TIDMBEG
RNS Number : 8712D
Begbies Traynor Group PLC
12 July 2016
12 July 2016
Begbies Traynor Group plc
Final results
for the year ended 30 April 2016
Begbies Traynor Group plc (the 'company' or the 'group'), the
business recovery and property services consultancy, today
announces its final results for the year ended 30 April 2016.
Financial highlights*
2016 2015
GBPm GBPm
------------------------------ ----- ------
Revenue 50.1 45.4
Adjusted profit before tax** 4.5 3.6
Profit (loss) before tax 0.6 (0.7)
------------------------------ ----- ------
Adjusted basic EPS*** (p) 3.2 2.9
Basic EPS (p) 0.3 (0.6)
Proposed total dividend
(p) 2.2 2.2
------------------------------ ----- ------
Net debt 10.4 12.8
------------------------------ ----- ------
*All figures stated from continuing operations
** Profit before tax from continuing operations of GBP0.6m
(2015: loss GBP0.7m) plus amortisation of intangible assets arising
on acquisitions of GBP2.8m (2015: GBP1.4m) plus acquisition-related
costs of GBP1.1m (2015: credit of GBP0.2m) and exceptional costs of
GBPnil (2015: GBP3.1m)
*** See reconciliation in note 7
Operational overview
Insolvency and restructuring:
-- Lower level of market activity (national insolvency
appointments down 9% in the year to March 2016) impacted on revenue
and profit
-- Operating margins broadly maintained through continued cost control
-- Maintained our market leading position, handling the largest
number of corporate appointments
Property services:
-- First full year of ownership of Eddisons (acquired in December 2014)
-- Synergy savings exceeded original pre-acquisition target
-- Improved operating margins to 19.4% for the year from 15.3%****
-- Successful integration and initial contribution from Taylors
valuation practice (acquired in November 2015)
-- Post year end, acquired Pugh & Co, the largest firm of
commercial property auctioneers outside London
**** Pro-forma prior year margins including pre-acquisition
period
Commenting on the results, Ric Traynor, Executive Chairman of
Begbies Traynor Group, said:
"Last year was one of solid progress for the group with results
in line with market expectations and growth in both revenue and
profits; this reflected the benefit of the investment in our
property services division, which now represents 25% of the group's
activities. The integration of Eddisons into the group has been
completed and synergy savings have exceeded our original
expectations.
"Although we remain cautious about activity levels in our
counter-cyclical activities in both business recovery and property
services in the near term, the recent acquisition of the Pugh
auction business, together with the Taylors valuation business,
gives the opportunity for growth in earnings in the new financial
year.
"We will continue to look for further opportunities to develop
and enhance the business, both organically and through selective
acquisitions."
A meeting for analysts will be held today at 9.15am for 9.30am
at the offices of MHP Communications, 6 Agar Street, London WC2N
4HN. Please contact Rossina Garcia Izaguirre on 020 3128 8475 or
via R.GarciaIzaguirre@mhpc.com if you would like to attend.
Enquiries please contact:
Begbies Traynor Group plc 0161 837 1700
Ric Traynor - Executive Chairman
Nick Taylor - Group Finance Director
Canaccord Genuity Limited 020 7523 8350
(Nominated Adviser and Joint Broker)
Bruce Garrow / Nilesh Patel
Shore Capital 020 7408 4090
(Joint Broker)
Mark Percy / Anita Ghanekar
MHP Communications 020 3128 8100
Reg Hoare / Katie Hunt / Giles Robinson
Information on Begbies Traynor Group can be accessed via the
Group's website at
www.begbies-traynorgroup.com
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
INTRODUCTION
I am pleased to report a year of solid progress for the group
with results in line with market expectations.
We have delivered growth in both revenue and profits, reflecting
the benefit of the investment in our property services division in
December 2014, which now represents 25% of the group's activities.
The integration of Eddisons into the group has been completed and
synergy savings have exceeded our original expectations.
We have made further investments to develop this service line.
In November 2015, we acquired a boutique property valuation
practice and subsequent to the year end we acquired a specialist
property auction business. These two acquisitions enhance our
expertise and service offerings and position the division well for
future growth opportunities.
In contrast, the insolvency market has continued to be
challenging over the last twelve months, with a further reduction
in the number of UK insolvencies, compounding the falls seen in
previous years. The number of UK insolvencies is at the lowest
level since 2004. These conditions have led to lower revenue and
profit in our insolvency division; however, we have broadly
maintained our operating margins through continued cost
control.
We remain the leading UK corporate appointment taker by volume
and remain well-positioned to take advantage of the cyclicality of
this market. We enhanced our position in the year through the
acquisition of the trade and certain assets of The P&A
Partnership Ltd, a Sheffield insolvency practice.
