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VANL Van Elle Holdings Plc

33.50
0.00 (0.00%)
Last Updated: 08:00:13
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Van Elle Holdings Plc LSE:VANL London Ordinary Share GB00BYX4TP46 ORD 2P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 33.50 33.00 34.00 33.50 33.50 33.50 394 08:00:13
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Engineering Services 148.73M 4.68M 0.0438 7.65 35.76M

Van Elle Holdings PLC Interim Results, Analyst Briefing & Investor Pres (7450N)

25/01/2023 7:00am

UK Regulatory


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TIDMVANL

RNS Number : 7450N

Van Elle Holdings PLC

25 January 2023

Van Elle Holdings plc

('Van Elle', the 'Company' or the 'Group')

Interim Results for the six months ended 31 October 2022

Analyst Briefing and Investor Presentation

Van Elle Holdings plc, the UK's largest ground engineering contractor, announces its Interim Results for the six months ended 31 October 2022 (the 'Period').

 
 GBPm                                                                        6 months       6 months 
                                                                                ended          ended 
                                                                          31 Oct 2022    31 Oct 2021 
----------------------------------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Revenue                                                                         80.8           60.1 
 EBITDA(1)                                                                        6.4            4.8 
 Operating profit                                                                 3.5            2.3 
 Profit before taxation                                                           3.3            1.9 
 Basic earnings per share (p)                                                     2.6            1.4 
 ROCE(2)                                                                        11.2%           4.4% 
 Net debt                                                                       (2.5)          (2.0) 
 Net funds (excluding IFRS 16 property and vehicle lease liabilities)             3.5            3.5 
 Interim dividend per share (p)                                                   0.4              - 
----------------------------------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 

(1) EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation

(2) Return on capital employed is defined as 12-month rolling operating profit divided by average net assets excluding net debt

There are no non-underlying items in the current or comparative Period.

Period highlights

   --      Record half year revenue with operating profit significantly ahead of the prior year 
   --      All divisions operated with high activity levels throughout the Period 

-- Rail business delivered major electrification programmes under framework agreements, seeing continuation of strong activity levels

-- Balance sheet remains strong with a net funds position at the Period end (excl. IFRS 16 property and vehicle lease liabilities), retaining significant liquidity headroom

-- Healthy order book at 31 December 2022 of GBP38.3m (31 October 2022: GBP49.0m) excluding frameworks

-- Secured framework agreements are expected to contribute materially to FY24 and beyond, with estimated annual revenues over the medium-term in the range of GBP30m-40m (subject to allocation of workload)

-- Interim dividend declared of 0.4 pence per share following a reinstatement of dividend distributions at the time of the 2022 Final Results

Outlook

-- The Group has continued to trade in line with management's expectations since the Period end

-- The housing sector is expected to deliver lower volumes in the short-term, however, Van Elle's Infrastructure and Construction markets remain healthy and typically deliver an improved margin mix

   --      Secured frameworks provide much improved work visibility through to FY25 
   --    The Board remains confident in achieving market expectations for the full year (1) 

(1) Company compiled analyst consensus for FY2023 underlying profit before tax is GBP5.3m with a range of GBP5.2m - GBP5.4m

Mark Cutler, Chief Executive, commented: "Strong trading momentum was sustained throughout the Period despite a challenging macro environment. All divisions operated at high activity levels throughout, with significantly increased revenues delivered in Housing and General Piling, Rail activity in line with expectations and the Group as a whole reporting record revenues.

"The Group is benefitting from improved future work visibility, primarily due to being appointed to several strategic frameworks in highways and rail, all of which require an integrated delivery approach across our specialist capabilities.

"Market conditions in the short term, especially in respect of new build housing, are expected to be more challenging, however Van Elle is well positioned to benefit from opportunities across its breadth of end markets and diverse customer base. The Board therefore remains confident in the delivery of our medium-term strategy, and in achieving market expectations for the full year."

Analyst Briefing: 9.30am on Wednesday 25 January 2023

A briefing for Analysts will be held at 9.30am today. Analysts interested in attending should contact Walbrook PR on vanelle@walbrookpr.com or 020 7933 8780.

Investor Presentation: 3.30pm on Wednesday 25 January 2023

Mark Cutler, Chief Executive Officer, and Graeme Campbell, Chief Financial Officer, will hold a presentation to review the results and outlook at 3.30pm today. The presentation will be hosted through the digital platform Investor Meet Company.

Investors can sign up to Investor Meet Company for free and add to meet Van Elle Holdings plc via the following link https://www.investormeetcompany.com/van-elle-holdings-plc/register-investor . Investors who have already registered and added to meet the Company will automatically be invited.

Questions can be submitted pre-event to vanelle@walbrookpr.com or in real time during the presentation via the "Ask a Question" function.

For further information, please contact:

 
 Van Elle Holdings plc                            Via Walbrook 
  Mark Cutler, Chief Executive Officer 
  Graeme Campbell, Chief Financial Officer 
 
 Peel Hunt LLP (Nominated Adviser and corporate   Tel: 020 7418 8900 
  broker) 
  Ed Allsopp / Mike Bell 
 
 Walbrook PR Limited                              Tel: 020 7933 8780 
                                                   or vanelle@walbrookpr.com 
 Tom Cooper / Nick Rome                           07971 221 972 or 
                                                   07748 325 236 
 

About Van Elle Holdings plc:

Van Elle Holdings is the UK's largest specialist geotechnical engineering contractor. The Company provides a range of ground engineering techniques and services including - ground investigation, general and specialist piling, rail geotechnical engineering, modular foundations, and ground improvement and stabilisation services.

