TIDMDX.
RNS Number : 8001R
DX (Group) PLC
05 March 2019
5 March 2019
AIM: DX.
DX (Group) plc
("DX" or "the Group" or "the Company")
A leading provider of delivery solutions,
including parcel freight, secure, courier and logistics
services
Interim Results
For the six months ended 31 December 2018
Key Points
Summary
-- Encouraging progress made with business turnaround initiatives
-- H1 performance is in line with management expectations
-- DX is well positioned for further progress in H2 and beyond
Financial
-- Revenue up by 7% to GBP157.0m (2017: GBP146.6m)
-- EBITDA(1) loss reduced by 43% to GBP2.5m (2017: loss of GBP4.4m)
-- Adjusted loss before tax(1) down by 46% to GBP4.6m (2017: GBP8.5m)/Reported
loss before tax down by 62% to GBP5.3m (2017: GBP14.1m)
-- Adjusted loss per share(1) reduced by 79% to 0.9p (2017: 4.3p)/Reported
loss per share reduced by 86% to 1.0p (2017: 7.2p)
-- No exceptional items incurred in the period (2017: GBP5.5m)
-- Net debt(1) at 31 December 2018 of GBP3.5m (2017: GBP25.6m)
-- Cash outflow from operating activities reduced to GBP1.4m (2017:
GBP9.9m)
Operational
-- New Group structure and reorganisation is helping to drive improved
performance
- devolution of accountability to general and regional managers
-- Investment in sales teams across both Divisions has delivered
strong new business wins and reinvigorated new business pipeline
- commercially realistic price policies implemented
-- Continued focus on customer service levels and operational efficiencies
-- DX Exchange annuity attrition is at a slower rate than in the
prior year - 8% compared to 12%
-- Two depots reopened and a new depot is to be opened in H2
-- New 7.5T vehicles are on order for delivery in Q4
(1) The Group uses alternative performance measures ("APMs") to
measure performance. See notes 2 and 11 for details of APMs used,
including reconciliations of these APMs to IFRS reported
measures.
Ronald Series, Chairman, commented:
"DX's turnaround continues to progress encouragingly, and the
Group's results are in line with management expectations.
"A fundamental element of our turnaround strategy is devolving
accountability to our local depots and service centres and this has
now been implemented across the Group. Alongside this, we have
restructured our sales teams, introduced new pricing policies and
are focusing on operational efficiencies and service levels across
both Divisions.
"These initiatives are now beginning to bear fruit and DX
remains well positioned for further performance improvement.
Trading in the second half has improved over the same period last
year and we remain confident of achieving our targets for the full
year."
Enquiries:
DX (Group) plc T: 020 3178 6378 (c/o
KTZ
Ronald Series, Chairman Communications)
Lloyd Dunn, Chief Executive Officer
David Mulligan, Chief Financial Officer
finnCap (Nominated Adviser to DX) T: 020 7220 0500
Matt Goode/Simon Hicks/Hannah Boros (Corporate
Finance)
Andrew Burdis/Camille Gochez (ECM)
KTZ Communications T: 020 3178 6378
Katie Tzouliadis
Dan Mahoney
The information communicated in this announcement contains
inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of the Market
Abuse Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014.
CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S STATEMENT
INTRODUCTION
It is now some 16 months since the new Board was appointed to
drive a major turnaround at DX and establish a solid platform for
long-term profitable growth. We announced the new Board's
turnaround plans in our interim statement this time last year, and
are now pleased to report on the progress that has been made in the
six months ended 31 December 2018.
As we have previously stated, placing the depots and service
centres at the heart of DX and devolving accountability to the
general and regional managers is a key element of the turnaround
strategy. This reorganisation, together with early initiatives to
improve sales, customer service processes and operations, has
helped to deliver an encouraging improvement in the Group's
financial performance, with revenue up by 7% to GBP157.0 million
and the adjusted loss before tax down by 46% to GBP4.6 million.
These results are in line with management expectations and, with
a healthy pipeline of opportunities ahead of us and our continuing
focus on sales and operational improvements, we believe that the
Group remains on track to return to positive EBITDA this financial
year.
FINANCIAL RESULTS
Revenue for the six months to 31 December 2018 increased by 7%
to GBP157.0 million (2017: GBP146.6 million), and the EBITDA loss
reduced by 43% to GBP2.5 million (2017: loss of GBP4.4 million) as
the initial turnaround initiatives gained traction.
The adjusted loss before tax, which excludes certain non-cash
charges and items not expected to recur, decreased by 46% to GBP4.6
million (2017: GBP8.5m) and the adjusted loss per share decreased
by 79% to 0.9p (2017: 4.3p). On a reported basis, the loss before
tax reduced by 62% to GBP5.3 million (2017: GBP14.1 million), and
the loss per share by 86% to 1.0p (2017: 7.2p), with improvements
in both underlying activities and non-recurring items. No
exceptional items were incurred in the period (2017: GBP5.5
million).
