TIDMFCRM
RNS Number : 0188R
Fulcrum Utility Services Ltd
06 December 2016
FULCRUM UTILITY SERVICES LIMITED
("Fulcrum" or the "Company")
Unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 September
2016
Fulcrum, the UK's market leading independent energy and
multi-utility infrastructure and services provider, today announces
its interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2016.
The Company has continued to improve its performance and
strengthen its balance sheet. Trading performance this year to date
is strong and prospects for the rest of the year look positive. The
Company started paying dividends in 2014/15 with a modest final
dividend and the Board's aim was to be able to increase dividends
progressively to a stage where a formal dividend policy could be
adopted. The Company's performance last year enabled the payment of
significantly increased dividends for 2015/16. Today, the Board is
announcing a formal dividend policy which it will apply to the
current year 2016/17.
Financial highlights
-- Profit before tax of GBP3.1 million (2015: GBP1.6 million)
-- EBITDA of GBP3.5 million (2015: GBP2.0 million)
-- Revenue up by 0.6% to GBP17.2 million (2015: GBP17.1 million)
-- Gross margin increased by 7.9%
-- Net cash inflows from operations of GBP3.8 million, after the
addition of GBP1.1 million in pipeline assets
-- Cash of GBP12.5 million at September 2016 (2015: GBP5.6 million)
-- Revolving credit facility of GBP4.0 million remains undrawn
-- Basic earnings per share of 1.6p (2015: 1.0p).
Dividend policy and interim dividend
-- The Board is of the view that the Company has reached a level
of financial performance that enables it to adopt a formal dividend
policy. The business is now achieving solid profits, generating
cash and business prospects are positive. The Company has cash
reserves, no debt and unused borrowing facilities. As a result, the
Board considers that a dividend cover of around two, based on
underlying, sustainable profit, is appropriate going forward.
Furthermore, it is expected that the split of dividends between the
interim and final dividends will be approximately one third / two
thirds
-- In line with the above stated dividend policy, the Board is
today declaring an interim dividend of 0.6p per share for the
2016/17 financial year (2016: 0.3p per share) payable on 27 January
2017 to members on the register on 30 December 2016. Shares will be
marked ex-dividend on 29 December 2016.
Operational highlights
-- Secured a GBP4.0 million project to install a new gas
pipeline to a food manufacturing plant
-- Won and delivered an array of new gas, electricity and multi-utility contracts
-- Order book at 30 September 2016 increased by GBP2.6 million
(+12%) to GBP24.4 million, compared to 31 March 2016
-- Recurring gas pipeline transportation income grown to an annualised GBP1.5 million
-- Further operational efficiencies implemented, helping to increase the gross margin
-- Full Meter Asset Manager (MAM) accreditation gained to adopt,
run and operate all classes of meters
-- Decision made to obtain independent distribution network
operator (IDNO) licence to enable ownership of electrical
assets
-- New IT infrastructure project delivered on time and within
budget, saving GBP0.2 million per annum over next five years.
Martin Donnachie, CEO of Fulcrum, said:
"Fulcrum continues to focus on becoming the UK's most trusted
utility services partner and is delighted to deliver another set of
strong results. The numbers demonstrate how our integrated business
model of providing multi-utility infrastructure services and
growing our asset base continues to deliver financial and
operational growth.
Fulcrum is well-positioned to grow sustainably in the utility
services market through ongoing investment in our people and
processes to deliver customer focused, streamlined operations. We
believe this approach will continue to provide opportunities for
further profitable growth, sustained cash generation and returns to
our shareholders."
Enquiries
Fulcrum Utility Services Limited
Craig Baugh, Head of Marketing and +44 (0)114
Customer Engagement 280 4150
Cenkos Securities plc (Nominated adviser
and broker) +44 (0)20 7397
Max Hartley (Nomad) / Oliver Baxendale 8900
(Sales)
Camarco (Financial PR advisers) +44(0)203 757
Ginny Pulbrook / Tom Huddart 4992
Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) Disclosure
Certain information contained in this announcement would have
been deemed inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of
Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 until the release of this
announcement.
