TIDMWPS

RNS Number : 6343L

Eurowag

07 September 2023

7 September 2023

W.A.G payment solutions plc ("Eurowag" or the "Group")

Interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2023

Robust growth despite macro pressures, large-scale digital transformation continues

W.A.G payment solutions plc ("Eurowag" or the "Group"), today announces its interim results for the six-month period ended 30 June 2023.

H1 financial highlights

   --    Net revenue(1) up 36.9% year-on-year to EUR119.1m, with organic growth(2) of 14.4%. 

- Payment solutions revenue(1) grew by 14.1% year-on-year to EUR72.4m, with organic growth(2) of 12.5%. Economic headwinds have impacted the Commercial Road Transport ("CRT") industry, with fewer kilometres driven.

- Mobility solutions revenue(1) grew 98.6% year-on-year to EUR46.7m, with organic growth(2) of 19.9%; reflecting strong sales across all our mobility products.

-- Adjusted EBITDA(1) up 43.5% year-on-year to EUR50.2m, with margin(1) of 42.2%, reflecting the impact of acquisitions. Organic adjusted EBITDA(1) up 21.6% to EUR42.6m, with margins at 43.3% (H1 2022: 40.7%); Excluding the benefit from the foreign exchange gain as a result of our prudent currency risk management(3) , organic adjusted EBITDA was EUR36.6m.

-- Transformational capex of EUR11.7m and ordinary capex of EUR12.9m, with our transformational programme on track to finish at the end of the year, in-line with guidance.

-- On a statutory basis, profit before tax was EUR8.5m, a decrease of 36.7% year-on-year; due to higher depreciation from our transformational capital expenditure programme, the inclusion of our new acquisitions, and higher interest costs following the acquisition of Grupa Inelo S.A. ("Inelo").

-- Net debt position of EUR300.9m (H1 2022: cash position of EUR28.7m); leverage increased as expected to 2.9x net debt to adjusted EBITDA(4) .

Martin Vohánka, Founder and CEO, commented:

"We delivered strong double-digit organic growth in the first half of the year. This was in spite of the macroeconomic headwinds across Europe which are impacting the CRT industry through a notable slowdown in freight demand, in turn delivering a reduction in kilometres driven. Our performance against this backdrop continues to demonstrate the resilience of our business model which delivers significant growth through the cycle and that our products are truly mission critical to our customers.

This year we have entered a new transformation phase. Our priority is the integration of our newly acquired businesses to ensure we fully capture the synergies and cross sell opportunities, as well as deliver on our vision of providing the industry's first end-to-end digital platform next year. Our transformational capex programme, which remains on track to finish at the end of this year, has allowed us to develop and expand our product and service capabilities, strengthen our business operations, and build a unique and scalable technology platform, which we look forward to discussing further at our Capital Markets Day in October.

There is still a lot of work to do, but I am pleased with the progress made so far this year. We have moved closer to the launch of our integrated platform, which, together with the integration of our acquisitions, gives me confidence that we can unlock further value for both our customers and our shareholders."

H1 financials

 
 Key statutory financials       H1 2023   H1 2022   YoY growth 
                                                           (%) 
 Revenue from contracts with 
  customers (EURm)              1,017.6   1,160.8      (12.3)% 
                               --------  --------  ----------- 
 Profit before tax (EURm)           8.5      13.4      (36.7)% 
                               --------  --------  ----------- 
 Basic EPS (cents/share)           0.76      1.29      (41.1)% 
                               --------  --------  ----------- 
 
 
 Alternative performance    H1 2023   H1 2022   YoY growth    H1 2023       Organic 
  measures (1)                                         (%)    organic    YoY growth 
                                                                  (2)           (%) 
 Net revenue (EURm)           119.1      87.0        36.9%       98.3         14.4% 
                           --------  --------  -----------  ---------  ------------ 
     Payment solutions 
      revenue (EURm)           72.4      63.5        14.1%       71.4         12.5% 
                           --------  --------  -----------  ---------  ------------ 
     Mobility solutions 
      revenue (EURm)           46.7      23.5        98.6%       26.9         19.9% 
                           --------  --------  -----------  ---------  ------------ 
 Adjusted EBITDA (EURm)        50.2      35.0        43.5%       42.6         21.6% 
                           --------  --------  -----------  ---------  ------------ 
 Adjusted EBITDA margin 
  (%)                          42.2      40.2       +1.9pp       43.3        +2.5pp 
                           --------  --------  -----------  ---------  ------------ 
 Adjusted basic EPS 
  (cents/share)                2.90      2.35        23.1%       1.80       (23.7)% 
                           --------  --------  -----------  ---------  ------------ 
 

H1 operational highlights

 
                                      H1 2023   H1 2022   YoY growth 
                                                                 (%) 
 Average active payment solutions 
  customers(5)                         18,053    16,523         9.3% 
                                     --------  --------  ----------- 
 Average active payment solutions 
  trucks(5)                            91,864    87,626         4.8% 
                                     --------  --------  ----------- 
 Payment solutions transactions(6)      18.4m     17.7m         4.1% 
                                     --------  --------  ----------- 
 

H1 strategic highlights

   --    M&A strategy adding key capabilities and services: 
   --    Completed the acquisition of Inelo in March; 

-- JITpay GmbH's ("JITPay") call option exercised in July to buy an additional 18.01%, taking total ownership to 28% once completed.

   --    Integration of WebEye Telematics Zrt. ("Webeye") and Inelo: 

-- Webeye organisation integrated, including moving their sales force into Eurowag as one agile sales team;

-- Inelo integration workstreams in place to ensure seamless transition, focus on cross-sell initiatives.

   --    Grow core services: 
   --    European Electronic Toll Service ("EETS") certification in the Czech Republic and Hungary. 
   --    Expand platform capability: 
   --    Improving customer self-care portal to support end-to-end digital user experience; 
   --    Continue to develop our financial platform capability, for e-wallet launch in FY 2024; 
   --    Good progress made on data lake to improve data analytics and reporting governance. 

Outlook and update to medium term guidance

Eurowag entered 2023 in a strong position and continues to grow, in spite of the macroeconomic environment currently impacting the CRT industry across Europe. This includes high inflation and interest rates, and a slowdown of product manufacturing which has led to a notable slowdown in freight demand and therefore fewer kilometres driven by our customers . Anticipated challenges have arisen from our decision taken last year, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, to adapt our business operations to a level beyond the restrictions the sanctions imposed and withdrew all operations and fuel purchases with any exposure to Russia, which has impacted fuel pricing in some of our markets. Our robust results in the first half are therefore a reflection of the strength of our business model in that we have a loyal and growing customer base and provide truly mission-critical products and services. With the combination of market headwinds and the transformative programme we are undergoing, we expect in the near-term net revenue percentage growth to be around mid-teens. In the medium-term, we expect revenue percentage growth to return to high-teens, reflecting the value creation from our platform through the growth in customers, the cross-sell opportunities and the full extraction of acquisition synergies.

In the first half, excluding a favourable foreign exchange gain, organic adjusted EBITDA grew 4.6% with margins of 37.2%. Organic adjusted EBITDA margins were impacted in the first half due to our cost increases being ahead of net revenue growth, with net revenues expected to be second half weighted due to our usual seasonality. Along with the net revenue weighting in the second half and cost actions already proactively taken through headcount reduction in anticipation of integrating Webeye and Inelo into our organisational structure, we expect margin levels to be in-line with FY 2022, at around 43%. We still expect our margin in the medium-term to move to high-forties as operational leverage and acquisition synergies are realised.

We expect to finalise our transformational capex programme at the end of the year, on time and in budget, having invested significantly in the last few years in developing the industry's first digitally integrated end-to-end platform. We will continue to invest in the business through ordinary capex. Following the acquisition of Inelo and Webeye, we expect ordinary capex to move just above 10 percent of net revenues for the end of this financial year. Inelo and Webeye have historically invested a higher percentage of net revenues, with Inelo spending half of its capex on hardware. As results of these acquisitions, we are updating our medium-term ordinary capex guidance to be around 10 percent of net revenues. We do anticipate reducing duplications across IT, hardware, and technology over time through a combination of integration and the transition to a single technology platform.

With the recent acquisition of Inelo, our leverage ratio at the half year increased as expected to 2.9x net debt to adjusted EBITDA. It is still a priority to return to within our targeted leverage ratio range of 1.5x to 2.5x.

The next two years are important to us, with the delivery of the integrated platform as well as the transformation of the business, including the integration of those businesses we have acquired recently. With further growth opportunities through cross-sell and geographic expansion, and the value we see being unlocked for customers through the new platform, we are confident that we can continue to deliver strong growth for all stakeholders.

The Board's expectations for the full year remain unchanged.

Notes:

1. Please refer to the section Explanation of Alternative Performance Measures for a definition and see note 9.

2. Organic growth excludes Webeye and Inelo performance and recurring Inelo integration expenses.

   3.     We use forward currency contracts to mitigate any Euro foreign exchange fluctuations. 
   4.     Net debt includes lease liabilities and derivative liabilities. 

5. An active customer or truck is defined as using the Group's payment solutions products at least once in a given month.

6. Number of payment solutions transactions represents the number of payment solutions transactions (fuel and toll transactions) processed by the Group for customers in that period.

Investor and analyst presentation today

Martin Vohánka (CEO) and Oskar Zahn (CFO) will host a virtual presentation and a Q&A session for investors and analysts today, 07 September 2023, at 9.00am BST. The presentation and webcast details are available on the Group's website at https://investors.eurowag.com

Please register to attend the investor presentation via the following link: https://www.lsegissuerservices.com/spark/WAGPAYMENTSOLUTIONS/events/1f78cd93-d600-4b62-9427-d827694c8ded

Should you want to ask questions at the end of the presentation, please use the following link:

https://services.choruscall.za.com/DiamondPassRegistration/register?confirmationNumber=7451850&linkSecurityString=1306449012

We are hosting our Capital Markets Day on 11 October 2023 from 8.30 to 13.00 in London. Please contact the investor relations team ( investors@eurowag.com ) if you would like to register to attend in person, or for those who are not based in London, we can provide a video link for the event. We would encourage investors and analysts to attend in person, as you will have the opportunity to meet the Executive team and you will be able to interact with some of our colleagues who will be showcasing some of our products and services.

ENQUIRIES

Eurowag

Carla Bloom

Head of Investor Relations and Communications

+44 (0) 789 109 4542

investors@eurowag.com

Instinctif Partners

Tim McCall, Galyna Kulachek, Bryn Woodward

IR and international media

+44 (0)20 7457 2020

eurowag@instinctif.com

About Eurowag

Eurowag was founded in 1995 and is a leading pan-European integrated payments and mobility platform focused on the CRT industry. Eurowag's innovative solutions makes life simpler for small and medium businesses in the CRT industry across Europe through its unique combination of payments solutions, seamless technology, a data-driven digital ecosystem and high-quality customer service. https://investors.eurowag.com

Chief Executive Officer's Review

Eurowag's purpose has always been about driving change within the CRT industry, helping it to become clean, fair, and efficient. The only way to achieve this is by digitising the industry through a digitally integrated solution. Today, the industry is still heavily reliant on analogue solutions and has a highly fragmented product and services eco-system. Eurowag has been innovating for three decades, evolving with its customers' needs and expanding its suite of missional critical products and services to keep them on the road. To help digitise the industry, Eurowag has more recently acquired or developed data solutions which our customers rely on to do their job. Innovation and M&A has accelerated Eurowag's transformation from a domestic fuel card provider to a pan-European integrated payments and mobility platform. Whilst Eurowag has integrated its legacy solutions, such as fuel cards, tolls and VAT refund solutions, its recent acquisitions still require integration, including people, technology, and products. The ambition of launching an integrated digital end-to-end platform has evolved with every new acquisition, and the first application is expected to launch in FY 2024. We will provide more details on our Capital Markets Day, on 11 October.

With the evolution of the business and change of revenue mix, a new strategic framework was set out at the start of the year, with the following strategic priorities:

   1)   Be in every truck (attract) 

-- We have signed our third OEM partnership, which will install the Eurowag app in every new truck produced. The three OEM partnerships cover around 45% of the European truck market today;

   --    Integration plans are on track, with Webeye sales teams integrated into agile sales teams. 
   2)   Drive customer centricity (engage) 

-- We have improved our customer self-care portal, further supporting an end-to-end digital user experience;

-- Mobile payments roll-out doubled, and we now have 800 acceptance points ready for self-authorisation.

   3)   Grow core services (monetise) 
   --    We have expanded our EETS certification in the Czech Republic and Hungary; 
   --    We have maintained strong net average revenue retention , at over 110%. 
   4)   Expand platform capability (retain) 

-- We have continued to develop our financial platform capability, in preparation of our e-wallet launch;

-- Our ERP implementation is on track for launch in the first quarter of 2024; this will bring significant operational efficiencies.

Operational Review

Payment solutions

The Payment solutions business segment currently represents the largest part of our ecosystem, and in the first half of 2023, contributed 61% of total net revenues, a figure we expect to reduce to approximately 55% with the full annualisation of the Inelo acquisition into our mobility segment. Payment solutions includes energy payments through pre- or post-paid fuel cards and toll payments. This is often the first introduction customers have to our services.

Energy payments

During the first half of the year, we have added 1,030 locations to our acceptance network ('POS'), taking our total active POS at the end of June to 12,000 stations across 23 European countries. During the first half, we have also completed the termination of a co-branded card scheme with WEX, which provided access to 5,450 sites. This long-term strategic move enabled us to arrange direct relationships with merchants, and streamline our network access to core international routes, which many of these sites were not. As a consequence, we maintain the strength and relevance of our network, and managed to overall improve user experience and security. In the first half, we also focused our efforts on opening more acceptance points in Germany, following our expansion into the DACH region last year, which supports our efforts to establish an important presence in one of Europe's vital trucking markets as well as cover the hotspots our customers' travel. In the second half of the year, we are focused on POS rollouts in Portugal, where a recent regulatory change to fuel prices facilitated expansion in this market.

We continue to focus on reducing carbon emissions and supporting our customers in the transition to alternative fuels; our liquefied natural gas(1) (LNG) acceptance network currently comprises 398 contracted stations (representing more than 50% of the European market), while our compressed natural gas(2) (CNG) acceptance network has 212 contracted stations. We recently opened two Eurowag-owned LNG bunkering stations in the Czech Republic, and we have seen positive momentum in both: in June of this year, 11% of our LNG sales were completed in these locations, compared to 2% in January. The majority of customers fuelling through these stations are from the Czech Republic and Slovakia, and more recently from Poland.

Notes:

1. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is natural gas that has been cooled down to liquid form. Natural gas burns significantly cleaner; produces lower emissions of sulphur, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

2. Compressed natural gas (CNG) is a natural gas under pressure that remains odourless, clear, and non-corrosive. Therefore, it is a greener, cheaper, and more efficient fuel.

