TIDMBMS
RNS Number : 3693G
Braemar PLC
15 November 2022
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED WITHIN THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS DEEMED TO
CONSTITUTE INSIDE INFORMATION AS STIPULATED UNDER THE MARKET ABUSE
REGULATION (EU NO. 596/2014) WHICH IS PART OF UK LAW BY VIRTUE OF
THE EUROPEAN UNION (WITHDRAWAL) ACT 2018. UPON THE PUBLICATION OF
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT, THIS INSIDE INFORMATION IS NOW CONSIDERED TO BE
IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN
15 November 2022
BRAEMAR PLC
("Braemar", the "Company" or the "Group")
Unaudited interim results for the six months ended 31 August
2022
Continued strong trading, materially ahead of original
expectations
Braemar Plc (LSE: BMS), a provider of expert investment,
chartering, and risk management advice to the shipping and energy
markets, today announces its unaudited half--year results for the
six months ended 31 August 2022.
Braemar continues to benefit from the increased scale and
breadth of its broking operations which have achieved significantly
higher trading activity and transaction volumes during the
period.
HIGHLIGHTS
-- Continued execution of our Shipbroking-focused growth strategy.
-- Operational gearing contributes to 95% increase in underlying
operating profit on 46% revenue growth.
-- Financial results materially ahead of expectations at the start of the year.
-- 46% increase in reported revenue to GBP69.4m (H1 FY21/22:
GBP47.4m), with an estimated 36% growth when measured in constant
currency.
-- 95% increase in underlying operating profit to GBP10.9m (H1
FY21/22: GBP5.6m), including an estimated benefit of GBP3m from
favourable foreign exchange rates.
-- Operational cash flow up 220% to GBP12.3m (H1 FY21/22: GBP3.8m).
-- Balance sheet strengthened - net cash at bank position of
GBP1.8m at 31 August 2022 compared to net bank debt* of GBP9.3m at
28 February 2022.
-- Interim dividend of 4.0 pence per share (2021: 2.0p) declared
to reflect strong cashflow and confidence in the business.
FINANICAL HIGHLIGHTS
Revenue H1 FY22/23 H1 FY21/22 Change
GBPm GBPm %
Investment advisory 16.3m 15.0m 9%
Chartering 44.9m 26.8m 68%
Risk advisory 8.2m 5.6m 46%
----------- ----------- -------
Total in Sterling GBP69.4m GBP47.4m 46%
----------- ----------- -------
Total in US Dollars $88.1m $65.0m 36%
----------- ----------- -------
Profit, EPS & Dividend Underlying results** Reported results***
H1 FY22/23 H1 FY21/22 H1 FY22/23 H1 FY21/22
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Operating profit 10.9m 5.6m 10.5m 5.4m
Profit before tax 10.5m 4.9m 10.1m 4.8m
Earnings per share 31.8p 17.6p 30.2p 22.3p
Dividend per share 4.0p 2.0p 4.0p 2.0p
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
* Net bank debt includes cash and the Group's revolving credit
facility but excludes acquisition liabilities and IFRS 16 lease
liabilities.
** Underlying results measures above are before non--recurring
specific items, including acquisition and disposal--related charges
and profit/loss from discontinued operations.
*** Reported results are from continuing operations only,
comparatives have been re--presented in relation to prior period
adjustments. See Note 21.
OUTLOOK
The outlook for the Group remains very positive and the board
looks forward to the second half of the year with a high degree of
confidence in the ongoing execution of its growth strategy. The
simplification of the business means that we can focus on
supporting our clients through our strengths and experience.
Despite the macro-economic backdrop, Braemar's growing scale
provides diversification across the shipping industry, and we are
well set up for continued investment to deliver growth throughout
the business cycle.
James Gundy said:
"It's clear that we've unlocked great potential through our
growth strategy, are delivering the performance that I promised our
shareholders on my appointment in January 2021 and are well on
track to double our profits by 2024. Our growing scale and sectoral
diversification means we are also set for strong performance
throughout the business cycle."
Results briefing
A presentation for analysts will be held at 10.30am today via
conference call. Please contact the team at Buchanan for details on
braemar@buchanan.uk.com .
A copy of the presentation and call recording will be made
available on the Investor Relations section of Braemar's website
after noon today: https://braemar.com/investors/ .
For further information, contact:
Braemar Plc
James Gundy, Group Chief Executive Officer Tel +44 (0) 20 3142 4100
Nick Stone, Chief Financial Officer
Investec Bank plc
Gary Clarence / Harry Hargreaves / Alice Tel +44 (0) 20 7597 5970
King
Cenkos Securities plc Tel +44 (0) 20 7397 8900
Ben Jeynes / Max Gould (Corporate Finance)
Alex Pollen / Leif Powis (Sales)
Buchanan
Charles Ryland / Jamie Hooper / Jack Tel +44 (0) 20 7466 5000
Devoy
Notes to Editors:
About Braemar Plc
Braemar provides expert advice in investment, chartering, and
risk management to enable its clients to secure sustainable returns
and mitigate risk in the volatile world of shipping and energy. Our
experienced brokers work in tandem with specialist professionals to
form teams tailored to our customers' needs, and provide an
integrated service supported by a collaborative culture.
For more information, including our investor presentation,
please visit www.braemar.com and follow Braemar on LinkedIn .
Reconciliation of underlying operating profit to reported
operating profit
H1 FY22/23 H1 FY21/22 (restated)
GBPm GBPm
Underlying operating
profit 10.9 5.6
Specific items (0.4) (0.2)
Reported operating
profit 10.5 5.4
Alternative Performance Measures ("APM"s)
Braemar uses APMs as key financial indicators to assess the
underlying performance of the Group. Management considers the APMs
used by the Group to better reflect business performance and
provide more useful information to investors and other interested
parties. Our APMs include underlying operating profit, underlying
profit before tax, underlying earnings per share and net debt.
Explanations of these terms and their calculation are shown in the
summary above and in detail in our Financial Review.
This document contains forward-looking statements, including
statements regarding the intentions, beliefs or current
expectations of our directors, officers and employees concerning,
among other things, the Group's results of operations, financial
condition, liquidity, prospects, growth, strategies and the
business. These statements are based on current expectations and
assumptions and only relate to the date on which they are made.
They should be treated with caution due to the inherent risks,
uncertainties and assumptions underlying any such forward-looking
information. The Group cautions investors that a number of factors,
including matters referred to in this document, could cause actual
results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any
forward-looking statement, including general business and economic
conditions globally, industry trends, competition, changes in
government and other regulation and policy, interest rates and
currency fluctuations, and political and economic uncertainty
(including as a result of global pandemics). Neither the Group, nor
any of the directors, officers or employees, provides any
representation, assurance or guarantee that the occurrence of the
events expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements in
this document will actually occur. Undue reliance should not be
placed on these forward-looking statements. Other than in
accordance with our legal and regulatory obligations, the Group
undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any
forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information,
future events or otherwise.
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
I'm delighted by the performance of the Group in the first six
months of the new financial year, a period in which we have
continued to execute our Shipbroking-focused growth strategy,
whilst also delivering financial results materially above our
expectations at the start of the year.
During the previous financial year, the board successfully
streamlined the business: loss making operations were closed,
non-core assets sold and net debt materially reduced. Braemar was
able, as a result, to start the new financial year in a much better
financial and operating position than it has been able to for some
while. The Group is now a sectorally diverse, resilient business
focused entirely on its core competency and without the baggage of
the past. With 14 offices across the globe, operating in 11
countries and covering all of the major shipping markets, the
business is lean, focused, well-insulated from market movements in
any one specific market sector, geography, or economy, and is
starting to benefit from the operational gearing from its growing
scale.
It is the combination of our clear focus, increased scale and
streamlined business, operating within our diverse and resilient
business model against a global economic backdrop of inflation,
geopolitical tension and rising negative sentiment that has yielded
such strong financial results. For the six months ended 31 August
2022, revenue increased by 46% to GBP69.4m (2021: GBP47.4m). Of the
46%, an estimated 36% was due to increased revenue in constant
currency terms and an estimated 10% was due to exchange rate
movements between the US Dollar and Sterling. Underlying operating
profit increased by 95% to GBP10.9m (2021: GBP5.6m) and underlying
basic earnings per share increased by 81% to 31.8p (2021 restated:
17.6p). The Group's balance sheet is also now a source of financial
strength allowing us to position ourselves for the strategic growth
opportunities that lie ahead.
The outlook for the Group remains very positive. The business
continues to increase scale and shipping markets continue to show
favourable demand and supply dynamics. The board therefore looks to
the future with a high degree of confidence. As a result of the
strong financial performance and confident outlook, I am delighted
that the board has declared an interim dividend of 4.0p pence per
share for the half year. The dividend will be paid on 4 January
2023 for all shares on the register at 25 November 2022.
None of this success, of course, can be achieved without the
hard work and dedication of the outstanding staff at Braemar and I
would like to take this opportunity to thank every member of our
team for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to the
business. The drive, focus, and enthusiasm of our staff are huge
contributors to our success, and they provide me with continued
optimism for Braemar's performance for the remainder of the
financial year and beyond.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S STATEMENT
Trading has exceeded expectations once again and I am
exceptionally pleased with our performance over the last six
months. It is clear that we are poised for further growth through
our strategy which is now focused on Shipbroking and Corporate
Finance.
Our performance was built upon the foundations of our strong
FY21/22, and we are delivering the strategy which I promised to our
shareholders upon my appointment in January 2021. We are well on
track to double our profits by 2024, and it's clear that
streamlining the business has made us more efficient and has
enabled us to move into a net cash position with the bank.
We are seeing positive returns by simplifying the business and
investing in our people, technology, and in our geographical reach.
Braemar's growing scale provides diversification across the
shipping industry, and we are set up for strong performance
throughout the business cycle.
The results we're announcing today are a glowing endorsement of
the calibre of our team in each of our 14 offices around the world.
This could not have been achieved without their hard work and
enthusiasm, and I look forward with confidence to the second half
of our financial year.
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW
As a result of the streamlined business, the disposal of Cory
Brothers last year and focus on our core Shipbroking activities the
Group is presenting segmental information based on a new set of
reportable segments; Investment advisory, Chartering and Risk
advisory:
Investment advisory Sale and Purchase
Corporate Finance
Chartering Deep Sea Tankers
Specialised Tankers
Offshore
Dry Cargo
---------------------
Risk advisory Securities
---------------------
The Group will no longer report by the previously recognised
divisional segments. See Note 4.
