TIDMFOXT
RNS Number : 1562G
Foxtons Group PLC
28 February 2018
Foxtons Group plc
PRELIMINARY RESULTS FOR THE FULL YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2017
28 FEBRUARY 2018
Foxtons Group plc, London's leading estate agent, today
announces its financial results for the year ended 31 December
2017.
Financial summary
Year ended 31 December 2017 2016
----------------------------------------- ---------- ----------
Group revenue GBP117.6m GBP132.7m
Group Adjusted EBITDA(1) GBP15.1m GBP24.6m
Adjusted EBITDA margin 12.8% 18.5%
Profit before tax GBP6.5m GBP18.8m
Net cash from operating activities GBP13.5m GBP23.4m
Net free cash flow(2) GBP11.3m GBP16.8m
Basic earnings per share 1.9p 5.7p
Adjusted earnings per share(3) 2.6p 5.7p
Full year dividend per share - ordinary 0.70p 2.00p
----------------------------------------- ---------- ----------
Financial highlights:
-- Resilient performance from Lettings business with revenue of
GBP66.3m down 3% versus prior year driven by lower rental rates in
the market.
-- Sales revenue of GBP42.6m, down 23%, a result of continued
market weakness causing lower transaction volumes.
-- Alexander Hall mortgage revenue GBP8.7m, down 1%. A solid
performance driven by re-mortgages.
-- Focus on tight cost control with costs reduced by GBP5.6m
excluding Adjusted items versus prior year.
-- Strong cash performance during the year, supporting a balance
sheet with no debt and GBP18.6m cash at year end.
-- Profit before tax GBP6.5m; GBP8.8m excluding GBP2.3m charge relating to Adjusted items.
-- 0.70p full year dividend in line with policy (includes 0.43p
interim dividend paid during the year).
Operational highlights:
-- Maintained No 1 market listings position in both sales and
lettings delivering market leading service for customers.
-- MyFoxtons portal for buyers and tenants was launched in H2.
Conversion of seller enquiries to instructions has increased with
MyFoxtons.
-- New retention and loyalty initiatives for existing landlords
launched during H2, and were well received.
-- Two new branches in Wembley and Wood Green opened in Q1-2017
as planned. Network now covers c85% of the London market.
-- Marketing spend refocused towards digital channels, which has
reduced cost of acquisition and improved customer engagement
Investing for growth:
-- Branch expansion programme complete with technology being used to expand branch reach.
-- Investment re-directed from capital expenditure on branch
expansion to other areas of service proposition.
-- This investment will be in brand, people and technology in
order to support our differentiated customer proposition, make the
existing estate more profitable and position the business for
future growth.
Commenting on the results, Nic Budden, CEO, said:
"We are pleased to have delivered a performance in line with
market expectations. However, sales activity in the London property
market is near historic lows and this had a significant impact on
our overall performance in 2017.
Our large and less cyclical lettings business continues to
provide a solid recurring revenue stream which adds resilience to
Group revenues. Landlords, under increasing pressure from
regulation and taxation need a professional agent to help with
compliance and yield maximisation and we are well placed to deliver
against these key requirements. Growing our lettings business is a
priority for Foxtons and we have already seen some encouraging
results from the introduction of new customer initiatives and our
use of technology and data; we aim to build on these going forward.
We anticipate the implementation of the Tenant Fees Bill in 2019.
Though at this stage it is unclear exactly what the legislation
will look like, we are exploring ways to mitigate the impact.
Estate agency is fundamentally a people business and we know
that our customers want to deal with knowledgeable, experienced and
committed people who will deliver results throughout the
complicated process of selling or letting a property. Additionally,
our brand is a cornerstone of the business prompting awareness and
associating customers with consistent, high levels of service
across our network. Technology can amplify these important areas
and as our branch expansion is now complete, further investment can
be made in our brand, people and technology to extend our market
leading position.
Looking ahead, we expect trading conditions to remain
challenging during 2018, and our current sales pipeline is below
where it was this time last year. The cost actions we have taken
and our net cash position mean we are well placed to withstand
these conditions and make the investment we have identified. We are
confident that our high-touch approach to customer service and
knowledgeable people delivers tangible results for customers
differentiating us from the competition. The London property market
has attractive long-term characteristics and our brand strength,
coverage and approach, position us well to manage through the
current market uncertainties and take advantage of any future
market recovery."
For further information, please contact:
Foxtons Group plc
----------------------------- -------------------
Mark Berry, Chief Financial
Officer
Jenny Matthews, Investor
Relations Manager +44 20 7893 6484
----------------------------- -------------------
Teneo Blue Rubicon
----------------------------- -------------------
Robert Morgan / Laura
Stewart +44 20 7420 3194
----------------------------- -------------------
A live webcast of the management team's presentation to analysts
and investors at 1030 a.m. today can be accessed via the Group's
website at www.foxtonsgroup.co.uk. An audio dial in will also be
available - dial in details: UK - +44 (0)330 336 9411, US - +1 323
794 2551, Confirmation code: 4641925. There will also be a replay
of the call: UK - +44 (0)207 660 0134. US: +1 719 457 0820 or +1
888-203-1112
1. Adjusted EBITDA is defined by the Group as profit before tax,
depreciation, amortisation, finance costs, finance income, Adjusted
items, profit on disposal of assets, and share based payments.
2.Net free cash flow is defined as net cash from operating
activities less net cash used in investing activities.
3 Adjusted earnings per share is defined as earnings per share
excluding Adjusted items.
4. A number of alternative performance measures are used by the
Board as they provide a clearer understanding of the underlying
operations of the Group. See Financial Review.
