TIDMVP.
RNS Number : 5629V
Vp PLC
04 December 2019
Press Release 4 December 2019
Vp plc
('Vp' or the 'Group')
Interim Results
Vp plc, the equipment rental specialist, today announces its
Interim Results for the six months ended 30 September 2019 (the
'period').
Highlights
-- Profit before tax, amortisation and exceptional items
maintained at GBP25.9 million (H1 2019: GBP25.9 million)(1)
-- Revenues reduced by 3% to GBP186.6 million (H1 2019: GBP193.2
million)
-- EPS, pre amortisation and exceptional items, increased
to 52.5 pence per share (H1 2019: 52.3 pence per share)
(1)
-- Interim dividend increased by 3% to 8.45 pence per share
(H1 2019: 8.20 pence per share)
-- Return on average capital employed robust at 14.5% (H1
2019: 14.5%)(1)
-- EBITDA increased slightly to GBP51.8 million (H1 2019:
GBP51.6 million) (1)
-- Capital investment in rental fleet down 28% at GBP26.6
million (H1 2019: GBP36.7 million)
-- Statutory profit before tax of GBP23.4 million (H1 2019:
GBP23.9 million) (1) and statutory earnings per share
of 47.3 pence (H1 2019: 48.3 pence)
Jeremy Pilkington, Chairman of Vp plc, commented: "The Group
made good progress in the first half of the year against a subdued
market backdrop. Despite the ongoing political and economic
uncertainty in the UK, our focus on quality of earnings has
delivered enhanced operating margins during the period.
The Board remains confident of a positive full year outcome and
looking ahead, we believe we will continue to deliver very
satisfactory results for all stakeholders."
Analyst Briefing:
An analyst briefing given by Jeremy Pilkington (Chairman), Neil
Stothard (Chief Executive) and Allison Bainbridge (Group Finance
Director), will be held at 0930hrs today at the offices of
Buchanan, 107 Cheapside, London, EC2V 6DN.
- Ends -
For further information:
Vp plc
Jeremy Pilkington, Chairman Tel: +44 (0) 1423 533
400
Neil Stothard, Chief Executive www.vpplc.com
Allison Bainbridge, Group Finance Director
Media enquiries:
Buchanan
Henry Harrison-Topham / Jamie Hooper Tel: +44 (0) 20 7466
/ Tilly Abraham 5000
Vp@buchanan.uk.com www.buchanan.uk.com
Notes on alternative performance measures:
(1.) Following the adoption of IFRS 16 Leases with effect from 1
April 2019, as the Group has adopted the accounting standard using
the modified retrospective approach to transition and has
accordingly not restated prior periods, the results for the six
months ended 30 September 2019 are not directly comparable with
those reported in the prior period under the previous applicable
accounting standard, IAS 17 Leases. To provide meaningful
comparatives, the results for the six months ended 30 September
2019 have therefore also been presented under IAS 17. Further, as
the decision makers currently allocate resource and assess
performance primarily on an IAS 17 basis, the alternative
performance measures will be disclosed based on IAS 17 until the
transition to an IFRS 16 basis in the financial year ending 31
March 2021. See Note 5(b) for a reconciliation of the IAS 17
alternative performance measures to the equivalent IFRS 16
measures. The adoption of IFRS 16 did not have a significant impact
on profit before taxation (GBP0.2 million impact). The balance
sheet impact has been disclosed in note 5(a).
-- All performance measures stated as before amortisation are
also before impairment of intangibles and exceptional items.
-- Basic earnings per share pre amortisation and exceptional
items is reconciled to basic earnings per share in note 9.
-- Profit before tax, amortisation and exceptional items is
reconciled to profit before tax in the Consolidated Income
Statement.
-- Return on average capital employed is based on profit before
tax, interest, amortisation and exceptional items divided by
average capital employed on a monthly basis using the management
accounts. Profit before tax, interest, amortisation and exceptional
items is reconciled to profit before interest and tax in the
Consolidated Income Statement.
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
I am pleased to report a solid set of results for the Group
which reflect the strength of Vp's fundamentals and the market
leading quality of our earnings.
For the six month period to 30 September 2019, profits before
tax, amortisation and exceptional items were unchanged at GBP25.9
million (H1 2019: GBP25.9 million) on reduced revenues of GBP186.6
million (H1 2019: GBP193.2 million). Statutory profit before
taxation was GBP23.4 million (H1 2019: GBP23.9 million). Earnings
per share pre-amortisation and exceptional items rose marginally to
52.5 pence per share (H1 2019: 52.3 pence per share). Return on
average capital employed ('ROACE') was maintained at a robust 14.5%
(H1 2019: 14.5%) and well ahead of our cost of capital.
As budgeted, capital investment in fleet was reduced to GBP26.6
million (H1 2019: GBP36.7 million). Borrowings at the period end
stood at GBP183.7 million (H1 2019: GBP188.2 million). EBITDA
increased to GBP51.8 million (H1 2019: GBP51.6 million).
