TIDMAVS

RNS Number : 6627A

Avesco Group PLC

09 June 2016

9 June 2016

AVESCO GROUP plc

RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHSED 31 MARCH 2016

Avesco Group plc (AIM: AVS), a leading international provider of services to the corporate presentation, entertainment and broadcast markets, announces its results for the six months ended 31 March 2016.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS TO 31 MARCH 2016

   --    Revenues increased to GBP73.0m (six months ended 31 March 2015: GBP66.0m) 
   --    Operating profit increased to GBP15.3m (six months ended 31 March 2015: GBP5.5m) 

-- Completion of the previously announced sale of the land and buildings at Fountain Studios, generating a profit before tax of GBP9.8m (GBP7.7m after tax)

   --    Trading profit of GBP4.6m (six months ended 31 March 2015: GBP5.5m)* 
   --    Trading EBITDA of GBP13.4m (six months ended 31 March 2015: GBP14.6m)* 
   --    Profit before tax of GBP14.6m (six months ended 31 March 2015: GBP4.6m) 

-- Basic earnings per share from continuing operations of 53.8p (six months ended 31 March 2015: 13.3p)

-- Adjusted continuing basic earnings per share of 13.3p (six months ended 31 March 2015: 13.3p) *

   --    Interim dividend increased by a quarter to 2.5p (six months ended 31 March 2015: 2.0p) 
   --    Net assets per share of 230p (31 March 2015: 180p) 

* As described in note 3, the Group uses certain non-GAAP alternative measures to assess underlying operating performance.

Richard Murray, Chairman, commented:

"The Avesco Group has again delivered a strong first half performance, with interim operating profits for the six month period to 31 March 2016 (which include the profit on the sale of the land and buildings at Fountain Studios) once more at record levels and net debt reduced to just GBP3.2m.

Trading in the six months to 31 March 2016 has not been without its challenges, but our core CT business continues to perform strongly. With net debt now at historically low levels and the Rio 2016 Olympic Games to come over the summer, the outlook for the Group remains very positive."

For further information please contact:

 
 
   Avesco Group plc 
 Richard Murray, Chairman            01293 583 400 
 John Christmas, Group Finance 
  Director 
 
 
 finnCap 
  Julian Blunt/Scott Mathieson, 
  Corporate Finance 
  Malar Velaigam, Corporate 
  Broking                            020 7220 0500 
 
 

Chairman's Statement

The Avesco Group has again delivered a strong first half performance, with interim operating profits for the six month period to 31 March 2016 (which include the profit on the sale of the land and buildings at Fountain Studios) once more at record levels and net debt reduced to just GBP3.2m. Whilst the Board's view of the outlook for the full year remains positive, when the Fountain Studios sale is excluded, the underlying trading results for the first six months of the year are, as expected, down slightly on the corresponding period last year, due in part to the timing of certain events. The Creative Technology ("CT") division was once again the star performer, whilst trading at mclcreate has been disappointing.

Results

Revenue in the six months ended 31 March 2016 increased to GBP73.0m (six months ended 31 March 2015: GBP66.0m). However, a combination of reduced gross margins (caused by strong pricing pressures, particularly around LED products) and increased overheads (mainly in CTUS, which had until now been able to delay the increase in staff numbers required by its revenue growth) has seen trading profit for the six months ended 31 March 2016 reduce to GBP4.6m (six months ended 31 March 2015: GBP5.5m). Trading profits exclude the profit on the sale of the land and buildings at Fountain Studios (GBP9.8m), restructuring credits in Germany and from the sub-letting of a previously provided onerous lease in mclcreate, coupled with other non-recurring costs (together amounting to a GBP0.9m credit to the income statement). There were no such exceptional items in the corresponding period last year.

Operating profit for the six months ended 31 March 2016 was therefore GBP15.3m (six months ended 31 March 2015: GBP5.5m), and the basic earnings per share from continuing operations increased to 53.8p (six months ended 31 March 2015: 13.3p), although this increase benefits significantly from the disposal and expected closure of Fountain Studios. Excluding the results of this transaction, adjusted continuing basic earnings per share was 13.3p.

A combination of underlying revenue growth and the timing of events coupled with some favourable foreign exchange movements on the US Dollar meant that our main trading division, CT, saw revenues grow by 20% to GBP61.9m (six months ended 31 March 2015: GBP51.6m). Trading profit grew by GBP0.4m to GBP5.9m (six months ended 31 March 2015: GBP5.5m) with CTUS again providing the bulk of CT's profits, although CT London contributed significantly improved results and CT Asia Pacific was able to continue its progress as it works towards achieving profitability in the region. Our CT business in Qatar suffered however, with the effects of the current low oil price seeing a marked reduction in the number and size of events in the region although in contrast the Dubai office produced a much stronger performance. Despite pricing pressures, an increase in the worldwide demand for the use of LED products in shows and events has resulted in us looking to invest more in equipment than we had planned at the beginning of the year, thus enabling us to reduce sub hires and improve margins where we can.

