TIDMSYS

RNS Number : 6737U

SysGroup PLC

27 November 2023

27 November 2023

SysGroup plc

("SysGroup" or the "Company" or the "Group")

Half year results for the six months ended 30 September 2023

SysGroup plc (AIM:SYS), the end-to-end data solution provider , is pleased to announce its unaudited half year results for the six months ended 30 September 2023 ("H1 FY24" or the "Period").

Financial highlights

   --      Revenue decrease of 3% to GBP10.96m (H1 FY23: GBP11.32m) 
   --      Managed IT Services revenue growth of 8% representing 84% of total revenue (H1 FY23: 75%) 
   --      Adjusted EBITDA(1) of GBP1.57m (H1 FY23: GBP1.68m) 
   --      Adjusted profit before tax(2) of GBP0.99m (H1 FY23: GBP1.10m) 
   --      Statutory loss before tax of GBP1.09m (H1 FY23: loss before tax of GBP0.19m) 
   --      Adjusted basic EPS(3) of 1.7p (H1 FY23: 2.0p) 
   --      Basic EPS of (1.5)p (H1 FY23: (0.2)p) 
   --      Adjusted cashflow from operations of GBP1.24m (H1 FY23: GBP2.01m) 
   --      Net debt (4) of GBP3.43m at 30 September 2023 (30 September 2022: GBP1.92m) 

Operational highlights

-- A new strategy to provide end-to-end solutions focused on Artificial Intelligence ("AI") and Machine Learning ("ML") with an associated investment in a team of ML engineers from AWS, JP Morgan, Validus and McLaren

-- Refreshed the SysCloud infrastructure with the latest hardware and upgraded our internal security architecture with industry leading cloud-based security platform

-- Strengthened the senior management team with individuals with invaluable experience and expertise from industry leading companies

   --      Heejae Chae appointed as Executive Chair and Paul Edwards as new Non-Executive Director 

Heejae Chae, Executive Chair, commented:

"Our strategy aims to position SysGroup as the go-to end-to-end data solution provider for small and medium sized businesses ("SMB") embarking on their AI/ML journey. AI's prominence is undeniable with daily media coverage and increasing demand for AI strategies at the board level of every company. We recognise a significant market gap: while many SMBs are eager to adopt AI/ML, they often lack a clear strategy or implementation path. There is a great demand for a partner to support their development of an AI/ML strategy and transition from the current platform.

We have made significant investments in both technology and people. We have recruited a team of ML engineers from industry leaders such as AWS, JP Morgan, Validus and McLaren. We have significantly strengthened the senior management team to help take us on this journey, bringing together the right skillsets and mindsets. Throughout the organisation, we are reinforcing a culture of customer focus and outstanding service underpinned by innovation, entrepreneurialism and high performance. Whilst we are at the early stage of our journey, I am excited at the potential of what we are building at SysGroup combined with the considerable unexploited market opportunity that lays ahead of us.

Finally, the core business, which has more than 80% recurring revenues provides a very solid base from which we can expand, giving us very good revenue certainty and visibility, albeit that in the short term we may see our overall bottom line performance impacted marginally, reflecting the investment we are making in the Company to drive revenue growth in future financial years."

Notes

1. Adjusted EBITDA is earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation, amortisation of intangible assets, exceptional items and share based payments.

2. Adjusted profit before tax is profit before tax after adding back amortisation of intangible assets, exceptional items and share based payments.

3. Adjusted basic EPS is profit after tax after adding back amortisation of intangible assets, exceptional items, share based payments and associated tax, divided by the number of shares in issue.

4. Net debt represents cash balances less bank loans and lease liabilities, and excludes contingent consideration.

 
 For further information please 
  contact: 
                                       Tel: 0151 559 
  SysGroup Plc                         1777 
  Heejae Chae, Executive Chair 
  Martin Audcent, Chief Financial 
  Officer 
 
   Zeus Capital (Nominated Adviser     Tel: 0161 831 
   and Broker)                         1512 
   Jordan Warburton 
   Nick Cowles 
   Nick Searle 
 

About us

SysGroup plc is a managed service provider of end-to-end data solutions enabling us to take our customers on their AI data journey. The Group offers an integrated set of modern technologies that collectively meets our customers end-to-end data needs including connectivity, cloud hosting, delivery, analytics and governance of customer data, as well as a security layer for users and applications.

The Group has offices in Bristol, Edinburgh, Liverpool, London, Manchester and Newport.

For more information, visit http://www.sysgroup.com

Overview & Strategy

During the Period, SysGroup maintained a stable revenue of GBP10.96m. This consistency reflects growth in Truststream, our CyberSecurity acquisition in April 2022, counterbalancing a decrease in traditional SysGroup revenues. Notably, managed IT services now constitutes 84% of our revenues, an increase from 75% last year, bolstering our financial stability and visibility. In the Period we delivered Adjusted EBITDA of GBP1.57m, maintaining a margin comparable to last year.

