TIDMCMS
RNS Number : 9656M
Communisis PLC
03 August 2017
3 August 2017
Communisis plc
("Communisis" or the "Group")
Interim Results for the six months ended 30 June 2017
Leading provider of integrated marketing services Communisis plc
(LSE: CMS), reports interim results for the half year ended 30 June
2017.
Commenting on the results Communisis Chief Executive, Andy
Blundell, said:
"Solid progress continues at Communisis, notably on free cash
generation and debt reduction. We are pleased to have reached
positive outcomes on both our bank refinance and negotiations on
the pension deficit, delivering certainty for the medium term.
Trading expectations for 2017 are unchanged."
Highlights
Financial
-- Revenue increased 6% to GBP186.0m
-- Overseas revenue increased to 30% of total Group revenue from 24% in H1 2016
-- Adjusted operating profit increased by 10% to GBP8.5m
-- Adjusted earnings per share up 2% to 2.46p
-- Free cash flow increased to GBP6.5m, delivering a reduction
in net debt to GBP28.3m
-- Interim dividend increased 10% to 0.89pps
-- Bank refinancing completed in August with a new five year
facility secured on improved terms
-- Settlement reached in principle with pension trustees in July
after the triennial valuation, to agree annual base company
contributions for the next three years
As reported As reported As Reported Constant
H1 2017 H1 2016 Currency*
Total revenue (GBPm) 186.0 174.9 +6% +4%
Adjusted operating
profit (GBPm)** 8.5 7.7 +10% +6%
Adjusted profit before
tax (GBPm) ** 6.6 6.5 +1% +8%
Adjusted earnings
per share (p)** 2.46 2.42 +2% +11%
Profit before tax
(GBPm) 5.0 4.4 +13% +25%
Interim dividend per
share (p) 0.89 0.81 +10%
Free cash flow (GBPm)*** 6.5 6.1 +6%
Net debt (GBPm) 28.3 34.9 -19%
* Constant currency: the reported numbers excluding the effects
of changes in exchange rates on the translation into sterling of
results denominated in foreign currencies.
** Adjusted metrics are stated before exceptional items and the
amortisation of acquired intangibles. Adjusted earnings per share
is fully diluted.
*** Free cash flow represents net operating cash flow less net
capital expenditure
Operational
- Significant new contract win with HSBC for marketing
communications for a five year term. The Group already provides
transactional, content marketing and fulfilment services to the
bank.
- Multi-year contract renewals completed for Nationwide, Virgin
Money and Co-op, for various transactional and marketing
communication services.
- Continued expansion in international sales, which now account
for 30% of total revenue (H1 2016 24%). Territories that performed
strongly included Spain, Poland and the Netherlands.
- Shopper Marketing (LIFE and Twelve agencies) performed strongly.
- The Group is increasing investment in technology both to
deliver more digital services to Clients and to make its own
operations more efficient. This includes the move to a single
platform for the international supply chain management activity
within the Brand Deployment division.
For further information please contact:
Communisis plc 020 7382 8952
Andy Blundell / Mark
Stoner
FTI Consulting 020 3727 1000
Matt Dixon / Emma Appleton
About Communisis
Communisis is an integrated marketing services company, which
improves communication between brands and their clients. We create
engaging content and deliver it across multiple client
touch-points; in digital, broadcast and print channels.
STRATEGY & IMPLEMENTATION
Shaping the future of client communication.
Purpose
Communisis creates engaging content and delivers it across
multiple client touch-points; in digital, broadcast and print
channels, using a combination of unique strategic insight, client
communications, technology and transformational expertise.
Strategy
Our growth strategy continues to focus on our two main engines
being the transactional business in our Customer Experience
division and the management of the point of sale supply chain, in
our Brand Deployment division. They represent a balanced portfolio;
the former being UK based and more mature; the latter an
international business, younger and growing rapidly.
Customer Experience; trend to services and digital
communication.
Customer Experience is seeing consolidation amongst competitors
in the analogue/paper markets and ultimate headline volume erosion
in print of around 4%. Communisis is the UK market leader,
primarily because of focus and previous targeted investment. The
space is being increasingly influenced by regulation which builds
barriers to entry, for example we are presently devoting
significant resources to General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Outsourcing continues to represent an important growth opportunity.
Customer Experience's key vertical segments are financial services,
insurance, utilities/telecommunications and the public sector.
Brand Deployment; trend to international supply chain
management.
Brand Deployment is growing quickly and it is likely that our
current footprint, which extends as far east as Istanbul and Dubai,
will extend further. International Clients want international
solutions and new territories such as Russia and Africa are
presently being considered. The business model for new territories
will remain relatively capital-light and move into profitability
within short order. In addition to geographic expansion, Brand
Deployment can access additional service areas related to the core
management of the supply chain for point of sale; such
opportunities will include the expansion of our Premiums business
(items that brand owners offer free against selected purchases) and
specialist design services for permanent point of sale
installations. Digital display is starting to have an impact in
higher-end retail environments.
The Group sees a significant opportunity for margin improvement
through the adoption of value-added pricing and structural changes
are being made in the Marketing and Commercial functions to apply
these principles.
The Group's service and digital based revenues accounted for 60%
of overall revenues during the period (H1 2016 57%). Direct print
manufacturing revenues reduced to 40% (H1 2016 43%) of overall
revenues.
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
Revenue, operating profit and margins before exceptional items
are reported in two segments, Customer Experience and Brand
Deployment. Unallocated Central and Corporate Costs are reported
separately. Certain of these central costs were reallocated on a
directly attributable basis to the operating segments during the
period and the comparatives have been restated on a consistent
basis accordingly.
The translation of foreign currency results into sterling has
continued to have some favourable impact on trading in 2017 due
principally to further weakening of sterling.
Profitability
The table below is an extract from the Group's segmental Income
Statement.
