TIDMVANL
RNS Number : 2307M
Van Elle Holdings PLC
20 January 2021
Van Elle Holdings plc
('Van Elle', the 'Company' or the 'Group')
Interim results for the six months ended 31 October 2020
& Investor Presentation
Van Elle Holdings plc, the UK's largest ground engineering
contractor, announces its interim results for the six months ended
31 October 2020.
GBPm 6 months 6 months
ended ended
31 Oct 2020 31 Oct 2019
------------------------------------------ ------------- -------------
Revenue 38.3 48.5
EBITDA [1] 1.9 3.4
Underlying* operating (loss) / profit (0.4) 1.5
Reported operating (loss) / profit (0.4) 1.2
Underlying* (loss) / profit before
tax (0.6) 1.1
Reported (loss) / profit before taxation (0.7) 0.9
Underlying* basic earnings per share
(p) (0.5) 1.2
Basic earnings per share (p) (0.5) 0.9
Net funds/(debt) 0.6 (10.4)
Net funds/(debt) excluding IFRS 16
property lease liabilities 4.5 (6.4)
------------------------------------------ ------------- -------------
([1]) EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, tax,
amortisation and depreciation
* Underlying results are stated before share-based payment
charges and other non-underlying items (as detailed in note 4).
There are no 'other non-underlying items' in the current
period.
Highlights
-- First quarter of FY2021 significantly impacted by the
downturn in the wider construction market caused by COVID-19
restrictions.
-- Encouraging recovery in trading during the second quarter,
with activity recovering to pre-COVID levels and the
Group returning to profitability in September and October.
-- The health and wellbeing of employees has been the uppermost
consideration throughout the period and the Group has
been able to implement effective safe working practices
to maintain operational continuity.
-- The Group has maintained a strong financial position
with a cash balance of GBP9.8m at the end of the period,
following a successful share placing in April 2020, and
with further significant headroom under the new asset-based
lending facility secured in October 2020.
-- Under the Group's transformation plan, operational activity
continues to be focused on margin improvement and customer
development. Further strengthening of the management
team has been embedded and the Group is increasingly
focused on longer term growth initiatives.
-- Trading in the early part of Q3 has been in line with
expectations, with an order book at 7 January 2021 of
GBP23.6m (30 April 2020: GBP21.4m).
-- With increased confidence resulting from the anticipated
activities in the Group's core markets of residential,
infrastructure and regional construction, the Group is
well set to respond to the expected market recovery having
retained and, in some areas, strengthened its diverse
skill-base and capacity.
Mark Cutler, Chief Executive, commented:
"Our thanks go to all our employees for their resilience and
commitment during a period which has had such a significant impact
on our industry and wider society.
"Despite the evident disruption in the first half of the
financial year, we have made considerable progress in advancing our
strategy and enter the second half with confidence that we are well
positioned to benefit from the resumption of normalised industry
conditions.
"We are cautiously optimistic about the remainder of this year
and into next, with well-established safe working practices and
improving activity levels in our key sectors."
Analyst Briefing: 9.30am on Wednesday 20 January 2021
A briefing for Analysts will be held at 9.30am today. Analysts
interested in attending should contact Walbrook PR on
vanelle@walbrookpr.com or 020 7933 8780.
Investor Presentation: 3.30pm on Thursday 21 January 2021
Mark Cutler, Chief Executive Officer, and Graeme Campbell, Chief
Financial Officer, will hold a presentation to introduce Van Elle
and review the results and prospects at 3.30pm on Thursday 21
January 2021. The presentation will be hosted through the digital
platform Investor Meet Company. Investors can sign up to Investor
Meet Company for free and add to meet Van Elle Holdings plc via the
following link
https://www.investormeetcompany.com/van-elle-holdings-plc/register-investor
. Investors who have already registered and added to meet the
Company will automatically be invited.
Questions can be submitted pre-event to vanelle@walbrookpr.com
or in real time during the presentation via the "Ask a Question"
function.
Certain information contained in this announcement would have
constituted inside information (as defined by Article 7 of
Regulation (EU) No 596/2014) ("MAR") prior to its release as part
of this announcement and is disclosed in accordance with the
Company's obligations under Article 17 of those Regulations.
For further information, please contact:
Van Elle Holdings plc Mark Cutler Via Walbrook
PR
Chief Executive Officer
Graeme Campbell
Chief Financial Officer
Peel Hunt LLP (Nominated Mike Bell
Adviser and Broker) Edward Allsopp 020 7418 8900
Walbrook PR Limited Tom Cooper 020 7933 8780
Nick Rome or vanelle@walbrookpr.com
Nicholas Johnson 07971 221 972
07748 325 236
07884 664 686
About Van Elle Holdings plc:
Van Elle Holdings is the UK's largest specialist geotechnical
engineering contractor. The Company provides a range of ground
engineering techniques and services including - ground
investigation, general and specialist piling, rail geotechnical
engineering, modular foundations, and ground improvement and
stabilisation services.