Notes to Editor
Fulcrum is the UK's market leading independent energy and
multi-utility infrastructure and services provider. The Company's
primary business is the provision of unregulated utility connection
services to the residential, commercial and industrial markets
throughout the UK. These range from the design, installation or
alteration of connections for single site properties to large
complex multi-site projects. Through its subsidiary, Fulcrum
Pipelines Limited, Fulcrum is also licensed as an Independent Gas
Transporter, operating pipelines used to transport gas to homes and
commercial properties from the main UK gas network.
BUSINESS AND OPERATING REVIEW
We are pleased to announce our interim results for the six
months ended 30 September 2016. Compared to the previous half year
period to 30 September 2015, we have again improved profitability,
achieving a record high EBITDA of GBP3.5 million and increased cash
generation with cash at bank of GBP12.5 million, supporting the
proposed progressive dividend policy.
Trading
The investment in our sales team is yielding results - the order
book at 30 September 2016 had grown by GBP2.6 million (12%) to
GBP24.4 million, compared to 31 March 2016. In line with the stated
intention to expand into electricity and multi-utility services, a
greater proportion of electricity and multi-utility contracts have
been tendered and won in the first half of 2016/17. These wins are
incremental to the core offering of gas projects.
Notable contract wins since 31 March 2016 include:
-- A GBP4.0m project to install a new 12km gas pipeline to a
large food manufacturing plant in the South West, converting the
site from its existing fuel oil source to natural gas, generating
large cost savings for the manufacturer.
-- A GBP1.4 million contract to install over two kilometres of
gas pipeline infrastructure to a new manufacturing plant in the
North East of England.
-- A GBP1.0 million contract to install four kilometres of high
voltage electrical cabling as part of the development of a hospital
in the West Midlands.
Our direct delivery model continues to mature - new applications
have been developed and implemented for the mobile devices used by
the construction teams to improve communications with customers and
streamline internal processes to help to drive down the cost of
delivery. We have also added two new direct delivery teams in
Scotland during H1 who are skilled in laying multi-utility
services.
The Fulcrum IT team has successfully replaced all of the core
infrastructure with a new solution that reduces operating costs and
ensures that Fulcrum has a sustainable, reliable and simplified
infrastructure that is flexible to provide for the changing needs
of the business. The project was delivered on time and within
budget and will realise operating savings of GBP0.2 million per
annum from January 2017 over the next five years.
Asset Growth
Gas: We continue to invest in our estate of gas pipeline assets,
increasing our owned portfolio of domestic, industrial and
commercial assets across the UK by GBP1.1 million to a total net
book value of GBP10.4 million at 30 September 2016. The annualised
gas transportation income has grown to GBP1.5 million and, with low
costs to serve, this annuity income stream represents a secure and
profitable component of the Group's future financial stability.
Meters: The decision was taken by the Board to enter the meter
asset manager market to own and operate gas meters. Starting from 1
October 2016, the Company has been using its current licence to
adopt, own and operate low pressure, domestic gas meters. In
addition, the Company commenced commercial meter management from 1
November 2016, which will allow the adoption of medium pressure
industrial and commercial meters.
Electricity: In accordance with our strategy to grow sales by
developing our service offering and expanding into electricity
infrastructure projects, the Company intends to gain an independent
distributor network operator (IDNO) licence that will facilitate
the adoption, ownership and operation of electrical assets to
generate long term transportation income streams. The process to
full accreditation is expected to take around 12 months from the
initial application that will be made before the calendar
year-end.
The meter asset ownership addition, and in due course electrical
asset ownership, both complement the Company's existing gas
pipeline asset ownership capabilities and completes Fulcrum's
end-to-end offering by enabling the adoption of gas meters and
electrical infrastructure on delivered contracts and the
opportunity to expand the services provided.
Outlook
Fulcrum continues to make excellent progress and is
well-positioned to grow sustainably in the utility services market,
with a balanced approach across the different routes to market,
asset ownership and a commitment to efficient operations and
customer service.
