TIDMGAMA
RNS Number : 4853Z
Gamma Communications PLC
03 September 2018
3 September 2018
Gamma Communications plc
Unaudited Results for six months ended 30 June 2018
Strong Group performance with continued delivery of robust
revenue and margin growth
Gamma Communications plc ("Gamma" or "the Group"), a leading,
technology based provider of communications services to the UK
business market, is pleased to announce its unaudited results for
the six months ended 30 June 2018.
Six months ended 30 June
---------------------------
2018 2017 Change (%)
(Restated(2)
)
---------- --------------- -----------
Revenue GBP137.6m GBP116.3m +18.3%
---------- --------------- -----------
Gross profit GBP62.3m GBP51.6m +20.7%
---------- --------------- -----------
Gross margin 45.3% 44.4%
---------- --------------- -----------
EBITDA (also being adj EBITDA(1)
) GBP21.8m GBP16.7m +30.5%
---------- --------------- -----------
PBT (also being adj PBT(1) ) GBP15.5m GBP12.1m +28.1%
---------- --------------- -----------
EPS (Fully Diluted, "FD") 13.4p 11.4p +17.5%
---------- --------------- -----------
Adjusted EPS(1) (FD) 13.4p 10.4p +28.8%
---------- --------------- -----------
Total dividend per share 3.1p 2.8p +10.7%
---------- --------------- -----------
Cash generated by operations GBP18.4m GBP11.1m +65.8%
---------- --------------- -----------
Cash generated by operations / EBITDA 84.4% 66.5%
---------- --------------- -----------
1) All adjusted measures set out above and throughout this
document which are described as "adjusted" represent Alternative
Performance Measures ("APMs") and are separately presented within
the statement of comprehensive income or reconciled in the
Financial Review section or segment note and are applied
consistently. Where reference is made to adjusted EPS this is
stated on a fully diluted basis. Definitions and recalculations of
APMs are included in the Financial Review. Our Policy on the use of
APMs is included in note 2.
2) The prior period comparative figures have been restated for
the effects of the adoption of IFRS 15, see note 3 for details of
the impact of the change in accounting policies.
Key Highlights
Financial Highlights
A strong financial performance in the half year characterised by
-
-- Revenue increasing by 18.3% to GBP137.6m
-- EBITDA (also being adj EBITDA) increasing by 30.5% to GBP21.8m
-- Adjusted EPS (FD) increasing by 28.8% to 13.4p
Operational Highlights
-- Continued strong growth -
o The number of installed SIP Trunks increased from 680,000 at
31 December 2017 to 766,000 at 30 June 2018 (+13%).
o The number of Cloud PBX users increased from 331,000 to
384,000 (+16%).
o As a result of ongoing investment, data products have
performed very well. Broadband has increased from 76,000 units to
85,000 (+12%) and Ethernet from 6,900 to 8,000 (+16%).
o Mobile connections have increased from 35,000 to 42,000 (+20%)
and Gamma successfully launched "Connect", a solution which
provides business critical end-user features to Gamma Horizon and
Business Mobile users.
-- Strong growth across Gamma's indirect business- continued
focus on both strengthening current channel relationships and
identifying new partner relationships.
o Gross profit from indirect business increased from GBP39.5m in
H1 2017 to GBP46.6m in H1 2018 (+18%).
o The number of Channel Partners grew from 1,089 at 31 December
2017 to 1,146 at 30 June 2018 (+5%).
o The Gamma Academy delivered 8,349 training courses to Channel
Partners during H1 2018, representing strong engagement and
participation across our partner base.
o Gamma Accelerate delivered a significant increase in marketing
campaigns run by Channel Partners during the period, when compared
to H1 2017, and 75% of Gamma's partners are now actively using the
platform.
-- Strong execution across all aspects of Gamma's direct
business, continues to drive very positive growth.
o Gross profit up from GBP12.1m in H1 2017 to GBP15.7m in H1
2018 (+30%).
o Improved pipeline and several new contract wins has materially
improved contracted backlog during the period, which provides a
very confident future growth outlook.
o In addition to an increased focus on cross-selling and
up-selling to existing customers, new contract wins in the period
included PRA Group, Xoserve, Howarth Timber and Engie.
o Gamma's strategy to develop a strong Public-Sector line of
business is progressing well, with key wins from the Scottish
Government, The Met Office and the YMCA, as well as several key
wins across Central Government.
-- Gamma's new high capacity national optical network project
was delivered on schedule and on budget. This enables Gamma to
deliver services at 10Gb/s and above.
Andrew Taylor, Chief Executive Officer, commented
"I have been really impressed by what I have observed during my
first months at Gamma, from colleagues, customers and other
business partners. It is clear that Gamma has a deserved market
leading reputation for customer service and reliability, product
quality and innovation - as the strong results demonstrate today.
These all represent important aspects of Gamma's business model and
provide a fantastic platform from which to take the business
forward. I am focused on making sure that Gamma continues to
deliver what its customers and channel partners want, while also
ensuring that we continue to take the business forward and maintain
its market leadership."
Enquiries:
Gamma Communications plc Tel: +44 (0)333 006 5972
Richard Last, Chairman
Andrew Taylor, Chief Executive
Officer
Andrew Belshaw, Chief Financial
Officer
Investec Bank plc (NOMAD & Broker) Tel: +44 (0)207 597 5970
Andrew Pinder / Sebastian Lawrence
Patrick Robb / Neil Coleman
Tulchan Communications LLP (PR Tel: +44 (0)207 353 4200
Adviser)
James Macey White / Matt Low
Notes to Editors
Gamma is a rapidly growing, technology based, provider of
communications services to the business market (sales are in GBP to
UK based businesses). Gamma's services, such as Cloud PBX, Inbound
Call Control Services and SIP Trunking, are designed to meet the
increasingly complex voice, data and mobility requirements of
businesses, through the exploitation of its own intellectual
property.
Gamma also provides business-grade mobile and data services and,
as a consequence of its history, has a substantial voice service
capability. These services enable Gamma to provide a comprehensive
range of communications services. Gamma has enjoyed strong organic
revenue and EBITDA growth driven by a high percentage of revenues
which repeat monthly.
Chairman's statement
Introduction
I am pleased to present the unaudited results for the half year
ended 30 June 2018.
Overview of Results
Group revenue for the half year ended 30 June 2018 increased by
GBP21.3m to GBP137.6m (H1 2017 (Restated): GBP116.3m) an increase
of 18% on the prior half year. Of this increase, GBP13.3m came from
the indirect channel where revenue increased to GBP103.1m (H1 2017
(Restated): GBP89.8m) while GBP8.0m came from the direct business
which saw revenue increase to GBP34.5m (H1 2017 (Restated):
GBP26.5m). Gross profit for the six months to 30 June 2018 rose to
GBP62.3m, an increase of 21% compared to the GBP51.6m (as restated)
achieved in the same period of 2017, whilst the gross margin
increased to 45% (H1 2017 (Restated): 44%) due to improved product
mix. Adjusted EBITDA for the group increased by 31% to GBP21.8m (H1
2017 (Restated): GBP16.7m).
Adjusted fully diluted earnings per share for the half year
increased by 29% to 13.4p (H1 2017 (Restated): 10.4p).
The Cash Generated by Operations for the first half was GBP18.4m
compared to GBP11.1m in H1 2017 (as restated). This represents a
cash to adjusted EBITDA conversion ratio in respect of 2018 of 84%
compared to 66% (as restated) for H1 2017; the prior period figure
being depressed as a result of paying suppliers early in exchange
for better terms. The closing cash balance for the half year was
GBP36.9m compared to GBP31.6m at the end of December 2017.
Dividend
Gamma remains committed to a progressive dividend policy. The
Board is therefore pleased to declare an interim dividend, in
respect of the six months ended 30 June 2018, of 3.1 pence per
share (2017: 2.8 pence) an increase of 11% which will be payable on
Thursday 18 October 2018 to shareholders on the register on Friday
21 September 2018.
Business Development
We continue to launch new products as well as developing our
existing product portfolio. The focus of our development programme
in the first half has been to provide services that deliver both
tangible business benefits to the end user and support our channel
partner base to develop their businesses. With those two objectives
in mind the first half of 2018 saw the full market launch of
Connect, the fixed/mobile converged product that integrates a
mobile user with the Gamma Cloud PBX service, Horizon. The service
includes an easy to use App that supports advanced voicemail and
number presentation services, and feedback from early adopters of
the product has been very positive.
Increasingly we are focusing on providing integrated services
that support a combination of key business applications (such as
CRM) with business communications. Horizon now integrates with a
greater number of CRM systems making the service an integral part
of the end user's key business systems.
We continue to enhance the enabling connectivity services that
underpin customers' requirements for high quality, cost effective
connectivity to cloud based applications. For example, we have
introduced Cityfibre into our Ethernet build out programme to
provide higher speed access and carrier diversity.
