TIDMVNET
RNS Number : 1889H
Vianet Group PLC
06 June 2017
Press Release 6 June 2017
Vianet Group plc
("Vianet" or the "Group")
Final Results
Vianet Group plc (AIM: VNET), the international provider of
actionable data and business insight through devices connected to
its Internet of Things platform, is pleased to announce its final
results for the year ended 31 March 2017.
Financial highlights (continuing operations)
-- Revenue for the year of GBP14.26 million (2016: GBP14.29 million)
-- Recurring revenues across the two divisions remains strong at
85% (2016: 83%) as did overall gross margin at c 70%
-- Operating profit pre-amortisation of intangibles, share
options and exceptional costs up 9.9% to GBP3.32 million (2016:
GBP3.02 million)
-- Profit before taxation was GBP1.45 million post exceptional items (2016: GBP1.85 million)
-- Operating cash generation up 14.9% to GBP3.93 million (2016: GBP3.42 million)
-- Net cash increased by 71.6% to GBP3.45 million (GBP2.01 million)
-- Basic earnings per share (before tax) and post-exceptional
costs at 5.30 pence (2016: 6.79 pence)
-- Final dividend of 4.00 pence per share proposed giving a full
year total of 5.70 pence per share (2016: 5.70 pence)
Operational highlights
-- Smart Zones Division (including former Leisure Division)
resilient with new device connections driven by 380 new drinks
monitoring system installations (2016: 455)
-- Smart Zones sign new six year contract extension with Greene King
-- Smart Machines Division (including former Vending Division)
added 5,092 new connected devices (2016: 5,284)
-- Smart Machines adjusted operating profit up 19.1% to GBP0.89 million (2016: GBP0.75 million)
-- Smart Zones adjusted operating profit up 5.5% to GBP4.82 million (2016: GBP4.57 million)
Commenting on the final results, James Dickson, Chairman of
Vianet Group plc, said:
"Encouraging progress has been made across our business, which
has benefitted from the focus on exploiting growth opportunities in
both the Smart Machines and Smart Zones Divisions. With over 300
customers including several global blue chip companies and more
than 250,000 devices connected to our Internet of Things platform,
our experience and knowledge combine to form a powerful technology
and insight capability. As the Internet of Things evolves and
businesses increasingly seek more data and insight on everything
from asset performance to process automation, we believe Vianet is
well placed to grow its position in this rapidly developing
area.
The Group's financial resources are underpinned by high levels
of recurring income. This combined with our strong cash flow and
balance sheet gives scope for investment in expansion and for
selective acquisitions. The Board remains confident that Vianet's
long term strategy is the right one, and that, within the
parameters of its control and influence, the Group is well
positioned to deliver earnings growth and expand future strategic
options."
- Ends -
An audio cast of the full year results presentation given by
Stewart Darling (Chief Executive) and Mark Foster (Chief Finance
Officer), was released this morning, Tuesday, 6 June 2017 at
07.00hrs on the Group's website www.vianetplc.com with the link
also being distributed by Yellow Jersey PR.
Enquiries:
Vianet Group plc
James Dickson, Chairman Tel: +44 (0) 1642
Stewart Darling, CEO 358 800
Mark Foster, CFO
www.vianetplc.com
Cenkos Securities plc
Stephen Keys / Camilla Hume Tel: +44 (0) 20
7397 8900
www.cenkos.com
Media enquiries:
Yellow Jersey PR
Sarah Hollins Tel: +44 (0)7764
sarah@yellowjerseypr.com 947 137
www.yellowjerseypr.com
Who we are
Vianet Group is a leading provider of actionable management
information and business insight created through combining data
from our smart Internet of Things ('IOT') solutions and external
information sources.
Servicing over 300 customers across the world and rendering live
data to our IOT platform from over 250,000 connected machines
daily, Vianet is one of the largest business to business (b2b)
connected solutions providers in Europe with established long term
relationships with blue chip customers and growing recurring
revenues which are over 85% of our total revenues.
Vianet's game-changing smart technologies have been repositioned
to describe our capabilities more accurately and recognise the
wider opportunities.
In our Smart Machines Division we connect a single data
gathering device with its own on-board communication capability to
a customer's asset or system. The device then sends data back via
our IOT platform to cloud based servers. The technology was
originally developed for automated retailing machines, however the
flexibility and functionality of the device means the technology
can be applied to practically any machine which has the capability
to output data. The device is also used to connect our contactless
payment solution and communicate payment terms to our cloud based
payment services providers where that application is also
required.
