TIDMVP.
RNS Number : 8273U
Vp PLC
28 November 2023
Press Release 28 November 2023
Vp plc
('Vp' or the 'Group')
Interim Results
Solid performance reflects strength of business and leading
position in diverse end markets
Vp plc, the equipment rental specialist, today announces its
Interim Results for the six months ended 30 September 2023 ('H1
2024' or the 'period').
Financial highlights
H1 2024 H1 2023 Change
Revenue (GBPm) 190.9 186.5 2.4%
Adjusted profit before tax, amortisation, impairment
of intangible assets and exceptional items*
(GBPm) 21.9 21.5 1.9%
Return on Average Capital Employed* 14.7% 14.4% 0.3pp
Adjusted basic EPS before amortisation, impairment
of intangible assets and exceptional items*
(pence per share) 40.3 42.5 (5.2%)
Interim dividend (pence per share) 11.5 11.0 4.5%
Adjusted EBITDA* (GBPm) 47.8 47.8 -
Net debt excluding lease liabilities* (GBPm) 133.4 148.9 (10.4%)
Capital investment in rental fleet (GBPm) 27.8 33.8 (17.8%)
Statutory profit before tax (GBPm) 19.9 17.9 11.2%
Statutory profit before tax, amortisation,
impairment of intangible assets and exceptional
items (GBPm) 21.7 21.4 1.4%
-- Strong first half across key metrics, ahead of prior period
-- Increase in Return on Average Capital Employed (ROACE*)
-- Continued investment in the rental fleet with GBP28 million Fleet Capex in the period
-- Robust balance sheet with gearing and interest cover well
within covenants. Leverage expected to be c.1.5x at end of year
-- Refinance of GBP90 million Revolving Credit Facility ('RCF')
secured, complementing existing private placements of GBP93
million, with 70% of period end borrowings fixed at low rates
-- Interim dividend increased by 4.5% to 11.5 pence per share,
reflecting confidence in the Group's prospects
Operational highlights
-- Strong performance, particularly in Infrastructure with
continued demand from rail, transmission and water sectors
-- Continued ESG** progress - focussed investment in the rental
fleet, Science Based Targets recently validated by the SBTi***
* These measures are explained and reconciled in Note 14: Alternative Performance
Measures
** Environmental Social Governance *** Science Based Targets initiative
-- Greater emphasis on Digital, with innovations including carbon calculators to improve the customer experience
-- Refreshed leadership, with new CEO in place and CFO joining in January 2024
Current H2 2024 Trading and Outlook
-- Despite the immediate market challenges, particularly in Construction which has been soft and Housebuilding which has been subdued but stable, the Group continues to make progress and leverage opportunities in its specialist markets
-- Recent HS2 announcements should not impact short term
business performance. Lost HS2 opportunities should, in part, be
replaced by activity from alternative rail initiatives
-- Operational excellence remains a priority with continued
progress on the Group's Digital roadmap
-- ESG remains an important part of the Group's strategy and its day-to-day operations
-- Strong balance sheet and recently refinanced RCF positions
the Group well to exploit both organic and M&A
opportunities
-- New leadership team in Brandon Hire Station executing
tactical actions alongside a wider operational review in order to
drive margin improvements. This will lead to minor restructuring
activities and some exceptional items in H2
-- The Board is confident in the Group's ability to deliver
sector-leading returns and anticipates a full year performance
broadly in line with market expectations.
Commenting on the Interim Results, Jeremy Pilkington, Chairman
of Vp plc, said:
"We have delivered a solid performance with continuing sector
leading returns in the period reflecting the strength of our
diverse business offering. We are particularly pleased to have
maintained net margin and a strong return on average capital
employed, demonstrating high quality of earnings in difficult
market conditions.
"Having multiple sector exposure diversifies our revenue streams
and has contributed to the robust performance in the period, with
infrastructure demand remaining supportive, and whilst there are
immediate challenges within general construction, I am confident
that the actions taken will be of benefit in the medium term. The
Group continues to produce strong operating cash flows and
maintains a solid financial base, having refinanced our RCF in
November on similar terms for a further three years, and we are
well positioned for growth.
"Vp has an excellent track record of successfully navigating
difficult markets and the diversity of our operations provides us
with a solid foundation from which to grow the business both
organically and via acquisitions. We remain confident in the
Group's ability to drive demand for our products and services which
embrace our customers' needs for sustainable and digital solutions.
