TIDMABDP
RNS Number : 2746X
AB Dynamics PLC
25 April 2023
AB Dynamics plc
Unaudited interim results for the six months ended 28 February
2023
"Strong performance, strategic progress and sustainable
growth"
AB Dynamics plc (AIM: ABDP, the "Company", or the "Group"), the
designer, manufacturer and supplier of advanced testing, simulation
and measurement products to the global transport market, is pleased
to announce its interim results for the six-month period to 28
February 2023 (the "Period").
H1 2023 H1 2022
GBPm GBPm
Revenue 49.0 37.8 +30%
Gross margin 57.1% 57.7% -60bps
Adjusted operating profit(1) 7.8 5.7 +37%
Adjusted operating margin(1) 15.9% 15.1% +80bps
Statutory operating profit 2.9 2.5 +16%
Adjusted cash flow from operations(1) 9.5 8.5 +12%
Net cash 21.3 27.7 -23%
--------------------------------------- -------- -------- -------
Pence Pence
Adjusted diluted earnings
per share(1) 27.5 19.9 +38%
Statutory diluted earnings
per share 6.7 8.5 -21%
Interim dividend per share 1.94 1.76 +10%
--------------------------------------- -------- -------- -------
(1) Before amortisation of acquired intangibles, acquisition
related charges, and exceptional items. A reconciliation to
statutory measures is given in the Alternative Performance Measures
section of the Half Year Review.
Financial highlights
-- Market and customer activity levels have remained positive
throughout H1, with strong activity in both track testing and
laboratory testing and simulation, particularly in Europe
-- Revenue increased by 30% against H1 2022 of which 14% was organic growth
o Track testing revenue grew by 13% reflecting increases in
robots and ADAS platforms
o Laboratory testing and simulation revenue grew by 99%, of
which 20% was organic driven by a strong performance at rFpro and
delivery of SPMM systems. The remainder related to the acquisition
of Ansible Motion
-- The proportion of recurring and service-based sales has been
maintained at 41% (H1 2022: 41%)
-- The Group has remained effective in mitigating inflationary
cost pressures, with gross margins robust at 57.1% (H1 2022:
57.7%)
-- Operating margin improved by 80bps to 15.9% as a result of
the increased levels of activity and the benefits of enhanced
performance initiatives, partially offset by the investment in ABD
Solutions to support the strategic long-term growth drivers
o Excluding ABD Solutions, the operating margin increased to
18.0% (H1 2022: 16.4%)
-- Operating cash generation remained strong at GBP9.5m (H1
2022: GBP8.5m). Significant net cash balance of GBP21.3m at the
period end (28 February 2022: GBP27.7m, 31 August 2022: GBP29.2m)
after funding the initial consideration for the acquisition of
Ansible Motion
-- Interim dividend of 1.94p per share (H1 2022: 1.76p), growth of 10%
Strategic highlights
-- Continuing progress made in the strategic initiative to open
up new markets beyond automotive
-- ABD Solutions has won a GBP1m contract for delivery of a
retrofit pedestrian detection system for construction machines for
delivery during FY 2024, illustrating the wide range of
applications for its technology
-- The integration of Ansible Motion is continuing as planned
and the business has delivered a solid performance since
acquisition in September 2022
-- New product development continues in line with the technology
roadmap for existing track testing and simulation markets and
development of the core technology for ABD Solutions
o Along with the launch of the new range of ADAS motorcycle and
pedestrian dummies, and LaunchPad Spin, the Group has also released
ray tracing capability for its simulation software.
-- Well placed to sustain growth momentum into the medium term, supported by:
o Strong organic growth across automotive markets, supported by
regulatory tailwinds and rapid technology change, with a greatly
strengthened operational and commercial platform
o The substantial opportunity beyond automotive markets
presented by ABD Solutions, transitioning from technology
development to commercialisation
o Significantly enhanced simulation and software capabilities
enabled by the expanded product range created through the
acquisitions of rFpro and Ansible Motion
o A strong financial position that provides scope for further
value-enhancing growth investment in FY 2024 and beyond
Current trading and outlook
-- Performance in the first half of the year was strong, with
good conversion of orders to revenue together with improved
operational efficiency and effective cost management
-- The Group has a solid order book, providing visibility into the second half of the year
-- Whilst mindful of ongoing economic uncertainty, as well as
timing of pipeline conversion, the Board remains confident that the
Group will make further financial and strategic progress this year,
with its expectations for FY 2023 performance unchanged
-- Future growth prospects remain supported by long-term
structural and regulatory growth drivers in active safety,
autonomous systems and the automation of vehicle applications
Commenting on the results, Dr James Routh, Chief Executive
Officer said:
"The Group has delivered a strong financial and operational
performance in the first half of the year, with growth in the core
business as well as progress in the development of ABD Solutions
and in our simulation business with the acquisition of Ansible
Motion. Against the backdrop of ongoing external challenges in
relation to supply chain disruption and wider economic uncertainty,
the Group has delivered growth in revenue, operating profit and
operating margins. We have also continued to invest in all areas of
the business, supporting improved capability as well as our
ambitious growth plans.
"We see significant opportunity in our core markets within
automotive, which are supported by long-term structural and
regulatory growth drivers. We are continuing to invest in new
product development and technology whilst also investing in
innovative technologies to diversify the business into attractive
adjacent markets through ABD Solutions.
