TIDMCVSG
RNS Number : 0897B
CVS Group plc
31 March 2017
CVS Group plc
("CVS", the "Company" or the "Group")
Interim report for the six months to 31 December 2016
CVS, one of the UK's leading providers of integrated veterinary
services for small and large animals, is pleased to announce its
interim results for the six months ended 31 December 2016.
Financial highlights
Change(4)
Six months Six months
ended ended
31 December 31 December
2016 (Unaudited) 2015 (Unaudited) %
------------------------------ ----------------- ----------------- ----------
Revenue (GBPm) 129.4 100.7 28.5
Adjusted EBITDA (GBPm) (1) 20.7 14.6 42.4
Adjusted profit before income
tax (GBPm) (2) 16.5 11.2 47.1
Adjusted earnings per share
(pence) (3) 21.5 14.7 46.3
Operating profit (GBPm) 9.5 5.4 75.3
Profit before income tax
(GBPm) 8.0 4.3 86.4
Basic earnings per share
(pence) 10.4 5.6 85.7
-- Sales growth of 28.5%
-- Like-for-like sales increase of 7.2%
-- Adjusted EBITDA up at GBP20.7m (42.4%)
-- Adjusted EPS 21.5p (46.3%)
-- Net debt GBP68.0m (June 2016: GBP93.1m)
-- GBP29.6m (after expenses) raised through an equity placing in December 2016
-- 13 practice surgeries acquired during the period and 20 after the period end
(1) Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation
and amortisation) is profit before income tax, net finance expense,
depreciation, amortisation, costs relating to business combinations
and exceptional items.
(2) Adjusted profit before income tax is calculated as profit on
ordinary activities before amortisation, taxation, costs relating
to business combinations and exceptional items.
(3) Adjusted earnings per share is calculated as adjusted profit
before income tax less applicable taxation divided by the weighted
average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period.
(4) Percentage increases have been calculated throughout this
document based on the underlying values.
Contacts:
CVS Group plc Tel: 01379 644
Simon Innes, Chief Executive 288
Nick Perrin, Finance Director
N+1 Singer (Nominated Adviser Tel: 020 7496
& Broker) 3000
Aubrey Powell
Liz Yong
James Hopton
Chairman's statement
Introduction
I am pleased to announce the results of CVS Group plc for the
six month period ended 31 December 2016. The Group has delivered
another strong set of results showing further growth in revenue and
underlying profit, generated both organically and through
acquisitions. The period saw a continuing high level of acquisition
activity and the successful raising of GBP30.2m cash through a
placing of equity in December 2016 has provided a strong financial
base on which the Group can continue to grow, both through
acquisitions and other developments.
Results
Group revenue was GBP129.4m in the half year, growing by 28.5%
(2015: GBP100.7m). Whilst a substantial proportion of the increase
came from acquisitions, like-for-like sales grew strongly by
7.2%.
Adjusted EBITDA rose by 42.4% to GBP20.7m (2015: GBP14.6m).
Operating profit increased by 75.3% to GBP9.5m (2015: GBP5.4m)
reflecting the increase in adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted profit before
tax, which excludes the amortisation of intangible assets,
increased by 47.1% to GBP16.5m (2015: GBP11.2m). Basic earnings per
share rose from 5.6p to 10.4p (again due to the significant
increase in adjusted EBITDA) and adjusted earnings per share rose
from 14.7p to 21.5p.
Cash generated from operations increased to GBP19.3m (2015:
GBP17.5m) due to improved trading. As a result of the GBP29.6m (net
of costs) raised through the placing of shares, net debt fell to
GBP68.0m (June 2016: GBP93.1m) after funding GBP12.0m (including
debt acquired) of acquisitions in the period.
Acquisitions
The six months to 31 December 2016 continued the high pace of
acquisition activity of the previous year. 20 surgeries were
acquired including four in The Netherlands as shown below:
Practice name No. of Main locations Business
sites
---------------------- ------- ----------------------------- --------------
Davidson Veterinary 3 Nottingham Small animal
Care
---------------------- ------- ----------------------------- --------------
Buttercross 3 Nottingham Small animal
Veterinary Care
---------------------- ------- ----------------------------- --------------
Church Walk 2 Ulverston, Barrow-In-Furness Small animal
Vets
---------------------- ------- ----------------------------- --------------
Batheaston Veterinary 1 Bath Small animal
Clinic
---------------------- ------- ----------------------------- --------------
Deveron Veterinary 2 Turriff & Macduff Small animal,
Surgeons large animal
& equine
---------------------- ------- ----------------------------- --------------
Haven Veterinary 1 Great Yarmouth Small animal
Surgeons
---------------------- ------- ----------------------------- --------------
Forrest House 3 Bedale, Northallerton, Small animal,
Vets Masham large animal
& equine
---------------------- ------- ----------------------------- --------------
Kliniek voor 3 Dieren, Brummer, Small animal
Gezelschapsdieren Velp (The Netherlands)
Dieren
---------------------- ------- ----------------------------- --------------
Dierenziekenhuis 1 Drachten (The Small animal
Drachten BV Netherlands)
---------------------- ------- ----------------------------- --------------
O'Reilly & Fee 1 Armagh, Northern Small animal,
Veterinary Surgery Ireland large animal
& equine
---------------------- ------- ----------------------------- --------------
A total of GBP12.0m (including debt acquired) was paid for the
acquisitions in the period. Based on the last set of accounts
publicly available for each business, the aggregate historical
annualised turnover and EBITDA of these businesses was
approximately GBP10.2m and GBP1.6m respectively.