There is a great sense of enthusiasm throughout the Group, driven
in part by a refreshed leadership team, which makes us optimistic
for the future and our ability to continue to deliver an attractive
level of returns for our shareholders."
- Ends -
For further information:
Vp plc Tel: +44 (0) 1423 533 400
Jeremy Pilkington, Chairman www.vpplc.com
Anna Bielby, Chief Executive
Media enquiries:
Buchanan
Henry Harrison--Topham / Jamie Hooper Tel: +44 (0) 20 7466 5000
/ George Beale
Vp@buchanan.uk.com www.buchanancomms.co.uk
The person responsible of the arrangement for the release of
this announcement on behalf of Vp plc is Anna Bielby, Chief
Executive.
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
I am pleased to report solid Interim Results demonstrating a
resilient performance against a background of macro-economic
challenges.
Financial Performance
In the period to 30 September 2023, adjusted profit before tax,
amortisation, impairment of intangible assets and exceptional
items* ('Adjusted PBTAE') rose 1.9% to GBP21.9 million (H1 2023:
GBP21.5 million) on revenue 2.4% ahead at GBP190.9 million (H1
2023: GBP186.5 million). This achieved a net margin* of 11.5%,
consistent with the prior period. Statutory profit before tax was
GBP19.9 million (H1 2023: GBP17.9 million).
The Group's interest cost rose by GBP0.9 million compared with
the prior period, mainly due to increases in Sterling Overnight
Indexed Average ('SONIA'). We remain in a strong position with 70%
of the Group's period-end debt fixed at low rates into the medium
term. In November 2023, we successfully refinanced our revolving
credit facility of GBP90 million for an additional three years, on
similar terms and with an increase to the accordion from GBP20
million to GBP30 million.
Adjusted earnings per share pre-amortisation, impairment of
intangible assets and exceptional items* ('Adjusted Basic EPS')
fell 5.2% to 40.3 pence per share (H1 2023: 42.5 pence per share),
largely due to changes in the rate of corporation tax.
Return on Average Capital Employed* improved to 14.7% (H1 2023:
14.4%), demonstrating the high and sustainable quality of the
Group's earnings.
The Group continues to have a strong balance sheet:
-- We have a young, well-maintained fleet and continue to invest
with capex of GBP27.8 million (H1 2023: GBP33.8 million) in the
period. Around two thirds of this spend was either zero emissions
at point of use or represented the transition towards lower
emission technologies.
-- We have maintained our Days' Sales Outstanding (DSO) at 61,
despite a more challenging credit environment.
-- Net debt excluding lease liabilities* is GBP133.4 million,
which is GBP15.5 million lower than the comparative period.
Pre-IFRS 16 gearing is below 1.5x leaving the Group well placed to
exploit organic and M&A opportunities as they arise.
Reflecting these results and our confidence of the prospects of
the Group, the Board is declaring an interim dividend of 11.5 pence
per share (H1 2023: 11.0 pence per share) an increase of 4.5%,
payable on 10 January 2024 to shareholders registered at 8 December
2023. As previously stated, the dividend cover target is 2x over
the cycle and the interim dividend announced today continues the
Group's 30 year uninterrupted dividend track record.
ESG remains an important element of our strategy and we have
continued to make progress, including SBTi validation of our
Science Based Targets received in November. ESG is embedded into
our day to day operations and we have been working closely with our
suppliers and customers on initiatives such as the Vp Capture
system and TPA's carbon comparison model.
Our well-established Digital capabilities give us a platform to
improve both the customer experience and our operational processes.
We continue to develop new initiatives such as YourSolution Pro in
Groundforce, a self-service design solution adding value to our
customers. Further progress on the Group's Digital roadmap is
expected in the remainder of the year.
Business performance
Our key infrastructure markets including water (AMP7), rail
(CP6) and transmission were supportive, whilst elsewhere general
construction activity remained soft. Housebuilding fundamentals
are, in our view, positive over the medium term and current
activity is stable but marginally below prior year levels.
The announcement of the cancellation of HS2 beyond Birmingham
was not unexpected and will have little impact on immediate
business activity. We hope that activity from alternative rail
initiatives, replacing HS2, will provide opportunities for TPA UK
and Groundforce in particular.
