TIDMPINN
RNS Number : 4164F
Pinnacle Technology Group PLC
20 February 2015
20 February 2015 Company Registered No: 05259846
Pinnacle Technology Group plc
("Pinnacle, the "Group" or the "Company")
FINAL RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2014
Pinnacle Technology Group plc (AIM: PINN) the AIM listed
provider of converged technology solutions today announces its
audited final results for the year ended 30 September 2014
HIGHLIGHTS
The highlights are as follows:-
-- Revenues of GBP8.4m for the year (2013: GBP10.1m)
-- Adjusted EBITDA losses of GBP512k (2013: loss GBP769k)
-- Gross profit of GBP2.67m for the year (2013: GBP3.26m)
-- Loss for the period after tax fell to GBP1.8m (2013: loss GBP2.7m)
-- Recurring and renewable revenues remain high at 88%,
providing a strong base for the Company.
-- Total liabilities fell GBP804k to GBP2.6m (2013: GBP3.4m)
-- Intangible assets revised to GBP992k (2013: GBP1.8m)
-- New Chief Executive Officer appointed March 2014 with
business and operational review announced
-- Post period end, successful Placing and Open Offer raising
approximately GBP560,000 (before expenses)
* Note: Recurring and renewable revenues relate to customers who
have entered into ongoing or fixed term contracts with the group to
supply services for a duration exceeding 1 month.
All Company announcements can be found at: www.pinn.uk.com
For further information please contact:
Pinnacle Technology Group plc
Nicholas Scallan, Chief Executive
James Dodd, Non-Executive Chairman 0208 185 6393
N+1 Singer
Ben Wright / Richard Salmond 020 7496 3000
Beattie Communications 0844 842 5490
Chris Gilmour / David Walker
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
The year ending 30(th) September 2014 was one in which we made
great progress towards solving the many problems which have been
well-documented in the previous annual reports.
The robust actions taken by the Board, including the appointment
of a new Chief Executive Officer on the 26(th) March 2014, are
reducing losses and supporting the recovery of the business.
The operational review initiated by the new CEO to sharpen the
focus of the business, to accelerate the return to profitable
revenue growth and to reduce costs is making positive headway and
the business now has a clearer focus and strategy on market
positioning, customer base and products to be offered. Progress on
each aim is outlined in further detail later in this
announcement.
The business was further strengthened in November 2014 with the
successful Placing and Open Offer, raising circa GBP560,000 (before
expenses) to support both general working capital and to support
investment in the company. It was pleasing that the new shares
issued were at a nil discount to the mid-market price of 6.5p
pence.
Financial Highlights
The results for the year as a whole, though still
unsatisfactory, were a material improvement on the previous year.
Losses for the year were GBP1.8m, including GBP0.8m of additional
amortisation and impairment of intangible assets.
Whilst we experienced a 17% decline in group revenues, this
reduction arose from re-focussing away from unprofitable business,
from the result of increased competition in the IT Security market,
and from the previously reported impact of wilful misconduct.
Pleasingly, post period end, Pinnacle Technology was awarded costs
with respect to the court actions that subsequently arose and these
are now being pursued.
At an operational level, we continued to refocus and simplify
the business during the year and to exit from unprofitable revenue
streams. This is reflected in the reduction in Adjusted EBITDA
losses, down 33% in the year to GBP512k (2013: GBP769k) although a
further GBP281k of exceptional items were incurred during this
process. All of these steps helped move the business towards an
EBITDA positive position, which remains a key focus of the
management team.
The loss for the year and the associated exceptional items
necessitated GBP858k of cash during the year, resulting in a
further fund raise of GBP416k (after expenses) in February 2014.
The group balance sheet continues to show the impact of a number of
poor acquisitions made during 2011, where loss making businesses
were acquired for relatively small consideration but with
significant liabilities. The acquisitions have not delivered the
returns anticipated at the time of purchase and have consumed funds
to repay the inherited net liabilities of the businesses. The net
asset position of the group at year end was GBP352k and to support
the balance sheet and to fund future growth plans we successfully
raised GBP560k before expenses in November 2014.
People
It has been a time of change for Pinnacle's staff, as they adapt
to new management and a renewed focus. The Board recognises the
importance of their contribution to the successful turnaround of
Pinnacle Technology, and would like to thank them for their
commitment to the business and their professionalism during the
past year.
Outlook
Whilst the Board has recognised from the outset that turning
around Pinnacle Technology will take time, as demonstrated by these
results, the Board continues to work to stabilise revenues in the
business and to position the company to becoming EBITDA positive.
Throughout the year the business has been addressing loss making
lines of business, reducing costs, and management attention is now
increasingly focussed on profitable revenue growth. Although
further time and efforts are still required to restructure the
Group into the appropriate form for its operations, the
opportunities available to Pinnacle Technology and the early signs
of progress coming from the initiatives outlined in more detail
later in this report underpin the Board's confidence in the future
prospects of the Company.
James Dodd
Chairman
20 February 2015
STRATEGIC REPORT
a) BUSINESS REVIEW
Introduction
The past year has been highly significant for Pinnacle
Technology. The business is undergoing a challenging turnaround, as
it addresses legacy issues whilst positioning itself for growth in
the highly competitive business IT and communications market.
As outlined in the Chairman's statement, Group revenues for the
year fell 17% to GBP8.4m (2013: GBP10.1m). However adjusted EBITDA
losses reduced by 33% to GBP512k and the loss for the period was
GBP1.77m following an GBP0.8m non-cash write down of intangible
assets. Specifically for the second half of the year to September
2014, operating losses before tax fell 32% to GBP751k compared to a
loss of GBP1.2m in the six months to March 2014.