The Group's financial position has significantly improved
year-on-year. Net debt at 31 December 2018 was GBP3.5 million
(2017: GBP25.6 million), largely reflecting the completion of the
restructuring of the balance sheet in May 2018. Operating cash flow
for the period was GBP1.4 million outflow (2017: GBP9.9 million
outflow). The strengthened balance sheet has had positive impacts
on customer and supplier relationships and continues to underpin
the ongoing turnaround.
DX FREIGHT
DX Freight remains loss-making, as expected, but we are pleased
to report a 16% uplift in the Division's revenue to GBP78.0 million
(2017: GBP67.4 million) while the EBITDA loss has reduced by 32% to
GBP5.5 million (2017: GBP8.1 million loss).
These results were supported by our initiatives to strengthen
the sales team and by our comprehensive review of pricing policies.
DX 1-Man, our largest operation in this Division, increased revenue
by GBP5.0 million to GBP47.8 million, with the new pricing policy
and strong net new business at the right rates driving this
increase in almost equal measure. DX Logistics added GBP5.9 million
in new revenue in the period, largely from existing customers,
taking its revenue contribution to GBP22.9 million. Revenue at DX
2-Man decreased slightly by GBP0.3 million to GBP7.3 million.
As previously reported, the Division's sales team is now aligned
to the local depot and regional structure, and a major focus of the
team's activity is now on B2B customers. This sector better suits
the makeup of the Division's fleet and is more aligned to its
underlying capabilities. As we shift the balance further, we expect
to see consequent productivity benefits, including in collection
and delivery costs. New 7.5T vehicles are due for delivery in the
final quarter of the year, thereby enabling us to reduce the number
of smaller 3.5T vehicles. This increase in capacity together with
the accompanying reduction in the number of drivers will help to
reduce costs and drive improved productivity.
In order to support the Division's growth, we re-opened two
previously moth-balled depots, at Cannock, in Staffordshire, and
Pucklechurch, in South Gloucestershire, at the beginning of the
period. We also plan to open a new depot at Maidstone, in Kent,
before the year end. The site has been chosen for its proximity to
existing customers, and will therefore provide an opportunity for
service and productivity improvements as well as facilitating
additional new business.
Service levels across the Division have continued to improve,
with a noticeable reduction in lost business as a result. These
improvements were also helped by increased hub productivity, and
better trunking performance.
As planned, investment in partial mechanisation at the hub and
at four regional sites is close to being finalised. We expect to
see the resultant productivity benefits come through more fully in
the next financial year. We are also planning to further invest in
IT infrastructure, which will help drive operational control and
decision making across the Division.
DX EXPRESS
The Division's revenue was flat at GBP79.0 million (2017:
GBP79.2 million) and EBITDA reduced by 18% to GBP11.6 million
(2017: GBP14.2 million) in the first half. The revenue contribution
from DX Exchange decreased by GBP1.8 million to GBP23.9 million,
with attrition in the annuity slowing to 8% in line with management
expectations (2017: 12% attrition). DX Courier's revenue
contribution increased by 9% or GBP2.4 million to GBP30.1 million
while DX Secure revenue reduced slightly by GBP0.7 million to
GBP23.3 million. DX Mail maintained a broadly flat revenue
contribution at GBP1.7 million.
We have significantly strengthened the management team at DX
Exchange, a process which began towards the end of the prior
financial year, and have also focused on service levels and the
customer experience. It is encouraging to see some positive early
signs of the benefits of these measures, with a lower level of
attrition of the base income, and prospects for growth in new
customers.
As previously announced, we took the decision to reinforce DX
Exchange as an exclusive members' network and are separating out
elements of the operation in order to further drive customer
service improvements. We continue to proceed with this initiative
across the network in controlled phases.
The contract with Her Majesty's Passport Office, which currently
runs to October 2019, was retendered in February and a decision is
expected in April.
We have invested significantly in the Division's sales team,
with dedicated sales managers at each service centre focusing on
their respective local markets. Alongside this, we have simplified
pricing structures and reduced complexity in order to provide a
more straightforward market proposal. Whilst the new structure
continues to mature, the early signs have been very positive, with
a significant number of new customers secured along with a strong
pipeline of opportunities.
BREXIT
Currently, it is not expected that Brexit will have a material
impact either on the operations or the financial performance of DX
but we remain mindful of the potential impact on general economic
activity and the effect it may have on our customers. At the same
time, we continue to monitor the Group's operations in the UK and
Ireland in the light of potential challenges arising from Brexit
and current political and economic uncertainties.
