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Share Name | Share Symbol | Market | Type | Share ISIN | Share Description |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Universe Group Plc | LSE:UNG | London | Ordinary Share | GB0009483594 | 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% | 11.50 | 0.00 | 01:00:00 |
Industry Sector | Turnover | Profit | EPS - Basic | PE Ratio | Market Cap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | 0 | N/A | 0 |
TIDMUNG
RNS Number : 5250N
Universe Group PLC
25 September 2019
25 September 2019
AIM: UNG.L
Universe Group plc
("Universe", the "Company" or the "Group")
INTERIM RESULTS
FOR THE SIX MONTHSED 30 JUNE 2019
Universe Group plc (AIM: UNG.L), a leading developer and supplier of point of sale, payment and loyalty systems, is pleased to announce its unaudited interim results for the six months to 30 June 2019.
Highlights
-- Revenues up 7.3% to GBP9.92 million (H1 2018: GBP9.25 million) -- Adjusted EBITDA GBP1.39 million (H1 2018: GBP0.98 million) -- Operating profit GBP0.28 million (H1 2018: GBP0.17 million) -- Earnings per share 0.07 pence (H1 2018: 0.06 pence) -- Net cash inflow from operations GBP1.70 million (H1 2018: GBP1.98 million)
-- Acquisition on 3 April 2019 of Celtech is a class-leading developer of cloud-based retail and wholesale management solutions ("RMS") for GBP4.96 million. Celtech develops and sells its RMS, called "ab-initio", to wholesale and retail customers in the UK and Ireland. The deal was funded out of the Group's existing cash resources and GBP5.00 million of new banking facilities from HSBC
Andrew Blazye, Non-Executive Chairman of Universe, commented:
"We are encouraged to see that revenues across the Group's activities for the first half show both organic and acquisition driven growth on the same period last year. We have secured further important contracts with two existing major clients and we are pleased with the progress made in integrating Celtech into the wider Group. We are already starting to benefit from the acquisition synergies.
Our payment and loyalty operations continue to perform well and we are positioning the newly acquired ab-initio platform at the forefront of our expanded RMS offering. We continue to be cash generative under-pinned by material recurring revenues.
We are, as previously stated, also a second half weighted business, dependent on a small number of high value projects. However, we are confident that, with the investments we have made into the business, we are well positioned for growth in 2019 and beyond."
For further information: Universe Group plc T: +44 2380 689 510 Andrew Blazye, Non-Executive Chairman Jeremy Lewis, Chief Executive Officer Daryl Paton, Chief Financial Officer finnCap T: +44 2072 200 500 Stuart Andrews (corporate finance) Richard Chambers (corporate broking) IFC Advisory T: +44 203 934 6630 Tim Metcalfe Graham Herring Florence Chandler
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
Financial Results
We report below the Company's results for the six months ended 30 June 2019.
Introduction
On 3 April 2019 the Company acquired 95% of the issued share capital of Camden Technology Investments Limited and its subsidiaries, each trading as Celtech ("Celtech"), for an initial cash consideration of EUR4.48 million and the issue of 22,842,785 new shares in Universe representing 8.95% of the issued share capital of the Company as enlarged by the issue of these shares.
The acquisition was funded out of existing cash resources and a new 4-year, GBP3.50 million term loan and a new 3-year, GBP1.50 million revolving credit facility with HSBC.
The results for the period include the post-acquisition trading activity of the acquired businesses.
Profit & Loss
Revenues for the first half were up 7.3% to GBP9.92 million (H1 2018: GBP9.25 million). This reflected like-for-like growth of 2.5% in the core HTEC business to GBP9.48 million (2018: GBP9.25 million) and the 3-month, post-acquisition contribution from the Celtech acquisition.
Whilst revenues are up on the comparative figures for 2018 and profits broadly in line, as in the prior year, results for the full year are again expected to be heavily weighted towards the second half.
The increase in revenue has come mainly from data services, up 28.9% to GBP2.63 million (H1 2018: GBP2.04 million) and consultancy and licence maintenance, up 26.1% to GBP2.48 million (H1 2018: GBP1.96 million). The data service increase is mainly due to a customer's ongoing, large, managed service security project and the consultancy and licence maintenance increase is largely due to the inclusion of the post-acquisition results of Celtech.
This improved revenue performance resulted in gross profits increasing to GBP5.55 million (H1 2018: GBP4.34 million) and an improved gross margin to 56.0% (H1 2018: 46.9%) due to the change in sales mix towards higher margin data services and consultancy and licence maintenance.