Alongside product development, we invest in programmes to
support Channel Partners to develop and optimize their own
business. Specifically we have increased our focus on our Channel
Partner Marketing Platform (Accelerate) and this is now actively
used by over 75% of our Partners to assist them to generate and
convert customer leads. Channel partners are also using our online
training platform (The Academy) significantly more. This not only
enables Partners to keep up to date with new products and train new
staff but it is also cost effective for them and Gamma.
In the indirect channel, our Channel Partners continue to drive
growth in our key products -
-- Daisy consolidated significant Inbound services with Gamma and committed to growth in SIP.
-- Natilik signed a contract with Coventry Building Society to deliver 3,000 SIP trunks.
-- Maintel have delivered Gamma's Horizon Cloud PBX solution into GAP Clothing.
-- GCX has taken our mobile offering into SpecSavers using our SIMs for data in 800 stores.
-- A mobile application provider has selected Gamma to terminate
their high-volume SMS traffic.
-- As part of a strong channel partnership with Sabio, they are
deploying 4,000 SIP trunks into several large enterprise customers
including Saga, Admiral, Aegon and Investec.
The Direct business continues to perform very well. This is
attributable to several reasons, including a continued focus
on:
-- Pipeline Development & Sales Execution: As part of
building a mature funnel and pipeline of new business
opportunities, Gamma has identified and won several new customer
contracts across both the enterprise and public sector.
-- Contracts in central Government: During the period Gamma
achieved Stage One compliance to the Health and Social Care Network
(HSCN) framework and was also approved on the NHS Digital RM3825
Dynamic Purchasing System, which provides Gamma with the
opportunity to address the procurement teams at 1,200
organisations
-- Excellent pre-sales and post-sales delivery and customer
service execution: Gamma continues to build a very strong
reputation for quality, flexibility and for delivering against our
commitments, while ensuring that our SLA and customer service both
delivers and exceeds customer expectations.
-- Continued investment in developing and strengthening the
quality of the Gamma team, while transforming our way of working
through the implementation of an end-to-end digital strategy. In
the future, through digitisation and automation, this will
materially improve Gamma's operational agility and enhance our
overall customer service proposition and experience.
Board and Employees
In May, Bob Falconer, CEO, retired and stood down from the
Board. I am pleased to say that the Company will continue to
benefit from Bob's significant company knowledge and industry
expertise on a part-time consultancy basis. On behalf of everyone
at Gamma, I would like to thank him for his excellent and loyal
service.
As a result of Bob's retirement, Andrew Taylor joined the Board
on 4 April and took over as CEO at the AGM on 23 May. Andrew has
made an immediate and positive impact on the business. During the
second half of this year, Andrew will refine the group's strategy
to ensure that we continue to grow into the medium and long
term.
As of the 30 June 2018, Gamma had 925 employees, an increase
from 901 from 31 December 2017. This growth is driven by the
general expansion of the business and the continued investment in
new service development and changing mix of products. Meanwhile
operational gearing efficiencies have helped adjusted EBITDA margin
grow from 14.4% of revenue in the first half of 2017 (as restated)
to 15.8% of revenue in the first half of 2018.
The company introduced a sharesave scheme for the third year in
a row. This follows on from those introduced successfully in
previous years. Once again, it was particularly pleasing to see the
exceptionally high take up, with 257 staff choosing to participate
in the scheme (2017: 231).
The Board recognises the high levels of support and commitment
from its staff and would like to express its thanks for their
dedication, hard work and enthusiasm.
We continue to assist apprentices to gain valuable work
experience, to continue their education and to gain nationally
recognised qualifications. At present, we have 11 apprentices
currently employed in IT, HR, Infrastructure Support, Software
Development, Sales and Customer Service. We have a good track
record of offering permanent employment at the end of these
apprenticeships, and expanding opportunities for apprentices across
the business remains a priority for Gamma. We consider diversity to
be an important part of our culture at Gamma, and run a number of
programmes across our business to support and promote this.
Outlook
The Board looks forward enthusiastically to the remainder of
2018 and beyond. Gamma has a business model which delivers a very
high percentage of recurring revenues. As a predominantly channel
focused business, Gamma will continue to concentrate efforts and
investment on strengthening our relationship and capabilities to
support the channel to be successful, while ensuring that in the
direct business, we continue to focus on growth and on building on
an already strong reputation for operational excellence and service
quality.
Richard Last
Chairman
Chief Executive Review
Introduction
I have enjoyed getting to know Gamma since I joined and I have
been impressed by the quality of our people and our very positive
corporate culture, coupled with the strength of our technology and
the relationships with our channel partners and customers.
I would like to thank Bob for his hard work in getting the
company to the place it is today. I have also been grateful for his
support during our handover period, and I am very happy to report
that feedback from our partners, customers and staff has been very
positive. Our stated objective and focus on "business continuity"
during this period was important, and I believe our results during
the period are testament to this.
I am delighted to be able to say that the first half of 2018 has
been Gamma's strongest ever, both in absolute terms and in terms of
growth from the prior period. We have continued to deliver strong
revenue and margin growth representing a very positive performance
and a strong set of financial results.
Products & Marketing
Gamma continues to focus on Product Developments that both add
value to our existing offerings and open up new opportunities to
create margin for our Indirect Channel Partners and our Direct
business.
The key focus of our Product Developments for the near term is
to add features and value to our existing core products. The
developments are targeted to support the growing demand for
integrated communications that support the core line of business
and enable end users to support their customers efficiently. As
part of this plan we are looking to introduce a focused set of
propositions that support the business communications requirements
of some targeted key verticals.
The key highlights of what we will develop and take to market in
the second half of 2018 include an expansion to our Cloud PBX
service (Horizon) to include additional Unified Communications
services (UCaaS) such as enhanced audioconferencing, web meetings,
application sharing and video conferencing. The introduction of
these advanced collaboration services will enable the Horizon
service to support the growing demand for businesses to communicate
in a more integrated way with their customers, suppliers and staff.
The development will also support the trend for larger SME
businesses to consume unified communications services from a cloud
based solution which in turn will expand Gamma's addressable
market. We will also enhance and strengthen our call recording and
PCI compliance services to differentiate our product set amongst
end users that require specific compliance solutions. These
solutions are a growing requirement across multiple industries and
we will couple these platforms with the Gamma Cloud PBX, SIP
Trunking and Mobile services.
As business continues to demand greater bandwidth from any
location so that it can access cloud based applications, we
continue to enhance our enabling services of Data Access and
Mobility.
On the back of the core network upgrade that we undertook in the
first half of 2018, we will launch 10Gbps Ethernet services to meet
the growing demand of customers for large bandwidth consumption to
access critical cloud based applications.
We will launch an optional enhancement to our Ethernet and
multiple site data networks, by introducing a 4G data option to
provide a "fast start" connection to businesses providing
connectivity before the main data connection is installed. The
solution also provides resilience to the site in the event that the
main connection is disrupted.
We are further adding end to end connectivity services for our
customers with the introduction of a managed Wi-FI service and
Direct Connections to Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft
Azure/Office365 from our Core Network.
Our business focused Mobile service continues to grow the number
of connections, and to support this increase we are planning to
introduce the ability to make calls over WiFi to increase the
coverage of the service. This simple application will allow users
to get connectivity to the mobile network via any WiFi solution
increasing the ability to connect to the network.
Everything that we provide to Partners and End Users is
underpinned by the Gamma Digital platforms that support the Sales
process of the Indirect and Direct businesses from lead generation
to execution of the order and the ongoing support of the services.
Ongoing investment in these platforms is a key element of the Gamma
strategy to ensure that we are offering the buying experience that
the customer requires as well as minimizing the cost of customer
acquisition and support.
Indirect Business Channel
The indirect business channel has had a particularly strong
start to the financial year, with the channel's team focused on
several key areas, with the objective of continuing to develop and
strengthen Gamma's overall channel proposition. This includes a
focus on three core areas which are designed to further enable our
channel partners to be more competitive and successful in growing
market share in their respective market areas:
-- Cross-selling and Up-selling more of our existing products to our current channel base;
-- Selling new products & services into our current channel base; and
-- Development of new partners and programs to support the growth of their businesses
Due to relatively low penetration rates in the UK for Cloud PBX,
and building on both Gamma and the indirect channels leadership in
this product category, Gamma's primary focus will be on maximizing
the growth opportunity that this presents. This will include both a
product, solution and commercial focus on both discrete sales with
partners, coupled with providing an anchor to up-sell and
cross-sell Data and Mobile services.
In addition to this, and as described above, Gamma's launch of a
set of Unified Communication (UCaaS) tools and applications will
enhance the Horizon Cloud PBX proposition for our channel partners,
and present an opportunity for them to up-sell this to their
existing customers. The enhanced features and functionality which
UCaaS provides, coupled with a number of additional features
currently on Gamma's roadmap (e.g. Hosted Contact Centre, MIFID
Call Recording and PCI compliance), will enable our channel
partners to service the UK mid-market with Gamma's products, where
they will currently sell products from other vendors. This presents
Gamma and our partners with an opportunity to extend our current
addressable market for Cloud PBX.