Toll payments

Following the EETS certification received in the Czech Republic at the beginning of the year, we have also expanded to Hungary, where we now offer post-paid toll services. Both the Czech Republic and Hungary provide us with a solid foundation to continue our cross-selling efforts. As a consequence of this, in the first half of the year, we have seen a 46% increase in EVA onboarding units ("OBUs") sold, compared to the first half of 2022. We are also working on finalising the implementation of our direct relationship with toll chargers in Spain and Portugal and expect to be operational in these countries in the second half of the year.

We are in the final EETS certification phase in Slovakia, who will eventually turn off their national toll system. This means that Slovakia will be the first country in Europe to be serviced by certified EETS providers. As Eurowag will be among the first providers to be certified, we are well placed to sustain and potentially grow our current market share.

We have additional tailwinds in our toll business, with more European countries starting to implement mandatory CO(2) reduction regulations, creating a favourable impact on our revenues.

Mobility solutions

The mobility solutions segment offers our customers Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions, such as fleet management, work time management, transport management, location-based products, navigation apps and tax refund services. In the first half of 2023, the mobility business segment represented 39% of total net revenue, a figure we expect to grow to approximately 45% with the full annualisation of the Inelo acquisition. Mobility solutions revenue is largely subscription based, representing a resilient and predictable revenue stream.

SaaS mobility solutions

Fleet management

Our fleet management services provide dispatchers and truck drivers with an enhanced understanding of their vehicles, through monitoring maintenance schedules, tracking fuel usage, driving times, loads and other important metrics, resulting in efficiency improvements and material cost and emissions reduction.

In the first half of the year, we have enhanced the Eurowag mobile application and introduced Cold Chain monitoring. This feature allows the safe transportation of fresh and frozen food products, medicine, and cosmetics.

Work time management

Inelo's work time management is a proprietary software enabling analysis and settlement of drivers' working time. Some of its key functionalities include downloading, archiving, and analysing data sourced from record sheets, driver cards, and digital tachographs. This allows for preparation of driver work hours settlements, while also detecting any potential manipulations.

Through work time management, enforcement authorities responsible for checking drivers' time can ensure that users stay up to date with any regulation. The software is used by over 4,500 inspectors in 25 EU countries.

Transport management

Inelo's transport management software is all about profitability management, as it allows automation and control of profitability over a single transport order. It covers transportation route planning, delivery coordination and driver controlling, supporting the entire order processing workflow. The software streamlines end-to-end order management, through order acceptance, monitoring delivery, and settlement and reporting, while also automating all logistics processes by allowing users to store data on all shippers, suppliers, carriers and end customers.

Location-based products and services

We offer smart navigation products, location-based services and mobile navigation apps through our Sygic brand, one of the leaders in providing smart routing worldwide for both individual truck drivers and various vehicle sizes fleets.

During the first half of the year, we have continued to add improvements and updates to our Sygic Navigation app: truck drivers can now see fuel prices directly on the map, for ease of decision making. Sygic GPS Navigation is now available on Visteon's AllGo app store. Sygic's Road Lords application has been downloaded over 200,000 times in the first half of the year, with daily active users of just over 27,000.

In the first half of 2023 we signed a third contract with a European truck manufacturer; from next year, they will install Eurowag's application into every new dashboard before sale.

Tax refund services

During the first half of the year, we expanded our array of services to provide VAT refunds for Croatian customers and we have enhanced the user interface to optimise the experience for our customers.

Post-acquisition integrations

Following the acquisitions of Webeye (in mid-2022) and Inelo (in early 2023), the first half of the year was focused on integrating the new businesses both on an operational and personnel level whilst pursuing the first level of cross-sell opportunities stemming from the merged sales organisations.

At Webeye, several integration and consolidation workstreams have been created, to ensure a seamless transition. The Webeye and Eurowag sales teams are already working as one under agile, multi-competency sales teams, with ongoing lead generation campaigns, enabling cross-sell opportunities in both product portfolios. Webeye's core functions have been integrated within Eurowag's organisational structure, with further unification required in IT and HR processes.

While Inelo was acquired more recently, integration workstreams have been deployed. Inelo's management team are now reporting to the Eurowag executive team. The sales teams have seen good momentum on early cross-sell initiatives and continue to work on full integration into Agile sales teams by January 2024. Further levers for cross-sell are expected, following the introduction of the new platform during FY 2024.

Sustainability

Our sustainability plan underpins our strategy and is focused on four areas: climate action, customer success and well-being, company governance, and culture and community impact. Eurowag's purpose is to make the CRT industry clean, fair, and efficient.

Aligning to our internal targets of reducing emissions, in the first half of 2023, we have switched the Prague office to renewable energy, saving nearly 500 tonnes of CO(2) emissions.

As part of our ESG targets, our solutions also help our customers to reduce their own emissions. Our SME customers are often unaware of the CO(2) from their use of fuel, and as a result we have launched a free CO(2) calculator to help them understand their carbon footprint.

As a way to further support our drivers, our integration with Inelo brings working time management capabilities, ensuring the well-being of drivers and compliance of drivers' pay with labour regulations across Europe. Together with the Inelo team, we drew on their experience with road enforcement agencies to train and inform our customers about changes in EU Transport legislation.

As the integration of Webeye and Inelo continues, we have gained more data and more vehicles, and thus greater insights, helping our customers understand the impact of driving behaviour and load utilisation on fuel costs, emissions, and fleet maintenance.

At Eurowag, we recognise that diversity and inclusion are key pillars of achieving a rich culture, where people from all backgrounds are celebrated and together, they contribute to our success. We have recently evolved our People and Culture Ambassadors network, a community of Eurowag employees that is helping to drive improvement in our culture and employee engagement and experience. We have also launched our Women at Eurowag network, fostering a supportive community for personal and professional growth for our colleagues that identify as female.

We have also just concluded our 2023 Philanthropy & You programme for employee-led charitable donations and have over 1,000 employees engaged, supporting over 200 causes in over 14 countries.

Financial Review

In the face of challenging market and macro-economic conditions in Europe, Eurowag delivered a robust performance in the first half of 2023, demonstrating once again the inherent resilience of our business model and the mission critical nature of our services.

In the first half of 2023, at a headline level, net revenues grew by 36.9%, with payment solutions up 14.1% and mobility solutions up 98.6%. Adjusted EBITDA grew 43.5%. This strong growth was driven by robust underlying growth and contribution from recent acquisitions.

In the first half of 2023, organic net revenue growth was 14.4%, with organic payment solutions net revenue up 12.5%, and organic mobility solutions net revenue up 19.9%. Economic headwinds have impacted the CRT industry, with fewer kilometres driven and a slowdown in freight demand.

In the first half of 2023, our adjusted EBITDA increased by 43.5% to EUR50.2m (H1 2022: EUR35.0m) with adjusted EBITDA margin of 42.2% (H1 2022: 40.2%). Organic adjusted EBITDA was up 21.6% to EUR42.6m, with margins at 43.3% (H1 2022: 40.7%). Excluding the benefit from our currency risk management, organic adjusted EBITDA growth was 4.6%. The organic cost increases were mainly driven by employee expenses, of which half was from salary inflation increases, and technology expenses.

On a statutory basis, profit before tax decreased by 36.7% year-on-year to EUR8.5m (H1 2022: EUR13.4m), mainly as a result of higher adjusting items, depreciation and amortisation and interest. Basic EPS decreased by 41.1% to 0.76 cents per share (H1 2022: 1.29 cents). Adjusted basic EPS increased year-on-year to 2.90 cents per share (H1 2022: 2.35 cents) driven mainly by profit of Inelo acquisition.

Net debt at the end of the reporting period was EUR300.9m (H1 2022: cash position of EUR28.7m). Our net leverage ratio, as expected, increased to 2.9x net debt to adjusted EBITDA.

In the first half of 2023, our transformational capital expenditure totalled EUR11.7m, while investments in our subsidiaries, associates, and financial investments amounted to EUR273.5m, which consists of the Inelo (EUR265.7m), Webeye (EUR7.6m), and JITPay (EUR0.2m) acquisitions.

Performance review

Below is a summary of the segmental performance and explanatory notes related to items including corporate expenses, alternative performance measures, taxation, interest, investment, and cash flow generation.

Segments

 
                                    H1 2023  H1 2022  YoY (EURm)    YoY % 
                                     (EURm)   (EURm) 
Segment revenue total               1,017.6  1,160.8     (143.2)  (12.3)% 
                                    -------  -------  ----------  ------- 
            Payment solutions         970.9  1,137.3     (166.4)  (14.6)% 
                                    -------  -------  ----------  ------- 
            Mobility solutions         46.7     23.5        23.2    98.7% 
                                    -------  -------  ----------  ------- 
Net energy and services 
 sales total                          119.1     87.0        32.1    36.9% 
                                    -------  -------  ----------  ------- 
            Payment solutions          72.4     63.5         8.9    14.1% 
                                    -------  -------  ----------  ------- 
            Mobility solutions         46.7     23.5        23.2    98.6% 
                                    -------  -------  ----------  ------- 
Expenses included in Contribution      26.4     15.1        11.3    75.6% 
                                    -------  -------  ----------  ------- 
Contribution total(1)                  92.6     71.9        20.7    28.8% 
                                    -------  -------  ----------  ------- 
            Payment solutions          61.0     54.9         6.1    11.0% 
                                    -------  -------  ----------  ------- 
            Mobility solutions         31.6     17.0        14.6    86.3% 
                                    -------  -------  ----------  ------- 
Contribution margin total(1)            78%      83% 
                                    -------  -------  ----------  ------- 
            Payment solutions           84%      87% 
                                    -------  -------  ----------  ------- 
            Mobility solutions          68%      72% 
                                    -------  -------  ----------  ------- 
Corporate overhead and 
 indirect costs before adjusting 
 items                               (42.4)   (36.9)         5.5    14.9% 
                                    -------  -------  ----------  ------- 
Adjusted EBITDA                        50.2     35.0        15.2    43.5% 
                                    -------  -------  ----------  ------- 
Adjusting items affecting 
 Adjusted EBITDA                     (10.0)    (5.5)         4.5    82.3% 
                                    -------  -------  ----------  ------- 
EBITDA                                 40.2     29.5        10.7    36.3% 
                                    -------  -------  ----------  ------- 
Depreciation and amortisation          25.7     12.4        13.3   106.8% 
                                    -------  -------  ----------  ------- 
Operating profit                       14.5     17.1       (2.6)  (15.2%) 
                                    -------  -------  ----------  ------- 
 

Note:

1. Please refer to the section Explanation of Alternative Performance Measures for a definition and see note 9.

The Group's total revenues decreased by 12.3% year-on-year to EUR1,017.6m, driven by lower energy prices compared to the comparative period and lower volume of energy sales. Lower volumes of energy sales were driven by overall economic headwinds and the regulatory changes in Portugal. Despite the drop in energy sales prices, overall energy margin levels enabled the Group to grow net energy sales in the Payment solutions segment.

The Group delivered double-digit net revenue growth and strong contribution margins in both segments. Growth in organic net revenue was 14.4%, while the overall net revenue increased by 36.9% year-on-year, which includes EUR7.4m contribution from Webeye and EUR13.3m from Inelo.

Payment solutions net revenue grew by 14.1% year-on-year. This increase reflects strong new customer and truck acquisitions, underpinned by strong average net revenue retention. Our underlying organic payments solution business was impacted by economic headwinds and changes in fuel regulation in Portugal.

Mobility solutions net revenue grew by 98.6% year-on-year, and organic mobility solutions net revenue was up 19.9%. This strong growth is the result of effective cross-selling, as well as sales to automotive partners and Webeye and Inelo consolidation.

Corporate expenses

 
                                    H1 2023  H1 2022  YoY (EURm)   YoY % 
                                     (EURm)   (EURm) 
Expenses included in Contribution      26.4     15.1        11.3   75.6% 
                                    -------  -------  ----------  ------ 
Corporate overhead and 
 indirect costs before adjusting 
 items                                 42.4     36.9         5.5   14.9% 
                                    -------  -------  ----------  ------ 
Adjusting items affecting 
 Adjusted EBITDA                       10.0      5.5         4.5   82.3% 
                                    -------  -------  ----------  ------ 
Depreciation and amortisation          25.7     12.4        13.3  106.8% 
                                    -------  -------  ----------  ------ 
Total                                 104.5     69.9        34.6   49.5% 
                                    -------  -------  ----------  ------ 
 

The table above is from the segmental review, while the table below summarises corporate expenses based on statutory financial categories.

 
                                 H1 2023  H1 2022  YoY (EURm)   YoY % 
                                  (EURm)   (EURm) 
Employee expenses                   46.4     32.8        13.7   41.7% 
                                 -------  -------  ----------  ------ 
Technology expenses                  8.7      3.9         4.8  123.6% 
                                 -------  -------  ----------  ------ 
Impairment losses of financial 
 assets                              4.2      2.7         1.5   53.4% 
                                 -------  -------  ----------  ------ 
Other operating income             (6.8)    (0.2)       (6.6)  273.8% 
                                 -------  -------  ----------  ------ 
Other operating expenses            26.4     18.3         8.0   44.3% 
                                 -------  -------  ----------  ------ 
Depreciation and amortisation       25.7     12.4        13.3  106.8% 
                                 -------  -------  ----------  ------ 
Total                              104.5     69.9        34.6   49.5% 
                                 -------  -------  ----------  ------ 
 

Employee expenses increased by 41.7% year-on-year to EUR46.4m; excluding our acquisitions and adjusting items, organic employee expenses increased by 18.9% This growth was driven by salary increases communicated at the start of the year, as well as hiring the right people to support the business through the next phase of our transformation. Adjusting items included in employee expenses amounted to EUR4.8m for H1 2023 (H1 2022: EUR4.2m) and included pre-IPO share based remunerations (H1 2023: EUR3.7m and H1 2022: EUR3.3m).

Technology expenses increased by 123.6% year-on-year to EUR8.7m (H1 2022: EUR3.9m); excluding our acquisitions, organic technology expenses increased by 58.4%. This increase reflects the Group's focus on technology transformation, cloud transition, and expenses related to the new generation ERP system. Adjusting items included in technology expenses amounted to EUR1.9m in H1 2023 (H1 2022: EUR0.2m).

Impairment losses of financial assets amounted to EUR4.2m (H1 2022: EUR2.7m). The increase is connected primarily with our key markets, such as Poland, Romania, and Portugal, where the credit loss ratio increased slightly from 0.2% last year to 0.3% at the end of June 2023. Nevertheless, our overall receivables portfolio and cash collection remained robust.

Other operating expenses increased by 44.3% year-on-year to EUR26.4m (H1 2022: EUR18.3m), mainly due to acquisition-related expenses, with Webeye consolidation adding EUR1.4m and Inelo acquisition adding EUR3.9m. Adjusting items included in other operating expenses amounted to EUR3.3m for H1 2023 (H1 2022: EUR1.1m) and included expenses related to acquisitions of EUR2.2m (H1 2022: EUR0.5m) and strategic transformation costs of EUR1.1m (H1 2022: EUR0.5m).