The Smart Zones Division is where we connect multiple data
gathering devices into one or more systems or assets with the data
from those devices being communicated back to our IOT platform and
cloud based servers via a single 3G communications hub. The
technology was originally developed for flow monitoring devices,
temperature sensors, and asset management in drinks retailing but
practically any data gathering device with a digital output could
be connected to the communications hub where required such as
gaming machines, utilities management and EPOS.
In both divisions the data collected is then structured and
rendered through mobile applications and web interfaces to provide
actionable data that supports operational and commercial decision
making. Data is also structured in specific data sets and often
combined with external data to deliver business insight for senior
level decision makers.
With a successful track record of connecting business assets via
our smart devices and rendering the asset performance data to our
website and mobile applications, our growth strategy will leverage
this core capability in existing markets including the Leisure and
Vending sectors, as well as new markets as they are identified.
The business insight and actionable data Vianet provides to
customers is focused on improving customer business process
performance, asset management and utilisation and service
efficiency where there is both scale and a transformational
opportunity. By providing new insights to customers we empower them
to make better decisions that drive real business change.
These new insights support customer problem solving by:
-- Predicting a future asset performance to increase utilisation
and significantly reduce servicing costs;
-- Identifying previously unknown trends, inefficiencies, and wasted resources; and
-- Building new procedures, revenue streams, automation
services, and incorp-orating these into the customers' existing
processes.
Building on our proven track record of converting IOT into
actionable data and solutions for b2b markets, our mission is to
become the recognised leader in delivering actionable management
information and unparalleled insight that is game-changing for
customers in our chosen markets.
We aim to achieve this through:
-- Combining our ability to connect customer assets via our
smart devices and IOT platform with powerful data analytics tools
to deliver critical insight and information;
-- Continuously striving to be a business that is passionate
about developing innovative and game changing solutions by
employing talented people focused on transforming business
performance;
-- Driving our financial performance through long term contracts
with recurring high cash margin and scalable annuity streams.
Chairman's Statement
Performance
Encouraging progress has been made across our business, which
has benefitted from the focus on exploiting growth opportunities in
the Smart Machines Division and optimising performance in the Smart
Zones Division.
Group turnover from continuing operations was GBP14.26 million
(2016: GBP14.29 million) whilst adjusted operating profit was up by
9.9% at GBP3.32 million. Group profit before taxation representing
profit from continuing operations, amounted to GBP1.45 million post
exceptional items (2016: GBP1.85 million).
Increased exceptional costs from continuing operations of
GBP0.96 million (2016: GBP0.55 million) relate principally to US
litigation costs and office rationalisation. As outlined in our
interim statement, the Group successfully defended itself in the US
courts against certain claims asserted by third parties. This
matter is now closed and no further costs will arise in connection
with this situation. Additionally we closed our Bolton distribution
and warehousing depot incurring office rationalisation costs.
Basic pre-tax earnings per share, post-exceptional costs and
deferred tax asset movement, reduced to 5.30 pence from 6.79 pence
in 2016. Adversely impacted by high exceptional costs and share
based payments the basic EPS after tax was 3.77 pence compared to
4.76 pence in 2016.
Given the solid underlying performance, high quality recurring
income and the strong prospects for the Group, the Board is
proposing to maintain the final dividend at 4.00 pence which, if
approved by shareholders, would give a total dividend for the year
of 5.70 pence (2016: 5.70 pence). Subject to approval from
shareholders at the Annual General Meeting, to be held on 29 June
2017, the final dividend will be paid on 28 July 2017 to
shareholders on the register as at 16 June 2017.
Board and Staff
We continue to evaluate the Board's composition to ensure it
remains effective and contains the optimum balance of experience
and independence to support our operations and our growth
agenda.
The Group has an experienced management team which is focused on
delivering the objectives set in line with the identified strong
growth opportunities and developing new applications for Vianet's
IOT expertise and technology.
In delivering leading Big Data capability for our customers, the
Group continues to be engaged in large development projects and
change programmes and it is pleasing that our people continue to
respond with their usual enthusiasm, demonstrating commitment which
continues to build the Group's good reputation with customers.
I would again like to thank all staff, senior management, and my
Board colleagues, for their continued efforts and commitment in
driving the Group forward over the past year.
Outlook
The Group is making good progress through its focus on strong
growth opportunities and, against this background, there has been
good momentum continuing into the new financial year.
-- Our Smart Zones business area, which includes drinks flow
monitoring and gaming machine monitoring, continues to evolve and
innovate to deliver relevant solutions in a changing business
environment both to sustain existing earnings performance from the
extension of long term contracts whilst also developing new
recurring income streams. Although the backdrop to trading in the
pub industry may remain challenging, the rate of pub closures seems
to be diminishing and prospects for increasing the number of
connected devices are encouraging.