Against a backdrop of political and economic uncertainty, we
consider these results to be a very satisfactory performance and
the Board is therefore declaring a 3% increase in the interim
dividend to 8.45 pence per share (H1 2019: 8.2 pence per share)
payable on 17 January 2020 to shareholders registered as at 13
December 2019.
UK Division
The UK Division delivered a solid first half with operating
profits before amortisation and exceptional items moving ahead
marginally to GBP27.2 million (H1 2019: GBP26.9 million) on reduced
revenues of GBP170.0 million (H1 2019: GBP175.3 million). Statutory
operating profit was GBP26.9 million (H1 2019: GBP25.1
million).
Infrastructure and housebuilding have remained supportive but
commercial construction and civil engineering activity has been a
little softer, primarily in the South East market. In response to
this backdrop, we have addressed cost lines and scaled back fleet
capital investment accordingly. We are pleased to see operating
margins improving from 15.3% to 16.0% as a result of these
measures.
In May, we acquired Sandhurst Limited for GBP3.3 million.
Sandhurst rents specialist excavator attachments to the
construction and civil engineering sectors from five locations
across the UK and now works alongside the Groundforce piling
business. Early results from Sandhurst have been encouraging as it
integrates into the Group and we look forward to its contribution
going forward.
International Division
Operating profits before amortisation and exceptional items
eased slightly to GBP1.1 million (H1 2019: GBP1.3 million) on
revenues marginally down at GBP16.6 million (H1 2019: GBP17.9
million). Statutory operating profit was GBP0.9 million (H1 2019:
GBP1.1 million).
Whilst TR made reassuring progress in Malaysia and New Zealand,
demand from the Australian market was a little quieter.
Within the petro-chemical segment, there have been some early
encouraging signs of improvements in workloads and future prospects
and we have committed capital investment into these
opportunities.
Update on Regulatory Review
There is nothing further to report regarding the Competition and
Markets Authority (CMA) provisional determination of 9 April 2019,
which I highlighted in my last Chairman's statement, other than
that we have now formally responded to the CMA with regard to the
alleged breaches.
Outlook
Despite the domestic political uncertainty and a more subdued
economic back-drop, we are reassured to have delivered market
leading, and improving, earnings quality. Trading for the Group
continues in line with the Board's expectations and we remain
confident of a positive full year outcome.
Looking further ahead, we believe that the combination of our
financial strength and our exceptional team of people will continue
to deliver very satisfactory results for all stakeholders.
Jeremy Pilkington
Chairman
4 December 2019
Condensed Consolidated Income Statement
For the period ended 30 September 2019
Six months Six months Full year
to 30 Sept to 30 Sept to 31 Mar
2019* 2018 2019
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
Note GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
------------- --- ------------- --- -----------
Revenue 3 186,585 193,211 382,830
Cost of sales (142,328) (146,101) (295,539)
------------- ---
Gross profit 44,257 47,110 87,291
Administrative expenses (16,504) (20,917) (48,968)
------------- --- ------------- --- -----------
Operating profit
before amortisation
and exceptional
items 5 30,250 28,178 51,571
Amortisation and
impairment (1,833) (1,985) (4,632)
Exceptional items (664) - (8,616)
------------- ------------- -----------
Operating profit 3 27,753 26,193 38,323
Net financial expense 5 (4,478) (2,325) (4,742)
Profit before taxation,
amortisation and
exceptional items 5 25,772 25,853 46,829
Amortisation and
impairment (1,833) (1,985) (4,632)
Exceptional items 4 (664) - (8,616)
------------- ------------- -----------
Profit before taxation 5 23,275 23,868 33,581
Taxation 6 (4,735) (4,752) (7,759)
------------- --- ------------- --- -----------
Profit attributable
to owners of the
parent 18,540 19,116 25,822
------------- --- ------------- --- -----------
Pence Pence Pence
Basic earnings per
share 9 46.84 48.26 65.20
Diluted earnings
per share 9 45.70 46.38 63.66
Dividend per share 10 8.45 8.20 30.20
*IFRS 16 was adopted on 1 April 2019 for statutory reporting
without restating prior year figures. As a result, the primary
statements are shown on IFRS 16 basis for the six months to 30
September 2019 and on an IAS 17 basis for the six months to 30
September 2018 and full year to 31 March 2019. Note 5(b) provides
the impact on the consolidated income statement for the period
ended 30 September 2019, including the GBP1.9 million positive
impact on operating profit before amortisation and exceptional
items (GBP28.3 million pre-IFRS 16), GBP2.1 million adverse impact
on net financial expense (GBP2.4 million pre-IFRS 16) and GBP0.2
million adverse impact on profit before taxation, amortisation and
exceptional items (GBP25.9 million pre-IFRS 16).