Subsequent to 31 December 2016, the Group acquired a further 13
surgeries as set out below:
Practice name No. of Main locations Business
sites
-------------------- ------- ------------------- --------------
Zuid-West Friesland 2 Lemmer, Emmelord, Small animal,
BV (The Netherlands) large animal
& equine
-------------------- ------- ------------------- --------------
Bell Equine 1 Mereworth Equine
Veterinary Clinic
-------------------- ------- ------------------- --------------
Valley Veterinary 2 Kilmarnock Small animal
Group
-------------------- ------- ------------------- --------------
Pennine Vets 2 Bolton, Bury Small animal
-------------------- ------- ------------------- --------------
Ambivet Veterinary 5 Aspley, Heanor, Small animal
Group Ilkeston Ripley
Woollaton,
-------------------- ------- ------------------- --------------
Willow Veterinary 1 Norwich, Norfolk Small animal
Clinic Norwich
-------------------- ------- ------------------- --------------
The provisional cash consideration for these acquisitions is
approximately GBP17.0m.
Particularly exciting is the start of our operations in The
Netherlands. We are delighted to have acquired six excellent sites
across the country. It is intended that these acquisitions are the
start of the development of a business in The Netherlands on a
similar basis to the CVS Group in the UK. Whilst most of these
acquisitions are of small animal businesses, Zuid-West Friesland is
a mixed practice and we expect to continue to acquire a range of
different business in the Netherlands.
The UK acquisitions made further strides forward in our
strategy, expanding our geographical coverage across the UK. Of
particular note are the acquisitions of Bell Equine, a large and
well respected Equine practice in Kent, and O'Reilly & Fee in
Armagh, which brings the number of our surgeries in Northern
Ireland to three.
Divisional performance
Practice Division
At the half year, the Practice Division operated 380 veterinary
surgeries (June 2016: 360), 376 across the UK and four in The
Netherlands. Subsequent to the half year this has increased to a
total of 394 (388 in the UK and six in The Netherlands). The
surgeries operate under a number of well-established local brands,
primarily focused on the small animal market. We estimate that CVS
has a 13% share of the UK small animal veterinary market.
Practice revenues were GBP118.4m, a 30.2% increase on the
GBP91.1m achieved in the prior period. Like-for-like sales growth
of 7.0% generated about GBP5.8m of additional revenue; the
annualisation impact of prior year acquisitions added GBP18.4m and
current period acquisitions added a further GBP1.4m.
The gross margin in the practices increased from 79.1% to 80.2%
with improvements being generated by the new and strengthened
divisional management team. The margin improvement reflects an
increase in the proportion of sales of services compared to
drugs.
Adjusted EBITDA for the Practice Division grew by 38.7% from
GBP16.0m to GBP22.2m and the adjusted EBITDA margin improved from
17.6% to 18.7%
The expansion of our own brand range of medicines and
accessories has continued during the period with the introduction
of two new products in the summer of 2016. Benazapet, is used for
the treatment of heart failure in dogs and kidney disease in cats
and Meloxaid used for pain relief and inflammation post-surgery.
These are smaller volume products than those already launched, but
they will further support our margins. Our range of MiPet waiting
room retail products and pet food is now fully rolled out across
the division.
The Healthy Pet Club schemes have grown significantly with
membership at 31 December 2016 in excess of 285,000 pets, an
increase of over 12% over the six month period. At the end of
February 2017 the membership stood at 291,000. Income from Healthy
Pet Club schemes represented 13.4% of the income of the division
for the six month period up from 12.6% in the comparable period. In
the like-for-like practices the percentage increased from 15.2% to
16.4%. The schemes offer discounted products and services aiming to
improve clinical compliance levels amongst members and to protect
practice sales by bonding pet owners to their local CVS
surgery.
The Group continues to develop and improve its estate. Following
other successful relocations in recent years, in January 2017 we
relocated the YourVets site in Stechford to allow its expansion.
Results are already showing a marked improvement. In February 2017
we opened a new YourVets site in Smethwick, Birmingham and a
further site in Norwich is under development. These two new sites
follow the opening of smaller new locations in Beccles and Lawley
in 2016, both of which are trading well. Further opportunities for
a small number of new sites will be sought in order to gain
experience in their development.
Our referrals business has continued to develop but there remain
significant challenges in the market for specialists. Revenue from
the Dovecote and Highcroft referral acquisitions in 2015/6 has been
strong but our Lumbry Park site has not developed as quickly as we
would have liked. The senior management team has been strengthened
to help address this matter. We opened our new Manchester
Veterinary Specialists site in February 2017 and initial results
are promising. The significant refurbishment of the Chestergates
site should be completed before the end of the current financial
year. This will create more space and a more efficient working
environment. Our commitment to providing an excellent working
environment and facilities for our vets is demonstrated by with the
inclusion of new CT scanners at Chestergates and Manchester
Veterinary Specialists and a higher specification MRI scanner at
Chestergates.
The VetShare Buying Group has progressed strongly since its
acquisition in December 2016. Over GBP0.6m of additional rebates
per annum have been negotiated for Buying Group members. In March
2017 we commenced the administration of a Healthy Pet Club type
scheme for Buying Group members.