Van Elle operates through three divisions: General Piling, Specialist Piling and Rail, and Ground Engineering Services; and is focused on three end markets: residential and housing, infrastructure and regional construction - across which the Group has completed more than 20,000 projects over the last 35 years.

General Piling provides a range of larger piling and ground engineering solutions for open-site construction projects. Specialist Piling and Rail provides a range of geotechnical solutions in operationally constrained environments including on-track rail applications. Ground Engineering Services offers a range of ground investigation and geotechnical services and modular foundation solutions such as Smartfoot(R). Van Elle has a market-leading reputation and the UK's largest rig fleet of over 120 rigs.

Having floated on AIM in 2016 it now has a strong national presence, diversified offering and market-leading brand name.

Van Elle Holdings plc - Interim Report to 31 October 2022

Results overview

Strong trading momentum was sustained throughout the Period despite a challenging macro environment. All divisions operated at high activity levels throughout, with significantly increased revenues delivered in Housing and General Piling, with the Group as a whole reporting record revenues.

Half year revenues of GBP80.8m were 35% ahead of the prior period (H1 FY2022: GBP60.1m).

The housebuilding market delivered strong demand, resulting in very high activity levels throughout the Period. Infrastructure and general construction markets also continued to show good growth, with improving order levels and contract activity.

The supply chain disruption which impacted the Group's results over recent reporting periods has eased, with improved stability of input prices and better availability of raw materials. However, inflationary pressures have continued to adversely affect the cost base, particularly through wage, utilities and fuel cost increases. These cost increases are mitigated through contract price mechanisms as far as possible, however, in some cases there is a lag in recovery.

A shortage of skilled labour in the construction sector has continued to present a challenge, particularly due to the increased capacity requirement to support the Group's revenue growth. Skilled construction employees remain in high demand across the UK, with the industry affected by significant numbers of operational staff still needed to meet the requirements of HS2. The Group has maintained a high focus on both recruitment and retention of employees, and the directly employed workforce increased to 659 from 630 during the Period.

The Group delivered a materially improved operating profit of GBP3.5m (H1 FY2022: GBP2.3m), with basic earnings per share increasing by 85% to 2.6p (H1 FY2022: 1.4p).

Net funds (excluding IFRS 16 property and vehicle lease liabilities) decreased from GBP5.9m as at 30 April 2022, to GBP3.5m at the end of the Period. This reflects an increase in working capital of GBP3.9m, primarily due to the impact of higher trading activity, and increased capital expenditure. Net capital expenditure of GBP3.5m represents an increased investment in the rig fleet following below average capital spend over the preceding three years. The Group paid the 2022 final dividend of GBP1.1m in the Period.

The Group maintains a strong balance sheet with a healthy cash balance and significant liquidity headroom against its GBP11.0m funding facility. During the Period, GBP3.0m of the asset-backed lending facility was drawn to support working capital growth and capital investment. In addition, GBP1.5m of new hire purchase finance was arranged on a variable interest rate basis, with no early repayment charges. The Group continues to maintain modest levels of debt (excluding IFRS 16 lease liabilities) and remains well within its target leverage threshold of less than 1.5x EBITDA. Total hire purchase finance at the end of the Period was GBP2.0m.

The Group's order book at 31 December 2022 decreased to GBP38.3m (31 October 2022: GBP49.0m) in line with expectations due to the quieter winter trading period.

Market overview

All of the Group's core markets performed strongly, and ahead of pre-pandemic levels. The impact and challenges associated with Covid have largely dissipated, although the economic uncertainty has started to present new considerations which are expected to impact certain end markets in the near term, however it is too early to quantify these at this stage.

The Group operates in the following three market segments:

-- Residential constitutes approximately 38% of Group revenues in the Period (43% in H1 FY2022). Although revenue increased by 20%, it represented a lower percentage of overall revenues in the Period. Van Elle's teams deliver integrated ground improvement, piling and modular, precast concrete foundation systems for national and regional housebuilders, retirement and multi-storey residential properties.

Since the housebuilding market recovered following the severe impact on the sector from Covid lockdowns in 2020, customer activity, and demand for the Smartfoot system has been very strong.

The impact of increasing interest and mortgage rates is likely to slow new build starts and will result in a reduction in activity levels. The Group operates across a diverse range of customers and geographies in the housebuilding sector, and this should provide some protection against reduced volumes in regional areas or specific housebuilding segments (private, affordable homes, or social housing). The Board remains confident that Van Elle's unique range of geotechnical solutions for housebuilders will continue to prove popular with both traditional housebuilders and emerging modular housebuilders when markets recover.

-- Infrastructure constitutes approximately 39% of Group revenues in the Period (36% in H1 FY2022) and includes specialist ground engineering services to the rail, highways, energy, coastal, flood and utility sectors. Revenue increased by 45% year-on-year.

In the highways sector, projects continued to be delivered under local authority and National Highways frameworks. In the second half of FY2022, the Group was appointed to the 10-year Smart Motorways Programme Alliance (SMPA) framework and a major 5-6 year programme to construct additional emergency refuge areas will commence construction in early FY2024.

In the rail sector, major electrification programmes in south Wales and the east midlands are ongoing and are expected to provide a core workload for future trading. The Group has also been appointed as a framework partner to the TransPennine Route Upgrade (TRU) programme. Activity levels in the rail sector have continued strongly as CP6 enters the final year before the planning phase of CP7 commences in 2024. International opportunities in rail are also being developed further to provide some protection against the cyclical nature of the UK's rail activities.

HS2 continues to offer considerable medium-term opportunities, where Van Elle anticipates its services will be used by main contractors to provide additional capacity for the high workloads required to meet the project deadlines.