Investment advisory, Chartering, and Risk advisory have shown
revenue growth in the period with Chartering and Risk Advisory
performing particularly strongly. There was a positive impact of
foreign exchange rates on these results. The strength of the US
Dollar and weakness in Sterling has meant that revenues have grown
by a higher percentage than they would have in constant currency as
can be seen from the estimates below:
H1 FY22/23 H1 FY21/22 Change %
m m
Group Revenue reported
in US Dollars $88.1m $65.0m 36%
Group Revenue reported
in Sterling GBP69.4m GBP47.4m 46%
----------- ----------- ---------
Revenue has risen in Sale and Purchase and on all Chartering
desks, and it has been particularly strong in Deep Sea and
Specialised Tankers and Dry Cargo. Fixture volumes increased in
Deep Sea Tankers by 7%, in Specialised Tankers by 47%, in Dry Cargo
by 1%, and in Offshore by 22%.
As at 31 August 2022, the total forward order book totalled
US$55.5m, compared to US$50.0m at 28 February 2022. This represents
an increase of $5.5m in the six months to 31 August 2022 and
approximately US$21.1m of this will be delivered in the second half
of this financial year.
Investment advisory
H1 FY22/23 H1 FY21/22 Change %
GBPm GBPm
Revenue 16.3m 15.0m 9%
Underlying operating
profit 3.7m 4.2m -12%
----------- ----------- ---------
Sale and Purchase
Total revenue for Sale and Purchase in H1 FY22/23 is GBP13.5m, a
36% gain on H1 FY21/22. Sale and Purchase deal flow continues to be
strong on the back of asset plays, fleet renewal considerations,
and other individual shipowner strategies. Buyers are slowly
adjusting to the new pricing norms, and for newbuildings the
biggest issue going forward is finding the right berth space. The
desk is receiving strong enquiries from the LNG, PCTC (Pure Car and
Truck Carrier), MPP (Multipurpose), and HL (Heavylift) segments
with positive sentiment growing in the Crude and Chemical Tanker
sectors.
Container spot markets have seen a downward correction from
all-time highs experienced in September 2021. Liner company
sentiment has switched to caution and as a result, the container
charter market has mirrored the downward correction in
earnings.
Corporate Finance
Total revenue for Corporate Finance in H1 FY22/23 is GBP2.9m, a
decrease of 45% on H1 FY21/22. The nature of success fees in the
corporate finance business means that revenue subject to project
success and timing of completion is not earned evenly over the
financial year. Current activity points towards the potential for
increased income in the second half of the year. The adverse
variance in underlying operating profit in the Investment advisory
segment is the result of the Corporate Finance business where
underlying operating profit was decreased by GBP0.9m (56%) compared
to H1FY21/22.
Chartering
H1 FY22/23 H1 FY21/22 Change %
GBPm GBPm
Revenue 44.9m 26.8m 68%
Underlying operating
profit 6.9m 2.5m 176%
----------- ----------- ---------
Tankers
Revenue for Deep Sea Tankers in H1 FY22/23 is GBP17.0m, a 93%
increase on H1 FY22/23. Sanctions and related volatility have been
the main drivers in the Deep Sea Tanker markets, and these factors
have led to changes in oil flows and increased ton miles
considerably. In response, charterers have sought time charter
cover and demonstrated further appetite to commit for longer
periods; a development that has been strengthened further by the
limited forward order book and impending environmental regulation
changes. The outlook continues to be favourable, and we expect
rates to continue to remain consistent over the coming months.
Clean Tanker markets, particularly in the Middle East and Far
East, are seeing multi-year highs thanks to increased demand, and
the growth in ton miles due to sanctions on Russia.
Revenue for Specialised Tankers in H1 FY22/23 is GBP8.1m, a 59%
improvement on H1 FY21/22. Specialised Tankers has benefitted from
an increased market and geographical reach. Consistent product
freights have boosted European small tankers and global chemicals
as swing tonnage exits, they are providing a further boost for the
next six months, chemical ton-miles are increasing at the same time
as the tonnage supply is diminishing.
Offshore Energy Services
Revenue for Offshore Energy Services is GBP2.2m, a 10%
enhancement on H1 FY21/22. The Oil & Gas and Renewables markets
are thriving, and the Offshore Energy Services desk has experienced
a continual increase in activity and revenue since the beginning of
the financial year. Engineering, Procurement, and Construction
(EPC) spending is estimated to be more than $70b for 2022, and it's
estimated that offshore wind will see 189.1GW of capacity
sanctioned over the next five years. Consequently, chartering
demand will remain high for the foreseeable future. Charter rates
are likely to continue increasing thanks to a dearth of newbuilding
orders over the last seven years, which has, in turn, led to more
activity and higher asset prices in the second-hand sale and
purchase market.
Dry Cargo
Revenue for Dry Cargo is GBP17.6m, a 61% increase on H1 FY21/22.
In the first half of the financial year, despite a post-Covid
reduction in congestion increasing vessel supply, and the conflict
between Russia and Ukraine reducing cargo supply, Dry Cargo has
managed to maintain and in certain areas increase fixing volumes.
Its client base has also grown slightly as several new companies
pushed into bulk trades rather than containers. There is a limited
newbuilding orderbook, especially in the Handysize fleet, and
consequently the market looks positive over the next two to three
years.
Risk advisory
H1 FY22/23 H1 FY21/22 Change %
GBPm GBPm
Revenue 8.2m 5.6m 46%
Underlying operating
profit 1.5m 1.0m 50%
----------- ----------- ---------
Securities
Revenue for Securities is GBP8.2m, a 46% rise on H1 FY21/22. Dry
Cargo and Wet Cargo FFAs have continued to grow their revenue and
market share over the last six months.
In Dry Cargo, the quarantine restrictions that helped create
inefficiency and therefore higher prices have loosened, but the
market has proved robust, and volumes have remained high. Further
developments to the capabilities of the Braemar Screen have proved
popular in the market, making it the leading destination in the
market for pricing, data, and charting. In Wet Cargo, supply and
demand has tightened and revenue has remained strong.
Following the period end, the Group diversified its Securities
offering further with the launch of a Natural Gas desk which
compliments the existing offering and adds more scale. It will also
offer synergies with existing broking desks and will serve an
overlapping client base.
Impact of foreign exchange rates
The US Dollar exchange rate relative to Sterling strengthened in
the 6-month period from US$1.34: GBP1 at 1 March 2022 to US$1.16:
GBP1 at 31 August 2022, this also compared to the position at 31
August 2021 when the closing rate was US$1.38: GBP1. Given the
revenues generated in US Dollars the Group has in place a hedging
strategy, owing to the US Dollar volatility in the most recent
period and the growth in revenues the board took a decision in
August 2022 to increase the volume of hedging activity and acquired
further coverage based on a spot exchange rate of $1.17. At the
balance sheet date, total hedge cover was in place of $130.0m
(GBP53.8m) at an average rate of $1.22 ($1.37)
To illustrate the impact of the US Dollar strengthening compared
to the prior period, if all revenue was reported in US dollars and
translated using the closing rates for the respective periods, of
the 46% increase in revenue for the H1 22/23 period compared to H1
21/22, 10%, or GBP4.7m is estimated to be derived from the movement
between the US Dollar and Sterling. In addition, the GBP4.7m is
after deducting GBP2.1m of unfavourable movements on realised
hedging transaction caused by the strengthening of the US
dollar.
In addition to the increase in revenues the Group's underlying
operating profit for H1 FY22/23 of GBP10.5m included gains on
foreign exchange of GBP2.0m from the translation of non-sterling
trading assets (H1 FY21/22: gains on foreign exchange of GBP0.3m)
offset by an unrealised loss on a further hedging instrument that
is ineffective for hedge accounting purposes of GBP0.8m.
The overall impact on underlying operating profits caused by
movement in foreign exchange rates is estimated to be an increase
of approximately GBP3.0m, this is after deducting certain other
operating costs and the increased bonus provision relating to the
above gains in revenue.
Other operating costs
Central costs H1 2022/23 H1 2021/22 Change %
GBPm GBPm
Central costs 1.2m 2.1m -43%
----------- ----------- ---------
Central costs were down 43% compared to the previous period. Of
the total foreign exchange gains of GBP2m mentioned above, GBP1.5m
is reported in central costs. When that gain is excluded, then
central costs would have increased by GBP0.6m compared to the prior
period, mainly due to additional professional fees.
Specific items H1 2022/23 H1 2021/22 Change %
GBPm GBPm
Acquisition and disposal-related
charges 0.4m 0.1m 300%
----------- ----------- ---------
The Group has separately identified certain items that are not
part of the underlying trade of the Group. These specific items are
material in both size and/or nature and the Directors believe they
may distort understanding of the underlying performance of the
business. Expenditure of GBP0.4m (2021: GBP0.1m) is directly linked
to the acquisition of NAVES Corporate Finance GmbH and relates to
amounts due to management sellers on condition of their ongoing
service to the Group. See Note 5.
Balance sheet
Net assets at 31 August 2022 were GBP83.2m (28 February 2022:
GBP75.1m). A review aimed at identifying evidence of impairment of
intangible assets was carried out and no such impairment was
identified.
Trade and other receivables increased by GBP0.1m to GBP38.9m (28
February 2022 GBP38.8m) and provisions for impairment of trade
receivable remain broadly consistent with 28 February 2022. Amounts
totalling GBP4.8m are included in respect of the expected deferred
and contingent consideration receivable for the disposal of Cory
Brothers on 28 February 2022. GBP1.4m is due in May 2023 and is
presented as current, GBP3.4m is due in May 2023 and May 2024 and
is presented as non-current. There has been no change to the
expected contingent consideration and the unwinding of the
discounting has been credited to finance costs.
The pension deficit has decreased by GBP1.9m to GBP0.2m during
the period (28 February 2022: GBP2.1m). An actuarial valuation at
31 August 2022 resulted in a surplus but the Group does not have
the right to recognise this as an asset. The liability at 31 August
2022 represents the present value of the future payments that the
Group has agreed to make to the scheme.
Shares held in the Group's Employee Share Ownership Plan
('ESOP') has increased by GBP0.3m from GBP6.8m at 28 February 2022
to GBP7.1m at 31 August 2022 due to additional shares purchased by
the ESOP, net of those released to satisfy vesting awards.