Administrative expenses rose 26.2% to GBP5.27 million (H1 2018: GBP4.17 million). This reflected a like-for-like increase of 13.5% or GBP0.57 million in the core HTEC business. Of this, GBP0.06 million related to the adoption of IFRS 16, GBP0.14 million was a net increase in depreciation and amortisation and GBP0.15 million was Celtech acquisition expenses. The underlying increase in the HTEC business was therefore 5.3% which largely relates to an increase in expensed research and development. Expensed research and development for the period was GBP2.14 million (H1 2018: GBP1.69 million).
Earnings before interest, taxes, share-based payments, depreciation, amortisation, acquisition costs expensed and excluding depreciation on right-of-use assets ('adjusted EBITDA excluding depreciation on right-of-use assets') was GBP1.39 million (H1 2018: GBP0.98 million).
Operating profit was GBP0.28 million (H1 2018: GBP0.17 million).
Net finance expense was GBP0.10 million (H1 2018: GBP0.04 million) and included 3 months of interest on the GBP3.50 million HSBC 4-year term loan as well as notional interest on the right-of-use assets (see note 10).
The underlying tax charge for the period was GBP0.00 million (H1 2018: credit GBP0.00 million).
Earnings per share for the period were 0.07 pence (H1 2018: 0.06 pence).
Balance sheet and cash flow
The balance sheet at 30 June 2019 remains strong. Like for like net current assets (excluding the impact of IFRS 16, Leases) were GBP4.21 million (31 December 2018: GBP4.90 million) and like for like non-current liabilities (excluding the impact of IFRS 16, Leases) were GBP3.07 million (31 December 2018: GBP0.94 million). Both net current assets and non-current liabilities now include the assets and liabilities of Celtech and the remainder of the HSBC GBP3.50 million term loan.
Cash flow from operating activities in the half year was GBP1.70 million (H1 2018: GBP1.98 million) with the cash generated largely reinvested into the business as product development, capital expenditure or debt repayment. The net cash outlay (cash paid less cash in the acquired business) for Celtech was GBP2.88 million. Cash balances at 30 June 2019 were GBP3.38 million compared to GBP2.72 million at 31 December 2018.
Investment in the core business continued with capitalised development costs of GBP0.58 million (H1 2018: GBP0.82 million) focused on our next generation of retail systems.
Capital expenditure in the period was GBP0.22 million (H1 2018: GBP0.23 million).
Net debt (excluding debt associated with right-of-use assets, IFRS 16 and capitalised loan fees) at 30 June 2019 was GBP0.31 million (31 December 2018: net cash GBP1.92 million).
Outlook
We are encouraged to see that revenues across the Group's activities for the first half show both organic and acquisition driven growth on the same period last year. We have secured further important contracts with two existing major clients and we are pleased with the progress made in integrating Celtech into the wider Group. We are already starting to benefit from the acquisition synergies.
Our payment and loyalty operations continue to perform well and we are positioning the newly acquired ab-initio platform at the forefront of our expanded RMS offering. We continue to be cash generative under-pinned by material recurring revenues.
We are, as previously stated, also a second half weighted business, dependent on a small number of high value projects. However, we are confident that, with the investments we have made into the business, we are well positioned for growth in 2019 and beyond.
Andrew Blazye
Non-Executive Chairman
25 September 2019
Universe Group plc
Condensed Statement of Total Comprehensive Income (unaudited)
for the 6 months ended 30 June 2019
Six months Six months Year ended ended 30 ended 30 31 December June 2019 June 2018 2018 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 Continuing operations Revenue 9,922 9,246 19,892 Cost of sales (4,369) (4,907) (10,298) ----------- ----------- ------------- Gross profit 5,553 4,339 9,594 Administrative expenses (5,269) (4,168) (8,684) ----------- ----------- ------------- Operating profit 284 171 910 Net finance expense (see note 10) (103) (43) (74) ----------- ----------- ------------- Profit before taxation 181 128 836 Taxation - - (31) ----------- ----------- ------------- Profit and total comprehensive income for the period 181 128 805 ----------- ----------- ------------- Total comprehensive income attributable to:
Owners of the parent 189 128 805 Non-controlling interest (8) - - ----------- ----------- ------------- Profit and total comprehensive income for the period 181 128 805 ----------- ----------- ------------- Earnings per share (see note 8) Pence Pence Pence Basic EPS 0.07 0.06 0.35 Diluted EPS 0.07 0.05 0.33 ----------- ----------- ------------- Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity At start of period 23,982 23,161 23,161 Profit and total comprehensive income for the period 181 128 805 Share issue net of expenses 1,120 2 1 Share-based payments 2 9 15 At end of period 25,285 23,300 23,982 =========== =========== =============