The group has improved its financial position, with a further
reduction in net debt to GBP10.4m (2015: GBP12.8m), after making
acquisition and deferred consideration payments in the year of
GBP1.6m. The headroom in the group's banking facilities provides
the ability to make further investments to develop our two service
lines.
Having considered the financial performance in the year, the
outlook for the new financial year and the opportunity for future
investments, the board recommend that the dividend for the year is
maintained at 2.2p.
RESULTS
Group revenue from continuing operations in the year ended 30
April 2016 increased by 10% to GBP50.1m (2015: GBP45.4m). Adjusted
profit before tax* increased by 25% to GBP4.5m (2015: GBP3.6m).
Acquisition-related costs were GBP1.1m (2015: credit GBP0.2m).
Exceptional costs were GBPnil (2015: GBP3.1m). Profit before tax
was GBP0.6m (2015: loss before tax GBP0.7m). Statutory profit for
the year was GBP0.3m (2015: loss of GBP1.6m including loss from
discontinued operations).
Earnings per share from continuing operations**, adjusted for
the net of tax impact of amortisation of intangible assets arising
on acquisitions, acquisition-related and exceptional costs were
3.2p (2015: 2.9p). Basic and fully diluted earnings per share from
continuing operations were 0.3p (2015: loss per share 0.6p).
Net debt reduced by GBP2.4m to GBP10.4m at 30 April 2016 (2015:
GBP12.8m), after making acquisition and deferred consideration
payments in the year of GBP1.6m. Gearing reduced to 17% (2015: 21%)
and the group retains significant headroom in its committed banking
facilities. Interest cover*** was 5.4 times (2015: 4.4 times).
* Profit before tax from continuing operations of GBP0.6m (2015:
loss GBP0.7m) plus amortisation of intangible assets arising on
acquisitions of GBP2.8m (2015: GBP1.4m) plus acquisition-related
costs of GBP1.1m (2015: credit of GBP0.2m) and exceptional costs of
GBPnil (2015: GBP3.1m)
** See reconciliation in note 7
*** Before acquisition-related and exceptional costs and
amortisation of intangible assets arising on acquisitions
DIVID
The board remains committed to a long-term progressive dividend
policy, which reflects the potential for earnings growth. Having
considered the results for the year, the level of retained earnings
and the group's financial position, together with the outlook for
the new financial year and the investment requirements of the
business, the board has recommended (subject to shareholder
approval at the company's annual general meeting) the total
dividend be maintained at 2.2p (2015: 2.2p). This comprises the
interim dividend already paid of 0.6p (2015: 0.6p) and a final
dividend of 1.6p (2015: 1.6p).
The final dividend will be paid on 4 November 2016 to
shareholders on the register on 7 October 2016, with an ex-dividend
date of 6 October 2016.
PEOPLE
We are reliant on the expertise, professionalism and commitment
of our people and I thank our existing and new colleagues for their
contribution to the group.
OUTLOOK
The financial performance of the group's counter-cyclical
activities in both business recovery and property services, which
generate the majority of the group's revenue, are directly related
to the national insolvency market. The market as a whole remains
difficult to predict and, although activity levels have stabilised
over the last year, market volumes are at the lowest level since
2004. We therefore remain cautious about activity levels in the
near term. However, the acquisition of the Pugh & Co auction
business subsequent to the year-end, together with the Taylors
valuation business, gives the opportunity for growth in earnings in
the new financial year.
We will continue to look for further opportunities to develop
and enhance the business, both organically and through selective
acquisitions.
An update on current trading will be provided at the time of the
company's annual general meeting in September 2016.
Ric Traynor
Executive chairman
12 July 2016
STRATEGIC REPORT
Begbies Traynor Group is a business recovery and property
services consultancy, providing services nationally from a
comprehensive network of UK locations, through two operating
divisions: Begbies Traynor and Eddisons. We are accredited by all
major banks for business recovery services and property valuation
advice, and we provide a highly experienced, partner-led service to
clients.
Begbies Traynor is the UK's leading independent business
recovery practice, handling the largest number of corporate
appointments, principally serving the mid-market and smaller
companies. We provide insolvency, restructuring and consultancy
services to businesses, their professional advisors and financial
institutions.
Eddisons is a national firm of chartered surveyors, offering
transactional and advisory services to owners and occupiers of
commercial property, investors and financial institutions. The
services offered include valuation and sale of property, machinery
and other business assets (including fixed charge property
receiverships); insolvency insurance brokerage; property
management; and building consultancy services.
