TIDMEMR
RNS Number : 4836Y
Empresaria Group PLC
22 August 2018
22 August 2018
Empresaria Group plc ("Empresaria" or "Group")
Unaudited Interim Results for the six months ended 30 June
2018
Empresaria Group plc (AIM: EMR), the international specialist
staffing group, announces its unaudited interim results for the six
month period ended 30 June 2018.
Empresaria continues to deliver on its diversification strategy
with organic profit growth in the first half.
% change
(constant
Financial Highlights 2018 2017 % change currency)(4)
------------------------------ ---------- ---------- ----------- ---------------
Revenue GBP178.3m GBP173.4m +3% +5%
Net fee income (gross
profit) GBP34.0m GBP34.4m -1% +1%
Operating profit GBP4.2m GBP3.8m +11% +11%
Adjusted operating profit(1) GBP5.0m GBP4.9m +2% +4%
Profit before tax GBP3.9m GBP3.5m +11% +12%
Adjusted profit before
tax(1) GBP4.7m GBP4.6m +2% +3%
Adjusted net debt(2) GBP19.5m GBP22.3m
Debt to debtors ratio(3) 44% 52%
Diluted earnings per share 3.8p 4.0p
Diluted, adjusted earnings
per share* 5.0p 5.7p
-- Diversified strategy continues to deliver profit growth
-- Adjusted profit before tax up 2% (constant currency up 3%)
-- Conversion ratio (adjusted operating profit divided by net
fee income) increases to 14.7% (2017: 14.2%)
-- Adjusted net debt of GBP19.5m in line with 31 December 2017
and expected to reduce in second half
-- Diluted, adjusted earnings per share down 12% on last year,
reflecting profit mix, but remains in line with full year market
forecasts
1 Adjusted to exclude amortisation of intangible assets
identified in business combinations, exceptional items, gain or
loss on disposal of businesses, fair value charges on acquisition
of non-controlling shares and in the case of earnings also adjusted
for any related tax.
2 Cash and cash equivalents excluding cash held in respect of pilot bonds, less borrowings.
3 Adjusted net debt as a percentage of trade receivables
4 The constant currency movement is calculated by translating
the 2017 results at the 2018 exchange rates.
A video interview with management covering the first half
performance is available here: http://bit.ly/EMR_H1
Chief Executive Officer, Spencer Wreford said:
"We are investing in our brands to drive growth and productivity
improvements through new staff and technology solutions. We are
working through the effects of regulatory changes in two of our key
markets, Germany and Japan, and are well positioned to return those
businesses to growth.
"We continue to look at external investment opportunities and
are building a pipeline of possible investments as we look for
businesses that will fit with our Group culture and help us to
deliver future growth.
"The Group is trading in line with market expectations and we
have confidence in our prospects and ability to deliver
growth."
- Ends -
Enquiries:
Empresaria Group plc via Alma PR
Spencer Wreford, Chief Executive Officer
Tim Anderson, Group Finance Director
Arden Partners (Nominated Adviser and
Broker)
John Llewellyn-Lloyd / Steve Douglas
/ Ciaran Walsh 020 7614 5900
Alma PR (Financial PR) 020 8004 4217
Rebecca Sanders-Hewett / Sam Modlin empresaria@almapr.com
/ Susie Hudson
The investor presentation of these results will be made
available during the course of today on Empresaria's website:
empresaria.com
Notes for editors:
-- Empresaria Group plc is an international specialist staffing
group with 19 brands operating in 21 countries across the globe
including the UK, Germany, Japan, India, UAE, Indonesia, Chile,
Australia, Thailand, Singapore, Austria, Finland, USA, New Zealand,
China, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Mexico and
Peru.
-- Empresaria offers temporary/contract and permanent staffing
solutions as well as Offshore Recruitment Services in seven key
sectors: Technical & Industrial, Aviation services, IT &
Design, Professional services, Healthcare, Executive search and
Retail.
-- Empresaria applies a multi brand, management equity
philosophy and business model, with group company management teams
holding significant equity in their own business.
-- Empresaria is listed on AIM under ticker EMR. For more
information: empresaria.com
Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements
This document may contain forward-looking statements which are
made in good faith and are based on current expectations or
beliefs, as well as assumptions about future events. You can
sometimes, but not always, identify these statements by the use of
a date in the future or such words as "will", "anticipate",
"estimate", "expect", "project", "intend", "plan", "should", "may",
"assume" and other similar words. By their nature, forward-looking
statements are inherently predictive and speculative and involve
risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on
circumstances that will occur in the future. You should not place
undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are not a
guarantee of future performance and are subject to factors that
could cause our actual results to differ materially from those
expressed or implied by these statements. Empresaria undertakes no
obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in
this document, whether as a result of new information, future
events or otherwise.
Board statement
Performance review
Empresaria has delivered an 11% increase in profit before tax to
GBP3.9m (2017: GBP3.5m), up 2% to GBP4.7m on an adjusted basis. In
constant currency, adjusted profit before tax was up 3% on prior
year. The adjusted measure excludes the impact of amortisation of
intangible assets identified in business combinations, exceptional
items, gain or loss on disposal of businesses and fair value
charges on acquisition of non-controlling shares.
The first half profit before tax has delivered overall organic
growth, despite the previously communicated regulatory changes in
Germany and Japan. We have seen a number of strong performances,
notably in India with our Offshore Recruitment Services ("ORS")
business, in the UK with Professional services, in our business in
Chile and in the recent investments in ConSol Partners, Rishworth
Aviation and Pharmaceutical Strategies.
In India we continue to see strong growth and, in response to
increasing demand from both the UK and US markets, we have started
working from a second city, with a new office opened in Jaipur
during July 2018, which helps us to access talent from a wider
pool. In Professional services, we are pleased that the
restructuring undertaken last year is delivering the desired
results, with a strong performance across all divisions. In Chile
our strategy of diversifying into traditional temporary and
permanent recruitment continues to deliver growth, alongside the
steady outsourcing business.
We have seen strong performances from our recent investments
ConSol Partners, Rishworth Aviation and Pharmaceutical Strategies.