"Despite the risk of short-term volatility relating to global
macroeconomic conditions and timing of order intake, our market
drivers both in our core business and in ABD Solutions remain
strong. This backdrop, along with the Group's recent investments in
capability and new products, provides confidence in achieving the
Board's expectations during the second half of 2023 and delivering
further progress in the years beyond."
There will be a presentation for analysts this morning at 9.00am
at the London Stock Exchange. Please contact abdynamics@teneo.com
if you would like to attend.
Enquiries:
AB Dynamics plc 01225 860 200
Dr James Routh, Chief Executive Officer
Sarah Matthews-DeMers, Chief Financial
Officer
Peel Hunt LLP 0207 894 7000
Mike Bell
Ed Allsopp
Teneo 0207 353 4200
James Macey White
Matt Low
Half Year Review
Group overview
Despite the challenging economic and operational backdrop, the
Group has delivered a strong performance, with record levels of
revenue, supported by recent investments in its capabilities to
capitalise on the significant long-term structural and regulatory
growth drivers within its markets.
The Group continued to deliver against its strategic priorities
by launching new products, developing its service offering to drive
recurring revenues and delivering on its diversification plans
through progress in ABD Solutions. The Group also expanded its
presence in the simulation market through the formation of AB
Simulation and the acquisition of Ansible Motion.
Financial performance
Revenue increased by 30% to GBP49.0m against H1 2022, of which
14% related to organic growth and the remainder to the acquisition
of Ansible Motion.
Gross margin was 57.1%, down 60bps on H1 2022 due to a higher
proportion of laboratory testing and simulation revenue, offset by
effective pricing management and increased recurring revenue.
Group adjusted operating profit of GBP7.8m increased 37% against
H1 2022. The adjusted operating margin increased against H1 2022 to
15.9% (H1 2022: 15.1%), as a result of the increase in sales
volumes.
Adjusted net finance costs were GBP0.2m (H1 2022: GBP0.2m, FY
2022: GBP0.4m).
Adjusted profit before tax was GBP7.6m (H1 2022: GBP5.5m). The
Group adjusted tax charge totalled GBP1.3m (H1 2022: GBP1.0m), an
adjusted effective tax rate of 16.5% (H1 2022: 18.0%).
Adjusted diluted earnings per share was 27.5p (H1 2022: 19.9p),
an increase of 38%, reflecting the increase in operating profit and
a lower tax rate.
Statutory operating profit increased by 16% to GBP2.9m and after
net finance costs of GBP1.0m (H1 2022: GBP0.2m), statutory profit
before tax was down 17% from GBP2.3m to GBP1.9m, giving statutory
basic earnings per share of 6.7p (H1 2022: 8.6p). The statutory tax
charge was GBP0.3m (H1 2022: GBP0.4m). A reconciliation of
statutory to underlying non-GAAP financial measures is provided
below. The adjustments to operating profit of GBP4.9m comprise
GBP3.7m of amortisation of acquired intangibles, GBP0.8m of ERP
cloud computing costs and GBP0.4m of acquisition related costs (H1
2022: GBP3.2m comprising GBP2.7m of amortisation of acquired
intangibles and GBP0.5m of ERP cloud computing costs). The GBP0.8m
adjustment to the interest charge relates to the unwind of the
discount on the deferred contingent consideration for Ansible
Motion (H1 2022: GBPnil). The tax impact of these adjustments was
GBP0.9m. The statutory net finance costs were GBP1.0m (H1 2022:
GBP0.2m).
The Group delivered strong adjusted operating cash flow of
GBP9.5m (H1 2022: GBP8.5m) with the net cash position at the period
end of GBP21.3m (31 August 2022: GBP29.2m) underpinning a robust
balance sheet and providing the resources to continue the Group's
investment programme.
Sector review
H1 2023 H1 2022
GBPm GBPm
Driving robots 14.2 9.7 +46%
ADAS test products 14.0 13.3 +5%
Testing services 6.1 7.4 -18%
-------- -------- ------
Track testing 34.3 30.4 +13%
-------- -------- ------
Laboratory testing 2.8 2.0 +40%
Simulation 11.9 5.4 +120%
-------- -------- ------
Laboratory testing and
simulation 14.7 7.4 +99%
-------- -------- ------
Total revenue 49.0 37.8 +30%
-------- -------- ------
Track testing
Track testing revenue of GBP34.3m was up 13% against H1 2022
(GBP30.4m).
Driving robot sales increased 46% against H1 2022 to GBP14.2m
(H1 2022: GBP9.7m), following strong order intake during H2 2022.
The Group expects continued growth in driving robots at more
normalised levels, as new regulatory requirements for evolving ADAS
technologies are released, such as the recent launch of the Euro
NCAP 2030 roadmap and its new Truck Safe rating scheme. It is
expected that there will be over 700 Euro NCAP test scenarios by
2025, up from 591 in 2023. New tests for commercial vehicles offer
further opportunities for market expansion.