Other operating income increased by 273.8% year-on-year to EUR6.8m (H1 2022: EUR0.2m), mainly driven by a favourable foreign exchange gain of EUR6.0m, as a result of our prudent currency risk management.

Depreciation and amortisation grew by 106.8% year-on-year to EUR25.7m (H1 2022: EUR12.4m) primarily due to the amortisation of acquired assets of Inelo and Webeye and partly due to transformational technology being put into production. Adjusting items included in depreciation and amortisation amounted to EUR6.8m for H1 2023 (H1 2022: EUR3.4m).

Net finance expense

Net finance expense in the first half of 2023 amounted to EUR5.7m (H1 2022: EUR3.3m). The increase mainly reflects higher factoring fees related to higher average factoring limits utilisation throughout the year, as well as higher interest costs related to increased borrowings.

Taxation

The Group tax charge of EUR2.9m (H1 2022: EUR4.3m) represents an effective tax rate of 34.2% (H1 2022: 31.7%). The tax charge in the first half of 2023 was influenced positively by lower profit for the six months period, lower taxes paid in respect of prior years and negatively by tax non-deductibility of adjusting items (mainly M&A related expenses and equity-settled share-based payments). Adjusted effective tax rate decreased to 18.3% (2022: 24.4%) largely due to lower taxes paid in respect of prior years. Adjusted effective tax rate calculation is presented in Note 13 of the condensed interim financial statements.

Corporate income tax for companies in the Czech Republic in 2022-2023 was 19%, in the UK the rate was 19% in 2022 and 25% in 2023, while in Spain it was set at 24%. These represent the major tax regimes in which the Group operates.

We adopted a prudent approach to our tax affairs, aligned with business transactions and economic activity. We have a constructive and good working relationship with the tax authorities in the countries in which we operate. There are outstanding tax audits in Italy, Bulgaria, Poland, and Romania, where no significant issues are expected.

EPS

Basic EPS for the first half of 2023 was 0.76 cents per share, a 41.1% year-on-year decrease. This was due to lower profit for the six months' period, with increased EBITDA reduced by higher depreciation and amortisation and increased finance expenses.

Adjusted basic EPS for the reporting period was 2.90 cents per share, which is an increase relative to the corresponding period last year. Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue amounted to 688,911,333 in both H1 2023 and H1 2022, while diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares was 691,208,069 in H1 2023 (H1 2022: 689,429,273). After accounting for the impact of PSP, adjusted diluted earnings per share was 2.89 cents per share. Adjusting items are as described below in the Alternative performance measures section.

Investments in subsidiaries and associates

Acquisition of Inelo

Further to the subsequent events described in the 2022 Annual Report and Accounts, the acquisition of Inelo was completed on 15 March 2023.

The Group paid EUR215.3m in cash upon the acquisition of 100% of the share capital of Inelo on 15 March 2023 and repaid Inelo's bank borrowings of EUR53.6m on 16 March 2023. In addition, the Group will pay an additional consideration of EUR8.4m related to the final price adjustment to Inelo's acquisition of FireUp TMS subsidiary and EUR2.1m related to other purchase price adjustments identified at completion. There is also a contingent consideration, based on Inelo's EBITDA performance for the year to 31 December 2022, capped at EUR12.5m, which will (if applicable) become payable in the second half of 2023, following approval of the audited consolidated financial statements of Inelo. Full amount of contingent consideration was recognised as of 30 June 2023. The Group will either pay EUR12.5m or no consideration is payable.

Given the short period of time between the acquisition and preparation of the condensed interim financial statements, the amounts recorded below for the acquisition are provisional. Purchase price allocation activities are ongoing, and the preliminary fair value of assets and liabilities will be further revised.

The provisionally determined fair values of identifiable assets and liabilities of subsidiaries of Inelo as at the date of acquisition were:

 
EUR '000                                    Preliminary 
                                             fair value 
                                             recognised 
                                         on acquisition 
                                               of Inelo 
Assets 
                                        --------------- 
Property, plant, and equipment                   11,206 
                                        --------------- 
Identifiable intangible assets                  102,066 
                                        --------------- 
Right of use assets                               3,060 
                                        --------------- 
Trade receivables                                 8,540 
                                        --------------- 
Cash and cash equivalents                         3,270 
                                        --------------- 
Inventories                                       1,674 
                                        --------------- 
Income tax receivables                              943 
                                        --------------- 
Other non-current assets                            124 
                                        --------------- 
Total assets                                    130,883 
                                        --------------- 
Liabilities 
                                        --------------- 
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings            59,136 
                                        --------------- 
Trade payables                                   13,138 
                                        --------------- 
Lease liabilities                                 3,146 
                                        --------------- 
Other non-current liabilities                       418 
                                        --------------- 
Income tax liabilities                              467 
                                        --------------- 
Deferred tax                                     18,063 
                                        --------------- 
Total liabilities                                94,368 
                                        --------------- 
Total identifiable net assets 
 as fair value                                   36,515 
                                        --------------- 
Non-controlling interest measured 
 at % of net assets                             (3,343) 
                                        --------------- 
Goodwill arising on acquisition                 205,123 
                                        --------------- 
Purchase consideration 
                                        --------------- 
Cash paid                                       215,288 
                                        --------------- 
Deferred and contingent consideration            23,006 
                                        --------------- 
Total purchase consideration                    238,294 
                                        --------------- 
 

From the date of acquisition until 30 June 2023, Inelo's subsidiaries contributed EUR13.3m of revenue and EUR3.5m profit after tax.

If the acquisition had occurred on 1 January 2023, consolidated revenue and consolidated profit after tax of Inelo's entities for the half year ended 30 June 2023 would have been EUR21.0m and EUR3.8m respectively. Excluding amortisation of acquired intangibles and adjusting items, the adjusted profit after tax would have been EUR7.1m.

Pay-out of deferred consideration

On 27 April 2023, the Group paid a contingent acquisition consideration of EUR2.1m related to the acquisition of Webeye. The consideration was subject to achievement of integration related milestones.

Further, on 17 May 2023, the Group paid a deferred acquisition consideration of EUR5.5m related to the acquisition of Webeye.

JITpay call option

On 4 July 2023, the Group announced it exercised its call option to acquire an additional 18.01% stake in JITpay's share capital from its founders, management, and Volksbank eG Braunschweig Wolfsburg, on a pro rata basis. The proceeds from the primary capital will be used to fund JITpay's further expansion.

The Group entered a strategic partnership with JITpay on 27 September 2022, when it acquired a 9.99% stake for an initial consideration of EUR14.3m, of which EUR3.5m was used as primary capital. As per the original agreement, the Group had a call option to acquire an additional 18.01% share, which could be exercised by 3 July 2023 for a consideration of EUR25.7m, of which EUR6.5m will be used as primary capital.

The purchase of the additional 18.01% stake in JITpay will be funded from existing funds and the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including clearance by the German Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht (BaFin), and is expected to complete in the first half of 2024. The Transaction constitutes a Class 2 transaction for the purposes of the UK Financial Conduct Authority's Listing Rules. Following receipt of the German authorities' clearance, the investment in JITpay would change to an associate (28% equity interest).

The remaining 72% stake will continue to be held by existing shareholders. There are Call and Put arrangements in place that give the Group the option to acquire the remaining 72% stake of JITpay's share capital from 2025 onwards. The price of the Put or Call payable by the Group for the remainder of JITpay's share capital will be based on a multiple of 10x of the average of JITpay's profit before tax over the twelve-month period to 31 December 2024 and 31 December 2025 with the Put being subject to a cap of EUR129.3m.

Pay-out of deferred consideration related to Inelo

On 31 August 2023, the Group paid a deferred acquisition consideration of EUR8.4m related to the final price adjustment to Inelo's acquisition of FireUp TMS subsidiary.

Balance sheet

Net assets of the Group increased by 3.4% to EUR327.4m, mainly reflecting profit for 2023 and share-based payments impact.

Intangible assets of the Group excluding goodwill increased by EUR105.9m to EUR236.9m in the reporting period, predominantly due to the Inelo acquisition and investments in strategic technology transformation.

Goodwill comprises mainly CGU Energy of EUR40.2m, CGU Navigation of EUR34.6m and CGU Fleet management solutions (excluding Inelo) of EUR59.4m. Provisionally determined goodwill arising on the acquisition of Inelo is EUR205.1m. Goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis; as at 30 June 2023, the Group performed impairment test for the CGU Fleet management systems (excluding Inelo) as the recoverable amount of this CGU was closer to the carrying amount than all other CGUs as at 31 December 2022, no impairment was posted in the first half of 2023 (H1 2022: no impairment posted).

Inventories decreased by EUR1.3m to EUR19.0m, mainly due to lower value of energy stock corresponding to lower energy prices.

Trade and other receivables increased by EUR15.1m to EUR393.2m. Out of this, EUR6.0m is attributable to the Inelo acquisition, and the remaining increase is mainly due to seasonality, with December being our quietest month.

Trade and other payables increased by EUR28.5m to EUR426.7m, primarily due to deferred acquisition consideration either related to a new transaction in the first half of 2023 or to previous transactions which became payable in less than 12 months. There was a further impact of consolidating Inelo as at 30 June 2023 (EUR16.9m).

Cash performance

 
                                 H1 2023   H1 2022   YoY (EURm)          YoY 
                                  (EURm)    (EURm)                    Change 
                                                                           % 
 Net cash generated from 
  operating activities               1.5      16.4       (14.9)      (90.9%) 
                                --------  --------  -----------  ----------- 
 Net cash used in investing 
  activities                     (297.0)    (47.5)      (249.5)       525.4% 
                                --------  --------  -----------  ----------- 
 Net cash used in financing 
  activities                       200.0    (11.5)        211.5   (1,839.3%) 
                                --------  --------  -----------  ----------- 
 Net decrease in cash 
  and cash equivalents            (95.5)    (42.6)       (52.9)       124.2% 
                                --------  --------  -----------  ----------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents 
  at beginning of period           146.0     224.2       (78.2)      (34.9%) 
                                --------  --------  -----------  ----------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents 
  at end of period (presented 
  in statement of cash 
  flows)                            50.5     181.5      (131.0)      (72.2%) 
                                --------  --------  -----------  ----------- 
 Bank overdrafts                    29.9       0.0         29.9 
                                --------  --------  -----------  ----------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents 
  at end of period (presented 
  in statement of financial 
  position)                         80.4     181.5      (101.1)      (55.7%) 
                                --------  --------  -----------  ----------- 
 Interest-bearing loans 
  and borrowings                   381.3     152.8        228.5       149.5% 
                                --------  --------  -----------  ----------- 
 Net (debt)/ cash                (300.9)      28.7      (329.6)   (1,148.3%) 
                                --------  --------  -----------  ----------- 
 

As at 30 June 2023, the Group's net debt position stood at EUR300.9m, compared with net cash position of EUR28.7m as at 30 June 2022.

The decrease in the level of cash is due to the cash outflows used in the acquisition of Inelo, in investing activities, including technology transformation investments, as well as repayments of borrowings.

Net cash flows from operating activities decreased to EUR1.5m from EUR16.4m in H1 2023, primarily due to working capital movement. The impact related to Adjusting items in the reporting period amounted to an outflow of EUR7.4m (H1 2022: EUR7.7m) and included EUR5.0m for acquisitions related expenses and EUR2.4m for strategic transformation expenses.

Interest paid increased to EUR7.6m (H1 2022: EUR2.3m), driven by a higher level of borrowings in the first half of 2023.

Tax paid increased to EUR4.0m (H1 2022: EUR3.2m), which also includes an impact of the Inelo consolidation of EUR0.8m.

Net cash used in investing activities increased by EUR249.5m to EUR297.0m, largely due to the outflows in connection with investment in acquisitions and investments in transformational technology and asset base.

Net cash from financing activities amounted to an inflow of EUR200.0m in the reporting period, representing the drawdowns of borrowings partially offset by borrowings repayments and lease payments.

Capital expenditure

Capital expenditure in the first half of 2023 amounted to EUR24.7m (H1 2022: EUR19.9m), of which EUR11.7m was spend relating to our transformational capex programme and EUR5.6m relating to the capital investment in Inelo and Webeye, which drove the year-on-year increase.

The Group's ordinary capital expenditure was EUR12.9m (H1 2022: EUR6.6m), including the EUR5.6m capex investment in Inelo and Webeye. Both businesses have historically invested a higher percentage of net revenues, with Inelo spending half of its capex on hardware, and therefore our ordinary capital expenditure as a percent of net revenue increased to 10.9%.

The Group's transformational investment programme was EUR11.7m (H1 2022: EUR13.3m) and continued to focus on enhancing our sales and customer touchpoint channels, expanding our product capabilities, and building a cloud-based data system for the Group. This year we continued to improve our EETS product offering and continue to enhance our financing capabilities, enabling further automation and real-time finance management. We are also investing in building a cloud-base data system, which will encapsulate the large volumes of customer information we receive from all our products and services, allowing us to better utilise this data for both our business processes and customers.

With regards to our ERP implementation, which is being delivered in stages, the first stage launched last year and included energy billing, pricing, sales, and purchases, while the second stage is still on track to launch in Q1 2024 and includes improving our capabilities in our general ledger and group reporting processes.

We expect to finalise our transformational capex programme at the end of the year, on time and in budget. We will continue to invest in the business through ordinary capex, which we expect to be around 10 percent of net revenues, given the slightly higher capex ratio Inelo operates at. Through a combination of integration and the transition to a single technology platform, we expect to reduce duplications across IT, hardware, and technology processes over time.

Alternative performance measures

The Group has identified certain Alternative Performance Measures ("APMs") that it believes provide additional useful information to the readers of Consolidated Financial Statements and enhance the understanding of the Group's performance. These APMs are not defined within IFRS and are not considered to be a substitute for, or superior to, IFRS measures. These APMs may not be necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. Directors and management use these APMs alongside IFRS measures when budgeting and planning, and when reviewing business performance. Executive management bonus targets include an adjusted EBITDA measure and long-term incentive plans include an adjusted basic EPS measure.