Strategy
The Company's strategy is to provide IT and communications
services UK wide, principally as a value added reseller and
integrator. These services are provided primarily to Small and
Medium Enterprise clients ("SME"), to whom the group offers all of
their IT and communications needs; with the broader enterprise
mid-market and public sector representing opportunity for
additional growth. Pinnacle targets these markets with both a
direct sales force, and through our partners/resellers.
Pinnacle Technology offers a wide range of IT managed services
and communications solutions, represented by five major product
lines: IT Services; IT Security; Telecommunications services; Cloud
Services and Data Connectivity (including broadband); and Mobile
services.
The Board believes that shareholder returns will be maximised in
the longer term by growing both organically and through appropriate
acquisition, in what is a fragmented market. However, our immediate
operational focus remains on returning the business to financial
health by ensuring that we exploit the rich product portfolio to
generate greater sales volumes, now that unprofitable lines of
business are being addressed and costs reduced in the business.
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
We monitor a number of metrics, both financial and
non-financial, on a monthly basis. The most important of these are
as follows:
-- Revenue: GBP8.4m for the year to 30 September 2014 (2013: GBP10.1m)
-- Recurring and renewable revenues: 88% for the year to 30 September 2014 (2013: 85%)
-- Gross profit: GBP2.7m for the year to 30 September 2014 (2013: GBP3.3m)
-- Gross margin percentage: 31.8% for the year to 30 September 2014 (2013: 32.1%)
-- Adjusted EBITDA: negative GBP512k for the year to 30 September 2014 (2013: negative GBP769k)
-- Number of employees: 41 for the year to 30 September 2014 (2013: 58)
-- Cash at 30(th) September 2014: GBP173k for the year to 30 September 2014 (2013: GBP588k)
STRATEGIC REPORT - BUSINESS REVIEW
The operational review of the business has led to the
rationalisation of various activities and products offered by the
group, alongside a modified sales approach and selected investment
in systems and processes to deliver a superior customer
experience.
Approach to the Market
The business has until recently focussed on growth by
cross-selling the Group's products and services in to our existing
client base, strengthening our enduring relationships with existing
clients. This approach to the market has many attractions, and
should support our ambition of becoming our customers' trusted
advisor for all their IT and communications requirements of
particular relevance in the SME market.
Our recurring and renewable revenues, at 88% (2013: 85%),
demonstrate the strength of our client proposition and provide a
strong platform for the Company to grow.
While cross-selling remains a cornerstone of our sales approach,
we recognise that, where commercial returns are attractive, certain
market segments must be tackled with a renewed focus on new client
acquisition and a sales and marketing effort to drive revenue
growth. Furthermore, given the strength of our product offering,
many of these new clients- particularly SMEs- will, in turn,
provide scope for cross-selling in the future.
In order to deliver our strategic objectives, the Board has
overhauled the approach of our sales team, with a geographic
restructuring to ensure adequate coverage of our target client base
and appropriate oversight from the Senior Management Team. Within
each sales function there is a mixture of both field and
office-based sales heads, to ensure that the appropriate sales
approach can be taken for clients. The sales team has also
undergone additional training to heighten the team's effectiveness
while our sales data has been overhauled to improve the accuracy
and quantity of our sales targets.
In addition to our internal sales and marketing capabilities
within the business, the Group has continued to sell via third
parties and other ventures, bringing additional scale to the
business.
In our work to return the business to profitable revenue growth,
we have ensured that funds raised during November 2014 are being
used to support growth initiatives, such as the appointment of a
specialist B2B IT telemarketing and demand generation company,
Astute Limited, to deliver additional revenue.
During the year, we have made several client wins including
Abelour Childcare Trust (IT Services), Tesco Mobile (Inbound call
services) and United Utilities Plc (IT Security).
Product Portfolio
The business and operational review has resulted in a clearer
strategy for the Company, supported by a clearer product portfolio
with deepened relationships with key suppliers.
IT Services
Revenue from IT Services for the year to September 2014 was
GBP946,960 (2013: GBP1,328,978), representing 11% of revenues
(2013: 13%).
Pinnacle's approach to IT Services is built upon the design,
implementation, ongoing support and maintenance of IT solutions to
business customers. Pinnacle Technology also provides cloud
services, professional services and hardware/software where
required. It therefore provides clients with impartial advice,
being neither a cloud-only provider, nor solely basing the
proposition on being an 'on premise' supplier. The group has been
able to support a number of clients through their technology
refresh cycle, providing professional services, equipment and
ongoing support contracts.
Whilst Pinnacle has significant expertise and experience in
providing IT Services, where Pinnacle does not have infrastructure
or capability in-house, partnerships with leading industry players
such as Microsoft, Iomart, ScoLocate and HP are used.
It is notable that many IT Services customers trust Pinnacle
Technology to deliver all their IT and communications needs, and
are loyal. IT Services customers bought an average of 1.6
additional non-IT products from Pinnacle, and in total 64% of the
IT Services revenue was recurring in nature.
IT Security
Revenue from IT Security for the year to September 2014 was
GBP1,388,904 (2013: GBP2,199,986), representing 17% of revenues
(2013: 22%).
As noted in the annual results for FY 2013, the IT Security
Solutions business has been downsized to improve overall group
profitability, including the closure of Aware Distribution Ltd
which accounted for GBP237,931 of the reduction in H1-2014
revenues.
The focus of the IT Security Business has traditionally been in
areas of the market subject to fierce competition. Following the
reduction in operating costs, this operating segment is now much
leaner. The revenues in this segment are cyclical, with customers
acquiring software licenses for durations of between 1 and 5 years
on a renewals basis. The renewal of these contracts has been
maintained at a steady rate, albeit in some cases at lower
margin.
Pinnacle Technology sells IT Security solutions to both SMEs and
enterprise clients, and has relationships with some of the leading
vendors in the market such as Arcserve and McAfee. We maintain
Platinum Partner status with Sophos, who are rated by Gartner as
Magic Quadrant leaders for Unified Threat Management (UTM), Mobile,
Data Protection and Endpoint. Post period end, Pinnacle Technology
has attained McAfee ACE accreditation, further strengthening our IT
Security credentials.