Borrowings and cash
At 31 August 2022, the Group held cash of GBP24.1m (28 February
2022: GBP14.0m). The increase in cash is largely attributable to
the strong trading in the first half of the year and GBP6.5m of
proceeds from the sale of Cory Brothers that was received on 2
March 2022.
The Group has continued to pay down debt and the net bank
position was cash of GBP1.8m compared to net debt of GBP9.3m at 28
February 2022. Net debt, including acquisition liabilities but
excluding IFRS 16 lease liabilities, was GBP3.1m at 31 August 2022
compared with net debt of GBP13.9m at 28 February 2022.
Post period end, on 8 November 2022, the Group entered into a
new revolving credit facility with HSBC ("RCF"), subject only to
certain Group subsidiaries executing additional security
documentation as a condition subsequent to the agreement. The RCF
facility limit is similar to the previous facility that was due to
expire in September 2023 and totals GBP40.0m with GBP30.0m
available immediately and an accordion limit of GBP10.0m. Drawdown
of the accordion facility is subject to additional credit approval.
The facility is for a three-year initial duration but at the
Group's option this can be extended by one year on each of the
first and second anniversaries of its completion. Therefore, the
maximum possible duration is five years.
The RCF has a number of covenants, in particular the ratio of
debt to rolling 12-month EBITDA with a limit of 2.5x. The Group
also has access to global cash management arrangements, notably in
our regional hubs of UK, Germany and Singapore.
The operating cash flows of the Group exhibit seasonality in
that the majority bonus payments occur in the first half of the
financial year and it is therefore normal for the second half of
the year to generate more cash.
Dividend
A final FY21/22 dividend of 7p per ordinary share was proposed
in the period and paid on 14 October 2022 following approval at the
AGM on 6 October 2022, making a total of 9p for the year following
2p paid at the interim.
An interim dividend for the current year of 4p per ordinary
share has been declared and will be paid on 4 January 2023 to
shareholders on the register on 25 November 2022.
Taxation
The tax charge of GBP1.5m (2021: GBP0.5m) comprises a current
tax charge of GBP2.1m and a deferred tax credit of GBP0.6m.
Current tax is charged at 20.2% (2021 restated: 9.8%)
representing the best estimate of the annual effective tax rate,
applied to the taxable profits of the interim period. In the
current period the annual effective tax rate is broadly in line
with the standard rate of UK corporation tax. The impact of higher
corporation tax rates in Australia, Germany and the US is broadly
offset by the impact of a lower rate in Singapore. The rate is
lower in the prior period due to utilisation of losses.
At 31 August 2022, the Group has recognised a deferred tax asset
of GBP7.3m ( 28 February 2022 GBP3.7m). The increase is
attributable to the increase in the mark-to-market loss of the
Group's forward currency contracts at 31 August 2022 as well as the
valuation of outstanding share awards. This has resulted in a
GBP0.6m deferred tax credit in the income statement, with the
balance of the movement recognised in equity. The deferred tax
asset arises primarily in the UK and is provided at 25.0% (2021:
25.0%) except where temporary differences are expected to reverse
before 1 April 2023 where 19.0% is used. The directors believe it
is probable that there will be sufficient taxable profits in the
future to recover the deferred tax asset in full.
Principal risks
The Directors consider that the principal risks and
uncertainties which could have a material effect on the Group's
performance identified on pages 42 to 44 of the Annual Report 2022
are also applicable for a period of six months from 31 August 2022.
These include risks associated with change management, compliance
with laws and regulations, currency fluctuations, cybercrime and
data security, disruptive technology, environment and climate
change, financial capacity, geopolitical and macroeconomic changes,
major business disruption and failure to attract and retain skilled
individuals.
The Directors continue to monitor the risks associated with the
conflict in the Ukraine. The Group's compliance with sanctions put
in place because of the conflict in the Ukraine is not expected to
have any material effect on trading in the current financial year
nor does the Group have any existing material exposure.
Going concern
Following a detailed review, no material uncertainty has been
identified and the interim condensed consolidated financial
statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. See Note
2.
Condensed Consolidated Income Statement
Unaudited Unaudited
Restated
Six months ended Six months ended
31 Aug 2022 31 Aug 2021
------------------------------- --------------------
Specific Specific
Underlying items Total Underlying items Total
Continuing operations Notes GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
---------------------------- ----- ---------- -------- --------- ---------- -------- ---------
Revenue 4 69,439 - 69,439 47,410 - 47,410
Operating expense:
Operating costs ( 58,540) - ( 58,540) ( 41,809) - ( 41,809)
Acquisition-related
expenditure - ( 377) ( 377) - (15 3) ( 153)
---------------------------- ----- ---------- -------- --------- ---------- -------- ---------
(58,
Total operating expense ( 58,540) ( 377) 917) ( 41,809) ( 153) (41, 962)
---------------------------- ----- ---------- -------- --------- ---------- -------- ---------
Operating profit/(loss) 10,899 ( 377) 10,522 5, 601 ( 153) 5, 448
Share of associate
loss for the period 10 (14) - (14) (29) - (29)
Finance income 99 - 99 40 172 212
Finance costs (456) (83) ( 539) (683) ( 131) ( 814)
---------------------------- ----- ---------- -------- --------- ---------- -------- ---------
Profit/(loss) before
taxation 10,528 ( 460) 10, 068 4, 929 ( 112) 4,81 7
Taxation ( 1,473) - ( 1,473) (483) - (483)
---------------------------- ----- ---------- -------- --------- ---------- -------- ---------
Profit /(loss) from
continuing operations 9,055 ( 460) 8,595 4, 446 ( 112) 4,3 34
Profit net of tax from
discontinued operations 6 - - - 1,038 1,588 2,626
Profit /(loss) attributable
to equity shareholders
of the Company 9,055 ( 460) 8,595 5, 484 1,476 6,960
---------------------------- ----- ---------- -------- --------- ---------- -------- ---------
Total
---------------------------- ----- ---------- -------- --------- ---------- -------- ---------
Earnings per ordinary
share
Basic 8 31.84p 30.22p 17.60p 22.34p
Diluted 8 24.36p 23.33p 14.4 5p 18.34p
---------------------------- ----- ---------- -------- --------- ---------- -------- ---------
Continuing operations
---------------------------- ----- ---------- -------- --------- ---------- -------- ---------
Earnings per ordinary
share
Basic 8 31.84p 30.22p 14.2 7p 13.91p
Diluted 8 24.36p 23.33p 11.19p 11.19p
---------------------------- ----- ---------- -------- --------- ---------- -------- ---------
The six months ended 31 August 2021 has been restated for prior
period adjustments and a change in presentation as detailed in Note
21.
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the six months ended 31 August 2022
Restated
31 Aug 31 Aug
2022 2021
Notes GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------------------------------ ----- -------- --------
Profit for the year 8,595 6,960
------------------------------------------------------------ ----- -------- --------
Other comprehensive income/(expense)
Items that will not be reclassified to
profit or loss:
* Actuarial gain/(loss) on employee benefit schemes -
net of tax 1,235 (978)
Items that are or may be reclassified
to profit or loss:
* Foreign exchange gains on retranslation of foreign
operations 17 2,417 517
* Cash flow hedging loss - net of tax 17 (3,272) (532)
------------------------------------------------------------ ----- -------- --------
Other comprehensive income/(expense) from
continuing operations 380 ( 993)
------------------------------------------------------------ ----- -------- --------
Discontinued operations
* Share of other comprehensive income of associates - 52
* Recycling of foreign exchange reserve* - 373
------------------------------------------------------------ ----- -------- --------
Other comprehensive income from discontinued
operations - 425
------------------------------------------------------------ ----- -------- --------
Total comprehensive income attributable
to equity shareholders of the Company 8,975 6, 392
------------------------------------------------------------ ----- -------- --------
The six months ended 31 August 2021 has been restated for the
impact of prior period adjustments. See Note 21.