HY HY
2017 2016
GBPm GBPm
Revenue
Customer Experience 93.5 95.1
Brand Deployment 92.5 79.8
------ ------
186.0 174.9
------ ------
Adjusted profit from operations
Customer Experience 11.2 9.4
Brand Deployment 6.1 6.4
Central Costs (6.1) (5.5)
Corporate Costs (2.7) (2.6)
Adjusted operating profit 8.5 7.7
Amortisation of acquired intangibles (0.4) (0.4)
Profit from operations before
exceptional items 8.1 7.3
------ ------
Exceptional items (1.2) (1.7)
Net finance costs (1.9) (1.2)
------ ------
Profit before tax 5.0 4.4
Tax (1.1) (1.0)
------ ------
Profit after tax 3.9 3.4
------ ------
Earnings per share
Basic (p) 1.85 1.62
Adjusted fully diluted (p) 2.46 2.42
Group
Total revenue increased 6% to GBP186.0m (H1 2016 GBP174.9m). The
proportion derived from overseas has also increased to 30% (H1 2016
24%). Revenues are now reported gross within each of the two
divisions, inclusive of any revenue previously classified as Pass
Through. Group operating margin (calculated on gross revenues), has
increased to 4.6% (H1 2016 4.4%).
Adjusted operating profit increased 10% to GBP8.5m (H1 2016
GBP7.7m), principally as a result of improved performance in
Customer Experience. Adjusted profit before tax has increased from
GBP6.5m to GBP6.6m. The prior year included GBP0.7m of
non-recurring, unrealised foreign exchange gain. Excluding that
gain, the underlying adjusted profit before tax result increased by
GBP0.8m. Adjusted diluted earnings per share increased 2% from
2.42p to 2.46p.
Profit before tax increased by 13% to GBP5.0m (H1 2016 GBP4.4m),
and hence basic earnings per share is higher at 1.85p (H1 2016
1.62p).
Segmental performance
Customer Experience
Revenues ended 2% lower than prior year, primarily due to the
continued impact of conversion from print to digital and service
based revenues. However, margins improved considerably to 12.0% (H1
2016 9.9%) due to higher profitability arising from service and
digital based activities, the impact of volume erosion on printed
materials and realisation of efficiencies following the 2016
restructuring activity within the Psona agency and the production
units.
Adjusted operating profit for the segment ended GBP1.8m higher
than H1 2016 at GBP11.2m, with particularly strong results within
Direct Mail, Transactional and Inbound service lines.
Brand Deployment
Total revenues increased to GBP92.5m (H1 2016 GBP79.8m), with
the overseas proportion growing to 30% of Group revenue. Increases
in revenue were notable within the territories of Spain, Poland,
the Netherlands and the full year impact of Dubai. However, higher
levels of input costs adversely impacted the first half result,
reducing margins from 8.0% to 6.6% on gross revenue. This reduced
operating profit from this segment to GBP6.1m (H1 2016 GBP6.4m). H2
is forecast to recover based on phasing and cost reduction
initiatives.
Shopper Marketing had a very strong first half due to a high
conversion rate on new business opportunities, with high profile
product launches in the mobile phone and consumer goods
markets.
Central and Corporate Costs
Central Costs increased by GBP0.6m as a result of increased
spend relating to cyber security and technology, including
preparation for the introduction of GDPR from May 2018. Such
investment differentiates Communisis for Clients in highly
regulated markets. Corporate Costs were GBP0.1m higher in H1 2017,
primarily due to higher pension and share option costs.
Exceptional items, interest and foreign exchange gains
The exceptional charge of GBP1.2m includes GBP0.6m of
organisational restructuring costs within the Psona agency and the
Brand Deployment division, plus GBP0.2m of site closure costs of
the Glasgow office. Within exceptional items is a further GBP0.4m
following the write off of unsupported assets which will not be
recovered, offset by a GBP0.1m release of contingent consideration.
In addition, GBP0.1m related to the write-down of certain acquired
client relationship assets.
Net finance costs increased to GBP1.9m, primarily due to the
prior year experiencing a non-recurring gain of GBP0.7m relating to
a revaluation benefit of translation of non-sterling related
balances.
Tax
The 2017 tax charge is based on the estimated effective rate for
the year of 22.86%, which is higher than the UK standard rate of
19.25%, as it includes the taxation of certain overseas profits
generated in jurisdictions with higher tax rates.
Dividend
Dividends of 1.61p per share were paid in the first half of 2017
in respect of 2016, resulting in an increase of GBP0.3m in dividend
payments to GBP3.4m. The Board has proposed an interim dividend of
0.89p, which represents an increase of 10% on the prior year. The
interim dividend will be paid on 13 October 2017 to shareholders on
the register at the close of business on 15 September 2017.
Cash and net debt
The table below summarises the cash flows for the period and the
closing net debt position.
HY 2017 HY 2016
GBPm GBPm
Profit from operations before
exceptional items 8.1 7.3
Depreciation and other non-cash
items 5.3 5.4
Increase in working capital (1.2) (1.1)
Pension scheme contributions (0.6) (0.6)
Interest and tax (2.5) (1.6)
-------- --------
Net operating cash flow
before exceptional items 9.1 9.4
Exceptional items (1.6) (1.1)
-------- --------
Net operating cash flow 7.5 8.3
Net capital expenditure (1.0) (2.2)
-------- --------
Free cash flow 6.5 6.1
Investment in new contracts (0.3) (0.6)
Acquisition of subsidiary
undertakings - (0.1)
Repayment of promissory (9.3) -
loan notes
Dividends paid (3.4) (3.1)
Share issues/purchase of
shares - (0.1)
Other 0.3 2.1
-------- --------
Decrease / (Increase) in
bank debt (6.2) 4.3
Opening bank debt (19.7) (28.3)
-------- --------
Closing bank debt (25.9) (24.0)
-------- --------
Bank debt (25.9) (24.0)
Unamortised borrowing costs 0.1 0.3
-------- --------
Net bank debt (25.8) (23.7)
-------- --------
Finance lease creditor (2.5) (1.9)
Promissory loan notes - (9.3)
Net debt (28.3) (34.9)
-------- --------
The Group's focussed approach to cash generation continued
during 2017, with free cash flow improving to GBP6.5m (H1 2016
GBP6.1m). The principal movements within the period were reduced
capital expenditure to GBP1.0m (H1 2016 GBP2.2m), offset by higher
tax payments of GBP1.6m (H1 2016 GBP0.6m).