Within ConSol Partners, there has been a stand-out performance in
the US, where the positive momentum from the second half of last
year has continued into 2018. In Rishworth Aviation the investments
made last year to support new pilot bases is paying off with
improved revenue. Pharmaceutical Strategies has delivered a growth
in profit with positive momentum moving into the second half of the
year. Their strategy of diversifying into other related areas of
long-term care and walk-in clinics is opening up new areas for
development.
In the Middle East we are pleased with the improved performance
of our business, which is trading in line with our expectations and
looking ahead to the seasonally stronger second half period with
good momentum. We are confident that the issues from previous years
have been resolved.
As a diversified group operating with 19 brands in 21 countries,
we don't expect all businesses to deliver at the same rate. Our
strategy reduces our dependence on any single market and so we are
able to mitigate the impact of localised issues with more positive
markets elsewhere. This strategy has helped us to deliver
profitable growth for the last five years and our first half
results continue that trend. The slower growth rate this year was
impacted by the previously flagged legislation changes in Germany
and Japan, which resulted in higher pay rates and limitations on
the maximum duration of a temporary worker's contract. As a result
of these changes we have seen a reduction in temporary worker
numbers in our German logistics business and in the IT sector in
Japan. Whilst these impact negatively on our results in the
short-term, both markets remain attractive in the medium-term and
we are taking action to improve our results and get back to
previous levels.
Elsewhere we have experienced challenges in domestic services
and marketing in the UK, and in our executive search brand in Asia
Pacific. In domestic services, profits were down due to lower
productivity, however measures have been taken to address this and
we expect these to deliver better results in the second half. In
marketing, part of the IT, digital and design sector, the business
has struggled in poor market conditions and delivered lower
permanent sales resulting in a loss in the period. We have made
staff changes and reduced costs in order to return this business to
profit. Our executive search brand has seen lower profits in their
main markets of Indonesia and Thailand, with better results in
China and Malaysia. Across the region there is a challenge to bring
in good quality consultants and this remains a high priority for
the business.
In the first half there was an increase in Group revenue of 3%,
with permanent revenue down 8%, temporary revenue up 3% and
offshore recruitment services up 30%. At the net fee income level
there was a 1% decline, although in constant currency it was up 1%.
The temporary gross margin reduced by 0.5% to 12.2%, primarily
coming from Germany and Japan.
UK Continental Asia Pacific Americas Central Total
Europe
------------- ------ ------------ ------------- --------- -------- ------
2017 12.1 7.8 11.1 3.4 - 34.4
Movement (0.5) (0.5) 0.8 1.0 (0.2) 0.6
Divestments - - (0.3) - - (0.3)
Currency - 0.2 (0.7) (0.2) - (0.7)
------------- ------ ------------ ------------- --------- -------- ------
2018 11.6 7.5 10.9 4.2 (0.2) 34.0
------------- ------ ------------ ------------- --------- -------- ------
There was underlying growth of 2% in net fee income in the
period, with increases in Asia Pacific and Americas, offset by
Continental Europe and the UK. There was a positive currency impact
in Continental Europe, but negative in Asia Pacific and Americas,
with the largest impacts from New Zealand, Japan, Indonesia, India
and the USA. The divestment is the training business in Indonesia
sold in 2017.
There was an improvement in the conversion ratio, up from 14.2%
in 2017 to 14.7%. The Group generated 66% of net fee income from
outside the UK (2017: 65%). Permanent sales represented 37% of net
fee income (2017: 42%) with 5% from ORS and 58% from temporary
sales. The share of net fee income from professional &
specialist levels was 85% (2017: 89%).
To deliver sustainable organic growth we look at the following
areas:
Invest in new staff and improve productivity
The average number of staff has increased against the prior year
amount by 107, driven by our ORS business in the Asia Pacific
region. The decrease in the UK reflects the effect of the mergers
in Professional services and Technical & Industrial last year
and staff churn within IT and Technical & industrial. In
Continental Europe the increase is due to the need to take certain
workers as employed staff that were previously employed at client
sites.
Average number Average Increase/
of employees number of (decrease)
first half employees
2018 first half
2017
-------------------- --------------- ------------ ------------
UK 284 302 (18)
Continental Europe 139 123 16
Asia Pacific 924 815 109
Americas 132 132 -
-------------------- --------------- ------------ ------------
Total 1,479 1,372 107
-------------------- --------------- ------------ ------------
Staff productivity has reduced slightly from 1.69 in 2017 to
1.67 this year. Whilst it is not a significant change we target
improvements in productivity and there has been an increase in
training activities across the Group.
Use technology tools to help staff operate more effectively
We are making good progress in this area with a dedicated
resource in the central team introduced in March to review a large
number of technology solutions, from ATS/CRM systems to the latest
AI based tools. We have started the first test projects and will
continue to roll these out across the Group in the second half of
the year. With our brands operating in different sectors and
countries, with different permanent and temporary splits, there is
no single technology solution, so we are tailoring the technology
to the specific needs of each business.
Opportunities to increase geographic coverage of brands
Geographical coverage of existing brands has reduced in the
period, with the Middle East office for domestic services moving
back to the UK team. The new office in Vietnam opened last year and
is making progress, but remains loss making at this early stage as
we invest in the team and build the client base. We continue to
review opportunities to open new offices but the primary focus is
to grow existing offices.
Cost efficiencies
Administrative costs are down GBP0.5m on prior year and we
manage the business with a close eye on cost control. There is
always a balance with investing in the business and we plan to grow
staff numbers and see further investment in the central team over
the next year.
Regional review
UK
30 June 30 June 30 June
GBP'm 2018 2017 2016
--------------------------- -------- -------- --------
Revenue 42.1 43.9 32.0
Net fee income 11.6 12.1 9.2
Adjusted operating profit 1.0 0.9 0.6
% of Group net fee income 34% 35% 34%
Net fee income was down across the region with the exception of
Professional services, but lower costs helped by the measures taken
last year meant profit was ahead for the region.
In Professional services LMA delivered an excellent performance
following the merger of the insurance business last year and
carries a good momentum into the second half. In both the IT and
Technical & industrial sectors, ConSol Partners and FastTrack
had lower net fee income but improved profits. Their focus is to
increase staff numbers to drive higher sales.