 
                                   H1 2023  H1 2022  YoY (EURm)        YoY 
                                    (EURm)   (EURm)               change % 
Profit before tax                      8.5     13.4       (4.9)    (36.7)% 
                                   -------  -------  ----------  --------- 
Net finance expense and 
 share of net loss of associates       6.0      3.7         2.3      65.1% 
                                   -------  -------  ----------  --------- 
Depreciation and amortisation         25.7     12.4        13.3     106.8% 
                                   -------  -------  ----------  --------- 
EBITDA                                40.2     29.5        10.7      36.3% 
                                   -------  -------  ----------  --------- 
M&A-related expenses                   2.7      0.5         2.2     418.9% 
                                   -------  -------  ----------  --------- 
Strategic transformation 
 expenses                              3.6      1.7         1.9     118.2% 
                                   -------  -------  ----------  --------- 
Share-based compensation               3.7      3.3         0.4      11.1% 
                                   -------  -------  ----------  --------- 
Adjusting items                       10.0      5.5         4.5      82.3% 
                                   -------  -------  ----------  --------- 
Adjusted EBITDA                       50.2     35.0        15.2      43.5% 
                                   -------  -------  ----------  --------- 
 
 
                                       H1 2023  H1 2022  YoY (EURm)       YoY 
                                        (EURm)   (EURm)                change 
Profit for the year                        5.6      9.2       (3.6)   (39.1)% 
                                       -------  -------  ----------  -------- 
Amortisation of acquired 
 intangibles                               6.8      2.8         4.0    144.7% 
                                       -------  -------  ----------  -------- 
Amortisation due to transformational 
 useful life changes                         0      0.7       (0.7)  (100.0)% 
                                       -------  -------  ----------  -------- 
Adjusting items affecting 
 Adjusted EBITDA                          10.0      5.5         4.5     82.3% 
                                       -------  -------  ----------  -------- 
Tax effect                               (1.7)    (1.3)       (0.4)     44.5% 
                                       -------  -------  ----------  -------- 
Adjusted earnings (net 
 profit)                                  20.7     16.9         3.8     22.2% 
                                       -------  -------  ----------  -------- 
 
 
                                       H1 2023      H1 2022  YoY      YoY 
                                                                   change 
Adjusted net profit attributable 
 to equity holders (EURm)                 19.9         16.2  3.7    23.1% 
                                   -----------  -----------  ---  ------- 
Basic weighted average 
 number of shares                  688,911,333  688,911,333    -        - 
                                   -----------  -----------  ---  ------- 
Adjusted basic EPS (cents/share)          2.90         2.35  0.6    23.1% 
                                   -----------  -----------  ---  ------- 
 

Acquisition-related expenses are fees and other costs relating to the Group's M&A activity. Acquisition-related expenses differ every year based on the acquisition activity of the Group. Exclusion of these costs allows for better comparability.

Strategic transformation expenses are costs relating to broadening the skill bases of the Group's employees (including executive search and recruiting costs, and were relevant for H1 2022), as well as costs relating to transformation of key IT systems. In 2023, Inelo integration costs were also included.

In addition, adjustment has been made for the compensation provided to the Group's management before the IPO. These legacy incentives comprise a combination of cash and share-based payments, and those that have not yet vested will vest across each of the subsequent financial years ending 31 December 2024. The Group believes that it is appropriate to treat these costs as an adjusting item as they relate to a one-off award, designed and implemented whilst the Group was under private ownership (and are reasonably typical of that market and appropriate in that context). The Group now operates in a new environment and the Remuneration Committee has applied the Remuneration Policy in a listed- company context; hence, similar awards are not expected in future. For clarity, where share-based payment charges arise as a consequence of the operation of the Group's post-IPO Remuneration Policy, these are not treated as adjusting items as they represent a non-cash element of the annual remuneration package. This includes costs of EUR2.0m in the first half of 2023 relating to grants in connection with the awards vesting in 2024 and 2025.

Amortisation of acquired intangibles represents amortisation of assets recognised at the time of an acquisition (primarily ADS, Sygic, Webeye and Inelo). It is prone to movement from period-to-period depending on the level of M&A activity.

Amortisation due to transformational useful-life changes represents accelerated amortisation of assets being replaced by the strategic transformation of the Group. No such adjustment was relevant for the first half of 2023.

Capital allocation

Our priority will continue to be organic and inorganic investment to drive long term sustainable growth. Our transformational capital expenditure of EUR50m, during 2022 and 2023, to develop our integrated end-to-end digital platform, remains on track to complete at the end of this year. We will continue to invest in the platform in parallel with integrating the businesses we acquired, which will require ordinary capital expenditure of around 10 percent of net revenues. With the delivery of the platform next year, along with integrating the technologies and products of our acquired businesses, we expect to reduce duplications across IT, hardware, and technology processes over time.

With the recent acquisition of Inelo, our leverage ratio, as expected, has exceeded the top end of our medium-term guidance range of 1.5x to 2.5x net debt to adjusted EBITDA, to 2.9x at the end of the period. Our priority is to return to within the target range. M&A is still important to us, and we will continue to consider value-accretive M&A opportunities in our current and adjacent markets, and in product and technologies that will accelerate growth. However, we remain disciplined and want to maintain our strong and robust balance sheet. As set out in our financial guidance, the Group does not intend to pay dividends, as we continue to prioritise investment in growth.

Treasury management

As part of the refinancing project last September for our new Multicurrency Term and Revolving Facilities Agreement, we have agreed with the lenders to incorporate some of our medium term ESG targets within the KPIs. These include reduction of GHG emissions for us and our customers and increased female leadership in the organisation. Under the terms of the agreement, applicable margin adjustments relating to our committed facilities will be contingent on meeting our ESG targets. The first applicable year will be from FY 2024, based on FY 2023 results. This commitment will further drive incentivisation across our organization to ensure we meet our targets and shows our commitment to making the industry clean, fair, and efficient.

In May 2023, the Group utilised EUR50m under the uncommitted Incremental Facility, which was secured as part of the refinancing last year, and supported capital expenditure initiatives.

The maturity period for all term loan facilities and for the revolving credit facility is 5 years. Facility A of EUR150m and B of EUR180m will amortise in quarterly repayments starting on 31 March 2023, with a EUR45m and EUR54m balloon respectively. Incremental Facility I of EUR50m will amortise in quarterly repayments, starting on 30 September 2023, with a EUR15m balloon.

The new club financing agreement contains financial covenants at the Group level . Financial covenants are governed by financial definitions under the agreement . Financial covenants are tested semi-annually based on announced financials.

 
 Covenant          Calculation                        Target         Actual 
                                                                      30 June 
                                                                      2023 
================  =================================  =============  ========= 
                   the ratio of adjusted EBITDA 
 Interest cover     to finance charges                Min 4.00       7.52 
                   the ratio of total net debt 
 Net leverage       to adjusted EBITDA                Max 4.00(1)    2.87 
 Adjusted net      the ratio of the adjusted total 
  leverage          net debt to adjusted EBITDA       Max 6.50       4.24 
----------------  ---------------------------------  -------------  --------- 
 
   1.     The covenant shall not exceed 3.75 in 2024 and 3.50 in 2025 and onwards. 

The Group has effectively managed its floating EURIBOR interest rate exposure on existing term loans through the execution of zero floor interest rate swaps. The swaps were structured with varying hedge ratios, providing Facility A and Facility B coverage of 100% in 2023 and 2024, 75% in 2025, 50% in 2026, and 25% in 2027. Incremental Facility I has not been hedged. This strategic approach demonstrates the Group's proactive risk management practices and commitment to financial stability.

With respect to Facility A, interest rate swaps executed in 2019 for the amount of EUR120.0m (unamortised) have an effective payable fixed rate of 0.1% and are expected to expire in 2024. Interest rate swaps executed in 2022 but effective in 2023 for the amount of EUR30.0m (amortised) have an effective payable fixed rate of 2.7% and are expected to expire in 2027. The latter have a complementary amortizing profile in order to achieve the above-mentioned hedge ratio.

With respect to Facility B, interest rate swaps executed in 2023 for the amount of EUR173.0m (amortised) have an effective payable fixed rate between 3.2% and 3.5% and are expected to expire by 2027.

Throughout 2023, the Group has effectively managed its working capital needs through the use of uncommitted factoring facilities, with average financing limits of EUR124m and average utilisation of 77.8% (H1 2022: EUR97.6m and 58.1% respectively). This demonstrates the Group's proactive approach to maintaining a strong financial position, and its ability to optimise working capital.

Directors' responsibility statement

We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with UK-adopted IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting.

The interim management report includes a fair review of the information required by:

(a) DTR 4.2.7R of the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, being an indication of important events that have occurred during the first six months of the financial year and their impact on the condensed set of financial statements; and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year; and

(b) DTR 4.2.8R of the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, being related party transactions that have taken place in the first six months of the current financial year and that have materially affected the financial position or performance of the entity during that period; and any changes in the related party transactions described in the last annual report in the Financial statements dated 16 March 2023 that could do so.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Martin Vohánka

Chief Executive Officer

Financial statements

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(EUR '000)

 
                                                                             Notes    For the six months ended 30 June 
                                                                             =====  ================================== 
                                                                                                2023              2022 
                                                                                         (unaudited)       (unaudited) 
===========================================================================  =====  ================  ================ 
Revenue from contracts with customers                                            7         1,017,586         1,160,815 
Costs of energy sold                                                                       (898,503)       (1,073,837) 
===========================================================================  =====  ================  ================ 
Net energy and services sales                                                    7           119,083            86,978 
 
Other operating income                                                           8             6,781               221 
Employee expenses                                                               10          (46,423)          (32,768) 
Impairment losses of financial assets                                                        (4,171)           (2,719) 
Technology expenses                                                                          (8,680)           (3,882) 
Other operating expenses                                                                    (26,374)          (18,325) 
Operating profit before depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA)                                40,216            29,505 
Analysed as: 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----  ----------------  ---------------- 
Adjusting items                                                                  9            10,025             5,498 
Adjusted EBITDA                                                                  9            50,241            35,003 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----  ----------------  ---------------- 
 
Depreciation and amortisation                                                    9          (25,708)          (12,431) 
===========================================================================  =====  ================  ================ 
Operating profit                                                                              14,508            17,074 
Finance income                                                                  12             5,262             1,275 
Finance costs                                                                   11          (10,960)           (4,553) 
Share of net loss of associates                                                                (298)             (353) 
===========================================================================  =====  ================  ================ 
Profit before tax                                                                              8,512            13,443 
Income tax expense                                                              13           (2,914)           (4,256) 
===========================================================================  =====  ================  ================ 
PROFIT FOR THE YEAR                                                                            5,597             9,187 
===========================================================================  =====  ================  ================ 
 
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 
Other comprehensive income to be reclassified to profit or loss in 
subsequent periods 
Change in fair value of cash flow hedge recognised in equity                                    (92)             4,976 
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations                                      2,390               302 
Deferred tax related to other comprehensive income                                                 -                 - 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----  ----------------  ---------------- 
TOTAL OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME                                                               2,298             5,278 
===========================================================================  =====  ================  ================ 
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR                                                        7,895            14,465 
===========================================================================  =====  ================  ================ 
Total profit for the financial year attributable to equity holders of the 
 Company                                                                                       5,245             8,902 
Total profit for the financial year attributable to non-controlling 
 interests                                                                                       353               285 
Total comprehensive income for the financial year attributable to equity 
 holders of the Company                                                                        7,538            14,137 
Total comprehensive income for the financial year attributable to 
 non-controlling interests                                                                       357               328 
 
Earnings per share (in cents per share):                                        18 
Basic earnings per share                                                                        0.76              1.29 
Diluted earnings per share                                                                      0.76              1.29 
===========================================================================  =====  ================  ================ 
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

(EUR '000)

 
                                            Notes                             As at 
=========================================  ======  ================================ 
                                                              30 June   31 December 
                                                     2023 (unaudited)          2022 
=========================================  ======  ==================  ============ 
 ASSETS 
 Non-current assets 
 Intangible assets                             14             579,605       268,171 
 Property, plant and equipment                 14              52,217        39,826 
 Right-of-use assets                                           16,491        13,340 
 Investments in associates                                     11,925        12,223 
 Financial assets at fair value through 
  other comprehensive income                                   14,579        14,364 
 Deferred tax assets                                           10,748        10,505 
 Derivative assets                              6               1,415         3,093 
 Other non-current assets                                       4,296         3,791 
=========================================  ======  ==================  ============ 
 Total non-current assets                                     691,276       365,313 
=========================================  ======  ==================  ============ 
 Current assets 
 Inventories                                   15              19,037        20,291 
 Trade and other receivables                   16             393,207       378,152 
 Income tax receivables                                         2,591         1,800 
 Derivative assets                              6               7,835         3,851 
 Cash and cash equivalents                     17              80,444       146,003 
=========================================  ======  ==================  ============ 
 Total current assets                                         503,114       550,097 
=========================================  ======  ==================  ============ 
 TOTAL ASSETS                                               1,194,390       915,410 
=========================================  ======  ==================  ============ 
 SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 
 Share capital                                                  8,107         8,107 
 Share premium                                                  2,958         2,958 
 Merger reserve                                              (25,963)      (25,963) 
 Other reserves                                                12,635        10,342 
 Business combinations equity adjustment                     (18,372)      (12,526) 
 Retained earnings                                            340,094       329,362 
 Equity attributable to equity holders 
  of the Company                                              319,459       312,280 
 Non-controlling interests                                      7,983         4,283 
                                                   ==================  ============ 
 Total equity                                                 327,442       316,563 
=========================================  ======  ==================  ============ 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Interest-bearing loans and borrowings         19             290,692       121,272 
 Lease liabilities                                             11,949         9,510 
 Deferred tax liabilities                                      27,009         8,677 
 Derivative liabilities                         6                 153           186 
 Other non-current liabilities                 20               8,504        27,376 
=========================================  ======  ==================  ============ 
 Total non-current liabilities                                338,307       167,021 
=========================================  ======  ==================  ============ 
 Current liabilities 
 Trade and other payables                      20             426,725       398,235 
 Interest-bearing loans and borrowings         19              90,616        21,884 
 Lease liabilities                                              4,580         3,917 
 Provisions                                                     2,131         2,124 
 Income tax liabilities                                         4,579         5,649 
 Derivative liabilities                         6                  10            17 
=========================================  ======  ==================  ============ 
 Total current liabilities                                    528,542       431,826 
=========================================  ======  ==================  ============ 
 TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES                               1,194,390       915,410 
=========================================  ======  ==================  ============ 
 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (unaudited)

(EUR '000)

 
                    Notes      Share       Share      Other     Merger       Business   Retained   Total equity   Non-controlling     Total 
                             capital     premium   reserves    reserve   combinations   earnings   attributable         interests    equity 
                                                                               equity                 to equity 
                                                                           adjustment                holders of 
                                                                                                     the parent 
-----------------  ------  ---------  ----------  ---------  ---------  -------------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  -------- 
 At 1 January 
  2022                        38,113     194,763      1,465   (25,963)       (17,046)     84,526        275,858             8,889   284,747 
=================  ======  =========  ==========  =========  =========  =============  =========  =============  ================  ======== 
 Profit for the 
  year                             -           -          -          -              -      8,902          8,902               285     9,187 
 Other 
  comprehensive 
  income                           -           -      5,235          -              -          -          5,235                43     5,278 
================= 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income                           -           -      5,235          -              -      8,902         14,137               328    14,465 
                   ======  =========  ==========  =========  =========  =============  =========  =============  ================  ======== 
 
 Capital 
  reduction                 (30,006)   (191,805)          -          -              -    221,811              -                 -         - 
 Dividends paid                    -           -          -          -              -          -              -              (57)      (57) 
 Share-based 
  payments                         -           -          -          -              -      3,618          3,618                 -     3,618 
 Put options held 
  by 
  non-controlling 
  interests                        -           -          -          -          (174)          -          (174)                 -     (174) 
 At 30 June 2022               8,107       2,958      6,700   (25,963)       (17,220)    318,857        293,439             9,160   302,599 
=================  ======  =========  ==========  =========  =========  =============  =========  =============  ================  ======== 
 