During the period, we have seen the difficulties that previously
affected supply chains ease, however staff and skills shortages
have emerged as near universal themes across our businesses and
geographies. Higher interest rates have not only raised our
borrowing costs but have also adversely impacted the viability of
certain elements of our customer base, particularly at
sub-contractor level. Despite this, we have maintained DSO levels
in line with the comparative period.
In UK Forks, activity has settled at a lower level since the
beginning of the calendar year, largely down to subdued
housebuilding activity. In response, we have re-emphasised cost
management disciplines and re-sized the fleet to better align with
current demand. Supportive markets have enabled this business to
dispose of surplus fleet at a useful profit in the period and we
expect residual values to be maintained going forward. Pricing
improvements have been achieved and the business is now well
positioned to take full advantage of any future upturn in
demand.
Brandon Hire Station has suffered from the softness of the
general construction market and its performance is materially below
prior year levels. Now led by a new management team, targeted
revenue and cost initiatives will significantly improve
profitability in this highly operationally geared business into H2
and beyond. Brandon Hire Station remains the only tools and small
plant provider able to service its customer base from a truly
national footprint. The latent capacity of a young, well-maintained
rental fleet will enable the business to respond to an upturn in
demand without requiring significant additional capital
investment.
MEP suffered from a slightly slower start to the year with some
major project delays in London, but momentum is building and we
expect the business to deliver another good performance for the
year as a whole. Whilst well controlled, bad debt experience has
deteriorated as its sub-contractor customer base has experienced
cash flow challenges.
ESS has faced the same market challenges as elsewhere in the
Group, but significant opportunities exist to refocus and expand
the product offering on the back of a leaner cost base following
last year's successful restructuring exercise.
Groundforce is enjoying a period of strong trading with
particular contributions from water (AMP7) and other major
infrastructure projects. In Europe, Groundforce has performed well
benefitting from significant project activity.
Torrent Trackside enjoyed a solid first half ahead of prior year
levels, supported by CP6 workloads. Torrent is more a maintenance
rather than new-build oriented provider and the curtailment of the
HS2 programme will not therefore have a major negative impact and
indeed, if promised investment elsewhere in the network is
delivered, there may be an overall benefit to the business.
TPA UK has enjoyed an excellent first half with supportive
markets, nimble contract selection and effective cost management.
TPA in Europe has had a much-improved first half with all its major
markets performing strongly and a very positive forward order
book.
TR has enjoyed satisfactory trading across its various
geographies of Australia, New Zealand and wider South East
Asia.
Airpac has benefitted from supportive fundamentals in most
geographies and markets including exploration, distribution and
infrastructure maintenance and renewed activity on LNG projects.
Airpac has taken advantage of these opportunities with bold
investment timing and significant pricing improvements with the
Asia-Pacific region having been particularly strong. Growing
concerns over energy security and the increasing adoption of a more
pragmatic approach towards net zero will be supportive in the
medium term.
Board Changes
It is my pleasure to welcome Anna Bielby as the Group's new
Chief Executive, taking over from Neil Stothard who retired from
the Group at the end of September. Anna joined as Chief Financial
Officer in January 2023 and has already had an immediate impact in
her new role. We also look forward to welcoming Keith Winstanley as
our new CFO in January 2024.
Neil and I worked together at Vp for over 26 years. During this
time we confronted numerous challenges and oversaw huge change
within the business. On behalf of myself, the Board, all our
colleagues in the Group and our wider stakeholder base, I would
like to thank Neil most sincerely for his outstanding contribution
to the Group over this time and wish him every enjoyment of his
well-earned retirement.
Outlook
We have delivered a solid performance with sector leading
returns in the period reflecting the strength of our diverse
business offering. We are particularly pleased to have maintained
net margin and a strong return on average capital employed
demonstrating high quality of earnings in difficult market
conditions.
Having multiple sector exposure diversifies our revenue streams
and has contributed to the robust performance in the period, with
infrastructure demand remaining supportive. Whilst there may be
immediate challenges within general construction, I am confident
that the measures taken will start to be of near-term benefit. The
Group continues to produce strong operating cash flows and
maintains a solid financial base, having refinanced our RCF in
November on similar terms for a further three years. We are well
positioned for growth.