ADAS platform sales increased 5% to GBP14.0m in H1 2023 (H1
2022: GBP13.3m). The new higher speed versions of the GST and
Launchpad, which can operate at speeds of up to 120kph and 80kph
respectively, enable customers to perform a greater range of tests,
particularly the assessment of automated lane keeping technology
and vehicle interactions with Vulnerable Road Users such as
motorcyclists, and are continuing to gain traction. The recent
launch of a new range of soft targets including motorcycles and
articulating pedestrians and a new more manoeuvrable platform, the
LaunchPad Spin, will further drive demand.
Testing services revenues decreased 18% to GBP6.1m (H1 2022:
GBP7.4m) due to local COVID restrictions delaying the provision of
testing services in China and continued delays in availability of
test vehicles more widely due to the well documented supply chain
challenges in the automotive market.
The Group continues to invest in new product development in this
sector in order to meet forthcoming regulatory requirements and to
ensure we retain our market leadership in track testing products
and technology.
Laboratory testing and simulation
The laboratory testing and simulation business delivered strong
growth, with revenue of GBP14.7m, an increase of 99% on H1 2022
(GBP7.4m) of which 20% was organic growth in simulation software
and delivery of SPMM systems, with the remainder from Ansible
Motion which was acquired at the beginning of the period.
SPMM revenue of GBP2.8m grew by 40% in H1 2023 (H1 2022:
GBP2.0m) and the division carries forward a solid order book, which
provides good coverage for the remainder of the financial year.
Organic growth in simulation revenue was 13% reflecting high
customer demand for our simulation software, with revenue of
GBP6.1m (H1 2022: GBP5.4m). The contribution from Ansible Motion
was GBP5.8m reflecting the strong order book at the time of
acquisition.
Progress on our strategy
The Group continues to make good progress against its strategic
priorities, as well as further integrating ESG as a core tenet of
its strategy and operating model.
Investment continued in the core automotive sector, which is
characterised by strong regulatory and structural growth drivers
and rapid technology change. New product development and the
strengthened operational and commercial platform leaves the Group
well placed to benefit from increasing regulation and the
increasing number and complexity of test scenarios required by NCAP
bodies.
AB Simulation, launched at the beginning of the period, has
successfully consolidated the simulation business, including
Ansible Motion, into a dedicated and focused market-facing business
unit. AB Simulation enhances the Group's simulation capabilities,
expands its product range and achieves critical mass in this
attractive sector.
As part of the objective to diversify into adjacent markets, ABD
Solutions continues to make significant progress in its mission to
add automated solutions to existing vehicles fleets faster and more
cost effectively. ABD Solutions has demonstrated its product
offering in contrasting environments for potential customers in
defence and mining and successfully proved its concept and market
solution, Indigo Drive. A digital twin has been developed which
provides operational environment validation and a platform for
accelerated product testing.
Its focus is transitioning from technology development to
commercialisation with negotiations ongoing around mining related
contracts. The Japanese mining development contract is progressing
as planned and a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with
Jevons Robotics in Australia for mining applications. In addition,
ABD Solutions has been awarded a contract for delivery of a
retrofit pedestrian detection system for a UK customer for
construction industry applications.
Acquisitions
On 20 September 2022, the Group acquired 100% of the issued
share capital of Ansible Motion Limited, a leading provider of
advanced simulators to the global automotive market for an initial
consideration of GBP18.1m, of which GBP3.2m was satisfied in new
ordinary shares in AB Dynamics plc and the remainder in cash.
Contingent consideration of up to GBP12.0m will become payable in
cash subject to certain performance criteria being met for the year
ending 31 August 2023. The integration of Ansible Motion is
progressing well with the product range having been incorporated
into the Group's other simulation offerings.
Acquisitions have been and will continue to be a significant
part of the overall strategy, and there is a promising pipeline of
potential acquisition opportunities.
Alternative performance measures
In the analysis of the Group's financial performance and
position, operating results and cash flows, alternative performance
measures are presented to provide readers with additional
information. The principal measures presented are adjusted measures
of earnings including adjusted operating profit, EBITDA, adjusted
operating margin, adjusted profit before tax and adjusted earnings
per share.
The interim report includes both statutory and adjusted non-GAAP
financial measures, the latter of which the Directors believe
better reflect the underlying performance of the business and
provide a more meaningful comparison of how the business is managed
and measured on a day-to-day basis. The Group's alternative
performance measures and KPIs are aligned to the Group's strategy
and together are used to measure the performance of the business
and form the basis of the performance measures for remuneration.
Adjusted results exclude certain items because if included, these
items could distort the understanding of the performance for the
year and the comparability between the periods.
Comparatives are provided alongside all current period figures.
The term 'adjusted' is not defined under IFRS and may not be
comparable with similarly titled measures used by other companies.
All profit and earnings per share figures in this interim report
relate to underlying business performance (as defined above) unless
otherwise stated.