We are confident that our robust plans will continue to deliver
strong returns for our shareholders. The dividend policy announced
today confirms our commitment to distribute these returns. We
remain on course to generate value for all of our stakeholders by
striving to become the UK's most trusted utility services
partner.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Trading results
Revenue
Revenue improved by GBP0.1 million or 0.6% to GBP17.2 million
(2015: GBP17.1 million). Revenues from infrastructure services
amounted to GBP16.5 million (2015: GBP16.7 million which included
GBP1.0 million from the distillery contract) and GBP0.7 million
(2015: GBP0.4 million) from pipeline transportation income.
Profit
Gross profit is up by GBP1.4 million to GBP7.4 million (2015:
GBP6.0 million), with gross profit margin increasing by 8.0% to
43.2% (2015: 35.2%) benefiting from improvements in operating
efficiencies, a broader mix of sales orders being won and delivered
and a larger proportion of the high margin pipeline transportation
income.
Underlying EBITDA for the period has increased to GBP3.5 million
(2015: GBP2.0 million) and profit before tax has increased by
GBP1.5 million to GBP3.1 million (2015: GBP1.6 million).
Earnings per share
Basic adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations was
1.6p (2015: 1.0p). On a statutory basis, the diluted profit per
ordinary share from continuing operations was 1.4p (2015:
0.9p).
Taxation
Deferred tax assets totalling GBP2.6 million have been
recognised at 30 September 2016 (2015: GBP2.7 million). GBP0.6
million was utilised against the Group's taxable profits of GBP3.1
million. The total accumulated losses carried forward amount to
GBP17.9 million.
Deferred tax liabilities totalling GBP0.7 million have been
recognised at 30 September 2016 (2015: GBP0.6 million) in respect
of the revaluation of the industrial and commercial pipeline
assets. There is currently no intention to sell these assets and
the Group expects to recover their valuation through use therefore
no tax is currently expected to be payable in respect of the
revaluation.
Cash generation
Working capital has been tightly managed throughout the period
and resulted in a positive operating cash flow from trading
activities of GBP3.8 million (2015: GBP0.1 million). At 30
September 2016, the Group had net funds of GBP12.5 million (2015:
GBP5.6 million), a GBP6.9 million increase against the prior
period, even after increased investment in our pipeline estate.
Bank facilities
The Group holds an undrawn revolving credit facility for up to
GBP4 million with the Group's bankers, Lloyds Banking Group.
Combined with the cash at bank, this provides the Group with
sufficient funds to facilitate our trading and asset growth plans
and adequate access to cash to cover its contractual obligations.
The revolving credit facility remained undrawn throughout the
period and the Group has complied with all the financial covenants
relating to these facilities.
Principal risks and uncertainties
The risks and uncertainties faced by the Group, as disclosed in
the Annual Report and Accounts to 31 March 2016, remain valid, with
the main financial risks faced by the Group being credit risk and
liquidity risk. The Directors regularly review and agree policies
for managing these risks.
Credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents and credit
exposure to the Group's customers. Over half of the Group's
customers pay in advance of works commencing, with the remaining
profile consisting of established large businesses. It is
considered that the failure of any single counterparty would not
materially impact the financial wellbeing of the Group, other than
one customer, for which the risk of failure is considered to be
minimal based on current market conditions and performance.
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will not be able to
meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The Board is
responsible for ensuring that the Group has sufficient liquidity to
meet its financial liabilities as they fall due without incurring
unacceptable losses or risking damage to the Group and does so by
monitoring cash flow forecasts and budgets. The Group holds a
combination of short and medium term deposits and an undrawn GBP4.0
million revolving credit facility committed to November 2018. These
cash deposits and committed facilities are deemed to be sufficient
to meet projected liquidity requirements.