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the period ended 30 September 2019
Six months Six months Full year
to to to
30 Sept 2019 30 Sept 2018 31 Mar
2019
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Profit for the period 18,540 19,116 25,822
Other comprehensive income/(expense):
Items that will not be reclassified
to profit or loss
Actuarial gains on defined
benefit pension scheme - - 536
Tax on items taken to other
comprehensive income - - (1)
Items that may be subsequently
reclassified to profit or
loss
Foreign exchange translation
difference 644 667 (493)
Effective portion of changes
in fair value of cash flow
hedges (357) (194) (614)
Other comprehensive income/(expense) 287 473 (572)
Total comprehensive income
for the period 18,827 19,589 25,250
------------- ------------- ----------
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
For the period ended 30 September 2019
Note Six months Six months Full year
to to to
30 Sept 2019 30 Sept 31 Mar 2019
2018
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Total comprehensive income
for the period 18,827 19,589 25,250
Tax movements to equity (309) 1,060 944
Share option charge in
the period 1,151 1,339 2,395
Net movement relating
to shares held by Vp
Employee Trust (1,998) (2,029) (3,297)
Dividends to shareholders (8,705) (7,606) (10,853)
Change in equity during
the period 8,966 12,353 14,439
Equity at the start of
the period 168,885 154,446 154,446
Effect of changes in
accounting standards 5 (2,151) - -
Equity at the end of
the period 175,700 166,799 168,885
------------- ------------ ------------
There were no movements in issued share capital, the capital
redemption reserve or share premium in the reported periods.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
At 30 September 2019
Note 30 Sept 31 Mar 30 Sept
2019 2019 2018
Restated*
(unaudited) (audited) (unaudited)
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment 7 252,319 248,651 249,683
Goodwill 63,975 62,495 63,386
Intangible assets 25,361 27,175 29,167
Right of use assets 5 74,857 - -
Employee benefits 2,674 2,732 2,230
-------------- ------------ -------------
Total non-current assets 419,186 341,053 344,466
-------------- ------------ -------------
Current assets
Inventories 7,825 7,809 7,975
Trade and other receivables 87,977 80,433 82,334
Cash and cash equivalents 11 14,907 29,044 15,508
Income tax receivable 245 - -
Total current assets 110,954 117,286 105,817
-------------- ------------ -------------
Total assets 530,140 458,339 450,283
-------------- ------------ -------------
Current liabilities
Interest bearing loans
and borrowings 11 (4,310) (17,659) (7,784)
Income tax payable - (2,184) (3,447)
Lease liabilities 5 (18,911) - -
Trade and other payables (69,543) (81,720) (67,794)
-------------- ------------ -------------
Total current liabilities (92,764) (101,563) (79,025)
-------------- ------------ -------------
Non-current liabilities
Interest bearing loans
and borrowings 11 (194,343) (179,485) (195,960)
Lease liabilities 5 (58,937) - -
Deferred tax liabilities (8,396) (8,406) (8,499)
-------------- ------------ -------------
Total non-current liabilities (261,676) (187,891) (204,459)
-------------- ------------ -------------
Total liabilities (354,440) (289,454) (283,484)
-------------- ------------ -------------
Net assets 175,700 168,885 166,799
-------------- ------------ -------------
Equity
Issued share capital 2,008 2,008 2,008
Capital redemption reserve 301 301 301
Share premium 16,192 16,192 16,192
Foreign currency translation
reserve (136) (780) 380
Hedging reserve (680) (323) 97
Retained earnings 157,988 151,460 147,794
-------------- ------------ -------------
Total equity attributable
to equity
holders of parent 175,673 168,858 166,772
Non-controlling interest 27 27 27
Total equity 175,700 168,885 166,799
-------------- ------------ -------------
* The restatement of the prior year consolidated balance sheet
reflects the fair value adjustments in regards to prior year
acquisitions as described in Notes 7 and 8.
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
For the period ended 30 September 2019
Note Six months Six months Full year
to to to
30 Sept 30 Sept 31 Mar
2019 2018 2019
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Cash flows from operating
activities
Profit before taxation 23,275 23,868 33,581
Adjustment for:
Share based payment charges 1,151 1,339 2,395
Depreciation 7 23,525 23,451 49,768
Depreciation of right of use 11,007 - -
assets
Amortisation and impairment
of intangibles 1,833 1,985 4,632
Net financial expense 4,478 2,325 4,742
Profit on sale of property,
plant and equipment (5,224) (3,084) (7,583)
------------ ------------ -----------
Operating cash flow before
changes in working capital
and provisions 60,045 49,884 87,535
Decrease in inventories 49 617 853
Increase in trade and other
receivables (7,069) (11,462) (9,518)
(Decrease)/increase in trade
and other payables (13,607) (3,560) 13,818
------------ ------------ -----------
Cash generated from operations 39,418 35,479 92,688
Interest paid (2,319) (2,336) (4,696)
Interest element of finance
lease payments (63) (117) (221)
Interest received 28 91 88
Income tax paid (7,204) (3,451) (7,948)
------------ ------------ -----------
Net cash flows from operating
activities 29,860 29,666 79,911
Cash flows from investing
activities
Proceeds from sale of property,
plant and equipment 10,839 9,850 19,969
Purchase of property, plant
and equipment (29,386) (39,194) (74,588)
Acquisition of businesses
and subsidiaries (net of cash (3,325) - -
and overdrafts)
------------ ------------ -----------
Net cash flows used in investing
activities (21,872) (29,344) (54,619)
Cash flows from financing
activities
Purchase of own shares by
Employee Trust (1,998) (2,029) (3,297)
Repayment of loans (7,000) - (44,000)
New loans 22,000 9,000 37,000
New finance leases - 108 108
Payment of lease liabilities (13,457) (880) (1,551)
Dividends paid 10 (8,705) (7,606) (10,853)
------------ ------------ -----------
Net cash flows used in financing
activities (9,160) (1,407) (22,593)
Net (decrease)/increase in
cash and cash equivalents (1,172) (1,085) 2,699
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations
on cash held 30 249 (70)
Cash and cash equivalents
at beginning of period 12,132 9,503 9,503
------------ ------------ -----------
Cash and cash equivalents
at end of period 11 10,990 8,667 12,132
------------ ------------ -----------
Notes to the Condensed Financial Statements
1. Basis of Preparation
Vp plc (the "Company") is incorporated and domiciled in the
United Kingdom. The Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial
Statements of the Company for the half year ended 30 September 2019
consolidate the financial information of the Company and its
subsidiaries (together referred to as the "Group").