Direct Business Channel
Our SME and Enterprise business units had a good start to the
year and secured several new contracts. Some notable wins in the
period were:
-- Engie, a leading energy and services company awarded Gamma an
advance data network services contract across more than 300
locations.
-- The PRA Group (a debt collections company) awarded Gamma a
multiyear contract to deliver next generation SIP into their
contact center to support their core business.
-- Xoserve, Britain's Central Services Provider to the gas
market awarded Gamma a contract to connect over 200 members to
their IX Network.
-- Howarth Timber, the Builders Merchant chose Gamma to provide
a managed data network to its 30 UK locations to support its retail
operations.
In the Public Sector, Gamma was pleased to achieve HSCN Stage
One accreditation and is on track to achieve Stage Two compliance
shortly. During the period, we also secured key supply contracts
with:
-- The Scottish Government awarded Gamma a contract and will
migrate their legacy PSTN voice service to Gamma's next generation
SIP services - this will be delivered over the Scottish Wide Area
Network (SWAN).
-- The Met Office, awarded Gamma a contract to connect their 50
UK facilities with Gamma's advanced data services. In addition, The
Met Office will also be utilising Gamma Mobile's 4G service for
remote connectivity.
In addition to these important new business wins, we are pleased
with the level of contract extensions and renewals across all
market sectors, and continue as a business to focus on up-selling
and cross-selling across our current customer base.
To support our growth in Direct, we are continuing to review the
structure of our direct business to provide organisational
efficiencies. We are concurrently undertaking a digital
transformation program to enhance self-service (which will improve
efficiency and reduce cost) and drive customer support excellence;
this program is progressing well.
Network
The new high capacity national optical network project was
delivered on schedule and on budget. This will enable Gamma to
deliver services at 10Gb/s and above from the second half of 2018
which increases IP capacity in to multiple Terrabits/s whilst
providing reach into major business districts for access circuit
provision.
In practice this means that:
-- Gamma now provides connectivity between the key Central
Business Districts ("CBD") on the M4, M5, M6, M62 and M1 corridors.
This allows Gamma to connect end customers to its network with high
capacity Ethernet pipes in these CBD and deliver our SIP or hosted
services.
-- Gamma now has greater control of the connectivity from the
CBD across our network and out to the other carriers or internet
providing a better end user experience.
-- The network is more resilient due to its ring architecture
and provision of dual paths (clockwise & anticlockwise) for
customers' traffic - if there is a fibre break then traffic is
re-routed in the other direction.
-- Overall, due to improved efficiencies and the nature of a
modern network architecture, we are able to reduce costs.
In addition, we previously reported a three-year programme to
remove legacy voice equipment in order to reduce costs (data centre
and support). This programme is now complete and has delivered
annualised savings of cGBP3m p.a. ongoing network costs have been
removed (against 2016 levels), and these savings are included
within in these results.
Outlook
I have thoroughly enjoyed my first months in Gamma, and look
forward to working with everyone in the company, including our
channel partners and customers, as we collectively focus our
efforts on developing and growing our business in the coming
years.
In the short-term, Gamma will focus on executing against our
commitments and promises, and we will continue to strengthen
capabilities across our core products, channels and markets. A
continued focus on quality and operational excellence will be a key
feature, coupled with ensuring that we harness the skills and
talent across Gamma to support and fully enable our channel
partners and end-customer to be more successful. These have proven
to be successful ingredients in the past and we will continue to
build on these strong foundations.
From the market perspective, although we have witnessed some
increased competition, in the short-term, we expect sales of SIP
and Cloud PBX to continue to grow, and we will continue to work on
innovations on our key product portfolio to ensure they stay
competitive.
During the next six months we are developing a plan for our
longer-term vision and growth strategy, with the objective of
building on Gamma's already strong foundations, and ensuring that
we put in place a well-structured plan that delivers long-term
sustainable growth for many years to come.
As a final point, I would like to personally thank our staff,
partners and customers for their contribution and ongoing support.
Our performance during the first-half of the year has been strong,
and we remain very optimistic about the future growth prospects for
Gamma.
Andrew Taylor
Chief Executive Officer
Financial review
As the Chairman and CEO have outlined, the first half of 2018
was characterised by one of Gamma's strongest trading performances.
This is discussed below.
Changes in presentation and accounting policy
These are the first results which are presented by Gamma
following the adoption of IFRS 9 and 15 and adoption of the latter
means the prior period has been restated. IFRS 9 has not resulted
in a restatement but merely additional disclosure.
In addition, Gamma has chosen to adopt IFRS 16 early and it has
also chosen to use the modified retrospective approach to adoption
which means there are no restatements to the prior year figures.
Gamma is also presenting its results differently in that Share
Based Payments are no longer considered to be an adjusting item.
That is, in our prior year results "adjusted EBITDA" and "adjusted
EPS" were adjusted for Share Based Payments whereas this is no
longer the case, and comparative adjusted measures no longer
include Share Based Payments.
Therefore a number of prior period figures herein are shown as
"restated". The impact of the restatement is an increase in revenue
of GBP1.3m and a decrease in profit before tax of GBP0.4m for the
period ended 30 June 2017. Reconciliations are given below in this
financial review section and in note 3 to the unaudited interim
financial information.
Revenue and gross profit
Indirect business
Revenue from the indirect business grew from GBP89.8m (as
restated) to GBP103.1m (+15%) and gross profit grew from GBP39.5m
(as restated) to GBP46.6m - an increase of GBP7.1m.
The traditional business (which includes calls and lines and
trade with other carriers) declined significantly in 2017 but that
decline was somewhat muted in the first half of 2018. The gross
profit from this part of the business decreased slightly by GBP0.9m
to GBP5.9m (2017(restated): GBP6.8m). Whilst the calls and lines
business (CPS and WLR) continues to decline as businesses move from
legacy technology to new IP based products, our Carrier business is
growing slightly after several years of decline. This is driven by
a number of "non-traditional" carriers entering the UK market who
are leveraging Gamma's expertise in IP telephony and number porting
to support their own business offerings.
We group our data, mobile, SIP and Cloud PBX products as our
"growth" products and revenue from growth product sales increased
from GBP63.7m (restated) to GBP78.7m (+24%) and gross profit grew
from GBP32.7m (restated) to GBP40.7m (+24%). The gross margin grew
from 51% to 52%, which reflects the fact that the main contributor
to this growth was SIP Trunking, which has a higher margin than
other products. SIP Trunking and our Cloud PBX product (Horizon)
grew in line with previous years and our data products have shown
increased levels of growth. Our mobile product had subscriber
numbers increasing throughout H1 2018 and hence the product
contributed favourably to gross profit when comparing 2018 to
2017.
Direct business
The direct business continues to grow strongly. Revenue
increased from GBP26.5m in 2017 (restated) to GBP34.5m (+30%) and
gross profit from GBP12.1m (restated) to GBP15.7m (+30%). The gross
margins for the first half were 46% which is the same as the
(restated) prior year.
The growth was attributable to sales of growth products and
gross profit on these products grew from GBP10.2m to GBP13.9m. This
business continues to move from selling to smaller customers to
larger enterprise businesses and public sector customers on
multi-year deals. The order book remains strong with significant
customer wins anticipated in the second half.
Operating expenses
Operating expenses grew from GBP39.6m (2017, restated) to
GBP46.8m.
We break these down as follows -
H1 2018 H1 2017
GBPm GBPm
--------------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Expenses included within cash generated from operations
- not related to leases 39.5 33.1
Expenses included within cash generated from operations
- related to leases - 0.6
Depreciation and amortisation - tangible and intangible
assets 5.6 4.7
Depreciation and amortisation - right of use assets 0.7 -
Share based payments 1.0 1.2
Operating expenses 46.8 39.6
--------------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
We have separated the elements relating to leases and right of
use assets to illustrate the effect of the adoption of IFRS 16.
We also separately present expenses included within cash
generated from operations which have a more immediate effect on the
cashflows of the business. Items such as depreciation and
share-based payments are "non-cash" in the year in which they are
incurred. We believe that it is helpful to a user of the accounts
to understand how the expenses interact with the cash demands of
the business.
We also present the effect of share-based payments. Historically
we showed EBITDA and EPS adjusted for Share Based Payments because
the historical charges were inflated by significant levels of
awards made at the point of IPO and have reduced significantly
period on period and hence the decreasing charges were not
reflective of the business performance but were merely reflective
of the fact that lower levels of options have been awarded post
float. Given that Share Based Payments have now stabilised these
are no longer excluded. However we show the impact of expenses so
that a user can compare previous published data with the current
period data. In addition most analysts who comment on Gamma still
forecast an EBITDA and EPS adjusted for share based payments and by
disclosing the amounts a user of the accounts is able to compare
Gamma's performance with the forecasts of the analyst
community.
Movements in cash based expenses were driven by:
-- Ongoing growth in the number of customers buying new products
for the first time continues to be a driver of overhead, especially
in the area of provisioning product to our new enterprise
customers;
-- increased investment in product research that doesn't meet capitalisation criteria; and
-- continued investment in our sales teams.