Consolidated Interim Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the six months ended 30 September 2016 (unaudited)
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Six months ended 30 Six months ended 30 Year ended 31 March 2016
September 2016 September 2015
Note GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------- ----- -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
Revenue 17,170 17,095 34,505
Cost of sales (9,756) (11,076) (21,520)
--------------------------- ----- -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
Gross profit 7,414 6,019 12,985
Administrative expenses (4,354) (4,461) (8,748)
--------------------------- ----- -------------------------- --------------------------
Operating profit 3,060 1,558 4,237
--------------------------- ----- -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
Analysed as:
EBITDA before share based
payments and exceptional
items 3,456 2,020 5,301
Equity settled share based
payment charges (106) (65) (314)
Exceptional items 5 - - (4)
Depreciation and
amortisation (290) (397) (746)
-------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
3,060 1,558 4,237
--------------------------- ----- -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
Net finance income 34 5 21
Profit before tax 3,094 1,563 4,258
Taxation (588) - 476
--------------------------- ----- -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
Profit for the financial
period 2,506 1,563 4,734
--------------------------- ----- -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
Other comprehensive income
Items that will never be
reclassified to profit
Revaluation of property,
plant and equipment - - 694
Deferred tax on items that
will never be
reclassified to profit or
loss - - (64)
--------------------------- ----- -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
Total comprehensive income
for the period 2,506 1,563 5,364
--------------------------- ----- -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
Profit per share attributable to the owners of the business
Basic 4 1.6p 1.0p 3.1p
Diluted 4 1.4p 0.9p 2.7p
--------------------------- ----- -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
Consolidated Interim Statement of Changes in Equity
For the six months ended 30 September 2016 (unaudited)
Share Share premium Revaluation Retained Total equity
capital reserve earnings
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------- --- ------------- -------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Six months ended 30 September 2016:
Balance at 1 April 2016 156 15,233 3,079 (12,631) 5,837
Profit for the period - - - 2,506 2,506
Transactions with equity
shareholders:
Issues of new shares 4 429 - - 433
Equity settled share-based payments - - - 106 106
Balance at 30 September 2016 160 15,662 3,079 (10,019) 8,882
Six months ended 30 September 2015:
Balance at 1 April 2015 154 16,182 2,449 (17,693) 1,092
Profit for the period - - - 1,563 1,563
Transactions with equity shareholders:
Issues of new shares 1 43 - - 44
Equity settled share-based payments - - - 65 65
Balance at 30 September 2015 155 16,255 2,449 (16,065) 2,764
------------------------------------------ ------------- -------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Year ended 31 March 2016:
Balance at 1 April 2015 154 16,182 2,449 (17,693) 1,092
Profit for the year - - - 4,734 4,734
Revaluation surplus - - 708 - 708
Revaluation reserve transfer - - (14) 14 -
Deferred tax liability - - (64) - (64)
Transactions with equity
shareholders:
Equity-settled share based payments - - - 314 314
Dividends - (1,087) - - (1,087)
Issue of new shares 2 138 - - 140
------------------------------------------ ------------- -------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Balance at 31 March 2016 156 15,233 3,079 (12,631) 5,837
------------------------------------------ ------------- -------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Consolidated Interim Balance Sheet
At 30 September 2016 (unaudited)
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
30 September 2016 30 September 2015 31 March 2016
Note GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------- ----- ------------------- ------------------- ---------------
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment 10,460 7,900 9,480
Intangible assets 2,492 2,690 2,597
Deferred tax assets 3 2,622 2,734 3,210
------------------------------- ----- ------------------- ------------------- ---------------
15,574 13,324 15,287
------------------------------- ----- ------------------- ------------------- ---------------
Current assets
Inventories 1,192 1,414 1,403
Trade and other receivables 6,283 5,876 6,663
Cash and cash equivalents 12,486 5,634 8,323
19,961 12,924 16,389
------------------------------- ----- ------------------- ------------------- ---------------
Total assets 35,535 26,248 31,676
------------------------------- ----- ------------------- ------------------- ---------------
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 8 (25,908) (22,637) (25,065)
Provisions (69) (235) (98)
------------------------------- ----- ------------------- ------------------- ---------------
(25,977) (22,872) (25,163)
------------------------------- ----- ------------------- ------------------- ---------------