Cloud Services and Data Connectivity
Revenue from Cloud Services and Data Connectivity for the year
to September 2014 was GBP2,185,996 (2013: GBP2,394,460),
representing 26% of revenues (2013: 24%).
Data connectivity, such as the supply of broadband connections,
plays an important role in the overall Pinnacle proposition. For
the SME market it is a key component for providing all of a
client's IT and communications needs, and for the mid-market
enterprise market it is a useful cross-sell opportunity when
broadening a relationship or constituting part of a broader
solution.
As a reseller of networks rather than an asset owner, Pinnacle
partners with a number of industry players to procure at best
commercial price. These relationships include BT, Talk Talk, Gamma
and Virgin Media. As part of the business and operational review,
in September 2014 Pinnacle was pleased to announce a strategic
partnership with Easynet that is resulting in the transformation
and enhancement of Pinnacle's legacy network estate. In addition to
reducing complexity and costs within the business, the arrangement
also enables Pinnacle to sell enhanced broadband speeds at greater
value.
Pinnacle Technology also supplied infrastructure for a number of
major UK sporting events in the summer of 2014. As noted in the
half year report, over the years Pinnacle has reported substantial
revenues within this segment through supplying broadcasters and
event organisers with specialised communication services, however
development of this business requires extensive industry knowledge
and non-standard delivery channels. In June 2014 Pinnacle announced
that it entered into an agreement with Pinnacom Limited to develop
opportunities in this sector on commercially attractive terms,
retaining core connectivity sales to the media industry and
co-marketing rights, without absorbing the costs associated with
seasonal business fulfilment. Whilst this arrangement will have
initially only a modest but positive cash impact, we are confident
Pinnacom's expertise in the sector will produce greater profits for
Pinnacle than would otherwise be possible.
Telecommunications Services
Revenue from telecommunications services for the year to
September 2014 was GBP3,350,356 (2013: GBP3,699,497), representing
40% of revenue (2013: 36%). Customer retention rates remain strong
but the segment reflects a diminishing market. Price changes and
regulatory developments impact this segment, including in
particular the simplification of non-geographic numbers being
driven by Ofcom coupled with the implementation of the EU Directive
on Consumer Rights implemented in June 2014. Pinnacle is protected
at the gross margin level to a degree since, being a reseller of
services rather than an infrastructure owner, wholesale prices are
reduced commensurately.
Mobile Solutions
Our overall proposition to SMEs - endeavouring to provide all
the IT and communications needs - is complemented by offering
mobile services. Revenue from Mobile Solutions for the year to
September 2014 was GBP536,150 (2013: GBP515,760), representing 6%
of revenues (2013: 5%). Mobile services are offered on EE, Vodafone
UK, Telefonica O2 and via Gamma.
Post period end, Pinnacle entered in to discussions with O2 and
other providers of mobile services regarding the ongoing provision
of the Company's mobile and digital services offering.
Operational Infrastructure
For some time the business has operated its own datacentre near
Glasgow. As part of the business and operational review, it has
been decided to exit this facility during 2015 as part of a wider
infrastructure refresh and simplification project. The business
will locate its core services in data centres operated by dedicated
data centre operators, and at the same time refresh networking
equipment and virtualise IT infrastructure. The funding for this
work was part of the November 2014 raise, and as a result the
project is now underway. Savings from not operating our own
datacentre are expected to commence later in the 2015 financial
year.
The group has also undertaken a number of IT system improvements
during the year: as mentioned earlier, the deployment of a new CRM
and ticketing system is underway, which in time will replace all
the legacy customer management systems. The group has invested in
improving critical internal systems, harmonising practices across
different locations, and rolling out collaboration tools, such as
Microsoft Lync.
People
The importance of the team working at Pinnacle Technology has
already been highlighted in the Chairman's statement: the Board is
grateful for their hard work and commitment during a difficult
turnaround. It is recognised that the future success of the
business is substantially dependent on attracting skilled staff to,
and motivating those already in, the business. The year saw a
renewed focus on people in the organisation with two major foci.
Firstly, we set out to improve the integration across the business
to foster a culture of collaboration. As the business has come
together through acquisition, different businesses contributed
different ways of working, and different cultures. Measures have
been taken to integrate everyone in Pinnacle as part of one team,
under the Pinnacle Technology brand. Secondly, whilst being aware
of costs, internal policies have been introduced to support an
improved culture within the business.
b) FINANCIAL REVIEW
As noted in the Business Review, revenue declined from GBP10.1m
in 2013 to GBP8.4m in 2014 due primarily to a 37% fall in revenues
in the IT Security segment and a 29% fall in IT Services revenues
compared to 2013, although it is recognised that the six months to
September 2014 was only 2.6% below the six months figure to March
2014, reflecting some stabilising of revenues over the year.
The Company achieved a gross profit of GBP2.67m (2013: GBP3.26m)
with the gross margin percentage decreasing slightly to 31.8% of
revenue (2013: 32.1%). The table below analyses this further and
shows that gross profits increased to GBP1.40m in the six months to
September 2014, up 10.0% on the six months figure to March 2014,
mainly as a result of improved buying prices from suppliers.