This interim announcement has been prepared in accordance with
the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the UK Financial Services
Authority and the requirements of IAS34 ("Interim Financial
Reporting") as adopted by the EU. With the exception of the new
standard disclosed in note 5, the accounting policies applied are
consistent for all periods presented and are in line with those
applied in the annual financial statements for the year ended 31
March 2019, which were prepared in accordance with International
Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as adopted by the EU.
A new accounting standard became applicable for the current
reporting period and the Group changed its accounting policies as a
result of adopting IFRS 16 Leases. The impact of the adoption of
this standard and the new accounting policies are disclosed in note
5.
The interim announcement was approved by the Board of Directors
on 4 December 2019.
The Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements do not
constitute statutory accounts as defined in Section 434 of the
Companies Act 2006.
The comparative figures for the financial year ended 31 March
2019 are extracted from the Company's statutory accounts for that
financial year. Those accounts have been reported on by the
Company's auditors and delivered to the Registrar of Companies.
The report of the auditors was (i) unqualified, (ii) did not
include a reference to any matters to which the auditors drew
attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their report, and
(iii) did not contain a statement under section 498 (2) or (3) of
the Companies Act 2006.
The preparation of financial statements requires management to
make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the
application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of
assets and liabilities, income and expense. Actual results may
differ from these estimates. In preparing these condensed
consolidated interim financial statements, the significant
judgements made by management in applying the Group's accounting
policies and key sources of estimation uncertainty were the same as
those that applied to the consolidated financial statements for the
year ended 31 March 2019.
The Group continues to be in a healthy financial position with
total banking facilities at the period end of GBP207.5 million,
including an overdraft facility. Since the year end net debt has
increased by GBP15.6 million to GBP183.7 million, which is GBP4.5
million lower than 30 September 2018. The Group has a revolving
credit facility of GBP65 million which matures in May 2020. The
process to refinance this facility is well advanced with the
intention that a new facility be in place early calendar year 2020.
The Board has evaluated the banking facilities and the associated
covenants on the basis of current forecasts, taking into account
the current economic climate, the refinancing and an appropriate
level of sensitivity analysis. Having reassessed the principal
risks the Directors consider it appropriate to adopt the going
concern basis of accounting in preparing the interim financial
information.
2. Risks and Uncertainties
The principal risks and uncertainties facing the Group and the
ways in which they are mitigated are described on page 20 and 21 of
the 31 March 2019 Annual Report and Accounts. The principal risks
and uncertainties are market, competition, investment / product
management, people, safety, financial, contractual and legal and
regulatory requirements, which remain the same for this interim
financial report.
3. Summarised Segmental Analysis
Revenue Operating Profit Before Amortisation
and Exceptional Items
Sept Sept Mar Sept Sept Mar
2019 2018 2019 2019 2018 2019
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
UK 170,016 175,338 350,308 29,133 26,912 49,838
International 16,569 17,873 32,522 1,117 1,266 1,733
186,585 193,211 382,830 30,250 28,178 51,571
-------- -------- -------- ------------ ------------ -------------
Amortisation
and impairment (1,833) (1,985) (4,632)
Exceptional items (664) - (8,616)
------------ ------------ -------------
Operating Profit 27,753 26,193 38,323
------------ ------------ -------------
Assets Liabilities
Sept 2019 Mar 2019 Sept Sept 2019 Mar 2019 Sept
2018 2018
Restated* Restated*
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
UK 486,700 421,840 410,924 345,316 283,832 277,343
International 43,440 36,499 39,359 9,124 5,622 6,141
530,140 458,339 450,283 354,440 289,454 283,484
---------- --------- ----------- ---------- --------- -----------
Net Assets
Sept Mar 2019 Sept 2018
2019
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
UK 141,384 138,008 133,581
International 34,316 30,877 33,218
175,700 168,885 166,799
-------- --------- ----------
*The restatement of prior year balances is disclosed in Note
8.