Our Full Service business, mclcreate, had a particularly poor six months, with revenue down 25% to GBP5.9m (six months ended 31 March 2015: GBP7.9m) incurring a trading loss of GBP0.3m (six months ended 31 March 2015: GBP0.6m trading profit). Cancelled events, a poor conversion rate and office relocations all played a part in the disappointing performance but we expect trading to improve in the second half of the year.

In our Broadcast Services division, revenue dipped to GBP5.4m (six months ended 31 March 2015: GBP6.8m) resulting in a trading loss of GBP0.9m (six months ended 31 March 2015: GBP0.4m loss). Fountain Studios was adversely affected by the televising of the 2015 Rugby World Cup in October, reducing the number of X Factor shows broadcast live from the studios. As for Presteigne Broadcast Hire, the steps we have taken to bolster the sales team have yet to bear fruit. Moreover, whilst we have made significant progress over the last two years in reducing the odd year / even year profit swing in the Group, Presteigne retains some such sensitivity. With the Rio 2016 Olympic Games this summer, we are expecting an improved performance from Presteigne over the year as a whole.

Last year the Group had an effective tax rate of 45% as high taxable profits earned in the US (which are taxed at around 40%) cannot be offset against taxable losses elsewhere in the world. For the six months ended 31 March 2016 however, with the substantial gain on the sale of the land and buildings at Fountain subject to tax in the UK (with its 20% corporation tax charge), the overall effective tax rate has been reduced to 30%.

The GBP16m cash that the Group received on the sale of the land and buildings at Fountain has helped our net debt balance reduce from last year end's GBP17.5m to a very modest GBP3.2m. With tangible fixed assets of GBP52.5m (31 March 2015: GBP58.7m) and net assets of GBP44.0m (31 March 2015: GBP34.3m) or GBP2.30 per share (31 March 2015: GBP1.80 per share) the Group maintains a strong balance sheet.

As a sign of the Board's confidence in the outcome for the current year, we are again increasing the interim dividend, this time to 2.5p per share (2015: 2.0p per share). This payment will be made on 3 October 2016 to shareholders on the register on 2 September 2016 and the shares will be quoted ex dividend from 1 September 2016.

Fountain

We completed our sale of the land and buildings at Fountain Studios on 5 February 2016 for GBP16m, producing a profit before tax of GBP9.8m (GBP7.7m after tax) in the six months ended 31 March 2016. In the second half of the year ended 30 September 2015 we impaired the fixtures and fittings in the studios by GBP1.3m, and we plan to sell these in advance of the expected site closure in early 2017.

Outlook

Trading in the six months to 31 March 2016 has not been without its challenges, but our core CT business continues to perform strongly thanks in part to the quality and reputation of our exceptional staff. With net debt now at historically low levels and the Rio 2016 Olympic Games to come over the summer, the outlook for the Group remains very positive.

Richard Murray

June 2016

Unaudited condensed consolidated income statement

For the six months ended 31 March 2016

 
                                                                        Year 
                                                  Six months           ended 
                                              ended 31 March    30 September 
                                             2016       2015            2015 
                                          GBP000s    GBP000s         GBP000s 
------------------------------------  -----------  ---------  -------------- 
 
 Continuing operations 
 Revenue                                   72,967     65,974         133,674 
 Cost of sales                           (46,062)   (40,060)        (83,035) 
------------------------------------  -----------  ---------  -------------- 
 Gross profit                              26,905     25,914          50,639 
 
 Operating expenses and 
  income                                 (11,639)   (20,407)        (45,754) 
 Share of associate's profit/(loss)             -       (28)            (27) 
------------------------------------  -----------  ---------  -------------- 
 
 Trading profit                             4,586      5,479           7,357 
 Exceptional items                         10,680          -         (2,499) 
------------------------------------  -----------  ---------  -------------- 
 
 Operating profit                          15,266      5,479           4,858 
 
 Finance income                                 2          3               6 
 Finance costs                              (694)      (863)         (1,656) 
------------------------------------  -----------  ---------  -------------- 
 Profit before income tax                  14,574      4,619           3,208 
 
