 
 Loans repaid                                                -             200         200 
 Interest received                                           2               6          11 
 Net cash used in investing activities                (13,439)            (13)        (43) 
                                               ---------------      ----------  ---------- 
 
 Cash flows from financing activities 
 Issue of ordinary shares                                   96               -           - 
 Equity dividends paid (note 8)                        (1,704)               -       (542) 
 Bank loan drawn                                        12,500               -           - 
 Bank loan repaid                                      (3,013)               -           - 
 Principal paid on lease liabilities                     (187)            (32)        (58) 
 Interest paid on lease liabilities                         31               -         (3) 
                                               ---------------      ----------  ---------- 
 Net cash used in financing activities                   7,723            (32)       (604) 
                                               ---------------      ----------  ---------- 
 
 (Decrease) / Increase in cash and 
  cash equivalents                                     (1,664)           2,114       4,759 
 Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning 
  of the period                                          8,771           4,011       4,011 
 Cash and cash equivalents at end 
  of the period                                          7,107           6,125       8,771 
                                               ===============      ==========  ========== 
 
 

THE PROPERTY FRANCHISE GROUP PLC

NOTES TO THE INTERIM RESULTS

FOR THE SIX MONTHSED 30 JUNE 2021

   1.          GENERAL INFORMATION 

The principal activity of The Property Franchise Group plc and its subsidiaries continues to be that of a UK residential property franchise business. In March 2021 the Group acquired the entire issued share capital of Hunters Property PLC, also a residential property franchise business with over 200 offices across the UK. The Group operates in the UK. The company is a public limited company incorporated and domiciled in the UK. The address of its head office and registered office is 2 St Stephen's Court, St Stephen's Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK.

   2.     BASIS OF PREPARATION 

The consolidated interim financial information for the six months ended 30 June 2021 was approved by the Board and authorised for issue on 14 September 2021. The results for 30 June 2021 and 30 June 2020 are unaudited. The disclosed figures are not statutory accounts in terms of Section 435 of the Companies Act 2006. Statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020 on which the auditors gave an audit report which was unqualified and did not contain a statement under Section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006, have been filed with the Registrar of Companies. The annual financial statements of the Group are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union.

This interim report has been prepared on a basis consistent with the accounting policies expected to be applied for the year ending 31 December 2021, and uses the same accounting policies and methods of computation applied for the year ended 31 December 2020.

Going concern

When assessing the foreseeable future the directors have looked at a period of 12 months from the date of approval of the interim financial information. The directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue to trade for the foreseeable future and, therefore, consider it appropriate to prepare the Group's interim financial information on a going concern basis.

Significant accounting policies

The Group's interim financial information includes those of the parent company and its subsidiaries, drawn up to 30 June 2021. Subsidiaries are all entities over which the Group has control. The Group controls an entity when the Group is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group. They are deconsolidated from the date that control ceases.

The Group applies the acquisition method to account for business combinations. The consideration transferred for the acquisition of a subsidiary is the fair values of the assets transferred, the liabilities incurred to the former owners of the acquiree and the equity interests issued by the Group. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred.

Inter-company transactions, balances and unrealised gains on transactions between Group companies are eliminated. Unrealised losses are also eliminated. When necessary amounts reported by subsidiaries have been adjusted to conform with the Group's accounting policies.

THE PROPERTY FRANCHISE GROUP PLC

NOTES TO THE INTERIM RESULTS

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2021

   3.     REVENUE 
 
                             Unaudited    Unaudited     Audited 
                              6 Months     6 Months   12 Months 
                                 Ended        Ended       Ended 
 
                              30.06.21     30.06.20    31.12.20 
                                   GBP          GBP         GBP 
 Management service fee          7,330        4,225       9,365 
 Owned offices revenue           1,950            -           - 
 Franchise sales                   291           49         145 
 Other                           1,551          857       1,507 
                           -----------  -----------  ---------- 
                                11,122        5,131      11,017 
                           -----------  -----------  ---------- 
 
 

All revenue is earned in the UK and no customer represents greater than 10 per cent of total revenue in the periods reported.

   4.     EXCEPTIONAL COSTS 

Exceptional costs were GBP0.9m Hunters acquisition costs and GBP0.3m following the purchase of TPFG ordinary shares from employees by the TPFG employee benefit trust.