During the period, the Group repaid a GBP9.3m two year
promissory loan note from normal borrowing facilities.
Net debt reduced by GBP2.1m since 31 December 2016 to GBP28.3m,
and ended GBP6.6m lower than at the corresponding point in the
prior year. This reflects bank debt of GBP25.9m, representing 37%
of the Group's facilities.
Bank debt at the period end was 0.85 times EBITDA for the twelve
months to June 2017 and average bank debt during the period was
GBP45.2m, 1.48 times EBITDA. Covenants remain well covered.
The Group successfully completed the refinancing of its
revolving credit facility in August 2017, with three participants
within the banking club. Renewal has been delivered at an unchanged
borrowing level of GBP65m for a five year term ending August 2022,
at improved commercial borrowing rates. These facilities continue
to be provided on an unsecured basis, and provide a solid financial
platform for the Group.
Pension Scheme
At 30 June 2017, the deficit related to the defined benefit
pension scheme on an IAS 19 basis has reduced to GBP42.0m compared
with GBP55.5m at 31 December 2016. Gross scheme liabilities were
GBP195.9m, and assets were GBP153.9m. The deficit reduction is
primarily due to reduced liability figures from the 31 March 2017
actuarial valuation, alongside updated base tables for mortality
assumptions.
The triennial actuarial valuation for the Pension Scheme as at
31 March 2017 has been concluded, with agreement in principle on
the associated deficit repair payments. The funding deficit is
expected to be valued around GBP29.8m (31 March 2014 GBP19.5m).
Deficit repair contributions to the Scheme will be GBP2.55m,
increasing in line with dividend increases, or 3% if higher, plus
rental payments which remain unchanged at GBP1.15m through the
Central Asset Reserve arrangement. We believe this is a balanced
outcome for the Group and Pension Scheme Trustees, and provides
certainty over cash payments for the next three years. The Board
continues to work with the Trustees to seek opportunities to reduce
the deficit and liability exposure, and accelerate progress to the
goal of "self-sufficiency" for the defined benefit pension
scheme.
Board Appointments
On 1 March 2017, David Gilbertson was appointed as Non-Executive
Director and Chairman Designate. David assumed the role of Chairman
on 11 May 2017, with Peter Hickson retiring from the Board at that
time.
Andy Blundell Mark Stoner
Chief Executive Finance Director
Consolidated Income Statement
for the half year ended 30 June 2017
Half year ended Half year ended Year ended 31
30 June 30 June Dec
2017 (unaudited) 2016 (unaudited) 2016 (audited)
Amortisation Amortisation Amortisation
Before of acquired Before of acquired Before of acquired
amortisation intangibles amortisation intangibles amortisation intangibles
of acquired and of acquired and of acquired and
intangibles exceptional intangibles exceptional intangibles exceptional
and items and items and items
exceptional (Note exceptional (Note exceptional (Note
items 4) Total items 4) Total items 4) Total
Note GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Revenue 3 185,959 - 185,959 174,942 - 174,942 361,932 - 361,932
Changes
in inventories
of finished
goods
and
work
in progress 133 - 133 (154) - (154) (291) - (291)
Raw
materials
and
consumables
used (102,693) - (102,693) (90,719) - (90,719) (191,210) - (191,210)
Employee
benefits
expense (47,560) (556) (48,116) (48,093) (1,332) (49,425) (95,094) (3,525) (98,619)
Other
operating
expenses (22,909) (659) (23,568) (23,237) (324) (23,561) (45,921) (742) (46,663)
Depreciation
and
amortisation
expense (4,465) (375) (4,840) (5,024) (432) (5,456) (9,945) (809) (10,754)
Profit
from
operations 3 8,465 (1,590) 6,875 7,715 (2,088) 5,627 19,471 (5,076) 14,395
Finance
revenue 5 - - - 711 - 711 963 - 963
Finance
costs 5 (1,877) - (1,877) (1,928) - (1,928) (3,765) - (3,765)
------------------- ----- ------------- ------------- ------------ ------------- ------------- ----------- ------------- ------------- ----------
Profit
before
taxation 6,588 (1,590) 4,998 6,498 (2,088) 4,410 16,669 (5,076) 11,593
Income
tax
expense 6 (1,453) 311 (1,142) (1,430) 409 (1,021) (3,956) 990 (2,966)
------------------- ----- ------------- ------------- ------------ ------------- ------------- ----------- ------------- ------------- ----------
Profit
for
the
period
attributable
to equity
holders
of the
parent 5,135 (1,279) 3,856 5,068 (1,679) 3,389 12,713 (4,086) 8,627
------------------- ----- ------------- ------------- ------------ ------------- ------------- ----------- ------------- ------------- ----------
Earnings
per
share 7
On profit
for
the
period
attributable
to equity
holders
and
from
continuing
operations
- basic 2.46p 1.85p 2.42p 1.62p 6.08p 4.12p
- diluted 2.46p 1.85p 2.42p 1.62p 6.07p 4.12p
Dividend
per
share 8
- paid 1.61p 1.47p 2.29p
-
proposed 0.89p 0.81p 1.61p
------------------- ----- ------------- ------------- ------------ ------------- ------------- ----------- ------------- ------------- ----------
Dividends paid and proposed during the period were GBP3.4
million and GBP1.9 million respectively (30 June 2016 GBP3.1
million and GBP1.7 million respectively, 31 December 2016 GBP4.8
million and GBP3.4 million respectively).