Vp has an excellent track record of successfully navigating
difficult markets and the diversity of our operations provides us
with a solid foundation from which to grow the business both
organically or via acquisitions. We remain confident in the Group's
ability to drive demand for our products and services whilst
embracing our customers' needs for sustainable and digital
solutions. There is a great sense of enthusiasm throughout the
Group, driven in part by a refreshed leadership team, which makes
us optimistic for the future and our ability to continue to deliver
an attractive level of returns for our shareholders. The Board
anticipates a full year performance broadly in line with market
expectations.
It is my pleasure to thank all our employees for their hard work
and commitment in contributing to these positive half year
results.
Jeremy Pilkington
Chairman
28 November 2023
* These measures are explained and reconciled in Note 14:
Alternative Performance Measures
Condensed Consolidated Income Statement
For the period ended 30 September 2023
Six months Restated* Full year
to Six months to
Note 30 Sept to 31 Mar 2023
2023 30 Sept GBP000
GBP000 2022
GBP000
----------- ------------ -------------
Revenue 3 190,920 186,487 371,519
Cost of sales (141,318) (139,615) (284,176)
-----------
Gross profit 49,602 46,872 87,343
Administrative expenses (22,977) (23,378) (44,763)
Impairment losses on trade
receivables (1,828) (1,654) (3,305)
----------- ------------ -------------
Operating profit before
amortisation, impairment
of intangible assets and
exceptional items 26,591 25,377 48,775
Amortisation and impairment
of intangible assets (1,794) (1,669) (4,490)
Exceptional items 4 - (1,868) (5,010)
----------- ------------ -------------
Operating profit 3 24,797 21,840 39,275
Net financial expense (4,901) (3,982) (8,569)
Profit before tax, amortisation,
impairment of intangible
assets and exceptional
items 21,690 21,395 40,206
Amortisation and impairment
of intangible assets (1,794) (1,669) (4,490)
Exceptional items 4 - (1,868) (5,010)
----------- ------------ -------------
Profit before tax 19,896 17,858 30,706
Taxation 5 (5,513) (4,281) (7,696)
----------- ------------ -------------
Profit after tax 14,383 13,577 23,010
Pence Pence Pence
Basic earnings per share 7 36.43 34.24 58.05
Diluted earnings per share 7 36.12 33.86 57.76
Dividend per share 8 11.50 11.00 37.50
*In accordance with IAS1, impairment losses on trade receivables
are required to be presented separately on the face of the Income
Statement. Previously such losses were presented within Cost of
Sales. This was corrected at 31 March 2023 and the comparative
restated accordingly.
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the period ended 30 September 2023
Six months Six months Full year
to to to
30 Sept 30 Sept 31 Mar
2023 2022 2023
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Profit for the period 14,383 13,577 23,010
Other comprehensive (expense)/income:
Items that will not be reclassified
to profit or loss
Remeasurements of defined benefit
pension scheme - - (319)
Tax on items taken to other
comprehensive income - - 5
Impact of tax rate change - - 58
Items that may be subsequently
reclassified to profit or loss
Foreign exchange translation
difference (772) 1,602 502
Other comprehensive (expense)/income (772) 1,602 246
Total comprehensive income
for the period 13,611 15,179 23,256
----------- ----------- ----------
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
For the period ended 30 September 2023
Note Six months Six months Full year
to to to
30 Sept 2023 30 Sept 31 Mar 2023
2022
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Total comprehensive
income for the period 13,611 15,179 23,256
Tax movements to equity (12) (133) 62
Impact of tax rate change - - 16
Share option charge
in the period 463 675 580
Net movement relating
to shares held by Vp
Employee Trust (698) (535) (1,096)
Dividends to shareholders 8 (10,460) (10,112) (14,471)
Change in equity during
the period 2,904 5,074 8,347
Equity at the start
of the period 174,932 166,585 166,585
Equity at the end of
the period 177,836 171,659 174,932
------------- ----------- ------------
There were no movements in issued share capital, the capital
redemption reserve or share premium in the reported periods.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
At 30 September 2023
Note 30 Sept 31 Mar 30 Sept
2023 2023 2022
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment 6 250,890 252,385 254,984
Goodwill 44,584 44,649 44,997
Intangible assets 12,386 13,099 15,834
Right of use assets 58,883 54,637 52,822
Employee benefits 2,240 2,300 2,670