5. A definition of Adjusted items is included in Note 3.
Performance at a Glance
2017 2016
------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ------
Income statement
------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ------
Revenue GBP117.6m GBP132.7m (11%)
------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ------
Adjusted EBITDA GBP15.1m GBP24.6m (39%)
------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ------
Adjusted EBITDA margin 12.8% 18.5%
------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ------
Profit before tax GBP6.5m GBP18.8m (65%)
------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ------
Earnings per share
------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ------
Basic and fully diluted
EPS 1.9p 5.7p (67%)
------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ------
Adjusted EPS 2.6p 5.7p (54%)
------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ------
Dividends
------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ------
Interim paid 0.43p 1.67p
Final proposed 0.27p 0.33p
------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ------
Total Dividend for the
year 0.70p 2.00p
------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ------
Cash flow
------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ------
Operating cash conversion(1) 91.8% 93.9%
------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ------
Net free cash flow GBP11.3m GBP16.8m
------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ------
Net free cash flow as a
percentage of Adjusted
EBITDA 75.2% 68.4%
------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ------
Year end cash balance GBP18.6m GBP9.5m
------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ------
KPIs
------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ------
Sales revenue GBP42.6m GBP55.5m
------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ------
Sales units 2,962 4,026
------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ------
Revenue per sales unit GBP14,376 GBP13,783
------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ------
Lettings revenue GBP66.3m GBP68.3m
------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ------
Lettings units 19,806 19,832
------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ------
Average revenue per lettings GBP3,348 GBP3,446
unit
------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ------
Mortgage broking revenue GBP8.7m GBP8.9m
------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ------
Units 4,243 4,221
------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ------
Average revenue per broking GBP2,062 GBP2097
unit
------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ------
Definitions:
1. Operating cash conversion is computed as Adjusted operating
cash flow/Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted operating cash flow is defined
as the summation of Adjusted EBITDA, change in working capital and
net capital spend.
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
Overview
Group revenues reduced to GBP117.6 million (2016: GBP132.7m),
principally reflecting the challenging sales market. Cost savings
of GBP5.6 million were achieved as a result of realigning our cost
base to the ongoing challenging conditions. However, we have built
an infrastructure for the long term. In the short term therefore,
our cost structure is relatively fixed, and for this reason
Adjusted EBITDA fell to GBP15.1 million (2016: GBP24.6 million).
Further cost reductions were implemented during the latter part of
the year resulting in a charge to the income statement in respect
of Adjusted items of GBP2.3m. Profit before tax was GBP6.5 million
(2016: GBP18.8 million).
Board and governance
The Board places significant importance on corporate governance
and compliance with the UK Corporate Governance Code. Full details
are set out in the Corporate Governance section of our Annual
Report and Accounts.
Board update
Annette Court resigned as a Non-Executive Director of the
Company at the Company's Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 17 May
2017. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Annette for her
valuable contribution as a Non-Executive Director and Senior
Independent Director of Foxtons since the Company's IPO in
2013.
Ian Barlow, who has served on the Board since the IPO in 2013,
was appointed as the Company's Senior Independent Director on 17
May 2017.
On 14 September, the Board appointed Sheena Mackay as a
Non-Executive Director and, as Chair of the Remuneration Committee,
succeeding Andrew Adcock in that role. She is also a member of the
Audit and Nomination Committees. Sheena is currently Group HR
Director at Smiths Group plc, with 28 years of experience in
HR.
Dividend
In line with our policy, the Board has proposed a final dividend
of 0.27 pence per share bringing the total ordinary dividend for
the year to 0.70 pence per share (2016: 2.00 pence per share).
Foxtons maintains a robust balance sheet with no debt and the Board
remains committed to returning excess cash to shareholders when
appropriate.
Subject to Shareholder approval at the AGM on 17 May 2018, the
proposed dividend will be paid on 25 May 2018 to Shareholders on
the register at 27 April 2018.
Summary
Notwithstanding the challenging environment, Foxtons retains a
strong balance sheet, high cash generation and no debt which allows
us selectively to invest in areas that will drive long-term growth
of the business. We have made progress aligning our cost base with
market conditions whilst keeping the infrastructure which has been
built for the long term. Sales volumes are subdued across the
market, yet Foxtons remains the number one property agent in London
by instructions with an unrivalled network focused on delivering
the best service to buyers, sellers, tenants and landlords. We have
a strong and determined team and I am confident that they will
build on Foxtons' unique platform and deliver long-term value to
shareholders. I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of
the Board to thank everyone at Foxtons for their passion,
dedication and hard work.
Garry Watts
Chairman
Chief Executive's review
Review of the year
2017 was a challenging year for the property market in which
Foxtons operates. Whilst the lettings business continues to deliver
a steady income stream for the Group, the London sales market
continues to be weighed down by the impact of stamp duty tax
changes introduced during 2016 and declining consumer confidence,
as a result of the general macro-political uncertainty. The
unexpected general election led to a further slowing of sales
transaction levels in Q2 2017, a trend which continued throughout
the second half of the year.
Foxtons' 2017 Group revenue was GBP117.6 million (2016: GBP132.7
million) comprising sales revenue of GBP42.6 million (2016: GBP55.5
million), lettings revenue of GBP66.3 million (2016: GBP68.3
million) and mortgage broking revenue of GBP8.7 million (2016:
GBP8.9 million).
The 23% fall in sales revenue is largely a result of continued
market weakness causing lower transaction volumes. Revenue from
lettings was down 3% on the prior year due to downward pressures on
market rents; nonetheless, we believe our lettings business
continues to provide a resilient, less-cyclical revenue stream and
now represents 57% of Group revenue. Revenue at Alexander Hall, our
mortgage broker, comprised a higher proportion of re-mortgage
business, but decreased by 1% overall as the result of lower
average revenue per deal.
For 2017, our Group Adjusted EBITDA reduced to GBP15.1 million
(2016: GBP24.6 million) due principally to the lower revenue in the
sales business. We succeeded in delivering against our cost
reduction targets, reducing costs by GBP5.6m despite the difficult
environment and inflationary pressures. Whilst we continue to
review our cost base, we believe the current level is integral to
maintaining our customer service proposition and we will continue
to invest in key growth areas including lettings, digital marketing
and technology.
We incurred a GBP2.3million charge in respect of Adjusted items
in the second half of the year, mainly due to our decision not to
develop a small number of prospective branches, instead investing
to drive volume through our leading physical and technology
platforms. Overall Profit before tax reduced 65% to GBP6.5million
(2016: GBP18.8million), GBP8.8 million excluding Adjusted
items.
The Group continues to be cash generative, delivering GBP11.3m
of net free cash flow during the year. At year-end the Group held a
cash balance of GBP18.6m and remains debt free.