In the energy sector, two major contracts were awarded during 2022, the most recent of which is valued at GBP13m and work commenced on site in December, with delivery expected within this financial year. Further activity has been completed through the Specialist Piling division in the high voltage power sector where further growth is anticipated in FY2024.

-- Regional Construction constitutes approximately 22% of Group revenues (21% in H1 FY2022) and has seen revenue growth of 47%, primarily driven by industrial and logistics warehouse projects for private customers across the UK, and larger commercial projects in central London, delivered substantially by the General Piling division. The Group delivers a full range of piling services, but the growth of our ground improvement capabilities has assisted in accessing a wider range of attractive projects in the industrial sector.

The regional construction market was very strong in the Period although the market has remained relatively competitive and, as a result, price sensitive.

Operating structure

Van Elle's operational Group structure has remained consistent and is reported in three segments:

-- General Piling : open site; larger projects; key techniques being large diameter rotary, CFA piling and precast driven piling.

-- Specialist Piling and Rail : restricted access and low headroom piling; extensive rail mounted capability; helical piling and steel modular foundations (ScrewFast); sheet piling, soil nails and anchors, mini-piling and ground stabilisation projects.

-- Ground Engineering Services : driven and CFA piling for housebuilders, precast concrete modular foundations (Smartfoot); ground investigation and geotechnical services (Strata Geotechnics).

General Piling

Revenue increased by 62% in the Period to GBP29.3m (H1 FY2022: GBP18.1m), representing 36% of Group revenues.

Market conditions remained competitive throughout the Period, with price-sensitive tendering continuing to be a key factor in work winning. However, the division made further progress in developing strong customer relationships and delivered high-quality contract works utilising significant technical capabilities. The growth in the Period was assisted by the completion of several major projects across the UK, using the Group's rotary, CFA, precast driven and rigid inclusion capabilities.

Despite ongoing inflationary pressures (particularly fuel, raw materials and wages), the increase in activity levels resulted in a significantly improved operating profit of GBP2.3m for the Period (H1 FY2022: GBP0.9m).

Specialist Piling and Rail

Revenue increased by 12% in the Period to GBP24.8m (H1 FY2022: GBP22.1m), representing 31% of Group revenues.

Specialist Piling experienced very high levels of demand following the market recovery, post the first Covid lockdowns. Further revenue growth has been achieved in the Period as a result of the division expanding its operational capability by investing in new rigs for growth and increasing the number of site gangs. Key contracts included passing the landmark of the 200(th) rail station project, the start of the M6 Smart Motorway scheme, several HV substations and several major ground stabilisation contracts for housebuilders.

The long-term outlook for the Division's work in the infrastructure sector remains very positive, with an increase in Smart Motorway works expected to mobilise in early FY2024.

Rail delivered stronger revenues than in previous periods, continuing the improved momentum in the second half of FY2022. Piling works continued for the decarbonisation and electrification of the Core Valley Lines rail network and the Group was appointed to the piling framework for the TRU programme between Manchester and Leeds in the Period. Work on TRU is expected to commence in FY2024 and will involve both the Specialist Piling and Rail divisions for up to three years.

The Rail division continued a rolling programme of rig updates, including mid-life overhaul of several Colmar road and rail piling rigs. The rolling programme of maintenance work commenced in FY2022 and will be largely concluded by the end of FY2024. Orders for five, new generation, UK designed and built rigs were placed in the prior year at a cost of approximately GBP2.5m.

Operating profit for the division decreased to GBP1.1m (H1 FY2022: GBP1.6m). The result was impacted by some challenging contracts in the Specialist Piling division and rail strikes across the UK, which have caused short-term disruption to the Rail division with some works cancelled at late notice. Both Rail and Specialist Piling were impacted by inflationary factors across their cost base in the Period.

Ground Engineering Services

Revenue increased by 34% in the Period to GBP26.6m (H1 FY2022: GBP19.8m), representing 33% of Group revenues.

The Housing division delivers integrated piling and Smartfoot foundation beam solutions to UK housebuilders. Activity levels were high throughout the Period, with the division operating at current capacity. Production capacity was consistently exceeded, with beam production being partially outsourced to meet the demand of site works.

The division has also expanded its geographic footprint with new contracts being won and delivered in the South of England.

Strata, Van Elle's Geotechnical division, reported increased revenue of GBP3.5m (H1 FY2022: GBP3.0m). Further progress in infrastructure work has increased activity levels, particularly in the highways sector (including under the Highways England ground investigation framework) and on HS2 ground investigation projects.

Underlying operating profit for the segment increased to GBP2.5m (H1 FY2022: GBP1.2m).

Strategic approach

The Group continued to make good progress against Phase 3 of the strategy, and is seeing the early benefits of actions taken under Phases 1 and 2 (which are substantially complete, although subject to continuous improvement), as summarised below:

Phase 1: Stabilising and improving performance

Simplifying the Group structure, improving leadership capability, strengthening commercial capability, cost reduction and efficiency improvements, safety and asset utilisation performance, and employee engagement activities.

Phase 2: Developing foundations for growth

Developing clear strategic plans for the Group's core sectors of housing, infrastructure and regional construction, improving customer relationships and tendering activity, maximising the integrated solutions offering, broadening the range of products and services, and strengthening the Group's balance sheet.

Phase 3: Establishing market leadership

Sustainable, profitable growth towards medium term objectives of revenue growth of 5-10% per annum, underlying operating margins of 7-8%, and return on capital employed of 15-20%.

The Group's vision is to be the leading, most trusted provider of Total Foundation Solutions and its strategic goals are aligned under three pillars of developing trusted partnerships, deploying the best people and assets and the perfect delivery of our projects.