MARKET
The number of corporate insolvencies (source: The Insolvency
Service) for the year to 31 March 2016 (the period which most
closely matches the Group's financial year) totalled 14,370 (2015:
15,750), representing a 9% year on year reduction.
This is the lowest level of corporate insolvencies since 2004,
albeit these numbers appear to have stabilised at this level over
the last 12 months. The number of appointments in the first
calendar quarter of 2016 was 3,739, which is an 8% increase on the
final quarter of 2015 but a 7% reduction on the comparable period
in 2015.
STRATEGY
Our strategy is to develop the group's two operating divisions,
both organically and through acquisitions, whilst maintaining the
group's focus on counter-cyclical services. Our objectives are
to:
-- invest in our property services division, to increase both
the scope of its service offering and geographical coverage, to
achieve greater market penetration; and
-- enhance our market-leading business recovery practice,
ensuring this division is well placed to benefit from opportunities
in its marketplace.
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE YEAR
Following the acquisition of Eddisons in December 2014 we have
continued to develop our property services division through two
acquisitions, which have enhanced our service offering and
geographical coverage.
On 30 November 2015, we acquired the Taylors valuation practice.
Taylors was established in 1992 and specialises in providing
commercial business and property valuations for secured lending
purposes on a nationwide basis, on behalf of a wide range of
financial institutions, including all of the major high street
banks. The 20 strong team, including management, has been
integrated with our existing valuations team, adding further depth
to our valuations capability and strengthening our combined
offering to lenders. The business has performed in line with
expectations subsequent to the acquisition.
On 2 June 2016, subsequent to the year end, we acquired Pugh
& Co, the largest firm of commercial property auctioneers
operating outside of London. Pugh hold regular auctions in Leeds
and Manchester, which complement our Eddisons auction business,
which also operates across the north of England. The 25 strong Pugh
& Co team, including management, is being integrated with the
Eddisons team, as a result of which it will become the third
largest firm of commercial property auctioneers nationally (based
on the total value raised from commercial property auctions in
2015. Source: Estates Gazette January 2016).
We have also invested in the insolvency division and on 30
September 2015, we acquired the trade and certain assets of the
Sheffield based P&A insolvency practice out of administration.
The integration and restructuring of the practice is ongoing.
Following this transaction Begbies Traynor is now the largest
appointment taker in Yorkshire.
OPERATING REVIEW
Insolvency and restructuring
Begbies Traynor is the UK's leading independent business
recovery practice, handling the largest number of corporate
appointments, providing a partner-led service to stakeholders in
troubled businesses.
Segmental profits* in the year decreased to GBP7.5m (2015:
GBP8.5m), as a result of a reduction in revenue to GBP37.7m (2015:
GBP40.9m).
The insolvency market remains very challenging, with a further
reduction in UK corporate insolvency appointments over the last
year, compounding the impact of reductions over recent years.
However, we have maintained our market leading position as the
largest corporate appointment taker by volume.
The lower level of market activity impacted revenue levels in
the period, which we have partially mitigated through continued
cost control. Operating margins were broadly maintained at 19.8%
(2015: 20.8%) with operating costs in the period reduced to
GBP30.2m (2015: GBP32.3m); this included an additional GBP1.5m of
costs in relation to acquired businesses offset by cost savings of
GBP3.6m.
The number of people employed in the division has reduced to 355
as at 30 April 2016 from 370 at the start of the financial year;
reflecting a combination of 36 new joiners as a result of the
P&A acquisition, offset by a reduction of 51 due to the
continued alignment of the cost base with current market
conditions.
We remain the market leader in UK mid-market insolvency and we
believe that the combination of our full national coverage, strong
relationships with all major UK banks and excellent referral
networks from other professional services organisations leaves the
business well-placed to take full advantage of this cyclical
market.
We will continue to develop this division through a combination
of senior recruitment, selective acquisitions and staff
development, with the intention of progressively increasing our
market share. Further development over the medium term may come
from winning higher value, more complex instructions from existing
clients and prospects, by demonstrating our capabilities and
credentials.
* See note 2
Property services
Eddisons is a national firm of chartered surveyors, providing
its services to banks, insolvency practitioners, and owners and
occupiers of commercial property.
The business was acquired on 17 December 2014 and therefore the
year ended 30 April 2016 represents its first full year
contribution to the group's results. Revenue was GBP12.4m with
segmental profits* up 26% to GBP2.4m, compared to the pro-forma
prior year results (adjusted to include the pre-acquisition
Eddisons results) of GBP12.4m and GBP1.9m respectively. Operating
margins increased to 19.4% from 15.3% (on a pro-forma basis).