------------ ------------ ------------
Total non-current assets 368,983 367,070 371,307
------------ ------------ ------------
Current assets
Inventories 9,321 8,915 8,657
Trade and other receivables 83,755 81,513 86,903
Cash and cash equivalents 9 9,214 11,140 9,428
Income tax receivable 496 736 -
Total current assets 102,786 102,304 104,988
------------ ------------ ------------
Total assets 471,769 469,374 476,295
------------ ------------ ------------
Current liabilities
Interest bearing loans
and borrowings 9 (49,815) - -
Lease liabilities (16,056) (14,622) (14,172)
Trade and other payables (70,135) (72,184) (74,380)
Income tax payable - - (854)
------------ ------------ ------------
Total current liabilities (136,006) (86,806) (89,406)
------------ ------------ ------------
Non-current liabilities
Interest bearing loans
and borrowings 9 (92,786) (145,508) (158,370)
Lease liabilities (46,570) (43,896) (42,053)
Provisions (1,663) (1,612) (895)
Deferred tax liabilities (16,908) (16,620) (13,912)
------------ ------------ ------------
Total non-current liabilities (157,927) (207,636) (215,230)
------------ ------------ ------------
Total liabilities (293,933) (294,442) (304,636)
------------ ------------ ------------
Net assets 177,836 174,932 171,659
------------ ------------ ------------
Equity
Issued share capital 2,008 2,008 2,008
Capital redemption reserve 301 301 301
Share premium 16,192 16,192 16,192
Foreign currency translation
reserve (1,290) (518) 577
Retained earnings 160,625 156,949 152,581
------------ ------------ --------------
Total equity 177,836 174,932 171,659
------------ ------------ --------------
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
For the period ended 30 September 2023
Note Six months Six months Full year
to to to
30 Sept 30 Sept 31 Mar
2023 2022 2023
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Cash flows from operating
activities
Profit before taxation 19,896 17,858 30,706
Adjustment for:
Share based payment charges 463 675 580
Depreciation 6 22,664 23,831 46,853
Depreciation of right of use
assets 8,367 8,098 16,305
Amortisation and impairment
of intangibles 1,794 1,669 4,490
Net financial expense 4,901 3,982 8,569
Profit on sale of property,
plant and equipment (4,350) (5,041) (9,174)
Release of arrangement fees 93 149 287
----------- ----------- -----------
Operating cash flow before
changes in working capital
and provisions 53,828 51,221 98,616
Increase in inventories (406) (701) (959)
Increase in trade and other
receivables (2,242) (10,846) (5,452)
Increase/(decrease) in trade
and other payables 535 (8,034) (11,979)
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash generated from operations 51,715 31,640 80,226
Interest paid (3,268) (2,462) (5,413)
Interest element of lease
liability payments (1,634) (1,482) (3,038)
Interest received 16 4 32
Income tax paid (4,999) (3,465) (5,496)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash flows from operating
activities 41,830 24,235 66,311
Cash flows from investing
activities
Proceeds from sale of property,
plant and equipment 12,845 12,202 24,855
Purchase of property, plant
and equipment (33,840) (36,013) (63,312)
Purchase of intangible assets (176) - -
Net cash flows used in investing
activities (21,171) (23,811) (38,457)
Cash flows from financing
activities
Purchase of own shares by
Employee Trust (698) (535) (1,096)
Repayment of loans (17,000) (10,000) (29,000)
New loans 14,000 24,000 30,000
Capital element of lease liability
payments (8,505) (8,188) (15,921)
Dividends paid 8 (10,460) (10,112) (14,471)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash flows used in financing
activities (22,663) (4,835) (30,488)
Net decrease in cash and cash
equivalents (2,004) (4,411) (2,634)
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations
on cash held 78 222 157
Cash and cash equivalents
at beginning of period 11,140 13,617 13,617
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash and cash equivalents
at end of period 9 9,214 9,428 11,140
----------- ----------- -----------
Notes to the Condensed Financial Statements
1. Basis of Preparation
Vp plc (the "Company") is a company limited by shares,
incorporated and domiciled in the United Kingdom. Its registered
office and principal place of business is Central House, Beckwith
Knowle, Otley Road, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 1UD. Its shares
are listed on the London Stock Exchange. The Condensed Consolidated
Interim Financial Statements of the Company for the half year ended
30 September 2023 consolidate the financial information of the
Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the
"Group").