The above increases were offset to some degree by our ongoing
programme to reduce the running costs of our network through
selective additional investment. We have eliminated GBP3m of costs
per annum between 2016 and 2018 and this has been a contributor to
the strong business performance in 2017 and the first half of 2018.
This programme is now concluded and those cost savings have been
included within these results.
Depreciation and amortisation have increased from GBP4.7m in the
first half of 2017 (as restated) to GBP5.6m in the present half.
This is driven by increased capex over the past few years and the
annual depreciation charge is now in line with the annual capex
spend.
Share based payments are now at a consistent level year on year;
they had been higher in previous years due to share awards made at
the time of float in 2014.
Alternative performance measures
Our policy for alternative performance measures is set out in
note 2.
The tables below reconcile the alternative performance measures
used in this document -
2018
Measure
Statutory Adjusted
basis Tax items basis
-------------- ---------- ---------- -----------
PAT (GBPm) 12.7 - 12.7
EPS (FD) (p) 13.4 - 13.4
-------------- ---------- ---------- -----------
2017 (as restated)
Measure Statutory Adjusted
basis Tax items basis
-------------- ---------- ---------- ---------
PAT (GBPm) 10.7 (0.9) 9.8
EPS (FD) (p) 11.4 (1.0) 10.4
-------------- ---------- ---------- ---------
Adjusted EBITDA and EBITDA
The combination of increasing sales of new products and
operational improvements means that EBITDA grew from GBP16.7m in
2017 (restated) to GBP21.8m or 31%.
In order to allow users of the accounts to see how these changes
have affected the key metrics, we present a reconciliation
below.
Adjusted EBITDA
-------------------
H1 2018 H1 2017
GBPm GBPm Growth
-------- ---------
Consistent with 2017 presentation
and accounting policy 25.2 19.7 28%
Changes due to presentation
* Share Based Payments (1.0) (1.2)
Changes due to accounting policy
* IFRS 15 (3.0) (1.8)
* IFRS 16 0.6 -
Consistent with 2018 presentation
and accounting policy 21.8 16.7 31%
-------- ---------
The changes to accounting policy and presentation have slightly
flattered the percentage growth of EBITDA but this is driven mainly
by the effect of IFRS 16 which has adjusted the current period
(favourably) and not the comparator as this is not restated; if the
effect of IFRS 16 were to be removed the percentage growth is the
same under both bases.
Under the current accounting policy there are no adjusting items
for the period ended 30 June 2018.
Taxation
The effective tax rate for the first half of 2018 was 18.1%
(2017 - 11.6%). Note that the rate in the previous period was
depressed significantly by a non-recurring tax credit of GBP0.9m
which related to a tax overpayment from 2014 and earlier years
where the underlying position has only recently been resolved. The
effective rate for 2018 is more indicative of the ongoing position.
The tax rate is lower than the statutory rate for the year of
19.00% (2017: 19.25%) because the Group benefits from research and
development tax credits. Due to the on-going research that the
Group does, we would expect the effective tax rate for the Group to
remain slightly below the statutory rate.
Cash flows
The cash balance at the end of the half was GBP36.9m, up from
GBP31.6m at the end of the previous year.
We had previously published a ratio of the adjusted EBITDA
compared to Cash generated by operations and commented that we
would expect this ratio to average 90% giving a guide to the level
of cash conversion from the underlying trading before our capex
programme.
The accounting standard changes mentioned above have also
affected the presentation of items within the statement of cash
flows between Cash generated by operations and Investing
activities.
Cash generated by operations figure is reconciled below: -
Cash generated by operations
------------------------------
H1 2018 H1 2017
GBPm GBPm Growth
-------------- --------------
Consistent with 2017 presentation
and accounting policy 22.5 15.3 47%
Changes due to accounting policy
* IFRS 15 - Customer Premises Equipment ("CPE") Spend (5.2) (5.1)
* IFRS 15 - Software spend 0.5 0.9
* IFRS 16 0.6 -
Consistent with 2018 presentation
and accounting policy 18.4 11.1 66%
-------------- --------------
As a result of the changes to adjusted EBITDA and the Cash
generated by operations we also set out below a comparison of the
ratio under the old and new basis -
Cash generated by operations /
adj. EBITDA
----------------------------------
H1 2018 H1 2017
GBPm GBPm
---------------- ----------------
Consistent with 2017 presentation
and accounting policy 22.5/25.2 = 89% 15.3/19.7 = 78%
Consistent with 2018 presentation
and accounting policy 18.4/21.8 = 84% 11.1/16.7 = 66%
---------------- ----------------
Using either the old basis or the new basis the cash flow from
operations has improved in the first half of 2018 compared to the
previous period. This is due to payments made in advance to
suppliers in 2017 in return for better terms.
The overall cash conversion looks less favourable under the new
accounting policy because provision of CPE to customers is now
treated as a sale with deferred payment terms and therefore
cashflows which had appeared as capex are now, in effect, working
capital movements.
Capital spend for the half was GBP6.3m, which is an increase
from GBP4.9m in the comparative period. This is discussed in detail
below.
The Group continues to be debt free and a number of lenders have
indicated that they would be willing to support the Group with debt
were it to be required for capital expenditure programmes or
M&A activity.
Capital expenditure
The Group spent GBP6.3m (2017, as restated: GBP4.9m) on capital
which was split as follows.
-- Regular spend on maintaining and increasing capacity on the
core network was GBP5.2m (2017:GBP4.9m) -
o GBP4.2m was the cost of increasing capacity and development of
the core network as well as other minor items such as IT and
fixtures and fittings (2017: GBP3.5m). This includes spend of
GBP1.0m on our mobile infrastructure.
o GBP0.5m was the capitalisation of development costs incurred
during the period (2017: GBP0.5m).
o GBP0.5m was spent with third party software vendors for the
software which underpins our Cloud PBX product (2017: GBP0.9m).
-- Project spend was as follows -
o GBP1.1m was spent on the new national network. (2017: nil in
the first half).
Note that following adoption of IFRS 15, CPE is no longer
capitalised.
Creation of Right to Use asset
Upon the adoption of IFRS 16, an additional fixed asset of
GBP6.2m was created. A corresponding liability was also created.
This is a "non-cash item".
Adjusted EPS (FD) and Statutory EPS (FD)
Adjusted EPS (FD) increased from 10.4p (as restated) to 13.4p
(29%). As for EBITDA, the revision to accounting policies and
changes in presentation impact the results. We have therefore
provided a reconciliation to previous presentation and policies to
aid users of these accounts:
Adjusted EPS (FD)
--------------------
H1 2018 H1 2017
p p Growth
--------- ---------
Consistent with 2017 presentation
and accounting policy 14.4 11.6 +24%
Changes due to presentation
* Share Based Payments (0.8) (0.9)
Changes due to accounting policy
* IFRS 15 (0.1) (0.3)
* IFRS 16 (0.1) -
Consistent with 2018 presentation
and accounting policy 13.4 10.4 +29%
--------- ---------
Under both the new and old regimes, the growth in adjusted EPS
(FD) has been significant due to the very strong trading in the
half described earlier.
Statutory EPS (FD) grew from 11.4p to 13.4p (18%). The growth is
lower than the adjusted metric because, in the previous period, the
figure was flattered by a tax rebate from previous years which was
adjusted out as it was non-recurring and non-trading.
Dividends
The Board has proposed an interim dividend of 3.1p (2017: 2.8p).
This is an increase of 11% and is in line with our progressive
dividend policy.
The interim dividend is payable on Thursday 18 October 2018 to
shareholders on the register as at Friday 21 September 2018.
Andrew Belshaw
Chief Financial Officer
MANAGEMENT STATEMENT
This Interim Management Report (IMR) has been prepared solely to
provide additional information to shareholders to assess the
Group's strategies and the potential for those strategies to
succeed. The IMR should not be relied on by any other party or for
any other purpose.
The IMR contains certain forward-looking statements. These
statements are made by the directors in good faith based on the
information available to them up to the time of their approval of
this report but such statements should be treated with caution due
to the inherent uncertainties, including both economic and business
risk factors, underlying any such forward-looking information.
RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:
-- the condensed set of interim financial statements has been
prepared in accordance with IAS34 "Interim Financial
Reporting";
-- the interim management report includes a fair review of the
information required by DTR 4.27R (indication of important events
during the first six months and description of principal risks and
uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year); and
-- the interim management report includes a fair review of the
information required by DTR 4.28R (disclosure of related party
transactions and changes therein).
By the order of the board
3 September 2018
INDEPENT REVIEW REPORT TO GAMMA COMMUNICATIONS PLC
We have been engaged by the company to review the condensed set
of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the
six months ended 30 June 2018 which comprises the statement of
comprehensive income, the statement of financial position, the
statement of changes in equity and the statement of cash flows and
related notes 1 to 13. We have read the other information contained
in the half-yearly financial 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
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 Financial
Reporting Council. Our work has been undertaken so that we might
state to the company those matters we are required to state to it
in an independent review 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 formed.
Directors' responsibilities
The half-yearly financial report is the responsibility of, and
has been approved by, the directors. The directors are responsible
for preparing the half-yearly financial report in accordance with
the AIM Rules of the London Stock Exchange.