There was a partial offset from weaker trading in other areas,
with a loss in our Marketing brand and lower profit in Domestic
services. Costs have been reduced in the former, with the business
being restructured, and there is a focus on improving productivity
in the latter, with a more positive outlook moving into the second
half of the year.
Continental Europe
30 June 30 June 30 June
GBP'm 2018 2017 2016
--------------------------- -------- -------- --------
Revenue 47.2 46.5 43.2
Net fee income 7.5 7.8 8.1
Adjusted operating profit 1.6 1.9 1.9
% of Group net fee income 22% 23% 30%
The increase in revenue was due to currency, with a 1% decline
in constant currency. Net fee income was down 6% in constant
currency. There was also an impact from the introduction of equal
pay legislation for temporary workers, with higher rates being paid
to workers with no corresponding increase in net fees, resulting in
lower temporary margins. As expected, the largest impact from the
new legislation has been in the logistics business in Germany,
which saw a 15% drop in revenue against the prior year. In the
Technical & industrial business there was an improved result
with revenue and profit ahead of 2017 in both Germany and Austria.
We believe that the greatest impact on the business is from the
equal pay changes that have applied over the last twelve months. We
have seen the market stabilising from this effect and we do not
expect to see as great an impact from the 18 month rule when it
applies from October 2018.
The Finnish Healthcare business is performing in line with
expectations, with results up on prior year.
Asia Pacific
30 June 30 June 30 June
GBP'm 2018 2017 2016
--------------------------- -------- -------- --------
Revenue 68.2 64.2 16.2
Net fee income 10.9 11.1 7.9
Adjusted operating profit 1.5 1.8 1.1
% of Group net fee income 32% 32% 29%
Although revenue increased in the period, there was a mix effect
on net fee income, where temporary and ORS revenue were ahead of
prior year but with a lower temporary margin. Permanent revenue was
down on prior year, resulting in net fee income of GBP10.9m (2017:
GBP11.1m). Currency movements were also significant, with net fee
income seeing growth in constant currency of 4%.
There was a strong result in the ORS business in India, which
has seen continued strong demand from key markets in the USA and
UK. Rishworth Aviation was also ahead of prior year, helped by the
investments made last year. In the Middle East our business has
delivered a much improved result, following the restructuring and
right-sizing exercise undertaken in the last two years.
Conditions have been challenging in Japan, with new legislation
impacting our business in IT, resulting in a decline in revenue and
profit against the prior year. The "5 year rule" applied from April
2018 and enables workers to request an indefinite term contract
with the agency after working for 5 years. The "3 year rule"
applies from October 2018 and limits a temporary role and worker to
a three year period. These legislative changes have caused some
clients to review their policies on temporary workers and led to
delayed hiring decisions at the beginning of the year. With the
legislation impacts now widely understood by clients we expect
there will be a smaller impact in October, although at this time it
is not possible to be certain.
Our Executive search brand, Monroe Consulting, saw declines in
their key markets of Indonesia and Thailand, with results in
Malaysia and China up on last year and the team building in the
newest office in Vietnam. The focus in the second half is to
increase hiring of new consultants across the region.
Following the divestment of the loss-making training business in
Indonesia in 2017, there was a comparative drop in revenue but
improved profit contribution.
Americas
30 June 30 June 30 June
GBP'm 2018 2017 2016
--------------------------- -------- -------- --------
Revenue 21.0 18.8 14.8
Net fee income 4.2 3.4 2.0
Adjusted operating profit 0.9 0.3 0.4
% of Group net fee income 12% 10% 7%
Our business in Chile continues to deliver good results, with
growth mainly from the permanent and temporary recruitment
divisions.
In the USA we have seen positive results from Pharmaceutical
Strategies with the business continuing to make progress in
diversifying its service lines and building up its client base.
In ConSol Partners there has been a significant improvement
against the prior year. Demand remains strong in their markets and
having more experienced consultants has delivered quicker returns.
They are looking to bring in new consultants over the second half
of the year to capitalise on their opportunities.
Management changes
In May 2018 Joost Kreulen stepped down as CEO and resigned from
the board. He continues to assist the Group working as a part time
consultant in Germany to support the Headway brands. The board
would like to thank Joost for his commitment and success over the
last nine years. Having taken over the business in a challenging
position, he helped to stabilise and then turn it round, leaving
the Group with record profit levels and a stronger balance
sheet.
Spencer Wreford has taken over as CEO, having previously been
the Group Finance Director and Chief Operating Officer. In March
2018, we welcomed Tim Anderson as the new Group Finance Director.
The board continues to look for opportunities to strengthen its
commercial operations.
Investment in Grupo Solimano
Whilst the main focus this year is on our existing brands, we
are pleased to have finalised our investment in Grupo Solimano in
Peru during July. This is an important strategic investment,
building our presence in the Latin American market, a region we
believe has long-term growth prospects.
Grupo Solimano is an established provider of outsourced and
temporary staffing services in Peru. Total consideration for our
60% interest is expected to be approximately GBP2.1 million,
comprising an initial cash payment of GBP1.35 million, a deferred
payment of approximately GBP0.55 million due to be paid by
September 2018 and a contingent amount of GBP0.2 million dependent
on the final results for the year ended 31 December 2018. The Group
will consolidate the acquired business from the date of acquisition
and so their results will be included for the first time in the
full year financial statements.
Finance Review
Results for the period
Adjusted operating profit was up 2% on 2017, up 4% in constant
currency. This reflects the strong cost control across the Group
with the reduction in administrative costs more than offsetting the
fall in net fee income.
Operating profit of GBP4.2m is 11% higher than the prior year
which included a GBP0.3m charge on acquisition of non-controlling
shares that is not repeated in 2018. The amortisation of intangible
assets identified in business combinations is in line with prior
year.
Net finance costs remain low at GBP0.3m (2017: GBP0.3m)
reflecting the current low levels of variable interest payable on
the Group's debt.
Adjusted profit before tax was GBP4.7m, up 2% on 2017 (up 3% in
constant currency). Profit before tax was up 11% to GBP3.9m.