 Income tax expense                       (4,306)    (2,098)           (854) 
------------------------------------  -----------  ---------  -------------- 
 Profit from continuing 
  operations                               10,268      2,521           2,354 
 Profit on discontinued 
  operation, net of tax                         -          -           1,072 
 Profit for the financial 
  period                                   10,268      2,521           3,426 
------------------------------------  -----------  ---------  -------------- 
 
 Attributable to: 
 Owners of the Company                     10,289      2,542           3,032 
 Non-controlling interests                   (21)       (21)             394 
------------------------------------  -----------  ---------  -------------- 
                                           10,268      2,521           3,426 
------------------------------------  -----------  ---------  -------------- 
 
                                                       Pence 
                                            Pence        per           Pence 
                                        per share      share       per share 
 Earnings per share for 
  profit attributable to 
  the equity holders of 
  the company 
 - basic                                    53.8p      13.3p           18.0p 
 - diluted                                  53.8p      13.1p           17.9p 
 
 Earnings per share for 
  profit attributable to 
  the equity holders of 
  the company from continuing 
  operations 
 - basic                                    53.8p      13.3p           12.4p 
 - diluted                                  53.8p      13.1p           12.3p 
 

Unaudited alternative performance measures (non-GAAP)

For the six months ended 31 March 2016

 
                                                                                             Year 
                                                                  Six months                ended 
                                                              ended 31 March         30 September 
                                              2016                      2015                 2015 
                                           GBP000s                   GBP000s              GBP000s 
------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------- 
 
 
 Operating profit                           15,266                     5,479                4,858 
 Adjusted to exclude: 
 Restructuring costs 
  and compensation 
  for loss of office                         (953)                         -                1,088 
 Disposal and expected 
  closure of Fountain 
  Studios                                  (9,787)                         -                1,299 
 Other non-recurring 
  costs                                         60                         -                  112 
------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------- 
 Exceptional items                        (10,680)                         -                2,499 
 
 Trading profit                              4,586                     5,479                7,357 
 
 Net finance costs                           (692)                     (860)              (1,650) 
 Trading profit after 
  net finance costs                          3,894                     4,619                5,707 
------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------- 
 
 Adjusted profit from 
  continuing operations                      2,528                     2,521                3,393 
 
 Trading EBITDA                             13,390                    14,611               26,955 
------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------- 
 

Refer to note 3 for a full description of the alternative performance measures adopted by the Group.

Unaudited condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income

For the six months ended 31 March 2016

 
                                                           Year 
                                     Six months           ended 
                                 ended 31 March    30 September 
                                 2016      2015            2015 
                              GBP000s   GBP000s         GBP000s 
---------------------------  --------  --------  -------------- 
 
 Profit for the period         10,268     2,521           3,426 
 
 Other comprehensive 
  income 
 Currency translation 
  differences                     670       965             511 
---------------------------  --------  --------  -------------- 
 Total comprehensive 
  income for the period        10,938     3,486           3,937 
---------------------------  --------  --------  -------------- 
 
 Attributable to: 
 Owners of the Company         10,959     3,507           3,543 
 Non-controlling interests       (21)      (21)             394 
---------------------------  --------  --------  -------------- 
                               10,938     3,486           3,937 
---------------------------  --------  --------  -------------- 
 

All items in other comprehensive income will be recycled subsequently to the income statement.

Unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet

As at 31 March 2016

 
                                    31 March                 31 March               30 September 
                                        2016                     2015                       2015 
                                     GBP000s                  GBP000s                    GBP000s 
--------------------------------   ---------  -----------------------  ------------------------- 
 Assets 
 Non-current assets 
 Property, plant and 
  equipment                           52,470                   58,748                     54,266 
 Intangible assets                       229                      121                        209 
 Deferred income tax 
  assets                               3,758                    3,793                      4,585 
 Trade and other receivables             138                      147                        141 
---------------------------------  ---------  -----------------------  ------------------------- 
                                      56,595                   62,809                     59,201 
 Current assets 
 Inventories                           1,008                      757                        649 
 Trade and other receivables          31,263                   30,210                     25,860 
 Current income tax assets                 -                        -                      1,483 
 Cash and cash equivalents            22,966                   10,398                     12,749 
                                      55,237                   41,365                     40,741 
 --------------------------------  ---------  -----------------------  ------------------------- 
 Total assets                        111,832                  104,174                     99,942 
---------------------------------  ---------  -----------------------  ------------------------- 
 Liabilities 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Borrowings and loans                 16,836                   26,507                     21,866 
 Deferred income tax 
  liabilities                          4,593                    4,933                      5,330 
 Provisions                              763                    1,770                      2,735 
---------------------------------  ---------  -----------------------  ------------------------- 
                                      22,192                   33,210                     29,931 
 Current liabilities 
 Trade and other payables             29,810                   25,079                     25,138 
 Current income tax liabilities        3,565                    1,870                        876 
 Borrowings and loans                  9,367                    8,948                      8,345 
 Provisions                            2,946                      768                      1,233 
--------------------------------- 
                                      45,688                   36,665                     35,592 
 --------------------------------  ---------  -----------------------  ------------------------- 
 Total liabilities                    67,880                   69,875                     65,523 
---------------------------------  ---------  -----------------------  ------------------------- 
 Total assets less total 
  liabilities                         43,952                   34,299                     34,419 
---------------------------------  ---------  -----------------------  ------------------------- 
 