ESG

The Group launched its sustainability strategy in FY2022 which is aligned to industry best practice including guidance from the Construction Leadership Council programme.

Van Elle's ESG strategy is sponsored by a member of the executive team and an Environmental and Sustainability Manager was appointed in the Period to lead delivery of the Group's vision, which is to help create a sustainable future through efficient and innovative foundation solutions in collaboration with customers and other stakeholders.

In December 2022, the Group committed to formalising our approach to sustainability by making a commitment to setting science-based targets and tracking performance against these targets.

A sustainability working group is now well established and meets periodically to consider a broad range of ESG initiatives.

In addition to the focus on sustainability of site operations, the Group has undertaken a number of initiatives, including establishing an electric company car scheme, installing vehicle charging points at its offices, and improvements to water management at the main site in Kirkby-in-Ashfield where the Group is also planning to install solar panels in FY2024.

The Group has switched to an electricity supply contract which ensures that all electricity is provided from 100% renewable energy source, certified by Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin.

Van Elle's social initiatives include various charitable activities, including partnering with a local charity, which is selected by employees. Van Elle also promotes volunteering and teams have completed activities to support the local community over the course of the year.

Dividend

Following a prudent and temporary pause from dividend distributions as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and benefitting from a recovery of the Group's core end markets, Van Elle resumed dividend payments, commencing with a final dividend of 1.0 pence per share in relation to the year ended 30 April 2022.

The Board acknowledges that dividends continue to represent an important constituent of total shareholder returns, and accordingly has declared an interim dividend of 0.4 pence per share, representing the first interim dividend distribution since FY2019.

The interim dividend will be payable on 17 March 2023 to shareholders on the share register as at 24 February 2023. The shares will be marked ex-dividend on 23 February 2023.

Current trading and outlook

Trading since the Period end has continued in line with management's expectations.

Whilst there remains significant macroeconomic uncertainty, most of the Group's core markets continue to show a positive outlook. The housebuilding sector is expected to deliver lower volumes in the short term, however, the infrastructure sector is forecasting modest growth, as noted in the recent CPA forecasts. Whilst this might impact overall volumes through the second half the year, the Group should benefit from a positive mix of higher margin work delivered.

Raw material supply chain disruption moderated in the Period, with improved stability of input prices and better availability of raw materials. Inflationary pressures on the Group's cost base have continued and are likely to persist in the short term, however, the Group continues to largely offset cost increases through contract pricing mechanisms.

The Group is benefitting from improved future work visibility, primarily due to being appointed to several framework agreements. The Smart Motorways Programme Alliance provides a strong pipeline of work forecast through to FY2025. The Rail division is engaged on multiple frameworks including the Core Valley Lines and TransPennine Route Upgrade, both of which require complementary works from other divisions. The Group also expects to be increasingly involved in support of HS2 phase 1 joint ventures.

Market conditions in the short term, especially in respect of new build housing, are expected to be more challenging. Van Elle is well positioned to benefit from opportunities across a number of end markets, and the Board is confident that the near-term outlook remains positive and its expectations for the full year remain unchanged.

Mark Cutler

Chief Executive Officer

25 January 2023

Condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income

 
                                                         6 months            6 months         12 months 
                                                        to 31 Oct                  to         to 30 Apr 
                                         Note    2022 (unaudited)              31 Oct    2022 (audited) 
                                                          GBP'000    2021 (unaudited)           GBP'000 
                                                                              GBP'000 
------------------------------------  -------  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 Revenue                                 3                 80,836              60,061           124,915 
 Cost of sales                                           (60,211)            (42,967)          (90,842) 
------------------------------------  -------  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 Gross profit                                              20,625              17,094            34,073 
 Administrative expenses                                 (17,309)            (14,819)          (29,980) 
 Credit loss impairment charge                                  -               (115)             (159) 
 Other operating income                                       169                 125               438 
------------------------------------  -------  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 Operating profit                                           3,485               2,285             4,372 
 Finance expense                                            (200)               (368)             (779) 
 Profit before tax                                          3,285               1,917             3,593 
 Income tax expense                                         (465)               (448)           (1,733) 
------------------------------------  -------  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 Profit after tax and total 
  comprehensive income for the 
  year attributable to shareholders 
  of the parent                                             2,820               1,469             1,860 
------------------------------------  -------  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 Earnings per share (pence) 
 Basic                                   4                    2.6                 1.4               1.7 
 Diluted                                 4                    2.6                 1.4               1.7 
------------------------------------  -------  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 

All amounts relate to continuing operations. There was no other comprehensive income in either the current or preceding Period.