 At 1 January 
  2023                         8,107       2,958     10,342   (25,963)       (12,526)    329,362        312,280             4,283   316,563 
=================  ======  =========  ==========  =========  =========  =============  =========  =============  ================  ======== 
 Profit for the 
  year                             -           -          -          -              -      5,245          5,245               352     5,597 
 Other 
  comprehensive 
  income                           -           -      2,293          -              -          -          2,293                 5     2,298 
================= 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income                           -           -      2,293          -              -      5,245          7,538               357     7,895 
                   ======  =========  ==========  =========  =========  =============  =========  =============  ================  ======== 
 
 Acquisition of 
  subsidiaries          5          -           -          -          -        (5,809)          -        (5,809)             3,343   (2,466) 
 Share-based 
  payments             10          -           -          -          -              -      5,487          5,487                 -     5,487 
 Put options held 
  by 
  non-controlling 
  interests                        -           -          -          -           (37)          -           (37)                 -      (37) 
 At 30 June 2023               8,107       2,958     12,635   (25,963)       (18,372)    340,094        319,459             7,983   327,442 
=================  ======  =========  ==========  =========  =========  =============  =========  =============  ================  ======== 
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(EUR '000)

 
                                                                       Notes     For the six months ended 30 June 
                                                                      ======  =================================== 
                                                                                           2023              2022 
                                                                                    (unaudited)       (unaudited) 
====================================================================  ======  =================  ================ 
 Cash flows from operating activities 
 Profit before tax for the period                                                         8,512            13,443 
 Non-cash adjustments: 
 Depreciation and amortisation                                            14             25,708            12,431 
 Gain on disposal of non-current assets                                                   (200)              (51) 
 Interest income                                                                          (133)              (79) 
 Interest expense                                                                         8,278             2,650 
 Movements in provisions                                                                      7                17 
 Impairment losses of financial assets                                                    4,171             2,719 
 Movements in allowances for inventories                                                      4                 - 
 Foreign currency exchange rate differences                                             (1,611)                39 
 Fair value revaluation of derivatives                                                  (1,745)               457 
 Share-based payments                                                                     5,487             3,618 
 Other non-cash items                                                                       462               423 
 Working capital adjustments: 
 (Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables and prepayments                    (11,288)         (134,596) 
 (Increase)/decrease in inventories                                                       2,960           (9,302) 
 Increase in trade and other payables                                                  (27,684)           130,046 
 
 Interest received                                                                          133                79 
 Interest paid                                                                          (7,555)           (2,261) 
 Income tax paid                                                                        (4,005)           (3,207) 
 Net cash flows (used in)/generated from operating activities                             1,501            16,417 
====================================================================  ======  =================  ================ 
 
 Cash flows from investing activities 
 Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment                                      1,442               144 
 Purchase of property, plant and equipment                                              (5,681)           (3,664) 
 Purchase of intangible assets                                                         (19,331)          (18,104) 
 Purchase of financial instruments                                                        (215)                 - 
 Payments for acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired                       (273,259)          (22,924) 
 Investment in associates                                                                     -           (3,000) 
 Net cash used in investing activities                                                (297,044)          (47,548) 
====================================================================  ======  =================  ================ 
 
 Cash flows from financing activities 
 Payment of principal elements of lease liabilities                                     (2,381)           (1,415) 
 Proceeds from borrowings                                                               228,391                 - 
 Repayment of borrowings                                                               (25,991)          (10,012) 
 Dividend payments                                                                            -              (57) 
 Net cash (used in) / generated from financing activities                               200,019          (11,484) 
====================================================================  ======  =================  ================ 
 
 Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents                                  (95,524)          (42,614) 
 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents                                 -                 - 
 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period                                       146,001           224,154 
 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period                               17             50,477           181,540 
====================================================================  ======  =================  ================ 
 

1. CORPORATE INFORMATION

W.A.G payment solutions plc (the "Company" or the "Parent") is a public limited company incorporated and domiciled in the United Kingdom and registered under the laws of England & Wales under company number 13544823 with its registered address at Third Floor (East), Albemarle House, 1 Albemarle Street, London W1S 4HA. The ordinary shares of the Company were admitted to the premium listing segment of the Official List of the UK Financial Conduct Authority and have traded on the London Stock Exchange plc's main market for listed securities on 13 October 2021.

The Parent and its subsidiaries (together the "Group") are principally engaged in:

-- Providing payment solutions for fleets of professional transport and forwarding companies, as well as running a network of truck parks for commercial road transportation;

-- Providing unified way of electronic toll payments on a number of European road networks for fleets of professional transport and forwarding companies;

   --    Recovery of VAT refunds and excise duty from European countries; 

-- Creating an automated journey book and optimising traffic with the use of integrated digital maps;

-- Combine advanced solutions in the field of electronics, software engineering and applied mathematics;

   --    Sale of navigation licenses; and 
   --    Other services. 

These condensed interim financial statements were approved for issue on 7 September 2023 and have been neither reviewed nor audited.

These condensed interim financial statements do not comprise statutory accounts within the meaning of Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. Statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2022 were approved by the board of directors on 16 March 2023 and delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The report of the auditors on those accounts was unqualified, did not contain an emphasis of matter paragraph and did not contain any statement under section 498 of the Companies Act 2006.

2. BASIS OF PREPARATION

The condensed interim financial statements for the six-months ended 30 June 2023 have been prepared in accordance with UK-adopted IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting and the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority. The condensed interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Annual Report and Consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2022, which have been prepared in accordance with UK-adopted International Accounting Standards (UK-adopted IFRS).

The condensed interim financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for derivative financial instruments that have been measured at fair value. The interim condensed financial statements are presented in EUR and all values are rounded to the nearest thousand (EUR '000), except where otherwise indicated.

These unaudited condensed interim financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis. The Board has considered the financial prospects of the Company and Group for the foreseeable future, over the period to 31 December 2024, and made an assessment of the Company's and Group's ability to continue as a going concern. The Board's assessment included consideration of the availability of the Company's and Group's credit facilities, cash flow forecasts and stress test scenarios. Stress test scenarios applied in the Going Concern statement are in line with scenarios covered in the Viability statement. The Board is satisfied that the Company and Group have the resources to continue operating the business for the foreseeable future, and furthermore are not aware of any material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt upon the Company's and Group's ability to continue as a going concern and the Board considers it is appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the condensed interim financial statements.

The Board is satisfied that the Company and Group have the resources to continue operating the business for the foreseeable future, and furthermore are not aware of any material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt upon the Company's and Group's ability to continue as a going concern and the Board considers it is appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the condensed interim financial statements.

The condensed interim financial statements are prepared for the six months beginning on 1 January and ending on 30 June 2023.

3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The accounting policies adopted, as well as significant judgements and key estimates applied, are consistent with those in the annual financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2022, as described in those financial statements, except as described below:

-- Taxes on income in the interim periods are accrued using the tax rate that would be applicable to expected total annual profit or loss.

4. CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND DISCLOSURES, ADOPTION OF NEW AND REVISED STANDARDS

4.1. Application of new IFRS - standards and interpretations effective in the reporting period

The Group has applied the following standards and amendments for the first time for their annual reporting period commencing 1 January 2023:

   --    IFRS17 Insurance Contracts; 
   --    Amendments to IAS 8 - Definition of Accounting Estimates; 

-- Amendments to IAS 12 - Deferred tax related to assets and liabilities arising from a single transaction;

   --    Amendments to IAS 1 and IFRS Practice Statement 2 - Disclosure of Accounting policies. 

These Amendments did not have a significant impact on the Group's condensed interim financial statements.

4.2. NEW IFRSs and IFRICs published by the IASB that are not yet effective

Certain new accounting standards, amendments to accounting standards and interpretations have been published that are not mandatory for period commencing 1 January 2023 and have not been early adopted by the Group. These new standards, amendments and interpretations are not expected to have any significant impacts on the Group's condensed interim financial statements.

5. BUSINESS COMBINATION

As of 30 June 2023, the following acquisitions took place:

Acquisition of Inelo

Further to the subsequent events described in the 2022 Annual Report and Accounts, the acquisition of Inelo was completed on 15 March 2023.

The Group paid EUR 215.3m in cash upon the acquisition of 100% of the share capital of Inelo on 15 March 2023 and repaid Inelo's bank borrowings of EUR 53.6m on 16 March 2023. In addition, the Group will pay an additional consideration of EUR 8.4m related to the final price adjustment to Inelo's acquisition of FireUp TMS subsidiary and EUR2.1m related to other purchase price adjustments identified at completion. There is also a contingent consideration, based on Inelo's EBITDA performance for the year to 31 December 2022, capped at EUR 12.5m, which will (if applicable) become payable in the second half of 2023, following approval of the audited consolidated financial statements of Inelo. Full amount of contingent consideration was recognised as of 30 June 2023. The Group will either pay EUR12.5m or no consideration is payable.

Given the short period of time between the acquisition and preparation of these condensed interim financial statements, the amounts recorded below for the acquisition are provisional. Purchase price allocation activities are ongoing, and the preliminary fair value of assets and liabilities will be further revised.

The provisionally determined fair values of identifiable assets and liabilities of subsidiaries of Inelo as at the date of acquisition were:

 
                                              Preliminary 
                                               fair value 
                                               recognized 
                                           on acquisition 
 EUR '000                                        of Inelo 
=======================================  ================ 
 Assets 
 Property, plant and equipment                     11,206 
 Identifiable intangible assets                   102,066 
 Right of use assets                                3,060 
 Other non-current assets                             124 
 Trade receivables                                  8,540 
 Inventories                                        1,674 
 Income tax receivables                               943 
 Cash and cash equivalents                          3,270 
 Total Assets                                     130,883 
 
 Liabilities 
 Interest-bearing loans and borrowings             59,136 
 Trade payables                                    13,138 
 Lease liabilities                                  3,146 
 Other non-current liabilities                        418 
 Income tax liabilities                               467 
 Deferred tax                                      18,063 
 Total Liabilities                                 94,368 
=======================================  ================ 
 Total identifiable net assets 
  at fair value                                    36,515 
=======================================  ================ 
 Non-controlling interest measured 
  at % of net assets                              (3,343) 
 Goodwill arising on acquisition                  205,123 
=======================================  ================ 
 
 Purchase consideration: 
---------------------------------------  ---------------- 
 Cash paid                                        215,288 
---------------------------------------  ---------------- 
 Deferred and contingent consideration             23,006 
---------------------------------------  ---------------- 
 Total purchase consideration                     238,294 
---------------------------------------  ---------------- 
 

The goodwill is attributable to expected synergies from combining operations, workforce and other unrecognisable intangible assets. It will not be deductible for tax purposes.

The gross contractual receivables acquired amounted to EUR9,931 thousand. At acquisition date, there were EUR1,272 thousand of contractual cash flows not expected to be collected.

From the date of acquisition until 30 June 2023, Inelo's subsidiaries contributed EUR13,291 thousand of revenue and EUR3,500 thousand profit after tax.

If the acquisition had occurred on 1 January 2023, consolidated revenue and consolidated profit after tax of Inelo's entities for the half year ended 30 June 2023 would have been EUR20,965 thousand and EUR3,811 thousand respectively. Excluding amortisation of acquired intangibles and adjusting items the adjusted profit after tax would have been EUR7,113 thousand.

As the deferred consideration is of short-term nature, no discounting has been applied to the amount payable.

Transaction costs are disclosed at the end of this note.

Pay-out of deferred consideration

On 27 April 2023, the Group paid first part of deferred and contingent acquisition consideration of EUR 2,064 thousand related to acquisition of Webeye.

Further, on 17 May 2023, the Group paid second part of deferred acquisition consideration of EUR 5,500 thousand related to acquisition of Webeye.

Other disclosures

Net outflows of cash to acquire subsidiaries were as follows:

 
 EUR '000                             30 June             30 June 
                             2023 (unaudited)    2022 (unaudited) 
=========================  ==================  ================== 
 Cash consideration paid              222,852              23,319 
 Repayment of acquiree's               53,676                   - 
  debt 
 Cash acquired                        (3,270)               (395) 
                           ==================  ================== 
 Net outflow of cash 
  - investing activities              273,259              22,924 
=========================  ==================  ================== 
 

Cost of acquisition of subsidiaries recognised in other operating expense:

 
 EUR '000                              For the six months 
                                            ended 30 June 
===================  ==================================== 
                      2023 (unaudited)   2022 (unaudited) 
===================  =================  ================= 
 Acquisition costs               2,719                524 
===================  =================  ================= 
 

6. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT

The following table provides the fair value measurement hierarchy of the Group's assets and liabilities.

Fair value measurement hierarchy for assets and liabilities as at 30 June 2023 (unaudited):

 
 EUR '000                 Note    Date of valuation                      Fair value measurement 
                                                                                          using 
======================  ======  ===================                                              ======= 
                                                           Quoted   Significant     Significant 
                                                           prices    observable    unobservable 
                                                        in active        inputs          inputs 
                                                          markets        (Level          (Level 
                                                           (Level            2)              3) 
                                                               1)                                  Total 
======================  ======  ===================  ============  ============  ==============  ======= 
 Assets measured 
  at fair value 
 Financial assets 
  at fair value 
  through other 
  comprehensive 
  income (FVTOCI)                       30 June 2023            -             -          14,579   14,579 
 Derivative financial 
  assets 
  Foreign currency 
   forwards                             30 June 2023            -         2,329               -    2,329 
  Interest rate 
   swaps                                30 June 2023            -         6,921               -    6,921 
 Liabilities measured 
  at fair value 
 Derivative financial 
  liabilities 
  Foreign currency 
   forwards                             30 June 2023            -             5               -        5 
  Put options                           30 June 2023            -             -             153      153 
  Interest rate 
   swaps                                30 June 2023            -             5               -        5 
==============================   ===================  ===========  ============  ==============  ======= 
 

As of 30 June 2023, fair value measurement of financial assets at FVTOCI was performed by an independent valuator. The carrying value as of 31 December 2022 falls within the range of the valuation as of 30 June 2023, with a midpoint being higher than the carrying amount. Therefore, we decided to be prudent and keep the value as it was as of 31 December 2022.

There have been no transfers between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 during the six months ended 30 June 2023.