6 months 6 months
to to Year to Year to
30 September 31 March 30 September 30 September
2014 2014 2014 2013
Unaudited Unaudited Audited Audited
Revenue GBP4,149,810 GBP4,258,556 GBP8,408,366 GBP10,138,681
Cost of Sales (GBP2,750,939) (GBP2,987,488) (GBP5,738,427) (GBP6,882,004)
Gross profit GBP1,398,871 GBP1,271,068 GBP2,669,939 GBP3,256,677
33.7% 29.8% 31.8% 32.1%
Operating Expenses (GBP2,150,308) (GBP2,456,108) (GBP4,606,416) (GBP5,692,145)
Operating Loss (GBP751,437) (GBP1,185,040) (GBP1,936,477) (GBP2,435,468)
Adjusted EBITDA (GBP241,929) (GBP269,882) (GBP511,811) (GBP769,103)
Amortisation
of Intangible
assets (GBP175,028) (GBP195,671) (GBP370,699) (GBP391,165)
Depreciation (GBP154,978) (GBP155,871) (GBP310,849) (GBP187,751)
Exceptional
costs GBP14,241 (GBP294,849) (GBP280,608) (GBP419,536)
Impairment
of Intangible
assets (GBP200,716) (GBP261,806) (GBP462,522) (GBP691,404)
Share based
payments GBP41,728 (GBP6,961) GBP34,767 (GBP13,922)
Embedded fair
value in loans - - - GBP18,529
Impairment
of Associate (GBP34,755) - (GBP34,755) -
Share of Profit
of Associate - - - GBP18,884
Operating Loss (GBP751,437) (GBP1,185,040) (GBP1,936,477) (GBP2,435,468)
-------------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
The Income Statement shows that Operating Expenses fell GBP1.1m
during the year to GBP4.6m (2013: 5.7m) as a result of the cost
reduction program implemented in 2013.
Adjusted EBITDA
The Adjusted Earnings before Tax, Interest, Depreciation and
Amortisation (Adjusted EBITDA) figure is a key measure for the
Directors and closely reflects the cash impact of underlying trade
of the business before exceptional costs. The Adjusted EBITDA
figure for the year to September 2014 was negative GBP512k, an
improvement of GBP257k over the same figure for 2013 (negative
GBP769k), a 34% year-on-year improvement.
Amortisation and Impairment of Intangible Assets
Pinnacle has grown mostly as a result of acquisitions and under
IFRS accounting rules is required to separately measure the
expected future cashflows from the acquired customer bases at the
date of acquisition and represent this future value as an
intangible asset in the Consolidated Statement of Financial
Position. The accounting policy of the Group is to amortise this
intangible asset value over a maximum of 10 years from the date of
acquisition. This annual non-cash write down is recorded as
Amortisation in the Income Statement for the Group and was GBP371k
for 2014, compared to GBP391k in 2013.
In preparing the expected future cashflows from the acquired
customer bases for the purpose of the annual impairment review, the
Directors use a customer retention rate of 80% per annum. In
preparing the Intangible Asset value each year, we measure the
actual retention rate for each customer base acquired and where
this is less than the 80% retention figure expected, we use the
lower actual figure to calculate the future expected cashflows.
Where expected future cashflows from a customer base are higher
than originally expected, then we do not adjust the intangible
assets upwards, but instead leave this benefit to enhance the
future profit performance of the group.
This lower actual customer retention rate generates an
additional non-cash Amortisation charge to the Income Statement and
is shown as an Impairment of Intangible Assets. This figure for the
year to September 2014 is GBP463k, compared to GBP691k in the year
to September 2013. This charge, whilst non-cash affecting, reflects
the lower than originally expected performance from customer bases
acquired in the acquisitions of RMS Managed ICT Security Limited
and Online Computer Developments Limited.
Depreciation
Historically, the Group has invested in tangible assets such as
IT equipment, fixtures and fittings and its own Voice over Internet
(VoIP) software platform. Each year, the company makes a charge to
the Income Statement representing the diminution in value of these
tangible assets during the financial year. The Directors choose an
appropriate depreciation policy per individual class of asset,
ranging from 33% to 20% of the gross cost of the asset per annum.
This charge is shown as Depreciation in the Income Statement.
During the year, The Directors decided to accelerate the
depreciation of its own VoIP software platform, Sipswitch, which
lacks some of the more advanced features of other "off the shelf"
alternatives on the market. The Depreciation charge for the year to
September 2014 was GBP311k, compared to GBP188k in 2013.
Exceptional Costs
As the Group continues to re-focus and restructure the business
it incurs a number of one-off exceptional costs in settling
employment contracts and negotiating and recruiting replacements.
In addition, the Group has incurred a significant amount of legal
fees defending the wilful misconduct by a former vendor and a
number of former employees. These costs do not reflect the normal
trade of the business and are therefore shown separately on the
face of the Income Statement. As noted in the Chairman's statement,
post period end Pinnacle Technology was awarded costs with respect
to the court actions that subsequently arose and these are now
being pursued as far as reasonably possible towards full
recovery.
Statement of Financial Position
The Group Statement of Financial Position has been depleted by
the losses sustained during the financial years to September 2013
and September 2014. The dominant figure on the Statement of
Financial Position remains the Intangible Assets of the customer
bases acquired in prior years, which are shown at GBP992k (2013:
GBP1.8m) which is not uncommon in a business formed as a result of
acquisition.
Investment
The Group continues to hold a 40% investment in a private
company Stripe21 Limited, which owns and manages a VoIP platform
and has a data centre presence in London Telehouse and London
RedBus. The Stripe21 business continues to generate profitable
revenues as it continues its journey to recover the investments it
has made in creating its own VoIP software platform during its
set-up phase.
In calculating the fair value of the investment in Stripe21, the
Directors consider the financial performance of the company each
year but are cognisant of the fact that the Statement of Financial
Position dated 30 June 2014 shows that the Stripe21 business is
some way away from being able to pay a dividend to Pinnacle. In
recognition of this, the Directors have taken the decision to
reduce the fair value of the investment in Stripe21 down to cost
for the time being. This has resulted in an impairment of the
Stripe21 investment by GBP35k in this financial year.