OUTLOOK
Traditionally, the Group's trading performance is seasonally
weighted towards the second half of the financial year. This
reflects both stronger volumes across the Group in the second half,
particularly at DX Express, and the fact that the first half is
affected by the December holiday period when volumes and revenue
are lower, particularly at DX Freight, which operates a largely
fixed cost base. We expect this weighting to follow the same
pattern this financial year.
More broadly, we remain encouraged by the positive early signs
from the turnaround initiatives that we have implemented and
believe that the Group is well positioned to make further progress.
Trading in the second half has improved over the same period last
year and we remain confident that DX remains on track to return to
positive EBITDA for the financial year and to achieve its
targets.
Ronald Series, Chairman Lloyd Dunn, Chief Executive
Officer
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Revenue of GBP157.0 million for the first half was 7% ahead of
the comparable period in the prior year (2017: GBP146.6 million),
reflecting strong growth in the Freight division, whilst revenue in
the DX Express Division has remained similar to prior year as the
anticipated decline in DX Exchange was offset by net growth in the
other DX Express services.
Underlying results from operating activities for the period
improved by GBP3.5 million to a loss of GBP4.4 million (2017:
GBP7.9 million loss) as a result of the initial efficiency and
revenue improvements undertaken by the management, along with a
reduction in amortisation costs resulting from the impairment of
assets in the prior year.
Net debt at 31 December 2018 was GBP3.5 million (2017: GBP25.6
million) and operating cash flow for the period was GBP1.4 million
outflow (2017: GBP9.9 million outflow).
Six months Six months
ended ended
31 December 31 December
2018 2017 Change
GBPm GBPm GBPm
-------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- -------
Revenue 157.0 146.6 10.4
Operating costs before depreciation,
amortisation, exceptional items and
share-based payments charge (159.5) (151.0) (8.5)
EBITDA(1) (2.5) (4.4) 1.9
Depreciation (1.3) (1.4) 0.1
Amortisation of software and development
costs (0.6) (2.1) 1.5
Underlying results from operating
activities(1) (4.4) (7.9) 3.5
Amortisation of acquired intangibles (0.1) (0.1) -
Share-based payments charge (0.6) - (0.6)
Exceptional items - (5.1) 5.1
Reported results from operating activities (5.1) (13.1) 8.0
-------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- -------
(1) See notes 2 and 11 for details of alternative performance
measures ("APMs") used, including reconciliations of APMs to IFRS
reported measures.
Revenue by segment
A breakdown of Group revenue is shown below and further
commentary on each Division's performance is provided in the
Chairman and Chief Executive's Statement.
Six months Six months
ended ended
31 December 31 December
2018 2017 Change
GBPm GBPm GBPm
--------------- ------------- ------------- -------
DX Express 79.0 79.2 (0.2)
DX Freight 78.0 67.4 10.6
---------------- ------------- -------------
Total revenue 157.0 146.6 10.4
---------------- ------------- ------------- -------
EBITDA
The EBITDA loss for the period was GBP2.5 million (2017: GBP4.4
million loss), an improvement of GBP1.9 million from the prior
period.
Exceptional items
Following various exceptional restructuring costs and impairment
charges incurred in recent years, including GBP5.5 million in the
prior period, no such costs have been incurred in the current
period.
Net assets
A summary of the Group's net assets is set out below:
31 December 30 June 31 December
2018 2018 2017
GBPm GBPm GBPm
------------------------------------ ------------ -------- ------------
Non-current assets 42.1 43.2 44.0
Current assets excluding cash and
cash equivalents 36.1 43.0 36.1
Cash and cash equivalents 4.2 2.0 2.5
Current liabilities excluding debt (51.4) (56.7) (47.1)
Non-current liabilities excluding
debt (3.5) (3.6) (5.5)
Invoice discounting facility (7.7) (3.1) (4.6)
Loan Notes - - (23.5)
Deferred debt issue costs 0.1 0.1 0.2
------------------------------------ ------------ -------- ------------
Net assets 19.9 24.9 2.1
------------------------------------ ------------ -------- ------------
The reduction in net assets since the year ended 30 June 2018
represents the loss for the period. Net assets at 31 December 2017
included GBP23.5 million Loan Notes which were subsequently
cancelled and replaced with equity during the year ended 30 June
2018.