 Equity 
 Capital and reserves 
  attributable to equity 
  holders of the company 
 Ordinary shares                       2,095                    2,095                      2,095 
 Share premium                        11,194                   11,194                     11,194 
 Capital redemption                   12,646                   12,646                     12,646 
 Translation reserves                  1,413                    1,197                        743 
 Retained earnings                    16,587                    7,141                      7,633 
---------------------------------  ---------  -----------------------  ------------------------- 
 Equity attributable 
  to owners of the Company            43,935                   34,273                     34,311 
 Non-controlling interests                17                       26                        108 
---------------------------------  ---------  -----------------------  ------------------------- 
 Total equity                         43,952                   34,299                     34,419 
---------------------------------  ---------  -----------------------  ------------------------- 
 

Unaudited condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity

For the six months ended 31 March 2016

 
                               Share            Share           Capital 
                             capital          premium        redemption             Other          Retained                     Non-controlling             Total 
                             account          account           reserve          reserves          earnings             Total          interest            equity 
                             GBP000s          GBP000s           GBP000s           GBP000s           GBP000s           GBP000s           GBP000s           GBP000s 
------------------   ---------------  ---------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ---------------- 
 
 Balance at 1 
  October 2015                 2,095           11,194            12,646               743             7,633            34,311               108            34,419 
 Profit/(loss) 
  for the period                   -                -                 -                 -            10,289            10,289              (21)            10,268 
 Other 
  comprehensive 
  income net of 
  tax                              -                -                 -               670                 -               670                 -               670 
-------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ---------------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income/(expense)                 -                -                 -               670            10,289            10,959              (21)            10,938 
 
 Transactions 
 with owners 
 in their capacity 
 as owners: 
 External dividends 
  paid                             -                -                 -                 -           (1,335)           (1,335)              (70)           (1,405) 
-------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ---------------- 
 Balance at 31 
  March 2016                   2,095           11,194            12,646             1,413            16,587            43,935                17            43,952 
-------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ---------------- 
 
                               Share            Share           Capital 
                             capital          premium        redemption             Other          Retained                     Non-controlling             Total 
                             account          account           reserve          reserves          earnings             Total          interest            equity 
                             GBP000s          GBP000s           GBP000s           GBP000s           GBP000s           GBP000s           GBP000s           GBP000s 
------------------   ---------------  ---------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ---------------- 
 
 Balance at 1 
  October 2014                 2,095           11,194            12,646               232             5,976            32,143                 -            32,143 
 Profit/(loss) 
  for the period                   -                -                 -                 -             2,542             2,542              (21)             2,521 
 Other 
  comprehensive 
  income net of 
  tax                              -                -                 -               965                 -               965                 -               965 
-------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ---------------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income/(expense)                 -                -                 -               965             2,542             3,507              (21)             3,486 
 
 Transactions 
 with owners 
 in their capacity 
 as owners: 
 Non-controlling 
  interest acquired                -                -                 -                 -                 -                 -                47                47 
 External dividends 
  paid                             -                -                 -                 -           (1,141)           (1,141)                 -           (1,141) 
 LTIP and share 
  options                          -                -                 -                 -             (236)             (236)                 -             (236) 
-------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ---------------- 
 Balance at 31 
  March 2015                   2,095           11,194            12,646             1,197             7,141            34,273                26            34,299 
-------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ---------------- 
 
                               Share            Share           Capital 
                             capital          premium        redemption             Other          Retained                     Non-controlling             Total 
                             account          account           reserve          reserves          earnings             Total          interest            equity 
                             GBP000s          GBP000s           GBP000s           GBP000s           GBP000s           GBP000s           GBP000s           GBP000s 
------------------   ---------------  ---------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ---------------- 
 
 Balance at 1 
  October 2014                 2,095           11,194            12,646               232             5,976            32,143                 -            32,143 
 Profit for the 
  period                           -                -                 -                 -             3,032             3,032               394             3,426 
 Other 
  comprehensive 
  income net of 
  tax                              -                -                 -               511                 -               511                 -               511 
-------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ---------------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income                           -                -                 -               511             3,032             3,543               394             3,937 
 