Cash
The Statement of Financial Position at 30 September 2014 shows a
positive cash available balance of GBP173k at year end. In addition
to this, the Group had overdraft facilities available to it of
GBP80k from HSBC Bank Plc. An existing overdraft of GBP50,000 from
the Bank of Scotland was repaid in full on 15(th) September and the
facility closed. The overdraft balance reported on the face of the
accounts includes cheques sent but which were un-cleared at the
year end. Funds were transferred after year end to cover the
cheques as they cleared.
On 21 November 2014, the Group raised GBP564,470 (before
expenses) by way of a placing and open offer to shareholders. This
fund raise delivered the cash required to fund the growth
initiatives for the 2014/15 financial year and to give additional
cover for working capital during the year.
Property Plant and Equipment
The Company has continued to invest and refresh our IT systems
and infrastructure to support the business as it grows. As a people
based business, the company is not dependent on heavy asset
investment to deliver service to our customers. During the year the
company invested GBP89k in additional fixed assets for the group.
The company continues to invest in systems and assets to support
the growth of the business.
Stock
The Company does not need to carry a large amount of stock and
spares to run our business. Given the fast moving nature of
hardware and devices, we prefer to buy stock to order to support
the IT service side of our business. This ensures best customer
value and avoids losses associated with holding obsolete stock.
Board Changes
On 6(th) December 2013, Alan Bonner, founder and former CEO of
Pinnacle Technology Group Plc announced that he was standing down
from his position and would not re-apply for re-election at the
next AGM on 26(th) March 2014.
Therefore, following the AGM on 26(th) March 2014 the Group
announced the appointment of Nicholas Scallan as successor.
Nicholas Scallan joined Pinnacle as CEO following a number of years
in a senior position at Virgin Media Group Plc.
Group Locations
The Group operates from a number of locations across the United
Kingdom. The Directors match the length and nature of lease to the
particular requirements of the location, giving due regard to
planned headcount changes including any future growth plans.
Litigation
On 31 March 2014 Pinnacle Technology became aware that a third
party was engaging in business solicitation activity which was in
contravention of prior contractual agreements. That activity was
immediately addressed by court proceedings which resulted in
certain interim orders and undertakings being granted in court on 4
April 2014 to protect Pinnacle Technology's interests. Further
detail of these proceedings is given within the Principal Risks and
Uncertainties section below.
As a prudent measure, all legal costs to date have been expensed
to the income statement and are recorded within the Exceptional
Items, even though it is expected that the majority of these costs
will be recoverable. The company will continue to monitor legal
costs, given the variability dependent on the amount of work
undertaken, and expert accountancy advice might additionally be
required if damages cannot be resolved. No estimate of the damages
payable by the defendants has been taken in to the full year
results.
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
for the year ended 30 September 2014
Year
Year ended ended
2014 2013
Note GBP GBP
------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------
Revenue 2 8,408,366 10,138,681
Cost of sales (5,738,427) (6,882,004)
------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------
Gross profit 2,669,939 3,256,677
Operating expenses (4,606,416) (5,692,145)
------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------
Operating loss (1,936,477) (2,435,468)
Adjusted EBITDA (511,811) (769,103)
Amortisation of Intangible
Assets (370,699) (391,165)
Depreciation (310,849) (187,751)
Exceptional costs relating
to acquisitions and restructure (280,608) (419,536)
Impairment of intangible
assets (462,522) (691,404)
Share based payments 34,767 (13,922)
Embedded fair value in
convertible loan - 18,529
Impairment of investment
in associate (34,755) -
Share of profit from associate - 18,884
Operating Loss 3 (1,936,477) (2,435,468)
------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------
Interest receivable 918 9,532
Interest payable (13,286) (13,326)
------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------
Net Finance expense (12,368) (3,794)
------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------
Loss before tax (1,948,845) (2,439,262)
Taxation 174,975 (270,081)
------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------
Loss for the period from
continuing operations attributable
to the equity holders of
the parent 2 (1,773,870) (2,709,343)
Loss per share
- basic and fully diluted 4 (4.98p) (9.46p)
All losses are attributable to continuing operations.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
as at 30 September 2014 2014 2013
GBP GBP
------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Non-current assets
Intangible assets 992,096 1,825,317
Investments in Associated
Companies 165,300 200,055
Property, plant and equipment 227,568 448,969
Deferred tax asset - -
------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Total non-current assets 1,384,964 2,474,341
-------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Current assets
Inventories 46,278 91,222
Trade and other receivables 1,297,465 1,920,179
Cash and cash equivalents 173,240 587,651
-------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Total current assets 1,516,983 2,599,052
-------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Total assets 2,901,947 5,073,393
-------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Liabilities
Short term borrowings (143,659) (174,719)
Trade and other payables (1,442,538) (1,483,256)
Other taxes and social
security costs (122,942) (266,427)
Accruals and other payables (615,599) (999,474)
-------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Total current liabilities (2,324,738) (2,923,876)
-------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Non-current liabilities
Long term borrowings (17,148) (47,005)
Deferred tax liability (208,340) (383,316)
-------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Total liabilities (2,550,226) (3,354,197)
-------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Net assets 351,721 1,719,196
-------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Equity
Share capital 6,862,250 6,816,166
Share premium account 6,774,870 6,379,792
Merger reserve 283,357 283,357
Other reserve 32,024 66,791
Fair value adjustment (1,064,130) (1,064,130)
Retained earnings (12,536,650) (10,762,780)
-------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Total equity 351,721 1,719,196
-------------------------------- ------------- -------------
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
for the year ended 30 September 2014
Share Share Merger Other Fair Retained