Cash flows and net debt
Six months Six months
ended ended
31 December 31 December
2018 2017 Change
Cash flow: GBPm GBPm GBPm
--------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- -------
EBITDA(1) (2.5) (4.4) 1.9
Movement in working capital 0.4 (4.5) 4.9
Interest paid (0.1) (0.2) 0.1
Tax received/(paid) - net 0.8 (0.1) 0.9
Exceptional items - (0.7) 0.7
Net cash used in operating activities (1.4) (9.9) 8.5
Capital expenditure (1.0) (0.8) (0.2)
Proceeds from sale of fixed
assets - 4.4 (4.4)
---------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- -------
Free cash flow (2.4) (6.3) 3.9
Proceeds from Loan Notes issued - 24.0 (24.0)
Drawings/(repayments) on short
term facility 4.6 (10.7) 15.3
Repayment of bank borrowings - (5.8) 5.8
Debt issue costs paid - (0.7) 0.7
Net increase in cash 2.2 0.5 1.7
---------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- -------
31 December 31 December 30 June
2018 2017 2018
Net debt: GBPm GBPm GBPm
--------------------------- ------------ ------------ --------
Gross debt 7.7 28.1 3.1
Cash and cash equivalents (4.2) (2.5) (2.0)
---------------------------- ------------ ------------
Net debt(1) 3.5 25.6 1.1
---------------------------- ------------ ------------ --------
(1) See notes 2 and 11 for details of alternative performance
measures ("APMs") used, including reconciliations of APMs to IFRS
reported measures.
Net debt at 31 December 2018 was GBP3.5 million, an increase of
GBP2.4 million since the year ended 30 June 2018. The increase was
largely driven by the EBITDA loss of GBP2.5 million with capital
expenditure and interest outflows being offset by improvements in
working capital and tax receipts. Net cash from operating
activities was a GBP1.4 million outflow (2017: GBP9.9 million
outflow), whilst capital expenditure was GBP1.0 million, resulting
in free cash outflow of GBP2.4 million for the period (2017: GBP6.3
million outflow).
Working capital improved by GBP0.4 million in the period, where
the reduction in receivables slightly outweighed the reduction in
payables and provisions.
Interest paid in the period was GBP0.1 million, a reduction from
GBP0.2 million in the prior year due to a reduction in debt.
Tax for the period was a net receipt of GBP0.8 million (2017:
GBP0.2 million paid), consisting of a rebate of GBP1.1 million
relating to prior years along with a tax payment of GBP0.3 million
relating to the Group's Irish operations.
Capital expenditure for the period was GBP1.0 million (2017:
GBP0.8 million), consisting principally of investment in IT and
operational equipment along with property and security
improvements. The rate of investment will increase in the second
half as capital expenditure is expected to be GBP3-4 million for
this financial year.
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the period ended 31 December 2018
Six months Six months
ended ended Year ended
31 Dec 31 Dec 30 June
2018 2017 2018
Notes GBPm GBPm GBPm
Revenue 3 157.0 146.6 299.5
Operating costs before exceptional
items (162.1) (154.6) (310.9)
Results from operating activities
before exceptional items (5.1) (8.0) (11.4)
Exceptional items 5 - (5.1) (5.7)
----------- ----------- -----------
Results from operating activities
after exceptional items (5.1) (13.1) (17.1)
----------- ----------- -----------
Analysis of results from operating
activities:
EBITDA (2.5) (4.4) (4.9)
Depreciation and amortisation (2.0) (3.6) (6.3)
Share-based payments charge (0.6) - (0.2)
Exceptional items 5 - (5.1) (5.7)
Results from operating activities
after exceptional items (5.1) (13.1) (17.1)
----------- ----------- -----------
Finance costs - excluding exceptional
items 6 (0.2) (0.6) (0.9)
Finance costs - exceptional 5,
items 6 - (0.4) (1.9)
Loss before tax (5.3) (14.1) (19.9)
Tax - excluding exceptional
items (0.3) (0.2) (0.5)
Tax - exceptional items 5 - - 0.9
----------- ----------- -----------
Loss for the period (5.6) (14.3) (19.5)
----------- ----------- -----------
Other comprehensive expense - - -
----------- ----------- -----------
Total comprehensive expense
for the period (5.6) (14.3) (19.5)
----------- ----------- -----------
Loss per share (pence):
Basic 7 (1.0) (7.2) (8.1)
Diluted 7 (1.0) (7.2) (8.1)
Adjusted 7 (0.9) (4.3) (5.1)
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
As at 31 December 2018
31 Dec 31 Dec 30 June
2018 2017 2018
Notes GBPm GBPm GBPm
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment 8.4 9.9 8.9
Intangible assets and goodwill 31.1 32.7 31.7
Deferred tax assets 2.6 1.4 2.6
-------
Total non-current assets 42.1 44.0 43.2
------- ------- --------
Current assets
Trade and other receivables 36.1 34.4 41.9
Current tax receivable - 1.7 1.1
Cash and cash equivalents 4.2 2.5 2.0
------- ------- --------
Total current assets 40.3 38.6 45.0
------- ------- --------
Total assets 82.4 82.6 88.2
------- ------- --------
Equity
Share capital 5.7 2.0 5.7
Share premium 25.2 - 25.2
Capital redemption reserve - 0.4 -
Retained earnings (11.0) (0.3) (6.0)
------- ------- --------