 Transactions 
 with owners 
 in their capacity 
 as owners: 
 Non-controlling 
  interest acquired                -                -                 -                 -                 -                 -                47                47 
 External dividends 
  paid                             -                -                 -                 -           (1,141)           (1,141)             (333)           (1,474) 
 LTIP and share 
  options                          -                -                 -                 -             (234)             (234)                 -             (234) 
                                                                                                                               ---------------- 
 Balance at 30 
  September 2015               2,095           11,194            12,646               743             7,633            34,311               108            34,419 
-------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ---------------- 
 

Unaudited condensed consolidated cash flow statement

For the six months ended 31 March 2016

 
                                                                                                    Year 
                                                                       Six months                  ended 
                                                                   ended 31 March           30 September 
                                                      2016                   2015                   2015 
                                                   GBP000s                GBP000s                GBP000s 
-----------------------------------  ---------------------  ---------------------  --------------------- 
 
 Cash flows from operating 
  activities 
 Cash generated from 
  operations                                        11,382                  9,286                 26,292 
 Income tax paid                                     (136)                (1,488)                (2,942) 
 Net cash generated 
  from operating activities                         11,246                  7,798                 23,350 
-----------------------------------  ---------------------  ---------------------  --------------------- 
 
 Cash flows from investing 
  activities 
 Purchases of property, 
  plant and equipment                             (11,849)               (12,439)               (19,237) 
 Proceeds from sale 
  of property, plant 
  and equipment                                     16,705                  2,296                  3,262 
 Interest received                                       2                      2                      6 
 Acquisition of subsidiary                               -                    634                    634 
 Net cash generated 
  from/(used in) investing 
  activities                                         4,858                (9,507)               (15,335) 
-----------------------------------  ---------------------  ---------------------  --------------------- 
 
 Cash flows from financing 
  activities 
 Interest paid                                       (688)                  (838)                (1,640) 
 Proceeds from borrowings                            8,503                 15,381                 23,672 
 Repayments of borrowings                         (14,141)               (11,807)               (25,031) 
 Dividends paid to Company's 
  shareholders                                       (382)                  (283)                (1,141) 
 Dividends paid to non-controlling 
  interest                                            (70)                      -                  (333) 
                                     ---------------------  --------------------- 
 Net cash (used in)/generated 
  from financing activities                        (6,778)                  2,453                (4,473) 
-----------------------------------  ---------------------  ---------------------  --------------------- 
 
 Net increase in cash, 
  cash equivalents and 
  bank overdrafts                                    9,326                    744                  3,542 
 Cash, cash equivalents 
  and bank overdrafts 
  at beginning of period                            12,737                  8,968                  8,968 
 Exchange gains on cash 
  and bank overdrafts                                  629                    686                    227 
 Cash, cash equivalents 
  and bank overdrafts 
  at end of period                                  22,692                 10,398                 12,737 
 
 Bank overdrafts at 
  end of period                                        274                      -                     12 
 Cash, cash equivalents 
  at end of period                                  22,966                 10,398                 12,749 
-----------------------------------  ---------------------  ---------------------  --------------------- 
 

Notes to the interim report and accounts

   1.   General information 

Avesco Group plc ('the Company') and its subsidiaries (together 'the Group') is an international media services business. The Group has subsidiaries around the world and sells in the UK, USA, Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East.

The Company is a public limited company which is admitted to trading on the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange and is incorporated and domiciled in the UK. The address of its registered office is Unit E2, Sussex Manor Business Park, Gatwick Road, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 9NH.

The registered number of the Company is 01788363.

   2.   Status of interim report and accounts 

The interim report and accounts are unaudited but have been reviewed by the auditors, Ernst & Young LLP, and their independent review report is appended to this document. The interim report and accounts, which were approved by the Board of Directors on 9 June 2016, are not full accounts within the meaning of section 435 of the Companies Act 2006.

The figures for the year ended 30 September 2015 have been extracted from the audited annual report and accounts that have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The auditors, Ernst & Young LLP, reported on those accounts under section 495 of the Companies Act 2006. Their report was unqualified and did not contain a statement under section 498 of that Act.

   3.   Basis of preparation 

The interim report and accounts have been prepared using the accounting policies to be applied in the annual report and accounts for the year ending 30 September 2016. These are consistent with those included in the previously published annual report and accounts for the year ended 30 September 2015, which have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the European Union.

The directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue operating for the foreseeable future, and for this reason they have adopted the going concern basis of preparation in the consolidated interim financial statements.