Van Elle reports through three divisions: General Piling,
Specialist Piling and Rail, and Ground Engineering Services; and is
focused on three end markets: residential, infrastructure and
regional construction - across which the Group has completed more
than 20,000 projects over the last 35 years.
General Piling provides a range of larger piling and ground
engineering solutions for open-site construction projects.
Specialist Piling and Rail provides a range of geotechnical
solutions in operationally constrained environments including
on-track rail applications. Ground Engineering Services offers a
range of ground investigation and geotechnical services and modular
foundation solutions such as Smartfoot(R) . Van Elle has a
market-leading reputation and the UK's largest modern rig fleet of
118 rigs.
Having floated on AIM in 2016 it now has a strong national
presence, diversified offering and market-leading brand name.
Van Elle Holdings plc - Interim Report to 31 October 2020
Introduction
The Group's financial performance in the first half of FY2021
was heavily impacted by the challenging market conditions caused by
the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in revenue for the six months
ended 31 October 2020 decreasing by 21% to GBP38.3m (H1 2020:
GBP48.5m).
Trading activity was significantly below pre-COVID levels during
the first quarter, as a result of the shutdown of activity at a
significant number of customer sites, before a gradual recovery in
activity through the period. Revenues in September and October
recovered to pre-COVID levels and the Group traded profitably in
these months.
Lockdowns since the period end have had limited operational
impact on the Group, but increased uncertainty has impacted
short-term customer decision-making in the commercial and general
construction markets resulting in General Piling activity being
more subdued during the third quarter. A sustained recovery is
expected as the post-COVID backdrop stabilises.
Despite the challenges faced in the period, the Group continued
to make good progress in the delivery of its strategic plan,
focused on improved operational performance and establishing strong
market positions for future growth.
The Group took decisive action in the period to improve balance
sheet strength, increasing resilience, ensuring that Van Elle was
able to retain its market leading capabilities, and providing the
capacity to support its strategic initiatives. A focus on cash and
working capital management and the equity capital raise in April
2020, resulted in a strong cash position at the end of the period.
In addition, the refinancing of the Group's debt facilities was
completed in October 2020, with an asset-based lending facility of
up to GBP11m established, which remains undrawn.
The order book at 7 January 2021 was GBP23.6m (30 April 2020:
GBP21.4m).
The Group is a leader in the UK geotechnical engineering market.
The Board remain optimistic that significant opportunities exist
across our target markets of residential, infrastructure and
regional construction, much of which remain well-funded and/or are
underpinned by long-term structural growth dynamics.
COVID-19
Following the sharp downturn in activity during April 2020 as a
result of working restrictions and site closures, there was a
steady recovery of activity in our end markets during the first
half of the financial year. The Group responded quickly to the
operational challenges presented by COVID-19 and adapted operating
procedures in accordance with government advice and industry
guidance.
During the pandemic, our primary focus has been on the health
and wellbeing of all employees. With the support of our customers,
we implemented new site operating procedures to deliver contract
works safely and productively throughout. Further steps were taken
across all Group sites including social distancing measures,
increased hygiene and cleaning facilities, employee temperature
monitoring equipment and changed working practices, with
significant numbers of staff working remotely.
Given the wider market uncertainties, the priority focus
continues to be on strong management of cash and working capital.
Cost reduction measures were implemented, including temporary pay
reductions, and capital expenditure was limited to sustaining
current capability only during the period. All PAYE liabilities
deferred under the HMRC 'time to pay' arrangement have now been
fully settled. A VAT payment of GBP0.3m remains deferred, as
permitted by HMRC. The Group also reported a strong cash position
of GBP9.8m at the end of October 2020 (31 October 2019: GBP3.9m)
and has an undrawn asset-based lending facility of up to
GBP11m.
As previously announced, at the peak of the first lockdown, the
Group's revenues dropped by 80% and 50% of the workforce were
furloughed. The recovery in activity levels during the period has
supported the return to work for the majority of our employees.
Results overview
For the six months ended 31 October 2020, revenue decreased by
21% to GBP38.3m (H1 2020: GBP48.5m). Sales were segmented to our
end markets as follows: residential 44.5% (H1 2020: 51.4%),
infrastructure 35.6% (H1 2020: 25.9%) and regional construction
19.7% (H1 2020: 22.5%).
The relative growth in infrastructure revenues is consistent
with the Group's strategy to pursue higher margin specialist work
but also reflects the greater level of operational continuity at
customer sites in the infrastructure sectors during the first
COVID-19 lockdown.