Property sales market
2017 was a difficult year for the residential property sales
market in London. The 2016 changes to the stamp duty regime
continue to depress volumes and the unexpected election in May 2017
led to a further slowing of transaction levels. However, despite
these issues, London remains a global and economic powerhouse with
strong long-term fundamentals including high population density and
limited housing stock.
Lettings market
In recent years, London has experienced a significant shift in
tenure, with nearly 30% of private households now living in rented
accommodation - double the level of a decade ago. This increase in
demand for private rentals in London underpins our lettings
business, which continues to be a key component of our future
growth strategy.
Our lettings business is the largest single brand portfolio in
London and has benefitted from an increased operational focus
alongside well-received new customer initiatives during the year.
New let volumes were flat in the year, while the proportion of
actively managed properties in the portfolio increased in the
period to 32% (2016: 31%). We also achieved growth in our short
lets business despite the corporate relocation market remaining
constrained.
Whilst demand for rental properties remains high, there has been
pressure on average rental prices due to an increase in the supply
of rental property following the surge in buy-to-let activity in Q1
2016.
The growth of the high-quality, professionally managed
Institutional Private Rented Sector (PRS) has increased choice and
quality in the rental sector. Foxtons is well placed to benefit
from this emerging rental product; our market-leading lettings
experience, IT infrastructure and operational processes have been
well received by Institutional PRS operators. Our pipeline remains
strong, though many schemes remain at build stage.
The lettings market is both growing, and becoming more complex,
with landlords needing to understand and comply with significant
new regulation, legislation and tax changes. In this environment
our focus on compliance and professionalism makes our lettings
business the ideal partner for landlords.
Investing for future growth
Over nearly four decades Foxtons has built a distinctive
business which covers most of London/M25 through its leading brand,
professional and motivated people, and innovative application of
technology. We want to build on this through selective investment
in order to create the most resonant customer offering in the
market place.
Since our IPO in 2013 we have increased our branch footprint by
60% and technological advances mean we are able to service the
London/M25 network with circa 70 branches, a smaller network than
we originally planned. Additionally, we have reacted to market
conditions through taking appropriate cost out of the business and
in so doing have created a lean business without damaging the
integrity of our high service offering. The multi-year branch roll
out was enabled by a consistent capex programme and this roll out
is now largely complete. Our investment has now shifted from capex
into other areas in order to make the existing estate more
profitable and position Foxtons for future growth.
This investment programme is now focused on areas that are both
core to our offering and where we can reinforce our
differentiation, namely in our brand, people and technology. We
know customers want results, they want to sell their house or let
their property for the best price with a professional, personal
service. Estate agency remains a people business and customers
value experienced, knowledgeable and professional people committed
to working hard to achieve results. Our brand is well known and
work has begun on how we can use it to reinforce our
differentiation ensuring Foxtons is closely associated with
satisfying customer needs. Our business has been built on the
skill, knowledge and work ethic of our people and we are investing
in initiatives to improve retention and hire experienced staff to
augment our teams.
Foxtons was an early adopter of technology using it to enhance
the customer offer and make our business as efficient as possible.
It remains vital today enabling us to save costs and increase the
reach of each branch with targeted digital marketing. We also have
a vast customer database which, with new analytical tools, presents
an opportunity for us to better understand customer behaviour.
In addition, we will continue to ensure our offer matches
customers' growing expectations. This will be through initiatives
like dedicated account management for our largest landlords in
lettings, and in sales the launch of Foxtons Prime, a new offering
for high net worth buyers and sellers.
Outlook
Looking ahead, we expect trading conditions to remain
challenging in 2018, and our current sales pipeline is below where
it was this time last year. Our less cyclical lettings business
provides resilience against sales market cycles and we continue to
target growth in this area. Enhanced operational focus, customer
initiatives and utilisation of technology and data have already
shown some progress; we aim to build on this going forward.
Foxtons remains in an attractive position with a robust balance
sheet, good cash generation and with no debt. We will continue to
review and optimise our business structure and leverage our
proprietary technology and data in order to make our agents as
productive and competitive as possible.
In the longer term, whilst recent political events have produced
uncertainty for buyers and sellers, we expect London to remain a
highly attractive property market for sales and lettings. We have
several initiatives underway to promote growth in our lettings
business and remain focused on growing market share in our less
mature branches. Our commitment to achieving the best result for
our customers and powerful brand continue to be key
differentiators. We are managing the business according to these
conditions and remain well placed to take advantage of any change
in conditions.
Nic Budden
Chief Executive Officer
Financial review
Overview
The sales market remains subdued, whilst the lettings market
continues to provide a consistent recurring revenue stream despite
increasing competition. Total revenue fell by 11% and during the
year we took action to realign our cost base with the challenging
sales market conditions. We have built a branch network to support
our customer service proposition, and continue to invest in key
growth areas. In the short-term therefore, the majority of our
costs are substantially fixed, and for this reason Adjusted EBITDA
fell by 39%. Despite difficult trading conditions, the Group
remains cash generative and debt free.
Summary income statement
Year ended 31 December 2017 2016 % change
------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------
Group revenue GBP117.6m GBP132.7m (11%)
Group Adjusted EBITDA GBP15.1m GBP24.6m (39%)
Profit before tax GBP6.5m GBP18.8m (65%)
Net cash from operating
activities GBP13.5m GBP23.4m (42%)
Basic earnings per
share 1.9p 5.7p (67%)
Adjusted earnings
per share 2.6p 5.7p (54%)
Dividend per share 0.7p 2.0p (65%)
------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------
In reporting financial information the Group presents
Alternative Performance Measures (APMs) such as Adjusted EBITDA,
Contribution and Net Free Cash Flow which are not defined or
specified under the requirements of IFRS. The Group believes that
the presentation of APMs provides stakeholders with additional
helpful information on the performance of the business, but does
not consider them to be a substitute for or superior to IFRS
measures.
Our APMs are aligned to our strategy and together are used to
measure the performance of the business and form the basis of the
performance measures for remuneration. Adjusted results exclude
certain items because if included, these items could distort the
understanding of our performance for the year and the comparability
between periods.
Revenue
The Foxtons Group comprises three business segments: Sales,
Lettings and Mortgage broking. The majority of operations are in
the London area with two branches in the adjacent area of
Surrey.