The condensed interim financial statements have been prepared
using accounting policies set out in the Annual Report and Accounts
2023. They are unaudited and have not been reviewed by the
Company's auditor. This report has been prepared in accordance with
the UK-adopted International Accounting Standard 34 'Interim
Financial Reporting' and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency
Rules sourcebook of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct
Authority.
The results for the year ended 31 March 2023 and the
Consolidated Balance Sheet as at that date are abridged from the
Group's Annual Report and Accounts 2023 which have been delivered
to the Registrar of Companies. The auditor's report on those
accounts included a material uncertainty related to going concern
as the Group's revolving credit facility had an expiry date within
the going concern assessment period. The RCF has since been
refinanced on similar terms and extended to November 2026.
The condensed interim financial statements do not constitute
statutory accounts within the meaning of Section 434 of the
Companies Act 2006.
The interim announcement was approved by the Board of Directors
on 28 November 2023.
The preparation of financial statements requires management to
make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the
application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of
assets and liabilities, income and expense. Actual results may
differ from these estimates. In preparing these condensed
consolidated interim financial statements, the significant
judgements made by management in applying the Group's accounting
policies and key sources of estimation uncertainty were the same as
those that applied to the consolidated financial statements for the
year ended 31 March 2023.
The Group continues to be in a healthy financial position with
total banking facilities at the period end of GBP190.5 million,
including an overdraft facility. Since the year end net debt
excluding lease liabilities has reduced by GBP1.0 million to
GBP133.4 million, which is GBP15.5 million lower than 30 September
2022. The Board has evaluated the banking facilities and the
associated covenants on the basis of current forecasts, taking into
account the current economic climate. These forecasts have been
subjected to sensitivity analysis, involving the flexing of key
assumptions reflecting severe but plausible scenarios, including a
downturn in economic activity. Based on this assessment, the
Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group will be able
to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due.
Having reassessed the principal risks the Directors consider it
appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in
preparing the interim financial information.
2. Risks and Uncertainties
The principal risks and uncertainties facing the Group and the
ways in which they are mitigated are described on pages 39 to 42 of
the 31 March 2023 Annual Report and Accounts. The principal risks
and uncertainties are market, competition, investment / fleet
management, people, safety, financial, contractual, legal and
regulatory requirements, climate change and IT resilience which
remain the same for this interim financial report.
3. Summarised Segmental Analysis
Revenue Operating Profit Before
Amortisation, Impairment
of Intangible Assets
and Exceptional Items
Sept Sept Mar Sept Sept Mar
2023 2022 2023 2023 2022 2023
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
UK 171,276 166,932 333,453 24,196 23,820 45,564
International 19,644 19,555 38,066 2,395 1,557 3,211
190,920 186,487 371,519 26,591 25,377 48,775
----------- ----------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
Amortisation and impairment of intangible
assets (1,794) (1,669) (4,490)
Exceptional items - (1,868) (5,010)
-------- --------- ---------
Operating Profit 24,797 21,840 39,275
-------- --------- ---------
Assets Liabilities
Sept Mar Sept Sept Mar Sept
2023 2023 2022 2023 2023 2022
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
UK 430,108 427,056 433,870 279,754 279,951 292,261
International 41,661 42,318 42,425 14,179 14,491 12,375
471,769 469,374 476,295 293,933 294,442 304,636
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net Assets
Sept 2023 Mar 2023 Sept 2022
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
UK 150,354 147,105 141,609
International 27,482 27,827 30,050
177,836 174,932 171,659
---------- --------- ----------
Below summarises the disaggregation of revenue from contracts
with customers from the total revenue disclosed in the Condensed
Consolidated Income Statement:
Sept 2023 Sept 2022 Mar 2023
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Equipment hire 143,297 140,889 275,257
Services 32,666 31,234 65,045
Sales of goods 14,957 14,364 31,217
Total revenue 190,920 186,487 371,519
-------------------- -------------------- -------------------
4. Exceptional Items
During the half year to 30 September 2023, the Group incurred no
exceptional costs. In H1 2023, the Group incurred GBP1.9 million of
exceptional costs in relation to formal sale process costs and
restructuring costs.