Non-current liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities (676) (612) (676)
------------------------------- ----- ------------------- ------------------- ---------------
Total liabilities (26,653) (23,484) (25,839)
------------------------------- ----- ------------------- ------------------- ---------------
Net assets 8,882 2,764 5,837
------------------------------- ----- ------------------- ------------------- ---------------
Equity
Share capital 160 155 156
Share premium 15,662 16,225 15,233
Revaluation reserve 3,079 2,449 3,079
Retained earnings (10,019) (16,065) (12,631)
------------------------------- ----- ------------------- ------------------- ---------------
Total equity 8,882 2,764 5,837
------------------------------- ----- ------------------- ------------------- ---------------
Consolidated Interim Cash flow Statement
For the six months ended 30 September 2016 (unaudited)
Unaudited Unaudited
Six months ended 30 Six months ended 30 Audited
September 2016 September 2015 Year ended 31 March 2016
Note GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------- ----- -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
Cash flows from operating
activities
Profit before tax for the
period 3,094 1,563 4,258
Depreciation 157 247 447
Amortisation of intangible
assets
133 150 299
Capitalisation of
pipeline assets (1,083) (558) (1,886)
Net finance income (34) (5) (21)
Equity settled share based
payment charges 106 65 314
Exceptional items 5 - - 4
Decrease/(increase) in
trade and other
receivables 380 (2,036) (2,824)
Decrease/(increase) in
inventories 211 (125) (114)
Increase in trade and
other payables 8 843 790 3,448
Decrease in provisions (29) - (137)
--------------------------- ----- -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
Cash generated from
operations 3,778 91 3,788
Net interest received 34 5 24
Net cash from operating
activities 3,812 96 3,812
--------------------------- ----- -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
Cash flows from investing
activities
Purchase of property,
plant and equipment (55) (63) (56)
Purchase of intangible
assets (27) (19) (59)
Net cash used in investing
activities (82) (82) (115)
--------------------------- ----- -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
Cash flows from financing
activities
Dividends paid - - (1,087)
Proceeds from issue of
share capital 433 44 138
Repayment of finance lease
liabilities - (170) (171)
--------------------------- ----- -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
Net cash from/(used in)
financing activities 433 (126) (1,120)
--------------------------- ----- -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
Net increase/(decrease) in
cash and cash equivalents 4,163 (112) 2,577
Cash and cash equivalents
at 1 April 2016 8,323 5,746 5,746
--------------------------- ----- -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents
at 30 September 2016 12,486 5,634 8,323
--------------------------- ----- -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
NOTES TO THE INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION
1. General information
Fulcrum Utility Services Limited is a limited company
incorporated in the Cayman Islands and domiciled in the UK. The
address of its registered office is PO Box 309, Ugland House, Grand
Cayman, KY1-1104, Cayman Islands. The Company is listed on the AIM
market of the London Stock Exchange.
The condensed consolidated interim financial information,
including the financial information for the year ended 31 March
2016 set out in this interim financial information, does not
comprise statutory accounts within the meaning of section 434 of
the Companies Act 2006. The information for the period ended 31
March 2016 is derived from the non-statutory accounts for that
financial period. The non-statutory accounts for the year ended 31
March 2016 were approved on 7 June 2016. The Auditor's report on
those accounts was unqualified and did not draw attention to any
matters by way of emphasis of matter.
These interim financial statements have been reviewed, not
audited, by the Group's auditors and their Report is set out on
page 13.
1.1. Basis of preparation
The condensed consolidated interim financial information for the
period ended 30 September 2016 has been prepared in accordance with
IAS 34, 'Interim financial reporting' as adopted by the European
Union. The condensed consolidated interim financial information
should be read in conjunction with the Annual Report and Accounts
for the year ended 31 March 2016 which have been prepared in
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs)
as adopted by the European Union. The accounting policies adopted
in the condensed consolidated interim financial information are
consistent with those of the annual financial statements for the
year ended 31 March 2016.
1.2. Going concern
As at 30 September 2016 the Group had net assets of GBP8.9
million (2015: GBP2.8 million), including cash of GBP12.5 million
(2015: GBP5.6 million) as set out in the consolidated balance sheet
and an unused revolving credit facility of GBP4.0 million (2015:
GBP4.0 million) and so would be in a position to pay its
obligations as they arise. In the six months to 30 September 2016,
the Group generated a profit before tax of GBP3.1 million and had
net cash inflows of GBP4.2 million.