Fair value measurement hierarchy for assets and liabilities as at 31 December 2022:

 
 EUR '000                 Note    Date of valuation                      Fair value measurement 
                                                                                          using 
======================  ======  ===================                                              ======= 
                                                           Quoted   Significant     Significant 
                                                           prices    observable    unobservable 
                                                        in active        inputs          inputs 
                                                          markets        (Level          (Level 
                                                           (Level            2)              3) 
                                                               1)                                  Total 
======================  ======  ===================  ============  ============  ==============  ======= 
 Assets measured 
  at fair value 
 Financial assets 
  at fair value 
  through other 
  comprehensive                          31 December 
  income (FVTOCI)                               2022            -             -          14,364   14,364 
 Derivative financial 
  assets 
  Foreign currency                       31 December 
   forwards                                     2022            -             1               -        1 
  Interest rate                          31 December 
   swaps                                        2022            -         6,943               -    6,943 
 Liabilities measured 
  at fair value 
 Derivative financial 
  liabilities 
  Foreign currency                       31 December 
   forwards                                     2022            -            17               -       17 
                                         31 December 
  Put options                                   2022            -             -             153      153 
  Interest rate                          31 December 
   swaps                                        2022            -            33               -       33 
==============================   ===================  ===========  ============  ==============  ======= 
 

There have been no transfers between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 during the year ended 31 December 2022.

Specific valuation techniques used to value financial instruments include:

-- for interest rate swaps - the present value of the estimated future cash flows based on observable yield curves;

-- for foreign currency forwards - the present value of future cash flows based on the forward exchange rates at the balance sheet date;

   --    for put options - option pricing models (Monte Carlo); and 
   --    for other financial instruments - discounted cash flow analysis. 

The Group engaged independent experts to perform valuation of FVTOCI based on discounted cash-flows. The main level 3 inputs used are:

   --    discount rate; 
   --    revenue growth rate. 

Reasonably possible change in the above inputs does not lead to a significant change in the fair value of the financial asset.

Management assessed that the fair values of cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables and trade and other payables approximates their carrying amounts largely due to the short-term maturities of these instruments. Interest-bearing loans and borrowings are at floating rates with margin corresponding to market margins and credit rating of the Company has not significantly changed since refinancing in September 2022.

The fair value of the financial assets and liabilities is included at the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties, other than in a forced or liquidation sale.

7. SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS

Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the Chief Operating Decision Maker ("CODM"). The Group considers the Executive Committee to be the CODM effective from July 2021. The Board of Directors of W.A.G. payments solutions, a.s. was considered as CODM prior to that date. The CODM reviews net energy and services sales and contribution to evaluate segment performance and allocate resources to the overall business.

For management purposes and based on internal reporting information, the Group is organised in two operating segments: Payment solutions and Mobility solutions. Payment solutions represent Group's revenues, which are based on recurring and frequent transactional payments. The segment includes Energy and Toll payments, which are a typical first choice of a new customer. Mobility solutions represent a number of services, which are either subscription based or subsequently sold to customers using Payment solutions products. The segment includes Tax refund, Fleet management solutions, Navigation, and other service offerings.

Net energy and services sales, contribution, contribution margin, EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP measures, see Note 9.

The CODM does not review assets and liabilities at segment level.

 
 Six months ended                Payment     Mobility       Total 
  30 June 2023 (unaudited)     solutions    solutions 
  EUR '000 
---------------------------  -----------  -----------  ---------- 
 Segment revenue                 970,921       46,665   1,017,586 
 Net energy and services 
  sales                           72,418       46,665     119,083 
 
 Contribution                     61,004       31,621      92,624 
 Contribution margin                 84%          68%         78% 
 Corporate overhead 
  and indirect costs 
  before adjusting 
  items                                                  (42,383) 
 Adjusting items 
  affecting Adjusted 
  EBITDA                                                 (10,025) 
 Depreciation and 
  amortisation                                           (25,708) 
 Net finance costs 
  and share of net 
  loss of associates                                      (5,996) 
---------------------------  -----------  -----------  ---------- 
 Profit before tax                                          8,512 
---------------------------  -----------  -----------  ---------- 
 
 
 Six months ended                Payment     Mobility       Total 
  30 June 2022 (unaudited)     solutions    solutions 
  EUR '000 
---------------------------  -----------  -----------  ---------- 
 Segment revenue               1,137,314       23,501   1,160,815 
 Net energy and services 
  sales                           63,477       23,501      86,978 
 
 Contribution                     54,938       16,971      71,909 
 Contribution margin                 87%          72%         83% 
 Corporate overhead 
  and indirect costs 
  before adjusting 
  items                                                  (36,906) 
 Adjusting items 
  affecting Adjusted 
  EBITDA                                                  (5,498) 
 Depreciation and 
  amortisation                                           (12,431) 
 Net finance costs 
  and share of net 
  loss of associates                                      (3,631) 
---------------------------  -----------  -----------  ---------- 
 Profit before tax                                         13,443 
---------------------------  -----------  -----------  ---------- 
 

Geographical split - segment revenue from contracts with customers

The geographical analysis is derived from the base location of responsible sales teams, rather than reflecting the geographical location of the actual transaction.

 
 EUR '000                               For the six months 
                                           ended 30 June 
=============================  ==================================== 
                                2023 (unaudited)   2022 (unaudited) 
=============================  =================  ================= 
 Czech Republic ("CZ")                   219,845            242,813 
 Poland ("PL")                           180,975            199,284 
 Central Cluster (excluding 
  CZ and PL)                             124,998            133,417 
 Portugal ("PT")                         109,201            205,110 
 Western Cluster (excluding 
  PT)                                     50,003             38,117 
 Romania ("RO")                          144,905            153,735 
 Southern Cluster (excluding 
  RO)                                    183,210            183,556 
 Not specified                             4,449              4,783 
 Total                                 1,017,586          1,160,815 
=============================  =================  ================= 
 

There were no individually significant customers, which would represent 10% of revenue or more.

Geographical split - net energy and services sales

 
 EUR '000                               For the six months 
                                           ended 30 June 
=============================  ==================================== 
                                2023 (unaudited)   2022 (unaudited) 
=============================  =================  ================= 
 Czech Republic                           18,928             15,861 
 Poland                                   25,554             15,323 
 Central Cluster (excluding 
  CZ and PL)                              15,048             12,120 
 Portugal                                  5,576              8,638 
 Western Cluster (excluding 
  PT)                                      4,627              3,492 
 Romania                                  16,890             12,570 
 Southern Cluster (excluding 
  RO)                                     28,860             15,559 
 Not specified                             3,600              3,415 
 Total                                   119,083             86,978 
=============================  =================  ================= 
 

Timing of revenue recognition was as follows:

 
 EUR '000                                  For the six months 
                                              ended 30 June 
================================  ==================================== 
                                   2023 (unaudited)   2022 (unaudited) 
================================  =================  ================= 
 Payment solutions 
 Goods and services transferred 
  at a point in time                        952,248          1,125,804 
 Services transferred over 
  time                                       18,672             11,510 
--------------------------------  -----------------  ----------------- 
                                            970,920          1,137,314 
 
 Mobility solutions 
 Goods and services transferred 
  at a point in time                          8,242              6,357 
 Services transferred over 
  time                                       38,424             17,144 
--------------------------------  -----------------  ----------------- 
                                             46,666             23,501 
 
 Total segment revenue                    1,017,586          1,160,815 
================================  =================  ================= 
 

8. OTHER OPERATING INCOME

 
 EUR '000                    For the six 
                             months ended 
                               30 June 
========================  ================ 
                              2023    2022 
========================  ========  ====== 
 Revaluation of foreign      5,953       - 
  currency forwards 
 Other income                  828     221 
 Total                       6,781     221 
========================  ========  ====== 
 

9. ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES

To supplement its consolidated financial statements, which are prepared and presented in accordance with IFRS, the Group uses the following non-GAAP financial measures that are not defined or recognised under IFRS: Net energy and services sales, Contribution, Contribution margin, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, Adjusted earnings, Adjusted earnings per share, Adjusted effective tax rate, Net debt/cash, and Transformational capital expenditure.

The Group uses Alternative Performance Measures ("APMs") to provide additional information to investors and to enhance their understanding of its results. The APMs should be viewed as complementary to, rather than a substitute for, the figures determined according to IFRS. Moreover, these metrics may be defined or calculated differently by other companies, and, as a result, they may not be comparable to similar metrics calculated by the Group's peers.

Net energy and services sales

Net energy and services sales is an alternative performance measure, which is calculated as total revenues from contracts with customers, less cost of energy sold. The Group believes this subtotal is relevant to an understanding of its financial performance on the basis that it adjusts for the volatility in underlying energy prices. The Group has discretion in establishing final energy price independent from the prices of its suppliers, as explained in its accounting policies.

This measure also supports comparability of the Group's performance with other entities, who have concluded that they act as an agent in the sale of energy and, therefore, report revenues net of energy purchased.

Contribution

Contribution is defined as net energy and services sales less operating costs that can be directly attributed to or controlled by the segments. Contribution does not include indirect costs and allocations of shared costs that are managed at a group level and hence shown separately under Indirect costs and corporate overhead.

The CODM reviews net energy and services sales and contribution to evaluate segment performance and allocate resources to the overall business (Note 7).

Contribution margin

Contribution margin represents, for each of the Group's two operating segments, that segment's contribution as a proportion of that segment's Net energy and services sales.

EBITDA

EBITDA is defined as operating profit before depreciation and amortisation.

The Group presents EBITDA because it is widely used by securities analysts, investors, and other interested parties to evaluate the profitability of companies. EBITDA eliminates potential differences in performance caused by variations in capital structures (affecting net finance costs), tax positions (such as the availability of net operating losses, against which to relieve taxable profits), the cost and age of tangible assets (affecting relative depreciation expense), the extent to which intangible assets are identifiable (affecting relative amortisation expense) and share of loss of associates.

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA before adjusting items:

 
 Adjusting item             Definition                   Exclusion justification 
=========================  ===========================  ========================================== 
 M&A-related                Fees and other               M&A-related expenses differ every 
  expenses                   costs relating               year based on acquisition activity 
                             to the Group's               of the Group. Exclusion of these 
                             acquisitions activity        costs allow better result comparability. 
-------------------------  ---------------------------  ------------------------------------------ 
 Strategic transformation   Costs relating               Broadening the skill base 
  expenses                   to broadening                IPO and IT strategic transformation 
                             the skill bases              requires different skill base 
                             of the Group's               of the Group's employees. Expenses 
                             employees (including         related to these strategic events 
                             in respect of                were excluded as otherwise they 
                             executive search             would not be incurred. The expenses 
                             and recruiting               are not expected to be adjusted 
                             costs), costs                in 2023. 
                             related to transformation    Transformation of key IT systems 
                             of key IT systems            Transformational expenditure 
                             as well as Inelo             represents investments intended 
                             integration costs            to create a new product or service, 
                                                          or significantly enhance an existing 
                                                          one, in order to increase the 
                                                          Group's revenue potential. This 
                                                          also includes systems and processes 
                                                          improvements to improve services 
                                                          provided to customers. Transformational 
                                                          expenditures, which cannot be 
                                                          capitalised as they are mainly 
                                                          related to research, were excluded 
                                                          as the Group is executing its 
                                                          strategic transformation programme 
                                                          and due to the fact that annual 
                                                          investments compared to Group's 
                                                          Net sales are significantly higher 
                                                          than regular investments of a 
                                                          technology company. Strategic 
                                                          transformation programme is expected 
                                                          to end in 2023 except for SAP 
                                                          implementation, which is expected 
                                                          to end in 2024. Anticipated IT 
                                                          transformation expense adjustment 
                                                          amounts to EUR4.1m in 2023 and 
                                                          EUR3.3m in 2024. The Group does 
                                                          not expect significant capitalisation 
                                                          related to SAP in 2024. 
                                                          Integration costs of Inelo 
                                                          In 2023 and 2024, the Group expects 
                                                          to adjust one-off costs related 
                                                          to transformation and integration 
                                                          of Inelo. While the Group did 
                                                          not adjust integration costs 
                                                          in the past, the related activities 
                                                          and one-off costs are expected 
                                                          to be significantly higher than 
                                                          for previously completed acquisitions. 
                                                          Exclusion of these costs will 
                                                          allow better result comparability. 
                                                          The Group currently estimates 
                                                          approximately EUR2m of integration 
                                                          costs in 2023. 
-------------------------  ---------------------------  ------------------------------------------ 
 Share-based                Equity-settled               Share options and cash-settled 
  compensation               and cash-settled             compensation have been provided 
                             compensation provided        to management and certain employees 
                             to the Group's               in connection with the IPO. Total 
                             management before            share-based payment charge to 
                             IPO                          be excluded in period 2021-2024 
                                                          amounts to EUR20.7m, from which 
                                                          EUR1.3m was a one-off in 2021 
                                                          and EUR19.4m is amortised over 
                                                          three years. Although these costs 
                                                          will be amortised over the next 
                                                          three years based on accounting 
                                                          policies, they were excluded 
                                                          as they relate to a one-off event. 
                                                          Amortised expenses amounted to 
                                                          EUR5.1m in 2021 and EUR5.3m in 
                                                          2022 and anticipated expense 
                                                          adjustment amounts to EUR6.5m 
                                                          in 2023 and EUR2.5m in 2024. 
                                                          Share awards provided post-IPO 
                                                          were not excluded as they represent 
                                                          non-cash element of annual remuneration 
                                                          package. 
=========================  ===========================  ========================================== 
 

Management believes that Adjusted EBITDA is a useful measure for investors because it is a measure closely tracked by management to evaluate the Group's operating performance and to make financial, strategic, and operating decisions. It may help investors to understand and evaluate, in the same manner as management, the underlying trends in the Group's operational performance on a comparable basis, period on period.

Adjusted EBITDA reconciliation

 
 EUR '000                                  For the six months 
                                              ended 30 June 
================================  ==================================== 
                                   2023 (unaudited)   2022 (unaudited) 
================================  =================  ================= 
 Intangible assets amortisation 
  (Note 14)                                  19,310              8,830 
 Tangible assets depreciation 
  (Note 14)                                   3,949              2,176 
 Right of use depreciation                    2,449              1,425 
--------------------------------  -----------------  ----------------- 
 Depreciation and amortization               25,708             12,431 
 Net finance costs and share 
  of net loss of associates                   5,996              3,631 
 Profit before tax                            8,512             13,443 
--------------------------------  -----------------  ----------------- 
 EBITDA                                      40,216             29,505 
 
 M&A-related expenses *                       2,719                524 
 Strategic transformation 
  expenses                                    3,624              1,661 
 Share-based compensation                     3,682              3,313 
--------------------------------  -----------------  ----------------- 
 Adjusting items                             10,025              5,498 
 
 Adjusted EBITDA                             50,241             35,003 
================================  =================  ================= 
 

* Primarily related to Inelo acquisition .

Adjusted EBITDA margin

Adjusted EBITDA margin represents Adjusted EBITDA for the period divided by Net energy and services sales.