Laboratory Division
Our laboratories provide diagnostic services and in-practice
laboratory analysers to third party owned veterinary surgeries as
well as our own practices. Diagnostic services are offered via post
and courier allowing complete coverage of the UK.
Total revenues grew by 8.3% to GBP7.8m (2015: GBP7.2m). The
gross margin percentage fell from 69.2% to 67.9% reflecting the
growing contribution of our in-house analyser business which has a
lower gross margin than the diagnostics business. Adjusted EBITDA
increased slightly to GBP1.7m (2015: GBP1.6m).
Crematoria Division
Crematoria revenues increased by 58.3% to GBP3.3m (2015:
GBP2.0m). Like-for-like sales grew by 21.5% reflecting the existing
sites taking on work from acquired practices as well as third party
growth. Overall the Crematoria Division delivered an adjusted
EBITDA of GBP1.1m (2015: GBP0.6m).
Animed Direct
Following its difficulties in the prior year, Animed Direct, our
on-line dispensary, made excellent progress with revenues
increasing by 36.6% to GBP5.6m (2015: GBP4.1m). Adjusted EBITDA
improved slightly but remained at GBP0.2m when the figure is
rounded.
The new management team put in place early in the financial year
has begun to address a number of matters and this is reflected in
the significant improvement in sales. The business recently moved
to the 50,000 sq. ft. warehouse in Diss and is continuing to
develop its website. This is expected to provide improved access
and functionality on tablets and mobiles as well as providing
better management information and greater operational
flexibility.
Central administration
Central administration costs were GBP4.5m (2015: GBP3.8m) and as
a percentage of revenue fell from 3.8% to 3.5% for the half
year.
The scale of growth of the Group continues to require the
investment in additional staff in all functions. Our systems and
processes are continually being strengthened and the improved
management information developed over recent years is now being
used by the operations teams. The Group is conscious of the need to
maintain good control of all acquisitions as they are integrated
and has taken on the necessary resources to ensure that this is
achieved.
The development of CVS' own insurance product has continued. The
product is being designed by vets and aims to bond our customers
even more closely to our practices. The Group does not intend to
take on any insurance underwriting risk.
Cash flow and funding position
Net debt stood at GBP68.0m at 31 December 2016 (see note 12), a
reduction of GBP25.1m from 1 July 2016. In the period GBP12.0m was
spent on acquisitions (including GBP0.2m of debt acquired and
GBP0.7m on deferred consideration) (2015: GBP43.6m), GBP6.1m on
capital expenditure (2015: GBP8.0m) and GBP2.1m on dividends (2015:
GBP1.8m).
Capital expenditure included GBP4.8m on site refurbishments and
relocations and GBP1.3m on equipment.
In December 2016 the Company successfully raised a total of
GBP29.6m after expenses (GBP30.2m before expenses) by means of an
accelerated bookbuild, which received very strong support from
existing and new investors, and issued 3,019,500 new Ordinary
Shares. The consequent reduction in net borrowings and gearing
further strengthens the Group's balance sheet and provides a strong
financial base on which the Group can continue to grow, both
through acquisitions and other developments.
Dividends
A dividend in respect of the year ended 30 June 2016 of 3.5p per
share was paid in December 2016. The Board will continue to review
its dividend policy and expects that a final dividend will be paid
in December 2017, which, in the absence of any unforeseen change in
trading conditions, will be at least equal in value to that of
2016.
Our people
All of our people are key in enabling the Group to deliver these
excellent results and I would like to thank all of them for their
skill and professionalism in providing the best possible care and
service to our customers and their animals.
Our continuing focus on our staff is reflected in the recent
recruitment of senior managers with specific responsibilities for
nurses and out-of-hours work. The veterinary industry has not
historically provided strong careers for nurses and we are
determined to improve that situation by providing training beyond
the basic nursing qualification, ensuring that our nurses utilise
their skills to the maximum and that they have rewarding roles.
Out-of-hours work can be a particularly challenging aspect of a
vet's work and we aim to develop the support and training that they
receive to carry out this important function.
The Group continues to be the largest employer in the UK
veterinary profession with close to 5,000 staff. Our aim is to
ensure that we are the first choice employer in the profession by
providing the best career paths, training and development for our
people.
Further business development and outlook
The Board is pleased to report that trading since the half year
end is in line with expectations. Like-for-like sales growth for
January and February 2017 has returned to more normal levels, but
that was to be expected given the strong comparatives for January
and February 2016. With our wide range of organic opportunities,
healthy cash generation and a strong acquisition pipeline, the
Board looks forward with confidence to the remainder of the year
and beyond.
The Board believes that the UK veterinary sector will continue
to provide opportunities for further consolidation and strategic
acquisitions across each of the small animal, equine and large
animal segments. It is pleasing to note that, even following a
period of exceptionally high activity, the Group's pipeline of
potential acquisitions remains very strong.
The Group will continue to build on the many strengths of its
existing business: the development of the Lumbry Park and
Manchester Veterinary Specialists referral businesses; the
expansion of our range of own brand products; further development
of out-of-hours centres; the development of two new locations and
of relocated sites; and the introduction of CVS' own brand pet
insurance. The Group will also seek to continue to improve its
operating efficiency whilst ensuring that resources remain adequate
to successfully integrate acquisitions and develop the
business.