The Group's gross cash balance was GBP1.99m at the end of the Period (H1 FY23: GBP4.22m) following payments to satisfy the Truststream year one earn-out and settle the contractual terms of the previous CEO's departure including the acquisition of 2,076,394 ordinary shares of 1 pence each ("Ordinary Shares"), now held in Treasury. Excluding these one-off payments, the cash conversion was 79%. The net debt (4) at the end of the Period was GBP3.43m (H1 FY23: GBP1.92m), which excludes contingent consideration payable within one year of GBP1.84m (H1 FY23: GBP2.93m).

Since my appointment as Executive Chair in June, I have engaged with various stakeholders including customers, employees, partners and competitors. These interactions have provided valuable insights into both industry trends and company-specific challenges. SysGroup is well positioned to participate in the burgeoning field of AI/ML, a technology set to redefine our era. AI's prominence is undeniable, with daily media coverage and increasing demand for AI strategies at the board level of every company. The reality is that AI is here to stay and will be a powerful tool for those that embrace it.

Factors driving the AI/ML adoption include:

-- The growing availability of data, crucial for training AI/ML algorithms. As the amount of data that companies collect continues to grow, so does the potential for AI and ML to deliver value;

-- Decreasing costs of computing power, making AI/ML algorithms more accessible across various company sizes and budgets; and

   --     The increasing sophistication and user-friendliness of AI/ML tools and technologies 

Our strategy is to position SysGroup as the go-to end-to-end data solution provider for SMBs embarking on their AI/ML journey. It is clear from our conversations with our customers we recognise a significant market gap: while many SMBs are eager to adopt AI/ML, they often lack a clear strategy or implementation path. There is a great demand for a partner to support their development of an AI/ML strategy and transition from their current platforms. Many providers claim to be AI/ML experts but lack the capability to provide an end-to-end solution. Traditionally, most IT providers specialise in specific technology stacks. AI/ML strategy requires a holistic approach where the outcome is delivered from both software and hardware solutions. Over 80% of all AI projects fail because they have not taken a holistic approach, for example, by not defining the correct business case or not employing appropriate data architecture framed by the right technology infrastructure. Whilst gaps still exist in our offerings, we believe that we have the framework to build our strategy, underpinned by the relationship with our customers.

Our Technology Services strategy is to build a modern unified data solution platform that is simple for SysGroup to sell and support and is simple for our customers to consume and benefit from. This will comprise of an integrated set of technologies that collectively meets our customers end-to-end data needs. It will allow for connectivity, storage, preparation, delivery, analytics and governance of customer data, as well as a security layer for users and applications.

Operations

We have made substantial investments both in our IT infrastructure and people during the Period. These include upgrading SysCloud infrastructure with the latest hardware and enhancing our internal security architecture with a leading cloud-based security platform. We have completed the refurbishment of our offices to provide a positive and productive working environment as we moved to more flexible working.

We have recruited a team of ML engineers with turnkey experience to deliver AI solutions from design to delivery at an annual cost of GBP0.5m. They bring considerable combined experience in a nascent field of technology having worked at industry leaders such as AWS, JP Morgan, McLaren and Validus. To support the end-to-end strategy, we have segmented our technology into five key areas: (i) data analytics and ML; (ii) data storage and management; (iii) data connectivity; (iv) data engineering; and (v) cybersecurity. We will invest to enhance the existing competencies organically as well as through acquisitions to fill the gaps in our technology offerings.

Board and Management Changes

We have taken steps to ensure robust corporate governance, reviewing the Board and committees' Terms of Reference and establishing a new Nomination Committee to ensure that the composition and succession of the Board is reviewed and reflects a balance of skills, knowledge and experience which is appropriate for the Company. Wendy Baker has been appointed as Company Secretary and General Counsel, providing oversight and guidance on governance. Wendy was previously at Scapa Group plc, Promethean World plc and Volex Group plc.

Paul Edwards joined as a Non-Executive Director on 26 September 2023 to balance the independence in the Board. Paul brings extensive PLC experience as the CFO of Tatton Asset Management plc and previously Scapa Group plc and NCC Group plc.

We have also upgraded the senior management team with the appointments of people with relevant experience from leading companies in the sector:

-- Heinrich Koorts joined us as Chief Revenue Officer from Softcat plc where he spent the past ten years in London and Bristol;

-- Paul Sullivan has been appointed as Chief Technology Officer. Paul was the founder of Truststream which SysGroup acquired in April 2022;

-- Ross Humphrey has recently joined as the Chief AI Officer to lead our AI/ML initiative. Ross has over a decade of experience in machine learning as one of the UK's early adopters during his tenure at JP Morgan and Validus; and

-- Charles Vivian has joined as Director of Business Development to support our M&A strategy as acquisitions will be part of our growth plan. Charles was previously at MXC Capital, Marwyn Capital and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer.

These individuals bring invaluable experience and expertise, positioning SysGroup for future success.