Alternative performance measures

The Group uses alternative non-Generally Accepted Accounting Practice ("non-GAAP") financial measures which are not defined within IFRS. The Directors use these measures in order to assess the underlying operational performance of the Group and as such, these measures are important and should be considered alongside the IFRS measures. The following non-GAAP measures are referred to in these interim report and accounts.

   a)    Trading profit/loss 

'Trading profit/loss' is separately disclosed, being defined as operating profit adjusted to exclude restructuring costs and compensation for loss of office, profits and losses from the disposal and expected closure of Fountain Studios, and other non-recurring costs. Other non-recurring costs relate to items which management believe do not accurately reflect the underlying trading performance of the business in the period. Examples of other non-recurring costs are one off costs and charges incurred which management believe do not accurately reflect the trading performance of the business. The Directors believe that trading profit/loss is an important measure of the underlying performance of the Group.

   b)    Adjusted profit from continuing operations 

'Adjusted profit from continuing operations' is separately disclosed, being defined as profit from continuing operations adjusted to exclude profits and losses from the disposal and expected closure of Fountain Studios, net of tax. The Directors believe that adjusted profit from continuing operations is an important measure of the underlying performance of the Group.

   c)     Adjusted continuing basic earnings per share 

'Adjusted continuing basic earnings per share' is calculated by dividing the adjusted profit from continuing operations for the period by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period. The Directors believe that Adjusted continuing basic earnings per share provides an important measure of the underlying performance of the Group.

   d)    Trading EBITDA 

Trading earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation ('EBITDA') is separately disclosed, being defined as trading profit/loss adjusted to exclude depreciation and amortisation of software. Trading EBITDA includes profits on disposal of property, plant and equipment. The Directors believe that trading EBITDA is an important measure of the underlying performance of the Group.

   4.   Segmental information 
 
                                                       Year 
                                 Six months           ended 
                             ended 31 March    30 September 
                             2016      2015            2015 
                          GBP000s   GBP000s         GBP000s 
-----------------------  --------  --------  -------------- 
 
 Revenue 
 Creative Technology       61,918    51,624         107,374 
 Full Service               5,947     7,889          14,060 
 Broadcast                  5,411     6,756          12,989 
 Inter Segment revenue      (309)     (295)           (749) 
-----------------------            --------  -------------- 
 Group revenue             72,967    65,974         133,674 
-----------------------  --------  --------  -------------- 
 
 Operating profit 
 Creative Technology        5,888     5,478           9,132 
 Full Service               (282)       558             265 
 Broadcast                  (867)     (431)         (1,923) 
 Head Office                (153)     (126)           (117) 
-----------------------            --------  -------------- 
 Trading profit             4,586     5,479           7,357 
 
 Restructuring costs 
  and compensation for 
  loss of office              953         -         (1,088) 
 Disposal of Fountain 
  Studios                   9,787         -         (1,299) 
 Other non-recurring 
  costs                      (60)         -           (112) 
 Operating profit          15,266     5,479           4,858 
-----------------------  --------  --------  -------------- 
 
   5.   Trading earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation ('EBITDA') 
 
                                                          Year 
                                    Six months           ended 
                                ended 31 March    30 September 
                                2016      2015            2015 
                             GBP000s   GBP000s         GBP000s 
--------------------------  --------  --------  -------------- 
 
 Trading profit                4,586     5,479           7,357 
 Depreciation                  8,745     9,093          18,357 
 Impairment                        -         -           1,158 
 Amortisation of software         59        39              83 
 Trading EBITDA               13,390    14,611          26,955 
--------------------------  --------  --------  -------------- 
 

Trading EBITDA is defined in note 3.

   6.   Taxation 
 
                                                        Year 
                                  Six months           ended 
                              ended 31 March    30 September 
                              2016      2015            2015 
                           GBP000s   GBP000s         GBP000s 
------------------------  --------  --------  -------------- 
 
 Current tax: 
 Current tax charge 
  on profits for the 
  year                       4,332     2,653           3,461 
 Adjustments in respect 
  of prior periods               -         -         (1,749) 
------------------------  --------  --------  -------------- 
 Total current tax           4,332     2,653           1,712 
 
 Deferred tax credit          (26)     (555)           (858) 
------------------------  --------  --------  -------------- 
 Income tax expense          4,306     2,098             854 
------------------------  --------  --------  -------------- 
 
   7.   Earnings per share 
 
                                                                                               Year 
                                                                   Six months                 ended 
                                                               ended 31 March          30 September 
                                                 2016                    2015                  2015 
                                              GBP000s                 GBP000s               GBP000s 
-----------------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  -------------------- 
 