Richard Connell
Chairman
31 March 2017
Consolidated income statement for the six month period ended 31
December 2016 (unaudited)
31 December 31 December Year ended
2016 2015 30 June
2016
Note (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Audited)
GBPm GBPm GBPm
------------------------------------ ------ ------------- -------------- ------------
Revenue 4 129.4 100.7 218.1
Cost of sales (68.3) (55.4) (111.8)
------------------------------------ ------ ------------- -------------- ------------
Gross profit 61.1 45.3 106.3
Administrative expenses (51.6) (39.9) (94.5)
------------------------------------ ------ ------------- -------------- ------------
Operating profit 9.5 5.4 11.8
Other finance expense 5 (1.5) (1.1) (2.7)
Profit before income tax 8.0 4.3 9.1
Income tax expense 8 (1.7) (0.9) (2.1)
------------------------------------ ------ ------------- -------------- ------------
Profit for the period attributable
to owners of the Parent
Company 6.3 3.4 7.0
------------------------------------ ------ ------------- -------------- ------------
Basic 6 10.4 5.6p 11.6p
Diluted 6 10.2 5.4p 11.3p
The 31 December 2015 comparatives for cost of sales and
administration expenses have been restated to reclassify salary
costs relating to non-clinical staff and other employment costs to
administrative expenses.
The following table is provided to show the comparative earnings
before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation ("EBITDA")
after adjusting for costs relating to business combinations.
Non-GAAP measure: Adjusted Note GBPm GBPm GBPm
EBITDA
-------------------------------- ----- ----- ------ -----
Profit before income tax 8.0 4.3 9.1
Adjustments for:
Net finance expense 5 1.5 1.1 2.7
Depreciation 9 2.7 2.3 5.2
Amortisation 9 7.6 5.7 13.7
Costs relating to business
combinations 0.9 1.2 2.1
Adjusted EBITDA 20.7 14.6 32.8
-------------------------------- ----- ----- ------ -----
Statement of consolidated comprehensive income for the six month
period ended 31 December 2016 (unaudited)
GBPm GBPm GBPm
---------------------------------- ----- ------ -----
Profit for the period 6.3 3.4 7.0
Other comprehensive income
Cash flow hedges: Fair value - - -
gains/(losses)
Other comprehensive income - - -
for the period, net of tax
period, net of tax
---------------------------------- ----- ------ -----
Total comprehensive income
for the period attributable
to owners of the Parent Company 6.3 3.4 7.0
---------------------------------- ----- ------ -----
Consolidated balance sheet as at 31 December 2016
(unaudited)
Restated
31 December Restated
30 June
2015 2016
Note 31 December
2016 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Audited)
GBPm GBPm GBPm
---------------------------- ----- ------------------ ------------- -----------
Non-current assets
Intangible assets 9 137.4 118.1 131.5
Property, plant and
equipment 9 36.3 33.0 32.8
Investments 0.1 0.1 0.1
Deferred income tax
assets 1.6 1.8 1.8
175.4 153.0 166.2
---------------------------- ----- ------------------ ------------- -----------
Current assets
Inventories 11.1 7.8 9.7
Trade and other receivables 24.6 22.7 23.8
Cash and cash equivalents 6.5 9.6 6.7
---------------------------- ----- ------------------ ------------- -----------
42.2 40.1 40.2
---------------------------- ----- ------------------ ------------- -----------
Total assets 4 217.6 193.1 206.4
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables (43.3) (41.8) (43.0)
Current income tax
liabilities (2.8) (2.3) (2.3)
Borrowings (0.2) (0.3) (0.2)
(46.3) (44.4) (45.5)
Non-current liabilities
Borrowings 12 (74.3) (94.1) (99.6)
Deferred income tax
liabilities (15.3) (12.9) (14.6)
Derivative financial
instruments - (0.1) (0.1)
---------------------------- ----- ------------------ ------------- -----------
(89.6) (107.1) (114.3)
---------------------------- ----- ------------------ ------------- -----------
Total liabilities 4 (135.9) (151.5) (159.8)
---------------------------- ----- ------------------ ------------- -----------
Net assets 81.7 41.6 46.6
---------------------------- ----- ------------------ ------------- -----------
Shareholders' equity
Share capital 0.1 0.1 0.1
Share premium 39.3 9.5 9.7
Capital redemption
reserve 0.6 0.6 0.6
Revaluation reserve 0.1 0.1 0.1
Merger reserve (61.4) (61.4) (61.4)
Retained earnings 103.0 92.7 97.5
---------------------------- ----- ------------------ ------------- -----------
Total equity 81.7 41.6 46.6
---------------------------- ----- ------------------ ------------- -----------
The interim financial information on pages 7 to 18 was approved
by the Board of Directors on 31 March 2017.