Results and Trading

The Group has delivered revenue of GBP10.96m (H1 FY23: GBP11.32m) and Adjusted EBITDA of GBP1.57m (H1 FY23: GBP1.68m) in H1 FY24. Managed IT services revenue increased to GBP9.22m (H1 FY23: GBP8.54m), a growth of 8% on the comparative period, whilst Value Added Resale ("VAR") revenue was GBP1.74m (H1 FY23: GBP2.78m), a decrease of 37%. The driver of the Managed IT services growth has been in IT security where this year we have seen more customers take up contracted managed service support in addition to the provision of security licences. In cases where managed services and licences are sold together the revenue is recognised as Managed IT services uniformly across the contract term. This also explains the reason for the reduction in VAR revenue since fewer "licence only" contracts are being sold. The revenue mix in H1 FY24 is 84% Managed IT services and 16% VAR sales (H1 FY23: 75%:25%) and this is expected to remain similar in H2 FY24.

Gross profit was GBP5.47m with a gross margin of 49.9% (H1 FY23: GBP5.61m and 49.6% respectively). Whilst the revenue mix has moved to higher margin Managed IT Services, the IT security sales which led the contracted income growth are lower margin than core managed services business. The gross margin has also been impacted by supplier cost increases which have been prevalent in the UK economy over the last twelve months.

Adjusted operating expenses of GBP3.90m were broadly flat with the same period last year (H1 FY23: GBP3.94m). We expect overheads to increase in H2 FY24 from our investments in the Senior Leadership Team and AI/Machine Learning team.

The consolidated income statement includes GBP1.05m of exceptional costs which are for the settlement of the former CEO's contractual terms, payments of supplier charges which are disputed and remain subject to ongoing action, and restructuring activity with the Senior Leadership Team.

Finance costs of GBP0.29m have increased compared to the same period last year (H1 FY23: GBP0.24m). Finance costs include GBP0.21m of bank loan interest, which has increased due to the increase in the Bank of England's base rate, and GBP0.06m of non-cash finance charges relating to the unwinding of discount on contingent consideration and amortisation of the loan arrangement fee.

The Group delivered an adjusted profit before tax of GBP0.99m (H1 FY23: GBP1.10m) and a statutory loss before tax of GBP1.09m (H1 FY23: loss before tax GBP0.19m). The statutory loss before tax results from having GBP1.05m of exceptional costs (H1 FY23: GBP0.34m) in the Period and from an increase in share based payments.

The taxation credit of GBP0.34m (H1 FY23: credit of GBP0.08m) represents the movement on deferred tax in the Period with no corporation tax charge arising on the Group's trading position in H1 FY24. The corporation tax rate increased on 1 April 2023 from 19% to 25%.

Adjusted basic earnings per share for H1 FY24 was 1.7p (H1 FY23: 2.0p) and basic loss per share was (1.5p) (H1 FY23: loss per share (0.2p)).

Cashflow & Net Debt

The Group had a gross cash balance of GBP1.99m at 30 September 2023 (H1 FY23: GBP4.22m) and net debt of GBP3.43m (H1 FY23: GBP1.92m). Cash balances were utilised in H1 FY24 for the Truststream year one earn-out (GBP0.88m), the acquisition of 2,076,394 Ordinary Shares into Treasury (GBP0.76m), and to settle the former CEO's contractual terms (GBP0.66m). Cashflow from operations was GBP0.23m (H1 FY23: GBP1.67m) and included GBP1.00m of exceptional cash costs. Cash conversion of 79% was broadly in line with the target range and compares to 120% in H1 FY23 which as explained at the time was due to a number of VAR deals where customer payments had been received in advance. Capex expenditure in H1 includes the refurbishment of the Bristol office which was completed in July and development costs for the implementation of a new financial accounts system.

The Truststream year 1 earn-out was finalised in H1 FY24 and in accordance with the share purchase agreement 75% of the year 1 consideration was paid to the vendors. Accordingly, GBP0.89m was paid in cash consideration and GBP0.29m is deferred for payment to H1 FY25. The contingent consideration liability held in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position is GBP1.84m which compares to GBP2.94m as at 31 March 2023 and 30 September 2022. The liability is held at the maximum consideration payment value under the terms of the earn-out agreement and this will be re-assessed for fair value at the 31 March 2024 year end.

Share Options

In April 2023, under the 2020 LTIP Scheme and in respect of performance for the FY23 financial year , a grant of 362,709 performance shares was made to Adam Binks, Chief Executive Officer, and 204,024 performance shares to Martin Audcent, Chief Financial Officer. In May 2023, in respect of Mr Binks' departure, the Board agreed that the unvested options held by Mr Binks would vest with immediate effect with restrictions waived. Mr Binks exercised his share options, totalling 2,076,394 Ordinary Shares and the Company acquired them at a price of GBP0.375 per Ordinary Share. The Company holds these Ordinary Shares in Treasury to satisfy the exercise of future share options under SysGroup's share incentive schemes.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