 Profit for the financial 
  period                                       10,268                   2,521                 3,426 
 Profit on discontinued 
  operations, net of 
  tax                                               -                       -               (1,072) 
-----------------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  -------------------- 
 Profit from continuing 
  operations                                   10,268                   2,521                 2,354 
 Disposal and expected 
  closure of Fountain 
  Studios, net of tax                         (7,740)                       -                 1,039 
-----------------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  -------------------- 
 Adjusted profit from 
  continuing operations                         2,528                   2,521                 3,393 
-----------------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  -------------------- 
 
 Weighted average number 
  of shares (net of treasury 
  shares) 
 For basic earnings 
  per share (000's)                            19,077                  18,930                19,004 
 Effect of dilutive 
  share options (000's)                             -                     298                   148 
 For diluted earnings 
  per share (000's)                            19,077                  19,228                19,152 
-----------------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  -------------------- 
 
 Earnings per share 
 Basic                                          53.8p                   13.3p                 18.0p 
 Diluted                                        53.8p                   13.1p                 17.9p 
-----------------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  -------------------- 
 
 Continuing basic                               53.8p                   13.3p                 12.4p 
 Continuing diluted                             53.8p                   13.1p                 12.3p 
-----------------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  -------------------- 
 
 Adjusted continuing 
  basic                                         13.3p                   13.3p                 17.9p 
 Adjusted continuing 
  diluted                                       13.3p                   13.1p                 17.7p 
-----------------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  -------------------- 
 
 Discontinued operations 
  basic                                          0.0p                    0.0p                  5.6p 
 Discontinued operations 
  diluted                                        0.0p                    0.0p                  5.6p 
-----------------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  -------------------- 
 

Basic earnings per share have been calculated by dividing profit/loss for the period by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period.

Diluted earnings per share have been calculated by dividing profit/loss for the period by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period, adjusted for any awards under the Company's historic Long Term Incentive Plan ("LTIP") where pre-specified performance conditions have been satisfied and any required conversion of dilutive potential options.

Adjusted profit from continuing operations and adjusted continuing basic earnings per share are alternative performance measure adopted by the Group (refer to note 3).

   8.   Analysis of net debt 
 
                                                       Other                             At 
                              At                         non          Currency           31 
                       1 October      Cash              cash       translation        March 
                            2015      flow           changes       differences         2016 
                         GBP000s   GBP000s           GBP000s           GBP000s      GBP000s 
-----------------    -----------  --------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------- 
 
 Cash at bank 
  and in hand             12,749     9,588                 -               629       22,966 
 Bank overdrafts            (12)     (262)                 -                 -        (274) 
-------------------  -----------  --------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------- 
 Net cash                 12,737     9,326                 -               629       22,692 
 
 Bank loans 
  due in more 
  than one year         (14,854)     5,915                 -             (619)      (9,558) 
 Hire purchase 
  obligations 
  due in less 
  than one year          (8,333)     3,417           (3,761)             (416)      (9,093) 
 Hire purchase 
  obligations 
  due in more 
  than one year          (7,012)   (3,694)             3,761             (333)      (7,278) 
 Net debt               (17,462)    14,964                 -             (739)      (3,237) 
-------------------  -----------  --------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------- 
 
 
                                                       Other                             At 
                              At                         non          Currency           31 
                       1 October      Cash              cash       translation        March 
                            2014      flow           changes       differences         2015 
                         GBP000s   GBP000s           GBP000s           GBP000s      GBP000s 
-----------------    -----------  --------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------- 
 
 Cash at bank 
  and in hand              9,065       636                 -               697       10,398 
 Bank overdrafts            (97)       108                 -              (11)            - 
-------------------  -----------  --------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------- 
 Net cash                  8,968       744                 -               686       10,398 
 
 Bank loans 
  due in more 
  than one year         (16,848)     1,000                 -             (634)     (16,482) 
 Hire purchase 
  obligations 
  due in less 
  than one year          (7,805)     2,241           (2,988)             (396)      (8,948) 
 Hire purchase 
  obligations 
  due in more 
  than one year          (5,754)   (6,815)             2,988             (444)     (10,025) 
 Net debt               (21,439)   (2,830)                 -             (788)     (25,057) 
-------------------  -----------  --------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------- 
 
 
                                                       Other                             At 
                              At                         non          Currency           30 
                       1 October      Cash              cash       translation    September 
                            2014      flow           changes       differences         2015 
                         GBP000s   GBP000s           GBP000s           GBP000s      GBP000s 
-----------------    -----------  --------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------- 
 