Capital premium Reserve reserve Value earnings Total
-------------------- ---------- ---------- -------- -------- ------------ ------------- ------------
At 1 October
2012 5,825,055 4,343,553 283,357 52,869 (1,064,130) (8,053,437) 1,387,267
Loss and total
comprehensive
loss for the
period - - - - - (2,709,343) (2,709,343)
Transactions
with owners
Share Issue 991,111 - - - - - 991,111
Share based
payments - - - 13,922 - - 13,922
Premium on Share
Issue - 2,098,889 - - - - 2,098,889
Expenses on
Share Issue - (62,650) - - - - (62,650)
-------------------- ---------- ---------- -------- -------- ------------ ------------- ------------
Total Transactions
with owners 991,111 2,036,239 - 13,922 - - 3,041,272
-------------------- ---------- ---------- -------- -------- ------------ ------------- ------------
Total movements 991,111 2,036,239 - 13,922 - (2,709,343) 331,929
-------------------- ---------- ---------- -------- -------- ------------ ------------- ------------
Equity at 30
September 2013 6,816,166 6,379,792 283,357 66,791 (1,064,130) (10,762,780) 1,719,196
-------------------- ---------- ---------- -------- -------- ------------ ------------- ------------
At 1 October
2013 6,816,166 6,379,792 283,357 66,791 (1,064,130) (10,762,780) 1,719,196
Loss and total
comprehensive
loss for the
period - - - - - (1,773,870) (1,773,870)
Transactions
with owners
Share Issue 46,084 - - - - - 46,084
Share based
payments - - - (34,767) - - (34,767)
Premium on Share
Issue - 403,238 - - - - 403,238
Expenses on
Share Issue - (8,160) - - - (8,160)
Total Transactions
with owners 46,084 395,078 - (34,767) - - 406,395
-------------------- ---------- ---------- -------- --------- ------------ ------------- ------------
Total movements 46,084 395,078 - (34,767) - (1,773,870) (1,367,474)
-------------------- ---------- ---------- -------- --------- ------------ ------------- ------------
Equity at 30
September 2014 6,862,250 6,774,870 283,357 32,024 (1,064,130) (12,536,650) 351,721
-------------------- ---------- ---------- -------- --------- ------------ ------------- ------------
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
for the year ended 30 September
2014 2014 2013
GBP GBP
--------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Cash flows from operating
activities
Loss before taxation (1,948,845) (2,439,262)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation 310,849 187,751
Amortisation 370,699 391,165
Impairment of intangible
assets 462,522 691,404
Share of (profit)/loss
from associate 34,755 (18,884)
Share option charge (34,767) 13,922
Fair value adjustment for
convertible loan - (18,529)
Interest expense 12,368 3,794
(Increase)/Decrease in
trade and other receivables 622,713 413,966
Decrease in inventories 44,944 271,946
Decrease in trade payables,
accruals and other creditors (626,791) (1,449,555)
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Net cash flow used in operating
activities (751,553) (1,952,282)
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Cash flows from investing
activities
Purchase of property, plant
and equipment (89,448) (141,634)
Sale of property, plant
and equipment - 1,821
Interest received 918 9,532
Net cash used in investing
activities (88,530) (130,281)
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Cash flows from financing
activities
Issue of shares 449,322 2,950,000
Receipt of invoice discount
finance during the year 1,901,371 2,115,218
Repayment of invoice discount
finance during the year (1,827,659) (2,389,018)
Repayment of convertible
loans and bank loans (36,436) (15,096)
Payment of finance lease
liabilities (33,484) (62,650)
Interest paid (13,286) (21,419)
Expenses paid in connection
with share issue (8,160) (13,326)
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Net cash from financing
activities 431,668 2,563,709
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Net (decrease)/increase
in cash (408,415) 481,146
Cash at bank and in hand
at beginning of period 465,518 (15,628)
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Cash at bank and in hand
at end of period 57,103 465,518
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Comprising:
Cash at bank and in hand 173,240 587,651
Bank overdrafts (116,137) (122,133)
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------
57,103 465,518
--------------------------------- ------------ ------------
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
1. General information
Pinnacle Technology Group plc is a company incorporated in the
United Kingdom under the Act 2006. The principal activity of the
group is the provision of IT and telecommunications solutions to
businesses in the United Kingdom. The financial statements are
presented in pounds sterling because that is the currency of the
primary economic environment in which each of the Group's
subsidiaries operates.
1.1. Basis of preparation
The financial information set out in this announcement does not
comprise the Group's statutory accounts for the years ended 30
September 2014 or 30 September 2013.
The financial information has been extracted from the statutory
accounts of the Company for the years ended 30 September 2014 or 30
September 2013. The auditors reported on those accounts; their
reports were unqualified and did not contain a reference to any
matters to which the auditors drew attention by way of emphasis
without qualifying their report and did not contain a statement
under either Section 498 (2) or Section 498 (3) of the Companies
Act 2006.
The statutory accounts for the year ended 30 September 2013 have
been delivered to the Registrar of Companies, whereas those for the
year ended 30 September 2014 will be delivered to the Registrar of
Companies following the Company's Annual General Meeting.
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards and
IFRIC interpretations endorsed by the European Union (EU) and with
those parts of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies
reporting under IFRS.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical
cost convention. The measurement bases and principal accounting
policies of the Group are set out below. The principal accounting
policies of the Group have remained unchanged from the previous
year.
The Board acknowledges the significant cash outflow from
operations in the current year and continue to review the markets
it operates in and its ongoing cost base. This continued re-focus
and restructure of the business has added GBP281k in restructuring
and exceptional costs in the current year. On 21 November 2014 the
Directors raised GBP564,470 (before expenses) by way of a private
placing and an open offer to shareholders. The impact of this fund
raise on the forecasts of the business, indicate that there is no
requirement for additional funds for the group to continue under
its core business model. However, the current Board have also
committed to investing a minimum of GBP100,000 should the business
require it in the next twelve months and has signed representations
confirming this prior to approval and signing of the group
accounts.