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
Consolidated Financial Statements.
All income and expenses relate to continuing operations.
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
for the half year ended 30 June 2017
Half Half Year
year year ended
ended ended
30 31 Dec
June 30 June
2017 2016 2016
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- -----------
Profit for the period 3,856 3,389 8,627
-------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- -----------
Other comprehensive income
/ (loss) to be reclassified
to profit or loss in subsequent
periods:
Exchange differences on translation
of foreign operations 341 1,074 1,129
Gain / (loss) on cash flow
hedges taken directly to
equity 67 (119) (29)
Income tax thereon (12) 28 3
Items not to be reclassified
to profit or loss in subsequent
periods:
Adjustments in respect of
prior years due to change
in tax rate - - (411)
Actuarial gains / (losses)
on defined benefit pension
plans 13,645 (3,319) (15,972)
Income tax thereon (2,320) 664 2,715
-------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- -----------
Other comprehensive income
/ (loss) for the period,
net of tax 11,721 (1,672) (12,565)
-------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- -----------
Total comprehensive income
/ (loss) for the period,
net of tax 15,577 1,717 (3,938)
-------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- -----------
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent 15,577 1,717 (3,938)
-------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- -----------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
Consolidated Financial Statements.
Consolidated Balance Sheet
30 June 2017
Half Half
year year Year
ended ended ended
30 31
June 30 June Dec
2017 2016 2016
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
--------------------------------------- -------------------- ------------- -----------
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment 20,275 21,923 21,638
Intangible assets 186,061 189,535 187,903
Trade and other receivables 1,100 784 821
Deferred tax assets 4,400 4,979 6,406
--------------------------------------- -------------------- ------------- -----------
211,836 217,221 216,768
--------------------------------------- -------------------- ------------- -----------
Current assets
Inventories 6,649 6,960 6,968
Trade and other receivables 78,468 68,688 66,203
Cash and cash equivalents 37,088 34,019 38,294
--------------------------------------- -------------------- ------------- -----------
122,205 109,667 111,465
--------------------------------------- -------------------- ------------- -----------
TOTAL ASSETS 334,041 326,888 328,233
--------------------------------------- -------------------- ------------- -----------
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Equity attributable to the equity
holders of the parent
Equity share capital 52,346 52,340 52,344
Share premium 2 5,996 -
Merger reserve 519 15,600 519
ESOP reserve (215) (10) (297)
Capital redemption reserve - 1,375 -
Cumulative translation adjustment 668 272 327
Retained earnings 77,421 50,023 65,322
--------------------------------------- -------------------- ------------- -----------
Total equity 130,741 125,596 118,215
---------------------------------------
Non-current liabilities
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 1,559 58,974 58,751
Trade and other payables 1,347 1,427 1,511
Provisions 165 42 42
Financial liabilities 161 306 228
Retirement benefit obligations 42,033 44,265 55,479
---------------------------------------
45,265 105,014 116,011
--------------------------------------- -------------------- ------------- -----------
Current liabilities
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 63,866 600 614
Trade and other payables 91,955 93,526 90,968
Income tax payable 2,140 2,115 2,210
Provisions 74 25 215
Financial liabilities - 12 -
--------------------------------------- -------------------- ------------- -----------
158,035 96,278 94,007
---------------------------------------
Total liabilities 203,300 201,292 210,018
--------------------------------------- -------------------- ------------- -----------
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 334,041 326,888 328,233
--------------------------------------- -------------------- ------------- -----------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
Consolidated Financial Statements.
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
for the half year ended 30 June 2017
Half
year Half Year
ended year ended
30 ended 31
June 30 June Dec
2017 2016 2016
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
Note GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
---------------------------------------- ----- ------------- ------------- -----------
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations 10 9,984 9,944 22,909
Interest paid (922) (1,050) (2,065)
Interest received - 12 18
Income tax paid (1,539) (583) (2,250)
---------------------------------------- ----- ------------- ------------- -----------
Net cash flows from operating
activities 7,523 8,323 18,612
---------------------------------------- ----- ------------- ------------- -----------
Cash flows from investing activities
Acquisition of subsidiary undertakings
(net of cash acquired) (9,300) (139) (252)
Purchase of property, plant
and equipment (236) (941) (3,225)
Proceeds from the sale of property,
plant and equipment 54 10 118
Purchase of intangible assets (1,193) (1,861) (3,808)
---------------------------------------- -----
Net cash flows from investing
activities (10,675) (2,931) (7,167)
---------------------------------------- ----- ------------- ------------- -----------
Cash flows from financing activities
Share issues net of directly
attributable expenses 4 48 49
Purchase of shares - (148) (442)
Drawdown from existing loan
facility 5,000 5,000 5,000
Repayment to existing loan
facility - (8,000) (8,000)
Dividends paid 8 (3,362) (3,077) (4,773)
---------------------------------------- ----- ------------- ------------- -----------
Net cash flows from financing
activities 1,642 (6,177) (8,166)
---------------------------------------- ----- ------------- ------------- -----------
Net (decrease) / increase in
cash and cash equivalents (1,510) (785) 3,279
Cash and cash equivalents at
1 January 38,294 32,719 32,719
Exchange rate effects 304 2,085 2,296
---------------------------------------- ----- ------------- ------------- -----------
Cash and cash equivalents at
end of period 37,088 34,019 38,294
---------------------------------------- ----- ------------- ------------- -----------
Cash and cash equivalents consist
of:
Cash and cash equivalents 37,088 34,019 38,294
---------------------------------------- ----- ------------- ------------- -----------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
Consolidated Financial Statements.