The tax charge in the period was GBP1.4m (2017: GBP1.4m)
representing an effective rate of 30% (2017: 30%). On an adjusted
basis the effective tax rate was 34% (2017: 33%).
Adjusted, diluted earnings per share was 5.0p, a reduction of
12% against 2017 (5.7p). This reflects the allocation of profits to
non-controlling interests and has been impacted by the profit mix
in the period. Expectations for the full year remain in line with
market forecasts. Diluted, earnings per share, calculated on an
unadjusted basis, was 3.8p (2017: 4.0p).
Management equity
The Group's management equity philosophy continues to be at the
core of its business model. This is evidenced by the investment in
Grupo Solimano discussed above in which management have retained a
40% equity interest.
During the period the Group increased its investment in LMA
Singapore from 60% to 75%, in Teamsales from 95% to 96.7% and in
BW&P from 88.5% to 98.5%. Total consideration was less than
GBP0.1m.
Based on the Group's results for the year ended 31 December 2017
and ignoring holding period requirements, the potential payment to
acquire non-controlling interests in full would be in the range of
GBP7m to GBP9m, with the lower end of the range based on the
Empresaria's current share price and the upper end assessed using
the maximum multiple that could be applied. There is no legal
obligation on the Group to acquire the shares held by management at
any time.
Treasury
Cash flow from operating activities was GBP1.8m (2017: GBP1.1m)
reflecting reduced tax payments offset by an increased working
capital outflow. The tax payments in the prior period were
comparatively high reflecting the settlement of tax audits which
were fully provided in the income statement and balance sheet, 2018
does not have any such significant one off outflows. The operating
inflow is offset by capital expenditure (GBP0.6m), dividend
payments (GBP0.6m) and the purchase of own share (GBP0.4m) which
were subsequently transferred to the Empresaria Employee Benefit
Trust ("EBT"). As at 30 June 2018 a total of 576,204 shares are
held in the EBT to be used to satisfy the exercise of options
vested under the Company's long term incentive plans. As at 30 June
2018, 2.0m options had vested but not been exercised.
Adjusted net debt (which excludes GBP7.3m cash held in respect
of pilot bonds) was GBP19.5m as at 30 June 2018, lower than the
GBP22.3m as at 30 June 2017 and in line with 31 December 2017
(GBP19.5m). The Group's debt to debtors ratio (adjusted net debt as
a percentage of trade receivables) reduced to 44% (30 June 2017:
52%, 31 December 2017: 45%).
Total borrowings were GBP39.1m being mostly bank overdrafts
(GBP26.1m) and invoice financing (GBP9.4m). The Group's borrowings
are principally held to fund working capital requirements and so
are predominantly current borrowings due within one year. As at 30
June 2018, GBP2.2m of borrowings are shown as non-current, the
majority of which is the amount drawn under the Group's revolving
credit facility.
Cash balances totalled GBP19.6m excluding amounts held in
respect of pilot bonds. Under IFRS it is a requirement to show
overdraft and cash balances gross, even where they are part of a
formal pooling arrangement. The cash balance of GBP19.6m includes
GBP4.8m in respect of such arrangements where the net position is
overdrawn.
During the period the German term loan of EUR5m, which was due
to be repaid in 2018, was refinanced by extending the German
overdraft by EUR5m, and the Group's $1.5m UK overdraft facility, no
longer required following the implementation of a local $2m
facility in the US in 2017, was cancelled.
As in prior years the Group's cash flow is weighted towards the
second half of the year when a more significant operating cash
inflow is typically recorded. We would therefore expect adjusted
net debt to reduce in the second half of the year, even after
allowing for the investment in Grupo Solimano.
A breakdown of the facilities as at 30 June 2018 is given
below:
30 June 30 June 31 December
2018 2017 2017
GBPm GBPm GBPm
UK facilities
- Overdrafts 7.5 8.7 8.6
- Revolving credit facility 10.0 10.0 10.0
- Term loan 1.2 2.7 2.0
- Invoice financing facility 13.0 13.0 13.0
-------- ---------- ------------
Total UK facilities 31.7 34.4 33.6
Continental Europe facilities 12.7 12.6 12.7
Asia Pacific facilities 1.4 1.5 1.3
Americas facilities 3.8 1.4 2.9
-------- ---------- ------------
49.6 49.9 50.5
-------- ---------- ------------
Undrawn facility (excluding invoice
financing) 16.9 13.4 19.1
-------- ---------- ------------
The Revolving Credit Facility covenants are tested on a
quarterly basis. The Group continues to have significant headroom
and the covenants as at 30 June 2018 are as follows:
Measure Covenant Actual
Net debt:EBITDA < 2.5 times 0.6
Interest cover > 5.0 times 16.0
Debt service
cover > 1.25 times 4.8
Dividend
In line with prior years, the Board is not recommending the
payment of an interim dividend for 2018 (2017: nil). The 2017 full
year dividend of 1.32p per share was paid during the period.
Outlook
Empresaria has a clear multi-branded strategy to be diversified
by geography and sector. We are investing in building our staff
numbers and implementing new technology across the Group to deliver
sustainable organic growth and productivity improvements. We are
working through the effects of legislation changes in two of our
key markets of Germany and Japan and are well positioned to return
these businesses back to growth.
Following the recently announced investment in Peru, we continue
to look at external investment opportunities and are building a
pipeline of possible investments as we look for businesses that
will fit with our Group culture and help us to deliver future
growth.
The Group is trading in line with market expectations and we
have confidence in our prospects and ability to deliver growth.