* The recycling of foreign exchange reserve relates to the
disposal of AqualisBraemar. See Note 6.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
Unaudited Audited
As at As at
31 Aug 28 Feb
2022 2022
Note GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------ ---- --------- --------
Assets
Non-current assets
Goodwill 80,233 79,891
Other intangible assets 1, 085 997
Property, plant and equipment 5,576 7,078
Other investments 1,780 1,780
Investment in associate 10 710 724
Derivative financial instruments 14 - 8
Deferred tax assets 7,254 3,713
Other long-term receivables 11 3,983 5,636
------------------------------------ ---- --------- --------
100,621 99,827
------------------------------------ ---- --------- --------
Current assets
Trade and other receivables 12 38,888 38,808
Derivative financial instruments 14 - 54
Cash and cash equivalents 24,058 13,964
62,946 52,826
------------------------------------ ---- --------- --------
Total assets 163,567 152,653
------------------------------------ ---- --------- --------
Liabilities
Current liabilities
Derivative financial instruments 14 4,989 688
Trade and other payables 41,522 38,629
Current tax payable 988 1,608
Provisions 293 486
Convertible loan notes 13 1, 561 1,416
49,353 42,827
------------------------------------ ---- --------- --------
Non-current liabilities
Long-term borrowings 25,084 28,331
Derivative financial instruments 14 1,266 335
Provisions 1,088 797
Convertible loan notes 13 2,814 2,755
Deferred consideration 13 593 495
Pension deficit 3 186 2,052
------------------------------------ ---- --------- --------
31, 031 34,765
------------------------------------ ---- --------- --------
Total liabilities 80,384 77,592
------------------------------------ ---- --------- --------
Total assets less total liabilities 83,183 75,061
------------------------------------ ---- --------- --------
Equity
Share capital 15 3,247 3,221
Share premium 15 53,030 53,030
ESOP reserve 16 (7,093) (6,771)
Other reserves 17 26,269 27,124
Retained earnings 7,730 (1,543)
------------------------------------ ---- --------- --------
Total equity 83,183 75,061
------------------------------------ ---- --------- --------
Condensed Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
For the six months ended 31 August 2022
31 Aug 31 Aug
2022 2021
restated
Notes GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------------------------------- ----- -------- ---------
Profit before tax from continuing operations 10,068 4,817
Profit before tax from discontinued
operations - 2,853
Adjustment for non-cash transactions
included in profit before tax
Depreciation and amortisation charges 1,545 1,825
Loss on disposal of fixed assets 134 -
Share of loss/(profit) in associate
from continuing and discontinued operations 14 (47)
Share scheme charges 1,770 1,492
Fair value movement on financial instruments
charged to profit or loss 14 799 -
Net finance cost 440 602
Credit on modification of deferred consideration - (172)
Gain on disposal of shares in AqualisBraemar 6 - (3,375)
Gain on disposal of Wavespec 6 - (587)
Loss on impairment of Wavespec receivable 6 - 2,374
Adjustment for cash items not included
in profit before tax
Contribution to defined benefit scheme ( 225) (198)
--------------------------------------------------- ----- -------- ---------
Operating cash flow before changes
in working capital 14, 545 9, 584
--------------------------------------------------- ----- -------- ---------
Increase in receivables (5, 226) (7,645)
Increase in payables 2, 919 1, 582
Increase in provisions 98 328
--------------------------------------------------- ----- -------- ---------
Cash flows from operating activities 12,336 3,849
--------------------------------------------------- ----- -------- ---------
Interest received 21 40
Interest paid ( 305) (665)
Tax paid (2,159) (980)
--------------------------------------------------- ----- -------- ---------
Net cash generated from operating activities 9,893 2,244
--------------------------------------------------- ----- -------- ---------
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (187) (346)
Purchase of other intangible assets (300) (528)
Investment in associate 10 - (217)
Proceeds from disposal of Cory Brothers 6 6,500 -
Proceeds from disposal of Wavespec,
net of cash disposed - (53)
Proceeds from disposal of investment
in associate 10 - 7,232
Principal received on finance lease
receivables 300 450
--------------------------------------------------- ----- -------- ---------
Net cash generated from investing activities 6,313 6,538
--------------------------------------------------- ----- -------- ---------
31 Aug 31 Aug
2022 2021
restated
Notes GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------------------------------- ----- -------- ---------
Cash flows from financing activities
(Repayment) / proceeds from borrowings (1,000) 2,000
Repayment of principal under lease liabilities (2,195) (1,971)
Purchase of own shares (4,884) (4,152)
Settlement of convertible loan notes 13 - (1,198)
----------------------------------------------- ----- -------- ---------
Net cash used in financing activities (8,079) (5,321)
----------------------------------------------- ----- -------- ---------
Increase in cash and cash equivalents 8,127 3,461
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
of the period 13,964 14,164
Foreign exchange differences 1,967 (579)
----------------------------------------------- ----- -------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
the period 24,058 17,046
----------------------------------------------- ----- -------- ---------
31 Aug 31 Aug
2022 2021
restated
GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------------------------------- ----- -------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents (continuing
operations) 24,058 9,111
Cash and cash equivalents (included
in assets held for sale) - 7,935
----------------------------------------------- ----- -------- ---------
Total cash and cash equivalents at
end of the period 24,058 17,046
----------------------------------------------- ----- -------- ---------
The six months ended 31 August 2021 has been restated for the
impact of prior year adjustments. See Note 21.
Condensed Statement of Changes in Total Equity
Share Share ESOP Other Retained Total
capital premium reserve reserves earnings equity
Group Note GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
At 28 February 2021
(restated) 21 3,174 52,510 (1,362) 28,094 (15,906) 66,510
Profit for the period
(restated) 21 - - - - 6,960 6,960
------------------------------- ---- -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- --------
Actuarial loss on employee
benefits schemes - net
of tax - - - - (978) (978)
Foreign exchange differences
arising on translation
of foreign operations
(restated) - - - 942 - 942
Cash flow hedges - net
of tax - - - (532) - (532)
Other comprehensive
expense - - - 410 (978) (568)
------------------------------- ---- -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- --------
Total comprehensive
income (restated) 21 410 5,982 6,392
------------------------------- ---- -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- --------
Dividends 9 - - - - (1,482) (1,482)
Shares issued 15 25 - (25) - - -
Acquisition of own shares 16 - - (4,152) - - (4,152)
ESOP shares allocated 16 - - 1,659 - (1,659) -
Share-based payments - - - - 1,492 1,492
------------------------------- ---- -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- --------
Transactions with owners 25 - (2,518) - (1,649) (4,142)
------------------------------- ---- -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- --------
At 31 August 2021 (restated) 3,199 52,510 (3,880) 28,504 (11,573) 68,760
------------------------------- ---- -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- --------
At 28 February 2022 3,221 53,030 (6,771) 27,124 (1,543) 75,061
Profit for the period - - - - 8,595 8,595
------------------------------- ---- -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- --------
Actuarial gain on employee
benefits schemes - net
of tax - - - - 1,235 1,235
Foreign exchange differences
arising on translation
of foreign operations - - - 2,417 - 2,417
Cash flow hedges - net
of tax - - - (3,272) - (3,272)
Other comprehensive
expense - - - (855) 1,235 380
------------------------------- ---- -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- --------
Total comprehensive
income - - - (855) 9,830 8,975
------------------------------- ---- -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- --------
Tax credit taken to
equity - - - - 2,261 2,261
Shares issued 15 26 - - - (26) -
Acquisition of own shares 16 - - (4,884) - - (4,884)
ESOP shares allocated 16 - - 4,562 - (4,562) -
Share-based payments - - - - 1,770 1,770
------------------------------- ---- -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- --------
Transactions with owners 26 - (322) - (557) (853)
------------------------------- ---- -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- --------
At 31 August 2022 3,247 53,030 (7,093) 26,269 7,730 83,183
------------------------------- ---- -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- --------
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)
1 General information
Braemar Plc (the "Company") is a public limited company
incorporated and domiciled in England and Wales. The interim
condensed consolidated financial statements for the six months
ended 31 August 2022 comprise the Company, its subsidiaries and the
employee share ownership trust (together referred to as the
"Group"). The address of the Company's registered office is One
Strand, Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5HR, United Kingdom. The
interim condensed consolidated financial statements of the Group
were authorised for issue in accordance with a resolution of the
directors on 14 November 2022.
2 Basis of preparation and statement of compliance
The interim condensed consolidated financial statements for the
six months ended 31 August 2022 have been prepared in accordance
with the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the
Financial Conduct Authority and with IAS 34, "Interim Financial
Reporting", and also in accordance with the measurement and
recognition principles of UK adopted international accounting
standards. They do not constitute statutory financial
statements.
The interim condensed consolidated financial statements do not
include all the information and disclosures required in the annual
financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the
Group's Annual Report for the year ended 28 February 2022, which
were prepared in accordance with international accounting standards
in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and
in accordance with UK-adopted international accounting
standards.
The interim condensed consolidated financial statements have
been prepared on a going concern basis with a reasonable
expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in
operational existence for at least 12 months from the date of
signing of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.
In reaching this conclusion the directors considered cash flow
forecasts that have been prepared in the light of current trading,
the continued impact of conflict in the Ukraine and the possibility
of a global recession. The directors have considered the trading
and cash flows over the first six months of the year which has been
good across the Group's business and has benefitted from the
volatility in the shipping markets caused by the Ukraine conflict.
The directors consider that the breadth of the Group's business
model and the diversity of the broking operation and the markets in
which the Group now operates, have insulated the business well from
cycles in any one shipping market. The directors have also
considered forward-looking market data in respect of the shipping
market. This includes the forward order book within the Chartering
segment, and the potential within the Investment advisory
segment.
The Group has recently completed the execution of a new
revolving credit facility ('RCF') with its main bankers, HSBC
subject to certain Group subsidiaries signing up to the facility as
guarantors as a condition subsequent to the agreement. The new RCF
is for GBP30.0 million plus an accordion limit of GBP10.0 million.
Drawdown of the accordion facility is subject to additional credit
approval. The facility terms are very similar to the old RCF that
it has replaced that was due to expire in September 2023. It has an
EBITDA leverage covenant of 2.5x and a minimum interest cover of
4x. At 31 August 2022, 31 May 2022 and 28 February 2022 the Group
met all financial covenant tests. As at 31 August 2022 the Group's
net cash at bank* was GBP1.8m with available headroom in the
GBP30.0m RCF of GBP7.7m. (*Net cash at bank debt is calculated as
net cash less secured RCF).
The Group has updated its expected revenue, cost and cash
forecasts in the light of the positive trading over the first half
of the current financial year and assessed the ability of the Group
to operate both within the facility covenants and the facility
headroom. A number of downside sensitivities were tested including
reverse stress scenarios. The results of this exercise showed that
the Group could withstand revenue reductions of 35% before it was
forecast that covenants would be breached or liquidity
insufficient, after taking into account reasonable cost mitigations
and other cash management measures within the control of the
Group.
The directors have considered these revenue downside
sensitivities and in the light of the revenue growth seen in the
period and the prospects for the second half of the year have
concluded that it would be remote that revenues would be impacted
to this extent over the assessed going concern period,
The directors consider revenue as the key assumption in the
Group's forecasts as the operating costs are largely fixed or made
up of discretionary bonuses which are directly linked to
profitability.
To date the current geo-political instability and global trade
interruption has not had a significant impact on the business but
there remains uncertainty over the current outlook. However, the
directors are comfortable that under the scenarios run, the Group
could withstand a decline in revenue as described and continue to
operate within the available banking facilities. Accordingly, the
Group continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the
condensed consolidated financial statements.
Forward-looking statements
Certain statements in this interim report are forward-looking.
Although the Group believes that the expectations reflected in
these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no
assurance that these expectations will prove to be correct. Because
these statements involve risks and uncertainties, actual results
may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these
forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update
any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise.
3 Accounting policies
The Group has applied the same accounting policies and methods
of computation in its interim condensed consolidated financial
statements as in its consolidated financial statements as at and
for the year ended 28 February 2022, except as described below, and
should be read in conjunction with the 2022 Annual Report.
No new standards or amendments effective for reporting periods
beginning on or after 1 March 2022 had an impact on the interim
condensed consolidated financial statements for the period ended 31
August 2022.
Defined benefit pension
The Group uses an independent actuary to provide valuations of
the defined benefit pension scheme. The actuary uses a number of
estimates in respect of the scheme membership, the valuation of
assets and assumptions regarding discount rates, inflation rates
and mortality rates. The membership details are provided by an
independent trustee while the valuation of assets is verified by an
independent fund manager. The discount rates, inflation rates and
mortality rates are reviewed by management for reasonableness.
If the actuarial valuation results in a deficit, the Group
recognises the deficit in full. When the actuarial valuation
results in a surplus, the net present value of the minimum payments
is recognised as a liability unless, and to the extent that,
management assess that the payments will give rise to future
economic benefits.