The Group's forecasts and projections, after taking account of
sensitivity analysis of changes in trading performance and
corresponding mitigating actions, show that the Group has adequate
cash resources for the foreseeable future. As a consequence, the
Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate
resources to fund its operations for the foreseeable future.
Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in
preparing the condensed consolidated interim financial
statements.
1.3. Accounting policies
The financial statements have been prepared using consistent
accounting policies. The following adopted IFRSs have been issued
but have not been applied by the Group in the condensed
consolidated interim financial information.
-- IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (effective date 1 January 2018)
-- IFRS 14 Regulatory Deferral Accounts (effective date 1 January 2016)
-- IFRS 15 Revenue from Contract with Customers (effective date 1 January 2018)
-- IFRS 16 Leases (effective date 1 January 2019)
-- Annual Improvements to IFRSs - 2012-2014 Cycle (effective date 1 January 2016)
The adoption of IFRS 15 and IFRS 16 may have an impact on the
financial statements when introduced, however, a detailed analysis
of the effect is not yet possible. The adoption of other standards
is not expected to have a material effect on the financial
statements.
In preparing the condensed consolidated interim financial
information, the significant judgments made by management in
applying the Group's accounting policies and the key sources of
estimation uncertainty were the same as those that applied to the
consolidated financial statements for the period ended 31 March
2016.
2. Segmental analysis
The Board has been identified as the Chief Operating Decision
Maker (CODM) as defined under IFRS 8: Operating Segments. The
Directors consider there to be two operating segments,
infrastructure services and pipelines. Fulcrum's Infrastructure
Services provides utility infrastructure and connections services
and the pipeline business comprises both the ownership of gas
infrastructure assets and the safe and efficient conveyance of gas
through its gas transportation networks. Gas transportation
services are provided under the IGT licence granted from Ofgem in
June 2007.
The information provided to the Board includes management
accounts comprising operating profit before exceptional items for
each segment and other financial and non-financial information used
to manage the business on a consolidated basis.
Six months to Six months to
30 September 2016 30 September 2015 Year ended 31 March 2016
------------------------- ------- ------------------------------------ ----------------------------------
Infrastructure Total Infrastructure Total Infrastructure Total
Services Pipelines Group Services Pipelines Group Services Pipelines Group
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
-------------- --------- --------- -------------- --------- -------
Reportable
segment
revenue 16,455 715 17,170 16,651 444 17,095 33,445 1,060 34,505
Underlying
EBITDA 3,087 369 3,456 1,840 180 2,020 4,829 472 5,301
Share based
payment
charge (106) - (106) (65) - (65) (314) - (314)
Depreciation
and
amortisation (154) (136) (290) (368) (129) (397) (522) (224) (746)
-------------- -------------- --------- ------- -------------- --------- --------- -------------- --------- -------
Reportable
segment
operating
profit before
exceptional
items 2,827 233 3,060 1,507 51 1,558 3,993 248 4,241
Exceptional
items - - - - - - (4) - (4)
-------------- -------------- --------- ------- -------------- --------- --------- -------------- --------- -------
Reporting
segment
operating
profit 2,827 233 3,060 1,507 51 1,558 3,989 248 4,237
Finance income 39 7 46 10 3 13 25 6 31
Finance
expense (12) - (12) (8) - (8) (10) - (10)
-------------- -------------- --------- ------- -------------- --------- --------- -------------- --------- -------
Profit before
tax 2,854 240 3,094 1,509 54 1,563 4,004 254 4,258
-------------- -------------- --------- ------- -------------- --------- --------- -------------- --------- -------
The Group derives all of its revenue from the UK and all of the
Group's customers are based in the UK.
3. Taxation
Six months to 30 September 2016 Six months to 30 September 2015
GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------- ------------------------------- -------------------------------
Current tax (588) -
Deferred tax - -
----------------- ------------------------------- -------------------------------
Total tax charge (588) -
----------------- ------------------------------- -------------------------------
Deferred tax has been recognised in respect of tax losses
carried forward that are expected to be utilised against future
taxable profits. Reductions in the UK corporation tax rate from 23%
to 21% (effective from 1 April 2014) and 20% (effective from 1
April 2015) were substantively enacted on 2 July 2013. Further
reductions to 19% (effective from 1 April 2017) and to 18%
(effective 1 April 2020) were substantively enacted on 26 October
2015. The deferred tax assets at balance sheet date has been
calculated based on these rates.