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
for the half year ended 30 June 2017
Capital Capital Cumulative
Issued Share reduction Merger ESOP redemption translation Retained Total
capital premium shares reserve reserve reserve adjustment earnings equity
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
--------------- -------- -------- ----------- --------- --------- ----------- ------------ --------- --------
As at 1
January
2017 52,344 - - 519 (297) - 327 65,322 118,215
Profit for
the period - - - - - - - 3,856 3,856
Other
comprehensive
income - - - - - - 341 11,380 11,721
--------------- -------- -------- ----------- --------- --------- ----------- ------------ --------- --------
Total
comprehensive
income - - - - - - 341 15,236 15,577
Employee
share option
schemes -
value of
services
provided - - - - - - - 307 307
Shares issued
- exercise
of options 2 2 - - - - - - 4
Shares issued
from ESOP - - - - 82 - - (82) -
Dividends
paid - - - - - - - (3,362) (3,362)
---------------
As at 30
June 2017
(unaudited) 52,346 2 - 519 (215) - 668 77,421 130,741
--------------- -------- -------- ----------- --------- --------- ----------- ------------ --------- --------
As at 1 January
2016 52,302 5,986 - 15,600 (10) 1,375 (802) 52,363 126,814
Profit for
the period - - - - - - - 3,389 3,389
Other comprehensive
income /
(loss) - - - - - - 1,074 (2,746) (1,672)
--------------------- ------- ------ ------- ----- ------ ------ -------- --------
Total comprehensive
income - - - - - - 1,074 643 1,717
Employee
share option
schemes -
value of
services
provided - - - - - - - 242 242
Shares issued
- exercise
of options 38 10 - - - - - - 48
Purchase
of own shares - - - - - - - (148) (148)
Dividends
paid - - - - - - - (3,077) (3,077)
--------------------- ------- ------ ------- ----- ------ ------ -------- --------
As at 30
June 2016
(unaudited) 52,340 5,996 - 15,600 (10) 1,375 272 50,023 125,596
--------------------- ------- ------ ------- ----- ------ ------ -------- --------
As at 1 January
2016 52,302 5,986 - 15,600 (10) 1,375 (802) 52,363 126,814
Profit for
the year - - - - - - - 8,627 8,627
Other comprehensive
income /
(loss) - - - - - - 1,129 (13,694) (12,565)
--------------------- ------- -------- --------- --------- ------ -------- ------ --------- ---------
Total comprehensive
income /
(loss) - - - - - - 1,129 (5,067) (3,938)
Employee
share option
schemes -
value of
services
provided - - - - - - - 505 505
Shares issued
- exercise
of options 42 10 - - - - - (3) 49
Shares issued
from ESOP - - - - 155 - - (155) -
Purchase
of own shares - - - - (442) - - - (442)
Issue of
capital reduction
shares - - 15,081 (15,081) - - - - -
Capital reduction - (5,996) (15,081) - - (1,375) - 22,452 -
Dividends
paid - - - - - - - (4,773) (4,773)
--------------------- ------- -------- --------- --------- ------ -------- ------ --------- ---------
As at 31
December
2016 (audited) 52,344 - - 519 (297) - 327 65,322 118,215
--------------------- ------- -------- --------- --------- ------ -------- ------ --------- ---------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
Consolidated Financial Statements.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the half year ended 30 June 2017
1 Corporate information
The interim condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of
Communisis plc and its subsidiaries for the six months ended 30
June 2017 were authorised for issue in accordance with a resolution
of the directors on 3 August 2017.
Communisis plc is a public limited company incorporated and
domiciled in England and Wales whose shares are traded on the
London Stock Exchange.
2 Basis of preparation and changes to the Group's accounting policies
2.1 Basis of preparation
The interim condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the
six months ended 30 June 2017 have been prepared in accordance with
IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting.
The interim condensed Consolidated Financial Statements do not
include all the information and disclosures required in the annual
Consolidated Financial Statements and should therefore be read in
conjunction with the Group's annual Consolidated Financial
Statements as at 31 December 2016.
2.2 New standards, interpretations and amendments adopted by the
Group
The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the
interim condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are consistent
with those followed in the preparation of the Group's annual
Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December
2016. There are no IFRS or IFRIC (IFRS Interpretations Committee of
the IASB) interpretations effective for the first time this
financial year that have had a material impact on the Group.
A number of standards have an effective date on or after 1
January 2018. With the exception of IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts
with Customers (effective 1 January 2018 and replaces IAS 18
Revenue) and the new leases standard IFRS 16 Leases (effective 1
January 2019 and replaces IAS 17 Leases), the Directors do not
anticipate that the adoption of these standards and interpretations
will have a material impact on the Group's Consolidated Financial
Statements, other than additional disclosures in the period of
initial application.
The introduction of IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with
Customers may have a material impact on the amounts reported and
disclosures made in the Group's accounts. The Group has started a
project to assess all streams of revenue and the impact of IFRS 15.
This project will be concluded within the second half of the year.
It is not practical to provide a reasonable estimate of the effect
of IFRS 15 until this project has been completed.
The introduction of IFRS 16 Leases is expected to have a
material impact on the amounts reported and disclosures made in the
Group's accounts. It is not practical to provide a reasonable
estimate of the effect of IFRS 16 until the Group has performed a
detailed review.
3 Segmental information
The Group's activities are predominantly focused in two main
areas which are:
-- Customer Experience
-- Brand Deployment
During the year there have been two changes to cost allocations
within the segments as follows:
-- Pass Through representing pre-agreed or contracted revenues
that include an element regarding print, postal and other marketing
material which are passed onto Clients at cost as part of a wider
service is now reported directly within the Customer Experience and
Brand Deployment segments. This change has been made to allow the
full underlying segmental split of gross revenue to be better
understood.