Universe Group plc
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (unaudited)
as at 30 June 2019
30 June 30 June 31 December 2019 2018 2018 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 Non-current assets Goodwill and other intangibles 18,025 13,894 13,877 Development costs 4,039 3,914 4,079 Property, plant and equipment 2,047 2,234 2,067 Right-of-use assets 2,627 - - 26,738 20,042 20,023 ------------- --------- ------------ Current assets Inventories 1,326 1,441 1,210 Trade and other receivables 7,343 4,536 6,294 Current tax asset - - 159 Cash and cash equivalents 3,376 3,374 2,717 12,045 9,351 10,380 ------------- --------- ------------ Total assets 38,783 29,393 30,403 ------------- --------- ------------ Current liabilities Trade and other payables (6,451) (4,615) (4,904) Borrowings (1,109) (631) (579) Borrowings - right-of-use assets (1,033) - - Deferred consideration (274) - - (8,867) (5,246) (5,483) Non-current liabilities Borrowings (2,344) (316) (217) Borrowings - right-of-use assets (1,566) - - Deferred tax (721) (531) (721) (4,631) (847) (938) Total liabilities (13,498) (6,093) (6,421) ------------- --------- ------------ Net assets 25,285 23,300 23,982 ------------- --------- ------------ Equity Share capital 2,552 2,323 2,323 Capital redemption reserve 4,588 4,588 4,588 Share premium 13,953 13,063 13,062 Merger reserve 2,269 2,269 2,269 Translation reserve (225) (225) (225) Retained earnings 2,156 1,282 1,965 ------------- --------- ------------ Total equity attributable to equity shareholders 25,293 23,300 23,982 Non-controlling interest (8) - - Total equity attributable to equity shareholders 25,285 23,300 23,982 ------------- --------- ------------
Universe Group plc
Condensed Consolidated Cash Flow Statement (unaudited)
for the six months ended 30 June 2019
Six months Six months Year ended ended 30 ended 30 31 December June 2019 June 2018 2018 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 Net cash flows from operating activities Profit before taxation 181 128 836 Depreciation and amortisation 956 802 1,728 Right-of-use asset adjustment (63) - - Share-based payments 2 9 15 Net finance expense 103 43 74 ----------- ----------- ------------- 1,179 982 2,653 (Increase)/decrease in inventories (116) (32) 199 (Increase)/decrease in receivables (128) 1,018 (740) (Decrease)/increase in payables 731 55 344 Net interest paid (53) (43) (74) Tax (paid)/received 86 - - Net cash inflow from operating activities 1,699 1,980 2,382 ----------- ----------- ------------- Cash flows from investing activities Acquisition of subsidiary undertakings (2,880) - - Purchase of property, plant & equipment (223) (226) (66) Expenditure on capitalised product development (575) (820) (1,609) Net cash outflow from investing activities (3,678) (1,046) (1,675) ----------- ----------- ------------- Cash flow from financing activities Proceeds from issue of shares - 2 1 Repayments of obligations under finance leases (397) (367) (796) Repayment of loans (219) (80) (80) Fees associated with new loans (246) - - New loans raised 3,500 - - Net cash outflow from financing activities 2,638 (445) (875) ----------- ----------- ------------- Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 659 489 (168) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 2,717 2,885 2,885 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 3,376 3,374 2,717 ----------- ----------- ------------- Net debt (excluding debt associated with right-of-use assets, IFRS 16 and capitalised loan fees) Finance leases (403) (947) (796) Loans (3,281) - - Net (debt)/cash (308) 2,427 1,921 ----------- ----------- ------------- Universe Group plc Notes to Condensed Consolidated financial statements for six months ended 30 June 2019 1. The interim financial statements, which are unaudited, have been prepared on the basis of the accounting policies expected to apply for the financial year to 31 December 2019 and in accordance with the recognition and measurement principles of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as endorsed by the European Union. With the exception of IFRS 16: Leases, the accounting policies applied in the preparation of these interim financial statements are consistent with those used in the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2018. The interim financial statements do not include all of the information required for full annual financial statements and do not comply with all the disclosures in IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting'. Accordingly, whilst the interim statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs, they cannot be construed as being in full compliance with IFRSs. Leases The Group has adopted IFRS 16 'Leases' (hereinafter referred to as 'IFRS 16') with effect from 1 January 2019 under which leases will be recorded in the statement of financial position in the form of a right-of-use asset and a lease liability.