On the basis of a review of cash balances, banking facilities
and the ability to call on certain shareholders to subscribe to an
issue of new shares, together with a review of forecasts and
sensitised cash flows, the Directors have a reasonable expectation
that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational
existence for at least the next 12 months from the date of signing
the financial statements. The Directors recognise that the Group
must achieve and maintain monthly profitability for the business to
cover its cost base and remain within its finance facilities. The
accounting policies that have been applied in the opening balance
sheet have also been applied throughout all periods presented in
these financial statements.
1.2. New standards and interpretations of existing standards
that are not yet effective and have not been adopted early by the
Group
At the date of authorisation of the financial statements, the
following new standards, amendments and interpretations are
currently in issue but are not effective except for accounting
periods commencing after 30 September 2014. The Group has not
adopted these standards early and they are not expected to have a
material impact on the Group's consolidated financial statements:
New standards and interpretations
* Amendment to IFRS 11: Acquisition of an Interest in a
Joint Operation. *
* Amendments to IAS 27 Separate Financial Statements. *
* Amendments to IFRS 10 and IAS 28: Sale or
Contribution of Assets between an Investor and its
Associate or Joint Venture. *
* IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers *
* International Financial Reporting Standard for Small
and Medium-sized Entities (cannot yet be adopted in
the UK)
2. Segment Reporting
The chief operating decision-maker has been identified as the
Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") of the Company. The CEO reviews the
Group's internal reporting in order to assess performance and to
allocate resources. The Directors present below the results for
2014 and 2013 comparisons, based on the reportable operating
segments which remain unchanged from the prior year.
The Group currently has five reportable segments:
-- IT Services - this segment provides IT support, consultancy,
installation and hardware
solutions to SME companies.
-- IT Security Solutions - this segment provides a range of IT
applications, maintenance, sale and
installation of hardware and licenses in addition to consultancy
and support
services in order to secure data and assets for corporate and
enterprise
companies.
-- Cloud Services and Data Connectivity - this segment provides
leased lines, data connectivity, wireless solutions, data
centre and hosting services, VoIP and other cloud based
applications to
business customers.
-- Telecommunication Services - this sector covers a range of
telecommunications services including calls, line
rental and telephone system maintenance.
-- Mobility Solutions - this segment provides a range of mobile
services and solutions to SME
companies.
Information regarding the operation of the reportable segments
is included below. The CEO assesses the performance of the
operating segments based on revenue and a measure of Earnings
before Interest, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) before any
allocation of Group overheads or charges for share based payments.
Segments are measured below on this basis.
Recurring and renewable reporting segments refer to customers
who have entered into ongoing or fixed term contracts with the
group to supply services for a duration exceeding 1 month.
The CEO believes that such information is the most relevant in
evaluating the results of the segment. The Group's EBITDA for the
year has been calculated after deducting Group overheads from the
EBITDA of the five segments as reported internally. The Group
overheads include the cost of the Board, the costs of maintaining a
listing on AIM, legal and professional fees, and the costs of
shareholder communications including the costs of retaining a
Nominated Advisor and a Broker.
The segment information is prepared using accounting policies
consistent with those of the Group as a whole.
The performance of the Group is reviewed by the Chief Executive
Officer on a segment basis and have been disclosed. All segments
are continuing operations. No customer accounts for more than 10%
of external revenues. Inter-segment transactions are accounted for
using an arms-length commercial basis.
The majority of assets and liabilities of the Group are pooled
centrally and are shared across all operating segments as required,
based on demand over time. For this reason, apportionment of assets
and liabilities cannot be measured accurately across segments and
are therefore not disclosed.
2.1 Analysis of revenue 2014 2013
GBP GBP
---------------------------- ---------- -----------
By operating segment
IT Services 946,960 1,328,978
IT Security Solutions 1,388,904 2,199,986
Cloud Services and Data
Connectivity 2,185,996 2,394,460
Telecommunication Services 3,350,356 3,699,497
Mobility Solutions 536,150 515,760
----------------------------- ---------- -----------
Continuing operations 8,408,366 10,138,681
Total revenue 8,408,366 10,138,681
----------------------------- ---------- -----------
2014 2013
By destination GBP GBP
---------------------------- ---------- -----------
United Kingdom 8,408,366 10,138,681
----------------------------- ---------- -----------
Total revenue 8,408,366 10,138,681
----------------------------- ---------- -----------
By origin 2014 2013
GBP GBP
---------------------------- ------------ ------------
Continuing operations
Pinnacle Telecom plc 694,889 736,420
Accent Telecom UK Limited 3,675,017 4,019,338
Solwise Telephony Limited 911,686 1,155,210
Pinnacle Cloud Solutions
Limited 1,737,871 1,957,890
RMS Managed ICT Security
Limited 1,354,693 1,842,644
Other group companies 34,210 427,179
----------------------------- ------------ ------------
Total revenue 8,408,366 10,138,681
----------------------------- ------------ ------------
2014 2013
By recurring nature GBP GBP
---------------------------- ------------ ------------
Recurring and Renewable
- continuing operations 7,427,131 8,658,536
Non-Recurring - continuing
operations 981,235 1,480,145
----------------------------- ------------ ------------
Total revenue 8,408,366 10,138,681
----------------------------- ------------ ------------
2.2 Analysis of net loss after tax
2014 2013
2.2.1 By business sector GBP GBP
-------------------------------- --- ------------ -------------
IT Services
Adjusted EBITDA 198,503 32,403
Depreciation (39,315) (23,619)
Amortisation (59,908) (69,118)
Impairment (122,831) (75,887)
Exceptional Items (5,910) (27,761)
Finance Costs (2,785) (951)