-- Account management and service costs relating to Customer
Experience Clients, previously included within Central Costs have
now been recognised within the Customer Experience segment.
The segment results for the half year ended 30 June 2017 are as
follows:
Customer Brand Central Corporate
Experience Deployment Costs Costs Total
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Revenue 93,466 92,493 - - 185,959
-------------------------- ------------ ------------ -------- ---------- --------
Profit from operations
before amortisation
of acquired intangibles
and exceptional
items 11,184 6,069 (6,130) (2,658) 8,465
Amortisation
of acquired intangibles (290) (85) - - (375)
-------------------------- ------------ ------------ -------- ---------- --------
Profit from operations
before exceptional
items 10,894 5,984 (6,130) (2,658) 8,090
Exceptional items (913) (302) - - (1,215)
-------------------------- ------------ ------------ -------- ---------- --------
Profit from operations 9,981 5,682 (6,130) (2,658) 6,875
-------------------------- ------------ ------------ -------- ---------- --------
The segment results for the half year ended 30 June 2016 are as
follows:
Customer Brand Central Corporate
Experience Deployment Costs Costs Total
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Revenue 95,156 79,786 - - 174,942
-------------------------- ------------ ------------ -------- ---------- --------
Profit from operations
before amortisation
of acquired intangibles
and exceptional
items 9,436 6,375 (5,491) (2,605) 7,715
Amortisation of
acquired intangibles (307) (125) - - (432)
-------------------------- ------------ ------------ -------- ---------- --------
Profit from operations
before exceptional
items 9,129 6,250 (5,491) (2,605) 7,283
Exceptional items (1,299) (343) (14) - (1,656)
-------------------------- ------------ ------------ -------- ---------- --------
Profit from operations 7,830 5,907 (5,505) (2,605) 5,627
-------------------------- ------------ ------------ -------- ---------- --------
3 Segmental information (continued)
The segment results for the year ended 31 December 2016 are as
follows:
Customer Brand Central Corporate
Experience Deployment Costs Costs Total
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Revenue 185,053 176,879 - - 361,932
-------------------------- ------------ ------------ --------- ---------- --------
Profit from operations
before amortisation
of acquired intangibles
and exceptional
items 19,915 16,216 (11,080) (5,580) 19,471
Amortisation
of acquired intangibles (599) (210) - - (809)
-------------------------- ------------ ------------ --------- ---------- --------
Profit from operations
before exceptional
items 19,316 16,006 (11,080) (5,580) 18,662
Exceptional items (3,128) (495) (29) (615) (4,267)
-------------------------- ------------ ------------ --------- ---------- --------
Profit from operations 16,188 15,511 (11,109) (6,195) 14,395
-------------------------- ------------ ------------ --------- ---------- --------
4 Amortisation of acquired intangibles and exceptional items
Half Half Year
year year ended
ended ended 31
30 June 30 Dec
2017 June 2016
2016
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Profit from operations is arrived
at after charging the following
items:
Exceptional restructuring costs 788 1,332 4,260
Customer relationship write off 105 92 118
Write off of unsupported assets 383 - -
Contingent consideration write
off (61) - (452)
Trade name impairment - 232 232
Capital restructure costs - - 109
Exceptional items 1,215 1,656 4,267
Non-exceptional depreciation and
amortisation - amortisation of
acquired intangibles 375 432 809
----------------------------------- --------- ------- -------
1,590 2,088 5,076
----------------------------------- --------- ------- -------
During the first half of 2017 the Group incurred GBP788,000 in
respect of organisational restructuring to reduce the cost base and
deliver efficiency improvements. The restructuring costs included
GBP556,000 relating to staff restructuring and GBP232,000 in
respect of the office closure at Bothwell Street, Glasgow, and
associated legal costs. Of the GBP788,000, GBP360,000 is unpaid at
30 June 2017.
The GBP105,000 customer relationship write off (and the
GBP118,000 in the year ended 31 December 2016) relates to customer
relationships valued as part of acquisition accounting in recent
years. It is indicative of the current nature of client turnover in
agency businesses where revenues are project based and not usually
underpinned by long term contracts.
The Group also incurred a charge of GBP383,000 in respect of the
write off of unsupported assets which will not be recovered.
The GBP61,000 reduction in contingent consideration relates to
fair value revisions of the contingent consideration in respect of
the acquisition of Psona Films Limited. The GBP452,000 reduction in
contingent consideration in the year ended 31 December 2016 relates
to fair value revisions of the contingent consideration in respect
of the acquisitions of Life Marketing Consultancy Limited ("Life")
and The Meaningful Marketing Group Limited, being GBP200,000 and
GBP252,000 respectively.
The trade name impairment of GBP232,000 in the year ended 31
December 2016 is in relation to Life. The trade name was assigned a
value of GBP512,000 at acquisition on 5 January 2016. Trading
within this business has been lower than expected resulting in the
trade name impairment.
The GBP109,000 capital restructure costs in the year ended 31
December 2016 relate to non-recurring professional fees in relation
to the capital reduction exercise undertaken during the prior year
to create additional distributable reserves.
5 Net finance costs
Half Half Year
year year ended
ended ended
30 June 30 31
June Dec
2017 2016 2016
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
--------------------------------------- -------- -------- --------
Interest on financial assets measured
at amortised cost - 12 18
Interest on financial liabilities
measured at amortised cost (1,000) (1,164) (2,289)
--------------------------------------- -------- -------- --------
Net interest from financial assets
and financial liabilities not at
fair value through Income Statement (1,000) (1,152) (2,271)
(Loss) / gain on foreign currency
liabilities (126) 699 945
Retirement benefit related cost (751) (764) (1,476)
---------------------------------------
Net finance costs (1,877) (1,217) (2,802)
--------------------------------------- -------- -------- --------
6 Income tax
The tax charge on continuing operations for the period is based
upon an effective rate of 22.86% (2016 23.16%). The provision for
deferred tax has been made at rates between 17% and 19% depending
upon the anticipated time of reversal. This reflects the
legislation included in Finance Act 2015 and Finance Act 2016
reducing the rate of Corporation Tax to 19% from 1 April 2017 and
17% from 1 April 2020.