GBPm 2017 2016 % variance
------------------ ------ ------ -----------
Sales 42.6 55.5 (23%)
Lettings 66.3 68.3 (3%)
Mortgage broking 8.7 8.9 (1%)
Total revenue 117.6 132.7 (11%)
------------------ ------ ------ -----------
Sales
The London property sales market worsened year on year as
continued market weakness caused lower transaction volumes.
Revenues fell by 23% versus the prior year, primarily driven by a
26% fall in volumes. "Average revenue per transaction" increased by
4% versus prior year. This increase was due to underlying London
price inflation with the average price of Foxtons property sales
increasing to GBP580k (2016: GBP568k) together with an increasing
number of deals at our higher multi-agency rate.
Lettings
The Lettings segment continues to provide a consistent recurring
revenue stream which comprises 57% of group revenues. Lettings
revenue remained resilient, and was GBP66.3 million down 3% versus
prior year driven by lower rental rates in the long let market.
Mortgage broking
Revenue at our mortgage business Alexander Hall, fell by 1%. In
the context of the London Sales market, this was a solid
performance driven by a higher proportion of re-mortgage deals.
Balanced business
A key strategic priority for the Company is to maintain a
balanced business through economic cycles. With the current subdued
sales market, lettings revenue has risen in significance and is an
increasing focus for the Group.
% of total revenue 2017 2016
-------------------- ----- -----
Sales 36% 42%
Lettings 57% 51%
Mortgage broking 7% 7%
-------------------- ----- -----
Total revenue 100% 100%
-------------------- ----- -----
Organic expansion
The Group opened two new branches during the period in Wembley
and Wood Green and the network now totals 67 branches giving 85%
coverage of London inside the M25. The multi-year branch expansion
is largely complete with plans to use technology to enable
increased reach.
Segmental Contribution and Adjusted EBITDA
A key metric for management is the contribution generated by
business segments. Contribution is defined as revenue less direct
salary costs of front office staff and costs of bad debt. The Group
contribution margin was in line with the prior year as we aligned
our front office headcount with market conditions.
Contribution 2017 2017 2016 2016
----------------------
GBPm margin GBPm margin
---------------------- ----- ------- ----- -------
Sales 25.1 59.0% 34.0 61.2%
Lettings 48.6 73.3% 50.2 73.5%
Mortgage broking 4.4 49.8% 4.2 46.9%
Group contribution 78.1 66.4% 88.4 66.6%
---------------------- ----- ------- ----- -------
Adjusted EBITDA comprises contribution less shared costs and
before Adjusted items.
Adjusted EBITDA 2017 2017 2016 2016
-------------------------
GBPm margin GBPm margin
------------------------- ----- ------- ----- -------
Sales 1.2 2.8% 7.0 12.7%
Lettings 12.1 18.3% 16.2 23.6%
Mortgage broking 1.8 20.0% 1.4 16.1%
Group Adjusted EBITDA 15.1 12.8% 24.6 18.5%
------------------------- ----- ------- ----- -------
Lettings EBITDA and margin reduced versus prior year driven
primarily by lower revenue, and an increased apportionment of
shared costs, which for the purposes of segmental reporting are
allocated between the sales and lettings segments according to
headcount. As 2017 headcount was higher in the lettings business
than in the sales business, a higher proportion of shared cost has
been allocated to Lettings than in the prior year. A full
reconciliation of these items to Profit before tax is included in
note 3.
Sales EBITDA and margin reduced versus prior year driven
primarily by lower revenue, partially offset by lower costs arising
from lower headcount.
Adjusted items
As part of a detailed review of operations, we incurred a
GBP2.3million charge in respect of Adjusted items in the second
half of the year. The costs comprised exiting a number of property
leases primarily relating to future potential branches that are no
longer required, and a limited number of staff changes.
Profit before tax (PBT)
Profit before tax was GBP6.5 million (2016: GBP18.8 million) and
was after charging:
-- Direct salary costs of front office staff of GBP39.5 million (2016: GBP44.3 million)
-- Shared costs of GBP63.0 million (2016: GBP63.8 million)
-- Depreciation and amortisation GBP4.9 million (2016: GBP4.9 million)
-- Share based payment charge of GBP1.3 million (2016: GBP0.9 million)
-- Adjusted items GBP2.3 million (2016: GBPnil); and
-- Net finance costs GBP0.1 million (2016: GBPnil)
Profit before tax reduced due to lower property sales
transactions across London, partially offset by cost savings
arising from front office headcount reductions, primarily through
natural attrition, as we controlled costs due to weak sales market
conditions. Tight cost control also saw our shared costs fall
slightly despite cost inflation in the year.
Taxation
The Group has a low risk approach to its tax affairs. All
business activities of Foxtons operate within the UK and are UK tax
registered and fully compliant. The Group does not have any complex
tax structures in place and does not engage in any aggressive tax
planning or tax avoidance schemes. Foxtons always sets out to be
transparent, open and honest in its dealings with tax authorities.
Foxtons' effective tax rate exclusive of the impact on deferred tax
of future tax rates movements was 17.0% (2016: 21.5%). This
compares to the statutory blended corporation tax rate of 19.25%
(2016: 20.0%).
The absolute tax charge for the period fell by GBP1.9 million
due to:
-- Reduced profitability of GBP12.2 million resulting in a
difference in the current year tax charge of GBP2.5 million
-- Offset partially by prior year tax movements GBP0.3 million; and
-- Movements within the deferred tax charge of GBP0.3 million
for the period with a prior year credit due to the impact of a
change in the tax rate on the intangible brand asset being
partially offset by the recognition of deferred tax on
inter-company losses within the Foxtons Group.
Tax payments during the year totalled GBP2.1 million (2016:
GBP6.3 million).
Earnings per share (EPS)
Basic and fully diluted earnings per share was 1.9p (2016: 5.7p)
driven by reduced profitability. Adjusted earnings per share was
2.6p (2016: 5.7p).
Cash flow
Net free cash flow for the period was GBP11.3 million (2016:
GBP16.8 million). The reduction of GBP5.5 million was due to
reduced cash generated by operations of GBP14.1 million offset by
GBP4.4 million savings in capital spend and GBP4.2 million lower
tax payments.