SIX MONTHSED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

 
                                                      Unaudited     Unaudited     Audited 
                                                     six months    six months        year 
                                                             to            to          to 
                                                      30-Sep-23     30-Sep-22   31-Mar-23 
                                            Notes       GBP'000       GBP'000     GBP'000 
 Revenue                                      2          10,963        11,321      21,648 
 Cost of sales                                          (5,497)       (5,708)    (10,552) 
 Gross profit                                 2           5,466         5,613      11,096 
-----------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 Operating expenses before depreciation, 
  amortisation, exceptional items 
  and share based payments                              (3,897)       (3,935)     (7,768) 
-----------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 Adjusted EBITDA                                          1,569         1,678       3,328 
-----------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 Depreciation                                             (297)         (330)       (625) 
 Amortisation of intangible assets                        (866)         (866)     (1,739) 
 Exceptional items                            4         (1,052)         (337)       (408) 
 Share based payments                                     (156)          (96)       (178) 
 Administrative expenses                                (6,268)       (5,564)    (10,718) 
-----------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 Operating (loss)/profit                                  (802)            49         378 
 Finance costs                                5           (287)         (243)       (483) 
-----------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 Loss before taxation                                   (1,089)         (194)       (105) 
 Taxation                                                   343            77          98 
 Total comprehensive loss attributable 
  to the equity holders of the 
  company                                                 (746)         (117)         (7) 
-----------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 Basic loss per share (pence)                 3          (1.5)p        (0.2)p        0.0p 
 Diluted loss per share (pence)               3          (1.5)p        (0.2)p        0.0p 
-----------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 

All the results arise from continuing operations.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

 
                                          Unaudited   Unaudited     Audited 
                                          30-Sep-23   30-Sep-22   31-Mar-23 
                                  Notes     GBP'000     GBP'000     GBP'000 
 Assets 
 Non-current assets 
 Goodwill                           7        21,666      21,894      21,666 
 Intangible assets                  7         5,536       7,005       6,295 
 Plant, property and equipment                2,013       2,139       1,966 
-------------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
                                             29,215      31,038      29,927 
 Current assets 
 Trade and other receivables        8         5,609       4,090       5,007 
 Cash and cash equivalents                    1,986       4,216       4,186 
-------------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
                                              7,595       8,306       9,193 
 Total Assets                                36,810      39,344      39,120 
-------------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 
 Equity and Liabilities 
 Equity attributable to the equity shareholders of the 
  parent 
 Called up share capital           12           515         494         494 
 Share premium                                9,080       9,080       9,080 
 Treasury reserve                             (984)       (201)       (201) 
 Other reserve                                3,293       3,123       3,205 
 Retained earnings                            8,173       8,741       8,851 
-------------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
                                             20,077      21,237      21,429 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Lease liabilities                              520         685         621 
 Contract liabilities                           174         486         383 
 Contingent consideration          11             -       1,060       1,875 
 Provisions                                     148         175         191 
 Deferred taxation                            1,106       1,642       1,434 
 Bank loan                         10         4,720       5,187       4,705 
                                              6,668       9,235       9,209 
-------------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Current liabilities 
 Trade and other payables           9         4,576       3,844       3,861 
 Lease liabilities                              176         268         182 
 Contract liabilities                         3,475       2,885       3,633 
 Contingent consideration          11         1,838       1,875         806 
                                             10,065       8,872       8,482 
-------------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Total Equity and Liabilities                36,810      39,344      39,120 
-------------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

SIX MONTHSED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

 
                                                 Attributable to equity holders of the parent 
 
                                    Share      Share   Treasury      Other   Translation    Retained     Total 
                                  capital    premium    reserve    reserve       reserve    earnings 
                                             reserve 
                                  GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000       GBP'000     GBP'000   GBP'000 
 At 1 April 2022                      494      9,080      (201)      3,027             4       8,854    21,258 
 Loss and total comprehensive 
  e xpense for the 
  period                                -          -          -          -             -       (117)     (117) 
 Reclass of translation 
  reserve                               -          -          -          -           (4)           4         - 
 Share options charge                   -          -          -         96             -           -        96 
------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ----------  -------- 
 At 30 September 
  2022 (unaudited)                    494      9,080      (201)      3,123             -       8,741    21,237 
 Profit and total 
  comprehensive income 
  for the period                        -          -          -          -             -         110       110 
 Share options charge                   -          -          -         82             -           -        82 
------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ----------  -------- 
 At 31 March 2023                     494      9,080      (201)      3,205             -       8,851    21,429 
 Loss and total comprehensive 
  e xpense for the 
  period                                -          -          -          -             -       (746)     (746) 
 Purchase of own 
  shares into Treasury                  -          -      (783)          -             -           -     (783) 
 Issue of share capital                21          -          -          -             -           -        21 
 Share options charge                   -          -          -        156             -           -       156 
 Reserves transfer 
  on forfeiture of 
  share options                         -          -          -       (68)             -          68         - 
------------------------------ 
 At 30 September 
  2023 (unaudited)                    515      9,080      (984)      3,293             -       8,173    20,077 
------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ----------  -------- 
 