Activity during the first quarter was heavily disrupted by
COVID-19, following a low point in April 2020 in which revenues
were approximately 80% below expectations. Activity levels steadily
recovered during the period, with revenues in September and October
returning to pre-COVID-19 levels, enabling the Group to trade
profitably in these months.
Specialist Piling showed the strongest recovery, operating at
near full capacity for much of the period. Strata experienced some
short-term disruption from site closures in the first quarter but
quickly recovered to pre-COVID revenues. Housing and General Piling
recovered steadily, although the latter continues to experience
some market volatility, particularly in the commercial and general
construction sectors. Rail activity remained subdued for much of
the period, with the pandemic further delaying the commencement of
significant projects under the CP6 funding programme and reducing
activity levels on existing programmes. The subdued level of Rail
activity continued to negatively impact the Group's margin mix
since this highly specialised capability typically delivers higher
margins than other divisions.
Operational efficiencies in the Specialist Piling, Housing and
Strata divisions resulted in improved gross margin performance in
these businesses, albeit at a Group level gross margin performance
was impacted adversely by mix due to subdued Rail activity. In
addition, the significant decrease in revenue impacted overhead
recovery, particularly in the first quarter, and resulted in an
underlying operating loss of GBP0.4m (H1 2020: underlying operating
profit of GBP1.5m). Underlying loss before tax for the period was
GBP0.6m (H1 2020: underlying profit before tax of GBP1.1m).
Share-based payments expense of GBP0.1m was reported in the
period (H1 2020: GBP0.1m). There were no other non-underlying items
for the period (H1 2020: GBP0.1m).
Net funds (excluding IFRS 16 property lease liabilities) at 31
October 2020 were GBP4.5m (30 April 2020: GBP4.8m). The Group had
cash and cash equivalents of GBP9.8m as at 31 October 2020 (30
April 2020: GBP12.2m) with the decrease since FY2020 year end
reflecting a reversal of the working capital decrease prior to 30
April 2020, caused by the COVID-19 related reduced activity levels.
Capital outstanding on hire purchase contracts reduced to GBP5.3m
(30 April 2020: GBP7.4m), with GBP2.0m repaid in the period.
The Group has a significantly strengthened balance sheet
following the successful equity capital raise announced on 9 April
2020, which raised gross proceeds of GBP6.7m. The remaining term
loan with Lloyds Bank of GBP0.9m was also fully repaid in April
2020.
Reduced capital expenditure of GBP0.3m (H1 2020: GBP1.4m)
reflects the actions taken to limit capital spend in the period to
sustaining current capability.
Operating performance in the period
The Group reports operating performance in three segments as
follows:
-- General Piling: open site, larger projects; key techniques
being large diameter rotary and CFA piling as well as larger
precast driven piling.
-- Specialist Piling and Rail: restricted access techniques and
rail mounted capability, sheet piling, soil nails, anchors,
mini-piling and ground stabilisation projects.
-- Ground Engineering Services: modular foundation solutions
(e.g. Smartfoot), ground improvement (vibro and rigid inclusions)
delivered by the Housing business unit, and geotechnical services
(trading as Strata Geotechnics).
General Piling
Revenue in the period decreased to GBP13.8m (H1 2020: GBP17.7m),
primarily due to the significant impact of COVID-19 in the first
quarter.
Market conditions remained challenging in the period, impacted
by a combination of COVID-19 shutdowns, lower customer confidence
and delayed decision making, and increased pricing pressures.
Notwithstanding the challenging market conditions, the Group has
seen benefits from its refreshed commercial strategy which
supported a recovery in trading to pre-COVID-19 levels in the
second quarter, although the division continues to experience
volatile trading conditions.
The impact of the lower revenue in the first quarter was broadly
offset by cost mitigation initiatives in the division resulting in
an improved operating profit margin. The division's underlying
operating profit was GBP163k for the period, slightly below the
previous year (H1 2020: GBP227k).
Specialist Piling and Rail
The division, comprising the Specialist Piling and Rail business
units reported a 9% decrease in revenue to GBP12.7m (H1 2020:
GBP14.0m) primarily due to subdued workloads during the early
stages of Network Rail's CP6 programme, partly mitigated by strong
activity levels on Highways England's Smart Motorways
programmes.
Specialist Piling has shown the strongest recovery since the
first lockdown in March 2020, rapidly returning to pre-COVID-19
levels of activity and delivering year on year revenue growth. The
division continued to benefit from strong contract performances in
the highways sector, supported by a stable performance across other
market sectors, including residential activity which showed a
steady recovery after the first COVID-19 lockdown.
Specialist Piling has continued to review growth opportunities
and has increased its capability in sheet piling techniques and
drill and grout activities.