21 August 2018
Condensed consolidated income statement
Six months ended 30 June 2018
6 months 6 months Year to
to 30 June to 30 June 31 December
2018 2017 2017
Unaudited Unaudited
Notes GBPm GBPm GBPm
Revenue 178.3 173.4 357.1
Cost of sales (144.3) (139.0) (287.7)
------------ ------------ -------------
Net fee income 34.0 34.4 69.4
Administrative costs (29.0) (29.5) (57.8)
------------ ------------ -------------
Adjusted operating profit 5.0 4.9 11.6
Fair value charge on acquisition
of non-controlling shares - (0.3) (0.3)
Loss on business disposal - - (0.9)
Amortisation of intangibles identified
in business combinations (0.8) (0.8) (1.7)
------------ ------------ -------------
Operating profit 4.2 3.8 8.7
------------ ------------ -------------
Finance income 4 0.1 0.1 0.1
Finance costs 4 (0.4) (0.4) (0.7)
------------ ------------ -------------
Net finance costs 4 (0.3) (0.3) (0.6)
------------ ------------ -------------
Profit before tax 3.9 3.5 8.1
Taxation 6 (1.4) (1.4) (3.6)
Profit for the period 2.5 2.1 4.5
------------ ------------ -------------
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent 2.0 2.1 4.1
Non-controlling interests 0.5 - 0.4
------------ ------------ -------------
2.5 2.1 4.5
------------ ------------ -------------
Earnings per share
Basic (pence) 7 3.8 4.1 8.0
Diluted (pence) 7 3.8 4.0 7.9
Earnings per share (adjusted)
Basic (pence) 7 5.0 5.9 12.6
Diluted (pence) 7 5.0 5.7 12.5
Condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income
Six months ended 30 June 2018
6 months 6 months Year to
to 30 to 30 31 December
June 2018 June 2017 2017
Unaudited Unaudited
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Profit for the period 2.5 2.1 4.5
----------- ----------- -------------
Other comprehensive income
Items that may be reclassified subsequently
to income statement:
Exchange differences on translation
of foreign operations (0.2) (0.4) (1.2)
Items that will not be reclassified
to income statement:
Exchange differences on translation
of non-controlling interests in foreign
operations (0.1) (0.1) (0.1)
----------- ----------- -------------
Other comprehensive loss for the period (0.3) (0.5) (1.3)
----------- ----------- -------------
Total comprehensive income for the period 2.2 1.6 3.2
----------- ----------- -------------
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent 1.8 1.7 2.9
Non-controlling interests 0.4 (0.1) 0.3
----------- ----------- -------------
2.2 1.6 3.2
----------- ----------- -------------
Condensed consolidated balance sheet
As at 30 June 2018
30 June 30 June 31 December
2018 2017 2017
Unaudited Unaudited
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Notes Re-presented
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment 1.5 1.4 1.4
Goodwill 35.8 36.1 35.9
Other intangible assets 17.3 19.7 18.2
Deferred tax assets 1.0 1.0 1.0
---------- ------------- ------------
55.6 58.2 56.5
---------- ------------- ------------
Current assets
Trade and other receivables 10 54.9 52.3 53.1
Cash and cash equivalents 9 26.9 22.7 25.9
---------- ------------- ------------
81.8 75.0 79.0
---------- ------------- ------------
Total assets 137.4 133.2 135.5
---------- ------------- ------------
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 11 42.3 40.9 42.0
Current tax liabilities 2.2 1.6 2.6
Borrowings 8 36.9 31.6 36.6
---------- ------------- ------------
81.4 74.1 81.2
---------- ------------- ------------
Non-current liabilities
Borrowings 8 2.2 7.0 1.3
Deferred tax liabilities 4.0 4.3 4.1
---------- ------------- ------------
6.2 11.3 5.4
---------- ------------- ------------
Total liabilities 87.6 85.4 86.6
---------- ------------- ------------
Net assets 49.8 47.8 48.9
========== ============= ============
EQUITY
Share capital 2.4 2.4 2.4
Share premium account 22.4 22.4 22.4
Merger reserve 0.9 0.9 0.9
Retranslation reserve 4.8 5.7 5.0
Equity reserve (7.7) (7.3) (7.5)
Other reserves (0.7) (0.3) (0.7)
Retained earnings 20.6 17.7 19.6
---------- ------------- ------------
Equity attributable to owners of
the company 42.7 41.5 42.1
Non-controlling interests 7.1 6.3 6.8
Total equity 49.8 47.8 48.9
========== ============= ============
Condensed consolidated statement of changes in
equity
Six months ended
30 June 2018
Share
Share premium Merger Retranslation Equity Other Retained Non-controlling Total
capital account reserve reserve reserve reserves earnings interests equity
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
Balance at 31
December 2016 2.4 22.4 0.9 6.1 (7.3) (0.4) 16.2 6.4 46.7
----------------- -------- -------- --------- -------------- -------- --------- --------- ---------------- -------
Profit for the
period - - - - - - 2.1 - 2.1
Exchange
differences on
translation
of foreign
operations - - - (0.4) - - - (0.1) (0.5)
----------------- -------- -------- --------- -------------- -------- --------- --------- ---------------- -------
Total
comprehensive
income for
the period - - - (0.4) - - 2.1 (0.1) 1.6
Dividend - - - - - - (0.6) - (0.6)
Share-based
payments - - - - - 0.1 - - 0.1
Balance at 30
June 2017
(Unaudited) 2.4 22.4 0.9 5.7 (7.3) (0.3) 17.7 6.3 47.8
----------------- -------- -------- --------- -------------- -------- --------- --------- ---------------- -------
Balance at 31
December 2016 2.4 22.4 0.9 6.1 (7.3) (0.4) 16.2 6.4 46.7
----------------- -------- -------- --------- -------------- -------- --------- --------- ---------------- -------
Profit for the
year - - - - - - 4.1 0.4 4.5
Exchange
differences on
translation
of foreign
operations - - - (1.1) - (0.1) - (0.1) (1.3)
----------------- -------- -------- --------- -------------- -------- --------- --------- ---------------- -------
Total
comprehensive
income for
the year - - - (1.1) - (0.1) 4.1 0.3 3.2
Dividend - - - - - - (0.6) - (0.6)
Non-controlling
interests
acquired
and other
movements
during the
year - - - - (0.2) - - 0.1 (0.1)
Purchase of own
shares in
Employee
Benefit Trust - - - - - - (0.1) - (0.1)
Shared-based
payments - - - - - (0.2) - - (0.2)
----------------- -------- -------- --------- -------------- -------- --------- --------- ---------------- -------
Balance at 31
December 2017 2.4 22.4 0.9 5.0 (7.5) (0.7) 19.6 6.8 48.9
----------------- -------- -------- --------- -------------- -------- --------- --------- ---------------- -------
Profit for the
period - - - - - - 2.0 0.5 2.5
Exchange
differences on
translation
of foreign
operations - - - (0.2) - - - (0.1) (0.3)
----------------- -------- -------- --------- -------------- -------- --------- --------- ---------------- -------
Total
comprehensive
income for
the period - - - (0.2) - - 2.0 0.4 2.2