Sept 2023 Sept 2022 Mar 2023
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Formal sales process - 1,837 1,687
Restructuring costs - 31 3,323
Total Exceptional Items - 1,868 5,010
--------------------- -------------------- -------------------
5. Income Tax
The effective tax rate is 27.7% in the period to 30 September
2023 (H1 2023: 24.0%). The effective rate for the period reflects
the current standard tax rate of 25% (H1 2023: 19%), as adjusted
for estimated permanent differences for tax purposes offset by
gains covered by exemptions. The rate includes the effect of higher
statutory tax rates levied in Australia and Germany.
6. Property, Plant and Equipment
Sept 2023 Mar 2023 Sept 2022
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Opening carrying amount 252,385 247,526 247,526
Additions 31,327 66,860 37,151
Depreciation (22,664) (46,853) (23,831)
Disposals (9,426) (15,680) (7,158)
Effect of movements in
exchange rates (732) 532 1,296
-------------------- ------------------- --------------------
Closing carrying amount 250,890 252,385 254,984
-------------------- ------------------- --------------------
The value of capital commitments at 30 September 2023 was
GBP10,313,000 (31 March 2023 GBP10,715,000).
7. Earnings Per Share
Earnings per share have been calculated on 39,482,946 shares (H1
2023: 39,651,301 shares) being the weighted average number of
shares in issue during the period excluding those shares held by Vp
Employee Trust. Diluted earnings per share have been calculated on
39,820,019 shares (H1 2023: 40,099,143 shares) adjusted to reflect
conversion of all potentially dilutive ordinary shares. The
calculation of diluted earnings per share does not assume
conversion, exercise, or other issue of potential ordinary shares
that would have an antidilutive effect on earnings per share.
Basic earnings per share before the amortisation of intangibles
and exceptional items was 39.83 pence (H1 2023: 42.34 pence) and
was based on an after-tax add back of GBP1,345,000 (H1 2023:
GBP3,213,000) in respect of the amortisation of intangibles and
exceptional items. Diluted earnings per share before amortisation
of intangibles and exceptional items was 39.50 pence (H1 2023:
41.87 pence).
8. Dividends
The Directors have declared an interim dividend of 11.50 pence
per share (H1 2023: 11.00 pence) payable on 10 January 2024 to
shareholders on the register at 8 December 2023. The dividend
declared will absorb an estimated GBP4.537 million (H1 2023:
GBP4.359 million) of shareholders' funds.
The cost of dividends in the Statement of Changes in Equity is
after adjustments for the interim and final dividends waived by the
Vp Employee Trust in relation to the shares it holds for the
Group's share option schemes.
9. Analysis of Net Debt
As at Cash Non-cash As at
1 Apr Flow Movements 30 Sep
2023 2023
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Cash and cash equivalents 11,140 (1,926) - 9,214
Secured loans (146,000) 3,000 - (143,000)
Arrangement Fees 492 - (93) 399
---------- -------- ---------- ----------
Net debt excluding lease
liabilities (134,368) 1,074 (93) (133,387)
Lease liabilities (58,518) 10,139 (14,247) (62,626)
----------
Net debt including lease
liabilities (192,886) 11,213 (14,340) (196,013)
---------- -------- ---------- ----------
The Group has two private placements with PGIM Inc. for GBP65
million (drawn down in January 2020) and GBP28 million (drawn down
in April 2021). The Group also has committed revolving credit
facilities of GBP90 million which was refinanced in November 2023.
The Group also has overdraft facilities of GBP7.5 million, leading
to total available facilities of GBP190.5 million.
10. Related Party Transactions
Transactions between Group Companies, which are related parties,
have been eliminated on consolidation and therefore do not require
disclosure. The Group has not entered into any other related party
transactions in the period which require disclosure in this interim
statement.
11. Contingent Liabilities
In an international group a variety of claims arise from time to
time in the normal course of business. Such claims may arise due to
actions being taken against group companies as a result of
investigations by fiscal authorities or under regulatory
requirements. Provision has been made in these consolidated
financial statements against any claims which the directors
consider are likely to result in significant liabilities.
12. Post balance sheet event
On 23 November 2023, the Group refinanced its committed
revolving credit facility with a new three year, GBP90 million
facility. The revolving credit facility agreement also includes a
GBP30 million uncommitted accordion facility. Financial covenants
associated with the revolving credit facility remain unchanged from
the previous facility.