As noted above, the Taylors valuation practice was acquired on
30 November 2015 and has been integrated with the existing Eddisons
valuations team. The acquired business generated revenue of GBP0.7m
and profit of GBP0.1m in the period following the acquisition.
During the year we exited a number of non-profitable and low
margin engagements, which contributed to the overall improvement in
operating margins, whilst reducing revenue by GBP0.4m. In addition,
revenue generated from insolvency appointments (principally fixed
charge property receiverships) reduced in the year by GBP0.8m,
reflecting the overall marketplace. The profit impact of these
organic reductions has been offset by additional income from
one-off consultancy projects of GBP0.5m, together with cost
reductions of GBP1.1m (including post-acquisition synergy savings).
We have delivered GBP1.0m of annualised synergy savings since the
Eddisons acquisition, exceeding the initial target of GBP0.5m
originally identified.
The Eddisons team are now being appointed on the majority of the
group's insolvency cases where agents are required (as anticipated
prior to completing the acquisition), which has offset the reduced
appointments from the overall marketplace.
The number of people employed in the division has reduced to 150
as at 30 April 2016 from 178 at the start of the financial year, as
a result of 20 new joiners from the Taylors acquisition, offset by
19 reduced staff from contract exits and other reductions of
29.
We will develop this division through a combination of senior
recruitment and selective acquisitions with the intention of
developing its service offering and geographical coverage, as
demonstrated by the acquisition of Pugh & Co since the year
end.
* See note 2
Partners and employees
As at 30 April 2016, the group employed a total of 547 partners
and staff (2015: 591), a decrease of 7% compared with a year ago;
this comprises 391 fee earners and 156 support staff.
We continue to invest in training and developing our people and
we are pleased to have promoted three fee earners to partner.
FINANCE REVIEW
Financial summary
2016 2015
GBPm GBPm
Revenue from continuing operations 50.1 45.4
------------------------------------------- ----- -----
EBITA (pre-exceptional items) 5.5 4.7
Finance costs (1.0) (1.1)
------------------------------------------- ----- -----
Adjusted profit before tax 4.5 3.6
Acquisition-related (costs) credit (1.1) 0.2
Exceptional costs - (3.1)
Amortisation of intangible assets arising
on acquisitions (2.8) (1.4)
------------------------------------------- ----- -----
Profit (loss) before tax 0.6 (0.7)
Tax (0.3) 0.1
------------------------------------------- ----- -----
Profit (loss) for the year from continuing
operations 0.3 (0.6)
------------------------------------------- ----- -----
Revenue
Revenue in the year increased to GBP50.1m (2015: GBP45.4m).
Revenue from the property consultancy division increased by
GBP7.9m, reflecting the full year benefit of the Eddisons
acquisition in December 2014 and part year contribution from the
Taylors acquisition in November 2015. This was partially offset by
reduced revenue in the insolvency division of GBP3.2m.
Revenue generated from businesses acquired in the financial year
was GBP2.3m.
EBITA (pre-exceptional items)
Operating costs increased to GBP44.6m (2015: GBP40.7m). Costs
increased due to the full year impact of Eddisons and businesses
acquired in the year of GBP9.3m, partially offset by cost
reductions of GBP5.4m.
EBITA (pre-exceptional items) increased to GBP5.5m (2015:
GBP4.7m) with margins of 10.9% (2015: 10.3%).
Finance costs
Finance costs were GBP1.0m (2015: GBP1.1m), with the decrease
due to lower levels of net debt over the year.
Acquisition-related costs
Acquisition-related costs in the year of GBP1.1m (2015: credit
of GBP0.2m) comprise:
-- acquisition costs GBP0.3m (2015: GBP0.5m);
-- deemed remuneration charges of GBP1.1m (2015: GBP0.4m).
(Consideration payments which require post-acquisition service
obligations to be performed by the selling shareholders. These
amounts are charged to the consolidated statement of comprehensive
income over the period of the obligation); offset by
-- gain on acquisition of GBP0.3m (2015: GBP1.1m).
Exceptional costs
The prior year included exceptional costs of GBP3.1m comprising
restructuring costs of GBP2.6m and business integration costs
following the Eddisons acquisition of GBP0.5m.
Amortisation of intangible assets arising on acquisitions
Amortisation costs increased to GBP2.8m (2015: GBP1.4m), due to
the amortisation of intangible assets arising on acquisitions.
Tax
The tax charge for the year (prior to the credit resulting from
acquisition-related and exceptional costs) was GBP1.1m (2015:
GBP0.9m) representing an effective tax rate of 25% (2015: 24%). The
tax credit resulting from
acquisition-related and exceptional costs was GBP0.8m (2015:
GBP1.0m), which includes a tax credit of GBP0.5m resulting from a
reduction in deferred tax liabilities due to the enacted reduction
in the corporation tax rate to 18% by 2021.