A reconciliation of adjusted measures to statutory measures is
provided below:
H1 2023 H1 2022
Adjusted Adjustments Statutory Adjusted Adjustments Statutory
EBITDA (GBPm) 9.6 (1.2) 8.4 7.3 (0.5) 6.8
Operating profit (GBPm) 7.8 (4.9) 2.9 5.7 (3.2) 2.5
Operating margin (%) 15.9 (10.0) 5.9 15.1 (8.5) 6.6
Finance expense (GBPm) (0.2) (0.8) (1.0) (0.2) - (0.2)
Profit before tax (GBPm) 7.6 (5.7) 1.9 5.5 (3.2) 2.3
Tax expense (GBPm) (1.3) 0.9 (0.4) (1.0) 0.6 (0.4)
Profit after tax (GBPm) 6.3 (4.8) 1.5 4.5 (2.6) 1.9
Diluted earnings per share (pence) 27.5 (20.8) 6.7 19.9 (11.4) 8.5
Cash flow from
operations (GBPm) 9.5 (3.4) 6.1 8.5 (0.5) (8.0)
The adjustments comprise:
H1 2023 H1 2022
GBPm GBPm
Amortisation of acquired intangibles 3.7 2.7
ERP development costs 0.8 0.5
Acquisition related costs 0.4 -
-------------------------------------- -------- --------
Adjustments to operating profit 4.9 3.2
Acquisition related finance costs 0.8 -
-------------------------------------- -------- --------
Adjustments to profit before tax 5.7 3.2
-------------------------------------- -------- --------
Research and development
While research and development forms a significant part of the
Group's activities, a significant proportion relates to specific
customer programmes which are included in the cost of the product.
Development costs of GBP0.3m (H1 2022: GBP0.1m) have been
capitalised in relation to projects for which there are a number of
near-term sales opportunities. Other research and development
costs, all of which have been expensed to the profit and loss
account as incurred, total GBP0.1m (H1 2022: GBP0.1m).
Foreign currency exposure
The Group faces currency exposure on its foreign currency
transactions and with significant overseas operations, also has
exposure to foreign currency translation risk. The Group maintains
a natural hedge whenever possible to transactional exposure by
matching the cash inflows and outflows in the respective
currencies.
On a constant currency basis, revenue would have been GBP0.9m
lower than reported and operating profit would have been GBP0.1m
lower as both the US dollar and the Euro strengthened against H1
2022. Constant currency revenue growth was 27% and growth in
operating profit was 35%.
Dividends
The Board has declared an interim dividend of 1.94p per ordinary
share (H1 2022: 1.76p) which will be paid on 19 May 2023 to
shareholders on the register on 5 May 2023. The ex-dividend date
will be 4 May 2023.
A final dividend of 3.54p per share was paid on 27 January 2023
in respect of the year ended 31 August 2022 totalling GBP810,000.
It is the Board's intention to pursue a sustainable and growing
dividend policy in the future having regard to the development of
the Group.
Summary and Outlook
The Group has delivered a strong financial and operational
performance in the first half of the year, with growth in the core
business as well as progress in the development of ABD Solutions
and in the simulation business following the acquisition of Ansible
Motion. Against the backdrop of ongoing external challenges in
relation to supply chain disruption and wider economic uncertainty,
the Group has delivered growth in revenue, operating profit and
operating margins. The Company has also continued to invest in all
areas of the business, supporting improved capability as well as
the ambitious growth plans.
There is significant opportunity in the core markets within
automotive, which are supported by long-term structural and
regulatory growth drivers. There is continued investment in new
product development and technology whilst also investing in
innovative technologies to diversify the business into attractive
adjacent markets through ABD Solutions.
In 2023, revenue and profit are expected to be more evenly
weighted across the two halves of the year than in previous years.
Despite the risk of short-term volatility relating to global
macroeconomic conditions and timing of order intake, the market
drivers both in the core business and in ABD Solutions remain
strong. This backdrop, along with the Group's recent investments in
capability and new products, provides confidence in achieving the
Board's expectations during the second half of 2023 and delivering
further progress in the years beyond.
Directors' Responsibility Statement
The Directors confirm that this condensed consolidated half year
financial information has been prepared in accordance with
International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting'
as adopted by the United Kingdom, and that the half year management
report herein includes a fair review of the information required by
DTR 4.2.7 and DTR 4.2.8, namely:
-- an indication of important events that have occurred during
the first six months and their impact on the condensed consolidated
half year financial information, and a description of the principal
risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the
financial year; and
-- material related party transactions in the first six months
and any material changes in the related party transactions
described in the last annual report.