Total equity 19.9 2.1 24.9
------- ------- --------
Non-current liabilities
Loans and borrowings 8 - 23.5 -
Provisions 3.5 5.5 3.6
-------
Total non-current liabilities 3.5 29.0 3.6
------- ------- --------
Current liabilities
Current tax liabilities - - 0.1
Loans and borrowings 8 7.6 4.4 3.0
Trade and other payables 34.4 30.3 36.5
Deferred income 15.9 16.8 18.8
Provisions 1.1 - 1.3
------- ------- --------
Total current liabilities 59.0 51.5 59.7
------- ------- --------
Total liabilities 62.5 80.5 63.3
------- ------- --------
Total equity and liabilities 82.4 82.6 88.2
------- ------- --------
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
For the period ended 31 December 2018
Capital
Share redemption Retained
capital Share premium reserve earnings Total
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
At 1 July 2017 2.0 - - 14.0 16.0
Loss for the period - - - (14.3) (14.3)
Other comprehensive expense - - - - -
Issue of convertible Loan
Notes - - 0.4 - 0.4
At 31 December 2017 2.0 - 0.4 (0.3) 2.1
--------- -------------- ------------ ---------- -------
Loss for the period - - - (5.2) (5.2)
Other comprehensive expense - - - - -
Issue of shares 3.7 25.6 - - 29.3
Share issue expenses - (0.4) - - (0.4)
Loan Note cancellation
adjustment - - (0.4) (0.7) (1.1)
Share-based payment transactions - - - 0.2 0.2
At 30 June 2018 5.7 25.2 - (6.0) 24.9
--------- -------------- ------------ ---------- -------
Loss for the period - - - (5.6) (5.6)
Other comprehensive expense - - - - -
Share-based payment transactions - - - 0.6 0.6
At 31 December 2018 5.7 25.2 - (11.0) 19.9
--------- -------------- ------------ ---------- -------
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the period ended 31 December 2018
Six months Six months
ended ended Year ended
31 Dec 31 Dec 30 June
2018 2017 2018
Notes GBPm GBPm GBPm
Cash used in operations 9 (2.1) (9.6) (10.4)
----------- ----------- -----------
- Interest paid (0.1) (0.2) (1.5)
- Tax received/(paid) - net 0.8 (0.1) (0.1)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash used in operating activities (1.4) (9.9) (12.0)
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds from sale of property,
plant and equipment - 4.4 4.5
Acquisition of property, plant
and equipment (0.8) (0.6) (1.6)
Software and development expenditure (0.2) (0.2) (0.2)
Net cash generated (used in)/from
investing activities (1.0) 3.6 2.7
----------- ----------- -----------
Net decrease in cash before
financing activities (2.4) (6.3) (9.3)
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash flows from financing activities
Movement on invoice discounting
facility 4.6 (10.7) (12.2)
Repayment of bank borrowings - (5.8) (5.8)
Loan notes issued (subsequently
cancelled and replaced with
equity) - 24.0 24.0
Issue of Share Capital - - 4.5
Costs of issue of Share Capital,
Loan Notes and refinancing - (0.7) (1.2)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash generated from financing
activities 4.6 6.8 9.3
----------- ----------- -----------
Net increase in cash and cash
equivalents 2.2 0.5 -
Cash and cash equivalents at
beginning of period 2.0 2.0 2.0
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations
on cash held - - -
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash and cash equivalents at
end of period 4.2 2.5 2.0
----------- ----------- -----------
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL INFORMATION
1 General information
DX (Group) plc is incorporated in England and domiciled in the
United Kingdom. The address of its registered office is Ditton
Park, Riding Court Road, Datchet, Slough, SL3 9GL. The registered
number of the Company is 08696699.
The condensed interim financial statements were approved by the
Board of Directors on 5 March 2019.
2 Basis of preparation
The condensed consolidated interim financial information has
been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting
Standard IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting and the Disclosure and
Transparency Rules of the UK's Financial Services Authority, which
are applicable to DX (Group) plc. The accounting policies applied
in these condensed interim financial statements are the same as
those set out in the annual report and accounts for the year ended
30 June 2018, except as noted below for new standards adopted.
The half year results for the current and comparative period are
unaudited. The information for the year ended 30 June 2018 does not
constitute statutory consolidated financial statements as defined
in section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. The annual report and
accounts for that year has been filed with the Registrar of
Companies and the audit opinion on those accounts was
unmodified.
Based on the Group's cash flow forecasts and projections, the
Directors are satisfied that the Group has adequate resources to
continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For
this reason the Group continues to adopt the going concern basis in
preparing these interim financial statements.