7 Earnings per share
Half Half Year
year year ended
ended ended
30 31
30 June June Dec
2017 2016 2016
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
--------------------------------------- -------- -------- --------
Basic and diluted earnings per
share are calculated as follows:
Profit attributable to equity holders
of the parent 3,856 3,389 8,627
--------------------------------------- -------- -------- --------
Half Half
year year Year
ended ended Ended
30 30
30 June June Dec
2017 2016 2016
Number Number Number
000 000 000
--------------------------------------- -------- -------- --------
Weighted average number of ordinary
shares (excluding treasury shares)
for basic earnings per share 208,741 209,328 209,211
Effect of dilution:
Share options 219 - 336
--------------------------------------- -------- -------- --------
Weighted average number of ordinary
shares (excluding treasury shares)
adjusted for the effect of dilution 208,960 209,328 209,547
--------------------------------------- -------- -------- --------
584,270 (30 June 2016 6,316, 31 December 2016 806,319) shares
were held in trust at 30 June 2017.
Earnings per share from continuing operations before exceptional
items and amortisation of acquired intangibles
Net profit from continuing operations before exceptional items
and amortisation of acquired intangibles, attributable to equity
holders of the parent is derived as follows:
Half Half Year
year year ended
ended ended
30 31
30 June June Dec
2017 2016 2016
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Profit after taxation from continuing
operations 3,856 3,389 8,627
Exceptional items 1,215 1,656 4,267
Taxation on the above (247) (331) (819)
Amortisation of acquired intangibles 375 432 809
Taxation on the above (64) (78) (171)
Profit after taxation from continuing
operations excluding exceptional
items and amortisation of acquired
intangibles 5,135 5,068 12,713
--------------------------------------- -------- ------- -------
Adjusted earnings per share:
Basic 2.46p 2.42p 6.08p
Diluted 2.46p 2.42p 6.07p
The basis of measurement of adjusted earnings per share is to
reflect more accurately the measure of earnings per share used by
the market. Adjusted earnings per share uses the same weighted
average number of ordinary shares as reported above.
8 Dividends paid and proposed
Half Half
year year Year
ended ended ended
31
30 June 30 June Dec
2017 2016 2016
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
--------------------------------------- -------- -------- -------
Declared and paid during the period
Amounts recognised as distributions
to equity holders in the period:
Final dividend of the year ended
31 December 2015 of 1.47p per share - 3,077 3,077
Interim dividend of the year ended
31 December 2016 of 0.81p per share - - 1,696
Final dividend of the year ended
31 December 2016 of 1.61p per share 3,362 - -
---------------------------------------
3,362 3,077 4,773
--------------------------------------- -------- -------- -------
Proposed for approval by the Board
(not recognised as a liability at
period end)
Interim equity dividend on ordinary
shares for 2017 of 0.89p
(30 June 2016 interim 0.81p, 31
December 2016 final 1.61p) per share 1,864 1,695 3,358
--------------------------------------- -------- -------- -------
9 Trade receivables
During the period, certain trade receivables previously fully
provided against became recoverable, resulting in a reduction in
the doubtful debt provision of GBP1.1m. This release has been
recognised in the Customer Experience segment.
10 Cash generated from operations
Half
Half year Year
year ended ended
ended 30 31
30 June June Dec
2017 2016 2016
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
------------------------------------------ --------- --------- --------
Continuing operations
Profit before tax 4,998 4,410 11,593
Adjustments for:
Amortisation of intangible assets
arising on business acquisitions 375 432 809
Depreciation and amortisation 4,465 5,024 9,945
Non-cash pension settlements - (278) -
Exceptional items 1,215 1,656 4,267
Loss on sale of property, plant
and equipment 113 17 25
Share-based payment charge 307 242 505
Net finance costs 1,877 1,217 2,802
Additional contribution to the defined
benefit pension plan (575) (575) (2,836)
Cash cost of exceptional items (1,646) (1,089) (3,700)
Changes in working capital:
Decrease in inventories 337 874 904
Increase in trade and other receivables (12,637) (12,629) (9,912)
Increase in trade and other payables 11,155 10,643 8,507
------------------------------------------
Cash generated from operations 9,984 9,944 22,909
------------------------------------------ --------- --------- --------
11 Acquisitions
In the period ending 30 June 2017, there have been no changes to
valuation inputs or movements in deferred consideration of prior
year acquisitions. There has, however, been movements in contingent
consideration in relation to Psona Films Limited, as outlined
below.
On 25 April 2014, the Group acquired the entire issued share
capital of Jacaranda Productions Limited. On 30 June 2014 the
Company's name was changed to Psona Films Limited.
As part of the purchase agreement a contingent consideration was
agreed. An amount equal to ten percent of annual gross profits of
the company will be payable to the sellers at the end of each of
the three earn-out periods, being the years ended 30 April 2015,
2016 and 2017. The total contingent consideration shall in no
circumstance exceed the value of GBP500,000. As at the date of
acquisition, the fair value of the contingent consideration was
estimated at GBP200,000, determined using a discounted cash flow
method. To date GBP139,000 has been paid under this
arrangement.