Consolidated statement of changes in equity for the six month
period ended 31 December 2016 (unaudited)
Capital
Share Share redemption Revaluation Merger Retained Total
capital premium reserve reserve reserve earnings equity
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
--------------------------- ---------- --------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ---------- ----------
At 1 July 2016 0.1 9.7 0.6 0.1 (61.4) 97.5 46.6
--------------------------- ---------- --------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ---------- ----------
Profit for the period - - - - - 6.3 6.3
--------------------------- ---------- --------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ---------- ----------
Other comprehensive
income:
Cash flow hedges: - - - - - - -
Fair value losses
Total other comprehensive - - - - - - -
income
Income
Total comprehensive
income - - - - - 6.3 6.3
Transactions with
owners:
Credit to reserves
for share-based
payments - - - - - 0.8 0.8
Deferred tax relating
to share-based payments - - - - - 0.5 0.5
Dividends to equity
holders of the Company - - - - - (2.1) (2.1)
Shares issued in
the year - 29.6 - - - - 29.6
Transactions with
owners - 29.6 - - - (0.8) 28.8
--------------------------- ---------- --------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ---------- ----------
At 31 December 2016 0.1 39.3 0.6 0.1 (61.4) 103.0 81.7
--------------------------- ---------- --------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ---------- ----------
Capital
Share Share redemption Revaluation Merger Retained Total
capital premium reserve reserve reserve earnings equity
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
--------------------------- ---------- --------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ---------- ----------
At 1 July 2015 0.1 9.5 0.6 0.1 (61.4) 90.2 39.1
--------------------------- ---------- --------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ---------- ----------
Profit for the period - - - - - 3.4 3.4
--------------------------- ---------- --------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ---------- ----------
Other comprehensive
income:
Cash flow hedges: - - - - - - -
Fair value gains
Total other comprehensive - - - - - - -
income
Income
Total comprehensive
income - - - - - 3.4 3.4
Transactions with
owners:
Credit to reserves
for share-based
payments - - - - - 0.6 0.6
Deferred tax relating
to share-based payments - - - - - 0.3 0.3
Dividends to equity
holders of the Company - - - - - (1.8) (1.8)
Transactions with
owners - - - - - (0.9) (0.9)
--------------------------- ---------- --------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ---------- ----------
At 31 December 2015 0.1 9.5 0.6 0.1 (61.4) 92.7 41.6
--------------------------- ---------- --------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ---------- ----------
Consolidated statement of cash flows for the six month period
ended 31 December 2016 (unaudited)
Year ended
30 June
31 December
2015 2016
Note 31 December
2016 (Unaudited) (Audited)
(Unaudited)
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Cash flows from operating
activities
Cash generated from operations 11 19.3 17.5 33.6
Taxation paid (2.2) (1.6) (3.3)
Interest paid (1.2) (1.0) (2.4)
Net cash generated from
operating activities 15.9 14.9 27.9
------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ----------
Cash flows from investing
activities
Acquisitions (net of
cash) 10 (11.8) (40.0) (53.5)
Purchase of property,
plant and equipment (6.1) (8.0) (11.3)
Purchase of intangible
assets - - (0.2)
Net cash used in investing
activities (17.9) (48.0) (65.0)
------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ----------
Cash flows from financing
activities
Dividends paid 13 (2.1) (1.8) (1.8)
Proceeds from issue of
shares 29.6 - 0.2
Debt issuance costs 12 - (1.3) (1.3)
(Repayment) / increase
of bank loan 12 (25.7) 42.8 43.7
Net cash from financing
activities 1.8 39.7 40.8
------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ----------
Net (decrease) / increase
in cash and cash equivalents (0.2) 6.6 3.7
Cash and cash equivalents
at start of period 6.7 3.0 3.0
Cash and cash equivalents
at end of period 6.5 9.6 6.7
------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ----------
Notes to the interim consolidated financial information
1. General information
The principal activities of the Group are to operate companion
and large animal and equine veterinary practices, complementary
veterinary diagnostic businesses, pet crematoria and an on-line
dispensary business.
CVS Group plc is a public limited company incorporated and
domiciled in England and Wales and its shares are quoted on the AIM
Market of the London Stock Exchange.
The address of the registered office is CVS House, Owen Road,
Diss, Norfolk, IP22 4ER and the registered number of the Company is
06312831.
This interim consolidated financial information does not
constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of Section 434 of
the Companies Act 2006. The statutory accounts of CVS Group plc in
respect of the year ended 30 June 2016 have been delivered to the
Registrar of Companies, upon which the Company's auditors have
given a report which was unqualified and did not contain any
statement under Section 498 of the Companies Act 2006.
Forward looking statements
Certain statements in this interim report are forward-looking.
Although the Group believes that the expectations reflected in
these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no
assurance that these expectations will prove to have been correct.
Because these statements involve risks and uncertainties, actual
results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by
these forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to
update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise.
2. Basis of preparation
The interim consolidated financial information of CVS Group plc
is for the six months ended 31 December 2016. It is unaudited and
has been prepared in accordance with the AIM Rules for Companies
and with IAS 34, "Interim Financial Reporting" as adopted by the
European Union. The interim consolidated financial information
should be read in conjunction with the annual financial statements
for the year ended 30 June 2016, which have been prepared in
accordance with IFRSs adopted by the European Union.
The interim consolidated financial information has been prepared
on a going-concern basis.
Use of non-GAAP measures
Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EPS and like-for-like sales
The Directors believe that adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EPS
provide additional useful information for shareholders on
underlying trends and performance. These measures are used for
internal performance analysis. These measures are not defined by
IFRS and therefore may not be directly comparable with other
companies' adjusted measures. It is not intended to be a substitute
for, or superior to, IFRS measurements of profit or earnings per
share.
Adjusted EBITDA is calculated by reference to profit before
income tax, adjusted for interest (net finance expense),
depreciation, amortisation, costs relating to business combinations
and exceptional items.
Adjusted EPS is calculated as adjusted profit before income tax
less applicable taxation divided by the weighted average number of
ordinary shares in issue during the period.
Like-for-like sales comprise the revenue generated from all
operations compared to the prior year. New surgeries are included
from the anniversary of their acquisition or opening and
discontinued activities are included up to the date of their sale
or closure.