 Cash at bank 
  and in hand              9,065     3,447                 -               237       12,749 
 Bank overdrafts            (97)        95                 -              (10)         (12) 
-------------------  -----------  --------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------- 
 Net cash                  8,968     3,542                 -               227       12,737 
 
 Bank loans 
  due in more 
  than one year         (16,848)     2,500                 -             (506)     (14,854) 
 Hire purchase 
  obligations 
  due in less 
  than one year          (7,805)     6,649           (6,827)             (350)      (8,333) 
 Hire purchase 
  obligations 
  due in more 
  than one year          (5,754)   (7,790)             6,827             (295)      (7,012) 
                                                                                ----------- 
 Net debt               (21,439)     4,901                 -             (924)     (17,462) 
-------------------  -----------  --------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------- 
 
   9.   Interim and final dividends 

A final dividend for the year ended 30 September 2015 of 5.0p per ordinary share amounting to a total of GBP953,000 was approved and was paid on 6 April 2016 to shareholders on the register on 11 March 2016.

An interim dividend for the year ended 30 September 2015 of 2.0p per ordinary share amounting to a total of GBP382,000 was approved and was paid on 1 October 2015 to shareholders on the Register on 4 September 2015.

An interim dividend of 2.5p per ordinary share will be paid on 3 October 2016 to shareholders on the Register at 6.00pm on 2 September 2016. The shares will be quoted ex dividend from 1 September 2016.

10. Disposal and expected closure of Fountain Studios

On 5 February 2016 Fountain Television Limited ("Fountain"), a subsidiary of the Group, sold the freehold land and buildings at its television studios in Wembley to Fulton Road Limited, for a cash consideration of GBP16m . At the same time, Fountain entered into a lease back of the premises from the buyer at a nominal rent for a term of five years. The lease was capable of termination by either party on not less than six months' notice, expiring no earlier than 28 February 2017 (that date having been extended by agreement with the buyer from 31 December 2016). The lease has now been terminated by the landlord by notice to expire on 28 February 2017.

The expiry of the lease of the premises is likely to lead to the closure of the Fountain Studios business in Wembley and Fountain has therefore commenced a consultation process with its staff. During the year ended September 2015, Fountain reported revenues of GBP5.6m and a loss before tax (and before impairment) of GBP0.4m. At the end of its lease of the premises, the plant and equipment owned by Fountain will be moved or sold and, in anticipation of these eventual disposals, an impairment charge of GBP1.3m was recognised in exceptional items for the year ended 30 September 2015.

Once the net book value of the land and buildings (GBP5.2m) and tax and other additional costs (total of GBP3.1m) are taken into account, a profit of GBP7.7m in relation to the Fountain transaction has been recognised in the six months to 31 March 2016.

11. Distribution of interim report and accounts

Copies of this interim report and accounts are available from the Company's web site (www.avesco.com) or from the Company's registered office: Avesco Group plc, Unit E2, Sussex Manor Business Park, Gatwick Road, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 9NH. Telephone: +44 (0) 1293 583 400. Fax: +44 (0) 1293 583 410. E-mail: mail@avesco.com.

INDEPENDENT REVIEW REPORT TO AVESCO GROUP PLC

Introduction

We have been engaged by the Company to review the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 31 March 2016, which comprises the consolidated income statement, consolidated statement of comprehensive income, consolidated balance sheet, consolidated statement of changes in equity and consolidated cash flow statement and the related explanatory notes that have been reviewed. We have read the other information contained in the half-yearly financial report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the condensed set of financial statements.

This report is made solely to the Company in accordance with guidance contained in International Standard on Review Engagements 2410 (UK and Ireland) "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Auditing Practices Board. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company, for our work, for this report, or for the conclusions we have formed.

Directors' Responsibilities

The half-yearly financial report is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the Directors. The Directors are responsible for preparing the half-yearly financial report in accordance with the AIM Rules issued by the London Stock Exchange which require that it is presented and prepared in a form consistent with that which will be adopted in the Company's annual accounts having regard to the accounting standards applicable to such annual accounts.

As disclosed in note 3, the annual financial statements of the Group are prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union. The condensed set of financial statements included in this half-yearly financial report has been prepared in accordance with the AIM Rules issued by the London Stock Exchange.

Our Responsibility

Our responsibility is to express to the Company a conclusion on the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report based on our review.

Scope of Review

We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410, "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the United Kingdom. A review of interim financial information consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

Conclusion

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 31 March 2016 is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with the accounting policies outlined in Note 3, which comply with IFRS's as adopted by the European Union and in accordance with the AIM Rules issued by the London Stock Exchange.

Ernst & Young LLP

Reading

9 June 2016

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

IR AKFDBABKDQAK

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

June 09, 2016 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)

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