Adjusted earnings (net profit)

Adjusted earnings are defined as profit after tax before adjusting items:

 
 Adjusting item              Definition                      Exclusion justification 
==========================  ==============================  ================================= 
 Amortisation of acquired    Amortisation of assets          The Group acquired 
  intangibles                 recognised at the time          a number of companies 
                              of an acquisition (primarily    in the past and plans 
                              ADS, Sygic, Webeye and          further acquisitions 
                              Inelo)                          in the future. The 
                                                              item is prone to volatility 
                                                              from period to period 
                                                              depending on the level 
                                                              of M&A. 
--------------------------  ------------------------------  --------------------------------- 
 Amortisation due            Accelerated amortisation        Strategic IT transformation 
  to transformational         of assets being replaced        programme of the Group 
  useful life changes         by strategic transformation     is replacing selected 
                              of the Group                    software before their 
                                                              originally estimated 
                                                              useful life. This may 
                                                              also include early 
                                                              fixed asset write-offs. 
                                                              Amortisation of such 
                                                              assets has been accelerated 
                                                              and abnormally high 
                                                              difference between 
                                                              original and accelerated 
                                                              depreciation was excluded 
                                                              to allow period on 
                                                              period result comparability. 
                                                              The item adjusted in 
                                                              2020-2022 represents 
                                                              assets replaced by 
                                                              strategic IT transformation 
                                                              by the end of 2022, 
                                                              however, decisions 
                                                              may be taken as the 
                                                              Group continues with 
                                                              its strategic IT transformation 
                                                              in 2023, which may 
                                                              lead to new assets 
                                                              being replaced and 
                                                              either accelerated 
                                                              or written-off. The 
                                                              Group expects this 
                                                              adjustment to be relevant 
                                                              until 2024, although, 
                                                              no significant costs 
                                                              are currently expected 
                                                              to be adjusted in 2023 
                                                              and 2024. 
--------------------------  ------------------------------  --------------------------------- 
 Adjusting items affecting   Items recognised in             Justifications for 
  Adjusted EBITDA             the preceding table,            each item are listed 
                              which reconciles EBITDA         in the preceding table. 
                              to Adjusted EBITDA 
--------------------------  ------------------------------  --------------------------------- 
 Tax effect                  Decrease in tax expense         Tax effect of above 
                              as a result of above            adjustments is excluded 
                              adjustments                     to adjust the impact 
                                                              on after tax profit. 
--------------------------  ------------------------------  --------------------------------- 
 

The Group believes this measure is relevant to an understanding of its financial performance absent the impact of abnormally high levels of amortisation resulting from acquisitions and from technology transformation programmes.

Adjusted earnings reconciliation

 
 EUR '000                                        For the six months 
                                                    ended 30 June 
======================================  ==================================== 
                                         2023 (unaudited)   2022 (unaudited) 
======================================  =================  ================= 
 Profit for the year                                5,597              9,187 
 Amortisation of acquired intangibles               6,756              2,761 
 Amortisation due to transformational 
  useful life changes                                   -                651 
 Adjusting items affecting Adjusted 
  EBITDA                                           10,025              5,498 
 Tax effect                                       (1,717)            (1,188) 
 Adjusted earnings (net profit)                    20,661             16,909 
======================================  =================  ================= 
 

Adjusted earnings per share

Adjusted earnings per share is calculated by dividing the adjusted net profit for the period attributable to equity holders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period. See Note 18 for further information.

Adjusted effective tax rate

Adjusted effective tax rate is calculated by dividing the adjusted tax expense by the adjusted profit before tax. The adjustments represent adjusting items affecting adjusted earnings. See Note 13 for further information.

Net debt/cash

Net debt/cash is calculated as cash and cash equivalents less interest-bearing loans and borrowings.

Transformational capital expenditure

Transformational capital expenditure represents investments intended to create a new product or service, or significantly enhance an existing one, in order to increase Group's revenue potential. This also includes systems and processed improvements to improve services provided to customers.

10. EMPLOYEE EXPENSES

Employee expenses for the respective periods consist of the following:

 
 EUR '000                                    For the six months ended 30 June 
========================  ====================================================================== 
                                            2023 (unaudited)                    2022 (unaudited) 
========================  ==================================  ================================== 
                           Total personnel   Key management*   Total personnel   Key management* 
========================  ================  ================  ================  ================ 
 Wages and salaries                 39,114             3,360            27,034             2,408 
 Social security costs               9,107               593             6,797               349 
 Option plans                        5,654             5,074             3,807             3,421 
 Own work capitalised              (7,451)                 -           (4,870)                 - 
========================  ================  ================  ================  ================ 
 Total employee expense             46,424             9,027            32,768             6,178 
========================  ================  ================  ================  ================ 
 

*Includes the members of the Board and Executive Committee of W.A.G payment solutions PLC.

Expenses arising from share-based payment transactions

 
 EUR '000                                     For the six months 
                                                 ended 30 June 
======================================  ============================== 
                                                  2023            2022 
                                           (unaudited)     (unaudited) 
======================================  ==============  ============== 
 Equity-settled plans (pre-IPO option 
  plans)                                         3,518           3,124 
 Cash-settled plans (pre-IPO)                      164             189 
--------------------------------------  --------------  -------------- 
 Total pre-IPO expenses (Note 9)                 3,682           3,313 
--------------------------------------  --------------  -------------- 
 Equity-settled plans (PSP)                      1,971             494 
--------------------------------------  --------------  -------------- 
 Total                                           5,653           3,807 
--------------------------------------  --------------  -------------- 
 

11. FINANCE COSTS

Finance costs for the respective periods were as follows:

 
 EUR '000                         For the six months 
                                     ended 30 June 
=======================  ==================================== 
                          2023 (unaudited)   2022 (unaudited) 
=======================  =================  ================= 
 Bank guarantees fee                   673                430 
 Interest expense                    8,257              2,729 
 Factoring fee                       1,956                417 
 Foreign exchange loss                   -                975 
 Other                                  74                  1 
 Total                              10,960              4,553 
=======================  =================  ================= 
 

The Group manages its foreign currency risk by using foreign currency forwards and swaps .

12. FINANCE INCOME

Finance income for the respective periods was as follows:

 
 EUR '000                                       For the six 
                                                months ended 
                                                  30 June 
=====================================  ============================ 
                                                2023           2022 
                                         (unaudited)    (unaudited) 
=====================================  =============  ============= 
 Gain from foreign currency exchange           3,451              - 
  rate differences 
 Gain from the revaluation of 
  securities and derivatives                   1,667          1,117 
 Interest income                                 133             81 
 Other                                            11             77 
 Total                                         5,262          1,275 
=====================================  =============  ============= 
 

13. INCOME TAX

The taxation charge for the interim period has been calculated based on estimated e ective tax rate for the full year of 34.2% (six months ended 30 June 2022: 31.7%).

The tax rate is higher in 2023 mainly due to equity-settled share-based payments of EUR 5,489 thousand (six months ended 30 June 2022: EUR 3,618 thousand) and tax non-deductible M&A expenses EUR 1,384 thousand (six months ended 30 June 2022: EUR 524 thousand) offset by positive impact of 2022 CIT assessment of EUR 404 thousand (six months ended 30 June 2022: negative impact of EUR 309 thousand). Related tax impact amounts to EUR 930 thousand in the six months ended 30 June 2023, which represents 10.9 percentage points of the effective tax rate (six months ended 30 June 2021: EUR 1,096 thousand, which represented 8.1 percentage point of the effective tax rate).

In May 2023, the government of the Czech Republic suggested changes in the Czech tax system which include corporate income tax rate increase from 19% to 21%. According to the government's proposal, the new tax rate will be applicable for tax and accounting periods starting in 2024. The changes have not yet been enacted as of the date of preparation of these condensed interim financial statements. If enacted, the impact on the deferred tax as of 30 June 2023 would not be material (approx. EUR 677 thousand increase of deferred tax asset and EUR 1 thousand increase of deferred tax liability).

The Group is currently analysing impact of OECD Pillar II legislation, which is effective from 1 January 2024. Although the analysis has not yet been completed, the new legislation may have an impact on the Group. The management is taking all necessary actions to minimize the impact.

Adjusted effective tax rate is as follows:

 
 EUR '000                                                     For the six months ended 30 June 
==========================================================  ==================================== 
                                                             2023 (unaudited)   2022 (unaudited) 
==========================================================  =================  ================= 
 Accounting profit before tax                                           8,512             13,443 
 Adjusting items affecting adjusted EBITDA                             10,025              5,498 
 Amortisation of acquired intangibles                                   6,756              2,761 
 Amortisation due to transformational useful life changes                   -                651 
----------------------------------------------------------  -----------------  ----------------- 
 Adjusted profit before tax (A)                                        25,292             22,353 
 
 Accounting tax expense                                                 2,914              4,256 
 Tax effect of above adjustments                                        1,717              1,188 
----------------------------------------------------------  -----------------  ----------------- 
 Adjusted tax expense (B)                                               4,632              5,444 
 
 Adjusted earnings (A-B)                                               20,661             16,909 
 Adjusted effective tax rate (B/A)                                     18.31%             24.35% 
----------------------------------------------------------  -----------------  ----------------- 
 

14. INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 
                                                 Property, 
                                   Intangible    plant and 
 EUR '000                              assets    equipment 
================================  ===========  =========== 
 Cost 
 Opening balance as at 
  1 January 2023                      342,614       69,555 
 Acquisition of a subsidiary          307,188       11,212 
 Additions                             19,708        4,952 
 Disposals                              (347)      (3,924) 
 Translation differences                5,219        2,099 
 Closing balance at 30 
  June 2023 (unaudited)               674,382       83,894 
================================  ===========  =========== 
 
 Accumulated amortisation 
  / depreciation 
 Opening balance as at 
  1 January 2023                     (74,444)     (29,729) 
 Amortisation / depreciation         (19,310)      (3,949) 
 Impairment                                 -        (120) 
 Disposals                                 38        2,972 
 Translation differences              (1,061)        (851) 
 Closing balance at 30 
  June 2023 (unaudited)              (94,777)     (31,677) 
================================  ===========  =========== 
 
 Net book value 
 As at 1 January 2023                 268,171       39,826 
 As at 30 June 2023 (unaudited)       579,605       52,217 
================================  ===========  =========== 
 

Impairment testing

The Group has tested the intangible assets with an indefinite useful life for impairment as at 31 December 2022. As at 30 June 2023, the Group performed impairment test for the CGU Fleet management (FMS) (excluding Inelo) as the recoverable amount of this CGU was closer to the carrying amount than all other CGUs as at 31 December 2022.

Carrying amount of goodwill allocated to FMS CGU as at 30 June 2023 was EUR 59,408 thousand. The recoverable amount of the CGU has been determined based on a value-in-use calculation using cash flow projections from financial forecast covering a five-year period. The Group has considered the potential impact of climate change in impairment tests and a combination of revenue decrease and operating and capital expenses increase was included in the FMS CGU base model. Sensitivities of discounted cash-flows described below directly include the expected climate change impact.

Discounted cash flow model is based on the following key assumptions:

   --    Discount rate; 
   --    Revenues; 
   --    Long-term revenue growth rate. 

Discount rate reflects specific risks relating to the industry in which the Group operates. The discount rate used is based on the weighted average cost of capital ("WACC") of the Group as presumed by Capital Asset Pricing Model and was set at 13.0% as at 30 June 2023 (12.0% in year ended 31 December 2022).

The recoverable amount is estimated to exceed the carrying amount of the CGU at 30 June 2023 by EUR 5,216 thousand.

Discount rate used in the value-in-use calculation would have to increase to 13.4% for the recoverable amount to be equal to its carrying amount.

Revenue used in the value-in-use calculation would have to decrease by 1.7% for the recoverable amount to be equal to its carrying amount.

Long-term revenue growth rate would have to decrease to 2.1% for the recoverable amount to be equal to its carrying amount.

15. INVENTORIES

 
 EUR '000                            30 June 2023 (unaudited)   31 December 2022 
==================================  =========================  ================= 
 Raw materials*                                         7,028              6,652 
 Goods (excluding on-board units)                       6,293              9,173 
 Finished products                                        181                197 
 On-board units                                         5,535              4,269 
==================================  =========================  ================= 
 Total                                                 19,037             20,291 
==================================  =========================  ================= 
 

*Represents primarily material for On-board units.

Goods recognised as an expense are presented in full under cost of energy sold.

16. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

 
 EUR '000                               30 June   31 December 
                               2023 (unaudited)          2022 
===========================  ==================  ============ 
 Trade receivables                      268,313       240,788 
 Receivables from tax 
  authorities                            22,378        24,528 
 Advances granted                        12,432        12,059 
 Unbilled revenue                         4,240         9,728 
 Miscellaneous receivables                   65         4,798 
 Tax refund receivables                  77,188        79,274 
 Prepaid expenses and 
  accrued income                          4,745         3,976 
 Contract assets                          3,846         3,001 
===========================  ==================  ============ 
 Total                                  393,207       378,152 
===========================  ==================  ============ 
 

17. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

For the purpose of the statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents comprise the following:

 
 EUR '000                                                                      30 June (unaudited)   31 December 2022 
============================================================================  ====================  ================= 
 Cash at banks                                                                              80,382            145,938 
 Cash on hand                                                                                   62                 65 
 Cash and cash equivalents presented in the statement of financial position                 80,444            146,003 
============================================================================  ====================  ================= 
 Bank overdrafts                                                                          (29,967)                (2) 
============================================================================ 
 Cash and cash equivalents presented in the statement of cash flows                         50,477            146,001 
============================================================================  ====================  ================= 
 

18. EARNINGS PER SHARE

All ordinary shares have the same rights. Class B share was excluded from earnings per share ("EPS") calculation as it had no voting rights, rights to distributions or rights to the return of capital on winding up.

Basic EPS is calculated by dividing the net profit for the period attributable to equity holders of the Group by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year.

Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing the net profit for the period attributable to equity holders of the Group by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period, plus the weighted average number of shares that would be issued if all dilutive potential ordinary shares were converted into ordinary shares.

Adjusted basic EPS is calculated by dividing the Adjusted earnings (net profit) for the period attributable to equity holders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period.

The following reflects the income and share data used in calculating EPS:

 
                                                     For the six 
                                                     months ended 
                                                       30 June 
==========================================  ============================ 
                                                     2023           2022 
                                              (unaudited)    (unaudited) 
==========================================  =============  ============= 
 Net profit attributable to equity 
  holders (EUR '000)                                5,245          8,902 
==========================================  =============  ============= 
 Basic weighted average number of 
  shares                                      688,911,333    688,911,333 
 Effects of dilution from share options         2,296,736        517,940 
 Total number of shares used in computing 
  dilutive earnings per share                 691,208,069    689,429,273 
------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Basic earnings per share (cents/share)              0.76           1.29 
 Diluted earnings per share (cents/share)            0.76           1.29 
==========================================  =============  ============= 
 

Adjusted earnings per share measures:

 
                                                  For the six 
                                                  months ended 
                                                    30 June 
=======================================  ============================ 
                                                  2023           2022 
                                           (unaudited)    (unaudited) 
=======================================  =============  ============= 
 Net profit attributable to equity 
  holders (EUR '000)                             5,245          8,902 
=======================================  =============  ============= 
 Adjusting items affecting Adjusted 
  EBITDA (Note 9)                               10,025          5,498 
 Amortisation of acquired intangibles*           6,310          2,229 
 Amortisation due to transformational 
  useful life changes                                -            651 
 Tax impact of above adjustments*              (1,633)        (1,080) 
=======================================  =============  ============= 
 Adjusted net profit attributable 
  to equity holders (EUR '000)                  19,948         16,200 
=======================================  =============  ============= 
 Basic weighted average number of 
  shares                                   688,911,333    688,911,333 
=======================================  =============  ============= 
 Adjusted basic earnings per share 
  (cents/share)                                   2.90           2.35 
=======================================  =============  ============= 
 Diluted weighted average number 
  of shares                                691,208,069    689,429,273 
=======================================  =============  ============= 
 Adjusted dilutive earnings per 
  share (cents/share)                             2.89           2.35 
=======================================  =============  ============= 
 

*non-controlling interests impact was excluded

Options

Options granted to employees under Share-based payments are considered to be potential ordinary shares. They have been included in the determination of diluted earnings per share if the required performance criteria would have been met based on the Group's performance up to the reporting date, and to the extent to which they are dilutive. The options have not been included in the determination of basic earnings per share as their performance conditions have not been met.