3. Summary of significant accounting policies
The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those set
out on pages 45 to 51 of the consolidated financial statements of
CVS Group plc for the year ended 30 June 2016 (which are available
upon request from the Company's registered office or on the
Company's website).
4. Segmental reporting
Segmental information is presented in respect of the Group's
business and geographical segments. The primary format, operating
segments, is based on the Group's management and internal reporting
structure. Inter-segment pricing is determined on an arm's length
basis.
Segment results, assets and liabilities include items directly
attributable to a segment as well as those that can be allocated on
a reasonable basis. Unallocated items comprise mainly
interest-bearing borrowings and associated costs, taxation related
assets and liabilities, costs relating to business combinations and
central administration salary and premises.
Geographical segments
The business operates predominantly in the UK. It performs a
small amount of laboratory work and sells a small quantity of goods
on-line for European based clients. Since November 2016 the
business has operated practices in The Netherlands. In accordance
with IFRS 8 "Operating segments" no segmental results are presented
for trade with European clients as these are not reported
separately for management reporting purposes.
Operating segments
The Group is split into five operating segments for business
segment analysis; veterinary practices, laboratories, crematorium,
Animed Direct and a centralised administration function.
Six month period Veterinary Animed Central
ended practices Laboratories Crematoria Direct administration Group
31 December 2016 GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
--------------------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------- ---------------- --------
Revenue 118.4 7.8 3.3 5.6 (5.7) 129.4
Profit/(loss)
before income
tax 14.5 1.3 1.1 0.2 (9.1) 8.0
Adjusted EBITDA 22.2 1.7 1.1 0.2 (4.5) 20.7
Total assets 192.9 10.4 7.6 4.8 1.9 217.6
Total liabilities (54.5) (1.6) (1.2) (4.1) (74.5) (135.9)
Reconciliation
of adjusted EBITDA
Profit/(loss)
before income
tax 14.5 1.3 1.1 0.2 (9.1) 8.0
Net finance expense - - - - 1.5 1.5
Depreciation 2.3 0.4 - - - 2.7
Amortisation 4.9 - - 2.7 7.6
Costs relating
to business combinations 0.5 - - - 0.4 0.9
--------------------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------- ---------------- --------
Adjusted EBITDA 22.2 1.7 1.1 0.2 (4.5) 20.7
--------------------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------- ---------------- --------
4. Segmental reporting (continued)
Six month period Veterinary Animed Central
ended 31 December practices Laboratories Crematoria Direct administration Group
2015 GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
--------------------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------- ---------------- --------
Revenue 91.1 7.2 2.0 4.1 (3.7) 100.7
Profit/(loss)
before income
tax 8.4 1.2 0.4 0.2 (5.9) 4.3
Adjusted EBITDA 16.0 1.6 0.6 0.2 (3.8) 14.6
Total assets 172.8 9.0 5.8 4.0 1.5 193.1
Total liabilities (50.1) (1.9) (1.3) (3.2) (95.0) (151.5)
Reconciliation
of adjusted EBITDA
Profit/(loss)
before income
tax 8.4 1.2 0.4 0.2 (5.9) 4.3
Net finance expense - - - - 1.1 1.1
Depreciation 1.8 0.3 0.1 - 0.1 2.3
Amortisation 5.5 0.1 0.1 - - 5.7
Costs relating
to business combinations 0.3 - - - 0.9 1.2
--------------------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------- ---------------- --------
Adjusted EBITDA 16.0 1.6 0.6 0.2 (3.8) 14.6
--------------------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------- ---------------- --------
Year ended 30 Veterinary Animed Central
June 2016 practices Laboratories Crematoria Direct administration Group
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
--------------------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------- ---------------- --------
Revenue 198.1 14.8 5.0 8.4 (8.2) 218.1
Profit/(loss)
before income
tax 21.3 2.5 1.4 0.3 (16.4) 9.1
Adjusted EBITDA 35.6 3.1 1.7 0.3 (7.9) 32.8
Total assets 184.5 9.8 6.7 3.8 1.6 206.4
Total liabilities (52.9) (2.1) (1.4) (3.1) (100.3) (159.8)
Reconciliation
of adjusted EBITDA
Profit/(loss)
before income
tax 21.3 2.5 1.4 0.3 (16.4) 9.1
Net finance expense - - - - 2.7 2.7
Depreciation 4.1 0.6 0.3 - 0.2 5.2
Amortisation 9.4 - - - 4.3 13.7
Costs relating
to business combinations 0.8 - - - 1.3 2.1
--------------------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------- ---------------- --------
Adjusted EBITDA 35.6 3.1 1.7 0.3 (7.9) 32.8
--------------------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------- ---------------- --------
5. Finance expense
Year ended
30 June
2016
31 December 31 December
2016 2015 (Audited)
(Unaudited) (Unaudited)
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Interest expense, bank
loans and overdraft 1.3 1.0 2.3
Amortisation of debt
arrangement fees 0.2 0.1 0.4
Net finance expense 1.5 1.1 2.7
----------------------------- ------------- ------------- ------------
6. Earnings per Ordinary share
(a) Basic
Basic earnings per Ordinary share is calculated by dividing the
profit after taxation by the weighted average number of shares in
issue during the period.