An additional reduction to 17% (effective from 1 April 2020) was
announced in the Budget on 16 March 2016. The impact of the change
in rate in 2020 does not have a significant impact on the deferred
tax balance due to the planned utilisation of the tax losses.
The Group has a further GBP17.9 million (2015: GBP21.4 million)
of tax losses of which a deferred tax asset of GBP2.6 million has
been recognised. During the period GBP0.6 million of the deferred
tax asset was utilised against taxable profits.
4. Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share have been calculated by dividing the
profit attributable to shareholders by the weighted average number
of ordinary shares in issue during the period which were
155,953,125 (September 2015: 155,864,756, March 2016: 155,062,292).
Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit
attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average
number of ordinary share in issue adjusted to assume conversion of
all potentially dilutive ordinary shares from the start of the
year, producing a figure of 184,803,122 (September 2015:
177,414,399, March 2016: 177,810,228). The earnings per share from
continued operations were as follows:
Six months to 30 September Six months to 30 September 2015 Year ended 31 March 2016
Profit per share 2016
------------------------ ------------------------------- -------------------------------- -------------------------
Basic 1.6p 1.0p 3.1p
------------------------ ------------------------------- -------------------------------- -------------------------
Adjusted basic 1.6p 1.0p 2.7p
------------------------ ------------------------------- -------------------------------- -------------------------
Diluted basic 1.4p 0.9p 2.7p
------------------------ ------------------------------- -------------------------------- -------------------------
Diluted adjusted basic 1.4p 0.9p 2.4p
------------------------ ------------------------------- -------------------------------- -------------------------
The calculation of the basic and diluted earnings per share is
based upon the following data:
Six months to 30 September Six months to 30 September Year ended 31 March 2016
2016 2015
Profit for the period GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Profit for the period
attributable to
shareholders 2,506 1,563 4,734
Add exceptional items - - 4
Less deferred tax asset
recognised - - (476)
----------------------------- ----------------------------- ----------------------------- -------------------------
Adjusted profit for the
period attributable to
shareholders 2,506 1,563 4,262
----------------------------- ----------------------------- ----------------------------- -------------------------
5. Exceptional items
There were no exceptional items in the period (2015: GBPnil).
The exceptional items in 2016 relate to restructuring activities
and changing the operating model.
6. Related party transactions
There are no disclosable related party transactions during the
period (2015: none).
7. Dividend
At the start of the year the Group declared a dividend of 0.6p
per share bringing the total dividend for the full financial year
2015/2016 to 0.9p per share (FY 2014/2015: 0.4p per share). This
was paid on 28 October 2016. The Board have proposed an interim
dividend for financial year 2017 of 0.6p per share (2015: 0.3p)
which will be payable in January 2017.
8. Trade and other payables
Six months to 30 September Six months to 30 September Year ended 31 March 2016
2016 2015
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Trade payables 1,717 1,567 2,068
Accruals and deferred income 21,810 19,071 20,568
Other payables 2,381 1,999 2,429
------------------------------ ---------------------------- ----------------------------- -------------------------
25,908 22,637 25,065
------------------------------ ---------------------------- ----------------------------- -------------------------
Of the GBP21.8 million accruals and deferred income, GBP13.9
million (2015: GBP12.4 million) relates to deferred income.
Deferred income represents contracted sales for which services to
customers will be provided in future periods.
9. Financial risk management
The Group's principal financial instruments are cash, trade
receivables and payables. The Group does not have any financial
instruments that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
The fair values of all financial instruments are equal to their
book values and there is no difference between the carrying amount
and contracted cash flows. All contracted cash flows are due within
one year.
Credit risk
Credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents and credit
exposure to the Group's customers. Over half of the Group's
customers pay in advance of works commencing, with the remaining
profile consisting of established businesses. The credit worthiness
of new customers is assessed by taking into account their financial
position, past experience and other factors. It is considered that
the failure of any single counterparty would not materially impact
the financial wellbeing of the Group, other than one customer, for
which the risk of failure is considered to be minimal based on
current market conditions and performance.