The overall tax charge for the year was GBP0.3m (2015: credit of
GBP0.1m).
Earnings per share ('EPS')
EPS*, adjusted for the net of tax impact of amortisation of
intangible assets arising on acquisitions, acquisition-related and
exceptional costs, were 3.2p (2015: 2.9p).
Basic and diluted earnings per share of 0.3p (2015: loss per
share 0.6p).
* See reconciliation in note 7
Acquisitions
The group completed two acquisitions during the financial year
as follows:
Taylors Business Surveyors and Valuers
On 30 November 2015 the group acquired the entire issued share
capital of TBS&V Limited, which trades as Taylors Business
Surveyors and Valuers ("Taylors"), for an initial consideration of
GBP1.1m, satisfied in cash of GBP0.5m and through the issue of
1,389,661 new ordinary shares.
Under the terms of the acquisition, additional contingent
consideration of up to GBP0.75m will become payable subject to the
financial performance of the Taylors business over the five years
from completion, satisfied by issuing new ordinary shares at the
prevailing market value.
The consideration payable for this acquisition requires
post-acquisition service obligations to be performed by the selling
shareholders. These amounts are treated as deemed remuneration and
will be charged to the consolidated statement of comprehensive
income over the period of the obligation.
As a result of this accounting guidance, the value of net assets
acquired (GBP0.3m) exceeds the accounting value of the
consideration (GBPnil) and consequently a gain of GBP0.3m has been
recognised as an acquisition-related item in the year.
The P&A Partnership Limited
On 30 September 2015 the group acquired the trade and certain
assets of The P&A Partnership Ltd ("P&A") out of
administration for cash consideration of GBP0.7m, of which GBP0.4m
was paid on completion with the balance of GBP0.3m payable 12
months after completion. Under the terms of the acquisition
additional contingent consideration of up to GBP0.2m may be payable
over the 12 months following completion.
Acquisition costs of GBP0.3m have been charged to the statement
of comprehensive income in respect of these two acquisitions.
Cash flows
Cash generated by operations (before interest and tax payments)
in the year was GBP7.9m (2015: GBP6.0m). Tax payments in the year
were GBP0.1m (2015: GBP1.3m). Interest payments were GBP1.0m (2015:
GBP1.0m).
Cash outflows from investing activities were GBP2.1m (2015:
GBP5.2m). Capital expenditure was GBP0.5m (2015: GBP1.3m). Deferred
payments relating to prior year acquisitions were GBP0.6m (2015:
GBP0.2m). Acquisition payments were GBP0.9m (2015: GBP3.7m).
Financing cash outflows were GBP6.3m (2015: inflow of GBP3.1m).
During the year we reduced the level of drawn debt under our
banking facilities by GBP4.0m. Dividend payments were GBP2.3m
(2015: GBP2.0m). The share placing in the prior year in connection
with the Eddisons acquisition raised GBP5.0m net of costs, with
proceeds from other share issues of GBP0.1m.
Financing
Net borrowings reduced by GBP2.4m to GBP10.4m at 30 April 2016
(2015: GBP12.8m), with a reduction in gearing to 17% (2015: 21%)
and significant headroom within the committed banking facilities of
GBP30m. During the year, all bank covenants were comfortably met
and the group remains in a strong financial position. Interest
cover* was 5.4 times (2015: 4.4 times).
The group's unsecured, committed banking facilities of GBP30m
have maturity dates from 31 July 2017 to 30 April 2021. Our
intention is to renew these facilities as appropriate in the coming
year.
* Before acquisition-related and exceptional costs and
amortisation of intangible assets arising on acquisitions
Net assets
At 30 April 2016 net assets were GBP59.7m (2015: GBP61.0m).
Non-current assets were GBP60.4m (2015: GBP60.3m), with
intangible assets recognised on acquisitions and capital
expenditure in the year broadly offset by depreciation and
amortisation charges.
Trade and other receivables were GBP35.2m (2015: GBP34.9m).
Net borrowings reduced to GBP10.4m (2015: GBP12.8m).
Trade and other payables increased to GBP16.4m (2015: GBP12.8m).
The balance includes trade creditors of GBP1.6m (2015: GBP2.0m),
accruals of GBP5.9m (2015: GBP4.4m), tax and social security
creditors of GBP2.2m (2015: GBP2.1m), deferred income of GBP1.3m
(2015: GBP0.8m), other creditors of GBP2.7m (2015: GBP1.4m), and
deferred consideration liabilities of GBP2.7m (2015: GBP2.1m) of
which GBP1.2m (2015: GBP0.7m) is payable within one year.