19. INTEREST BEARING LOANS AND BORROWINGS

 
                                                        30 June 2023 (unaudited)              31 December 2022 
==============  ========  ===========  ===========  =================================  =============================== 
                Currency     Maturity     Interest      Total  Amount in    Amount in      Total  Amount in  Amount in 
                                              rate   limit in   original      EUR'000   limit in   original    EUR'000 
                                                     currency   currency                currency   currency 
==============  ========  ===========  ===========  =========  =========  ===========  =========  =========  ========= 
Bank loans 
Multicurrency 
 term and 
 revolving 
 facilities                             3M EURIBOR 
 agreement**         EUR      2027/09     + margin     45,000     40,733       40,733     45,000     42,941     42,941 
Multicurrency 
 term and 
 revolving 
 facilities                             3M EURIBOR 
 agreement**         EUR      2027/09     + margin     68,000     59,687       59,687     68,000     64,889     64,889 
Multicurrency 
 term and 
 revolving 
 facilities                             3M EURIBOR 
 agreement**         EUR      2027/09     + margin     37,000     35,308       35,308     37,000     35,307     35,307 
Multicurrency 
 term and 
 revolving 
 facilities                             3M EURIBOR 
 agreement**         EUR      2027/09     + margin    120,000    108,566      108,566          -          -          - 
Multicurrency 
 term and 
 revolving 
 facilities                             3M EURIBOR 
 agreement**         EUR      2027/09     + margin     60,000     54,283       54,283          -          -          - 
Multicurrency 
 term and 
 revolving 
 facilities                             3M EURIBOR 
 agreement**         EUR      2027/09     + margin     50,000     49,051       49,051          -          -          - 
Other loans          CZK                fixed rate        271        271           11        393        393         17 
==============  ========  ===========  ===========  =========  =========  ===========  =========  =========  ========= 
                            36 months 
Financial                    from the   Fixed rate 
 liabilities                     REPO            - 
 to telecoms         PLN  transaction  6.29-16.86%     15,512     15,512        3,486          -          -          - 
==============  ========  ===========  ===========  =========  =========  ===========  =========  =========  ========= 
Other non-bank                          3M WIBOR + 
 loans          PLN, EUR                        2%          -          -          216          -          -          - 
==============  ========  ===========  ===========  =========  =========  ===========  =========  =========  ========= 
Revolving 
 facilities 
 and 
 overdrafts            -            -            -     55,000     29,967       29,967          -          2          2 
==============  ========  ===========  ===========  =========  =========  ===========  =========  =========  ========= 
Total                EUR                                                      381,308                          143,156 
==============  ========  ===========  ===========  =========  =========  ===========  =========  =========  ========= 
Current              EUR                                                       90,616                           21,884 
==============  ========  ===========  ===========  =========  =========  ===========  =========  =========  ========= 
Non-current          EUR                                                      290,692                          121,272 
==============  ========  ===========  ===========  =========  =========  ===========  =========  =========  ========= 
 

*On 27 May 2019, the Group signed senior multicurrency term and revolving facilities agreements ("old club financing agreement") with following banks:

a. BNP Paribas S.A. acting through its branch BNP Paribas S.A., pobočka Česká republika,

b. Citibank Europe plc acting through its branch Citibank Europe plc, organizační slo ka,

   c.     Česká spořitelna, a.s., 
   d.     Československá obchodní banka, a. s., 
   e.     HSBC Bank plc acting through its branch HSBC Bank plc - pobočka Praha, 
   f.      Komerční banka, a.s., 
   g.     Raiffeisenbank a.s., 
   h.     UniCredit Bank Czech Republic and Slovakia, a.s. 

Under this financing, up to EUR60m was available for the Group for revolving facilities and overdraft accounts, and up to EUR113m for bank guarantees.

**On 22 September 2022, the Group signed a new multicurrency term and revolving facilities agreement ("new club financing agreement") with the following banks:

a. BNP Paribas S.A. acting through its branch BNP Paribas S.A., pobočka Česká republika,

b. Citibank Europe plc acting through its branch Citibank Europe plc, organizační slo ka,

   c.     Česká spořitelna, a.s., 
   d.     Československá obchodní banka, a. s., 
   e.     Komerční banka, a.s., 
   f.      Raiffeisenbank a.s., 
   g.     UniCredit Bank Czech Republic and Slovakia, a.s. 

h. Powszechna Kasa Oszczednosci Bank Polski Spolka Akcyjna acting through PKO BP S.A., Czech branch

   i.      Česká exportní banka, a.s. 

The new club financing agreement consists of four tranches:

   --      EUR150m committed facility A for the refinancing of all existing term loan indebtedness; 
   --      EUR180m committed facility B for permitted acquisitions and capital expenditure; 

-- EUR235m committed auxiliary credit facility, of which EUR85m may be utilised by way of revolving loans, and EUR150m may be utilised by way of ancillary facilities in the form of bank guarantees, letters of credit, or an overdraft up to EUR25m; and

-- EUR150m uncommitted incremental facility for permitted acquisitions, capital expenditure, and auxiliary credit facilities up to EUR50m of which not more than EUR25m can be utilised as revolving loans.

The applicable interest rate margin for the new club financing shall be determined according to the following margin grid:

 
 Net leverage     Facility 
                   A and B 
=============  =========== 
 > 3.25         2.30% p.a. 
 <= 3.25 >=     2.10% p.a. 
  2.50 
 < 2.50         1.90% p.a. 
-------------  ----------- 
 

The interest expense relating to bank loans and borrowings is presented in Note 11 .

Interest bearing loans and borrowings are non-derivative financial liabilities carried at amortised cost.

On 10 March 2023, the Group received EUR 180m through facility B of the new club financing. The new loan was used to finance the Inelo acquisition above. Interest rate risk was managed by concluding new interest rate swaps.

On 25 May 2023, the Group received EUR 50m through Incremental Facility I of the new club financing. The purpose of the new drawdown is financing of the capital expenditures incurred or to be incurred.

20. TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES, OTHER LIABILITIES

 
 EUR '000                                  30 June   31 December 
                                  2023 (unaudited)          2022 
==============================  ==================  ============ 
 Current 
 Trade payables                            305,972       332,676 
 Employee related liabilities               10,048         9,243 
 Advances received                          13,849        15,325 
 Miscellaneous payables                     10,821         9,790 
 Payables to tax authorities                19,904        12,734 
 Contract liabilities                        7,928         4,439 
 Refund liabilities                          3,928         2,822 
 Put option redemption                       4,473             - 
  liability 
 Deferred acquisition 
  consideration                             49,801        11,206 
------------------------------  ------------------  ------------ 
 Total Trade and other 
  payables                                 426,725       398,235 
------------------------------  ------------------  ------------ 
 Non-current 
 Put option redemption 
  liability                                  1,182         4,435 
 Contract liabilities                        3,044         2,276 
 Employee related liabilities                   72           765 
 Deferred acquisition 
  consideration                              4,204        19,898 
 Other liabilities                               2             2 
==============================  ==================  ============ 
 Total Other non-current 
  liabilities                                8,504        27,376 
==============================  ==================  ============ 
 

21. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

The Group is exposed to a variety of nancial risks including foreign currency risk, fair value interest rate risk, credit risk and liquidity risk. The condensed interim nancial statements do not include all nancial risk management information and disclosures required in the annual nancial statements; they should be read in conjunction with the Group's annual nancial statements as at 31 December 2022. There have been no changes in any risk management policies since the year end.

22. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

Company

The Company controlling the Group is disclosed in Note 1.

Subsidiaries

As at 30 June 2023, there were the following changes in the Group's subsidiaries:

 
 Name                Principal           Country of          Registered address          Effective economic interest 
                     activities          incorporation 
==================  ==================  ==================  ========================== 
                                                                                         2023                2022 
   ===================================================================================  ==================  ========== 
 AL IRIJA SPA CVS    Mobility            Algeria             30 Rue Hassen Benamane      -                   - 
  Mobile Algerie      solutions                               les Vergers Bir Mourad 
  (acquired and                                               Rais-Algiers 
  liquidated in 
  2023) 
 CVS Mobile d.o.o.   Mobility            Bosnia and          Ulica Petrovdanska bb       85.56%              - 
                      solutions           Herzegovina         79240, Kozarska Dubica, 
                                                              Bosnia-Herzegovina 
 CVS Mobile d.o.o.   Mobility            Croatia             Jankomir 25 10090 Zagreb,   85.56%              - 
                      solutions                               Croatia 
 FireTMS.com GmbH    Mobility            Germany             Geschäftsanschrift:    81.00%              - 
                      solutions                               Stresemannstraße 
                                                              123, 10963 Berlin, 
                                                              Germany 
 CVS Mobile GmbH     Mobility            Germany             Sckellstraße 1/II,     85.56%              - 
                      solutions                               81667 München, 
                                                              Germany 
 CVS Mobile s.r.l.   Mobility            Italy               Via Battisti 2, 34125       85.56%              - 
                      solutions                               Trieste, Italy 
 CVS Mobile MK       Mobility            North Macedonia     16-ta Makedonska brigada    85.56%              - 
  dooel               solutions                               13b, 1000 Skopje, North 
                                                              Macedonia 
 Grupa Inelo S.A.    Mobility            Poland              43-300 Bielsko-Bia a, ul.   100.00%             - 
                      solutions                               Kaprapcka 24/B13, Poland 
 INELO Polska Sp.    Mobility            Poland              43-300 Bielsko-Bia a, ul.   100.00%             - 
  z o.o.              solutions                               Kaprapcka 24/U2b, Poland 
 Marcos Bis Sp. z    Mobility            Poland              ul. Powstańców    100.00%             - 
  o.o.                solutions                               19, 40 - 039 Katowice, 
                                                              Poland 
 FIRETMS.COM Sp. z   Mobility            Poland              44-200 Rybnik, ul. 3 Maja   81.00%              - 
  o.o.                solutions                               30, Poland 
 CVS Mobile d.o.o.   Mobility            Serbia              Ulica panskih boraca 24V,   85.56%              - 
                      solutions                               11070 Novi Beograd, 
                                                              Serbia 
 Napredna            Mobility            Slovenia            Ulica Gradnikove brigade    89.30%              - 
  telematika          solutions                               11, 1000 Ljubljana, 
  d.o.o.                                                      Slovenia 
 CVS Mobile d.d.     Mobility            Slovenia            Ulica Gradnikove brigade    85.56%              - 
                      solutions                               11, 1000 Ljubljana, 
                                                              Slovenia 
 Infotrans d.o.o.*   Mobility            Slovenia            Ljubljanska cesta 24C,      43.63%              - 
                      solutions                               4000 Kranj, Slovenia 
==================  ==================  ==================  ==========================  ==================  ========== 
 

* The Company, through its subsidiary W.A.G. payment solutions, a.s., has the same percentage voting rights as effective economic interest, directly or indirectly, in all listed above subsidiaries except for Infotrans d.o.o. W.A.G. payment solutions, a.s. is controlling Infotrans d.o.o. through a chain of subsidiaries where it holds majority of voting rights.

Further, for the following entities liquidation process has been ongoing as of 30 June 2023:

   --    Klub investorov T&G SK, s. r. o.; 
   --    W.A.G. AT GmbH; 
   --    W.A.G. payment solutions IE Limited. 

Key management personnel compensation

Key management personnel compensation is disclosed in Note 10.

Paid dividends

Paid dividends are disclosed in Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity.

Transactions with other related parties

 
 EUR '000                                                                             For the six months ended 30 June 
================================================================================  ==================================== 
                                                                                   2023 (unaudited)   2022 (unaudited) 
================================================================================  =================  ================= 
 Sale of fixed assets (vehicles) to key management personnel                                      1                  - 
 Sale of property to key management personnel                                                    28 
 Purchases of various goods and services from entities controlled by the 
  Company's Shareholders                                                                          -                 11 
 Purchases of various goods and services from entities controlled by key                         16                  - 
  management personnel* 
 Purchases of various goods and services from associates                                          6                  - 
================================================================================  =================  ================= 
 

* The Group acquired the following goods and services from entities that are controlled by members of the Group's key management personnel: marketing research, consultancy, taxi services, rent of commercial property

23. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

JITPay call option

On 4 July 2023, the Group announced it exercised its call option to acquire an additional 18.01% stake in JITpay's share capital from its founders, management and Volksbank eG Braunschweig Wolfsburg on a pro rata basis. The proceeds from the primary capital will be used to fund JITpay's further expansion. The Group entered a strategic partnership with JITpay on 27 September 2022, when it acquired a 9.99% stake for an initial consideration of EUR14.3m, of which EUR3.5m was used as primary capital. As per the original agreement, the Group had a call option to acquire an additional 18.01% share, which could be exercised by 3 July 2023 for a consideration of EUR25.7m, of which EUR6.5m will be used as primary capital.

The purchase of the additional 18.01% stake in JITpay will be funded from existing funds and the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including clearance by the German Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht (BaFin), and is expected to complete in the first half of 2024. The Transaction constitutes a Class 2 transaction for the purposes of the UK Financial Conduct Authority's Listing Rules. Following receipt of the German authorities' clearance, the investment in JITpay would change to an associate (28% equity interest).

The remaining 72% stake will continue to be held by existing shareholders. There are Call and Put arrangements in place that give the Group the option to acquire the remaining 72% stake of JITpay's share capital from 2025 onwards. The price of the Put or Call payable by the Group for the remainder of JITpay's share capital will be based on a multiple of 10x of the average of JITpay's profit before tax over the twelve-month period to 31 December 2024 and 31 December 2025 with the Put being subject to a cap of EUR129.3m.

Issued shares

On 15 August 2023, 560 204 new ordinary shares of the Company were issued in relation to exercised option plan. The nominal value of the shares was GBP0.01 per share resulting in EUR5 thousand share capital increase.

Pay-out of deferred consideration

On 31 August 2023, the Group paid a deferred acquisition consideration of EUR8,377 thousand related to the final price adjustment to Inelo's acquisition of FireUp TMS subsidiary.

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