-- The Smart Machines division has seen exciting growth
opportunities in vending in the UK and Europe and we believe it
should deliver strong growth having made good progress in
developing significant new sales opportunities with major global
customers in these geographies. There is a concerted focus on
developing our capability and accelerating growth to take advantage
of our leading position in coffee device and contactless payment
device connectivity where we expect sales momentum to continue to
grow.
-- The Group's financial resources are underpinned by high
levels of recurring income and strong cash flow. This cash
generation and strong balance sheet gives scope for investment in
expansion and for selective acquisitions.
The Board remains confident that Vianet's long term strategy is
the right one and that, within the parameters of its control and
influence, the Group is well positioned to deliver earnings growth
and expand the future strategic options for Vianet.
Chief Executive's Report
Vianet continues to deliver real value for its customers by
providing actionable information and business insight with the
power to drive real business change.
We currently operate two business divisions: Smart Zones
(historically beer monitoring and machine management services) and
Smart Machines (currently comprises vending machine telemetry and
contactless payment solutions). With over 300 customers including
several global blue chip companies and more than 250,000 devices
connected to our Internet of Things (IOT) platform, our experience
and knowledge combine to form a powerful technology and insight
capability that, we believe, few competitors in our markets can
match.
As the IOT evolves and businesses seek more data and insight on
everything from asset performance to process automation, we believe
Vianet is well placed to grow its position in this rapidly
developing area. Material value creation for customers will be
driven by data and insight which can improve informed decision
making leading to real business change. At the same time, we
recognise that enablement capability, such as hardware and
connectivity, still has a significant role to play. Whilst we may
not always connect to our customers' assets using our Smart
devices, our IOT platform has evolved so that our connectivity
capability is device-agnostic. It is the gathering of information
about customer asset performance which enables the creation of
powerful data and insight and this, we believe, will drive
sustained growth over the coming years.
As a business that focusses on delivering business insight
through data captured via our IOT platform and third party sources,
we have resisted the distraction of developing all the other
enablement technologies necessary to create the overall solution.
Therefore our strategy is to build partnerships with leading
providers and partners whose core business capability encompasses
these activities such as our new contactless payment solution,
delivered in partnership with Elavon and Creditcall, and external
hardware providers.
To accelerate the Group's growth strategy our legacy
infrastructure is being migrated quickly to an agile cloud based
technology environment, which also enables us to generate new data
analytics and corresponding revenue streams. The Group is investing
GBP1.5 million in FY2018 year to achieve this goal and allow us to
exploit the power of cloud-based data and deliver a significant
step forward in business capability and competence which will
enable us to take a materially different approach to engaging with
our customers.
Operating Review
Smart Zones
Our legacy core business of drinks monitoring/services for the
UK Leisure sector remains resilient with high gross margins and
strong cash generation.
The combination of improved recurring revenues from long term
contract extensions and ad-hoc support activity, combined with 278
iDraught(TM) sales, resulted in a largely stable income stream for
the period under review despite the continued headwinds of pub
disposals.
Despite these pub disposals, our Smart Zones connected device
base remains robust with over 230,000 devices in c 14,500 premises.
The data sent from these devices forms the core of the information
and insight delivered to customers via our website and mobile
applications.
Whilst we focus on strengthening our recurring income streams,
pub companies are also adapting to the changing landscape through
different strategies such as developing managed estates from high
performing or strategically located properties and creating
franchised models with increased operating performance potential
and greater transparency. We expect these different strategies to
be beneficial to our business as the pub companies seek to improve
retailing capability and quality standards and will likely be
targeting investment expenditure on that basis.
Whilst the overall pub sector rate of pub disposals appears to
be slowing and is reduced versus the prior year, (2017: 940 and
2016: 1,100) the resulting impact was a net reduction of 616
licenced premises in our installation base over the financial year
with a consequential impact on operating contribution.
Commercial trials of our latest version of Smart Zones
technology have been successful in terms of the results delivered
and corresponding operating performance improvement. The challenge
for the business in the coming year is to build growth on the back
of this success and we are optimistic over progress.
Vianet Americas Inc.
Vianet Americas, which is contained within the Smart Zones
Division, has made progress both in sales and operating
performance, with reduced losses which should close towards
breakeven in 2017/18.