The following describes the nature and purpose of each reserve within equity:

 
 Reserve                  Description and purpose 
----------------------  -------------------------------------------------------- 
 Share Premium Reserve   Amount subscribed for share capital in excess 
                          of nominal values. 
 Treasury reserve        Company owned shares held for the purpose of settling 
                          the exercise of employee share options. 
 Other Reserve           Amount reserved for share-based payments to be 
                          released over the life of the instruments and 
                          the equity element of convertible loans 
 Translation Reserve     Amount represents differences in relations to 
                          the consolidation of subsidiary companies accounting 
                          for currencies other than the Group's functional 
                          currency. 
 Retained earnings       All other net gains and losses and transactions 
                          with owners (e.g. dividends) not recognised elsewhere. 
----------------------  -------------------------------------------------------- 
 

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASHFLOWS

SIX MONTHSED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

 
                                                   Unaudited     Unaudited      Audited 
                                                  six months    six months         year 
                                                          to            to           to 
                                                   30-Sep-23     30-Sep-22    31-Mar-23 
                                                     GBP'000       GBP'000      GBP'000 
 Cashflows used in operating 
  activities 
 Loss after tax                                        (746)         (117)          (7) 
 Adjustments for: 
 Depreciation and amortisation                         1,163         1,196        2,364 
 Finance costs                                           287           243          483 
 Share based payments                                    156            96          178 
 Taxation credit                                       (343)          (77)         (98) 
----------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ----------- 
 Operating cashflows before movement 
  in working capital                                     517         1,341        2,920 
----------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ----------- 
 (Increase)/decrease in trade 
  and other receivables                                (713)            68        (737) 
 Increase in trade and other payables                    430           260          837 
 Cashflow from operations                                234         1,669        3,020 
----------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ----------- 
 Taxation paid                                          (64)         (128)        (303) 
 Net cash from operating activities                      170         1,541        2,717 
----------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ----------- 
 Cashflows from investing activities 
 Payments to acquire property, plant 
  & equipment                                          (180)         (105)        (252) 
 Payments to acquire intangible 
  assets                                               (139)             -        (163) 
 Acquisition of subsidiary companies 
  net of cash acquired                                     -       (5,390)      (5,389) 
 Net cash used in investing activities                 (319)       (5,495)      (5,804) 
----------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ----------- 
 Cashflows from financing activities 
 Payment of contingent consideration                   (886)             -            - 
  on acquisitions 
 RCF drawdown                                              -         4,500        4,500 
 Payment of bank loan arrangement fee                      -         (127)        (127) 
 Repayment of bank loan                                    -          (82)        (582) 
 Repurchase of shares into treasury                    (783)             -            - 
 Proceeds for issue of share capital                      21             -            - 
 Capital/principal paid on lease liabilities           (171)         (102)        (303) 
 Interest paid on loan facility                        (217)         (138)        (316) 
 Interest paid on lease liabilities                     (15)          (14)         (32) 
 Net cash used in financing activities               (2,051)         4,037        3,140 
----------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ----------- 
 Net (decrease)/increase in cash and 
  cash equivalents                                   (2,200)            83           53 
----------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ----------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning 
  of the period /year                                  4,186         4,133        4,133 
 Cash and cash equivalents at the 
  end of the period/year                               1,986         4,216        4,186 
----------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ----------- 
 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SIX MONTHSED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

   1.    ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

The accounting policies used in the preparation of the unaudited consolidated condensed financial information for the six months ended 30 September 2023 are prepared in accordance with UK adopted International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") and are consistent with those that will be adopted in the annual statutory financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024.

While the financial information included has been prepared in accordance with the recognition and measurement criteria, in accordance with UK adopted International Financial Reporting Standards, these consolidated condensed financial statements do not contain sufficient information to comply with IFRSs.

The financial information for the six-month period ended 30 September 2023 and 30 September 2022 does not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of Section 434(3) of the Companies Act 2006 and is unaudited but has been reviewed by our auditors in accordance with the International Standard on Review Engagement 2410 issued by the Auditing Practices Board. The comparative financial information for the year ended 31 March 2023 included within this report does not constitute the full statutory accounts for that period. The statutory Annual Report and Financial Statements for 2023 have been filed with the Registrar of Companies. The Independent Auditor's Report on that Annual Report and Financial Statements for 2023 was unqualified, did not draw attention to any matters by way of emphasis, and did not contain a statement under 498(2) or 498(3) of the Companies Act 2006.

This Interim Report has been prepared solely to provide additional information to shareholders to assess the Group's strategies and the potential for those strategies to succeed. The Interim Report should not be relied on by any other party or for any other purpose.

This unaudited interim financial information has been prepared in accordance with the requirement of the AIM Rules for Companies and in accordance with this basis of preparation.