The Group held net cash of GBP18.6m as at year end (2016:
GBP9.5m), and has a GBP10 million Revolving Credit Facility which
remains entirely undrawn.
Dividends
The Board's priorities for free cash flow are to fund investment
in the future development of the business, maintain a strong
balance sheet and to return excess cash to shareholders.
A final dividend in respect of 2016 of 0.33p per share was paid
in May 2017 and an interim dividend for 2017 of 0.43p per share was
paid in September. In line with our policy of returning 35% to 40%
of profit after tax as an ordinary dividend, a final dividend for
2017 of 0.27p per share will be proposed for payment in May
2018.
Share buy-backs
No share buy-backs were undertaken during the period (2016:
GBP11.2 million).
Post balance sheet events
There are no post balance sheet events to report.
Treasury policies and objectives
The Group's treasury policy is designed to reduce financial
risk.
Financial risk for the Group is low as:
-- The Group is debt-free;
-- The Group is entirely UK-based with no foreign currency risks; and
-- Surplus cash balances are held with major UK based banks.
As a consequence of the above, the Group has not had to enter
into any financial instruments to protect against risk.
Pensions
The Group does not have any defined benefit schemes in place but
is subject to the provisions of auto-enrolment which require the
Company to make certain defined contribution payments for our
employees.
Mark Berry
Chief Financial Officer
PRINCIPAL RISKS
Risk management
The Board is responsible for establishing and maintaining the
Group's system of risk management and internal control, with the
aim of protecting its employees and customers and safeguarding the
interests of the Company and its Shareholders in the constantly
changing environment in which it operates. The Board regularly
reviews the principal risks facing the Company together with the
relevant mitigating controls and undertakes a robust assessment. In
reviewing the principal risks the Board considers emerging risks
and significant changes to existing risk ratings. In addition the
Board has set guidelines for risk appetite as part of the risk
management process against which risks are monitored.
The identification of risk in the Group is undertaken by
specific executive risk committees which analyse overall corporate
risk, information technology risk and mortgage broking risk. Other
committees exist below this level to focus on specific areas such
as anti-money laundering. A common risk register is used across the
Group to monitor gross and residual risk with the results being
assessed by the Board. The Compliance department constantly reviews
operations to ensure that any non-standard transactions have been
properly authorised and that procedures are being properly adhered
to across the branch network. The Audit Committee monitors the
effectiveness of the risk management system through regular updates
originating from the various executive risk committees.
The principal risks table below sets out the risks facing the
business at the date of this Report analysed between external and
internal factors. These risks do not comprise all of the risks that
the Group may face and are not listed in any order of priority.
Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to
management or deemed to be less material at the date of this Report
may also have an adverse effect on the Group.
External factors
Risk Impact on company
---------------- ------------------------------------------------
Market Risk Continuous high property price inflation
may impact affordability which in turn
may reduce transaction levels in the
market. The market may also be affected
by a reduction in London's standing
as a major financial city caused by
the UK's decision to leave the EU.
The market is also reliant on the availability
of mortgage finance, a deterioration
in which may adversely affect Foxtons.
The market may also be impacted by any
changes in government policy such as
increases in stamp duty taxes or increased
regulation in the lettings market.
---------------- ------------------------------------------------
Competitor Foxtons operates in a highly competitive
challenge marketplace. New or existing competitors
could develop new services or methods
of working including online and hybrid
agents which could give them a competitive
advantage over Foxtons.
---------------- ------------------------------------------------
Compliance Breaches of laws or regulations could
with the legal lead to financial penalties and reputational
and regulatory damage.
environment
The Mortgage broking division is authorised
and regulated by the FCA and could be
subject to sanction for non-compliance.
---------------- ------------------------------------------------
Internal factors
Risk Impact on company
---------------- ------------------------------------------
IT systems Foxtons business operations are dependent
and cyber risk on sophisticated IT systems which could
fail or be deliberately targeted by
cyber-attacks leading to interruption
of service or corruption of data.
---------------- ------------------------------------------
People There is a risk that Foxtons may not
be able to recruit and retain sufficient
people to satisfy its organic expansion
plans. In addition, senior staff may
be recruited by competitors.
---------------- ------------------------------------------
Forward looking statements:
This preliminary announcement contains certain forward-looking
statements with respect to the financial condition and results of
operations of Foxtons Group plc. These statements and forecasts
involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and
depend upon circumstances that will occur in the future. There are
a number of factors that could cause actual results or developments
to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these
forward-looking statements and forecasts. The forward-looking
statements are based on the directors' current views and
information known to them at 27 February 2018. The directors do not
make any undertakings to update or revise any forward-looking
statements, whether as a result of new information, future events
or otherwise. Nothing in this statement should be construed as a
profit forecast.
Responsibility statement:
The following statement will be contained in the 2017 Annual
Report and Accounts:
Each of the Directors confirms that to the best of their
knowledge:
-- the consolidated financial statements, prepared in accordance
with the relevant financial reporting framework, give a true and
fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit
of the Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation
taken as a whole;
-- the Strategic Report and the Directors' Report include a fair
review of the development and performance of the business and the
position of the Company and the undertakings included in the
consolidation taken as a whole, together with a description of the
principal risks and uncertainties that it faces; and
-- the Annual Report and financial statements, taken as a whole,
are fair, balanced and understandable and provide the information
necessary for Shareholders to assess the Company's performance,
business model and strategy.