Market analysis clearly indicates that Vianet's iDraught(TM)
solution is substantially ahead of all competitors in the USA, and
this advantage, combined with our strategic alliance with Micro
Matic USA for nationwide installation, service and sales support
places us in a strong position to keep growing. Whilst the pace of
delivery of results is slower than anticipated, the Board
recognises that the USA market is significant in size and a good
opportunity for the Group given the relatively modest level of
investment required.
Overall, the Board remains cautiously confident for the
prospects of further growth in the Smart Zones Division.
Smart Machines
Smart Machines connections grew in the year and combined with
increasing traction for our contactless payment solution was the
background to the division delivering good progress in the period.
This progress is principally attributed to the development of
business capability which is exploiting powerful strategic drivers
in the quality out of home coffee market, growth of contactless
payment, and securing of vending contracts with major blue chip
customers whose businesses are growing. The impact of all the above
factors gave a divisional operating profit growth of 19.1%, on a
like for like basis (see Financial Review Smart Machines
section).
The successful implementation of our growth strategy is
particularly encouraging when the impact of Smart Machines estate
rationalisation is factored in, which is an inevitable outcome of
installing our solution.
The market opportunity remains extensive even when limited to
the immediately addressable market projections of 300,000 vending
machines rather than all vending machines across Europe. As
technology adoption evolves, it is anticipated that the addressable
market will grow to nearly 1 million vending machines with Vianet
being at the forefront to grow with the market.
Our contactless payment solution, supported by leading industry
partners Elavon and CreditCall, has given further impetus to
providing a solution to the Smart Machines market where traditional
cash-only payments have long been an inhibitor of vending-related
consumption, usage and customer experience. We believe the
evolution and growth of contactless payment solutions provides a
material opportunity to change this dynamic and attract more
consumers to the vending vertical.
We expect that Vianet's contactless payment solution and
significant experience developed in this new and dynamic space will
provide exciting growth opportunities in years to come.
R&D Investment
The Group continues to invest in development activity and is
accelerating this activity using some of the funds from the sale of
the Fuel Division in January 2016. This development will broadly
cover enhancements to the customer experience, revenue generating
reporting insights from our new platforms which allows us to
leverage new revenue streams, make necessary infrastructure
investment and move away from legacy systems and software to an
agile cloud-based technology environment.
This accelerated investment is expected to cost an additional
GBP900k on top of the 'normal' development activity of GBP500k -
GBP600k per annum.
The Board believes this further investment in enhancing our core
Big Data and technology capability will enable the Group to improve
the quality of existing recurring revenue stream and to generate
substantial new growth opportunities.
Looking Forward
In our Smart Zones Division, and in particular for our drinks
flow monitoring area, the industry headwinds associated with
soaring business rates, national living wage and rapidly rising
input costs, will likely result in some pressure from pub closures
and disposals, and reduced investment expenditure. However the
Board does expect this to be offset by continued growth in
iDraught(TM) installations as well as results from other revenue
and efficiency initiatives.
Our Smart Machines Division continues to enjoy great traction in
the marketplace particularly in the quality coffee segment where
consumption growth is being driven by rampant consumer demand. With
the addition of our new contactless payment solution and rapid
adoption of technology by brand owners and machine operators, the
division is in good health and poised for further growth.
Focusing on delivering even greater value to customers through
world class strategic insight and actionable data, together with
rigorous cost management of Vianet's legacy business and service
provision, should deliver the desired benefits and performance for
customers and shareholders alike. The Group has continued to make
good underlying progress in a challenging environment and built a
solid foundation, which positions Vianet well for future profitable
growth, the execution of its strategy and broadening its reach into
new areas and markets.
Financial Review
Turnover of GBP14.26 million was broadly flat year on year where
growth in Smart Machines was offset by the headwinds in the pub
market place, particularly gaming machine monitoring, which held
back Smart Zones.
Growing Profitability
Group operating profits, before amortisation of intangible
assets, share based payments, option costs, and exceptional costs,
were up 9.9% to a profit of GBP3.32 million (FY2016: GBP3.02
million)
Gross margin remained healthy year on year at c 70% with the
average operating profitability per connected device having grown
10.6% year on year. Operating profitability per device is measured
by taking full year operating profit before amortisation, share
based payments and exceptional items and dividing by the total
number of connected devices at the year end.
This KPI seeks to demonstrate the robustness of the
profitability achieved per connected device at each reporting
date.
Recurring Revenue
Blended recurring revenues across the two divisions was a
healthy 85% (2016: 83%), reflecting growth in Smart Machines
connected device estate and the ongoing contract renewals in Smart
Zones.
The average recurring revenue per connected device has grown
1.7% year on year.