Dividend - - - - - - (0.6) - (0.6)
Non-controlling
interests
acquired
and other
movements
during the
year - - - - (0.2) - - (0.1) (0.3)
Purchase of own
shares in
Employee
Benefit Trust - - - - - - (0.4) - (0.4)
Share-based
payments - - - - - - - - -
Balance at 30
June 2018
(Unaudited) 2.4 22.4 0.9 4.8 (7.7) (0.7) 20.6 7.1 49.8
================= ======== ======== ========= ============== ======== ========= ========= ================ =======
Condensed consolidated cash flow statement
Six months ended 30 June 2018
6 months to 30 June 2018 6 months to 30 June 2017 Year to 31 December 2017
Unaudited Unaudited
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Re-presented
Profit for the period 2.5 2.1 4.5
Adjustments for:
Depreciation and software amortisation 0.4 0.5 1.0
Amortisation of intangibles identified in business combinations 0.8 0.8 1.7
Loss on business disposed - - 0.9
Share-based payments - 0.1 (0.2)
Net finance costs 0.3 0.3 0.6
Taxation charge 1.4 1.4 3.6
----------------------------- ----------------------------- --------------------------
5.4 5.2 12.1
Increase in trade and other receivables (2.1) (2.4) (2.8)
Increase in trade and other payables 0.7 1.7 3.3
----------------------------- ----------------------------- --------------------------
Cash generated from operations 4.0 4.5 12.6
Interest paid (0.4) (0.4) (0.7)
Income taxes paid (1.8) (3.0) (5.5)
----------------------------- ----------------------------- --------------------------
Net cash from operating activities 1.8 1.1 6.4
----------------------------- ----------------------------- --------------------------
Cash flows from investing activities
Consideration paid for business acquisition - (5.6) (5.6)
Consideration received for business disposals - - 0.1
Purchase of property, plant and equipment and software (0.6) (0.3) (0.9)
Finance income 0.1 0.1 0.1
----------------------------- ----------------------------- --------------------------
Net cash used in investing activities (0.5) (5.8) (6.3)
----------------------------- ----------------------------- --------------------------
Cash flows from financing activities
Purchase of own shares in Employee Benefit Trust (0.4) - (0.1)
Increase in overdrafts 5.7 12.0 15.3
Proceeds from bank loan 1.0 - 0.1
Repayment of bank loans (5.2) (3.9) (9.2)
(Decrease)/increase in invoice financing (0.2) (0.3) 0.7
Dividends paid to shareholders (0.6) (0.6) (0.6)
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests in subsidiaries (0.2) - (0.1)
----------------------------- ----------------------------- --------------------------
Net cash from financing activities 0.1 7.2 6.1
----------------------------- ----------------------------- --------------------------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 1.4 2.5 6.2
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes (0.4) (0.1) (0.6)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period 25.9 20.3 20.3
----------------------------- ----------------------------- --------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period 26.9 22.7 25.9
----------------------------- ----------------------------- --------------------------
Bank overdrafts at beginning of the period (20.4) (5.1) (5.1)
Increase in the period (5.7) (12.0) (15.3)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes - 0.2 -
----------------------------- ----------------------------- --------------------------
Bank overdrafts at end of the period (26.1) (16.9) (20.4)
----------------------------- ----------------------------- --------------------------
Cash, cash equivalents and bank overdrafts at end of the period 0.8 5.8 5.5
----------------------------- ----------------------------- --------------------------
Notes to the interim financial statements
Six months ended 30 June 2018
1 Basis of preparation and general information
Empresaria Group plc is the Group's ultimate parent company. It is incorporated and domiciled
in England. The address of Empresaria Group plc's registered office is Old Church House, Sandy
Lane, Crawley Down, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 4HS, United Kingdom. Its shares are listed
on AIM, a market of London Stock Exchange plc.
The condensed set of financial statements has been prepared using accounting policies consistent
with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union.
The same accounting policies, presentation and methods of computation are followed in the
condensed set of financial statements as applied in the Group's latest annual audited financial
statements. The Group does not anticipate any change in these accounting policies for the
year ended 31 December 2018. While the financial figures included in this half-yearly report
have been computed in accordance with IFRSs applicable to interim periods, this half-yearly
report does not contain sufficient information to constitute an interim financial report as
that term is defined in IAS 34.
The information for the year ended 31 December 2017 has been derived from audited statutory
accounts for the year ended 31 December 2017. The information for the year ended 31 December
2017 included herein does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in section 434 of the
Companies Act 2006. A copy of the statutory accounts for that year has been delivered to the
Registrar of Companies. The auditors reported on those accounts: their report was unqualified,
did not draw attention to any matters by way of emphasis and did not contain a statement under
section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006. The interim financial information for 2018
and 2017 has been neither audited nor reviewed.
Going concern
The Group's activities are funded by a combination of long-term equity capital, revolving
credit facilities, term loans, short-term invoice financing and bank overdraft facilities.
The day to day operations are funded by cash generated from trading, invoice financing and
overdraft facilities. The Board has reviewed the Group's profit and cash flow projections
and applied sensitivities to the underlying assumptions. These projections suggest that the
Group will meet its obligations as they fall due with the use of existing facilities.
The majority of the Group's overdraft facilities fall due for renewal at the end of January
each year and, based on informal discussions the Board has had with its lenders, has no reason
to believe that these facilities will not continue to be available to the Group for the foreseeable
future. As a result, the going concern basis continues to be appropriate in preparing the
financial statements.