Activity in Rail remained subdued in the first half of the year,
with delays to Network Rail's CP6 programme and low levels of
opportunities for piling work under the current programme
activities, particularly in relation to rail electrification
programmes where there is strong and proven capability. The Rail
business unit continued with the diversification of rig fleet
capability to support contract activities in other sectors and
completed significant levels of work in the highways sector in the
first half of the year.
The Group's track bed stabilisation system has continued to be
developed and we anticipate good growth opportunities both in the
UK and overseas which is intended to provide some protection
against the cyclical level of rail contract activity in the UK.
The lower volume of Rail work had an adverse impact on
divisional revenue and margin mix. However, contract margins
remained robust despite the operational challenges from COVID-19
and overhead costs were mitigated where possible, resulting in an
improved operating margin and an improved underlying operating
profit of GBP799k (H1 2020: GBP394k).
Ground Engineering Services
The division, comprising Housing and Strata business units,
reported a 30% decrease in revenue to GBP11.7m (H1 2020: GBP16.9m)
in the period, primarily due to the significant impact of COVID-19
on housebuilders' activity during the first lockdown.
All operational sites within the Housing business unit were
closed during April 2020, followed by a steady reopening of sites
and subsequent recovery of activity during the period, in line with
government guidance. Whilst there remains some market uncertainty
in the residential sector, revenue recovered to near pre-COVID
levels by the end of the period.
Strata saw stable revenues in the period, despite some
short-term challenges caused by site closures during the first
quarter. The Group continued to develop a strong reputation for its
capability being able to offer customers end-to-end solutions of
ground investigation and piling works. Notable progress was made in
the Highways sector including the award of two of three regions of
Highways England's national ground investigation framework which
mobilised in the period.
The impact of the lower revenue in the period was partially
offset by improved contract margins as a result of successful
restructuring within the Housing division and improved operational
efficiencies. Lower activity impacted overhead recovery with the
result being an underlying operating loss of GBP110k (H1 2020:
underlying operating profit of GBP804k). Operating margins are
expected to recover as volumes stabilise.
Strategic overview
Despite the challenges faced in the period, the long-term
opportunities for the Group are undiminished and the strategy
remains unchanged. Our strategy is focused on twin workstreams
targeted on delivering sustainable, profitable growth in the medium
term:
1. Phase 1 focuses on improving the operational performance of
the business through simplifying the structure, addressing
operational weaknesses, improving leadership capability,
strengthening commercial capability, cost reduction, efficiency
improvements and employee engagement activities. Further progress
has been made in the period and this phase is substantially
complete.
2. Phase 2 positions the Group for future growth by developing
clear strategic plans for our core sectors of residential,
infrastructure and regional construction, developing customer
account plans and relationships, maximising our integrated
solutions offering, broadening our range of products and services,
and extending our geographical footprint into high growth markets
across the UK. Despite the distractions caused during the year by
COVID-19 the Group has made continued progress against these
objectives.
3. Phase 3 of the strategy targets sustainable, profitable
growth as the Group capitalises on the potential opportunities
presented by construction market recovery with medium term
objectives set out in the Group's statement of 9 April 2020, being:
revenue growth of 5-10% per annum, underlying operating margins of
7-8% and a return on capital employed of 15-20%. The Group will
track these additional performance targets to assist with measuring
the success of strategic progress.
Market overview
Notwithstanding the impact of COVID-19 in the period, the
Group's markets continue to offer considerable long-term
opportunity to support the delivery of its strategic
objectives.
The Group experienced a relatively resilient infrastructure
sector compared to the residential and construction sectors in the
period, and the mid-term outlook remains positive, with
considerable UK investment expected to facilitate higher margin
specialist services. In highways, the Group successfully delivered
several Smart Motorway projects where it enjoys a market leading
position. The announcement of Highways England's 10-year Smart
Motorways Alliance and the commencement of works on High Speed 2
offer considerable opportunity for the Group. In Rail, the Group
secured its 170(th) station project but on-track works remained
subdued as delays to Network Rail's CP6 programme impacted
workload. While customer development for CP6 continues, the Group
is focused on multiple market opportunities, and re-allocation of
resources to the highways sector has ensured the retention of all
key resources to enable the expected improvement in rail activity
going into FY2022.
The regional construction market has been and remains highly
competitive, but due to closer working relationships with
customers, the Group has secured several good quality projects and
has improved its execution compared to last year. The Group is not
expecting a material improvement in regional construction markets
in the second half, although some sub-sectors, such as industrial
warehousing, remain buoyant and further confidence is expected to
return following maturity of COVID-19 working protocols and the
Brexit trade agreement.