Taxation
Taxation is recognised in the interim period based on the best
estimate of the weighted average annual income tax rate expected
for the full financial year. Amounts accrued for income tax expense
in one interim period may have to be adjusted in the subsequent
interim period of that financial year if the estimate of the annual
income tax rate changes.
Accounting estimates and critical judgements
The preparation of interim financial statements in conformity
with IFRSs 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
expenses. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
In preparing these interim condensed consolidated financial
statements, the significant judgements made by management in
applying the Group's accounting policies and the key sources of
estimation uncertainty were consistent with those that applied to
the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended
28 February 2022, except as described below:
Valuation of defined benefit pension scheme
The independent actuarial valuations of the Group's defined
benefit pension scheme was a surplus of GBP0.9m. Management have
made a judgement that at 31 August 2022, despite the actuarial
valuation surplus, a liability of GBP0.2m in respect of minimum
future payments should be recognised.
Seasonality
The Group's operating cash flows exhibit seasonality in that the
majority of bonus payments occur in the first half of the financial
year. The Group's revenues are not subject to significant seasonal
variation, with the historical exception of the Deep-sea Tankers
desk which has generated stronger revenues during the Northern
hemisphere winter months.
4 Segmental information and revenue
a) Business segments
Following the simplification of the Group's activities and the
way in which information is now presented to the Group's Chief
Operating Decision Maker the Group's operating segments are
Chartering, Investment advisory and Risk advisory. The Chief
Operating Decision Maker is considered to be the Group's board of
directors. These three segments are managed separately on the basis
of the nature of the services offered to clients and differences in
the regulatory environment applicable to each segment. Previously
the Group's operating segments were based on a Divisional structure
of Shipbroking and Financial. The Logistics and Engineering
Divisions were sold in the prior year and are presented as
discontinued operations in the comparative period.
The board considers the business from both service line and
geographic perspectives. A description of each of the lines of
service is provided in the operating and financial review.
Central costs relate to board costs and other costs associated
with the Group's listing on the London Stock Exchange. All segments
meet the quantitative thresholds required by IFRS 8 as reportable
segments.
Underlying operating profit is defined as operating profit for
continuing activities before restructuring costs, gain on disposal
of investment and acquisition and disposal-related items.
The segmental information provided to the board for reportable
segments for the six months ended 31 August 2022 is as follows:
Revenue Operating profit/(loss)
------------------ -------------------------
Restated Restated
Six Six Six Six
months months months months
ended ended ended ended
31 Aug 31 Aug 31 Aug 31 Aug
2022 2021 2022 2021
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------- -------- -------- ------------ -----------
Chartering 44,892 26,775 6,931 2,503
Investment advisory 16,325 15,061 3,719 4,200
Risk advisory 8,222 5,574 1,457 954
------------------------------------- -------- -------- ------------ -----------
Trading segments revenue/results 69,439 47,410 12,107 7,657
------------------------------------- -------- -------- ------------ -----------
Central costs ( 1,208) (2,056)
------------------------------------- -------- -------- ------------ -----------
Underlying operating profit 10,899 5,601
------------------------------------- -------- -------- ------------ -----------
Specific items included in operating
expenses ( 377) (153)
------------------------------------- -------- -------- ------------ -----------
Operating profit 10,522 5,448
------------------------------------- -------- -------- ------------ -----------
Share of associate's loss for period (14) (29)
Net finance expense ( 440) (602)
------------------------------------- -------- -------- ------------ -----------
10,
Profit before taxation 068 4,817
------------------------------------- -------- -------- ------------ -----------
* The six months ended 31 August 2021 has been restated for
prior period errors and to reflect the new segment reporting
format. See Note 21 .
Geographical segment - by origin
The Group manages its business segments on a global basis. The
operation's main geographical area and also the home country of the
Company is the United Kingdom.
Geographical information determined by location of customers is
set out below:
Revenue
----------------------
Six
months Six months
ended ended
31 Aug 31 Aug
2022 2021
GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------ -------- ----------
United Kingdom 36,061 27,630
Singapore 13,251 9,386
United States 1,167 276
Australia 8,579 5,001
Germany 1,646 1,124
Rest of the World 8,735 3,993
------------------------ -------- ----------
Continuing operations 69,439 47,410
Discontinued operations - 21,281
------------------------ -------- ----------
Total 69,439 68,691
------------------------ -------- ----------
b) Major customers
There is no single client that makes up more than 10% of the
Group's revenues.
5 Specific items
The following is a summary of specific items incurred. Each item
has an impact on the reported results for the year that is
considered material either by size or nature and is not expected to
be incurred on an ongoing basis and, as such, will not form part of
the underlying profit in future years.
Restated
Six months Six months
ended ended
31 Aug 31 Aug
2022 2021
GBP'000 GBP'000
---------------------------------------------------- ----------- -----------
Acquisition-related items
( 377
- Acquisition of Naves Corporate Finance GmbH ) ( 153)
Discontinued operations
- Wavespec - (1,787)
- AqualisBraemar - 3,375
---------------------------------------------------- ----------- -----------
- 1,588
Other items
Finance income - credit on modification of deferred
consideration - 172
Finance costs (83) (131)
Total ( 460) 1,476
---------------------------------------------------- ----------- -----------
A correction to the specific items for the six months ended 31
August 2021 has been recognised as a prior period adjustment. See
Note 21.
Acquisition-related items
The Group incurred total costs of GBP0.4m (2021 restated:
GBP0.2m) directly linked to the acquisition of Naves Corporate
Finance GmbH, being GBP0.1m due to management sellers conditional
on their ongoing service to the group (2021 restated: GBP0.2m), a
GBP0.1m charge on remeasurement of the fair value of derivative
liabilities on the restructured liabilities due to management
sellers , and exchange losses on acquisition liabilities of
GBP0.2m.
Discontinued operations
In the prior period, the Group recognised a net gain of GBP1.6m
on the disposal of discontinued operations.
The disposal of Wavespec produced a net loss of GBP1.8m, whilst
the disposal of AqualisBraemar generated a gain of GBP3.4m, more
detail is provided in Note 6 .
Other specific items
On 3 June 2021 the Group completed a restructuring of the
deferred consideration amounts in relation to the acquisition of
Naves Corporate Finance GmbH. This resulted in a gain on
modification of GBP0.17m which is classified as specific finance
income.
There was a further finance cost being interest accruing on the
loan notes related to the acquisition of Naves of GBP0.08m (2021:
GBP0.13m).
6 Discontinued operations
In the year ended 28 February 2022, the Group sold its
Engineering Division, Wavespec, its Logistics Division, Cory
Brothers, and its entire shareholding in AqualisBraemar. The
results of these three businesses have therefore been recognised as
discontinued operations through the reporting periods.
a) Post-tax profit related to discontinued operations
Restated
Six months ended Six months ended
31 Aug 2022 31 Aug 2021
------------------------------------ ---------------------------------
Underlying Specific Total Underlying Specific Total
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
-----------------
Wavespec - - - (146) (1,787) (1,933)
Cory Brothers - - - 1,108 - 1,108
AqualisBraemar - - - 76 3,375 3,451
------------------ ------------ ---------- --------- ----------- --------- ---------
Profit - - - 1,038 1,588 2,626
------------------ ------------ ---------- --------- ----------- --------- ---------
Wavespec
On 31 March 2021, the Group completed the sale of Wavespec. A
net loss on disposal of GBP1.8m consisted of the accounting gain of
GBP0.6m recognised on disposal less a subsequent impairment of
GBP2.4m of the disposal proceeds receivable.
Cory Brothers
At 31 August 2021, following the Group's decision to dispose of
Cory Brothers, the results of Cory Brothers for the six months
ended 31 August 2021 were recognised as discontinued
operations.
On 28 February 2022 the Company sold Cory Brothers to Vertom
Agencies BV for a maximum consideration of GBP15.5m.
The initial cash proceeds of GBP6.5m were received in March
2022, and three further cash payments are due based on a percentage
of the gross profit of the combined VertomCory business. Each of
the three earnout payments is subject to a minimum and a maximum.
The minimum aggregate earnout payment is GBP3.75m and the maximum
aggregate earnout payment is GBP9.0m. The minimum payment has been
recognised as deferred consideration recognised at amortised cost,
using a discount of 2.39%. The uncertain element of each earnout
payment is recognised at fair value through profit or loss and
presented as contingent consideration. The fair value is calculated
using the forecast gross profit for the combined VertomCory
business for each earnout period, applying the agreed percentage
and discounting the forecast cashflow using the discount rate of
2.39%.
The current estimate of the fair value of the deferred and
contingent consideration is GBP4.8m, of which GBP3.4 million is
presented within long-term receivables and GBP1.4m in current
receivables. There has been no change to the expected contingent
consideration, and the unwinding of the discounts has been credited
to finance costs.
AqualisBraemar
The Group recognised its minority shareholding in AqualisBraemar
as an investment in associate until its disposal on 19 May 2021.
The Group's share of profit of associate and the profit on disposal
including foreign exchange recycling totalled GBP3.5m. See Note 10
.
b) Cash flows in respect of discontinued operations
During the period there were no operating cash inflows from
discontinued operations (2021: GBP0.6m). There were net cash
inflows from investing activities of GBP6.5.m being the initial
proceeds from the disposal of Cory Brothers (2021: GBP7.2m proceeds
from the sale of AqualisBraemar shares less GBP0.1m cash disposed
of with Wavespec), and there were no cash flows relating to
financing activities.
7 Taxation
The total tax charge of GBP1.5 million consists of a current tax
charge of GBP2.1 million and a deferred tax credit of GBP0.6
million. The total tax charge of GBP0.5m for the comparative period
comprises a current tax charge of GBP0.8m and a deferred tax credit
of GBP0.3m.
Current tax is charged at 20.2% for the six months ended 31
August 2022 (2021 restated: 9.8%) representing the best estimate of
the average annual effective tax rate expected to apply for the
full year, applied to the pre-tax income of the six-month period.
The annual effective tax rate in the current period is broadly in
line with the standard rate of UK corporation tax. The impact of
higher corporation tax rates in Australia and Germany and the US is
broadly offset by the impact of a lower rate in Singapore. The
annual effective tax rate in the prior period is lower due to the
utilisation of losses.
Deferred tax assets arise primarily in the UK, the deferred tax
credit is based on 25.0% for the six months ended 31 August 2022
(2021: 25.0%) except where temporary differences are expected to
reverse before 1 April 2023, in which case deferred tax is based on
19.0%. The amount of deferred tax is based on the expected manner
of realisation of the carrying amount of assets and liabilities.