Exceptional items

The Group presents as exceptional items on the face of the Statement of Comprehensive Income those material items of income and expense which the Directors consider, because of their size or nature and expected non-recurrence, merit separate presentation to facilitate financial comparison with prior periods and to assess trends in financial performance. Exceptional items are included in Administration expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income but excluded from Adjusted EBITDA (Note 6) as management believe they should be considered separately to gain an understanding of the underlying profitability of the trading businesses.

Going concern

The Directors have prepared the financial statements on a going concern basis which assumes that the Group and the Company will continue to meet liabilities as they fall due.

The Group has an operating model with a high level of resilience with 84% of revenue deriving from contracted managed IT services which are business critical supplies to customers. The Group has a gross cash balance of GBP1.99m and a net debt position of GBP3.43m (excluding contingent consideration of GBP1.84m) at 30 September 2023. The Group has undrawn RCF facilities available of GBP3.2m which can be used for working capital and acquisitions, and an unutilised overdraft facility of GBP0.5m. The Group is forecasting to generate healthy operational cashflows and achieve the bank loan covenants for the full period of the forecast to March 2025.

The Directors have reviewed the Group's financial forecasts and taken into account the current UK economic outlook. The projected trading forecasts and resultant cashflows, together with the confirmed loan and overdraft facilities, taking account of reasonably possible changes in trading performance, show that the Group can continue to operate within the current facilities available to it.

The Directors therefore have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

   2.    SEGMENTAL REPORTING 

The chief operating decision maker for the Group is the Board of Directors and the Group reports in two segments:

-- Managed IT Services - this segment provides all forms of managed services to customers and includes professional services.

-- Value Added Resale (VAR) - this segment is for sales of IT hardware and licences procured from supplier partners.

The monthly management accounts reported to the Board of Directors are reviewed at a consolidated level and the Board review the results of the operating segments at a revenue and gross profit level since the Group's management and operational structure operate as unified Group functions. In this respect, assets and liabilities are also not reviewed on a segmental basis. All assets are located in the UK. All segments are continuing operations and there are no transactions between segments, and all revenue is earned from external customers. The business segments' gross profit is reconciled to profit before taxation as per the consolidated income statement. The Group's overheads are managed centrally by the Board and consequently there is no reconciliation to profit before tax at a segmental level.

 
                           Unaudited     Unaudited     Audited 
                          six months    six months     year to 
                                  to            to 
                           30-Sep-23     30-Sep-22   31-Mar-23 
                             GBP'000       GBP'000     GBP'000 
---------------------   ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 Revenue 
 Managed IT Services           9,223         8,543      17,441 
 Value Added Resale            1,740         2,778       4,207 
                              10,963        11,321      21,648 
 ---------------------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 Gross Profit 
 Managed IT Services           5,167         5,157      10,349 
 Value Added Resale              299           456         747 
                               5,466         5,613      11,096 
 ---------------------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 
   3.    EARNINGS PER SHARE 
 
                                                  Unaudited        Unaudited             Audited 
                                                 six months       six months             year to 
                                                         to               to 
                                                  30-Sep-23        30-Sep-22           31-Mar-23 
 Loss for the financial period attributable    (GBP746,336)     (GBP117,000)          (GBP7,000) 
  to shareholders 
 Adjusted profit for the financial               GBP809,553       GBP974,000        GBP1,917,000 
  period 
 Weighted number of equity shares in 
  issue*                                         48,912,025       48,859,690          48,859,690 
 Weighted number of equity shares for 
  diluted calculation*                           50,935,963       52,189,652          52,274,633 
 Adjusted basic earnings per share 
  (pence)                                              1.7p             2.0p                3.9p 
 Basic loss per share (pence)                        (1.5p)           (0.2p)                0.0p 
 Diluted loss per share (pence)                      (1.5p)           (0.2p)                0.0p 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  ---------------  ------------------ 
 
   *The weighted number of equity shares in 
   issue and for diluted calculation excludes 
   the Treasury shares held by the Company 
                                                  Unaudited        Unaudited             Audited 
                                                 six months       six months             year to 
                                                         to               to 
                                                  30-Sep-23        30-Sep-22           31-Mar-23 
                                                    GBP'000          GBP'000             GBP'000 
 Loss after tax used for basic earnings 
  per share                                           (746)            (117)                 (7) 
 Amortisation of intangible assets                      866              866               1,739 
 Exceptional items                                    1,052              337                 408 
 Share based payments                                   156               96                 178 
 Tax adjustments                                      (519)            (208)               (401) 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  ---------------  ------------------ 
 Adjusted profit used for Adjusted 
  earnings per share                                    809              974               1,917 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  ---------------  ------------------ 
 
 

The tax adjustments relate to current and deferred tax on the amortisation of intangible assets, exceptional items and share based payments.