3. Summarised Segmental Analysis (continued)
Below summarises the disaggregation of revenue from contracts
with customers from the total revenue disclosed in the Condensed
Consolidated Income Statement:
Sept 2019 Sept 2018 Mar 2019
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Equipment hire 138,323 146,070 286,913
Services 33,512 30,680 61,023
Sales of goods 14,750 16,461 34,894
Total revenue 186,585 193,211 382,830
-------------------- -------------------- -------------------
4. Exceptional Items
During the period the Group incurred GBP664,000 of exceptional
costs in relation to continued restructuring costs regarding
severance payments within Hire Station.
During the year ended 31 March 2019, the Group incurred
GBP8,616,000 of exceptional costs in relation to regulatory review
costs; integration of the Brandon Hire Group Holdings Limited
acquisition; together with restructuring costs in relation to
severance payments and depot closure costs within Hire Station and
Airpac Bukom.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced on 9 April
2019 that it is investigating three major suppliers of groundworks
products to the construction industry. The CMA has provisionally
found that the three businesses, including a part of the Group's
excavation support system business (Groundforce), were involved in
suspected anti-competitive behaviour. The CMA's findings are, at
this stage in its investigation provisional and do not necessarily
lead to a decision that the companies have breached competition
law. At this point in the process we cannot make an accurate
estimate of the likely cost that may subsequently arise in the
event that the CMA were to decide in the future that a breach of
competition law has taken place. However, accounting standards IAS
37 required us to provide an amount in the 31 March 2019 Annual
Report and Accounts and accordingly we included a figure of GBP4.5
million which we have materially brought forward to these accounts.
This figure is in the midpoint of a range of possible outcomes
(GBP0 to GBP9.0 million) that we have calculated based upon
previous cases and CMA published guidance and without any admission
of culpability. As commented on in the Chairman's Statement, the
CMA process is still ongoing.
These are analysed as follows:
Sept 2019 Sept 2018 Mar 2019
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Restructuring costs 664 - 1,112
Regulatory review costs - - 4,500
Integration costs - - 3,004
664 - 8,616
-------------------- -------------------- -------------------
Exceptional costs are excluded from the profit measures reported
in the strategic report on the basis that they are non-recurring in
nature.
5. Changes in Accounting Policies
This note explains the impact of the adoption of IFRS 16 Leases
on the Group's consolidated financial statements and discloses the
new accounting policies that have been applied from 1 April
2019.
5. Changes in Accounting Policies (continued)
The Group has applied IFRS 16 using the modified retrospective
approach from 1 April 2019 where the cumulative effect of initially
applying the standard has been recognised as an adjustment to the
opening balance of retained earnings and comparatives have not been
restated. Under IFRS 16, the Group will experience a different
pattern of expense within the Income Statement, with the IAS 17
operating lease expense replaced by depreciation and interest
expense. There is no impact on the Group's underlying cash flows
except to present cash outflows as financing instead of
operating.
(a) Adjustments recognised on adoption of IFRS 16
On adoption of IFRS 16, the Group recognised lease liabilities
in relation to leases which have previously been classified as
'operating leases' under IAS 17 Leases. These liabilities were
measured at the present value of the remaining lease payments,
discounted using the Group's weighted average incremental borrowing
rates as of 1 April 2019. The weighted average incremental
borrowing rate applied to lease liabilities at 1 April 2019 was
5.3%.
1 April
2019
GBP000
Operating lease commitments disclosed as at 31 March
2019 80,776
Discounted using the incremental borrowing rate
at 1 April 2019 (11,680)
(Less): short-term leases recognised on a straight-line
basis as expense (104)
(Less): low-value leases recognised on a straight-line
basis as expense (191)
Add: adjustments as a result of a different treatment
of extension and termination options(1) 14,522
Lease liability recognised at 1 April 2019 83,323
-------------------
Note:
(1) Previously, lease commitments only included non-cancellable
periods in the lease agreements. Under IFRS 16, the lease term
includes periods covered by options to extend the lease where the
Group is reasonably certain that such options will be extended.
The recognised lease liabilities relate to the following types
of assets:
Sept 2019 Mar 2019
GBP000 GBP000
Property 55,236 58,538
Equipment 10,956 11,919
Vehicles 11,656 12,866
Total lease liabilities 77,848 83,323
-------------------- -------------------
Of which are:
Current lease liabilities 18,911 19,948
Non-current lease liabilities 58,937 63,375
-------------------- ---------------------
77,848 83,323
-------------------- ---------------------
The associated right of use assets were measured on a
retrospective basis as if the new standard has always been applied.
Onerous lease contracts have been adjusted through the right of use
assets.