The residential market continues to offer growth opportunities
to the Group, both in private housing and larger scale residential
and retirement sectors. New housebuilding activity levels have
proved resilient since the closure of sites in April and May 2020
and the Group is confident that its modular foundation systems will
continue to be popular with housebuilders due to the benefits of
reduced time, cost and on-site resource levels.
Board changes
As previously announced, Frank Nelson joined the Group as
Non-Executive Director and Chair designate on 1 July 2020. Frank
assumed the role of Chair following the release of the full year
results in August 2020.
Adrian Barden and Robin Williams retired from the Board in
August 2020.
Dividend
At the 2020 full year results release, the Board did not
recommend a final dividend for FY2020, noting the importance of
prudent cash management as the Group's markets recover from the
COVID-19 pandemic. Whilst the Group's financial position has
strengthened in the first half, the Board recognises that a capital
raise was completed in April 2020 and the Group has also received
monies (GBP1.3m in the period) from claims under the government's
Job Retention Scheme.
Given the short-term risks presented by the evolving COVID-19
backdrop, the Board is not declaring an interim dividend for
FY2021.
The Board fully recognises the importance of dividends to
shareholders and will review the dividend approach once the current
period of disruption has passed.
Current trading and outlook
Operationally, considerable progress has been made in delivering
the Group Strategy, with Phase 1 substantially complete and Phase 2
well underway. Positive effects of these changes are already being
seen in both the operational and commercial performance of the
business.
Post the period end, trading has remained in line with Board
expectations, with a typical reduction in activity in several
sectors during December and January as a result of Christmas
closures and normal seasonal factors. Specific rail activity
through November and during the Christmas holiday period included
major works successfully delivered at Gatwick station for Costain,
albeit on-track rail activity remains subdued as described
previously.
Assuming the current national lockdown does not result in
construction site closures or significant delays in customer
decision making, workload in all divisions is expected to broadly
return to Q2 levels during the course of Q4, including the
commencement of several key projects in General Piling. On this
basis, the Board anticipates delivering an underlying result for
the year slightly ahead of current market expectations.
The roll out of the COVID-19 vaccine programme provides
encouragement that disruption will reduce in the coming months and
that we can enter FY22 with strong momentum, buoyed by the ongoing
priority being placed on infrastructure and residential sector
investment.
Mark Cutler
Chief Executive Officer
19 January 2021
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
6 months 6 months 12 months
to 31 Oct to 31 to 30
2020 (unaudited) Oct Apr 2020
Note 2019 (unaudited) (audited)
------------------------------------ ------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
Revenue 3 38,323 48,524 84,373
Cost of sales (27,727) (35,282) (61,794)
------------------------------------ ------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
Gross profit 10,596 13,242 22,579
Administrative expenses (11,071) (11,904) (25,131)
Credit loss impairment charge (82) (109) (299)
Other operating income 120 - 1,242
------------------------------------ ------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
Operating (loss)/profit (437) 1,229 (1,609)
------------------------------------ ------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
Operating (loss)/profit before
share-based payments and other
non underlying items (359) 1,455 (257)
Share-based payments (78) (80) (116)
Other non underlying items 4 - (146) (1,236)
------------------------------------ ------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
Operating (loss)/profit (437) 1,229 (1,609)
------------------------------------ ------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
Finance expense (293) (322) (654)
Finance income 9 12 24
------------------------------------ ------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
(Loss)/profit before tax (721) 919 (2,239)
Income tax expense 138 (175) (216)
------------------------------------ ------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
(Loss)/profit after tax and
total comprehensive (loss)/income
for the year attributable
to shareholders of the parent (583) 744 (2,455)
------------------------------------ ------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
Earnings per share (pence)
Basic 5 (0.5) 0.9 (3.0)
Diluted 5 (0.5) 0.9 (3.0)
------------------------------------ ------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
All amounts relate to continuing operations. There was no other
comprehensive income in either the current or preceding year.