On behalf of the Board
Mark Berry
27 February 2018
Financial Statements
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the year ended 31 December 2017
2017 2016
Continuing operations Notes GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ----------
Revenue 3 117,648 132,688
--------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ----------
Administrative expenses (111,055) (113,877)
--------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ----------
Operating profit 6,593 18,811
Finance income 1 34
Finance costs (70) (80)
--------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ----------
Profit before tax 6,524 18,765
Tax 5 (1,175) (3,043)
--------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ----------
Profit and total comprehensive income
for the year 5,349 15,722
--------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ----------
Earnings per share
Basic and diluted (pence per share) 7 1.9 5.7
Adjusted (pence per share)(1) 7 2.6 5.7
--------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ----------
(1)Adjusted earnings per share is defined as earnings per share
excluding Adjusted items. See note 7.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
As at 31 December 2017
2017 2016
Notes GBP'000 GBP'000
-------------------------------------- ------ --------- ---------
Non-current assets
Goodwill 19,168 19,168
Other intangible assets 100,975 100,104
Property, plant and equipment 24,009 28,077
Deferred tax assets 1,015 468
-------------------------------------- ------ --------- ---------
145,167 147,817
-------------------------------------- ------ --------- ---------
Current assets
Trade and other receivables 7,082 7,753
Prepayments 6,341 5,681
Cash and cash equivalents 8 18,630 9,476
-------------------------------------- ------ --------- ---------
32,053 22,910
-------------------------------------- ------ --------- ---------
Total assets 177,220 170,727
-------------------------------------- ------ --------- ---------
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables (12,634) (11,313)
Current tax liabilities (1,003) (1,184)
Provisions (1,307) (286)
Deferred revenue and lettings refund
liability (4,524) (4,473)
-------------------------------------- ------ --------- ---------
(19,468) (17,256)
-------------------------------------- ------ --------- ---------
Net current assets 12,585 5,654
Non-current liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities (16,830) (16,830)
-------------------------------------- ------ --------- ---------
(16,830) (16,830)
-------------------------------------- ------ --------- ---------
Total liabilities (36,298) (34,086)
-------------------------------------- ------ --------- ---------
Net assets 140,922 136,641
-------------------------------------- ------ --------- ---------
Equity
Share capital 2,751 2,751
Other capital reserve 2,582 2,582
Capital redemption reserve 71 71
Own shares held (720) (1,540)
Retained earnings 136,238 132,777
-------------------------------------- ------ --------- ---------
Total equity 140,922 136,641
-------------------------------------- ------ --------- ---------
The financial statements of Foxtons Group plc, registered number
07108742, were approved by the Board of Directors on 27 February
2018.
Signed on behalf of the Board of Directors
Mark Berry
Chief Financial Officer
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
For the year ended 31 December 2017
Own Other Capital
Share shares capital redemption Share Retained Total
capital held reserve reserve premium earnings equity
Notes GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------- ------ --------- --------- --------- ------------ --------- ---------- ---------
Balance at 1
January 2017 2,751 (1,540) 2,582 71 - 132,777 136,641
--------------------- ------ --------- --------- --------- ------------ --------- ---------- ---------
Total comprehensive
income - - - - - 5,349 5,349
for the year
Dividends 6 - - - - - (2,089) (2,089)
Exercise of
shares from
EBT - 820 - - - (820) -
Credit to equity
for - - - - - 1,021 1,021
share based
payments
--------------------- ------ --------- --------- --------- ------------ --------- ---------- ---------
Balance at 31
December 2017 2,751 (720) 2,582 71 - 136,238 140,922
--------------------- ------ --------- --------- --------- ------------ --------- ---------- ---------
Own Other Capital
Share shares capital redemption Share Retained Total
capital held reserve reserve premium earnings equity
Notes GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------- ------ --------- --------- --------- ------------ --------- ---------- ---------
Balance at
1 January
2016 2,817 (1,540) 2,582 5 52,727 95,994 152,585
--------------------- ------ --------- --------- --------- ------------ --------- ---------- ---------
Total comprehensive
income
for the year - - - - - 15,722 15,722
Dividends 6 - - - - - (21,694) (21,694)
Share buy-back (66) - - 66 - (11,163) (11,163)
transaction
costs - - - - (52,727) 52,703 (24)
Credit to
equity for
share based
payments - - - - - 1,215 1,215
--------------------- ------ --------- --------- --------- ------------ --------- ---------- ---------
Balance at
31 December
2016 2,751 (1,540) 2,582 71 - 132,777 136,641
--------------------- ------ --------- --------- --------- ------------ --------- ---------- ---------
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT
For the year ended 31 December 2017
2017 2016
Notes GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------------------------------- ------ --------- ---------
Operating
activities
Operating
profit: 6,593 18,811
Adjustments
for:
Depreciation of property, plant and
equipment 4,847 4,949
Loss on Adjusted items 447 -
Gain on disposal of property, plant
and equipment (59) (113)
Amortisation of intangibles 101 101
Increase in provisions 1,021 91
Share based payment charges 1,292 854
----------------------------------------------- ----------------- ---------
Operating cash flows before movements
in working capital 14,242 24,693
Decrease in receivables 11 4,819
Increase in payables 1,334 195
----------------------------------------------- ----------------- ---------
Cash generated by operations 15,587 29,707
Income taxes paid (2,136) (6,322)
----------------------------------------------- ----------------- ---------
Net cash from operating activities 12 13,451 23,385
----------------------------------------------- ------ --------- ---------
Investing activities
Interest received 1 34
Proceeds on disposal of property,
plant and equipment 340 399
Purchases of property, plant and equipment (1,507) (6,296)
Purchases of intangibles (972) (704)
----------------------------------------------- ------ --------- ---------
Net cash used in investing activities (2,138) (6,567)
----------------------------------------------- ------ --------- ---------
Financing activities
Dividends paid 6 (2,089) (21,694)
Cancellation of share premium expenses - (24)
Interest paid (70) (80)
Share buy-back - (11,163)
----------------------------------------------- ------ --------- ---------
Net cash used in financing activities (2,159) (32,961)
----------------------------------------------- ------ --------- ---------
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and
cash equivalents 9,154 (16,143)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
of year 9,476 25,619
----------------------------------------------- ------ --------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
year 18,630 9,476
----------------------------------------------- ------ --------- ---------
Notes to the Financial Statements
1. General information
Foxtons Group plc (the "Company") is a company incorporated in
the United Kingdom under the Companies Act. The address of the
Company's registered office is Building One, Chiswick Park, 566
Chiswick High Road, London W4 5BE. The principal activity of the
Company and its subsidiaries (collectively, the "Group") is the
provision of services to the residential property market in the
UK.
These financial statements are presented in pounds sterling
which is the currency of the primary economic environment in which
the Group operates.
2. Significant accounting policies
The consolidated preliminary results of the Company for the year
ended 31 December 2017 comprise the Company and its
subsidiaries.