Current tax liabilities were GBP1.3m (2015: tax receivable of
GBP0.1m). Deferred tax liabilities were GBP6.1m (2015:
GBP6.4m).
Provisions for property costs, restructuring costs and
post-disposal obligations total GBP1.7m (2015: GBP2.3m) of which
GBP0.7m is payable within one year.
Going concern
The directors have reviewed the financial resources available to
the group and have concluded that the group will be able to operate
within the level of its borrowing facilities and have a reasonable
expectation that the group has adequate resources to continue in
operational existence for the foreseeable future. This conclusion
is based, amongst other matters, on the group's existing borrowing
facilities and a review of financial forecasts for a period
exceeding 12 months from the date of this announcement.
Accordingly, the financial information in this announcement is
prepared on the going concern basis.
Ric Traynor Nick Taylor
Executive chairman Group finance director
12 July 2016 12 July 2016
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
2016 2015
GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------- -----------
Continuing operations
Revenue 50,135 45,360
Direct costs (28,058) (25,044)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------- -----------
Gross profit 22,077 20,316
Other operating income 249 173
Administrative expenses (16,838) (15,826)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------- -----------
Earnings before interest, tax and amortisation prior to acquisition-related and exceptional
costs 5,488 4,663
Acquisition-related (costs) credit (1,080) 183
Exceptional costs - (3,101)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------- -----------
Earnings before interest, tax and amortisation 4,408 1,745
Amortisation of intangible assets arising on acquisitions (2,827) (1,413)
Finance costs (1,023) (1,055)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------- -----------
Profit (loss) before tax 558 (723)
Tax (264) 122
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------- -----------
Profit (loss) for the year from continuing operations 294 (601)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------- -----------
Discontinued operations
Loss from the year from discontinued operations - (979)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------- -----------
Profit (loss) for the year 294 (1,580)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------- -----------
Other comprehensive income
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations 3 (5)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------- -----------
Total comprehensive income (loss) for the year 297 (1,585)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------- -----------
Earnings (loss) per share
From continuing operations
Basic and diluted 0.3 pence (0.6) pence
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------- -----------
From continuing and discontinued operations
Basic and diluted 0.3 pence (1.6) pence
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------- -----------
The profit and comprehensive income for both years is
attributable to equity holders of the parent.
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
Share Share Merger Translation Retained Total
capital premium reserve reserve earnings equity
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
---------------------------------------------------------- ------- ------- ------- ----------- -------- -------
At 1 May 2014 4,876 18,020 17,584 - 18,923 59,403
---------------------------------------------------------- ------- ------- ------- ----------- -------- -------
Loss for the year - - - - (1,580) (1,580)
Other comprehensive income:
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations - - - (5) - (5)
---------------------------------------------------------- ------- ------- ------- ----------- -------- -------
Total comprehensive loss for the year - - - (5) (1,580) (1,585)
Dividends - - - - (2,012) (2,012)
Credit to equity for equity-settled share-based payments - - - - 61 61
Shares issued 660 4,453 - - - 5,113
---------------------------------------------------------- ------- ------- ------- ----------- -------- -------
At 30 April 2015 5,536 22,473 17,584 (5) 15,392 60,980
---------------------------------------------------------- ------- ------- ------- ----------- -------- -------
Profit for the year - - - - 294 294
Other comprehensive income:
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations - - - 3 - 3
---------------------------------------------------------- ------- ------- ------- ----------- -------- -------
Total comprehensive income for the year - - - 3 294 297
Dividends - - - - (2,302) (2,302)
Credit to equity for equity-settled share-based payments - - - - 62 62
Shares issued 75 569 - - - 644
---------------------------------------------------------- ------- ------- ------- ----------- -------- -------
At 30 April 2016 5,611 23,042 17,584 (2) 13,446 59,681
---------------------------------------------------------- ------- ------- ------- ----------- -------- -------
The merger reserve arose on the formation of the group in
2004.