Performance Summary
The table below shows the performance of the Group;
FY2017 FY2016 Change
%
Revenue GBP14.26m GBP14.29m (0.2)
Operating profit(a) GBP3.32m GBP3.02m 9.9
Operating Profit GBP2.35m GBP2.58m (8.9)
Profit before
tax(b) GBP2.41m GBP2.28m 5.7
Profit before
tax GBP1.45m GBP1.89m (23.3)
Basic EPS(c) 7.30p 6.38p 14.4
Dividend per
share 5.70p 5.70p -
Net cash(d) GBP3.45m GBP2.01m 71.6
(a) Pre-exceptional items, share based payments and amortisation
on a continuing basis
(b) Pre-exceptional items, on a continuing basis
(c) Profit after tax pre-exceptional items, on a continuing
basis
(d) Cash at bank after deduction of bank loans
Exceptional Items
FY2017 FY2016
'GBP000 'GBP000
US legal
costs 388 297
Office rationalisation 495 -
VFS disposal (102) 382
Other items 83 282
------------------------ --------- ---------
Total 864 961
======================== ========= =========
Other items in exceptional costs have reduced year on year by
GBP199k. Current year costs are predominately related to US
litigation (as referred to in the Chairman's Statement) and the
closure of the Bolton warehouse and distribution centre where
activities were centralised to our head office. This
rationalisation covers termination of lease, staff exit and stock
rationalisation costs. The US litigation matter was concluded
successfully and no future costs will arise in respect of this.
Dividend
The Board is proposing to maintain the final dividend at 4.00
pence which, if approved by shareholders, would give a total
dividend for the year of 5.70 pence (2016: 5.70 pence).
On a profit after tax basis, dividend cover has remained at c
0.66 in 2017. We expect the cover to improve as a result of our
anticipated growth in profits and a substantial reduction in
exceptional costs in FY2018.
Cash
Cash generation from operating activities remains strong and
continues to grow through a combination of profit per device and
robust working capital management. The resulting net cash position
improved in the year, after servicing the three year term loan that
ceases in July 2017 and the mortgage on the head office freehold
property. Cash was principally used to service R&D investment,
dividend payment and servicing of borrowings leaving an inflow of
GBP0.9 million (2016: GBP0.2 million pre disposal proceeds from
discontinued operations).
At the year end, the Group had borrowings of GBP1.10 million
(2016: GBP1.59 million), and net cash of GBP3.45 million (2016:
GBP2.01 million).
Divisional Performance
Currently the Smart Zones Division principally consists of the
core beer monitoring business (including the US) and gaming machine
monitoring.
Smart Zones
The Smart Zones Division has performed satisfactorily,
particularly against what is a challenging pub market landscape
that resulted in a net estate reduction of c 600 sites (2016: c
630) to c 14,300 (2016: c 14,900) in the UK and Europe.
FY2017 FY2016 Change
%
Turnover GBP11.93m GBP12.05m (1.0)
Operating profit(a) GBP4.82m GBP4.57m 5.5
Total connected
devices 230,489 236,272 (2.4)
New Installation
sales 380 455 (16.5)
YE Net premises c14,500 c15,100 (4.0)
iDraught penetration(b) 24.7% 22.5%
(a) Pre-exceptional items, share based payments and
amortisation
(b) UK and Europe only
Smart Zones recurring revenues remain robust at 89% with
recurring revenue per device having increased 1.9% being a
reflection of the strength of revenue stream across the mix of
customer base.
Average adjusted operating profit per device has increased c
3.3% benefitting from new unit sales and continuing overhead
rationalisation offsetting the effect of pub disposals.
Smart Machines
The Smart Machines Division currently consists of the telemetry
and contactless payment monitoring business predominantly in the
Vending sector.
Smart Machines has made progress in the year with good growth in
total number of connected devices as shown in the table below with
new contactless connections being 282 ahead of FY2016. Growth
during the year is also reflected in the device estate figures.
FY2017 FY2016 Change
%
Turnover GBP2.33m GBP2.18m 6.9
Operating profit (a) GBP0.89m GBP0.75m 19.1
New Telemetry connections 4,275 4,736 (9.7)
New Contactless connections 817 535 52.7
YE Net estate c20,000 c16,000 25.0
(a) Pre-exceptional items, share based payments and amortisation
on a continuing basis.
Recurring revenues, driven by ongoing growth in the number of
connected devices, grew to 64% of turnover (2016: c 55%).
Average recurring revenue per device has decreased 9.5%
principally due to lower pricing associated with a significant roll
out in one of our largest customers. Importantly, this same growth
in connected devices is however providing scale and driving
improved profitability per device.