As disclosed in note 1, the annual financial statements of the
group are prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the
European Union. The condensed set of financial statements included
in this half-yearly financial report has been prepared in
accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 "Interim
Financial Reporting," as adopted by the European Union.
Our responsibility
Our responsibility is to express to the Company a conclusion on
the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly
financial 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 Financial Reporting Council for use in
the United Kingdom. A review of interim financial information
consists of making inquiries, primarily of persons responsible for
financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other
review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an
audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on
Auditing (UK) and consequently does not enable us to obtain
assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters
that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not
express an audit opinion.
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 financial report for the six months ended 30
June 2018 is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance
with International Accounting Standard 34 as adopted by the
European Union and the AIM Rules of the London Stock Exchange.
Deloitte LLP
Statutory Auditor
Reading, United Kingdom
3 September 2018
Condensed consolidated unaudited statement of comprehensive
income
For the six month period ended 30 June 2018
Six months Six months Year ended
ended ended 31 December
30 June 2018 30 June 2017 2017
Notes GBPm GBPm GBPm
Restated Restated
Unaudited Unaudited Audited *
*
==================================================================== ====== ================== ================ =============
Revenue 4 137.6 116.3 242.0
Cost of sales (75.3) (64.7) (133.3)
==================================================================== ====== ================== ================ =============
Gross profit 62.3 51.6 108.7
Operating expenses (46.8) (39.6) (82.4)
-------------------------------------------------------------------- ------ ------------------ ---------------- -------------
Earnings before depreciation and
amortisation (EBITDA) 21.8 16.7 36.0
Depreciation and amortisation (6.3) (4.7) (10.4)
Gain on disposal of assets - - 0.7
-------------------------------------------------------------------- ------ ------------------ ---------------- -------------
Profit from operations 15.5 12.0 26.3
Finance income 0.1 0.1 0.2
Finance expense (0.1) - -
==================================================================== ====== ================== ================ =============
Profit before tax 15.5 12.1 26.5
Tax expense 5 (2.8) (1.4) (3.8)
==================================================================== ====== ================== ================ =============
Profit after tax 12.7 10.7 22.7
==================================================================== ====== ================== ================ =============
Total
comprehensive
income
attributable
to the owner
of the parent 12.7 10.7 22.7
==================================================================== ====== ================== ================ =============
Earnings per share 6
Basic per ordinary share (pence) 13.6 11.6 24.5
Diluted per ordinary share (pence) 13.4 11.4 24.0
==================================================================== ====== ================== ================ =============
Adjusted earnings per share is shown in note 6.
*Restated results following the adoption of IFRS 15 as explained
in note 3
Condensed consolidated unaudited statement of financial
position
At 30 June 2018
Six months Six months Year ended
ended ended 31 December
30 June 2018 30 June 2017 2017
Notes GBPm GBPm GBPm
Restated* Restated*
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
=========================================== ======= ========================== ============= ============
Assets
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment 7 30.5 25.0 29.2
Right of use assets 8 5.5 - -
Intangible assets 9 14.9 14.6 15.5
Deferred tax asset 1.7 1.8 1.7
Trade and other receivables 10.5 9.1 10.9
=========================================== ======= ========================== ============= ============
63.1 50.5 57.3
=========================================== ======= ========================== ============= ============
Current assets
Inventories 4.1 4.0 3.2
Trade and other receivables 71.0 60.4 61.6
Cash and cash equivalents 36.9 28.7 31.6
=========================================== ======= ========================== ============= ============
112.0 93.1 96.4
=========================================== ======= ========================== ============= ============
Total assets 175.1 143.6 153.7
=========================================== ======= ========================== ============= ============
Liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Provisions 1.7 2.0 1.8
Lease liability 4.2 - -
Contract liabilities 8.7 6.9 7.8
Deferred tax - 0.2 -
=========================================== ======= ========================== ============= ============
14.6 9.1 9.6
=========================================== ======= ========================== ============= ============
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 45.5 40.8 39.8
Lease liability 1.4 - -
Contract liabilities 7.6 7.8 8.2
Current tax 1.8 2.5 0.8
=========================================== ======= ========================== ============= ============
56.3 51.1 48.8
=========================================== ======= ========================== ============= ============
Total liabilities 70.9 60.2 58.4
=========================================== ======= ========================== ============= ============
Issued capital and reserves attributable
to owners of the parent
Share capital 10 0.2 0.2 0.2
Share premium reserve 4.4 3.8 3.8
Merger reserve 2.3 2.3 2.3
Share option reserve 2.8 2.3 2.8
Own shares (0.8) (0.8) (0.8)
Retained earnings 95.3 75.6 87.0
=========================================== ======= ========================== ============= ============
Total equity 104.2 83.4 95.3
=========================================== ======= ========================== ============= ============
Total equity and liabilities 175.1 143.6 153.7
=========================================== ======= ========================== ============= ============
*Restated results following the adoption of IFRS 15 as explained
in note 3
Condensed consolidated unaudited statement of cash flows
For the six month period ended 30 June 2018
Six months Six months Year ended
ended Ended 31 December
30 June 2018 30 June 2017 2017
Notes GBPm GBPm GBPm
Restated* Restated*
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
======================================== ======= ============= ============= ============
Cash flows from operating activities
Profit for the period before
tax 15.5 12.1 26.5
Adjustments for:
Depreciation of property, plant
and equipment 7 4.0 3.2 7.4
Depreciation of Right of use
asset 8 0.7 - -
Amortisation of intangible assets 9 1.6 1.5 3.0
Share based payment expense 1.0 1.2 2.0
Interest income (0.1) (0.1) (0.2)
Finance cost 0.1 - -
======================================== ======= ============= ============= ============
22.8 17.9 38.7
======================================== ======= ============= ============= ============
(Increase) in trade and other
receivables (9.0) (15.6) (18.4)
(Increase) in inventories (0.9) (1.0) (0.2)
Increase in trade and other
payables 5.3 8.1 6.8
Increase in contract liabilities 0.3 1.7 3.0
(Decrease) in provisions and
employee benefits (0.1) - (0.1)
---------------------------------------- ------- ------------- ------------- ------------
Cash generated by operations 18.4 11.1 29.8
Taxes paid (1.8) (1.1) (3.6)
======================================== ======= ============= ============= ============
Net cash flows from operating
activities 16.6 10.0 26.2
Investing activities
Purchase of property, plant
and equipment 7 (5.3) (3.5) (12.1)
Purchase of intangible assets 9 (1.0) (1.4) (3.6)
Interest received 0.1 0.1 0.2
======================================== ======= ============= ============= ============
Net cash used in investing activities (6.2) (4.8) (15.5)
Financing activities
IFRS16 liability repayments (0.6) - -
Share issues 0.7 - -
Dividends (5.2) (4.7) (7.3)
======================================== ======= ============= ============= ============
Net cash used in financing activities (5.1) (4.7) (7.3)
Net increase in cash and cash
equivalents 5.3 0.5 3.4
Cash and cash equivalents at
beginning of period 31.6 28.2 28.2
======================================== ======= ============= ============= ============
Cash and cash equivalents at
end of period 36.9 28.7 31.6
======================================== ======= ============= ============= ============
*Restated results following the adoption of IFRS 15 as explained
in note 3
Condensed consolidated unaudited statement of changes in
equity
For the six month period ended 30 June 2018
Share capital Share premium Merger reserve Share option Own shares Retained Total equity
reserve earnings
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
--------------------- ------------- ------------- -------------- ------------ ---------- --------- ------------
1 January 2017 0.2 3.8 2.3 3.5 (0.8) 71.2 80.2
===================== ============= ============= ============== ============ ========== ========= ============
Change in Accounting
Policy - - - - - (3.7) (3.7)
Restated total equity
at 1 January
2017 * 0.2 3.8 2.3 3.5 (0.8) 67.5 76.5
Issue of shares - - - (2.1) - 2.1 -
Recognition of share
based payments - - - 0.9 - - 0.9
Dividends paid - - - - - (4.7) (4.7)
===================== ============= ============= ============== ============ ========== ========= ============
Transaction with
owners - - - (1.2) - (2.6) (3.8)
===================== ============= ============= ============== ============ ========== ========= ============
Profit for the half
year (restated)
* - - - - - 10.7 10.7
===================== ============= ============= ============== ============ ========== ========= ============
Total comprehensive
income (restated)
* - - - - - 10.7 10.7
===================== ============= ============= ============== ============ ========== ========= ============
30 June 2017
(restated) 0.2 3.8 2.3 2.3 (0.8) 75.6 83.4
===================== ============= ============= ============== ============ ========== ========= ============
1 January 2018 0.2 3.8 2.3 2.8 (0.8) 90.5 98.8
===================== ============= ============= ============== ============ ========== ========= ============
Change in Accounting
Policy - - - - - (3.5) (3.5)
Restated total equity
at 1 January
2018 * 0.2 3.8 2.3 2.8 (0.8) 87.0 95.3
Issue of shares - 0.6 - (0.8) - 0.8 0.6
Recognition of share
based payment
expense - - - 0.8 - - 0.8
Dividends paid - - - - - (5.2) (5.2)
--------------------- ------------- ------------- -------------- ------------ ---------- --------- ------------
Transaction with
owners - 0.6 - - - (4.4) (3.8)
--------------------- ------------- ------------- -------------- ------------ ---------- --------- ------------
Profit for the half
year - - - - - 12.7 12.7
--------------------- ------------- ------------- -------------- ------------ ---------- --------- ------------
Total comprehensive
income - - - - - 12.7 12.7
--------------------- ------------- ------------- -------------- ------------ ---------- --------- ------------
30 June 2018 0.2 4.4 2.3 2.8 (0.8) 95.3 104.2
===================== ============= ============= ============== ============ ========== ========= ============
*Restated results following the adoption of IFRS 15 as explained
in note 3
Notes forming part of the condensed consolidated unaudited
interim financial information
For the six month period ended 30 June 2018
1. Basis of preparation
The unaudited interim consolidated financial information for the
six months ended 30 June 2018 has been prepared following the
recognition and measurement principles of IFRS as adopted by the
European Union and in accordance with International Accounting
Standard 34 Interim Financial Reporting ('IAS34'). The interim
consolidated financial information does not include all the
information and disclosures required in the annual financial
information, and should be read in conjunction with the audited
statutory financial statements for the year ended 31 December
2017.