Condensed consolidated statement of financial position

 
                                                                Restated 
                                               As at               As at              As at 
                                              31 Oct              31 Oct             30 Apr 
                                    2022 (unaudited)    2021 (unaudited)     2022 (audited) 
                                             GBP'000             GBP'000            GBP'000 
-------------------------------  -------------------  ------------------  ----------------- 
 Non-current assets 
 Property, plant and equipment                40,149              38,276             38,719 
 Investment property                             806                 815                811 
 Intangible assets                             3,787               3,720              3,847 
-------------------------------  -------------------  ------------------  ----------------- 
                                              44,742              42,811             43,377 
-------------------------------  -------------------  ------------------  ----------------- 
 Current assets 
 Inventories                                   4,091               4,148              3,773 
 Trade and other receivables                  43,181              33,109             34,112 
 Corporation tax receivable                        -                  84                322 
 Cash and cash equivalents                     8,443               6,344              6,987 
                                              55,715              43,685             45,194 
-------------------------------  -------------------  ------------------  ----------------- 
 Total assets                                100,457              86,496             88,571 
-------------------------------  -------------------  ------------------  ----------------- 
 Current liabilities 
 Trade and other payables                     27,636              20,703             22,475 
 Loans and borrowings                          3,000                  49                  - 
 Deferred consideration                            -                   -                 50 
 Lease liabilities                             2,159               2,723              1,696 
 Provisions                                    8,047               7,538              7,738 
                                              40,842              31,013             31,959 
-------------------------------  -------------------  ------------------  ----------------- 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Loan and borrowings                               -                 110                  - 
 Deferred consideration                        1,193               1,547              1,170 
 Lease liabilities                             5,798               5,474              5,157 
 Deferred tax                                  4,139               2,150              3,674 
                                              11,130               9,281             10,001 
-------------------------------  -------------------  ------------------  ----------------- 
 Total liabilities                            51,972              40,294             41,960 
-------------------------------  -------------------  ------------------  ----------------- 
 Net assets                                   48,485              46,202             46,611 
-------------------------------  -------------------  ------------------  ----------------- 
 Equity 
 Share capital                                 2,133               2,133              2,133 
 Share premium                                 8,633               8,633              8,633 
 Other reserve                                 5,807               5,807              5,807 
 Retained earnings                            31,912              29,629             30,038 
 Total equity                                 48,485              46,202             46,611 
-------------------------------  -------------------  ------------------  ----------------- 
 

The statement of financial position as at 31 October 2021 has been restated to reflect the prior year adjustment to deferred tax as detailed in note 26 of the Group's financial statements for the year ending 30 April 2022.

Condensed consolidated statement of cash flows

 
                                                     6 months            6 months         12 months 
                                                    to 31 Oct                  to         to 30 Apr 
                                             2022 (unaudited)              31 Oct    2022 (audited) 
                                                      GBP'000    2021 (unaudited)           GBP'000 
                                                                          GBP'000 
-----------------------------------------  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 Cash flows from operating activities 
 Operating profit                                       3,485               2,285             4,372 
 Depreciation of property, plant 
  and equipment                                         2,845               2,482             5,282 
 Amortisation of intangible assets                         58                  53               101 
 Depreciation of investment property                        5                   5                 9 
 (Profit)/loss on disposal of property, 
  plant and equipment                                    (96)                   2             (122) 
 Share-based payment expense                              121                 156               174 
-----------------------------------------  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 Operating cash flows before movement 
  in working capital                                    6,418               4,983             9,816 
 Increase in inventories                                (318)             (1,126)             (750) 
 Increase in trade and other receivables              (9,068)             (1,071)           (2,074) 
 Increase/(decrease) in trade and 
  other payables                                        5,185               (130)             1,280 
 Increase in provisions                                   310                  97               102 
-----------------------------------------  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 Cash generated from operations                         2,527               2,559             8,374 
 Income tax received                                      322                   -                 - 
-----------------------------------------  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 Net cash generated from operating 
  activities                                            2,849               2,559             8,374 
-----------------------------------------  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 Cash flows from investing activities 
 Purchases of property, plant and 
  equipment                                           (3,745)             (2,203)           (4,946) 
 Disposal of property, plant and 
  equipment                                               197                 253               384 
 Purchase of intangibles                                    -                   -             (176) 
 Deferred consideration for acquisition                  (50)                   -                 - 
  of subsidiary 
 Net cash absorbed in investing 
  activities                                          (3,598)             (1,950)           (4,738) 
-----------------------------------------  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 Cash flows from financing activities 
 Dividends paid                                       (1,067)                   -                 - 
 New loans and borrowings                               3,000                   -                 - 
 New hire purchase financing                            1,544                   -                 - 
 Repayment of bank borrowings                               -               (654)             (812) 
 Principal paid on lease liabilities                  (1,072)             (1,762)           (3,637) 
 Interest paid on lease liabilities                     (179)               (314)             (608) 
 Interest paid on loans and borrowings                   (21)                (53)             (110) 
 Net cash absorbed in financing 
  activities                                            2,205             (2,783)           (5,167) 
-----------------------------------------  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 Net increase/(decrease) in cash 
  and cash equivalents                                  1,456             (2,174)           (1,531) 
 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning 
  of year                                               6,987               8,518             8,518 
 Cash and cash equivalents at end 
  of year                                               8,443               6,344             6,987 
-----------------------------------------  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 

Condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity

 
 
                                Share      Share      Other     Retained      Total 
                              Capital    premium    reserve     earnings     equity 
                              GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000      GBP'000    GBP'000 
--------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  --------- 
  Balance at 1 May 2021         2,133      8,633      5,807       28,004     44,577 
   (as restated, audited) 
--------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  --------- 
 Total comprehensive 
  income                            -          -          -        1,469      1,469 
 Share-based payment 
  expense                           -          -          -          156        156 
 Balance at 31 October 
  2021 
  (as restated, audited)        2,133      8,633      5,807       29,629     46,202 
--------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  --------- 
 Total comprehensive 
  income                            -          -          -          391        391 
 Share-based payment 
  expense                           -          -          -           18         18 
  Balance at 30 April 
  2022                          2,133      8,633      5,807       30,038     46,611 
   (audited) 
--------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  --------- 
 Total comprehensive 
  income                            -          -          -        2,820      2,820 
 Share-based payment 
  expense                           -          -          -          121        121 
 Dividends paid                     -          -          -      (1,067)    (1,067) 
  Balance at 31 October 
  2022                          2,133      8,633      5,807       31,912     48,485 
   (unaudited) 
--------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  --------- 
 

Notes to the condensed consolidated interim financial statements

For the six months ended 31 October 2022

   1.   Basis of preparation 

The unaudited interim consolidated statement of Van Elle Holdings plc is for the six months ended 31 October 2022 and does not comprise statutory accounts within the meaning of section 435 of the Companies Act 2006. These condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in compliance with the recognition and measurement requirement of International Accounting Standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. They do not include all disclosures that would otherwise be required in a complete set of financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the Group's annual report. The unaudited interim consolidated statement has been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies that are expected to be applied in the report and accounts for the year ending 30 April 2023.