Average adjusted operating profit per device has increased 33.6%
due to increased sales activity set against a relatively fixed
overhead
Technology
During FY 2017 Technology and Stores were a mainstream cost
centre servicing both divisions of the Group (historically this has
been absorbed throughout the Divisions).
Taxation
The Group has continued to utilise available tax losses during
the year resulting in no tax being paid (2016: GBPnil). The Group
will continue to utilise the available tax losses carried forward
into FY2018. In the financial year under review, the tax line
includes a deferred tax charge of GBP0.42 million (2016: GBP0.55
million) recognising the impact of the tax losses available and
being utilised.
Earnings per share
Earnings per share has been impacted by the recognition of the
deferred tax assets provision referred to above, realising the
losses carried by the Group and the unwinding of that provision in
FY2014.
The underlying profit before tax from continued operations
pre-exceptional items earnings per share is 8.83 pence for FY2017
compared to 8.41 pence for FY2016. Underlying fully diluted
earnings per share (before exceptional costs), which takes account
of all outstanding share options, amounted to 8.79 pence in FY2017
which compares to 8.37 pence for FY2016.
Basic EPS was 3.77 pence compared to 4.76 pence in 2016.
Balance sheet and cash flow
The Group balance sheet remains strong. The Group generated
operating cash flow of GBP3.93 million (2016: GBP3.42 million) an
increase of 14.9%, with positive working capital movement. Despite
the headwinds in Smart Zones' core beer market and losses in the
US, albeit reduced, the division had a healthy operational cash
generation of c GBP5.5 million (2016: GBP5.1 million).
The cash generated in FY2017 was utilised to invest in the
Group's technology through research and development, to service
borrowings and to fund dividends. At the year end, the Group had
borrowings of GBP1.10 million (2016: GBP1.59 million), and net cash
of GBP 3.45 million (2016: GBP2.01 million).
The balance sheet and cash generating capacity of Vianet
provides a solid platform to pursue the significant growth
opportunities that the Board has identified in order to generate
increased shareholder value.
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
for the year ended 31 March 2017
Before
Exceptional Exceptional Total Total
2017 2017 2017 2016
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Note
Continuing operations
Revenue 14,263 - 14,263 14,290
Cost of sales (4,327) - (4,327) (4,279)
Gross profit 9,936 - 9,936 10,011
Administration and
other operating
expenses (6,621) (964) (7,585) (7,433)
Operating profit
pre amortisation
and share based
payments from continuing
operations 3,315 (964) 2,351 2,578
Intangible asset
amortisation (693) - (693) (661)
Share based payments (206) - (206) (28)
Operating profit
post amortisation
and share based
payments 2,416 (964) 1,452 1,889
Net finance costs (5) - (5) (44)
Profit from continuing
operations before
tax 2,411 (964) 1,447 1,845
Income tax expense 1 (417) - (417) (553)
Profit from continuing
operations 1,994 (964) 1,030 1,292
Profit/(loss) from
discontinued operations: - 100 100 (275)
Profit and other
comprehensive income
for the year 1,994 (864) 1,130 1,017
Earnings per share
Total
- Basic 8 4.14p 3.74p
- Diluted 8 4.12p 3.72p
--------------------------- ----- -------------- ------------ ---------- ----------
Continuing Operations
- Basic 8 3.77p 4.76p
- Diluted 8 3.76p 4.73p
--------------------------- ----- -------------- ------------ ---------- ----------
Discontinued Operations
- Basic 8 0.37p (1.02)p
- Diluted 8 0.36p (1.01)p
--------------------------- ----- -------------- ------------ ---------- ----------
Consolidated Balance Sheet
at 31 March 2017
2017 2016
GBP000 GBP000
Assets
Non-current assets
Goodwill 15,503 15,503
Other intangible assets 2,000 1,982
Property, plant and equipment 3,069 3,143
Total non-current assets 20,572 20,628
---------------------------------- -------- --------
Current assets
Inventories 1,308 1,810
Trade and other receivables 2,708 3,564
Tax asset 460 482
Cash and cash equivalents 4,549 3,605
---------------------------------- -------- --------
9,025 9,461
------------------------------- -------- --------
Total assets 29,597 30,089
---------------------------------- -------- --------
Equity and liabilities
Liabilities
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 3,728 4,016
Borrowings 325 489
Provisions 62 -
4,115 4,505
Non-current liabilities
Borrowings 778 1,103
Provisions 48 -
Deferred tax 395 -
1,221 1,103
------------------------------- -------- --------
Equity attributable to
owners of the parent
Share capital 2,843 2,843
Share premium account 11,287 11,287
Share based payment reserve 418 217
Own shares (1,221) (1,221)
Merger reserve 310 310
Retained profit 10,624 11,045
---------------------------------- -------- --------
Total equity 24,261 24,481
---------------------------------- -------- --------
Total equity and liabilities 29,597 30,089
---------------------------------- -------- --------
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
for the year ended 31 March 2016
Share
Share based
Share premium Own payment Merger Retained