The preparation of financial information in conformity with IAS
34 requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities at the date of
the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the reported period. Although these estimates are
based on management's best knowledge of the amount, event or
actions, actual events ultimately may differ from those
estimates.
The Group has adopted IFRS 9 'Financial Instruments' and IFRS 15
'Revenue from Contracts with Customers' from 1 July 2018. IFRS 9
results in changes to the measurement of financial instruments, and
introduces a new expected loss impairment model. Under IFRS 15
revenue is recognised when the customer obtains control of goods
and services transferred by the Group and the related performance
obligations have been satisfied. This differs from the current
standard which considers when risks and rewards of goods and
services are transferred as opposed to control of these goods and
services per IFRS 15. Neither standard has a material effect on the
Group's financial statements. As the effect of the application of
IFRS 9 and IFRS 15 is not material, further details of the changes
to the accounting policies will be set out in the Group's
consolidated financial statements for the year ending 30 June 2019.
The Group has applied the cumulative effect method for IFRS 15,
therefore comparative periods have not been restated, and are
presented as previously reported.
The Group use alternative performance measures ("APMs") to
measure performance. These APMs are applied consistently from one
period to the next and the Directors believe that this information
is important for the shareholders as it allows them to understand
the difference between the reported results and the trading
performance excluding certain non-cash charges and other items
which are not expected to recur. Details of the APMs used by the
Group along with reconciliations to the respective IFRS reported
measures are shown in note 11.
3 Revenue
In the following table, revenue is disaggregated by service. The
table also includes a reconciliation of the disaggregated revenue
with the Group's reportable segments (see note 4).
Six months Six months
ended ended Year ended
31 Dec 31 Dec 30 June
2018 2017 2018
GBPm GBPm GBPm
DX Express
DX Courier 30.1 27.7 55.4
DX Secure 23.3 24.0 52.7
DX Exchange 23.9 25.7 50.1
DX Mail 1.7 1.8 3.5
Total DX Express 79.0 79.2 161.7
----------- ----------- -----------
DX Freight
DX 1-Man 47.8 42.8 86.2
DX Logistics 22.9 17.0 36.1
DX 2-Man 7.3 7.6 15.5
Total DX Freight 78.0 67.4 137.8
----------- ----------- -----------
Total revenue 157.0 146.6 299.5
----------- ----------- -----------
4 Segment information
Period ended 31 December DX DX Exceptional
2018: Express Freight Central Items Total
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
Revenue 79.0 78.0 - - 157.0
Costs before overheads (63.6) (81.2) - - (144.8)
--------- ---------
Profit/(loss) before
overheads 15.4 (3.2) - - 12.2
Overheads (3.8) (2.3) (8.6) - (14.7)
EBITDA 11.6 (5.5) (8.6) - (2.5)
Depreciation and amortisation - - (2.0) - (2.0)
Share-based payments
charge - - (0.6) - (0.6)
Exceptional items - - - - -
--------- ---------
Results from operating
activities 11.6 (5.5) (11.2) - (5.1)
Finance costs - - (0.2) - (0.2)
Profit/(loss) before
tax 11.6 (5.5) (11.4) - (5.3)
Tax - - (0.3) - (0.3)
--------- --------- -------- ------------ --------
Profit/(loss) for the
period 11.6 (5.5) (11.7) - (5.6)
--------- --------- -------- ------------ --------
Period ended 31 December DX DX Exceptional
2017: Express Freight Central Items Total
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
Revenue 79.2 67.4 - - 146.6
Costs before overheads (60.9) (74.0) - - (134.9)
--------- ---------
Profit/(loss) before
overheads 18.3 (6.6) - - 11.7
Overheads(1) (4.1) (1.5) (10.5) - (16.1)
EBITDA 14.2 (8.1) (10.5) - (4.4)
Depreciation and amortisation - - (3.6) - (3.6)
Share-based payments - -
charge - - -
Exceptional items - - - (5.1) (5.1)
--------- ---------
Results from operating
activities 14.2 (8.1) (14.1) (5.1) (13.1)
Finance costs - - (0.6) (0.4) (1.0)
Profit/(loss) before
tax 14.2 (8.1) (14.7) (5.5) (14.1)
Tax - - (0.2) - (0.2)
--------- --------- -------- ------------ --------
Profit/(loss) for the
period 14.2 (8.1) (14.9) (5.5) (14.3)
--------- --------- -------- ------------ --------
(1) The segmental allocation of overheads for the period ended
31 December 2017 has been revised from what was previously
reported. This change follows a review of cost allocations in which
management concluded that certain costs previously shown as DX
Express or DX Freight costs should instead be shown as Central
costs. Whilst there has since been reorganisation and reallocation
of resources within the DX Group, in particular in the second half
of the prior year, this revision ensures the basis of allocation is
now broadly aligned to the reported results for the period ended 31
December 2018 and year ended 30 June 2018.