An assessment of the likely contingent consideration payable was
performed by looking at the relative likelihood of a range of
outcomes of over or under achieving against the current forecasts
over the earn-out period. As at 30 June 2017, using this
methodology, the fair value of the contingent consideration was
revised to GBPnil. A reconciliation of the fair value of the
contingent consideration liability is provided below:
Half
year
ended
30 June
2017
GBP000
---------------------- ---------
As at 1 January 2017 61
Fair value revision (61)
---------------------- ---------
As at 30 June 2017 -
---------------------- ---------
In January 2017 the Group repaid the GBP9,300,000 two year
promissory loan note which was agreed as part of the initial
consideration for the acquisition of Life Marketing Consultancy
Limited.
12 Directors' responsibility statement
The Directors are responsible for preparing the condensed set of
Consolidated Financial Statements, in accordance with applicable
law and regulations. The Directors confirm that, to the best of
their knowledge:
-- the condensed set of Consolidated Financial Statements on
pages 8 to 18 has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim
Financial Reporting, as adopted by the European Union; and
-- the information set out on this page and on pages 1 to 7
includes a fair review of the information required by Sections DTR
4.2.7R and DTR 4.2.8R of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of
the United Kingdom's Financial Services Authority.
There were no related party transactions during the period which
require disclosure.
13 Risks and Uncertainties
Communisis has a robust internal control and risk management
process outlined on page 44 of the Corporate Governance Report in
the 2016 Annual Report. The Group continues to monitor the impact
of the UK's decision to leave the EU and other political changes
that may affect its operations.
The principal risks and uncertainties relating to the business
at 31 December 2016 were set out in the Strategic Report on pages
22 to 25 of the 2016 Annual Report. These include the ability of
the Group to adapt products and services to technological change,
the degree of customer concentration within the Group, managing
international exposure from expansion outside the UK, the smooth
and uninterrupted operation of the Group's IT networks to ensure
safeguarding of data and uninterrupted delivery of
products/services, talent and skills shortage, deterioration in the
economic environment which may decrease the Group's profitability,
a high operational gearing which means that a reduction in revenues
could significantly impact profitability, the Group being able to
successfully integrate the operations of new acquisitions, the
Group's continuing obligations under defined benefit pension scheme
arrangements and contingent liabilities arising from lease
commitment guarantees on past disposals.
The view of the Board of Directors is that the nature of the
risks has not changed since 9 March 2017 and that they represent
our current best understanding of the situation faced by the Group.
In terms of risk mitigation, management will continue to be alert
to the need for action in respect of any problems caused or
exacerbated by the current economic climate, especially as it
affects our ability to forecast reliably the market demand for some
of our newer services.
14 Additional information
General information
The information for the year ended 31 December 2016 does not
constitute statutory accounts as defined in section 435 of the
Companies Act 2006. A copy of the statutory accounts for that year
has been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The financial
information for the year ended 31 December 2016 has been extracted
from the Group Consolidated Financial Statements for that period.
Those Consolidated Financial Statements were prepared in accordance
with IFRS as adopted by the EU. The auditors reported on those
accounts: their report was unqualified, did not draw attention to
any matters by way of emphasis and did not contain a statement
under section 498 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.
The financial information for the half year ended 30 June 2017
and for the equivalent period in 2016 has not been audited. It has
been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting
and on the basis of the accounting policies as set out in the 2016
Annual Report and Financial Statements.
Pension
At 30 June 2017, the pension deficit had reduced to GBP42.0m
compared with GBP55.5m at 31 December 2016. Further details
regarding the reason for the reduction can be found on page 7.
Bank facilities
At 30 June 2017 the Group had a GBP65,000,000 bank loan facility
in place which was due for renewal in March 2018. As a result of
the repayment date falling within 12 months of the Balance Sheet
date, the GBP63,000,000 borrowing under this facility is reported
within current liabilities.
In August 2017 the GBP65,000,000 bank loan facility was renewed
and the Group now has borrowing facilities in place until August
2022.
Going concern
The Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has
adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the
foreseeable future. Thus they continue to adopt the going concern
basis of accounting in preparing the interim report.
INDEPENT REVIEW REPORT TO COMMUNISIS PLC
Introduction
We have been engaged by the Company to review the condensed set
of Financial Statements in the half-yearly financial report for the
six months ended 30 June 2017 which comprises the Consolidated
Income Statement, the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive
Income, the Consolidated Balance Sheet, the Consolidated Cash Flow
Statement, the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity and the
related Notes 1 to 14. We have read the other information contained
in the half yearly financial report and considered whether it
contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies
with the information in the condensed set of Financial
Statements.
This report is made solely to the Company in accordance with
guidance contained in International Standard on Review Engagements
2410 (UK and Ireland) "Review of Interim Financial Information
Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the
Auditing Practices Board. To the fullest extent permitted by law,
we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the
Company, for our work, for this report, or for the conclusions we
have formed.
Directors' Responsibilities
The half-yearly financial report is the responsibility of, and
has been approved by, the Directors. The Directors are responsible
for preparing the half-yearly financial report in accordance with
the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's
Financial Conduct Authority.
As disclosed in Note 2, the annual Financial Statements of the
Group are prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the
European Union. The condensed set of Financial Statements included
in this half-yearly financial report has been prepared in
accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 Interim
Financial Reporting, as adopted by the European Union.
Our Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express to the Company a conclusion on
the condensed set of Financial Statements in the half-yearly
financial report based on our review.
Scope of Review
We conducted our review in accordance with International
Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410, "Review of
Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor
of the Entity" issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in
the United Kingdom. A review of interim financial information
consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for
financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other
review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an
audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on
Auditing (UK and Ireland) and consequently does not enable us to
obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant
matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do
not express an audit opinion.
Conclusion
Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that
causes us to believe that the condensed set of Financial Statements
in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 30
June 2017 is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance
with International Accounting Standard 34 as adopted by the
European Union and the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the
United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.
Ernst & Young LLP
Leeds
3 August 2017
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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