capital account shares reserve reserve profit Total
At 1 April
2015 2,831 11,198 (1,381) 209 310 11,601 24,768
Dividends - - - - - (1,549) (1,549)
Issue of shares 12 89 - - - - 101
Share based
payments - - - 43 - - 43
Share option
forfeitures - - - (35) - 35 -
Exercise of
options - - 160 - - (59) 101
Transactions
with owners 12 89 160 8 - (1,573) (1,304)
--------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- ---------
Profit and
total comprehensive
income for
the year - - - - - 1,017 1,017
Total comprehensive
income less
owners transactions 12 89 160 8 - (556) (287)
--------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- ---------
At 31 March
2016 2,843 11,287 (1,221) 217 310 11,045 24,481
--------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- ---------
At 1 April
2016 2,843 11,287 (1,221) 217 310 11,045 24,481
--------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- ---------
Dividends - - - - - (1,557) (1,557)
--------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- ---------
Share based
payments - - - 207 - - 207
--------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- ---------
Share option
forfeitures - - - (6) - 6 -
--------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- ---------
Transactions
with owners - - - 201 - (1,551) (1,350)
--------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- ---------
Profit and
total comprehensive
income for
the year - - - - - 1,130 1,130
--------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- ---------
Total comprehensive
income less
owners transactions - - - 201 - (421) (220)
--------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- ---------
At 31 March
2017 2,843 11,287 (1,221) 418 310 10,624 24,261
--------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- ---------
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
for the year ended 31 March 2017
2017 2016
Note GBP000 GBP000
Cash flows from operating
activities
Profit for the year 1,130 1,017
Adjustments for
Net interest payable 5 44
Income tax expense 417 553
Amortisation of intangible
assets 693 818
Depreciation 348 449
Payment of deferred consideration - (22)
(Profit)/Loss on sale of
property, plant and equipment
and businesses (50) (207)
Share based payments 207 43
Operating cash flows before
changes in working capital
and provisions 2,750 2,695
Change in inventories 502 (34)
Change in receivables 857 (338)
Change in payables (289) 1,099
Change in provisions 110 -
1,180 727
Cash generated from operations 3,930 3,422
Net cash generated from
operating activities 3,930 3,422
----------------------------------- ----- -------- --------
Cash flows from investing
activities
Proceeds on disposal of
subsidiary division 100 3,400
Cash disposed with subsidiary - (90)
Purchases of property,
plant and equipment (325) (383)
Purchases of intangible
assets (711) (855)
Net cash used in investing
activities (936) 2,072
----------------------------------- ----- -------- --------
Cash flows from financing
activities
Net interest payable (5) (44)
Issue of share capital - 101
Share options exercised - 100
Repayments of borrowings (488) (486)
Dividends paid 2 (1,557) (1,549)
Net cash used in financing
activities (2,050) (1,878)
----------------------------------- ----- -------- --------
Net increase/(decrease)
in cash and cash equivalents 944 3,616
Cash and cash equivalents
at beginning of period 3,605 (11)
----------------------------------- ----- -------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents
at end of period 4,549 3,605
----------------------------------- ----- -------- --------
Notes to the financial statements
1. Taxation
Analysis of charge in period
2017 2016
GBP000 GBP000
Current tax expense
- Amounts in respect of the current - -
year
- Amounts in respect of prior - -
periods
- -
Deferred tax credit:
- Amounts in respect of the current
year 427 553
- Amendment re-recognition of (10) -
losses
Income tax charge 417 553
------------------------------------- -------- --------
Reconciliation of effective tax rate
The tax for the 2017 period is higher (2016 was higher) than the
standard rate of corporation tax in the UK (2016: 20% and 2015:
20%). The differences are explained below:
2017 2016
GBP000 GBP000
Profit before taxation
- Continuing and discontinuing
operations 1,547 1,570
Profit before taxation multiplied
by rate of corporation tax in
the UK of 20% (2016:20%) 309 314
Effects of:
Other expenses not deductible
for tax purposes 25 (38)
Amortisation of intangibles 125 120
Movement on losses 266 440
Adjustments for prior years (10) -
Research and development (298) (283)
Total tax charge 417 553
----------------------------------- -------- --------
2. Ordinary dividends
2017 2016
GBP000 GBP000
Final dividend for the year ended
31 March 2016 of 4.0p (year ended
31 March 2015: 4.0p) 1,092 1,087
Interim dividend paid in respect
of the year of 1.70p (2015: 1.70p) 465 462
Amounts recognised as distributions
to equity holders 1,557 1,549
------------------------------------- -------- --------
In addition, the directors are proposing a final dividend in
respect of the year ended 31 March 2017 of 4.0p per share. If
approved by shareholders, it will be paid on 28 July 2017 to
shareholders who are on the register of members on 17 June 2017.