Re-presentation of cash pooling arrangements
As set out in the Group's 2017 annual report, following an agenda decision by the IFRS Interpretation
Committee regarding offsetting and cash pooling arrangements, the Group has revised the presentation
of its cash pooling arrangements. As a result the comparative balance sheet as at 30 June
2017 and the comparative cash flow statement for the 6 months to 30 June 2017 have been re-presented.
The impact is to increase cash and cash equivalents and short term borrowings by GBP7.7m at
30 June 2017. This is a presentational change only and there is no impact on the Group's profit,
net assets or adjusted net debt.
These interim financial statements were approved for issue by the Board of Directors on 21
August 2018.
2 Accounting estimates and judgements
The preparation of interim financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates
and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amount
of income, expense, assets and liabilities. The significant estimates and judgements made
by management were consistent with those applied to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2017.
Notes to the interim financial statements
Six months ended 30 June 2018
3 Segment analysis
Information reported to the Group's Chief Executive Officer, who is considered to be Chief
Operating Decision Maker of the Group, for the purpose of resource allocation and assessment
of segment performance is based on geographic region. The Group's business is segmented into
four regions, UK, Continental Europe, Asia Pacific and the Americas.
The Group has one principal activity, the provision of staffing and recruitment services.
Each unit is managed separately with local management responsible for implementing local strategy.
The analysis of the Group's business by geographical origin is set out below:
Six months to 30 Asia
June 2018 UK Continental Europe Pacific Americas Intragroup Total
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
Revenue 42.1 47.2 68.2 21.0 (0.2) 178.3
Net fee income 11.6 7.5 10.9 4.2 (0.2) 34.0
Adjusted operating profit* 1.0 1.6 1.5 0.9 - 5.0
Operating profit 0.7 1.5 1.3 0.7 - 4.2
Revenue of Continental Europe includes GBP39.2m from Germany and Revenue of Asia Pacific includes
GBP51.1m from New Zealand.
Asia
Six months to 30 June 2017 UK Continental Europe Pacific Americas Total
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
Revenue 43.9 46.5 64.2 18.8 173.4
Net fee income 12.1 7.8 11.1 3.4 34.4
Adjusted operating profit* 0.9 1.9 1.8 0.3 4.9
Operating profit 0.7 1.8 1.3 - 3.8
Revenue of Continental Europe includes GBP39.4m from Germany and Revenue of Asia Pacific includes
GBP46.2m from New Zealand.
Asia
Year to 31 December 2017 UK Continental Europe Pacific Americas Total
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
Revenue 86.7 98.8 132.7 38.9 357.1
Net fee income 23.4 16.5 22.2 7.3 69.4
Adjusted operating profit* 2.2 5.1 3.5 0.8 11.6
Operating profit 1.7 4.9 1.8 0.3 8.7
Revenue of Continental Europe includes GBP83.9m from Germany and Revenue of Asia Pacific includes
GBP97.5m from New Zealand.
* Adjusted operating profit is stated before exceptional items, gain or loss on business disposal,
amortisation of intangibles identified in business combinations and fair value charge on the
acquisition of non-controlling shares.
Notes to the interim financial
statements
Six months ended 30 June 2018
4 Finance income and costs
6 months to 30 6 months to 30 June Year to 31 December
June 2018 2017 2017
Unaudited Unaudited
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Finance income
Bank interest receivable 0.1 0.1 0.1
--------------- --------------------- ----------------------
0.1 0.1 0.1
--------------- --------------------- ----------------------
Finance costs
On invoice financing facilities (0.1) (0.1) (0.2)
Bank loans and overdrafts (0.3) (0.3) (0.5)
(0.4) (0.4) (0.7)
--------------- --------------------- ----------------------
Net finance costs (0.3) (0.3) (0.6)
--------------- --------------------- ----------------------
5 Reconciliation of profit before tax to adjusted profit before tax
6 months to 30 6 months to 30 June Year to 31 December
June 2018 2017 2017
Unaudited Unaudited
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Profit before tax 3.9 3.5 8.1
Fair value charge on acquisition of
non-controlling shares - 0.3 0.3
Loss on business disposal - - 0.9
Amortisation of intangibles identified
in business combinations 0.8 0.8 1.7
Adjusted profit before tax 4.7 4.6 11.0
--------------- --------------------- ----------------------
6 Taxation
The tax charge for the six month period is GBP1.4m (6 months ended 30 June 2017: GBP1.4m,
year ended 31 December 2017: GBP3.6m), representing an effective tax rate of 37% (6 months
ended 30 June 2017: 39%). On an adjusted basis (excluding adjusting items as set out in note
5 and their tax effect), the effective tax rate is 34% (6 months ended 30 June 2017: 33%).
The tax charge for the period is assessed using the best estimate of the effective tax rates
expected to be applicable for the full year, applied to the pre-tax income of the six month
period.
Notes to the interim financial statements
Six months ended 30 June 2018
7 Earnings per share
Basic and diluted earnings per share are calculated in accordance
with IAS 33 Earnings Per Share. The group also presents adjusted
earnings per share measures. A reconciliation of the earnings
and weighted average number of shares used in the calculations
are set out below.
6 months 6 months Year to
to 30 June to 30 June 31 December
2018 2017 2017
Unaudited Unaudited
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Earnings
Earnings attributable to equity holders
of the parent 2.0 2.1 4.1
Adjustments:
Fair value charge on acquisition of
non-controlling shares - 0.3 0.3
Loss on business disposal - - 0.9
Amortisation of intangibles identified
in business combinations 0.8 0.8 1.7
Non-controlling interests share of
intangible amortisation (0.1) - (0.2)
Tax on intangible amortisation (0.1) (0.2) (0.4)
Earnings for the purpose of adjusted
earnings per share 2.6 3.0 6.4
------------ -------------- ---------------
Number of shares
Weighted average number of shares -
basic 50.7 50.6 50.9
Dilution effect of share options 0.4 1.4 0.5
Weighted average number of shares -
diluted 51.1 52.0 51.4
Earnings per share Pence Pence Pence
Basic 3.8 4.1 8.0
Dilution effect of share options - (0.1) (0.1)
Diluted 3.8 4.0 7.9
Earnings per share (adjusted) Pence Pence Pence
Basic 5.0 5.9 12.6
Dilution effect of share options - (0.2) (0.1)
Diluted 5.0 5.7 12.5
The weighted average number of shares in the basic calculation
is calculated after adding the weighted average number of nil
price share options which have vested but not been exercised and
after deducting the weighted average number of shares held in
the Empresaria Employee Benefit Trust.