Year ended 30 June 2018: DX DX Exceptional
Express Freight Central Items Total
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
Revenue 161.7 137.8 - - 299.5
Costs before overheads (124.1) (148.6) - - (272.7)
--------- ---------
Profit/(loss) before
overheads 37.6 (10.8) - - 26.8
Overheads (8.3) (3.4) (20.0) - (31.7)
EBITDA 29.3 (14.2) (20.0) - (4.9)
Depreciation and amortisation - - (6.3) - (6.3)
Share-based payments
charge - - (0.2) - (0.2)
Exceptional items - - - (5.7) (5.7)
--------- ---------
Results from operating
activities 29.3 (14.2) (26.5) (5.7) (17.1)
Finance costs - - (0.9) (1.9) (2.8)
Profit/(loss) before
tax 29.3 (14.2) (27.4) (7.6) (19.9)
Tax - - (0.5) 0.9 0.4
--------- --------- -------- ------------ --------
Profit/(loss) for the
year 29.3 (14.2) (27.9) (6.7) (19.5)
--------- --------- -------- ------------ --------
The Board of Directors is considered to be the chief operating
decision maker ("the CODM"). The Group has two separate Divisions,
DX Express and DX Freight. Whilst the CODM considers that assets
and liabilities are reviewed on a Group basis, the profitability of
these two Divisions is reviewed and managed separately. Given
overheads are largely integrated, the EBITDA of the two Divisions
above is shown before any allocation of certain central overheads
between DX Express and DX Freight. Central overheads comprise costs
relating to finance, legal, HR, property, internal audit, IT,
procurement and administrative activities that cannot be
specifically allocated to an individual division. The CODM
considers there to be only one material geographical segment, being
the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.
5 Exceptional items
Six months Six months
ended ended Year ended
31 Dec 31 Dec 30 June
2018 2017 2018
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Impairment charges - 5.3 5.3
Restructuring, professional costs
and other - 0.4 0.4
Senior management departures - 0.3 0.9
Profit on sale of freehold properties - (0.9) (0.9)
Exceptional items in results from
operating activities - 5.1 5.7
------------ ----------- -----------
Finance costs - 0.4 1.9
Tax - - (0.9)
Total exceptional items - 5.5 6.7
------------ ----------- -----------
The Group did not incur any exceptional costs in the period.
Details about prior periods' exceptional items are set out in the
annual report and accounts for the year ended 30 June 2018.
6 Finance costs
Six months Six months
ended ended Year ended
31 Dec 31 Dec 30 June
2018 2017 2018
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Interest on bank borrowings 0.1 0.2 0.5
Amortisation of financing costs 0.1 0.4 0.4
Loan Notes finance costs - exceptional - 0.4 1.9
Total finance costs 0.2 1.0 2.8
----------- ----------- -----------
Trading 0.2 0.6 0.9
Exceptional items (see note 5) - 0.4 1.9
Total finance costs 0.2 1.0 2.8
----------- ----------- -----------
7 Earnings per share
The calculation of basic loss per share at 31 December 2018 is
based on the loss after tax for the period and the weighted average
number of shares in issue.
Adjusted loss per share is calculated based on the loss after
tax, adjusted for certain non-cash charges and other items which
are not expected to recur. Adjusted loss per share represents an
alternative performance measure. Further details about the use of
alternative performance measures are detailed in notes 2 and
11.
Diluted loss per share is calculated based on the weighted
average number of shares in issue, adjusted for any potentially
dilutive share options issued under the Group's share option
programmes.
31 Dec 31 Dec 30 June
2018 2017 2018
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Loss for the period (5.6) (14.3) (19.5)
Adjusted for:
- Amortisation of acquired intangibles 0.1 0.1 0.3
- Exceptional items - 5.5 6.7
- Share-based payments charge 0.6 - 0.2
Adjusted loss for the period (4.9) (8.7) (12.3)
-------- -------- --------
Million Million Million
Weighted average number of shares
in issue 573.7 200.5 239.4
Potentially dilutive share options 0.3 - -
--------
Weighted average number of diluted
ordinary shares 574.0 200.5 239.4
-------- -------- --------
Pence Pence Pence
Basic loss per share (1.0) (7.2) (8.1)
Diluted loss per share (1.0) (7.2) (8.1)
Adjusted loss per share (0.9) (4.3) (5.1)
-------- -------- --------
8 Loans and borrowings
31 Dec 31 Dec 30 June
2018 2017 2018
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Non-current liabilities
Loan notes - 23.5 -
- 23.5 -
------- ------- --------
Current liabilities
Invoice discounting facility 7.7 4.6 3.1
Deferred debt issue costs (0.1) (0.2) (0.1)
-------
7.6 4.4 3.0
------- ------- --------
Total Loans and borrowings 7.6 27.9 3.0
------- ------- --------
The Group has a GBP25.0 million evergreen invoice discounting
facility. Drawings on the invoice discounting facility at 31
December 2018 were GBP7.7 million (2017: GBP4.6 million).