The Group has adopted IFRS 16 retrospectively from 1 January 2019 but has not restated comparatives for the 2018 reporting period, as permitted under the specific transitional provisions in the standard. The reclassifications and the adjustments arising from the new leasing rules are therefore recognised in the opening balance sheet on 1 January 2019. For any new contracts entered into on or after 1 January 2019, the Group considers whether a contract is, or contains a lease. A lease is defined as 'a contract, or part of a contract, that conveys the right to use an asset (the underlying asset) for a period of time in exchange for consideration'. At lease commencement date, the Group recognises a right-of-use asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet. The right-of-use asset is measured at cost, which is made up of the initial measurement of the lease liability, any initial direct costs incurred by the Group, an estimate of any costs to dismantle and remove the asset, or restore a property, at the end of the lease, and any lease payments made in advance of the lease commencement date (net of any incentives received). The Group depreciates the right-of-use assets on a straight-line basis from the lease commencement date to the earlier of the end of the useful life of the right-of-use asset or the end of the lease term. The Group also assesses the right-of-use asset for impairment when such indicators exist. At the commencement date, the Group measures the lease liability at the present value of the lease payments unpaid at that date, discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease if that rate is readily available or the Group's incremental borrowing rate. Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability are made up of fixed payments (including in substance fixed), variable payments based on an index or rate, amounts expected to be payable under a residual value guarantee and payments arising from options reasonably certain to be exercised. Subsequent to initial measurement, the liability will be reduced for payments made and increased for interest. It is remeasured to reflect any reassessment or modification, or if there are changes in in substance fixed payments. When the lease liability is remeasured, the corresponding adjustment is reflected in the right-of-use asset, or profit and loss if the right-of-use asset is already reduced to zero. The Group has elected to account for short-term leases and leases of low-value assets using the practical expedients. Instead of recognising a right-of-use asset and lease liability, the payments in relation to these are recognised as an expense in profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the lease term. In the statement of financial position, for these interim accounts, the right-of-use assets and lease liabilities have been included separately in the statement. The impact on the consolidated statement of comprehensive income is an increase in profit before tax of GBP0.03 million as the pre-IFRS 16 rental charge is replaced by a depreciation charge and interest cost. There is no net impact on the opening balance sheet and the balance sheet at 30 June 2019 shows the assets and liabilities associated with the right-of-use assets separately. There has been no impact on cash flows. 2. The financial information for the year ended 31 December 2018 does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. A copy of the statutory accounts for that year has been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The auditors' report on those accounts was not qualified and did not contain statements under section 498 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006. 3. The Directors believe the Group is well placed to manage its business risks successfully. The Group's forecasts and projections, taking account of reasonably possible changes in trading conditions show that the Group should be able to operate within the level of its facilities. After making enquiries the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group will have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future (being a period of at least 12 months from the date of this report). Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the interim condensed financial statements. 4. The half year results were neither audited nor reviewed by the auditors. The interim financial information has been prepared on the basis of accounting policies set out in the Group's statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2018. 5. Turnover analysis All turnover arises within the HTEC Solutions business segment. Six months Six months Year ended ended 30 ended 30 31 December June 2019 June 2018 2018 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 Software licences and hardware 1,196 1,289 3,644 Service and installations 3,621 3,954 8,184 Data services 2,628 2,039 4,117 Consultancy and license maintenance 2,477 1,964 3,947 9,922 9,246 19,892 -------------------------------- ----------- ------------- 6. Operating profit and adjusted EBITDA Six months Six months Year ended ended 30 ended 30 31 December June 2019 June 2018 2018 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 Revenue 9,922 9,246 19,892 Cost of sales (4,369) (4,907) (10,298) --------------- ----------- ----------------- Gross profit 5,553 4,339 9,594 Administrative expenses (5,269) (4,168) (8,684) --------------- ----------- ----------------- Operating profit 284 171 910 Add back: Depreciation on owned assets 295 431 716 Depreciation on right-of-use assets 369 - - Amortisation 661 371 1,012 Share-based payments 2 9 15 Acquisition costs expensed 149 - - Adjusted EBITDA 1,760 982 2,653 --------------- ----------- ----------------- Adjusted EBITDA (excluding depreciation on right-of-use assets 1,391 982 2,653 --------------- ----------- ----------------- 7. Taxation Six months Six months Year ended31 December2018 ended 30 ended 30 June 2019 June 2018 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 Current tax: Current year charge/(credit) - - - Adjustments to tax charge in respect of previous periods - - (158) --------------- ----------- ------------------------------------ - - (158) Deferred tax: Current year - - 218 Adjustments to tax charge in respect of previous periods - - (29) --------------- ----------- ------------------------------------ - - 189 Total tax (credit)/charge - - 31 --------------- ----------- ------------------------------------ 8. Earnings per share Earnings per share is calculated by reference to the results and the weighted average of 243,454,819 shares in issue during the period (H1 2018: 232,277,000, FY 2018: 232,313,661). Diluted