The condensed interim financial information contained in this
interim statement does not constitute financial statements as
defined by section 434(3) of the Companies Act 2006. The condensed
interim financial information has not been audited. The financial
information for the year ended 31 December 2017 is derived from the
audited statutory financial statements for the year ended 31
December 2017, which was unqualified and did not contain any
statement under section 498(2) or 498(3) of the Companies Act 2006.
The financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2017 have
been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The comparative
financial information for the period ended 30 June 2017 does not
constitute statutory accounts for that period.
For the accounting period commencing 1 January 2018 the
following new accounting standards are relevant to the Group:
-- IFRS 15 Revenue and Contracts with Customers (effective 1 January 2018)
-- IFRS 16 Leases (early adopted at 1 January 2018)
-- Amendments to IFRS 9 which replaces IAS 39 (effective date 1 January 2018)
Details of the impact of these accounting standards are shown in
Note 3.
In preparing the condensed interim financial information the
Directors have considered the Group's financial projections,
borrowing facilities and other relevant financial matters, and the
Board is satisfied that there is a reasonable expectation that the
Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence
for the foreseeable future. For this reason the Directors continue
to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial
information, the condensed financial information for the six month
period were approved by the board on 3 September 2018.
There have been no changes in the principle risks and
uncertainties during the period and therefore these remain
consistent with the year ended 31 December 2017 and are available
in the Annual report for that year.
2. Accounting policies
With the exception of Alternative Performance measures and those
referenced in note 3, the accounting policies adopted are
consistent with those followed in the preparation of the audited
statutory financial statements for the year ended 31 December
2017.
Alternative Performance Measures
Adjustments to EBITDA, PBT, EPS (fully diluted) and net
operating cash inflow before tax have been presented because the
Group believes that adjusted measures provide valuable additional
information for users of the financial statements in assessing the
Group's performance. Moreover, they provide information on the
performance of the business that management is more directly able
to influence in the short term and on a basis comparable from year
to year.
The measures are adjusted for the following items:
(a) Depreciation and amortisation
Depreciation and amortisation relate to assets which were
acquired by the Group. They are omitted from adjusted operating
expenses to allow a user to see how costs which management can
control in the short term have varied from period to period.
(b) Gain on disposal of PPE
The Group may sometimes make a gain or loss on disposal of an
asset. These gains or losses occur infrequently and are not trading
items (the Group does not trade in fixed assets and neither expects
to have gains or losses on disposal, nor does it budget for them).
These gains or losses will therefore affect EBITDA, PBT and EPS but
are not reflective of the ongoing trading profitability of the
Group. Therefore management excludes these items from the adjusted
figures to ensure that the trading performance of the business is
properly understood.
(c) Non-recurring tax credit
During the prior period there was a non-recurring tax credit of
GBP0.9m arising due to overpayment from 2014 and earlier years
where the underlying position has only recently been resolved. This
is not expected to recur and distorts the true effective tax rate
for the Group. This item impacts EPS. Adjusted EPS is stated before
non-recurring tax items to give a better understanding of the true
tax position of the Group.
(d) Other non-recurring items
Non-recurring items are those which are considered significant
by virtue of their nature, size or incidence, and are presented
separately in the Statement of Comprehensive Income to enable a
full understanding of the Group's financial performance.
There were none in the period or comparative period which
affected EBITDA or PBT.
Critical accounting estimates and judgements
Some of the critical accounting judgements and estimates require
management to make difficult, subjective or complex judgments or
estimates. The policies which management consider critical because
of the level of complexity, judgment or estimation involved in
their application and their impact on the financial Information are
consistent with the year ended 31 December 2017 and are available
in the Annual report for that year.
3. Change in accounting policies
New accounting standards and amendments effective for the period
and adopted by the Group in 2018 are IFRS 9 - Financial Instruments
and IFRS 15 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers.
IFRS 16 - Leases has also been adopted in the period, a year
earlier than the mandatory effective date of 1 January 2019. The
adoption of this standard has not resulted in a restatement of the
prior year figures.
IFRS 9 (Financial Instruments)
The adoption of IFRS 9 has not impacted the classification of
financial instruments. Derivatives (in the form of foreign exchange
forward contracts) continue to be measured at fair value through
profit or loss, and all other instruments continue to be measured
at amortised cost.
With the exception of trade receivables, due to the simplicity
of financial instruments, impairment of financial instruments is
expected to be negligible and hence have no material impact on the
financial statements. To measure the expected credit loss provision
of trade receivables, they have been grouped by days past due.
Current More than More than More than Total
30 days past 60 days past 120 days
GBP'000 due due past due GBP'000
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
-------------------- --------- -------------- -------------- ---------- ---------
Expected loss rate 1.8% 1.5% 1.8% 19.1% 3.2%
Gross carrying
amount 23.1 3.4 2.0 2.6 31.1
-------------------- --------- -------------- -------------- ---------- ---------
Loss allowance 0.4 0.1 - 0.5 1.0
-------------------- --------- -------------- -------------- ---------- ---------
IFRS 15 (Revenue from Contracts with Customers)
The company have voluntarily changed the presentation of certain
amounts in the statement of financial position to reflect the
terminology of IFRS 15. These amounts are Contract liabilities
relating to contracts where the company has received payment as
part of a contract but has not yet satisfied the relevant
performance obligation. These amounts are as follows:
-- Contract liabilities totalling GBP4.8m as at H1 2018 in
relation to installations, with GBP2.6m current and GBP2.2m
non-current.
-- Contract liabilities totalling GBP11.5m as at H1 2018 in
relation to Cloud PBX, with GBP5.0m current and GBP6.5m
non-current.
Impact on the financial statements
This note shows the impact of the new accounting standards on
the financial statements. IFRS 9 is not shown in this note because
there is no material impact between the previously reported
accounting treatment and the accounting treatment applied from 1
January 2018.
Impact of IFRS 15 on the consolidated statement of financial
position as at 31 December 2017.
The key differences impacting the Group on adoption can be seen
in the published Annual Report and Accounts 2017.