Year ended
30 June
31 December 31 December 2016
2016 2015
(Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Audited)
------------------------------ ------------ ------------ -----------
Earnings attributable to
Ordinary shareholders (GBPm) 6.3 3.4 7.0
Weighted average number
of Ordinary shares in issue 60,393,369 59,496,779 59,7336,436
------------------------------ ------------ ------------ -----------
Basic earnings per share
(pence per share) 10.4 5.6 11.6
------------------------------ ------------ ------------ -----------
(b) Diluted
Diluted earnings per Ordinary share is calculated by adjusting
the weighted average number of Ordinary shares outstanding to
assume conversion of all dilutive potential Ordinary shares. The
Company has potentially dilutive Ordinary shares being the
contingently issueable shares under the Group's long term incentive
plan schemes and Save As You Earn schemes. For share options, a
calculation is undertaken to determine the number of shares that
could have been acquired at fair value (determined as the average
annual market share price of the Company's shares) based on the
monetary value of the subscription rights attached to outstanding
share options. The number of shares calculated as above is compared
with the number of shares that would have been issued assuming the
exercise of the share options.
Year ended
30 June
31 December 31 December
2016 2015 2016
(Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Audited)
-------------------------------- ------------ ------------ -----------
Earnings attributable to
Ordinary shareholders (GBPm) 6.3 3.4 7.0
Weighted average number
of Ordinary shares in issue 60,393,369 59,496,779 59,736,436
Adjustment for contingently
issuable shares - LTIPS 327,006 999,456 681,294
Adjustment for contingently
issuable shares - SAYE 849,016 765,431 726,515
-------------------------------- ------------ ------------ -----------
Weighted average number
of Ordinary shares for diluted
earnings per share 61,569,391 61,261,666 61,143,945
-------------------------------- ------------ ------------ -----------
Diluted earnings per share
(pence per share) 10.2 5.4 11.3
-------------------------------- ------------ ------------ -----------
6. Earnings per Ordinary share (continued)
(c) Non-GAAP measure: Adjusted earnings per share
Adjusted earnings per Ordinary share is calculated by dividing
the profit for the period attributable to equity shareholders
excluding amortisation, fair value adjustments in respect of
financial assets and liabilities, costs relating to business
combinations and exceptional costs (all net of tax), by the
weighted average number of shares in issue during the period.
Year ended
30 June
2016
31 December 31 December
2016 2015 (Audited)
(Unaudited) (Unaudited)
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Earnings attributable to Ordinary
shareholders 6.3 3.4 7.0
Add back taxation 1.7 0.9 2.1
Profit before taxation 8.0 4.3 9.1
Adjustments for:
Amortisation 7.6 5.7 13.7
Costs relating to business
combinations 0.9 1.2 2.1
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------ -----------
Adjusted profit before income
tax 16.5 11.2 24.9
Tax on adjusted profit (3.5) (2.5) (5.4)
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------ -----------
Adjusted profit after income
tax and earnings attributable
to ordinary shareholders 13.0 8.7 19.5
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------ -----------
Weighted average number of
Ordinary shares in issue 60,393,369 59,496,779 59,736,436
Weighted average number of
Ordinary shares for diluted
earnings per share 61,569,391 61,261,666 61,143,945
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------ -----------
Adjusted earnings per share 21.5p 14.7p 32.4p
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------ -----------
Diluted adjusted earnings
per share 21.1p 14.3p 31.7p
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------ -----------
7. Share-based payments
Long Term Incentive Plans
The Group operates an incentive scheme for certain senior
executives, the CVS Group Long Term Incentive Plan ("LTIP").
Under the LTIP scheme awards are made at an effective nil
nominal cost (0.2p), vesting over a three year performance period
conditional upon the Group's adjusted earnings growth. On vesting,
the LTIP scheme awards are settled in equity.
On 20 December 2016, LTIP10 was issued with an option life of 3
years over 138,566 shares, of which 138,566 were outstanding at the
period end. The share price at the grant date was GBP10.67 with an
exercise price of 0.2p.
During the six months to 31 December 2016, directors and
employees exercised 392,800 (2015: 634,900) share options with a
nominal value of GBP785 (2015: GBP1,270), in respect of the LTIP7
scheme.
The share-based payment charge for the period in respect of the
options issued under the LTIP schemes amounted to GBP0.6m (2015:
GBP0.5m) and has been charged to administrative expenses. National
Insurance contributions amounting to GBP0.3m (2015: GBP0.3m) have
been accrued in respect of the LTIP scheme transactions and are
treated as cash-settled transactions.
Save As You Earn (SAYE)
The Group operates the CVS Group Save As You Earn ("SAYE") plan,
as an incentive scheme for all staff. The scheme is approved by HM
Revenue and Customs. Under the SAYE schemes awards were made at a
20% discount of the closing mid-market price on date of invitation,
vesting over a three year period. There are no performance
conditions attached to the SAYE scheme.
SAYE9 scheme was opened for subscription in November 2016.
225,750 options were granted in November 2016, with the first
salary deductions taking place in December 2016 and a contract
start date of 1 January 2017. The exercise price was GBP7.90 - a
10% discount of the closing mid-market price on the date of
invitation.
Options were valued using the Black-Scholes option pricing model
and the share-based payment charge for the period in respect of the
options issued under the SAYE schemes amounted to GBP0.2m (2015:
GBP0.1m) and has been charged to administrative expenses.
During the period the Company established an independently
managed Employee Benefit Trust which is being utilised, as
announced on 28(th) February 2017, to manage the impact of annual
awards under the SAYE9 scheme through the purchase of CVS shares as
the trustee deems appropriate.
8. Income tax expense
Income tax expense is recognised based on management's best
estimate of the weighted average annual statutory income tax rate
expected for the full financial year as a percentage of taxable
profit ("the effective tax rate").