   4.    EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS 
 
                                    Unaudited     Unaudited     Audited 
                                   six months    six months        year 
                                           to            to          to 
                                    30-Sep-23     30-Sep-22   31-Mar-23 
                                      GBP'000       GBP'000     GBP'000 
-------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 Integration and restructuring 
  costs                                   832           113         189 
 Supplier charges in dispute              220             -           - 
 Acquisition costs                          -           224         219 
                                        1,052           337         408 
-------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 

The integration and restructuring costs relate to the settlement of the former CEO's contractual terms and costs associated with the restructuring of the Senior Leadership Team. The supplier charges in dispute are subject to ongoing action for which the company is pursuing recovery. In the prior periods, the acquisition and integration costs relate to two acquisitions in April 2022, Truststream Security Solutions Limited and Independent Network Services Limited (trading as "Orchard IT").

   5.    FINANCE COSTS 
 
                                            Unaudited     Unaudited     Audited 
                                           six months    six months        year 
                                                   to            to          to 
                                            30-Sep-23     30-Sep-22   31-Mar-23 
                                              GBP'000       GBP'000     GBP'000 
---------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 Interest payable on lease liabilities             15            26          32 
 Interest payable on bank loan                    212           120         307 
 Arrangement fee amortisation 
  on bank loan                                     17            18          29 
 Unwinding of discount on contingent 
  consideration                                    43            79         105 
 Other interest                                     -             -          10 
                                                  287           243         483 
---------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 
   6.    ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES 
 
                                        Unaudited     Unaudited           Audited 
   Reconciliation of operating         six months    six months           year to 
   profit to adjusted EBITDA                   to            to 
                                        30-Sep-23     30-Sep-22         31-Mar-23 
                                          GBP'000       GBP'000           GBP'000 
 Operating (loss)/profit                    (802)            49               378 
 Depreciation                                 297           330               625 
 Amortisation of intangible assets            866           866             1,739 
 EBITDA                                       361         1,245             2,742 
-----------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ---------------- 
 Exceptional items                          1,052           337               408 
 Share based payments                         156            96               178 
 Adjusted EBITDA                            1,569         1,678             3,328 
-----------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ---------------- 
 
 
 Reconciliation of loss before          Unaudited     Unaudited           Audited 
  tax to adjusted profit before        six months    six months           year to 
  tax                                          to            to 
                                        30-Sep-23     30-Sep-22         31-Mar-23 
                                          GBP'000       GBP'000           GBP'000 
 Loss before tax                          (1,089)         (194)             (105) 
 Amortisation of intangible assets            866           866             1,739 
 Exceptional items                          1,052           337               408 
 Share based payments                         156            96               178 
-----------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ---------------- 
 Adjusted profit before tax                   985         1,105             2,220 
-----------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ---------------- 
 
 
 Cash conversion                        Unaudited     Unaudited        Audited 
                                       six months    six months        year to 
                                               to            to 
                                        30-Sep-23     30-Sep-22      31-Mar-23 
                                          GBP'000       GBP'000        GBP'000 
 Cashflow from operations                     234         1,669          3,020 
 Adjustments: 
 Acquisitions, integration and 
  restructuring cashflows                   1,005           337            408 
 Adjusted cashflow from operations          1,239         2,006          3,428 
-----------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Adjusted EBITDA                            1,569         1,678          3,328 
-----------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Cash conversion                              79%          120%           103% 
-----------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 
 
 Net debt                             Unaudited   Unaudited          Audited 
                                      30-Sep-23   30-Sep-22        31-Mar-23 
                                        GBP'000     GBP'000          GBP'000 
 Cash balances                            1,986       4,216            4,186 
 Bank loans - non-current               (4,720)     (5,187)          (4,705) 
 Net debt before lease liabilities      (2,734)       (971)            (519) 
 Lease liabilities - property             (696)       (953)            (803) 
 Net debt                               (3,430)     (1,924)          (1,322) 
 Contingent consideration               (1,838)     (2,935)          (2,681) 
 Net debt including contingent 
  consideration                         (5,268)     (4,859)          (4,003) 
-----------------------------------  ----------  ----------  --------------- 
 
   7.    INTANGIBLE ASSETS 
 
                                                Software         Customer 
                         Systems development    licences    relationships   Goodwill     Total 
                                     GBP'000     GBP'000          GBP'000    GBP'000   GBP'000 
----------------------  --------------------  ----------  ---------------  ---------  -------- 
 Cost 
 At 1 April 2022                       1,073         205            9,156     15,554    25,988 
 Additions                               163           -            3,553      6,112     9,828 
 Disposals                             (225)       (205)                -          -     (430) 
 At 31 March 2023 
  (audited)                            1,011           -           12,709     21,666    35,386 
----------------------  --------------------  ----------  ---------------  ---------  -------- 
 At 1 April 2023                       1,011           -           12,709     21,666    35,386 
 Additions                               107           -                -          -       107 
----------------------  --------------------  ----------  ---------------  ---------  -------- 
 At 30 September 2023 
  (unaudited)                          1,118           -           12,709     21,666    35,493 
----------------------  --------------------  ----------  ---------------  ---------  -------- 
 Accumulated amortisation 
 At 1 April 2022                         404         205            5,507          -     6,116 
 Charge for the year                     177           -            1,562          -     1,739 
 Disposals                             (225)       (205)                -          -     (430) 
 At 31 March 2023 
  (audited)                              356           -            7,069          -     7,425 
----------------------  --------------------  ----------  ---------------  ---------  -------- 
 At 1 April 2023                         356           -            7,069          -     7,425 
 Charge for the year                     110           -              756          -       866 
----------------------  --------------------  ----------  ---------------  ---------  -------- 
 At 30 September 2023 
  (unaudited)                            466           -            7,825          -     8,291 
----------------------  --------------------  ----------  ---------------  ---------  -------- 
 Net book value 
 At 31 March 2023 
  (audited)                              655           -            5,640     21,666    27,961 
 At 30 September 2023 
  (unaudited)                            652           -            4,884     21,666    27,202 
----------------------  --------------------  ----------  ---------------  ---------  -------- 
 