The Group has a policy of ensuring cash deposits are made with
the primary objective of security of the principal. Deposits are
held with Lloyds Bank plc, which is rated A+ by Fitch and A by
Standards and Poor. These credit ratings are regularly monitored to
ensure that they meet the required minimum criteria set by the
Board through the treasury policy.
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will not be able to
meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The Board is
responsible for ensuring that the Group has sufficient liquidity to
meet its financial liabilities as they fall due without incurring
unacceptable losses or risking damage to the Group and does so by
monitoring cash flow forecast and budgets. The Group's exposure to
liquidity risk reflects its ability to readily access the funds to
support its operations. The Group has an undrawn revolving credit
facility in order to provide the flexibility required in the
management of the Group's liquidity. The Group's liquidity
requirements are continually reviewed and additional facilities put
in place as appropriate.
Liquidity forecasts are produced on a regular basis and include
the expected cash flows that will occur on a weekly, monthly and
quarterly basis. This information is used in conjunction with the
weekly reporting of actual cash balances at bank in order to
calculate the level of funding that will be required in the short
and medium term. The Group holds a combination of short and
medium-term deposits and a GBP4.0 million revolving credit facility
committed to November 2018. These committed facilities are deemed
to be sufficient to meet projected liquidity requirements.
Market risk
The Group may be affected by general market trends which are
unrelated to the performance of the Group itself, such as
fluctuations in interest rates. The Group is currently not exposed
to interest rate risk as it has not drawn down on its GBP4.0
million (2015: GBP4.0 million) revolving credit facility and has no
market debt.
Capital risk
The Group defines capital as total equity. The Group's
objectives when managing capital are to safeguard its ability to
continue as a going concern in order to provide returns for
shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders and to maintain a
capital structure which optimises the cost of capital. In order to
maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may adjust the
amount of dividends paid to shareholders, return capital to
shareholders or issue new shares. Decisions regarding the balance
of equity and borrowings, dividend policy and all major borrowing
facilities are reserved for the Board.
INDEPENT REVIEW REPORT TO FULCRUM UTILITY SERVICES LIMITED
Introduction
We have been engaged by the company to review the condensed set
of financial statements in the half-yearly report for the six
months ended 30 September 2016 which comprises the Consolidated
Interim Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Consolidated Interim
Statement of Changes in Equity, the Consolidated Interim Balance
Sheet, the Consolidated Interim Cash Flow Statement and the related
explanatory notes. We have read the other information contained in
the half-yearly report and considered whether it contains any
apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the
information in the condensed set of financial statements.
This report is made solely to the company in accordance with the
terms of our engagement. Our review has been undertaken so that we
might state to the company those matters we are required to state
to it in this report and for no other purpose. To the fullest
extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility
to anyone other than the company for our review work, for this
report, or for the conclusions we have reached.
Directors' responsibilities
The half-yearly report is the responsibility of, and has been
approved by, the directors. The directors are responsible for
preparing the half-yearly report in accordance with the AIM
Rules.
As disclosed in note 1.1 the annual financial statements of the
group are prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU.
The condensed set of financial statements included in this
half-yearly report has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34
Interim Financial Reporting as adopted by the EU.
Our responsibility
Our responsibility is to express to the company a conclusion on
the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly report
based on our review.
Scope of review
We conducted our review in accordance with International
Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410 Review of
Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor
of the Entity issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the
UK. A review of interim financial information consists of making
enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and
accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review
procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit
conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing
(UK and Ireland) and consequently does not enable us to obtain
assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters
that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not
express an audit opinion.
Conclusion
Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that
causes us to believe that the condensed set of financial statements
in the half-yearly report for the six months ended 30 September
2016 is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with
IAS 34 as adopted by the EU and the AIM Rules.
David Morritt
for and on behalf of KPMG LLP
Chartered Accountants
1 Sovereign Square
Sovereign Street
Leeds
LS1 4DA
6 December 2016
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
IR DELFBQLFEFBZ
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