Total dividend payable 5.70p (2016: 5.70p).
3. Earnings per share
Earnings per share has been impacted by the reduction in
deferred tax asset. After adjustment for the lower tax charge, the
overall basic earnings per share for the year ended 31 March 2017
before exceptional costs reduced to 7.30 pence compared to 7.28
pence at March 2016.
Basic earnings per share are calculated by dividing the earnings
attributable to ordinary shareholders (GBP1,130k) by the weighted
average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the
period.
Diluted earnings per share are calculated on the basis of profit
for the year after tax divided by the weighted average number of
shares in issue in the year plus the weighted average number of
shares which would be issued if all the options granted were
exercised
The table below shows the earnings pre and post the impact of
the movement in the deferred tax asset.
2017 2016
Earnings Basic Diluted Earnings Basic Diluted
earnings earnings earnings earnings
per per per per
GBP000 share share GBP000 share share
Post-tax profit
attributable
to equity shareholders 1,130 4.14p 4.12p 1,017 3.74p 3.72p
Pre-tax profit
attributable
to equity shareholders 1,547 5.67p 5.64p 1,570 5.78p 5.75p
Of which is attributable
to continuing
operations 1,447 5.30p 5.28p 1,845 6.79p 6.76p
Pre-tax, pre-exceptional
profit attributable
to equity shareholders 2,411 8.83p 8.79p 2,284 8.41p 8.36p
Post-tax, pre-exceptional
profit attributable
to equity shareholders 1,994 7.30p 7.27p 1,978 7.28p 7.24p
2017 2016
Number Number
Weighted average number of ordinary
shares 27,302,694 27,168,095
Dilutive effect of share options 114,063 141,814
------------------------------------- ----------- -----------
Diluted weighted average number
of ordinary shares 27,416,757 27,309,090
------------------------------------- ----------- -----------
4. Exceptional items
2017 2016
GBP000 GBP000
US litigation 388 297
Bolton rationalisation 495 -
Corporate restructuring and transitional
costs 83 282
Disposal of VFS subsidiary (102) 382
864 961
------------------------------------------ -------- --------
Corporate restructuring and transitional costs have reduced year
on year, the primary background being the transition of people and
management to ensure we have the succession and calibre of people
on board to deliver the strategic aims and aspirations of the
Group.
Disposal of VFS subsidiary at 31 January 2016 relates to all
costs incurred in disposing of the subsidiary offset by the
proceeds from the sale ie loss on sale.
For details behind the US litigation costs, see the Chairman's
statement.
5. Basis of preparation
The financial information set out in this preliminary
announcement does not constitute statutory accounts as defined by
section 434 of the Companies Act 2006.
It has been prepared in accordance with the recognition and
measurement principles of International Financial Reporting
Standards (IFRS) adopted for use in the European Union, including
IFRIC interpretations issued by the International Accounting
Standards Board, and in accordance with the AIM rules and is not
therefore in full compliance with IFRS. The principal accounting
policies of the Group have remained unchanged from those set out in
the Group's 2016 annual report. The financial statements have been
prepared under the historical cost convention with the exception of
certain items which are required to be measured at fair value
The financial information for the period ended 31 March 2017 was
approved by the Board on 5 June 2017 and has been extracted from
the Group's financial statements upon which the auditor's opinion
is unmodified and does not include a statement under section 498(2)
or (3) of the Companies Act 2006. The statutory accounts for the
year ended 31 March 2017 will be posted to shareholders at least 21
days before the Annual General Meeting and made available on our
website vianetplc.com and on request by contacting the Company
Secretary at the Company's Registered Office. In due course, they
will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies.
The statutory accounts for the year ended 31 March 2016 have
been delivered to the Registrar of Companies.
6. Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting will be held on 29 June 2017 at
11.30am, at the offices of Grant Thornton UK LLP, No 1 Whitehall
Riverside, Leeds, LS1 4BN.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
FR EASKSEDKXEFF
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