Under previous IFRS 15 Restated
accounting adjustment amount
policies GBPm IFRS 15
GBPm GBPm
-------------------------------- --------------- ------------ ---------
Assets
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment 44.1 (14.9) 29.2
Intangible assets 10.0 5.5 15.5
Deferred tax asset 1.7 - 1.7
Trade and other receivables - 10.9 10.9
--------------------------------- --------------- ------------ ---------
55.8 1.5 57.3
-------------------------------- --------------- ------------ ---------
Current assets
-------------------------------- --------------- ------------ ---------
Inventories 3.2 - 3.2
Trade and other receivables 50.6 11.0 61.6
Cash and cash equivalents 31.6 - 31.6
--------------------------------- --------------- ------------ ---------
85.4 11.0 96.4
-------------------------------- --------------- ------------ ---------
Total assets 141.2 12.5 153.7
--------------------------------- --------------- ------------ ---------
Liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Provisions 1.8 - 1.8
Contract liabilities - 7.8 7.8
Deferred tax - - -
-------------------------------- --------------- ------------ ---------
1.8 7.8 9.6
-------------------------------- --------------- ------------ ---------
Current liabilities
-------------------------------- --------------- ------------ ---------
Trade and other payables 39.8 - 39.8
Contract liabilities - 8.2 8.2
Current tax 0.8 - 0.8
--------------------------------- --------------- ------------ ---------
40.6 8.2 48.8
-------------------------------- --------------- ------------ ---------
Total liabilities 42.4 16.0 58.4
--------------------------------- --------------- ------------ ---------
Issued capital and reserves
attributable to owners of the
parent
Share capital 0.2 - 0.2
Share premium reserve 3.8 - 3.8
Merger reserve 2.3 - 2.3
Share option reserve 2.8 - 2.8
Own shares (0.8) - (0.8)
Retained earnings 90.5 (3.5) 87.0
--------------------------------- --------------- ------------ ---------
Total equity 98.8 (3.5) 95.3
--------------------------------- --------------- ------------ ---------
Total equity and liabilities 141.2 12.5 153.7
--------------------------------- --------------- ------------ ---------
Impact of new accounting standards on the Consolidated statement
of Comprehensive Income for the six months ended 30 June 2017
Under previous IFRS 15 Restated
accounting adjustment amount under
policies GBPm IFRS 15
GBPm GBPm
----------------------------------------- --------------- ------------ --------------
Revenue 115.0 1.3 116.3
Cost of sales (60.9) (3.8) (64.7)
------------------------------------------ --------------- ------------ --------------
Gross profit 54.1 (2.5) 51.6
Operating expenses (41.7) 2.1 (39.6)
------------------------------------------ --------------- ------------ --------------
Operating profit before depreciation
and amortisation (EBITDA) 18.5 (1.8) 16.7
Depreciation and amortisation (6.1) 1.4 (4.7)
Gains on disposal of assets - - -
----------------------------------------- --------------- ------------ --------------
Profit from operations 12.4 (0.4) 12.0
Finance income 0.1 - 0.1
------------------------------------------ --------------- ------------ --------------
Profit before tax 12.5 (0.4) 12.1
Tax expense (1.4) - (1.4)
------------------------------------------ --------------- ------------ --------------
Profit after tax 11.1 (0.4) 10.7
------------------------------------------ --------------- ------------ --------------
Total comprehensive income attributable
to the owner of the parent 11.1 (0.4) 10.7
------------------------------------------ --------------- ------------ --------------
Earnings per share
----------------------------------------- --------------- ------------ --------------
Basic per ordinary share (pence) 12.0 (0.4) 11.6
------------------------------------------ --------------- ------------ --------------
Diluted per ordinary share (pence) 11.8 (0.4) 11.4
------------------------------------------ --------------- ------------ --------------
4. Segment information
The Group has two main operating segments:
(R) Indirect - This division sells Gamma's traditional and
growth products and services to channel partners and contributed
74.9% (2017: 77.2%) of the Group's external revenue; and
(R) Direct - This division sells Gamma's traditional and growth
products and services to end users in the SME, Enterprise and
public sectors. They contributed 25.1% (2017: 22.8%) of the Group's
external revenues.
There are no material non UK segments and no material
non-current assets outside the UK.
Both operating segments sell a combination of traditional
products (which is mainly voice traffic from which revenues are
derived from channel partners and other carriers as well as rentals
for wholesale lines) and growth products (which consist of IP voice
traffic, rental income derived from SIP Trunking, hosted IP voice
systems and Gamma's hosted inbound product and data products).
Growth products were formerly known as New products but management
believes that Growth is a better description of the product set.
There is no change in underlying classification.
Factors that management used to identify the Group's reportable
segments
The Group's reportable segments are strategic business units
that offer products and services into different markets. They are
managed separately because each business requires different
marketing strategies and are reported separately to the Board and
management team.
Measurement of operating segment profit or loss, assets and
liabilities
The accounting policies of the operating segments are the same
as those described in the summary of significant accounting
policies.
The Group evaluates performance on the basis of profit or loss
from operations but excluding non-recurring losses, such as
goodwill impairment, and the effects of share based payments.
Inter-segment sales are priced along the same lines as sales to
external customers, with an appropriate discount being applied to
encourage
use of Group resources at a rate acceptable to local tax
authorities. This policy was applied consistently throughout the
current and priorperiod.
Loans and borrowings are allocated to the segments based on
relevant factors (e.g. funding requirements). Details are provided
in the reconciliation from segment assets and liabilities to the
Group position.
4. Segment information (continued)
Indirect Direct Total
GBPm GBPm GBPm
====================================== ======== ====== =====
Period to 30 June 2018
Traditional products and services 24.4 5.8 30.2
Growth (being strategic and enabling)
products and services 78.7 28.7 107.4
====================================== ======== ====== =====
Total revenue from external customers 103.1 34.5 137.6
====================================== ======== ====== =====
Inter-segment revenue 9.9 - 9.9
Timing of revenue recognition
At a point in time 10.5 2.2 12.7
Over time 92.6 32.3 124.9
103.1 34.5 137.6
Traditional products and services 5.9 1.8 7.7
Growth (being strategic and enabling)
products and services 40.7 13.9 54.6
====================================== ======== ====== =====
Total gross profit 46.6 15.7 62.3
====================================== ======== ====== =====
Operating profit before depreciation
and amortisation (EBITDA) 14.1 7.7 21.8
Depreciation and amortisation (6.1) (0.2) (6.3)
====================================== ======== ====== =====
Profit from operations 8.0 7.5 15.5
====================================== ======== ====== =====
Interest income 0.1 - 0.1
Interest expense (0.1) - (0.1)
====================================== ======== ====== =====
Tax (1.5) (1.3) (2.8)
====================================== ======== ====== =====
Group profit after tax 6.5 6.2 12.7
====================================== ======== ====== =====
External revenue of customers has been derived principally from
the United Kingdom and no single customer contributes more than 10%
of revenue.
Period to June 2018 Indirect Direct Total
GBPm GBPm GBPm
===================================== ======== ====== =====
Additions to non-current assets 6.3 - 6.3
===================================== ======== ====== =====
Recognition on transition to IFRS 16 6.0 0.2 6.2
===================================== ======== ====== =====
Reportable segment assets 145.7 29.4 175.1
===================================== ======== ====== =====
Reportable segment liabilities 58.6 12.3 70.9
===================================== ======== ====== =====
Indirect Direct Total
GBPm GBPm GBPm
======================================= ======== ====== =====
Period to 30 June 2017*
Traditional products and services* 26.1 5.8 31.9
Growth (being strategic and enabling)
products and services* 63.7 20.7 84.4
======================================= ======== ====== =====
Total revenue from external customers* 89.8 26.5 116.3
======================================= ======== ====== =====
Inter-segment revenue* 6.7 - 6.7
Timing of revenue recognition
At a point in time* 8.4 1.2 9.6
Over time* 81.4 25.3 106.7
89.8 26.5 116.3
Traditional products and services* 6.8 1.9 8.7
Growth (being strategic and enabling)
products and services* 32.7 10.2 42.9
======================================= ======== ====== =====
Total gross profit* 39.5 12.1 51.6
======================================= ======== ====== =====
Operating profit before depreciation
and amortisation (EBITDA)* 10.5 6.2 16.7
Depreciation and amortisation* (4.3) (0.4) (4.7)
======================================= ======== ====== =====
Profit from operations* 6.2 5.8 12.0
======================================= ======== ====== =====
Interest income* 0.1 - 0.1
Tax* (0.6) (0.8) (1.4)
======================================= ======== ====== =====
Group profit after tax* 5.7 5.0 10.7
======================================= ======== ====== =====
*Restated results following the adoption of IFRS 15 as explained
in note 3
4. Segment information (continued)
External revenue of customers has been derived principally from
the United Kingdom and no single customer contributes more than 10%
of revenue.
Period to June 2017 Indirect Direct Total
GBPm GBPm GBPm
================================= ======== ====== =====
Additions to non-current assets* 4.5 0.4 4.9
================================= ======== ====== =====
Reportable segment assets* 122.4 21.2 143.6
================================= ======== ====== =====
Reportable segment liabilities* 48.2 12.0 60.2
================================= ======== ====== =====
*Restated results following the adoption of IFRS 15 as explained
in note 3
5. Taxation on profit on ordinary activities
Tax expense is recognised based on management's best estimate of
the weighted average annual tax rate expected for the full year.
The estimated average annual tax rate used for the year to 31
December 2018 is 18.1% (the estimated tax rate for the first half
to 30 June 2017 was 18.4%).
Taxes on profit in the interim periods are accrued using the tax
rate that would be applicable to expected total annual
earnings.
Six months Six months
ended ended
30 June 30 June
2018 2017
GBPm GBPm
Restated
--------------------------------------------------- ----------- -----------
Current tax expense
Current tax on profits for the period 3.1 2.4
Adjustment in respect of prior period (0.1) (0.9)
--------------------------------------------------- ----------- -----------
Total current tax 3.0 1.5
--------------------------------------------------- ----------- -----------
Deferred tax expense
Origination and reversal of temporary differences (0.2) (0.1)
--------------------------------------------------- ----------- -----------
Total tax expense 2.8 1.4
--------------------------------------------------- ----------- -----------
The reasons for the difference between the actual tax charge for
the period and the standard rate of corporation tax in the United
Kingdom applied to profits for the period are as follows:
Six months Six months
ended ended
30 June 30 June
2018 2017
GBPm GBPm
Restated
---------------------------------------------------------- ----------- -----------
Profit before income taxes 15.5 12.1
Expected tax charge based on the standard rate of United
Kingdom corporation tax
at the domestic rate of 19.00% (2017: 19.25%) 3.0 2.3
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes 0.1 -
Additional deduction for R&D expenditure (0.2) (0.1)
Adjustment in respect of prior year (0.1) (0.8)
---------------------------------------------------------- ----------- -----------
Total tax expense 2.8 1.4
---------------------------------------------------------- ----------- -----------
*Restated results following the adoption of IFRS 15 as explained
in note
The Finance Act 2016 includes provision for the main rate of
corporation tax to reduce to 17% for the year beginning 1 April
2020.