The recognised right of use assets relate to the following types
of assets:
Sept 2019 Mar 2019
GBP000 GBP000
Property 52,405 55,972
Equipment 10,635 11,627
Vehicles 11,817 12,889
Total right of use assets 74,857 80,488
-------------------- -------------------
5. (a) Adjustments recognised on adoption of IFRS 16 (continued)
The change in accounting policy affected the following items in
the balance sheet:
1 April
2019
GBP000
Right of use assets - increase 80,488
Lease liabilities - increase (83,323)
Trade and other payables - decrease 202
Deferred tax liabilities - decrease 482
Net impact on retained earnings at 1 April 2019 (2,151)
-------------------
(b) Impact on Consolidated Income Statement, EBITDA, segment
disclosures and earnings per share
Basic earnings per share before the amortisation of intangibles
and exceptional items decreased by 0.41 pence for the period to 30
September 2019 as a result of the adoption of IFRS 16. The
financial impact of the transition on the Group's Consolidated
Income Statement and EBITDA is set out below:
Sept 2019 Sept 2019 Sept 2019
Excluding IFRS 16
IFRS 16 Impact Reported
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Operating profit before amortisation
and exceptional items 28,315 1,935 30,250
Operating profit 25,818 1,935 27,753
EBITDA 51,840 12,942 64,782
Net financial expense (2,383) (2,095) (4,478)
Profit before taxation, amortisation
and exceptional items 25,932 (160) 25,772
Profit before taxation 23,435 (160) 23,275
Operating profit before amortisation and exceptional items,
segment assets and segment liabilities all increased as a result of
the change in accounting policy. The IFRS 16 adjustments that have
been posted to each segment for the half year ending 30 September
2019 are as follows:
Operating Profit before Amortisation and Exceptional Items
Pre IFRS 16 Per
IFRS 16 Adjustment Note 3
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
UK 27,245 1,888 29,133
International 1,070 47 1,117
28,315 1,935 30,250
--------- ------------ --------
Assets Liabilities
Pre IFRS 16 Adjustment Per Note 3 Pre IFRS 16 Adjustment Per Note 3
IFRS 16 IFRS
16
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
UK 414,579 72,121 486,700 270,783 74,533 345,316
International 40,666 2,774 43,440 6,452 2,672 9,124
455,245 74,895 530,140 277,235 77,205 354,440
--------- ------------------- ----------- -------- ------------------- -----------
5. Changes in Accounting Policies (continued)
(c) Practical expedients applied
In applying IFRS 16 for the first time, the Group has used the
following practical expedients permitted by the standard:
-- The use of a single discount rate to a portfolio of leases
with reasonably similar characteristics
-- Reliance on previous assessments on whether leases are onerous
-- The accounting for certain operating leases with a remaining
lease term of less than 12 months as at 1 April 2019 as short-term
leases
-- The exclusion of initial direct costs for the measurement of
the right of use asset at the date of initial application, and
-- The use of hindsight in determining the lease term where the
contract contains options to extend or terminate the lease
The Group has also elected not to reassess whether a contract
is, or contains a lease at the date of initial application.
Instead, for contracts entered into before the transition date the
Group relied on its assessment made applying IAS 17.
(d) Accounting for leasing activities under IFRS 16
The Group holds leases for various properties, equipment and
vehicles. Lease terms are negotiated on an individual basis and
contain a wide range of different terms and conditions. Until 1
April 2019, leases of property, plant and equipment were classified
as either operating leases or finance leases. Payments made under
operating leases were charged to the Consolidated Income Statement
on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
From 1 April 2019, leases are recognised as a right of use asset
and a corresponding liability at the date at which the leased asset
is available for use by the Group. Each lease payment is allocated
between the liability and finance cost. The finance cost is charged
to profit over the lease period. The right of use asset is
depreciated over the shorter of the asset's useful life and the
lease term on a straight-line basis.
Lease liabilities arising from a lease are initially measured on
a present value basis. Lease liabilities include the net present
value of fixed payments less any incentives receivable, variable
lease payments that are based on a specified index or a rate, the
exercise price of a purchase option if the Group is reasonably
certain to exercise that option and payments of penalties for
terminating the lease, if the lease term reflects the Group
exercising that option. A separate provision for onerous leases is
therefore no longer required. The lease payments are discounted
using the incremental borrowing rate. This rate is the interest
rate that the Group would have to pay to borrow the funds necessary
to obtain an asset of similar value over a similar term and with
similar security to the right of use asset in a similar economic
environment.
Right of use assets (at cost comprising of the amount of the
initial measurement of the lease liability, any lease payments made
at or before the commencement date, initial direct costs and
restoration costs) are measured as if IFRS 16 has been applied
since the lease commencement date, discounted by the Group's
incremental borrowing rate as at 1 April 2019. Payments associated
with short term leases and leases of low value assets are
recognised on a straight-line basis as an expense in the
Consolidated Income Statement. Short term leases are certain leases
with a lease term of 12 months or less. Low value assets comprise
certain IT equipment and small items of office equipment.
Extension and termination options are included in a number of
leases across the Group. In determining the lease term, management
considers all facts and circumstances that create an economic
incentive to exercise an extension option, or not exercise a
termination option. Extension options (or periods after termination
options) are only included in the lease term if the lease is
5. (d) Accounting for leasing activities under IFRS 16 (continued)
reasonably certain to be extended (or not terminated). The
assessment is reviewed if a significant event or a significant
change in circumstances occurs which affects the assessment and
that is within the control of the Group. This reassessment could
result in a recalculation of the lease liability and a material
adjustment to the associated balances.