By order of the Board
Dr James Routh
Chief Executive Officer
25 April 2023
AB Dynamics plc
Unaudited condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive
income
for the six months ended 28 February 2023
Unaudited 6 months ended Unaudited 6 months ended Audited Year ended
28 February 2023 28 February 31 August
2022 2022
Adjusted Adjustments Statutory Adjusted Adjustments Statutory Adjusted Adjustments Statutory
Note GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Revenue 2 49,042 - 49,042 37,826 - 37,826 80,305 - 80,305
Cost of sales (21,039) - (21,039) (16,011) - (16,011) (34,089) - (34,089)
Gross profit 28,003 - 28,003 21,815 - 21,815 46,216 - 46,216
General and
administrative
expenses (20,214) (4,933) (25,147) (16,102) (3,214) (19,316) (33,473) (7,514) (40,987)
--------- ------------ ---------- --------- ------------ ----------- ---------- ------------ ----------
Operating profit 7,789 (4,933) 2,856 5,713 (3,214) 2,499 12,743 (7,514) 5,229
----------------- ----- --------- ------------ ---------- --------- ------------ ----------- ---------- ------------ ----------
Operating profit
is
analysed as:
Before
depreciation
and
amortisation 9,622 (1,222) 8,400 7,313 (480) 6,833 16,363 (1,998) 14,365
Depreciation and
amortisation (1,833) (3,711) (5,544) (1,600) (2,734) (4,334) (3,620) (5,516) (9,136)
--------- ------------ ---------- --------- ------------ ----------- ---------- ------------ ----------
Operating profit 7,789 (4,933) 2,856 5,713 (3,214) 2,499 12,743 (7,514) 5,229
----------------- ----- --------- ------------ ---------- --------- ------------ ----------- ---------- ------------ ----------
Net finance
expense (206) (794) (1,000) (170) - (170) (374) - (374)
Profit before
tax 7,583 (5,727) 1,856 5,543 (3,214) 2,329 12,369 (7,514) 4,855
Tax expense (1,253) 932 (321) (999) 606 (393) (2,182) 1,236 (946)
--------- ------------ ---------- --------- ------------ ----------- ---------- ------------ ----------
Profit for the
period 6,330 (4,795) 1,535 4,544 (2,608) 1,936 10,187 (6,278) 3,909
--------- ------------ ---------- --------- ------------ ----------- ---------- ------------ ----------
Other
comprehensive
income
Items that may be
reclassified
to consolidated income
statement:
Cash flow hedges 136 - 136 30 - 30 (93) - (93)
Exchange (loss)/ gain
on foreign
currency net
investments (539) - (539) 132 - 132 3,574 - 3,574
Total comprehensive
income for
the year 5,927 (4,795) 1,132 4,706 (2,608) 2,098 13,668 (6,278) 7,390
--------- ------------ ---------- --------- ------------ ----------- ---------- ------------ ----------
Earnings per share -
basic (pence)
5 27.7 (21.0) 6.7 20.1 (11.5) 8.6 45.0 (27.7) 17.3
Earnings per share -
diluted
(pence) 5 27.5 (20.8) 6.7 19.9 (11.4) 8.5 44.5 (27.4) 17.1
AB Dynamics plc
Unaudited condensed consolidated statement of financial
position
as at 28 February 2023
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
28 February 28 February 31 August
2023 2022 2022
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
ASSETS Note
Non-current assets
Goodwill 36,825 22,269 23,818
Acquired intangible assets 36,769 25,304 23,665
Other intangible assets 3,080 1,618 2,971
Property, plant and equipment 25,418 25,210 25,708
Right-of-use assets 1,648 1,020 876
103,740 75,421 77,038
------------- ------------- -----------
Current assets
Inventories 15,616 9,535 13,611
Trade and other receivables 18,910 17,641 13,782
Contract assets 2,037 3,728 3,917
Taxation 140 815 882
Cash and cash equivalents 7 28,991 28,772 30,141
------------- ------------- -----------
65,694 60,491 62,333
------------- ------------- -----------
Assets held for sale 1,893 1,893 1,893
------------- ------------- -----------
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Borrowings 7 6,000 - -
Trade and other payables 19,995 10,607 16,053
Contract liabilities 7,229 8,184 5,787
Derivative financial instruments - 1 123
Short-term lease liabilities 7 784 556 628
Deferred consideration 11,190 5,016 -
------------- ------------- -----------
45,198 24,364 22,591
------------- ------------- -----------
Non-current liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities 9,236 6,464 6,397
Long-term lease liabilities 7 952 511 315
10,188 6,975 6,712
------------- ------------- -----------
Net assets 115,941 106,466 111,961
------------- ------------- -----------
Shareholders' equity
Share capital 229 226 226
Share premium 65,568 62,210 62,260
Other reserves 8 739 (2,177) 1,142
Retained earnings 49,405 46,207 48,333
------------- ------------- -----------
Total equity 115,941 106,466 111,961
------------- ------------- -----------
AB Dynamics plc
Unaudited condensed consolidated statement of changes in
equity
for the six months ended 28 February 2023
Share Share premium Other Retained Total equity
capital reserves earnings
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
At 1 September
2022 226 62,260 1,142 48,333 111,961
Total comprehensive
income - - (403) 1,535 1,132
Share based payments - - - 230 230
Deferred tax
on share based
payments - - - 117 117
Dividend paid - - - (810) (810)
Issue of shares 3 3,308 - - 3,311
At 28 February
2023 229 65,568 739 49,405 115,941
--------- -------------- ---------- ---------- -------------
At 1 September
2021 226 62,210 (2,339) 44,889 104,986
Total comprehensive
income - - 162 1,936 2,098
Share based payments - - - 570 570
Deferred tax
on share based
payments - - - (455) (455)
Dividend paid - - - (733) (733)
At 28 February
2022 226 62,210 (2,177) 46,207 106,466
--------- -------------- ---------- ---------- -------------
At 1 September
2021 226 62,210 (2,339) 44,889 104,986
Total comprehensive
income - - 3,481 3,909 7,390
Share based payments - - - 750 750
Deferred tax
on share based
payments - - - (84) (84)
Dividend paid - - - (1,131) (1,131)
Issue of shares - 50 - - 50
--------- -------------- ---------- ---------- -------------
At 31 August
2022 226 62,260 1,142 48,333 111,961
--------- -------------- ---------- ---------- -------------
AB Dynamics plc
Unaudited condensed consolidated cash flow statement
for the six months ended 28 February 2023
Unaudited Unaudited Audited Year
6 months 6 months ended
ended ended 31 August
28 February 28 February 2022
2023 2022
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Profit before tax 1,856 2,329 4,855