6. Earnings per share and dividends
Earnings per share
The calculation of basic earnings per Ordinary Share is based on
a profit after tax of GBP12.7 m for the six months ended 30 June
2018 (Six months ended 30 June 2017: GBP10.7m as restated) and
93,386,043 Ordinary Shares for the six months ended 30 June 2018
(Six months ended 30 June 2017: 92,239,933 Ordinary Shares), being
the weighted average number of Ordinary Shares in issue during the
period.
The diluted earnings per Ordinary Share is calculated by
including in the weighted average number of shares the dilutive
effect of potential Ordinary Shares related to committed share
options. The following reflects the share data used in the
calculation of diluted earnings per share:
Six months Six months
ended ended
30 June 2018 30 June 2017
Unaudited Unaudited
==================================================== ============= =============
Weighted average number of Ordinary Shares for
basic earnings per share 93,386,043 92,239,933
Effect of dilution resulting from share options 1,311,274 1,953,077
Weighted average number of Ordinary Shares adjusted
for the effect of dilution 94,697,317 94,193,010
==================================================== ============= =============
Six months Six months
ended ended
30 June 2018 30 June 2017
Restated
Unaudited Unaudited
============================================== ============= =============
Earnings per Ordinary Share - basic (pence) 13.6 11.6
Earnings per Ordinary Share - diluted (pence) 13.4 11.4
The following reflects the income and share data used in the
calculation of adjusted earnings per share computations before
one-off items and their associated tax effect:
Six months Six months
ended ended
30 June 2018 30 June 2017
GBPm GBPm
Restated
Unaudited Unaudited
========================================= ============= =============
Profit for the period 12.7 10.7
Tax in respect of prior periods - (0.9)
Adjusted profit after tax for the period 12.7 9.8
========================================= ============= =============
Six months Six months
ended ended
30 June 2018 30 June 2017
Restated
Unaudited Unaudited
===================================================== ============= =============
Adjusted earnings per Ordinary Share - basic (pence) 13.6 10.6
Adjusted earnings per Ordinary Share - diluted
(pence) 13.4 10.4
There have been no material transactions involving Ordinary
Shares or potential shares between the reporting date and the date
of completion of the financial statements.
Dividends
A final dividend of 5.6p was paid on the 21 June 2018 (2017:
5.0p).
The Board have declared an interim dividend of 3.1p per share
payable on 18 October 2018 to shareholders on the register as at 21
September 2018. In the prior year an interim dividend of 2.8p was
paid.
7. Property, plant and equipment
Customer
Network Premises Computer Fixtures
assets equipment equipment and Total
GBPm GBPm GBPm fittings GBPm
GBPm
======================= ========= ========== =========== ========== =======
Cost
At 1 January 2018 65.5 0.8 7.0 1.0 74.3
Additions 5.2 - 0.1 - 5.3
Disposals - (0.2) - - (0.2)
Reclassification 0.6 (0.6) -
At 30 June 2018 71.3 - 7.1 1.0 79.4
======================= ========= ========== =========== ========== =======
Depreciation
At 1 January 2018 39.3 0.7 4.5 0.6 45.1
Charge for the period 3.4 - 0.5 0.1 4.0
Disposals - (0.2) - - (0.2)
Reclassification 0.5 (0.5) -
At 30 June 2018 43.2 - 5.0 0.7 48.9
======================= ========= ========== =========== ========== =======
Net book value
At 1 January 2018 26.2 0.1 2.5 0.4 29.2
======================= ========= ========== =========== ========== =======
At 30 June 2018 28.1 - 2.1 0.3 30.5
======================= ========= ========== =========== ========== =======
Cost
At 1 January 2017* 54.5 1.1 6.2 0.7 62.5
Additions* 3.1 - 0.3 0.1 3.5
Disposals* - (0.1) - - (0.1)
At 30 June 2017* 57.6 1.0 6.5 0.8 65.9
======================= ========= ========== =========== ========== =======
Depreciation
At 1 January 2017* 33.6 0.7 3.4 0.2 37.9
Charge for the period* 2.4 0.2 0.5 0.1 3.2
Disposals* - (0.1) - (0.1) (0.2)
At 30 June 2017* 36.0 0.8 3.9 0.2 40.9
======================= ========= ========== =========== ========== =======
Net book value
At 1 January 2017* 20.9 0.4 2.8 0.5 24.6
======================= ========= ========== =========== ========== =======
At 30 June 2017* 21.6 0.2 2.6 0.6 25.0
======================= ========= ========== =========== ========== =======
The estimated cost of the property, plant and equipment which
the Group is contractually committed to purchase at 30 June 2018 is
GBP0.1m (30 June 2017: GBP1.6m).
*Restated results following the adoption of IFRS 15 as explained
under note 3.
8. Right of use assets
Land and Other Total
buildings
GBPm GBPm GBPm
================================ =========== ======= =======
Cost
At 1 January 2018 - recognition
on transition to IFRS 16 6.0 0.2 6.2
At 30 June 2018 6.0 0.2 6.2
================================ =========== ======= =======
Depreciation
At 1 January 2018 - - -
Charge for the period 0.6 0.1 0.7
At 30 June 2018 0.6 0.1 0.7
================================ =========== ======= =======
Net book value
At 1 January 2018 - - -
================================ =========== ======= =======
At 30 June 2018 5.4 0.1 5.5
================================ =========== ======= =======
9. Intangible assets
Goodwill Development Customer Software
on consolidation costs contracts GBPm * Total
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm *
====================== ================== ============= =========== ========== ========
Cost
At 1 January 2018 12.5 7.2 2.1 10.0 31.8
Additions - 0.5 - 0.5 1.0
Disposals - - - - -
At 30 June 2018 12.5 7.7 2.1 10.5 32.8
====================== ================== ============= =========== ========== ========
Amortisation
At 1 January 2018 4.5 5.2 2.1 4.5 16.3
Charge for the period - 0.5 - 1.1 1.6
Disposals - - - - -
At 30 June 2018 4.5 5.7 2.1 5.6 17.9
====================== ================== ============= =========== ========== ========
Carrying value
At 1 January 2018 8.0 2.0 - 5.5 15.5
====================== ================== ============= =========== ========== ========
At 30 June 2018 8.0 2.0 - 4.9 14.9
====================== ================== ============= =========== ========== ========
Cost
At 1 January 2017 12.5 6.1 2.1 7.4 28.1
Additions - 0.5 - 0.9 1.4
Disposals - - - - -
At 30 June 2017 12.5 6.6 2.1 8.3 29.5
====================== ================== ============= =========== ========== ========
Amortisation
At 1 January 2017 4.5 4.2 2.0 2.7 13.4
Charge for the period - 0.4 0.1 1.0 1.5
Disposals - - - - -
At 30 June 2017 4.5 4.6 2.1 3.7 14.9
====================== ================== ============= =========== ========== ========
Carrying value
At 1 January 2017 8.0 1.9 0.1 4.7 14.7
====================== ================== ============= =========== ========== ========
At 30 June 2017 8.0 2.0 - 4.6 14.6
====================== ================== ============= =========== ========== ========
*Restated results following the adoption of IFRS 15 as explained
under note 3
10. Share capital
2018 2018
Number GBPm
----------------------------------- ----------- ------
1 January 2018
Ordinary Shares of GBP0.0025 each 93,289,973 0.2
Number Notes
----------------------------------- ----------- ------
1 January 2018 93,289,973
May 2018 199,829 (a)
June 2018 381,171 (a)
30 June 2018 93,870,973
----------------------------------- ----------- ------
(a) Ordinary shares were issued to satisfy options which have been exercised.
2018 2018
Number GBPm
----------------------------------- ----------- -----
30 June 2018
Ordinary Shares of GBP0.0025 each 93,870,973 0.2
11. Related party transactions
Dividends totalling GBP0.2m (being the final dividend for 2017)
were paid in the first half of the year in respect of ordinary
shares held by the Company's directors (2017: GBP0.4m).
12. Events after the reporting date
There were no reportable events after the balance sheet
date.
13. Ultimate controlling party
There is no ultimate controlling party. Gamma Communications plc
is the ultimate controlling party of the Gamma Communications
Group.
This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the
London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct
Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United
Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution
of this information may apply. For further information, please
contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.
END
IR BRGDICDXBGIB
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
September 03, 2018 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)
Gamma Communications (LSE:GAMA)
Historical Stock Chart
From Apr 2024 to May 2024
Gamma Communications (LSE:GAMA)
Historical Stock Chart
From May 2023 to May 2024