13. Forward Looking Statements
The Chairman's Statement includes statements that are forward
looking in nature. Forward looking statements involve known and
unknown risks, assumptions, uncertainties and other factors which
may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the
Group to be materially different from any future results,
performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward
looking statements. Statements in respect of the Group's
performance in the year to date are based upon unaudited management
accounts for the period 1 April 2023 to 30 September 2023. Nothing
in this announcement should be construed as a profit forecast.
Except as required by the Listing Rules and applicable law, the
Company undertakes no obligation to update, review or change any
forward looking statements to reflect events or developments
occurring after the date of this report.
14. Alternative Performance Measures
The Board monitors performance principally through adjusted and
like-for-like performance measures. Adjusted profit and earnings
per share measures exclude certain items including the impact of
IFRS16, amortisation of intangible assets, goodwill impairment
charges and exceptional items.
The Board believes that such alternative measures are useful as
they exclude one-off (amortisation, impairment of intangible assets
and exceptional items) and non-cash (amortisation of intangible
assets) items which are normally disregarded by investors, analysts
and brokers in gaining a clearer understanding of the underlying
performance of the Group from one year to the next when making
investment and other decisions. Equally, IFRS16 is excluded from
measures used by these same stakeholders and so is removed from
certain APMs.
The key measures used as APMs are reconciled below:
Sep 2023 Sep 2022 Mar 2023
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Profit before tax as per Income Statement 19,896 17,858 30,706
Adjustment to remove IFRS 16 impact 188 62 283
--------- --------- ---------
Adjusted profit before tax APM 20,084 17,920 30,989
Amortisation and impairment of intangible
assets 1,794 1,669 4,490
Exceptional items - 1,868 5,010
--------- --------- ---------
Adjusted profit before tax, amortisation,
impairment of intangible assets and
exceptional items APM (PBTAE) 21,878 21,457 40,489
Interest (excluding interest on lease
liabilities) 3,271 2,503 5,542
--------- --------- ---------
Adjusted operating profit before tax,
amortisation, impairment of intangible
assets and exceptional items APM 25,149 23,960 46,031
Depreciation (excluding depreciation
of right of use of assets) 22,664 23,831 46,853
--------- --------- ---------
Adjusted EBITDA APM 47,813 47,791 92,884
--------- --------- ---------
Net margin of 11.5% is calculated by dividing adjusted profit
before tax, amortisation, impairment of intangible assets and
exceptional items by revenue.
Sep 2023 Sep 2022 Mar 2023
pence pence pence
Basic earnings per share 36.4 34.2 58.1
Impact of amortisation, impairment of
intangible assets and exceptional items
after tax 3.4 8.1 20.3
Impact of IFRS 16 0.5 0.2 0.6
--------- --------- ---------
Adjusted basic earnings per share APM 40.3 42.5 79.0
--------- --------- ---------
14. Alternative Performance Measures (continued)
Sep 2023 Sep 2022 Mar 2023
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Net debt including lease liabilities 196,013 205,167 192,886
Lease liabilities (62,626) (56,225) (58,518)
--------- --------- ---------
Net debt excluding lease liabilities
APM 133,387 148,942 134,368
--------- --------- ---------
Return on average capital employed (ROACE) is based on adjusted
operating profit before tax, amortisation, impairment of intangible
assets and exceptional items as defined above divided by average
capital employed on a monthly basis using the management accounts
excluding IFRS16.
Responsibility statement of the directors in respect of the
half-yearly financial report
We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:
-- the condensed consolidated set of interim financial
statements has been prepared in accordance with 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 and Transparency Rules, being
an indication of important events that have occurred during the
first six months of the financial year and their impact on the
condensed set of financial statements; and a description of the
principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of
the year; and
(b) DTR 4.2.8R of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules, being
related party transactions that have taken place in the first six
months of the current financial year and that have materially
affected the financial position or performance of the entity during
that period; and any changes in the related party transactions
described in the last annual report that could do so.
By order of the Board
28 November 2023
The Board
The Directors who served during the six months to 30 September
2023 were:
Jeremy Pilkington (Chairman)
Neil Stothard (Chief Executive, resigned 30 September 2023)
Anna Bielby (Chief Executive, previously Chief Financial Officer
until 1 September 2023)
Phil White (Non-Executive Director)
Stuart Watson (Non-Executive Director)
Mark Bottomley (Non-Executive Director)
- Ends -
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END
IR UBSKROSUAUAA
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
November 28, 2023 02:00 ET (07:00 GMT)
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