The comparative figures for the year ended 30 April 2022 do not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of section 435 of the Companies Act 2006, but they have been derived from the audited financial statements for that year, which have been filed with the Registrar of Companies. The report of the auditors was unqualified and did not contain statements under section 498 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006 nor a reference to any matters which the auditor drew attention by way of emphasis of matter without qualifying their report.

Going Concern

As part of the going concern assessment for the year ended 30 April 2022 detailed forecasts were prepared. These forecasts demonstrated a healthy cash flow and headroom across the period to 31 August 2023. Reverse stress testing was also carried out and the scenarios in which cash resources were exhausted and further debt facilities were required were considered remote.

Strong activity levels seen throughout FY2022 have continued during H1 of FY2023 with 34% growth in revenues in the 6 months ending 31 October 2022 compared with H1 FY2022. Operating profit margins have also increased in the 6 months ending 31 October 2022 compared with H1 FY2022. The Group's order book has also grown in the period since 30 April 2022.

A strong cash balance of GBP8.4m remains at the end of the period. The Group's net funds position (excluding IFRS 16 property and vehicle lease liabilities) of GBP3.5m has reduced by GBP2.4m during the period as GBP1.5m of new hire purchase finance and GBP3m of the Group's GBP11m asset backed lending facility was drawn to support working capital growth and capital investment as a result of significant revenue growth. Total hire purchase finance at the end of the period was GBP2.0m.

As part of the interim going concern assessment, forecasts for the 12 months ending January 2024 have been prepared which demonstrate that the Group is able to operate within its existing facilities and meet obligations as they fall due.

On this basis the Board consider the Group to have adequate resources to continue its operations for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, the Board continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the interim financial statements.

Accounting Policies

The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the unaudited Group interim consolidated statement to 31 October 2022 are consistent with the policies applied by the Group in its consolidated financial statements as at, and for the year ended 30 April 2022.

Functional currency

The unaudited interim consolidated statements are presented in Sterling, which is also the Group's functional currency. Amounts are rounded to the nearest thousand, unless otherwise stated.

   2.   Segment information 

The Group evaluates segmental performance based on profit or loss from operations calculated in accordance with IFRS but excluding non-underlying items. Inter-segment sales are priced along the same lines as sales to external customers, with an appropriate discount being applied to encourage use of Group resources at a rate acceptable to local tax authorities. Head office central services costs including insurances are allocated to the segments based on levels of turnover. All turnover and operations are based in the UK.

Operating segments - 6 months to 31 October 2022

 
                                           Specialist         Ground 
                                 General       Piling    Engineering       Head 
                                  Piling       & Rail       Services     Office      Total 
                                 GBP'000      GBP'000        GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000 
-----------------------------  ---------  -----------  -------------  ---------  --------- 
 Revenue                          29,308       24,806         26,552        170     80,836 
-----------------------------  ---------  -----------  -------------  ---------  --------- 
 Other operating 
  income                               -            -              -        169        169 
-----------------------------  ---------  -----------  -------------  ---------  --------- 
 Operating profit                  2,325        1,102          2,541    (2,483)      3,485 
 Finance expense                       -            -              -      (200)      (200) 
 Profit before tax                 2,325        1,102          2,541    (2,683)      3,285 
-----------------------------  ---------  -----------  -------------  ---------  --------- 
 
 Assets 
 Property, plant and 
  equipment (including 
  right of use assets)             9,166       13,988          7,967      9,028     40,149 
 Intangible assets                    15        3,543            229          -      3,787 
 Inventories                       1,319          781          1,913         78      4,091 
-----------------------------  ---------  -----------  -------------  ---------  --------- 
 Reportable segment 
  assets                          10,500       18,312         10,109      9,106     48,027 
 Investment property                   -            -              -        806        806 
 Trade and other receivables           -            -              -     43,181     43,181 
 Cash and cash equivalents             -            -              -      8,443      8,443 
 Total assets                     10,500       18,312         10,109     61,536    100,457 
-----------------------------  ---------  -----------  -------------  ---------  --------- 
 
 Liabilities 
 Trade and other payables              -            -              -     27,636     27,636 
 Provisions                            -            -              -      8,047      8,047 
 Loans & borrowings                    -            -              -      3,000      3,000 
 Deferred consideration                -            -              -      1,193      1,193 
 Lease liabilities                     -            -              -      7,957      7,957 
 Deferred tax                          -            -              -      4,139      4,139 
 Total liabilities                     -            -              -     51,972     51,972 
-----------------------------  ---------  -----------  -------------  ---------  --------- 
 
 Other information 
 Capital expenditure                 459        2,430            197        659      3,745 
 Depreciation/amortisation           675        1,110            689        434      2,908 
-----------------------------  ---------  -----------  -------------  ---------  --------- 
 

There are no individual customers accounting for more than 10% of Group revenue in either the current or preceding period.