The directors believe it is probable that there will be sufficient
taxable profits in the future to recover the deferred tax assets in
full.
8 Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the earnings
attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average
number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year, excluding
3,577,830 ordinary shares held by the Employee Share Ownership Plan
and 62,290 ordinary shares held by the ACM Employee Benefit Trust
which are treated as cancelled (28 February 2022: 2,669,603 and
62,290 shares respectively).
For diluted earnings per share, the weighted average number of
ordinary shares in issue is adjusted to assume conversion of all
dilutive ordinary shares. The Group has dilutive ordinary shares,
being those options granted to employees where the exercise price
is less than the average market price of the Company's ordinary
shares during the year, and convertible loan notes issued in
respect of the Naves.
Restated
Six months Six months
ended ended
31 Aug 31 Aug
2022 2021
Total operations GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------------------- ---------- -----------
Profit for the year attributable to shareholders 8,595 6,960
------------------------------------------------- ---------- -----------
Pence pence
--------------------------------- ------- ------
Basic earnings per share 30.22 22.34
Effect of dilutive share options ( 6.89) (4.54)
--------------------------------- ------- ------
Diluted earnings per share 23.33 17.80
--------------------------------- ------- ------
Restated
Six months Six months
ended ended
31 Aug 31 Aug
2022 2021
Underlying operations GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------------------------------- ---------- -----------
Underlying profit for the year attributable to
shareholders 9,055 5,484
----------------------------------------------- ---------- -----------
pence pence
--------------------------------- ------- ------
Basic earnings per share 31.84 17.60
Effect of dilutive share options ( 7.48) (3.80)
--------------------------------- ------- ------
Diluted earnings per share 24.36 13.80
--------------------------------- ------- ------
Restated
Six months Six months
ended ended
31 Aug 31 Aug
2022 2021
Underlying continuing operations GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------------------------------- ---------- -----------
Underlying profit for the year from continuing
operations 9,055 4,446
----------------------------------------------- ---------- -----------
pence pence
--------------------------------- ------- ------
Basic earnings per share 31.84 14.27
Effect of dilutive share options ( 7.48) (3.08)
--------------------------------- ------- ------
Diluted earnings per share 24.36 11.19
--------------------------------- ------- ------
Restated
Six months Six months
ended ended
31 Aug 31 Aug
2022 2021
Continuing operations GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------------------------------- ---------- -----------
Profit from continuing operations for the year
attributable to shareholders 8,595 4,334
----------------------------------------------- ---------- -----------
pence pence
--------------------------------- ------- ------
Basic earnings per share 30.22 13.91
Effect of dilutive share options ( 6.89) (2.72)
--------------------------------- ------- ------
Diluted earnings per share 23.33 11.19
--------------------------------- ------- ------
The weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings per
share is 28,439,984 (2021: 31,161,213).
The weighted average number of shares used in the diluted
earnings per share is 37,168,377 (2021: 39,744,362) after adjusting
for the effect of 8,728,393 (2021: 8,583,149) dilutive share
options and convertible loan notes.
Where any potential ordinary shares would have the effect of
increasing earnings per share, they have not been treated as
dilutive.
9 Dividends
On 28 August 2022 the directors recommended a dividend of 7p per
share for approval at the AGM for the financial year ended 28
February 2022. On 6 October 2022 the dividend of 7p per share was
approved and was paid on 14 October 2022.
On 1 September 2021, a final dividend of 5p per share in respect
of the financial year ended 28 February 2021 was paid and an
interim dividend for the year ended 28 February 2022 of 2p per
share was paid on 16 December 2021.
The board has declared an interim dividend of 4p per share, as a
result of the trading in the first half of this year, to be paid on
4 January 2023 (H1 2021: 2p).
As noted in the 2022 Annual Report, certain dividends paid in
2021 were made in technical infringement of the Companies Act 2006,
prior to declaring and paying distributions to shareholders in
respect of the Company's 1 September 2021 final dividend and 16
December 2021 interim dividend.
A resolution was passed at the Annual General Meeting
re-convened on 6 October 2022 which gave the board authority to
enter into deeds of release to discharge these parties from any
obligation to repay any amount to the Company in connection with
the Relevant Distributions. The Company has not recorded the
potential right to make claims against shareholders as an asset or
a
contingent asset at 31 August 2022. The directors of the Company
have concluded that any inflow of economic benefits as a result of
such claims was less than probable at that date.
10 Investment in associate
The movements in the investment in associates are provided
below.
Zuma AqualisBraemar Total
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------------ -------- -------------- --------
At 1 March 2021 418 3,345 3,763
Book value of 1,125 shares acquired 217 - 217
Share of profit/(loss) in associate
- underlying (29) 76 47
Share of associate's other comprehensive
income - 52 52
Book value of 9,640,621 shares disposed - (3,473) (3,473)
------------------------------------------ -------- -------------- --------
At 31 August 2021 606 - 606
Book value of 375 shares acquired 109 - 109
Share of profit in associate - underlying 9 - 9
At 28 February 2022 724 - 724
Share of loss in associate - underlying (14) - (14)
At 31 August 2022 710 - 710
------------------------------------------ -------- -------------- --------
Zuma Labs Limited
At 31 August 2022 the Group held 2,500 ordinary shares in Zuma
Labs Limited being 20% of Zuma's share capital (At 28 February
2022: 2,500 ordinary shares being 20% of share capital). Zuma Labs
Limited is a private company incorporated in England and Wales and
its registered address is Kemp House, 160 City Road, London, United
Kingdom, EC1V 2NX. Zuma Labs Limited has one share class and each
share carries one vote.
The Group has representation on the board of Zuma Labs Limited,
as a result, the Group considers that it has the power to exercise
significant influence in Zuma Labs Limited and the investment in it
has been accounted for using the equity method.
AqualisBraemar
At 1 March 2021 the group held 9,640,621 shares shareholding in
AqualisBraemar LOC ASA which it recognised as an investment in an
associate. AqualisBraemar LOC ASA is listed on the Oslo Børs, its
principal place of business is Oslo and its registered address is
Olav Vs gate 6, 0161, Oslo, Norway. AqualisBraemar LOC ASA has one
share class and each share carries one vote.
On 19 May 2021 the Group sold its entire remaining shareholding
in AqualisBraemar LOC ASA, see Note 6. At that point significant
influence was lost, and the Group ceased to equity account for
AqualisBraemar.
The net disposal proceeds were GBP7.2m, and the profit on
disposal was GBP3.4m. The results of AqualisBraemar are presented
within discontinued operations.
11 Other long-term receivables
31 Aug 28 Feb
2022 2022
GBP'000 GBP'000
---------------------------- -------- --------
Other long-term receivables
Deferred consideration 2,441 3,482
Contingent consideration 960 1,276
Security deposits 18 17
Finance lease receivables 564 861
3,983 5,636
---------------------------- -------- --------
Deferred consideration of GBP2.4 and contingent consideration of
GBP1.0m relates to the non-current earn-out payments receivable in
respect of the disposal of Cory Brothers, further detail is
provided in Note 6 .
12 Trade and other receivables
31 Aug 28 Feb
2022 2022
GBP'000 GBP'000
---------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Trade receivables 30,050 24,970
Provision for impairment of trade receivables (3,331) (3,159)
---------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Net trade receivables 26,719 21,811
Deferred consideration 1,084 -
Contingent consideration 330 -
Other receivables 5,321 13,314
Finance lease receivables 633 633
Accrued income 2,940 1,965
Prepayments 1,861 1,085
---------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Total 38,888 38,808
---------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Included in other receivables in all periods are security
deposits, VAT and other sales tax receivables and employee loans.
The balance at 28 February 2022 also includes the initial amount
receivable for the disposal of Cory Brothers of GBP6.5m which was
received during the current period.
Deferred consideration of GBP1.1m and contingent consideration
of GBP0.3m relates to the current element of earn-out payments
receivable in respect of the disposal of Cory Brothers.
The directors consider that the carrying amounts of trade
receivables approximate to their fair value.
The provision for impairment of trade receivables consists of
lifetime expected loss provision and specific provision. At 31
August 2022 the lifetime expected loss provision for trade
receivables and contract assets is GBP0.8m (six months ended 28
February 2022: GBP0.7m). The expected credit loss rates applied at
31 August 2022 are consistent with those applied at 28 February
2022. The specific provision on trade receivable as at 31 August
2022 is at GBP2.5m (six months ended 28 February 2022:
GBP2.5m).
13 Deferred consideration payable
Acquisition of Naves Corporate Finance GmbH
In September 2017, the Group acquired the entire share capital
of Naves Corporate Finance GmbH ("Naves"). Naves was an established
and successful business, headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, which
advises national and international clients on corporate finance
related to the maritime industry including restructuring advisory,
corporate finance advisory, M&A, asset brokerage,
interim/pre-insolvency management and financial asset management
including loan servicing.
The accounting values for the deferred consideration and
associated payments to management sellers are subject to a prior
period adjustment set out in Note 21 .
The acquisition agreement provided for consideration of GBP16.0m
(EUR18.4m) payable as follows:
i) at completion in cash GBP7.3m (EUR8.3m), in shares GBP1.3m
(EUR1.5m) and in convertible loan notes GBP6.4m (EUR7.4m); and
ii) deferred consideration in cash of GBP0.5m (EUR0.6m) and
convertible loan notes of GBP0.5m (EUR0.6m), payable in instalments
over the three years after the acquisition.
No consideration was contingent consideration. As at six months
ended 31 August 2022, there is nil outstanding deferred
consideration (2021:nil) to non-management sellers.
The acquisition agreement also provided deferred amounts that
would be payable to management sellers, conditional on their
ongoing service in the business. IFRS 3 states that amounts paid to
former owners which are conditional on ongoing service are for the
benefit of the acquirer and not for the benefit of former owners.
Consideration linked to the ongoing service of former owners is
treated as remuneration for post-combination services and
classified as acquisition-related expenditure under specific items
in the Income Statement.
The deferred amounts payable to management sellers
comprised:
i) deferred cash of GBP1.3m (EUR1.5m) and deferred convertible
loan notes of GBP4.3m (EUR4.9m) conditional only on the individual
management seller's continued service payable in instalments over
the five years after the acquisition; and
ii) deferred convertible loan notes of up to GBP9.4m (EUR11.0m)
conditional on the individual management seller's continued service
and the post-acquisition Naves' EBIT in the three years
post-acquisition. By February 2021, there was no contingency
remaining and the total amount paid was GBP4.6m (EUR5.3m).The
settlement of the vested contingent payments was restructured in
June 2021.