9 Cash generated from operating activities
Six months Six months
ended ended Year ended
31 Dec 31 Dec 30 June
2018 2017 2018
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Cash flows from operating activities
Loss for the period (5.6) (14.3) (19.5)
Adjustments for:
- Exceptional impairment charges - 5.3 5.3
- Depreciation 1.3 1.4 2.9
- Amortisation of intangible assets 0.7 2.2 3.4
- Finance costs 0.2 1.0 2.8
- Tax expense/(credit) 0.3 0.2 (0.4)
- Gain on sale of property, plant
and equipment - (0.9) (0.7)
- Equity-settled share-based payment
transactions 0.6 - 0.2
Net cash loss (2.5) (5.1) (6.0)
----------- ----------- -----------
Changes in:
- Trade and other receivables 5.8 8.9 1.4
- Trade and other payables (2.1) (9.8) (3.6)
- Deferred income (2.9) (2.8) (0.8)
- Provisions (0.4) (0.8) (1.4)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net change in working capital 0.4 (4.5) (4.4)
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash used in operations (2.1) (9.6) (10.4)
----------- ----------- -----------
10 Related party transactions
The nature of other related party transactions of the Group have
not changed from those described in the annual report and accounts
for the year ended 30 June 2018.
All transactions undertaken with related parties were undertaken
at arms' length and on normal commercial terms.
11 Alternative performance measures ("APMs")
The Group use APMs to measure performance. These APMs are
applied consistently from one period to the next and the Directors
believe that this information is important for the shareholders as
it allows them to understand the difference between the reported
results and the trading performance excluding certain non-cash
charges and other items which are not expected to recur. The Group
presents EBITDA, adjusted loss before tax ("adjusted LBT"),
adjusted loss per share ("adjusted LPS") and underlying results
from operating activities, which are calculated as the statutory
measures stated before amortisation of acquired intangibles,
exceptional items and share-based payments charge, including
related tax where applicable. The Group also presents net debt,
calculated as gross debt before debt issue costs and net of cash.
The reconciliations between these APMs and the IFRS reported
measures are shown in the below locations:
APM IFRS reported measure Location of reconciliation
EBITDA Results from operating Note 4
activities
Adjusted LBT Loss before tax See below
Adjusted LPS Loss per share Note 7
Net debt Debt Financial review section
Underlying results Results from operating Financial review section
from operating activities
activities
The reconciliation of the adjusted loss before tax APM to the
IFRS reported measure of loss before tax is shown below:
31 Dec 31 Dec 30 June
2018 2017 2018
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Reported loss before tax (5.3) (14.1) (19.9)
Adjusted for:
- Amortisation of acquired intangibles 0.1 0.1 0.3
- Exceptional items - 5.5 7.6
- Share-based payments charge 0.6 - 0.2
Adjusted loss before tax (4.6) (8.5) (11.8)
------- ------- --------
Forward-looking statements
This announcement may include certain forward-looking
statements, beliefs or opinions, including statements with respect
to DX's business, financial condition and results of operations.
These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of
forward-looking terminology, including the terms "believes",
"estimates", "plans", "anticipates", "targets", "aims",
"continues", "expects", "intends", "hopes", "may", "will", "would",
"could" or "should" or, in each case, their negative or other
various or comparable terminology. These statements are made by the
DX Directors in good faith based on the information available to
them at the date of this announcement and reflect the DX Directors'
beliefs and expectations. By their nature these statements involve
risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on
circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. A number of
factors could cause actual results and developments to differ
materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking
statements, including, without limitation, developments in the
global economy, changes in UK government policies, spending and
procurement methodologies, and failure in health, safety or
environmental policies.
No representation or warranty is made that any of these
statements or forecasts will come to pass or that any forecast
results will be achieved. Forward-looking statements speak only as
at the date of this announcement and DX (Group) plc and its
advisers expressly disclaim any obligations or undertaking to
release any update of, or revisions to, any forward-looking
statements in this announcement. No statement in the announcement
is intended to be, or intended to be construed as, a profit
forecast or to be interpreted to mean that earnings per DX (Group)
plc share for the current or future financial years will
necessarily match or exceed the historical earnings. As a result,
you are cautioned not to place any undue reliance on such
forward-looking statements.
This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the
London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct
Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United
Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution
of this information may apply. For further information, please
contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.
END
IR EAXDLEEXNEFF
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