The consolidated preliminary results of the Group for the year
ended 31 December 2017 were approved by the Directors on 27
February 2018. The Annual General Meeting of Foxtons Group plc will
be held at Chiswick Park on 17 May 2018. These consolidated
preliminary results have been prepared in accordance with the
recognition and measurement criteria of IFRS. They do not include
all the information required for full annual financial statements
to comply with IFRS, and should be read in conjunction with the
consolidated financial statements of the Group as at and for the
year ended 31 December 2017.
The Group's business activities, together with the factors
likely to affect its future development, performance and position
are set out in the Financial Reviews. The Financial Review also
includes a summary of the Group's financial position and its cash
flows.
After making enquiries, the Directors have a reasonable
expectation that the Group and Company have adequate resources to
continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future,
having considered the Group and Company forecasts and projections,
taking account of reasonably possible changes in trading
performance and the current economic uncertainty. Accordingly, they
have adopted the going concern basis in preparing the financial
statements.
The financial information for the year ended 31 December 2017
does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in sections 435
(1) and (2) of the Companies Act 2006. Statutory accounts for the
year ended 31 December 2016 have been delivered to the Registrar of
Companies and those for 2017 will be delivered following the
Company's Annual General Meeting convened for 17 May 2018. The
auditor has reported on these accounts; their report was
unqualified, did not include a reference to any matters to which
the auditor drew attention by way of emphasis of matter and did not
contain a statement under section 498 (2) or (3) of the Companies
Act 2006.
The accounting policies applied by the Group in these
consolidated preliminary results are the same as those applied by
the Group in the Foxtons Group plc annual financial statements for
the year ended 31 December 2016 with the exception of certain new
standards and interpretations adopted in the current period which
had no significant effect on the Group's results.
3. Business and geographical segments
Products and services from which reportable segments derive
their revenues
Management has determined the operating segments based on the
monthly management pack reviewed by the Directors, which is used to
assess both the performance of the business and to allocate
resources within the entity. Management has identified that the
Directors are the chief operating decision-makers in accordance
with the requirements of IFRS 8 'Operating segments'.
The operating and reportable segments of the Group are (i)
Sales, (ii) Lettings and (iii) Mortgage Broking.
The Sales segment generates commission on sales of residential
property. The Lettings segment earns fees from the letting and
management of residential properties and income from interest
earned on tenants' deposits. As these two segments operate out of
the same premises and share support services, a significant
proportion of costs have to be apportioned between the segments.
The basis of apportionment used is headcount in each segment.
The Mortgage Broking segment receives commission from the
arrangement of mortgages and related products under contracts with
financial service providers and receives administration fees from
clients.
The accounting policies of the operating segments are the same
as the Group's accounting policies described in note 2. Adjusted
EBITDA represents the profit before tax for the period earned by
each segment before allocation of finance costs, finance income,
depreciation, amortisation, profit on disposal of fixed assets,
share based payments and Adjusted items. This is the measure
reported to the Directors for the purpose of resource allocation
and assessment of segment performance.
Adjusted items include costs or revenues which due to their
size, incidence and departure from the Group's strategy require
disclosure in the financial statements to give a true
representation of the underlying performance of the Group and allow
comparability of performance from one period to another.
All revenue for the Group is generated from within the UK and
there is no intra-group revenue.
Segment revenues and results
The following is an analysis of the Group's revenue and results
by reportable segment for the year ended 31 December 2017:
Notes Mortgage
Sales Lettings Broking Consolidated
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------------- ------ --------- --------- --------- -------------
Revenue 42,583 66,314 8,751 117,648
--------------------------------- ------ --------- --------- --------- -------------
Contribution(1) 25,107 48,633 4,362 78,102
Contribution margin(2) 59.0% 73.3% 49.8% 66.4%
--------------------------------- ------ --------- --------- --------- -------------
Adjusted EBITDA 1,182 12,120 1,749 15,051
Adjusted EBITDA margin 2.8% 18.3% 20.0% 12.8%
--------------------------------- ------ --------- --------- --------- -------------
Depreciation (4,847)
Amortisation (101)
Profit on disposal of property,
plant and equipment 59
Adjusted items 4 (2,277)
Finance income 1
Finance cost (70)
Share based payment charge (1,292)
--------------------------------- ------ --------- --------- --------- -------------
Profit before tax 6,524
--------------------------------- ------ --------- --------- --------- -------------
1. Contribution is defined as revenue less directly attributable
salary costs and bad debts in each business unit.
2. Contribution margin is defined as Contribution divided by revenue.
3. Segment assets and liabilities, including depreciation,
amortisation and additions to non-current assets, are not reported
to the Directors on a segmental basis and are therefore not
disclosed.
The following is an analysis of the Group's revenue and results
by reportable segment for the year ended 31 December 2016:
Mortgage
Sales Lettings Broking Consolidated
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------------- --------- --------- --------- -------------
Revenue 55,489 68,349 8,850 132,688
--------------------------------- --------- --------- --------- -------------
Contribution(1) 33,971 50,234 4,154 88,359
Contribution margin(2) 61.2% 73.5% 46.9% 66.6%
--------------------------------- --------- --------- --------- -------------
Adjusted EBITDA 7,021 16,155 1,425 24,601
Adjusted EBITDA margin 12.7% 23.6% 16.1% 18.5%
--------------------------------- --------- --------- --------- -------------
Depreciation (4,949)
Amortisation (101)
Profit on disposal of property,
plant and equipment 113
Adjusted items -
Finance income 34
Finance cost (80)
Share based payment charge (854)
--------------------------------- --------- --------- --------- -------------
Profit before tax 18,765
--------------------------------- --------- --------- --------- -------------
1. Contribution is defined as revenue less directly attributable
salary costs and bad debts in each business unit.
2. Contribution margin is defined as Contribution divided by revenue.
3. Segment assets and liabilities, including depreciation,
amortisation and additions to non-current assets, are not reported
to the Directors on a segmental basis and are therefore not
disclosed.
4. Adjusted items
2017 2016
GBP'000 GBP'000
---------------------- --------- ---------
Reorganisation costs 1,059 -
Lease exit costs 1,218
2,277 -
---------------------- --------- ---------
Re-organisation costs comprised costs associated with a limited
number of staff changes.
Lease exit costs comprised costs associated with exiting a small
number of prospective branches which are no longer required, and in
the case of one property, the recognition of an onerous lease
provision.