At February 2022 GBP0.5m (2021: GBP1.0m) of amounts payable in
the future to management sellers were subject to future service
conditions, of which GBP0.5m (2021: GBP0.9m) had been accrued. This
accrual is presented within deferred consideration.
As at As at
31 Aug 28 Feb 2022
2022
GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------------ -------- ------------
Current
Issued convertible loan notes 1,561 1,416
Deferred cash - -
------------------------------------------ -------- ------------
1,561 1,416
Non-current
Issued convertible loan notes 2,814 2,755
Accrued retention convertible loan notes 593 495
------------------------------------------ -------- ------------
3,407 3,250
------------------------------------------ -------- ------------
Total 4,968 4,666
------------------------------------------ -------- ------------
GBP'000
---------------------------------------- --------
Total Naves liabilities at 28 February
2021 4,666
Service cost 71
Interest 83
Foreign exchange 148
----------------------------------------- --------
Total Naves liabilities at 28 February
2022 4,968
----------------------------------------- --------
Post-acquisition remuneration of GBP0.1m associated with the
acquisition were incurred during the six months ended 31 August
2022 (2021: GBP0.2m) and have been classified as
acquisition-related expenditure under specific items in the Income
Statement. See Note 5.
14 Financial instruments
The board has modified its currency hedging strategy to address
the increased volatility in currency markets. There have been no
other substantive changes in the Group's exposure to financial
instrument risks, its objectives, policies, and other processes for
managing those risks or the methods used to measure them from
previous periods.
Amidst a period of increased currency risk the board has
modified its hedging strategy, increasing both the proportion of
future cash flows that it seeks to hedge and opting to hedge
forecast US Dollar cash flows out to 21 months rather than 18
months. The Group is using a wider range of instruments to transact
the new strategy, including forward foreign exchange contracts and
currency options which are discussed below. The Group continues to
apply hedge accounting to hedge instruments that meet the criteria
set out in IFRS 9.
c) Financial instruments
i) Principal financial instruments
The principal financial instruments used by the Group, from
which financial instrument risk arises, are as follows:
- trade and other receivables;
- cash and cash equivalents;
- deferred consideration receivable;
- contingent consideration receivable;
- unlisted investments;
- trade and other payables;
- bank overdrafts;
- revolving credit facility;
- lease liabilities;
- forward currency contracts;
- currency options;
- deferred consideration; and
- convertible loan notes.
ii) Financial instruments by category
Financial instruments measured at fair value
The Group's financial assets and liabilities measured at fair
value through profit and loss, including their fair value
hierarchy, are as follows. Fair value is the amount at which a
financial instrument could be exchanged in an arm's length
transaction, other than in a forced or liquidated sale.
As at
Level Level Level 31 Aug
1 2 3 2022
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------ --------- -------- -------- --------
Financial assets
Unlisted investments - 1,500 - 1,500
Contingent consideration receivable - - 1,290 1,290
Total - 1,500 1,290 2,790
------------------------------------ --------- -------- -------- --------
Financial liabilities
Forward currency contracts - 4,760 - 4,760
Options - 1,113 - 1,113
Embedded derivative - - 382 382
------------------------------------ --------- -------- -------- --------
Total - 5,873 382 6,255
------------------------------------ --------- -------- -------- --------
As at
Level Level Level 28 Feb
1 2 3 2022
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- --------
Financial assets
Unlisted investments - 1,500 - 1,500
Contingent consideration receivable - - 1,276 1,276
Forward currency contracts - 62 - 62
Total - 1,562 1,276 2,838
------------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- --------
Financial liabilities
Forward currency contracts - 772 - 772
Embedded derivative - - 251 251
------------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- --------
Total - 772 251 1,023
------------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- --------
Fair value hierarchy
The level in the fair value hierarchy within which the financial
asset or liability is categorised is determined on the basis of the
lowest level input that is significant to the fair value
measurement.
Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their
entirety into one of three levels:
- Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
- Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level
1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly
or indirectly.
- Level 3: Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data.
Unlisted investment
The unlisted investment relates to the Group's investment in the
London Tanker Broker Panel. The investment is carried at fair
value, being the value of the most recent comparable transaction
and is therefore classified as Level 2 in the fair value
hierarchy.
There was no movement in the fair value of the unlisted
investment.
Contingent consideration receivable
The fair value of the contingent consideration receivable
includes unobservable inputs and are therefore classified as Level
3. The contingent consideration receivable relates to the disposal
of the Logistics Division whereby Braemar is entitled to three
future cash payments. The SPA provides for a minimum guaranteed
amount in each of the three years, this amount has been classified
as deferred consideration. The balance of the earnout consideration
is contingent on the future performance of the combined business up
to a maximum specified in the SPA, this has been classified as
contingent consideration. The fair value of the contingent
consideration has been calculated by reference to management's
expectation of the future profitability of the combined business
and discounted to present value using a discount rate of 2.39%. The
discount rate of 2.39% was based on the credit risk of Vertom
Agencies BV assessed by a third-party credit agency.
Forward currency contracts
The fair value of the forward currency contracts are based on
prices quoted by the counterparty within these contracts versus the
market rate at the Balance Sheet date and have therefore been
classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
The Group manages the exposure to US Dollar currency variations
by spot and forward currency sales and other derivative currency
contracts.
At 31 August 2022 the Group held forward currency contracts to
sell $108.7 million at an average rate of $1.23/GBP1.
At 28 February 2022 the Group held forward currency contracts to
sell $53.8 million at an average rate of $1.37/GBP1.
The net fair value of forward currency contracts that are
designated and effective as cash flow hedges amount to a GBP4.8m
liability (28 February 2022: GBP0.7m liability).
Amounts of GBP2.0m have been charged (31 August 2021: GBP0.6m)
to the condensed consolidated Income Statement in respect of
forward contracts which have matured in the period.
Currency options
The fair value of the currency options are based on prices
quoted by the counterparty within these contracts versus the market
rate at the Balance Sheet date and have therefore been classified
as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
At 31 August 2022 the Group entered into currency options
featuring a "cap and collar" feature. The net fair value of these
options, that are designated as effective cash flow hedges, amounts
to a GBP0.3m liability (28 February 2022: GBPnil liability). The
intrinsic value of the options is designated as a cashflow hedge.
The time value of the options is deferred in equity as a cost of
hedging, and released to profit and loss upon recognition of the
hedged item.
The Group also entered into a currency option which is not
designated as effective cash flow hedges with a fair value of a
GBP0.8m liability (28 February 2022: GBPnil liability). The GBP0.8m
movement in fair value in the period was charged to the income
statement (2021: GBPnil).
The maturity analysis of forward currency contracts and currency
options is provided below:
31 Aug 28 Feb
2022 2022
GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Assets
Forward currency contracts maturing within 12
to 18 months - 8
Forward currency contracts maturing within 12
months - 54
----------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Total assets - 62
Liabilities
Forward currency contracts maturing within 12
to 18 months (463) (84)
Options maturing within 12 to 18 months (799) -
Forward currency contracts maturing within 12
months (4,297) (688)
Options maturing within 12 months (314) -
----------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Total liabilities (5,873) (772)
Embedded derivative
The convertible loan note instruments issued on the acquisition
of Naves contain an embedded derivative, being a Euro liability of
principal and interest. The equity value of the underlying
derivative is not considered closely related to the debt host,
therefore the loan note is considered to be a financial liability
host with an embedded derivative convertible feature which is
required to be separated from the host. The fair value of the
embedded derivative includes unobservable inputs and is therefore
classified as Level 3. They key assumptions underpinning the fair
value of the embedded derivative relate to the expected future
share price of the Group and the Sterling to Euro exchange rate.
The fair value has been determined using the Black-Scholes
valuation model.
Financial instruments not measured at fair value
The Group's financial assets and liabilities that are not
measured at fair value are held at amortised costs. Due to their
short-term nature, the carrying value of these financial
instruments approximates their fair value. Their carrying values
are as follows:
31 Aug 28 Feb
2022 2022
Financial assets GBP'000 GBP'000
---------------------------------- -------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents 24,058 13,964
Deferred consideration receivable 3,525 3,482
Trade and other receivables 36,194 38,252
---------------------------------- -------- --------
Total 63,777 55,698
---------------------------------- -------- --------
31 Aug 28 Feb
2022 2022
Financial liabilities GBP'000 GBP'000
-------------------------------------- -------- --------
Trade and other payables 6,297 7,779
Deferred and contingent consideration 4,968 4,666
Lease liabilities 5,791 8,506
Loans and borrowings 22,254 23,254
-------------------------------------- -------- --------
Total 39,310 44,205
-------------------------------------- -------- --------
At 31 August 2022, trade and other payables of GBP41.5m (2021:
GBP38.6m were recognised on the balance sheet, which included a
bonus accrual of GBP28.6m (2021: GBP15.1m) and deferred income of
GBP0.2m (2021: GBP0.1m), which are not financial liabilities, and
are not included in the table above.
15 Share capital
Number of shares Ordinary shares Share premium Total
(thousands) GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------- ----------------- ---------------- -------------- --------
At 1 March 2021 31,731 3,174 52,510 55,684
Issue of shares 264 25 - 25
--------------------- ----------------- ---------------- -------------- --------
At 31 August 2021 31,995 3,199 52,510 55,709
Issue of shares 211 22 520 542
--------------------- ----------------- ---------------- -------------- --------
At 28 February 2022 32,206 3,221 53,030 56,251
Issue of shares 260 26 - 26
--------------------- ----------------- ---------------- -------------- --------
At 31 August 2022 32,466 3,247 53,030 56,277
--------------------- ----------------- ---------------- -------------- --------
In the six months ended 31 August 2022 the total number of
ordinary shares of 10 pence each in issue has increased from
32,205,590 to 32,465,878.
16 ESOP reserve
An Employee Share Ownership Plan ("ESOP") was established on 23
January 1995. The ESOP has been set up to purchase shares in the
Company. These shares, once purchased, are held in trust by the
Trustee of the ESOP, SG Kleinwort Hambros Trust Company (CI)
Limited, for the benefit of the employees. Additionally, an
Employee Benefit Trust ("EBT") previously run by ACM Shipping Group
plc also holds shares in the Company. The ESOP and EBT are
accounted for within the Company accounts.