The dilution on the number of shares is from share options granted
to the Executive directors and senior executives which have not
yet vested.
Notes to the interim financial statements
Six months ended 30 June 2018
8 Borrowings
30 June 30 June 31 December
2018 2017 2017
Unaudited Unaudited
Re-presented
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Current
Bank overdrafts 26.1 16.9 20.4
Amounts related to invoice financing 9.4 8.6 9.7
Bank loans 1.4 6.1 6.5
------------ --------------- ------------
36.9 31.6 36.6
------------ --------------- ------------
Non-current
Bank loans 2.2 7.0 1.3
------------ --------------- ------------
2.2 7.0 1.3
------------ --------------- ------------
Total Borrowings 39.1 38.6 37.9
------------ --------------- ------------
The following key bank facilities are in place at 30 June 2018:
A revolving credit facility of GBP10.0 million, expiring in June
2021. As at 30 June 2018 the amount outstanding is GBP2.0 million
(30 June 2017: GBP5.5 million). Interest is payable at 1.5% plus
LIBOR or EURIBOR.
A UK term loan of GBP1.2 million (30 June 2017: GBP2.7 million),
expiring in October 2018. Interest is payable at 1.5% above UK
base rate.
A German term loan of EUR5.0 million expired in February 2018 (30
June 2017: EUR5.0 million) and was replaced by an overdraft facility.
Interest was payable at 3% above EURIBOR.
Overdraft facilities are in place in the UK with a limit of GBP7.5
million. The balance as at 30 June 2018 was GBP4.4 million (30
June 2017: GBP4.7 million). The interest rate was fixed at 1% above
applicable currency base rates. A $1.5 million overdraft facility
to provide working capital funding to Pharmaceutical Strategies
was replaced with a US facility of $2 million. The balance on the
$2 million facility is $0.5 million (30 June 2017: balance on the
$1.5 million facility of $0.7 million). Interest on this USD facility
is payable at 2% over LIBOR. A EUR13 million (30 June 2017: EUR8.0
million) overdraft facility is also in place in Germany. This loan
facility increased by EUR5 million on the expiration of the term
loan. The balance at 30 June 2018 was EUR10.3 million (30 June
2017: EUR4.4 million). Interest is payable at EURIBOR plus 2.3%.
The UK facilities are secured by a first fixed charge over all
book and other debts given by the Company and certain of its UK
subsidiaries, Headway in Germany and Rishworth Aviation in New
Zealand.
Other overseas overdraft and loans had interest rates of between
1.0% and 7.4%.
Notes to the interim financial statements
Six months ended 30 June 2018
9 Adjusted net debt
30 June 30 June 31 December
a) Adjusted net debt 2018 2017 2017
Unaudited Unaudited
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Re-presented
Cash and cash equivalents 26.9 22.7 25.9
Cash held in respect of pilot bonds (7.3) (6.4) (7.5)
-------------- --------------- ---------------
Adjusted cash 19.6 16.3 18.4
Total borrowings (see note 8) (39.1) (38.6) (37.9)
Adjusted net debt (19.5) (22.3) (19.5)
-------------- --------------- ---------------
Cash held in respect of pilot bonds represents unrestricted funds
held by Rishworth Aviation against the pilot bonds liability disclosed
in more detail in note 10. While there is no legal restriction
over this cash there is a requirement to repay the bond over the
period of the pilots' contracts and as such this amount is excluded
from the definition of adjusted net debt.
6 months 6 months Year to
to 30 June to 30 June 31 December
b) Movement in adjusted net debt 2018 2017 2017
Unaudited Unaudited
Re-presented
GBPm GBPm GBPm
As at 1 January (19.5) (15.7) (15.7)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
per consolidated cash flow statement 1.4 2.5 6.2
Increase in overdrafts and loans (1.5) (8.1) (6.2)
Decrease/(increase) in invoice
financing 0.2 0.3 (0.7)
Currency translation differences (0.3) (0.1) (0.8)
Adjusted for decrease/(increase)
in cash held in respect of pilot
bonds 0.2 (1.2) (2.3)
(19.5) (22.3) (19.5)
-------------- --------------- ---------------
10 Trade and other receivables
30 June 30 June 31 December
2018 2017 2017
Unaudited Unaudited
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Trade receivables 44.8 43.3 44.0
Less provision for impairment of
trade receivables (0.3) (0.7) (0.8)
-------------- --------------- ---------------
Net trade receivables 44.5 42.6 43.2
Prepayments 2.1 2.3 1.5
Accrued income 2.7 3.0 3.1
Deferred and contingent consideration 0.2 0.2 0.2
Corporation tax receivable 1.7 0.7 1.8
Other receivables 3.7 3.5 3.3
-------------- --------------- ---------------
54.9 52.3 53.1
-------------- --------------- ---------------
Notes to the interim financial
statements
Six months ended 30 June 2018
11 Trade and other payables
30 June 30 June 31 December
2018 2017 2017
Unaudited Unaudited
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Current
Trade payables 2.1 2.1 2.1
Other tax and social security 8.1 7.9 8.4
Pilot bonds* 7.3 6.4 7.5
Client deposits 0.9 0.8 0.7
Temporary recruitment worker wages 4.0 4.2 3.9
Other payables 2.2 1.5 2.0
Accruals 17.7 18.0 17.4
42.3 40.9 42.0
---------- ---------- ------------
* The pilot bonds represent unrestricted funds held by Rishworth
Aviation that are repayable to the pilot over the course of the
contract, which typically last between three and five years. If
the pilot terminates their contract early, the outstanding bond
is payable to the client. For this reason the value is shown as
a current liability. If the bonds are repaid in line with existing
contracts, GBP4.3m would be repayable in more than one year (30
June 2017: GBP4.0m, 31 December 2017: GBP4.5m).
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 BLGDISGDBGIB
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