Depreciation and amortisation 5,544 4,334 9,136
Finance expense 1,000 170 374
Acquisition costs - - 290
Share based payment 230 570 795
------------------- ------------- -------------
Operating cash flows before
changes in working capital 8,630 7,403 15,450
Increase in inventories (914) (2,764) (6,889)
Decrease/(increase) in
trade and other receivables 460 (1,600) 1,981
(Decrease)/increase in
trade and other payables (2,034) 4,954 8,140
------------------- ------------- -------------
Cash flows from operations 6,142 7,993 18,682
--------------------------------- ------------------- ------------- -------------
Cash flows from operations
are analysed as:
Adjusted cash flows from
operations 9,480 8,473 20,652
Cash impact of adjusting
items (3,338) (480) (1,970)
------------------- ------------- -------------
Cash flow from operations 6,142 7,993 18,682
--------------------------------- ------------------- ------------- -------------
Finance costs (paid)/ received (12) 85 (90)
Income tax received/ (paid) 546 (707) (684)
------------------- ------------- -------------
Net cash flows from operating
activities 6,676 7,371 17,908
Cash flows used in investing
activities
Acquisition of businesses (11,233) - (5,114)
Purchase of property, plant
and equipment (882) (554) (2,098)
Capitalised development
costs and purchased software (292) (138) (1,711)
------------------- ------------- -------------
Net cash used in investing
activities (12,407) (692) (8,923)
Cash flows generated from/
(used in) financing activities
Movements in loans 6,000 - -
Dividends paid (810) (733) (1,131)
Proceeds from issue of
share capital 47 - 50
Repayment of lease liabilities (602) (423) (964)
------------------- ------------- -------------
Net cash flow generated
from/ (used in) financing
activities 4,635 (1,156) (2,045)
------------------- ------------- -------------
Net (decrease)/ increase
in cash and cash equivalents (1,096) 5,523 6,940
Cash and cash equivalents
at beginning of the period 30,141 23,282 23,282
Effect of exchange rates
on cash and cash equivalents (54) (33) (81)
------------------- ------------- -------------
Cash and cash equivalents
at end of period 28,991 28,772 30,141
------------------- ------------- -------------
AB Dynamics plc
Notes to the unaudited interim report
for the six months ended 28 February 2023
1. Basis of preparation
The Company is a public limited company limited by shares and
incorporated under the UK Companies Act. The Company is domiciled
in the United Kingdom and the registered office and principal place
of business is Middleton Drive, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire, BA15
1GB.
The principal activity is the specialised area of design,
manufacture and supply of advanced testing, simulation and
measurement products to the global transport market.
The annual financial statements of the Group are prepared in
accordance with UK-adopted international accounting standards in
conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. A copy
of the statutory accounts for the year ended 31 August 2022 has
been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The auditor's report
on those accounts was unqualified and did not contain any
statements under section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act
2006.
The same accounting policies, presentation and methods of
computation have been followed in this unaudited interim financial
information as those which were applied in the preparation of the
Group's annual financial statements for the year ended 31 August
2022.
Certain new standards, amendments to standards and
interpretations are not yet effective for the year ending 31 August
2023 and have therefore not been applied in preparing this interim
financial information.
The interim accounts are unaudited and do not constitute
statutory accounts as defined in Section 434 of the Companies Act
2006.
Going concern basis of accounting
The Directors have assessed the principal risks, including by
modelling a severe but plausible downside scenario, whereby the
Group experiences:
-- A reduction in demand of 25% over the next two financial years
-- A 10% increase in operating costs from supply chain disruption
-- An increase in cash collection cycle
-- An increase in input costs resulting in reduction in gross margins
At 28 February 2023 the Group had GBP21.3m of net cash and
GBP9.0m undrawn revolving credit facility. Even in this severe
downside scenario, the Group has sufficient headroom to be able to
continue to operate for the foreseeable future. The Directors
believe that the Group is well placed to manage its financing and
other business risks satisfactorily and have a reasonable
expectation that the Group will have adequate resources to continue
in operation for at least twelve months from the signing date of
the financial statements. They therefore consider it appropriate to
adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the
financial statements.
The interim financial information for the six months ended 28
February 2023 was approved by the Board on 25 April 2023.
2. Segment information
Revenues attributable to individual foreign countries are as
follows:
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
6 months 6 months Year
ended ended ended
28 February 28 February 31 August
2023 2022 2022
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
United Kingdom 2,115 2,780 5,459
Rest of Europe 10,405 6,772 13,723
North America 14,158 10,105 19,466
Asia Pacific 21,065 17,501 40,941
Rest of World 1,299 668 716
-------------- -------------- --------------
49,042 37,826 80,305
-------------- -------------- --------------
Revenues are disaggregated as
follows:
Track testing 34,299 30,420 64,743
Laboratory testing and simulation 14,743 7,406 15,562
-------------- -------------- --------------
49,042 37,826 80,305
-------------- -------------- --------------
3. Alternative Performance measures
In the analysis of the Group's financial performance and
position, operating results and cash flows, alternative performance
measures are presented to provide readers with additional
information. The principal measures presented are adjusted measures
of earnings including adjusted operating profit, EBITDA, adjusted
operating margin, adjusted profit before tax and adjusted earnings
per share.