Consolidated balance sheet
2016 2015
GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Non-current assets
Intangible assets 58,407 57,765
Property, plant and equipment 1,979 2,512
---------------------------------------------- -------- --------
60,386 60,277
--------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Current assets
Trade and other receivables 35,151 34,861
Current tax receivable - 53
Cash and cash equivalents 7,634 9,209
---------------------------------------------- -------- --------
42,785 44,123
--------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Total assets 103,171 104,400
---------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables (14,903) (11,369)
Current tax liabilities (1,263) -
Provisions (728) (1,625)
---------------------------------------------- -------- --------
(16,894) (12,994)
--------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Net current assets 25,891 31,129
---------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Non-current liabilities
Trade and other payables (1,501) (1,391)
Borrowings (18,000) (22,000)
Provisions (994) (666)
Deferred tax (6,101) (6,369)
---------------------------------------------- -------- --------
(26,596) (30,426)
--------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Total liabilities (43,490) (43,420)
---------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Net assets 59,681 60,980
---------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Equity
Share capital 5,611 5,536
Share premium 23,042 22,473
Merger reserve 17,584 17,584
Translation reserve (2) (5)
Retained earnings 13,446 15,392
---------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Equity attributable to owners of the company 59,681 60,980
---------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Consolidated cash flow statement
2016 2015
GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated by operations 7,909 6,011
Income taxes paid (139) (1,254)
Interest paid (996) (981)
------------------------------------------------------ ------- -------
Net cash from operating activities 6,774 3,776
------------------------------------------------------ ------- -------
Investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (511) (1,230)
Purchase of intangible fixed assets (13) (58)
Proceeds on disposal of fixed assets 10 -
Deferred consideration payments in the year (639) (177)
Acquisition of businesses (937) (3,718)
------------------------------------------------------ ------- -------
Net cash from investing activities (2,090) (5,183)
------------------------------------------------------ ------- -------
Financing activities
Dividends paid (2,302) (2,012)
Proceeds on issue of shares 43 5,113
Repayment of loans (4,000) (26)
------------------------------------------------------ ------- -------
Net cash from financing activities (6,259) 3,075
------------------------------------------------------ ------- -------
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (1,575) 1,668
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 9,209 7,541
------------------------------------------------------ ------- -------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 7,634 9,209
------------------------------------------------------ ------- -------
1. Basis of preparation and accounting policies
The results for the year ended 30 April 2016 have been prepared
on the basis of accounting policies consistent with those set out
in the annual report to shareholders of Begbies Traynor Group plc
for the year ended 30 April 2015.
The group's financial statements for the year ended 30 April
2016 have been prepared in accordance with International Financial
Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as adopted for use in the EU. Whilst
the financial information included in this announcement has been
prepared in accordance with IFRS, this announcement itself does not
contain sufficient information to comply with IFRS.
This financial information does not include all of the
information and disclosures required for full annual financial
statements and does not comprise statutory accounts within the
meaning of section 435 of the Companies Act 2006.
The comparative figures for the year ended 30 April 2015 do not
comprise the group's statutory accounts for that financial year.
Those accounts have been reported upon by the group's auditors and
delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The report of the auditors
was unqualified, did not include a reference to any matters to
which the auditors drew attention by way of emphasis without
qualifying their report and did not contain statements under
section 498 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.
Statutory accounts for Begbies Traynor Group plc for 2016 will
be delivered to the Registrar of Companies following the company's
annual general meeting. The auditors have reported on these
accounts; their report is unqualified and does not include a
reference to any matters to which the auditors drew attention by
way of emphasis without qualifying their report and did not contain
statements under either section 498 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act
2006. The 2016 annual report will be available on the group's
website: www.begbies-traynorgroup.com.
Going concern
In carrying out their duties in respect of going concern, the
directors have completed a review of the group's current financial
position and cash flow forecasts for a period exceeding 12 months
from the date of this announcement. This review included
sensitivity analysis to determine the potential impact on the group
of reasonably possible downside scenarios. Under all modelled
scenarios, the group's banking facilities were sufficient and all
associated covenant measures were forecast to be met.
After making enquiries, the directors have a reasonable
expectation that the company and the group have adequate resources
to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.
Accordingly, this financial information is prepared on the going
concern basis.
2. Segmental analysis by class of business
The continuing group is managed as two operating segments:
insolvency and restructuring, and property.