Operating segments - 6 months to 31 October 2021

 
                                           Specialist         Ground 
                                 General       Piling    Engineering       Head 
                                  Piling       & Rail       Services     Office      Total 
                                 GBP'000      GBP'000        GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000 
-----------------------------  ---------  -----------  -------------  ---------  --------- 
 Revenue                          18,067       22,140         19,790         64     60,061 
-----------------------------  ---------  -----------  -------------  ---------  --------- 
 Other operating income                -            -              -        125        125 
-----------------------------  ---------  -----------  -------------  ---------  --------- 
 Operating profit                    898        1,646          1,208    (1,467)      2,285 
 Finance expense                       -            -              -      (368)      (368) 
 Profit before tax                   898        1,646          1,208    (1,835)      1,917 
-----------------------------  ---------  -----------  -------------  ---------  --------- 
 
   Assets 
 Property, plant and 
  equipment (including 
  right of use assets)             8,285       12,852          8,300      8,839     38,276 
 Intangible assets                    22        3,447            246          5      3,720 
 Inventories                       1,691        1,323          1,116         18      4,148 
 Reportable segment 
  assets                           9,998       17,622          9,662      8,862     46,144 
 Investment property                   -            -              -        815        815 
 Trade and other receivables           -            -              -     33,193     33,193 
 Cash and cash equivalents             -            -              -      6,344      6,344 
 Total assets                      9,998       17,622          9,662     49,214     86,496 
-----------------------------  ---------  -----------  -------------  ---------  --------- 
 Liabilities 
 Trade and other payables              -            -              -     20,703     20,703 
 Provisions                            -            -              -      7,538      7,538 
 Loans & borrowings                    -            -              -        158        158 
 Deferred consideration                -            -              -      1,547      1,547 
 Lease liabilities                     -            -              -      8,197      8,197 
 Deferred tax                          -            -              -      2,743      2,743 
 Total liabilities                     -            -              -     40,886     40,886 
-----------------------------  ---------  -----------  -------------  ---------  --------- 
 
 Other information 
 Capital expenditure                 211        1,568            316        108      2,203 
 Depreciation/amortisation           571          956            592        421      2,540 
-----------------------------  ---------  -----------  -------------  ---------  --------- 
 

There are no individual customers accounting for more than 10% of Group revenue in either the current or preceding period.

Operating segments - 12 months to 30 April 2022

 
                                           Specialist         Ground 
                                 General       Piling    Engineering       Head 
                                  Piling       & Rail       Services     Office      Total 
                                 GBP'000      GBP'000        GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000 
-----------------------------  ---------  -----------  -------------  ---------  --------- 
 Revenue                          38,974       45,771         40,043        127    124,915 
-----------------------------  ---------  -----------  -------------  ---------  --------- 
 Other operating income                -            -              -        438        438 
-----------------------------  ---------  -----------  -------------  ---------  --------- 
 Operating profit                  1,804        2,998          2,115    (2,545)      4,372 
 Finance expense                       -            -              -      (779)      (779) 
 Profit before tax                 1,804        2,998          2,115    (3,324)      3,593 
-----------------------------  ---------  -----------  -------------  ---------  --------- 
 
 Assets 
 Property, plant and 
  equipment (including 
  right of use assets)             9,341       12,589          8,145      8,644     38,719 
 Intangible assets                    18        3,594            233          2      3,847 
 Inventories                       1,251        1,163          1,320         39      3,773 
-----------------------------  ---------  -----------  -------------  ---------  --------- 
 Reportable segment 
  assets                          10,610       17,346          9,698      8,685     46,339 
 Investment property                   -            -              -        811        811 
 Trade and other receivables           -            -              -     34,434     34,434 
 Cash and cash equivalents             -            -              -      6,987      6,987 
 Total assets                     10,610       17,346          9,698     50,917     88,571 
-----------------------------  ---------  -----------  -------------  ---------  --------- 
 
 Liabilities 
 Trade and other payables              -            -              -     22,475     22,475 
 Provisions                            -            -              -      7,737      7,737 
 Deferred consideration                -            -              -      1,220      1,220 
 Lease liabilities                     -            -              -      6,854      6,854 
 Deferred tax                          -            -              -      3,674      3,674 
 Total liabilities                     -            -              -     41,960     41,960 
-----------------------------  ---------  -----------  -------------  ---------  --------- 
 
 Other information 
 Capital expenditure               2,097        2,462          1,207        254      6,020 
 Depreciation/amortisation         1,166        1,907          1,296        913      5,282 
-----------------------------  ---------  -----------  -------------  ---------  --------- 
 

There are no individual customers accounting for more than 10% of Group revenue in either the current or preceding year.

   3.   Revenue from contracts with customers 

Disaggregation of revenue - 6 months to 31 October 2022

 
                                     Specialist         Ground 
                           General       Piling    Engineering       Head 
                            Piling       & Rail       Services     Office      Total 
 End market                GBP'000      GBP'000        GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000 
-----------------------  ---------  -----------  -------------  ---------  --------- 
 Residential                 6,880        2,334         21,643          -     30,857 
 Infrastructure              9,166       20,337          2,095          -     31,598 
 Regional construction      13,222        2,100          2,772          -     18,094 
 Other                          40           35             42        170        287 
-----------------------  ---------  -----------  -------------  ---------  --------- 
 Total                      29,308       24,806         26,552        170     80,836 
-----------------------  ---------  -----------  -------------  ---------  --------- 
 

Disaggregation of revenue - 6 months to 31 October 2021

 
                                     Specialist         Ground 
                           General       Piling    Engineering       Head 
                            Piling       & Rail       Services     Office      Total 
 End market                GBP'000      GBP'000        GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000 
-----------------------  ---------  -----------  -------------  ---------  --------- 
 Residential                 5,420        3,678         16,636          -     25,734 
 Infrastructure              3,916       15,958          1,956          -     21,830 
 Regional construction       8,731        2,392          1,198          -     12,321 
 Other                           -          112              -         64        176 
-----------------------  ---------  -----------  -------------  ---------  --------- 
 Total                      18,067       22,140         19,790         64     60,061 
-----------------------  ---------  -----------  -------------  ---------  --------- 
 