   8.    TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES 
 
                       Unaudited   Unaudited           Audited 
                       30-Sep-23   30-Sep-22         31-Mar-23 
                         GBP'000     GBP'000           GBP'000 
 Trade receivables         2,067       1,723             1,706 
 Other receivables         3,542       2,367             3,301 
--------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------------- 
                           5,609       4,090             5,007 
 -------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------------- 
 
   9.    TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES 
 
                            Unaudited   Unaudited           Audited 
                            30-Sep-23   30-Sep-22         31-Mar-23 
                              GBP'000     GBP'000           GBP'000 
 Trade payables                 2,304       1,399             1,813 
 Corporation tax                  360         427               438 
 Other taxes and social 
  security                        615         836               622 
 Accruals                       1,297       1,182               988 
-------------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------------- 
                                4,576       3,844             3,861 
 ------------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------------- 
 

10. BANK LOAN

 
                                 Unaudited   Unaudited           Audited 
                                 30-Sep-23   30-Sep-22         31-Mar-23 
                                   GBP'000     GBP'000           GBP'000 
 Bank loan net of arrangement 
  fee                                4,720       5,187             4,705 
                                     4,720       5,187             4,705 
------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------------- 
 

The Group has an GBP8.0m revolving credit facility with Santander of which GBP4.83m is drawn down at 30 September 2023. The banking facility has a term of five years to April 2027, an interest rate of Base Rate +3.25% margin on drawn funds and covenants that are tested quarterly relating to total net debt to adjusted EBITDA leverage and minimum liquidity.

11. CONTINGENT CONSIDERATION

The Group acquired Truststream Security Solutions Limited in April 2022 and the agreement included a two year earn-out mechanism with contingent consideration payable up to GBP3.08m following the first and second anniversaries of the transaction. The earn-out is subject to the achievement of certain maintainable EBITDA performance targets in the first and second 12-month periods following the completion of the acquisition

The Year 1 earn-out period was completed in April 2023 and a payment of GBP1.18m was due to the Sellers based on the Maintainable EBITDA achieved. In accordance with the SPA, 75% of this amount, GBP0.89m, was paid in August 2023 and GBP0.29m is deferred to be paid with the Year 2 payment in H1 FY25.

The contingent consideration liability of GBP1.84m has been assessed at its discounted fair value at 30 September 2023, and includes the GBP0.29m payment deferred from Year 1. The liability assumes that Truststream achieves its full Maintainable EBITDA target in Year 2.

 
                                         Unaudited     Audited 
 Contingent consideration                30-Sep-23   31-Mar-23 
 
 Amounts due within one year               GBP'000     GBP'000 
-------------------------------------   ----------  ---------- 
 Contingent consideration                    1,869         806 
--------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Discounted value                             (31)           - 
-------------------------------------   ----------  ---------- 
                                             1,838         806 
 -------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Amounts due after one year 
 Contingent consideration                        -       1,949 
 Discounted value                                -        (74) 
======================================  ==========  ========== 
                                                 -       1,875 
 =====================================  ==========  ========== 
 Discounted contingent consideration         1,838       2,681 
--------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 

12. SHARE CAPITAL

 
 Equity share capital                     Number   GBP'000 
===================================  ===========  ======== 
 Allotted, called up and fully 
  paid 
 At 1 April 2022                      49,419,690       494 
-----------------------------------  -----------  -------- 
 At 31 March 2023                     49,419,690       494 
-----------------------------------  -----------  -------- 
 Issue of share capital - exercise 
  of share options                     2,076,394        21 
 At 30 September 2023                 51,496,084       515 
-----------------------------------  -----------  -------- 
 

In May 2023, the Company issued 2,076,394 shares to the CEO, Adam Binks, on the exercise of share options under the 2020 LTIP Scheme. These shares were subsequently repurchased by the Company into Treasury reserves.

13. AVAILABILITY OF INTERIM REPORT

Copies of this report are available on the Company's website at http://www.sysgroup.com

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END

IR PPGRGGUPWPGQ

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

November 27, 2023 02:00 ET (07:00 GMT)

SysGroup (AQSE:SYS.GB)
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