6. Income Tax
The effective tax rate is 20.3% in the period to 30 September
2019 (H1 2019: 19.9%). The effective rate for the period reflects
the current standard tax rate of 19% (H1 2019: 19%), as adjusted
for estimated permanent differences for tax purposes offset by
gains covered by exemptions. This is the best estimate of the
weighted average annual income tax rate expected for the full
financial year.
7. Property, Plant and Equipment
Sept 2019 Mar 2019 Sept 2018
Restated*
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Opening carrying amount 248,651 239,739 239,739
Additions 30,467 71,389 39,935
Acquisitions 1,798 - (115)
Depreciation (23,525) (49,768) (23,451)
Disposals (5,615) (12,386) (6,766)
Effect of movements in exchange
rates 543 (323) 341
-------------------- ------------------- ---------------------
Closing carrying amount 252,319 248,651 249,683
-------------------- ------------------- ---------------------
The value of capital commitments at 30 September 2019 was
GBP11,353,000 (31 March 2019 GBP10,758,000).
*The restatement of prior year balances reflects the completed
fair value assessment of the Brandon Hire acquisition for
GBP1,643,000 as disclosed in Note 8 and a correction of the fair
value classification of other acquisitions related to a decrease in
land and buildings of GBP556,000.
8. Business Combinations
On 9 May 2019 the Company acquired 100% of the issued share
capital of Sandhurst Limited ("Sandhurst") for a cash consideration
of GBP3.3 million. Sandhurst is engaged in the rental of specialist
excavator attachments to the construction and civil engineering
sectors. The acquisition will complement the Group's piling
division within Groundforce and expand product range. During the
measurement period, the fair value of the assets acquired and
liabilities assumed are provisional while management finalise the
fair value assessment, including the identification of intangible
assets acquired. Preliminary details of the acquisition is provided
below:
8. Business Combinations (continued)
Sept 2019
GBP000
Property, plant and equipment 1,798
Current assets 540
Tax, trade and other payables (471)
----------
Fair value of assets acquired 1,867
Goodwill on acquisition 1,458
----------
Cost of acquisitions 3,325
----------
Satisfied by
Cash consideration 3,325
----------
Analysis of cash flow for acquisitions
Cash consideration 3,325
Net (cash)/overdraft in acquisition -
----------
3,325
----------
The Group acquired Brandon Hire during the year ended 31 March
2018 and the fair value assessment of the acquired net assets for
the Brandon acquisition was completed within the measurement period
during the prior financial year in line with IFRS 3 (revised). The
fair value of assets acquired generally reflects the book value of
assets in the acquired company/business, however the key adjustment
to the acquired Brandon Hire Group Holdings Limited assets was to
bring the value of the hire fleet in line with the depreciation
policy used within Hire Station Limited, our existing tool hire
business. The restatement of the prior year balances noted in the
consolidated balance sheet reflects the completed fair value
assessment for GBP2,284,000 related to reductions in property,
plant and equipment (GBP1,643,000); inventories (GBP42,000); trade
and other receivables (GBP43,000) and increase in trade and other
payables (GBP556,000). In addition, a correction of the fair value
classification of other acquisitions of GBP556,000 has been
adjusted in the prior year balances related to a decrease within
land and buildings.
9. Earnings Per Share
Earnings per share have been calculated on 39,581,748 shares (H1
2019: 39,608,968 shares) being the weighted average number of
shares in issue during the period. Diluted earnings per share have
been calculated on 40,569,647 shares (H1 2019: 41,215,948 shares)
adjusted to reflect conversion of all potentially dilutive ordinary
shares. Basic earnings per share before the amortisation of
intangibles and exceptional items was 52.10 pence (H1 2019: 52.32
pence) and was based on an after tax add back of GBP2,081,000 (H1
2019: GBP1,608,000) in respect of the amortisation of intangibles
and exceptional items. Diluted earnings per share before
amortisation of intangibles and exceptional items was 50.83 pence
(H1 2019: 50.28 pence).
10. Dividends
The Directors have declared an interim dividend of 8.45 pence
(H1 2019: 8.20 pence) per share payable on 17 January 2020 to
shareholders on the register at 13 December 2019. The dividend
declared will absorb an estimated GBP3,342,000 (H1 2019:
GBP3,247,000) of shareholders funds. The dividend proposed at the
year-end was subsequently approved at the AGM in July 2019 and
GBP8,705,000 was paid in the period (H1 2019: GBP7,606,000 was
paid). The cost of dividends in the Statement of Changes in Equity
is after adjustments for the interim and final dividends waived by
the Vp Employee Trust in relation to the shares it holds for the
Group's share option schemes.