------------------------------------- ------------ -------------
(Loss) / Profit from
operations before tax (32,246) (164,933)
------------------------------------- ------------ -------------
IT Security Solutions
Adjusted EBITDA (466,844) (582,106)
Depreciation (26,868) (26,881)
Amortisation (179,200) (180,753)
Impairment (203,213) (531,198)
Exceptional Items (43,680) (100,627)
Finance Costs (665) (1,246)
------------------------------------- ------------ -------------
(Loss) / Profit from
operations before tax (920,470) (1,422,811)
------------------------------------- ------------ -------------
Cloud Services and Data
Connectivity
Adjusted EBITDA 225,414 (67,528)
Depreciation (140,227) (74,323)
Amortisation (78,735) (86,921)
Impairment (109,183) (67,455)
Exceptional Items (22,829) (52,902)
Embedded Fair Value in
Convertible Loan - 18,529
Finance Costs (3,780) (2,072)
------------------------------------- ------------ -------------
(Loss) / Profit from
operations before tax (129,340) (332,672)
------------------------------------- ------------ -------------
Telecommunication Services
Adjusted EBITDA (478,483) (184,598)
Depreciation (101,141) (58,463)
Amortisation (41,380) (42,897)
Impairment (27,296) (16,864)
Exceptional Items (186,388) (221,669)
Finance Costs (5,549) (6,222)
------------------------------------- ------------ -------------
(Loss) / Profit from
operations after amortisation (840,237) (530,713)
------------------------------------- ------------ -------------
Mobility Solutions
Adjusted EBITDA 45,221 272
Depreciation (4,154) (4,463)
Amortisation (11,475) (11,475)
Exceptional Items (21,802) (16,579)
Finance Costs (498) (608)
------------------------------------- ------------ -------------
(Loss) / Profit from
operations after amortisation 7,292 (32,853)
------------------------------------- ------------ -------------
Head office 141,131 (225,361)
------------------------------------- ------------ -------------
Continuing operations (1,773,870) (2,709,343)
Total losses (1,773,870) (2,709,343)
------------------------------------- ------------ -------------
2014 2013
GBP GBP
--------------------------------- ------------ ------------
United Kingdom (1,773,870) (2,709,343)
--------------------------------- ------------ ------------
2.2.3 By origin
2014 2013
GBP GBP
--------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Pinnacle Telecom plc (246,891) (324,019)
Accent Telecom UK Limited 508,715 48,266
Solwise Telephony Limited (197,535) (155,484)
Pinnacle Cloud Solutions
Limited (438,766) (375,672)
RMS Managed ICT Security
Limited (517,808) (800,376)
Head Office and other
group companies (510,886) (710,893)
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Loss from continuing
operations before exceptional
items (1,403,171) (2,318,178)
Amortisation (370,699) (391,165)
Total losses (1,773,870) (2,709,343)
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------
2014 2013
2.2.4 By recurring nature GBP GBP
--------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Recurring and renewable
- continuing operations (1,314,198) (2,279,556)
Non-Recurring - continuing
operations (88,973) (38,622)
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Loss from continuing
operations before amortisation
and discontinued (1,403,171) (2,318,178)
Amortisation (370,699) (391,165)
Total losses (1,773,870) (2,709,343)
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------
2.2.5 Significant customer revenue
Pinnacle has a diverse and broad customer base, incorporating
both public and private sector business customers, from a wide
range of industry sectors, operating in the enterprise, corporate
and SME markets. The group was not reliant upon any one single
customer to contribute more than 10% of its revenue in the
financial year to September 2014 or to September 2013.
3. Operating loss 2014 2013
GBP GBP
Loss from operations is
stated after charging:
Depreciation of owned assets (310,849) (187,751)
Other operating lease rentals:
- buildings (82,703) (141,302)
Auditors' remuneration: -
audit of parent company (15,000) (10,500)
- audit of subsidiary companies (30,000) (36,750)
----------------------------------- ----------- -----------
2013 2012
4. Total and continuing loss per GBP GBP
share
-------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Loss attributable to ordinary shareholders (1,773,870) (2,709,343)
-------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Number Number
-------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Weighted average number of ordinary
shares in issue 35,604,548 28,631,639
Basic and diluted loss per share
(pence) 4.98p 9.46p
-------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Both the basic and diluted earnings per share have been
calculated using the net loss after taxation attributable to the
shareholders of Pinnacle Technology Group plc as the numerator.
5. Post balance sheet events
On 21(st) November 2014, Pinnacle held a General Meeting at
which shareholders were asked to consider resolutions in connection
with a Placing and Open Offer, which were subsequently approved,
enabling the Group to raise GBP564,470 through a Placing and Open
Offer through the issue of 8,684,147 new Ordinary Shares at a price
of 6.5p, to further accelerate the Group's strategy.
N+1 Singer LLP acted as sole broker on the placing and placed
7,461,535 new ordinary shares with Directors and existing
institutional shareholders at 6.5p to raise GBP485,000 before
expenses. Further funds were raised via an open offer at 6.5p to
qualifying shareholders on the basis of one new ordinary share for
every 21 existing shares held. Pinnacle received valid acceptances
from qualifying shareholders in respect of 1,222,612 Open Offer
Shares - approximately 69 percent of the maximum available, and
equal to GBP79,470. Of the total funds raised, Pinnacle's Board of
Directors subscribed for approximately GBP217,000 of new
shares.
6. Dividends
The Directors do not propose a dividend for the year ended 30
September 2014 (2013: GBPNil).
7. Annual report and accounts
A copy of the Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30
September 2014 will be sent to shareholders at the beginning of
March 2014 and copies will be available from the Company's
registered office at 5 Fleet Place, London, EC4M 7RD or by visiting
our website at www.pinn.uk.com.
8. Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held at the
offices of N+1 Singer Capital Markets Limited, 1 Bartholomew Lane,
London EC2N 2AX on 27(th) March 2014 at 10:30 AM.
END
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
FR TLMMTMBIBTIA
Pinnacle Telecom (LSE:PINN)
Historical Stock Chart
From Apr 2024 to May 2024
Pinnacle Telecom (LSE:PINN)
Historical Stock Chart
From May 2023 to May 2024