The interim financial information includes both statutory and
adjusted non-GAAP financial measures, the latter of which the
Directors believe better reflect the underlying performance of the
business and provide a more meaningful comparison of how the
business is managed and measured on a day-to-day basis. The Group's
alternative performance measures and KPIs are aligned to the
Group's strategy and together are used to measure the performance
of the business and form the basis of the performance measures for
remuneration. Adjusted results exclude certain items because if
included, these items could distort the understanding of the
performance for the year and the comparability between the
periods.
We provide comparatives alongside all current year figures. The
term 'adjusted' is not defined under IFRS and may not be comparable
with similarly titled measures used by other companies. All profit
and earnings per share figures in this interim report relate to
underlying business performance (as defined above) unless otherwise
stated.
A summary of the items which reconcile statutory to adjusted
measures is included below:
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
6 months 6 months Year
ended ended ended
28 February 28 February 31 August
2023 2022 2022
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Amortisation of acquired intangibles 3,711 2,734 5,516
ERP development costs 786 480 1,670
Acquisition related costs 436 - 328
Acquisition related finance costs 794 - -
5,727 3,214 7,514
-------------- -------------- --------------
Amortisation of acquired intangibles
The amortisation relates to the acquisition of Ansible Motion
Limited on 20 September 2022, Vadotech Group on 3 March 2021 and
the businesses acquired in 2019, DRI and rFpro.
ERP development costs
These costs relate to the development, configuration and
customisation of the Group's new ERP system which is hosted in the
cloud.
Acquisition related costs
The costs relate to the acquisition of Ansible Motion Limited
which completed on 20 September 2022.
Acquisition related finance costs
Finance costs relate to the unwind of the discount on deferred
contingent consideration of GBP12.0m payable on the acquisition of
Ansible Motion.
Tax
The tax impact of these adjustments was as follows: amortisation
GBP0.6m (H1 2022: GBP0.5m), acquisition related costs GBP0.1m (H1
2022: GBPNil), ERP GBP0.2m (H1 2022: GBP0.1m) and acquisition
related finance costs GBPNil (H1 2022: GBPNil).
Cash impact
The operating cash flow impact of the adjustments was an outflow
of GBP3.3m (H1 2022: GBP0.5m) being GBP0.8m (H1 2022: GBP0.5m) in
relation to ERP development costs, GBP0.4m (H1 2022: GBPNil) in
relation to acquisition costs and GBP2.1m (H1 2022: GBPNil) in
relation to a bonus paid to employees of the acquired entity for
pre-acquisition service. The cash to pay this bonus was included
within the cash acquired in the opening balance sheet, therefore
the impact on the cash flow statement was a reduction in cash flows
on acquisition of businesses and a corresponding decrease in cash
flows from operations.
4. Tax
The statutory effective tax rate for the period is a charge of
17.3% (H1 2022: 16.9%), the difference from the prior period
reflecting the acquisition related finance costs which are not
deductible for tax purposes.
The adjusted effective tax rate, adjusting both the tax charge
and the profit before taxation is 16.5% (H1 2022: 18.0%). The
reduction reflects the availability of additional R&D and
patent box tax credits.
5. Earnings per share
The calculation of earnings per share is based on the following
earnings and number of shares:
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
6 months 6 months Year
ended ended ended
28 February 28 February 31 August
2023 2022 2022
Profit after tax attributable
to owners of the Group (GBP'000) 1,535 1,936 3,909
Adjusted profit after tax attributable
to owners of the Group (GBP'000) 6,330 4,544 10,187
Weighted average number of
shares ( '000 )
Basic 22,859 22,624 22,625
Diluted 23,036 22,834 22,908
Earnings per share (pence)
Basic 6.7 8.6 17.3
Diluted 6.7 8.5 17.1
Adjusted basic 27.7 20.1 45.0
Adjusted diluted 27.5 19.9 44.5
6. Dividends
An interim dividend of 1.76p per ordinary share in respect of
the year ended 31 August 2022 was paid on 20 May 2022 to
shareholders on the register on 6 May 2022 totalling
GBP398,000.
At the Annual General Meeting the shareholders approved a final
dividend in respect of the year ended 31 August 2022 of 3.54p per
ordinary share totalling GBP810,000. This was paid on 27 January
2023 to shareholders on the register on 30 December 2022.
An interim dividend of 1.94p per ordinary share totalling
GBP444,000 has been declared in respect of the year ending 31
August 2023 which will be paid on 19 May 2023 to shareholders on
the register on 5 May 2023.
7. Net cash
Net cash comprises cash and cash equivalents, bank overdrafts,
borrowings and lease liabilities.
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
28 February 28 February 31 August
2023 2022 2022
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Cash and cash equivalents 28,991 28,772 30,141
Borrowings (6,000) - -
Lease liabilities (1,736) (1,067) (943)
------------- ------------- -----------
21,255 27,705 29,198
------------- ------------- -----------
The Group has a GBP15.0m revolving credit facility with National
Westminster Bank plc. On 16 September 2022 the Group drew down
GBP6.0m to fund part of the initial consideration for the
acquisition of Ansible Motion Limited.