11. Analysis of Net Debt
As at Cash As at
1 Apr Flow 30 Sep
2019 2019
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Cash and cash equivalents 29,044 (14,137) 14,907
Bank overdraft (16,912) 12,995 (3,917)
Revolving credit facilities
/ loans (179,000) (15,000) (194,000)
Finance leases excluded
under IFRS 16 (1,232) 496 (736)
---------- --------- ----------
(168,100) (15,646) (183,746)
---------- --------- ----------
The Group's committed revolving credit bank facilities comprise
a GBP65 million facility which expires in May 2020 and a GBP135
million facility which expires in December 2021, together with
overdraft facilities totalling GBP7.5 million. The process to
refinance the GBP65 million facility is well advanced with the
intention that a new facility be in place early calendar year
2020.
12. Related Party Transactions
Transactions between Group Companies, which are related parties,
have been eliminated on consolidation and therefore do not require
disclosure. The Group has not entered into any other related party
transactions in the period which require disclosure in this interim
statement.
13. Contingent Liabilities
In an international group a variety of claims arise from time to
time in the normal course of business. Such claims may arise due to
actions being taken against group companies as a result of
investigations by fiscal authorities or under regulatory
requirements. Provision has been made in these consolidated
financial statements against any claims which the directors
consider are likely to result in significant liabilities.
14. Forward Looking Statements
The Chairman's Statement includes statements that are forward
looking in nature. Forward looking statements involve known and
unknown risks, assumptions, uncertainties and other factors which
may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the
Group to be materially different from any future results,
performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward
looking statements. Except as required by the Listing Rules and
applicable law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update,
review or change any forward looking statements to reflect events
or developments occurring after the date of this report.
15. Alternative Performance Measures
(i) All performance measures stated as before amortisation are
also before impairment of intangibles and exceptional items.
(ii) Basic earnings per share pre amortisation and exceptional
items is reconciled to basic earnings per share in note 9.
(iii) Profit before tax, amortisation and exceptional items is
reconciled to profit before tax in the Consolidated Income
Statement.
(iv) Return on average capital employed is based on profit
before tax, interest, amortisation and exceptional items divided by
average capital employed on a monthly basis using the management
accounts. Profit before tax, interest, amortisation and exceptional
items is reconciled to profit before interest and tax in the
Consolidated Income Statement.
Responsibility statement of the directors in respect of the
half-yearly financial report
We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:
-- the condensed consolidated set of interim financial
statements has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim
Financial Reporting as adopted by the EU;
-- the interim management report includes a fair review of the information required by:
(a) DTR 4.2.7R of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules, being
an indication of important events that have occurred during the
first six months of the financial year and their impact on the
condensed set of financial statements; and a description of the
principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of
the year; and
(b) DTR 4.2.8R of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules, being
related party transactions that have taken place in the first six
months of the current financial year and that have materially
affected the financial position or performance of the entity during
that period; and any changes in the related party transactions
described in the last annual report that could do so.
By order of the Board
4 December 2019
The Board
The Directors who served during the six months to 30 September
2019 were:
Jeremy Pilkington (Chairman)
Neil Stothard (Chief Executive)
Allison Bainbridge (Group Finance Director)
Steve Rogers (Non-Executive Director)
Phil White (Non-Executive Director)
Independent review report to Vp plc
Report on the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial
Statements
Our conclusion
We have reviewed Vp plc's Condensed Consolidated Interim
Financial Statements (the "interim financial statements") in the
Interim Report 2019/2020 of Vp plc for the 6 month period ended 30
September 2019. Based on our review, nothing has come to our
attention that causes us to believe that the interim financial
statements are not prepared, in all material respects, in
accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim
Financial Reporting', as adopted by the European Union and the
Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook of the United
Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.
What we have reviewed
The interim financial statements comprise:
-- the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 30 September 2019;
-- the Condensed Consolidated Income Statement and Condensed
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the period then
ended;
-- the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the period then ended;
-- the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the period then ended; and
-- the explanatory notes to the interim financial statements.
The interim financial statements included in the Interim Report
2019/2020 have been prepared in accordance with International
Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting', as adopted
by the European Union and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency
Rules sourcebook of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct
Authority.
As disclosed in note 1 to the interim financial statements, the
financial reporting framework that has been applied in the
preparation of the full annual financial statements of the Group is
applicable law and International Financial Reporting Standards
(IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union.
Responsibilities for the interim financial statements and the
review
Our responsibilities and those of the directors
The Interim Report 2019/2020, including the interim financial
statements, is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the
directors. The directors are responsible for preparing the Interim
Report 2019/2020 in accordance with the Disclosure Guidance and
Transparency Rules sourcebook of the United Kingdom's Financial
Conduct Authority.
Our responsibility is to express a conclusion on the interim
financial statements in the Interim Report 2019/2020 based on our
review. This report, including the conclusion, has been prepared
for and only for the company for the purpose of complying with the
Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook of the United
Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority and for no other purpose. We
do not, in giving this conclusion, accept or assume responsibility
for any other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is
shown or into whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed
by our prior consent in writing.
What a review of interim financial statements involves
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,
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.
We have read the other information contained in the Interim
Report 2019/2020 and considered whether it contains any apparent
misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in
the interim financial statements.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Accountants
Leeds
4 December 2019
- Ends -
This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the
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of this information may apply. For further information, please
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END
IR CKNDDOBDDFBK
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