earnings per share is calculated by reference to the results and the weighted average of 266,673,979 shares in issue during the period (H1 2018: 237,105,000, FY 2018: 240,915,462). The number of shares in issue at 30 June 2019 was 255,191,720. 9. Operating segments The Group has one business segment. All material operations and assets are in the UK and Ireland. The trading segment is HTEC Solutions ('Solutions'). Solutions provides hardware, software, payment and service solutions into the UK and Ireland petrol and convenience store markets and loyalty solutions across Europe. 6 months ended 30 June 2019 Solutions Corporate Total GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 Revenue - all external 9,922 - 9,922 --------------- --------------- ---------------- Gross profit 5,553 - 5,553 Segment expenses (5,269) - (5,269) --------------- --------------- ---------------- Segmental operating profit 284 - 284 Net finance expense (103) Taxation - Profit for the period 181 ---------------- 6 months ended 30 June 2018 Solutions Corporate Total GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 Revenue - all external 9,246 - 9,246 --------------- --------------- ---------------- Gross profit 4,339 - 4,339 Segment expenses (3,960) (208) (4,168) --------------- --------------- ---------------- Segmental operating profit 379 (208) 171 Net finance expense (43) Taxation - Profit for the period 128 ---------------- Year ended 31 December 2018 Solutions Corporate Total GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 Revenue - all external 19,892 - 19,892 --------------- --------------- ---------------- Gross profit 9,594 - 9,594 Segment expenses (8,440) (244) (8,684) --------------- --------------- ---------------- Segmental operating profit 1,154 (244) 910 Net finance expense (74) Taxation (31) Profit for the period 805 ---------------- 10. Net finance expense Six months Six months Year ended ended 30 ended 30 31 December June 2019 June 2018 2018 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 Interest receivable on bank deposits 9 6 14 Finance income 9 6 14 --------------- --------------- ------------------ Interest payable on bank loans and overdrafts (5) (5) (10) Interest payable on finance leases (22) (31) (65) Other interest (35) (13) (13) Amortisation of loan fees (15) - - Notional interest on operating (35) - - leases right-of-use assets --------------- --------------- ------------------ Finance expense (112) (49) (88) Net finance expense (103) (43) (74) --------------- --------------- ------------------ 11. Acquisitions during the year Camden Technologies Limited On 3 April 2019 the Group acquired 95% of the issued share capital of Camden Technology Investments Limited ("Camden Technology") and its subsidiaries, each trading as Celtech ("Celtech"), for an initial cash consideration of EUR4.48 million and the issue (out of existing AGM authorities) of 22,842,785 new shares in Universe representing 8.95% of the issued share capital of the Company as enlarged by the issue of these shares, (the "Acquisition"). The issued shares are subject to a 12-month lock-in period. The total initial consideration due, at the Company's closing share price on 2 April 2019 and assuming a EUR/GBP exchange rate of 1.17, is GBP4.96 million. In addition, the remaining 5% of the shares in Camden Technology are subject to a put and call option exercisable after 1 year at a cost of EUR0.32 million, payable in cash in April 2020. The Acquisition was funded out of existing cash resources and a new 4-year, GBP3.50 million term loan and a 3-year, GBP1.50 million revolving credit facility with HSBC which has not been drawn at 30 June 2019. Celtech's ab-initio software product is a class-leading, cloud-based RMS offering that gives large, multi-site operators a uniquely powerful modular suite operating in real-time and allowing them to control all aspects of their business with full reporting, insights and analytics. As such, it meets the needs of Universe's larger customers and broadens the Group's customer base in the UK and Ireland with additional high-profile retailers. Details of the provisional fair value of identifiable assets and liabilities acquired and purchase consideration are as follows: Fair value GBP'000 Goodwill and intangible fixed assets 4,164 Property, plant and equipment 81 Right-of-use assets 365 Receivables 242 Other debtors 680 Cash 958 Payables (84) Other creditors (125) Deferred revenue (607) Corporation tax (73) Finance leases (5) Borrowings - right-of-use assets (365) ------------------------------- 5,231 ------------------------------- Fair value of consideration paid: Cash 3,838 Shares issued 1,119 Deferred consideration 274 ------------------------------- Total consideration 5,231 -------------------------------
12. Copies of the interim report will be available from the Company's head and registered office: Southampton International Park, George Curl Way, Southampton, SO18 2RX, and on the Company's website, www.universeplc.com.
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.
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