Consolidated statement of financial position
6 months 6 months 12 months
to 31 Oct to 31 to 30
2020 (unaudited) Oct Apr 2020
2019 (unaudited) (audited)
------------------------------------ ------------------ ------------------ -----------
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment 16,892 19,150 18,297
Right of use assets 19,460 22,987 20,269
Investment property 829 - 829
Intangible assets 1,452 2,685 1,517
------------------------------------ ------------------ ------------------ -----------
38,633 44,822 40,912
------------------------------------ ------------------ ------------------ -----------
Current assets
Inventories 2,589 2,960 2,702
Trade and other receivables 19,535 21,931 12,633
Corporation tax receivable - - 854
Cash and cash equivalents 9,844 3,949 12,188
Assets classified as held for sale 683 - 683
------------------------------------ ------------------ ------------------ -----------
32,651 28,840 29,060
------------------------------------ ------------------ ------------------ -----------
Total assets 71,284 73,662 69,972
------------------------------------ ------------------ ------------------ -----------
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 15,525 15,922 11,579
Loans and borrowings - 900 -
Lease liabilities 3,264 4,331 3,875
Provisions 341 236 241
Corporation tax payable - 6 -
------------------------------------ ------------------ ------------------ -----------
19,130 21,395 15,695
------------------------------------ ------------------ ------------------ -----------
Non-current liabilities
Lease liabilities 5,963 9,121 7,461
Deferred tax 1,452 1,061 1,572
7,415 10,182 9,033
------------------------------------ ------------------ ------------------ -----------
Total liabilities 26,545 31,577 24,728
------------------------------------ ------------------ ------------------ -----------
Net assets 44,739 42,085 45,244
------------------------------------ ------------------ ------------------ -----------
Equity
Share capital 2,133 1,600 2,133
Share premium 8,633 8,633 8,633
Other reserve 5,807 - 5,807
Retained earnings 28,166 31,834 28,671
Non-controlling interest - 18 -
------------------------------------ ------------------ ------------------ -----------
Total equity 44,739 42,085 45,244
------------------------------------ ------------------ ------------------ -----------
Consolidated statement of cash flows
6 months 6 months 12 months
to 31 Oct to 31 Oct to 30
2020 (unaudited) 2019 (unaudited) Apr 2020
(audited)
------------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations (756) 1,403 8,113
Interest received - 12 -
Interest paid - (322) -
Income tax received / (paid) 872 (287) (679)
------------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
Net cash generated from operating
activities 116 806 7,434
------------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchases of property, plant and
equipment (273) (1,376) (2,373)
Disposal of property, plant and
equipment 206 354 467
Purchases of intangibles - (422) (418)
Net cash absorbed in investing activities (67) (1,444) (2,324)
------------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issue of ordinary
shares - - 6,666
Share issue transaction costs - - (326)
Repayment of bank borrowings - (75) (975)
Repayments of Invest to Grow loan - (15) (15)
Principal paid on lease liabilities (2,109) (2,520) (4,839)
Interest paid on lease liabilities (285) - (612)
Interest paid on loans and borrowings (8) - (42)
Interest received 9 - 24
Dividends paid - (800) (800)
Net cash absorbed in financing activities (2,393) (3,410) (919)
------------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
Net increase/(decrease) in cash
and cash equivalents (2,344) (4,048) 4,191
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
of year 12,188 7,997 7,997
Cash and cash equivalents at end
of year 9,844 3,949 12,188
------------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
Non-
Share Share Other controlling Retained Total
Capital premium reserve interest earnings equity
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------ --------- --------- --------- ------------- ----------- ---------
Balance at 1 May 2019
(audited) 1,600 8,633 - 18 31,810 42,061
------------------------------ --------- --------- --------- ------------- ----------- ---------
Total comprehensive
income - - - - 744 744
Share-based payment
expense - - - - 80 80
Dividends paid - - - - (800) (800)
------------------------------ --------- --------- --------- ------------- ----------- ---------
Balance at 31 October
2019 (unaudited) 1,600 8,633 - 18 31,834 42,085
------------------------------ --------- --------- --------- ------------- ----------- ---------
Total comprehensive
income - - - - (3,199) (3,199)
Share-based payment
expense - - - - 36 36
Issue of share capital 533 - 6,133 - - 6,666
Share issue costs - - (326) - - (326)
Write-off of non-controlling
interest - - - (18) - (18)
Balance at 30 April
2020 (audited) 2,133 8,633 5,807 - 28,671 45,244
------------------------------ --------- --------- --------- ------------- ----------- ---------
Total comprehensive
income - - - - (583) (583)
Share-based payment
expense - - - - 78 78
------------------------------ --------- --------- --------- ------------- ----------- ---------
Balance at 31 October
2020 (unaudited) 2,133 8,633 5,807 - 28,166 44,739
------------------------------ --------- --------- --------- ------------- ----------- ---------
Notes to the interim results
For the six months ended 31 October 2020
1. Basis of preparation
The unaudited interim consolidated statement of Van Elle
Holdings plc is for the six months ended 31 October 2020 and do not
comprise statutory accounts within the meaning of section 435 of
the Companies Act 2006. These consolidated financial statements
have been prepared in compliance with the recognition and
measurement requirement of International Accounting Standards in
conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. They do
not include all disclosures that would otherwise be required in a
complete set of financial statements and should be read in
conjunction with the group's annual report. The unaudited interim
consolidated statement has been prepared in accordance with the
accounting policies that are expected to be applied in the report
and accounts for the year ending 30 April 2021.