5. Tax
2017 2016
GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Current tax
Current period UK corporation tax 1,874 4,065
Adjustments in respect of prior periods 81 (231)
------------------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Total current tax 1,955 3,834
Deferred tax
Origination and reversal of temporary differences (749) -
Impact of change in tax rate 67 (990)
Adjustment in respect of prior periods (98) 199
------------------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Total deferred tax (780) (791)
------------------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Tax on profit on ordinary activities 1,175 3,043
------------------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Corporation tax for the year ended 31 December 2017 is
calculated at 19.25% (year ended 31 December 2016: 20%) of the
estimated taxable profit for the period.
From 1 April 2017, the UK corporate tax rate fell from 20% to
19%.
For the year starting 1 April 2020, the UK corporate tax rate
will reduce to 17%. This reduction has resulted in a deferred tax
credit of GBP1.0 million in the year ended 31 December 2016
relating to the intangible brand asset.
The deferred tax adjustment in respect of prior periods relates
primarily to temporary differences for the prior year for both 2017
and 2016.
The origination and reversal of temporary differences includes a
credit of GBP572k representing the recognition that it has now
become probable that there will be future taxable profits available
to be utilised against certain tax losses brought forward.
6. Dividends
2017 2016
GBP'000 GBP'000
-------------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Amounts recognised as distributions to equity
holders in the period:
Final and special dividends year ended 31
December 2016: 0.33p (2016: 6.23p) per ordinary
share 908 17,108
Interim dividends year ended 31 December
2017: 0.43p (2016: 1.67p) per ordinary share 1,181 4,586
-------------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
2,089 21,694
-------------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
For 2017, the Board recommends a final dividend of 0.27p per
ordinary share (GBP0.7 million) to be paid in May 2018.
These financial statements do not reflect this dividend
payable.
7. Earnings per share
2017 2016
GBP'000 GBP'000
---------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Earnings for the purposes of basic and
diluted earnings per share being profit
for the year 5,349 15,722
Adjusted for:
Adjusted items(1) 1,909 -
-------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Adjusted earnings 7,258 15,722
-------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
(1) Adjusted items totalling GBP2,277k
per note 4, less associated tax of GBP368k,
resulting in an after tax cost of GBP1,909k
Number of shares
Weighted average number of ordinary
shares for the purposes of basic earnings
per share 274,791,016 275,161,239
Effect of dilutive potential ordinary
shares 727,703 786,455
-------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Weighted average number of ordinary
shares for the purposes of diluted earnings
per share 275,518,719 275,947,694
Basic and diluted earnings per share
(in pence per share) 1.9 5.7
-------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Adjusted earnings per share (in pence
per share) 2.6 5.7
-------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
8. Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash and short-term bank
deposits with an original maturity of three months or less, net of
outstanding bank overdrafts. The carrying amount of these assets is
approximately equal to their fair value. Cash and cash equivalents
excludes client monies.
9. Financial instruments
The Group does not hold any financial instruments categorised as
level 1, 2 or 3 by IFRS 13.
Management considers that the book value of financial assets and
liabilities recorded at amortised cost and their fair value are
approximately equal.
The book value and fair value of the Group's financial assets,
liabilities and derivative financial instruments are as
follows:
2017 2016
GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------------- --------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents 18,630 9,476
------------------------------- --------- ---------
Trade and other receivables 7,082 7,753
------------------------------- --------- ---------
Trade and other payables (12,634) (11,313)
------------------------------- --------- ---------
10. Related party transactions
Balances and transactions between the Company and its
subsidiaries, which are related parties, have been eliminated on
consolidation and are not disclosed in this note.
Remuneration of key management personnel
The remuneration of the key management personnel of the Group is
set out below in aggregate for each of the categories specified in
IAS 24: Related Party Disclosures. Our definition of key management
personnel in the year includes the Executive and Non-Executive
Directors of Foxtons Group plc and the Chief Operating Officer of
Foxtons Limited.
2017 2016
GBP'000 GBP'000
-------------------------------- --------- ---------
Short - term employee benefits 1,972 2,079
----------------------------------- --------- ---------
Share - based payments 398 94
----------------------------------- --------- ---------
2,370 2,173
-------------------------------- --------- ---------
11. Client monies
At 31 December 2017, client monies (all held by Foxtons Limited)
in approved bank and building society accounts amounted to GBP88.1
million (31 December 2016: GBP87.4 million). Neither this amount
nor the matching liabilities to the clients concerned are included
in the consolidated balance sheet. Foxtons Limited's terms and
conditions provide that interest income on these deposits accrues
to the Company.
Client funds are protected by the Financial Services
Compensation Scheme (FSCS) under which the government guarantees
amounts up to GBP85,000 each. This guarantee applies to each
individual client's deposit monies, not the sum total on
deposit.
12. Operating cash conversion and net free cash flow
Operating cash conversion is defined as the ratio of Adjusted
operating cash to Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted operating cash is
defined as Adjusted EBITDA less the movement in working capital and
net capital spend.
2017 2016
GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Adjusted
EBITDA 15,051 24,601
----------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Decrease in receivables 11 4,819
Increase in payables 1,334 195
Adjusted items included in payables
and provisions (1,467) -
Increase in provisions 1,021 91
Purchases of property, plant
and equipment (1,507) (6,296)
Purchases of intangibles (972) (704)
Proceeds on disposal of property,
plant and equipment 340 399
---------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Adjusted operating cash flow 13,811 23,105
---------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Operating cash conversion 91.8% 93.9%
---------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Net free cash flow is used as a measure of financial performance
and is highlighted on page 1. It is defined as net cash from
operating activities less net cash used in investing
activities.
2017 2016
GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Net cash from operating activities 13,451 23,385
------------------------------------------ --------- ---------
Investing activities
Interest received 1 34
Proceeds on disposal of property,
plant and equipment 340 399
Purchases of property, plant
and equipment (1,507) (6,296)
Purchases of intangibles (972) (704)
------------------------------------------ --------- ---------
Net cash used in investing activities (2,138) (6,567)
------------------------------------------ --------- ---------
Net free cash flow 11,313 16,818
------------------------------------------ --------- ---------
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
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