Insolvency
and
restructuring Property Consolidated
2016 2016 2016
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
---------------------------------------------- -------------- --------- -------------
Revenue
Total revenue from rendering of professional
services 37,723 12,417 50,140
Inter-segment revenue - (5) (5)
---------------------------------------------- -------------- --------- -------------
External revenue 37,723 12,412 50,135
---------------------------------------------- -------------- --------- -------------
Segmental result 7,478 2,410 9,888
Shared and central costs (4,400)
---------------------------------------------- -------------- --------- -------------
EBITA 5,488
---------------------------------------------- -------------- --------- -------------
Insolvency
and
restructuring Property Consolidated
2015 2015 2015
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
---------------------------------------------- -------------- --------- -------------
Revenue
Total revenue from rendering of professional
services 40,859 4,556 45,415
Inter-segment revenue - (55) (55)
---------------------------------------------- -------------- --------- -------------
External revenue 40,859 4,501 45,360
---------------------------------------------- -------------- --------- -------------
Segmental result 8,518 744 9,262
Shared and central costs (4,599)
---------------------------------------------- -------------- --------- -------------
EBITA 4,663
---------------------------------------------- -------------- --------- -------------
3. Discontinued operations
The results of the discontinued global risk partners division
were as follows:
2016 2015
GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Revenue - 524
Direct costs - (399)
------------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Gross profit - 125
Administrative expenses - (750)
Loss on disposal - (570)
------------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Loss before tax - (1,195)
Tax - 216
Loss for the period from discontinued operations - (979)
------------------------------------------------- ------- -------
4. Finance costs
2016 2015
Continuing GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------------------------------ ------- -------
Interest on bank overdrafts and loans 981 1,033
Unwinding of discount on deferred consideration liabilities 42 22
------------------------------------------------------------ ------- -------
Total finance costs 1,023 1,055
------------------------------------------------------------ ------- -------
5. Acquisition-related costs (credit)
2016 2015
Continuing GBP'000 GBP'000
-------------------- ------- -------
Deemed remuneration 1,058 430
Acquisition costs 287 522
Gain on acquisition (265) (1,135)
1,080 (183)
-------------------- ------- -------
6. Exceptional costs
2016 2015
Continuing GBP'000 GBP'000
-------------------- ------- -------
Restructuring costs - 2,569
Integration costs - 532
- 3,101
-------------------- ------- -------
7. Earnings per share
The calculation of the basic and diluted earnings per share is
based on the following data:
2016 2015
GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Earnings
------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Profit (loss) for the year from continuing operations attributable
to equity holders 294 (601)
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to equity holders - (979)
------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Profit (loss) for the year attributable to equity holders 294 (1,580)
------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
2016 2015
number number
------------------------------------------------------------ ----------- ----------
Number of shares
Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purposes
of basic earnings per share 105,245,846 96,288,512
Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares:
Share options 1,156,466 880,265
Contingent shares 63,982 -
------------------------------------------------------------ ----------- ----------
Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purposes
of basic and diluted earnings per share 106,466,294 97,168,777
------------------------------------------------------------ ----------- ----------
2016 2015
Pence pence
------------------------------------- ------ ------
Basic earnings (loss) per share from
------------------------------------- ------ ------
Continuing operations 0.3 (0.6)
Discontinued operations - (1.0)
------------------------------------- ------ ------
Total 0.3 (1.6)
------------------------------------- ------ ------
The following additional earnings per share figures are
presented as the directors believe they provide a better
understanding of
the trading position of the group:
2016 2015
GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------------------------------ -------- --------
Earnings from continuing operations
Profit (loss) for the year attributable to equity holders 294 (601)
Amortisation of intangible assets arising on acquisitions 2,827 1,413
Unwinding of discount on deferred consideration liabilities 42 22
Acquisition-related costs (credit) 1,080 (183)
Exceptional costs - 3,101
Tax effect of above items (848) (975)
------------------------------------------------------------ -------- --------
Adjusted earnings 3,395 2,777
------------------------------------------------------------ -------- --------
2016 2015
pence pence
---------------------------------------------- ------ ------
Adjusted basic and diluted earnings per share 3.2 2.9
---------------------------------------------- ------ ------
8. Dividends
2016 2015
GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Amounts recognised as distributions to equity holders in the
year
Interim dividend for the year ended 30 April 2015 of 0.6p
(2014: 0.6p) per share 628 549
Final dividend for the year ended 30 April 2015 of 1.6p (2014:
1.6p) per share 1,674 1,463
--------------------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
2,302 2,012
--------------------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Amounts proposed as distributions to equity holders
Interim dividend for the year ended 30 April 2016 of 0.6p
(2015: 0.6p) per share 637 628
Final dividend for the year ended 30 April 2016 of 0.6p (2015:
1.6p) per share 1,698 1,674
--------------------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
2,335 2,302
--------------------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
9. Reconciliation to the cash flow statement
2016 2015
GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Profit (loss) for the year 294 (1,580)
Adjustments for:
Tax 264 (338)
Finance costs 1,023 1,055
Amortisation of intangible assets 3,000 1,584
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 848 861
Non-cash exceptional costs - 1,494
Deemed remuneration 1,058 430
Gain on acquisition (265) (1,135)
Loss on disposal of property, plant & equipment 192 25
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations - 570
Share-based payment expense 62 61
--------------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Operating cash flows before movements in working capital 6,476 3,027
Decrease in receivables 1,223 4,682
Increase (decrease) in payables 1,449 (1,846)
(Decrease) increase in provisions (1,239) 148
--------------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Cash generated by operations 7,909 6,011
--------------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
FR GGUBUMUPQGMG
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
July 12, 2016 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)