8. Other reserves
Merger Reconstruction Translation Hedging Total
relief reserve reserve reserve
reserve
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
At 1 September 2021 11,390 (11,284) (2,414) (31) (2,339)
Other comprehensive
income - - 132 30 162
---------- --------------- ------------ --------- ----------
At 28 February 2022 11,390 (11,284) (2,282) (1) (2,177)
Other comprehensive
income - - 3,442 (123) 3,319
---------- --------------- ------------ --------- ----------
At 31 August 2022 11,390 (11,284) 1,160 (124) 1,142
Other comprehensive
income - - (539) 136 (403)
---------- --------------- ------------ --------- ----------
At 28 February 2023 11,390 (11,284) 621 12 739
---------- --------------- ------------ --------- ----------
9. Foreign exchange
The foreign exchange rates applied during the period were:
H1 2023 H1 2022
----------------- -------- --------
Period end rate
US dollar 1.206 1.342
Euro 1.137 1.196
Yen 164 154
------------------ -------- --------
Average rate
US dollar 1.187 1.352
Euro 1.143 1.185
Yen 164 154
------------------ -------- --------
10. Acquisition of subsidiary
On 20 September 2022, the Group acquired 100% of the issued
share capital of Ansible Motion Limited, a leading provider of
advanced simulators to the global automotive market.
The initial GBP18.1m consideration comprised GBP14.9m of cash
and GBP3.2m of new ordinary shares in AB Dynamics plc. Contingent
consideration of up to GBP12.0m will become payable in cash in
January 2024 subject to certain performance criteria being met for
the year ending 31 August 2023. An accrual for the deferred
contingent consideration was included in the balance sheet at net
present value of GBP9.9m at the acquisition date. GBP0.5m of the
initial consideration has been retained against any potential
warranties.
The carrying amount of each class of Ansible Motion Limited's
assets before combination is set out below:
Book value Fair value Provisional
GBP'000 adjustments Fair value
GBP'000 GBP'000
Intangible assets - 16,800 16,800
Tangible assets 96 (65) 31
Right of use asset 441 - 441
Inventory 2,318 (1,218) 1,100
Trade and other receivables 2,315 1,382 3,697
Trade and other payables (6,482) (89) (6,571)
Lease Liability (441) - (441)
Deferred tax liability - (4,139) (4,139)
Deferred tax assets 168 54 222
------------------------------------ ----------- ------------- ------------
Net (liabilities)/ assets acquired (1,585) 12,725 11,140
Goodwill arising on acquisition 13,265
------------------------------------ ----------- ------------- ------------
24,405
------------------------------------ ----------- ------------- ------------
Initial cash consideration 14,541
Cash acquired (3,744)
Acquisition expenses 436
------------------------------------ ----------- ------------- ------------
Net cash paid, after acquisition
expenses 11,233
New ordinary shares issued 3,200
Less: acquisition expenses (436)
Deferred consideration payable 10,408
------------------------------------ ----------- ------------- ------------
24,405
------------------------------------ ----------- ------------- ------------
Deferred consideration
Performance payment 9,882
Retained consideration 526
------------------------ -------
10,408
------------------------ -------
The initial cash consideration was satisfied with available cash
resources and a short-term utilisation of part of the Group
revolving credit facility. GBP0.5m of the initial purchase price
has been retained against any potential warranties and is included
within deferred consideration.
The valuation exercise to identify intangible assets acquired,
as required under IFRS3, has been provisionally applied as at the
half year. The final valuation will be reflected in the Annual
Report and Accounts for the Group for the year ending 31 August
2023. together with the appropriate IFRS 3 disclosures.
Identifiable net assets with a total fair value of GBP16.8m and
goodwill of GBP13.3m have provisionally been recognised.
Ansible Motion Limited contributed revenue of GBP5.8m, and
operating profit of GBP1.3m for the period between acquisition and
the balance sheet date. Acquisition related costs amounted to
GBP0.4m which have been expensed when incurred. GBP0.8m of the
discount on the deferred contingent consideration unwound in the
period and has been included in finance expenses.
11. Principal risks
The principal risks and uncertainties impacting the Group are
described on pages 56-58 of our Annual Report 2022 and, with the
exception of updated risks below, all other risks remain unchanged
at 28 February 2023.
In light of recent banking failures, counterparty risk has
increased as the Group has exposure to the risk of counterparty
default and potential inability to access cash deposits held by the
counterparty. This risk is mitigated by monitoring counterparty
credit ratings on a regular basis and spreading cash across a
number of different counterparties.
The unchanged risks include: Supply chain disruption, downturn
or instability in major geographic markets or market sectors, loss
of major customers and changes in customer procurement processes,
failure to deliver new products, dependence on external routes to
market, acquisitions integration and performance, cybersecurity and
business interruption, competitor actions, loss of key personnel,
threat of disruptive technology, product liability, failure to
manage growth, foreign currency, credit risk, intellectual
property/patents and environmental risk.
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END
IR USSVROWUSUAR
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April 25, 2023 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)
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