Disaggregation of revenue - 12 months to 30 April 2022

 
                                     Specialist         Ground 
                           General       Piling    Engineering       Head 
                            Piling       & Rail       Services     Office      Total 
 End market                GBP'000      GBP'000        GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000 
-----------------------  ---------  -----------  -------------  ---------  --------- 
 Residential                13,569        6,346         33,392          -     53,307 
 Infrastructure              5,224       34,333          3,821          -     43,378 
 Regional construction      20,177        4,872          2,830          -     27,879 
 Other                           4          220              -        127        351 
-----------------------  ---------  -----------  -------------  ---------  --------- 
 Total                      38,974       45,771         40,043        127    124,915 
-----------------------  ---------  -----------  -------------  ---------  --------- 
 

Contract assets

 
                                             6 months        6 months     12 months 
                                                   to              to            to 
                                               31 Oct          31 Oct        30 Apr 
                                                 2022            2021          2022 
                                          (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (audited) 
                                              GBP'000         GBP'000       GBP'000 
------------------------------------  ---------------  --------------  ------------ 
  As at 1 May                                   2,163           1,651         1,651 
  Transfers from contract assets 
   to trade receivables                       (2,163)         (1,651)       (1,651) 
  Excess of revenue recognised over 
   invoiced                                     3,347           1,997         2,163 
  Impairment of contract assets                     -               -             - 
------------------------------------  ---------------  --------------  ------------ 
  As at 31 October / 30 April                   3,347           1,997         2,163 
------------------------------------  ---------------  --------------  ------------ 
 

Contract liabilities

 
                                              6 months            6 months         12 months 
                                                    to                  to         to 30 Apr 
                                                31 Oct              31 Oct    2022 (audited) 
                                      2022 (unaudited)    2021 (unaudited)           GBP'000 
                                               GBP'000             GBP'000 
----------------------------------  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 As at 1 May                                       388                 284               284 
 Interest on contract liabilities                    -                   -                 - 
 Contract liabilities recognised 
  as revenue in the period                       (188)                (84)              (84) 
 Deposits received in advance of 
  performance                                      247                  49               188 
 As at 31 October / 30 April                       447                 249               388 
----------------------------------  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 
   4.   Earnings per share 

The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share is based on the following data:

 
                                              6 months            6 months         12 months 
                                                    to                  to         to 30 Apr 
                                                31 Oct              31 Oct    2022 (audited) 
                                      2022 (unaudited)    2021 (unaudited) 
----------------------------------  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 Basic weighted average number 
  of shares                                    106,667             106,667           106,667 
----------------------------------  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 
                                               GBP'000             GBP'000           GBP'000 
----------------------------------  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 Profit for the period                           2,820               1,469             1,860 
----------------------------------  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 Add back/(deduct): 
 Non-underlying items                                -                   -                 - 
 Underlying profit for the period                2,820               1,469             1,860 
----------------------------------  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 
                                                 Pence               Pence             Pence 
----------------------------------  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 Earnings per share 
 Basic                                             2.6                 1.4               1.7 
 Diluted                                           2.6                 1.4               1.7 
 Basic - adjusted(1)                               2.6                 1.4               2.7 
 Diluted - adjusted                                2.6                 1.4               2.7 
----------------------------------  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 

There is no dilutive effect of the share options as the performance conditions remain unsatisfied or the share price was below the exercise price.

The calculation of the basic earnings per share is based on the earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders and on 106,666,650 ordinary shares being the weighted average number of ordinary shares.

(1) The adjusted earnings per share in the year ended 30 April 2022 is based on profit for the year adjusted for corporation tax rate changes amounting to GBP1,072,000. This tax rate change is a one-off deferred tax charge relating to future corporation tax rate changes enacted during the year. The Directors consider this measure provides an additional indicator of the underlying performance of the Group.

   5.   Dividends paid 
 
                                                6 months        6 months     12 months 
                                                      to              to            to 
                                                  31 Oct          31 Oct        30 Apr 
                                                    2022            2021          2022 
                                             (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (audited) 
                                                 GBP'000         GBP'000       GBP'000 
---------------------------------------  ---------------  --------------  ------------ 
  Amounts recognised as distributions 
   to equity holders during the Period: 
  Final dividend for the year ended                1,067               -             - 
   30 April 2022 of 1.0p per share 
  Total                                            1,067               -             - 
---------------------------------------  ---------------  --------------  ------------ 
 
   6.   Analysis of cash and cash equivalents and reconciliation to net (debt)/funds 
 
                                                  As at                As at        As at 
                                                 31 Oct               31 Oct       30 Apr 
                                       2022 (unaudited)     2021 (unaudited)         2022 
                                                GBP'000              GBP'000    (audited) 
                                                                                  GBP'000 
----------------------------------  -------------------  -------------------  ----------- 
 Cash at bank                                     8,403                6,303        6,948 
 Cash in hand                                        40                   41           39 
----------------------------------  -------------------  -------------------  ----------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents                        8,443                6,344        6,987 
 Loans and borrowings                           (3,000)                (159)            - 
 Lease liabilities                              (7,957)              (8,197)      (6,853) 
----------------------------------  -------------------  -------------------  ----------- 
 Net (debt)/funds                               (2,514)              (2,012)          134 
----------------------------------  -------------------  -------------------  ----------- 
 Net funds excl. IFRS 16 property 
  and vehicle lease liabilities                   3,476                3,479        5,934 
----------------------------------  -------------------  -------------------  ----------- 
 

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