The comparative figures for the year ended 30 April 2020 do not
constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of section 435 of
the Companies Act 2006, but they have been derived from the audited
financial statements for that year, which have been filed with the
Registrar of Companies. The report of the auditors was unqualified
and did not contain statements under section 498 (2) or (3) of the
Companies Act 2006 not a reference to any matters which the auditor
drew attention by way of emphasis of matter without qualifying
their report.
Going Concern
As part of the going concern assessment for the year ending 30
April 2020 detailed forecasts, reflecting a prudent view of
performance given the unknown market conditions following COVID-19,
were prepared. Sensitivity analysis was performed including the
modelling of a second wave of COVID-19 in half two of FY2021 and
reverse stress testing was applied.
The first quarter of the financial year ending 30 April 2021 was
significantly impacted by the downturn in the wider construction
market caused by COVID-19 restrictions. In quarter two trading
returned to pre-COVID levels and the Group returned to
profitability. Further national lockdowns in November 2020 and
January 2021 have, so far, had limited impact on the construction
sector and the Group as government policy has allowed construction
activity to continue. As such, the Board does not anticipate a
material reduction in trading during the current lockdown as long
as this policy remains.
The Group has maintained a strong cash balance of GBP9.8m at the
end of the period and has significant additional headroom as a
result of a new asset-based lending facility of up to GBP11m
established in October 2020. On commencement of the new asset-based
lending facility the Group's overdraft facility of GBP2.5m with
Lloyds came to an end. The Group continues to report a net funds
position due to the repayment of all outstanding loans in FY2020
and the continued reduction in HP debt finance.
As part of the interim going concern assessment, forecasts for
the 12 months ending January 2022 have been prepared which
demonstrate that the Group is able to operate within it's existing
facilities and meet obligations as they fall due.
On this basis the Board consider the Group to have adequate
resources to continue its operations for the foreseeable future.
Accordingly, the Board continue to adopt the going concern basis in
preparing the interim financial statements.
Accounting Policies
The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the
unaudited Group interim consolidated statement to 31 October 2020
are consistent with the policies applied by the Group in its
consolidated financial statements as at, and for the year ended 30
April 2020.
Functional currency
The unaudited interim consolidated statements are presented in
Sterling, which is also the Group's functional currency. Amounts
are rounded to the nearest thousand, unless otherwise stated.
2. Segment information
The Group evaluates segmental performance based on profit or
loss from operations calculated in accordance with IFRS 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. Loans and
borrowings, insurances and head office central services costs are
allocated to the segments based on levels of turnover. All turnover
and operations are based in the UK.
Operating segments - 6 months to 31 October 2020
Specialist Ground
General Piling Engineering Head
Piling & Rail Services Office Total
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------- --------- ---------
Revenue 13,800 12,735 11,740 48 38,323
----------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------- --------- ---------
Other operating income - - - 120 120
----------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------- --------- ---------
Underlying operating
profit 163 799 (110) (1,211) (359)
Share-based payments - - - (78) (78)
Operating profit 163 799 (110) (1,289) (437)
Finance expense - - - (293) (293)
Finance income - - - 9 9
----------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------- --------- ---------
Profit before tax 163 799 (110) (1,573) (721)
----------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------- --------- ---------
Assets
Property, plant and
equipment (including
right of use assets) 8,628 10,699 7,234 9,791 36,352
Intangible assets 30 1,130 274 18 1,452
Inventories 1,084 643 847 15 2,589
----------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------- --------- ---------
Reportable segment
assets 9,742 12,472 8,355 9,824 40,393
Investment property - - - 829 829
Trade and other receivables - - - 19,535 19,535
Cash and cash equivalents - - - 9,844 9,844
Assets classified
as held for sale - - - 683 683
----------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------- --------- ---------
Total assets 9,742 12,472 8,355 40,715 71,284
----------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------- --------- ---------
Liabilities
Trade and other payables - - - 15,525 15,525
Provisions - - - 341 341
Lease liabilities - - - 9,227 9,227
Deferred tax - - - 1,452 1,452
Total liabilities - - - 26,545 26,545
----------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------- --------- ---------
Other information
Capital expenditure - - 176 97 273
Depreciation/amortisation 559 794 482 500 2,335
----------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------- --------- ---------
There are no individual customers accounting for more than 10%
of Group revenue in either the current or preceding period.