The ESOP reserve represents a deduction from shareholders' funds
and a reduction in distributable reserves The deduction equals the
net purchase cost of the shares held in by the ESOP. Shares
allocated by the ESOP to satisfy share awards issued by the group
are released at cost on a FIFO basis.
Group and Company GBP'000
------------------------------------------------ -------
At 1 March 2021 1,362
New shares fully paid up and issued to the ESOP 25
Shares acquired by the ESOP 4,152
ESOP shares allocated (1,659)
------------------------------------------------ -------
At 31 August 2021 3,880
Shares acquired by the ESOP 2,891
At 28 February 2022 6,771
Shares acquired by the ESOP 4,884
ESOP shares allocated (4,562)
------------------------------------------------ -------
At 31 August 2022 7,093
------------------------------------------------ -------
As at six months ended 31 August 2022, the ESOP held 3,577,830
(2021: 1,309,839) ordinary shares of 10 pence each and the ACM EBT
held 62,290 (2021: 62,290) ordinary shares of 10 pence each.
17 Other reserves
Foreign
Capital currency
redemption Merger translation Hedging
reserve reserve reserve reserve Total
Restated Note GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------- ---- ----------- -------- ------------ -------- --------
At 28 February 2021 (restated) 21 396 24,641 1,622 1,435 28,094
Cash flow hedges
- Transfer to net profit - - - (1,084) (1,084)
- Fair value losses in the
period - - - (276) (276)
Exchange differences - - 942 - 942
Deferred tax on items taken
to other comprehensive income - - - 828 828
At 31 August 2021 396 24,641 2,564 903 28,504
Cash flow hedges
- Transfer to net profit - - - (1,043) (1,043)
- Fair value losses in the
period - - - (79) (79)
Exchange differences - - 56 - 56
Deferred tax on items taken
to other comprehensive income - - - (314) (314)
------------------------------- ---- ----------- -------- ------------ -------- --------
At 28 February 2022 396 24,641 2,620 (533) 27,124
Cash flow hedges
- Transfer to net profit - - - 2,152 2,152
- Fair value losses in the
period - - - (6,515) (6,515)
Exchange differences - - 2,417 - 2,417
Deferred tax on items taken
to other comprehensive income - - - 1,091 1,091
------------------------------- ---- ----------- -------- ------------ -------- --------
At 31 August 2022 396 24,641 5,037 (3,805) 26,269
------------------------------- ---- ----------- -------- ------------ -------- --------
All other reserves are attributable to the equity holders of the
parent company.
A correction to the merger reserve has been transferred from
share premium has been recognised as a prior period adjustment. See
Note 21.
A correction to the hedging reserve and retained earnings in
respect of consolidation errors has been recognised as a prior
period adjustment. See Note 21.
18 Contingent liabilities
From time to time the Group may be engaged in litigation in the
ordinary course of business. The Group carries professional
indemnity insurance. There are currently no contingent liabilities
expected to have a material adverse financial impact on the Group's
consolidated results or net assets.
19 Related party transactions
The Group's related parties are unchanged from six months ended
31 August 2021. There has been no significant related party
transaction in the six months ended 31 August 2022. For further
information about the Group's related parties, please refer to the
Group's Annual Report 2022.
20 Events after the reporting date
During October 2022, the Group formed a new Natural Gas desk
through the recruitment of a 10-strong team. The new desk will
primarily broke EU gas, UK National Balancing Point (NBP) gas, and
LNG, as well as European Union carbon allowances (EUAs).
There were no other adjusting or significant non-adjusting
events between the reporting date and the date these condensed
financial statements were authorised.
21 Prior period adjustments and change in presentation
As reported in the annual report for the year ended 28 February
2022 the Group identified a number of prior year adjustments to
opening reserves and the prior year consolidated income statement,
consolidated statement of comprehensive income and consolidated
cash flow statement. As part of the annual report preparation the
Group also identified corrections to certain disposals completed in
the 6 months to 31 August 2021.
The Group has considered these errors identified and reflected
the impact of in a restatement of the opening reserves and results
/ cashflows for the 6 months to 31 August 2021. The impacts of the
restatement are summarised as follows:
Opening reserves
As reported in the annual report for the year ended 28 February
2022 the opening reserves were restated as below, further details
are contained within the annual report.
Share Share ESOP Other Retained Total
capital premium reserve reserves earnings equity
Group GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
At 28 February 2021
(reported) 3,174 55,805 (1,362) 22,790 (16,780) 63,627
Correction of merger
reserve - (3,295) - 3,295 - -
Correction of Naves
acquisition accounting - - - 994 1,299 2,293
Correction of other
consolidation errors - - - 1,015 (425) 590
------------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- --------
At 28 February 2021
(restated) 3,174 52,510 (1,362) 28,094 (15,906) 66,510
------------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- --------
Condensed consolidated income statement and condensed
consolidated statement of other comprehensive income
As identified and corrected in the annual report for the year
ended 28 February 2022 historic errors were identified in the
accounting for the Naves transaction and consideration payable to
management - further details of this are included in the annual
report. A consequential impact of this error meant that the profit
for the 6-month period to 31 August 2021 was overstated by GBP2.4m.
The condensed consolidated income statement has therefore been
restated to reduce profit before tax by GBP2.4m, the material
element of this being a reduction in the gain on modification
previously recorded of GBP2.4m to GBP0.2m.
In addition, the annual report for the year ended 28 February
2022 corrected the disposal accounting for Wavespec and Aqualis
Braemar, this had been incorrectly accounted for in the 6-month
period to 31 August 2021 (further details of the final accounting
are included in the annual report). The impact of the adjustments
to the disposal accounting results in a reduction in profit from
discontinued operations of GBP2.0m, with an opposite impact on
other comprehensive income in respect of foreign exchange
differences arising on translation of foreign operations.
The Group also reclassified GBP0.9m from cost of sales to
operating costs to align with the revised presentation in the
annual report for the year ended 28 February 2022.
The cumulative impact of the adjustments was to:
-- Increase continuing profit before tax from underlying operations by GBP0.012m to GBP4.9m;
-- Reduce continuing profit before tax by GBP2.4m to GBP4.8m;
-- Reduce total profit after tax by GBP4.4m to GBP7.0m; and
-- Increase in other comprehensive income of GBP2.0m.
Condensed consolidated statement of cash flows
The above adjustments also impacted the cash flow statement for
the 6-month period ended 31 August 2021, whilst there was no impact
on the closing cash position the following adjustments arose:
-- Decrease in operating cash flow before changes in working
capital of GBP0.9m to GBP9.6m; and
-- Decrease in net cash generated from operating activities of
GBP0.031m with an opposite movement in net cash used in financing
activities.
Statement of directors' responsibilities
We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:
-- the condensed set of financial statements has been prepared
in accordance with UK-adopted IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting;
and
-- the interim management report includes a fair review of the information required by:
a) DTR 4.2.7R of the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules,
being an indication of important events that have occurred during
the first six months of the financial year and their impact on the
condensed set of financial statements; and a description of the
principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of
the year; and
b) DTR 4.2.8R of the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules,
being related party transactions that have taken place in the first
six months of the current financial year and that have materially
affected the financial position or performance of the entity during
that period; and any changes in the related party transactions
described in the last annual report that could do so.
By order of the board
James Gundy Nick Stone
Group Chief Executive Officer Chief Financial Officer
14 November 2022
INDEPENT REVIEW REPORT TO Braemar plc
Conclusion
Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that
causes us to believe that the condensed consolidated set of
financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the
six months ended 31 August 2022 is not prepared, in all material
respects, in accordance with UK adopted International Accounting
Standard 34 "Interim Financial Reporting" and the Disclosure
Guidance and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial
Conduct Authority.
We have been engaged by the Company to review the condensed
consolidated set of financial statements in the half-yearly
financial report for the six months ended 31 August 2022 which
comprises Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income,
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet, Condensed Consolidated Cash
Flow Statement, Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in
Equity, and the Unaudited Notes to the Financial Statements.
Basis for conclusion
We conducted our review in accordance with International
Standard on Review Engagements (UK) 2410, "Review of Interim
Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the
Entity" ("ISRE (UK) 2410"). A review of interim financial
information consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons
responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying
analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially
less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with
International Standards on Auditing (UK) and consequently does not
enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all
significant matters that might be identified in an audit.
Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.
As disclosed in note 2, the annual financial statements of the
group are prepared in accordance with UK adopted international
accounting standards. The condensed consolidated set of financial
statements included in this half-yearly financial report has been
prepared in accordance with UK adopted International Accounting
Standard 34, "Interim Financial Reporting".
Conclusions relating to going concern
Based on our review procedures, which are less extensive than
those performed in an audit as described in the Basis for
conclusion section of this report, nothing has come to our
attention to suggest that the directors have inappropriately
adopted the going concern basis of accounting or that the directors
have identified material uncertainties relating to going concern
that are not appropriately disclosed.
This conclusion is based on the review procedures performed in
accordance with ISRE (UK) 2410, however future events or conditions
may cause the group to cease to continue as a going concern.
Responsibilities of directors
The directors are responsible for preparing the half-yearly
financial report in accordance with the Disclosure Guidance and
Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct
Authority.
In preparing the half-yearly financial report, the directors are
responsible for assessing the company's ability to continue as a
going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going
concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the
directors either intend to liquidate the company or to cease
operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditor's responsibilities for the review of the financial
information
In reviewing the half-yearly report, we are responsible for
expressing to the Company a conclusion on the condensed
consolidated set of financial statement in the half-yearly
financial report. Our conclusion, including our Conclusions
Relating to Going Concern, are based on procedures that are less
extensive than audit procedures, as described in the Basis for
Conclusion paragraph of this report.
Use of our report
Our report has been prepared in accordance with the terms of our
engagement to assist the Company in meeting the requirements of the
Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's
Financial Conduct Authority and for no other purpose. No person is
entitled to rely on this report unless such a person is a person
entitled to rely upon this report by virtue of and for the purpose
of our terms of engagement or has been expressly authorised to do
so by our prior written consent. Save as above, we do not accept
responsibility for this report to any other person or for any other
purpose and we hereby expressly disclaim any and all such
liability.
BDO LLP
Chartered Accountants
London
14 November 2022
BDO LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England
and Wales (with registered number OC305127)
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END
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