   5.     TAXATION 

The underlying tax charge is based on the expected effective tax rate for the full year to December 2021. The majority of the tax arises from applying this effective tax rate to the profit on ordinary activities.

   6.     HELD FOR SALE 

On 22 July 2021 the sale of Aux Group Limited and Auxilium Partnership Limited to Mark Graves completed. The terms of the sale were agreed prior to the period end and at 30 June 2021 there was a strong expectation that the completion was imminent. As such the assets and liabilities are disclosed as 'held for sale' at 30 June 2021 in these financial statements and an impairment loss has been recognised through the profit and loss account being the difference between the proceeds received on sale and the assets to be disposed of which were estimated at GBP0.3m. The impairment loss has been included in exceptional costs. The profit for the year of Auxilium is shown as discontinued operations in the profit and loss account, GBP0.08m is attributable to the owners of the parent, therefore the net loss in the profit and loss account in relation to the period for Auxilium is GBP0.2m.

   7.     EARNINGS PER SHARE 

Earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit for the financial period by the weighted average number of shares during the period.

 
                               Unaudited   Unaudited     Audited 
                                6 Months    6 Months   12 Months 
                                   Ended       Ended       Ended 
                                30.06.21    30.06.20    31.12.20 
                                 GBP'000     GBP'000     GBP'000 
  Profit for the period 
   attributable to owners 
   of parent                       2,117       1,648       3,783 
  Amortisation on acquired 
   intangibles                       478         249         498 
  Share-based payments 
   charge                            301          68          68 
  Exceptional costs                1,168           -           - 
  Impairment of Auxilium             298 
                              ----------  ----------  ---------- 
  Adjusted profit for the 
   period                          4,362       1,965       4,349 
                              ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 
 
 
   7.    EARNINGS PER SHARE (CONTINUED) 
 
 
   Weighted average number of shares     29,178,704   25,822,750     25,822,750 
 
 Dilutive effect of share options 
  on ordinary shares                         99,590      546,515        519,817 
 
                                         29,278,294   26,369,265     26,342,567 
 
 
 Basic earnings per share                      7.3p         6.4p          14.6p 
 Diluted earnings per share                    7.2p         6.2p          14.4p 
 
 Adjusted basic earnings per share            15.0p         7.6p          16.8p 
 Adjusted diluted earnings per 
  share                                       14.9p         7.5p          16.5p 
 
 
   7.     DIVIDENDS 
 
                                Unaudited   Unaudited    Audited 
                                    As at       As at      As at 
                                 30.06.21    30.06.20   31.12.20 
                                  GBP'000     GBP'000    GBP'000 
 Dividends (ordinary share 
  of GBP0.01 each)                  1,704           -        542 
 Dividend per share paid             6.6p           -       2.1p 
 

An interim dividend for 2021 of 3.8p per share has been declared and will be paid on 8 October 2021 to all shareholders on the register on 24 September 2021. Our shares will be marked ex-dividend on 23 September 2021. The total amount payable is GBP1,218k.

   8.     ACQUISITIONS 

Acquisition of Hunters Property PLC

Effective 19 March 2021 the Group acquired the entire issued share capital of Hunters Property PLC, a competitor property franchisor with a network of 211 offices across the UK. Consideration of GBP26.1m was paid which comprised of each Hunters shareholder receiving 0.1655 New shares in The Property Franchise Group PLC and 43.2 pence in cash.

An exercise is currently being undertaken to allocate the purchase price between the fair value of intangible assets acquired with the remainder being recognised as goodwill. The assets acquired are likely to be master franchise agreements, lettings books, brands and technology. Amortisation of GBP229k has been included in these financial statements for the period from 19 March - 30 June 2021 based on the current estimate of intangibles acquired. Further details will be included in the year end financial statements when the values will have been finalised.

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

RNS may use your IP address to confirm compliance with the terms and conditions, to analyse how you engage with the information contained in this communication, and to share such analysis on an anonymised basis with others as part of our commercial services. For further information about how RNS and the London Stock Exchange use the personal data you provide us, please see our Privacy Policy.

END

IR LXLLFFKLFBBF

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

September 14, 2021 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)

1 Year Property Franchise Chart

1 Year Property Franchise Chart

1 Month Property Franchise Chart

1 Month Property Franchise Chart

Your Recent History

Delayed Upgrade Clock