9. Non-current assets
Property,
Intangible plant
assets and equipment
GBPm GBPm
--------------------------------------- ----------- ---------------
Six months ended 31 December 2016
Opening net book value at 1 July
2016 131.5 32.8
Additions arising through business
combinations (note 10) 13.1 0.5
Additions - 6.1
Fair value adjustment 0.4 (0.4)
Depreciation and amortisation (7.6) (2.7)
--------------------------------------- ----------- ---------------
Closing net book value at 31 December
2016 137.4 36.3
--------------------------------------- ----------- ---------------
Six months ended 31 December 2015
Opening net book value at 1 July
2015 79.2 20.0
Additions arising through business
combinations 44.6 7.4
Additions - 7.9
Depreciation and amortisation (5.7) (2.3)
--------------------------------------- ----------- ---------------
Closing net book value at 31 December
2015 118.1 33.0
--------------------------------------- ----------- ---------------
10. Business combinations
Provisional details of business combinations in the six month
period ended 31 December 2016 are set out below.
Book value
of acquired
assets Adjustments Fair value
GBPm GBPm GBPm
------------------------------ ------------- ------------ -----------
Property plant and equipment 0.5 - 0.5
Patient lists / customer
lists 1.0 11.9 12.9
Goodwill - 0.2 0.2
Deferred tax liability - (2.1) (2.1)
Inventory 0.5 - 0.5
Trade and other receivables 0.5 - 0.5
Trade and other payables (1.2) - (1.2)
Loans (0.2) - (0.2)
Net assets acquired 1.1 10.0 11.1
------------------------------ ------------- ------------ -----------
Consideration paid -
cash 11.1
Deferred consideration
paid in respect of prior
year acquisitions 0.7
------------------------------ ------------- ------------ -----------
Total consideration
paid in year - cash 11.8
------------------------------ ------------- ------------ -----------
Adjustments relate to the patient and customer data records
acquired as part of acquisitions, goodwill on acquisitions and the
deferred tax gross up of the patient data records acquired.
10. Business combinations (continued)
Business combinations subsequent to the period end
Subsequent to the 31 December 2016, the Group acquired 13
surgeries. A summary of these surgeries can be seen in the
Chairman's Statement on page 3. The provisional cash consideration
for these acquisitions is approximately GBP17.0m.
11. Cash generated from operations
Year ended
30 June
2016
31 December 31 December
2016 2015 (Audited)
(Unaudited) (Unaudited)
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Profit for the period 6.3 3.4 7.0
Add back:
Taxation 1.7 0.9 2.1
Total finance costs 1.5 1.1 2.7
Amortisation of intangible
assets 7.6 5.7 13.7
Depreciation of property,
plant and equipment 2.7 2.3 5.2
Share option expense 0.8 0.6 1.3
(Increase)/decrease in working
capital:
Inventories (0.9) (0.2) (1.6)
Trade and other receivables (0.5) 0.7 5.2
Trade and other payables 0.1 3.0 (2.0)
Total cash flows from operating
activities 19.3 17.5 33.6
---------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ------------
12. Analysis of movement in net debt
Restated
1 July Cash Non-cash 31 December
2016 flow movements 2016
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
--------------------------- ---------- --------- ---------------- -------------
Cash and cash equivalents 6.7 (0.2) - 6.5
Borrowings - current (0.2) - - (0.2)
Borrowings - non-current (99.6) 25.7 (0.4) (74.3)
Net debt (93.1) 25.5 (0.4) (68.0)
--------------------------- ---------- --------- ---------------- -------------
Non-cash movements relate to the amortisation of issue costs on
bank loans and interest on loan notes. Cash and cash equivalents
comprise cash at bank and in hand.
Management has elected to change its accounting policy in
relation to the classification of its revolving credit facility
("RCF") to reflect management's intention in relation to repayment
rather than solely the legal form of the arrangement. The impact of
this is that the RCF has been disclosed as a non current liability
in this interim report. This change has also been reflected
retrospectively to adjust the classification of the RCF from
current liabilities to non current liabilities in the prior
periods. This change in accounting policy has no impact on the
income statement, earnings per share or any other key performance
indicator.
13. Dividends
The dividends paid in December 2016, representing the final
dividend payable for the year ended 30 June 2016, amounted to
GBP2,113,748 (3.5p per share) (2015: GBP1,795,000; 3.0p per
share).
Directors and advisers
Directors R Connell (Chairman)
M McCollum (Non-Executive Director)
S Innes (Chief Executive Officer)
N Perrin (Finance Director)
Company Secretary R Cleal
Company number 06312831
Registered office CVS House
Owen Road
Diss
Norfolk
IP22 4ER
Auditors Deloitte House
Station Place
Cambridge
CB1 2FP
Bankers NatWest Bank Plc
12 High Street
Southampton
SO14 2BF
Royal Bank of Scotland Plc
36 St Andrew Square
Edinburgh
EH2 2YB
HSBS Bank plc
8 Canada Square
London
EQ14 5HQ
Legal advisors DLA Piper UK LLP
3 Noble Street
London
EC2V 7EE
Registrars Neville Registrars Limited
Neville House
18 Laurel Lane
Halesowen
B63 3DA
Nominated Adviser and Broker N+1 Singer
One Bartholomew Lane
London
EC2N 2AX
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
IR WGUGWWUPMGQU
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