Operating segments - 6 months to 31 October 2019
Specialist Ground
General Piling Engineering Head
Piling & Rail Services Office Total
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------- --------- ---------
Revenue 17,661 13,950 16,855 58 48,524
----------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------- --------- ---------
Underlying operating
profit 227 394 804 30 1,455
Share-based payments - - - (80) (80)
Other non-underlying
items (8) (93) - (45) (146)
Operating profit 219 301 804 (95) 1,229
Finance expense - - - (322) (322)
Finance income - - - 12 12
----------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------- --------- ---------
Profit before tax 219 301 804 (405) 919
----------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------- --------- ---------
Assets
Property, plant and
equipment (including
right of use assets) 9,746 11,877 7,865 12,649 42,137
Intangible assets 1,138 1,185 308 54 2,685
Inventories 1,058 720 1,165 17 2,960
----------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------- --------- ---------
Reportable segment
assets 11,942 13,782 9,338 12,720 47,782
Trade and other receivables - - - 21,931 21,931
Cash and cash equivalents - - - 3,949 3,949
Total assets 11,942 13,782 9,338 38,600 73,662
----------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------- --------- ---------
Liabilities
Trade and other payables - - - 15,928 15,928
Provisions - - - 236 236
Loans and borrowings - - - 14,352 14,352
Deferred tax - - - 1,061 1,061
Total liabilities - - - 31,577 31,577
----------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------- --------- ---------
Other information
Capital expenditure 25 404 1,885 3,795 6,109
Depreciation/amortisation 575 779 385 511 2,250
----------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------- --------- ---------
There are no individual customers accounting for more than 10%
of Group revenue in either the current or preceding period.
Operating segments - 12 months to 30 April 2020
Specialist Ground
General Piling Engineering Head
Piling & Rail Services Office Total
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------- --------- ---------
Revenue 29,314 25,359 29,565 135 84,373
----------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------- --------- ---------
Other operating income - - - 1,242 1,242
----------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------- --------- ---------
Underlying operating
profit (897) 334 240 66 (257)
Share-based payments - - - (116) (116)
Other non-underlying
items (1,101) - - (135) (1,236)
----------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------- --------- ---------
Operating profit (1,998) 334 240 (185) (1,609)
Finance expense - - - (654) (654)
Finance income - - - 24 24
----------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------- --------- ---------
Profit before tax (1,998) 334 240 (815) (2,239)
----------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------- --------- ---------
Assets
Property, plant and
equipment (including
right of use assets) 9,180 11,577 7,538 10,271 38,566
Intangible assets 32 1,160 290 35 1,517
Inventories 1,269 644 779 10 2,702
----------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------- --------- ---------
Reportable segment
assets 10,481 13,381 8,607 10,316 42,785
Investment property - - - 829 829
Trade and other receivables - - - 13,487 13,487
Cash and cash equivalents - - - 12,188 12,188
Assets classified
as held for sale - - - 683 683
----------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------- --------- ---------
Total assets 10,481 13,381 8,607 37,503 69,972
----------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------- --------- ---------
Liabilities
Trade and other payables - - - 11,579 11,579
Provisions - - - 241 241
Lease liabilities - - - 11,336 11,336
Deferred tax - - - 1,572 1,572
Total liabilities - - - 24,728 24,728
----------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------- --------- ---------
Other information
Capital expenditure 137 835 2,645 149 3,766
Depreciation/amortisation 1,141 1,612 830 1,039 4,622
----------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------- --------- ---------
There are no individual customers accounting for more than 10%
of Group revenue in either the current or preceding year.
3. Revenue from contracts with customers
Disaggregation of revenue - 31 October 2020
Specialist Ground
General Piling Engineering Head
Piling & Rail Services Office Total
End market GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------- --------- ----------- ------------- --------- ---------
Residential 4,500 2,700 9,836 - 17,036
Infrastructure 3,824 8,655 1,170 - 13,649
Regional construction 5,454 1,380 732 - 7,566
Other 22 - 2 48 72
----------------------- --------- ----------- ------------- --------- ---------
Total 13,800 12,735 11,740 48 38,323
----------------------- --------- ----------- ------------- --------- ---------
Disaggregation of revenue - 31 October 2019
Specialist Ground
General Piling Engineering Head
Piling & Rail Services Office Total
End market GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------- --------- ----------- ------------- --------- ---------
Residential 8,569 1,447 14,903 - 24,919
Infrastructure 953 10,361 1,249 - 12,563
Regional construction 8,139 2,107 691 - 10,937
Other - 35 70 - 105
----------------------- --------- ----------- ------------- --------- ---------
Total 17,661 13,950 16,913 - 48,524
----------------------- --------- ----------- ------------- --------- ---------
Disaggregation of revenue - 30 April 2020
Specialist Ground
General Piling Engineering Head
Piling & Rail Services Office Total
End market GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------- --------- ----------- ------------- --------- ---------
Residential 13,677 2,523 25,101 - 41,301
Infrastructure 2,215 19,088 2,671 - 23,974
Regional construction 13,292 3,645 1,791 - 18,728
Other 130 103 2 135 370
----------------------- --------- ----------- ------------- --------- ---------
Total 29,314 25,359 29,565 135 84,373
----------------------- --------- ----------- ------------- --------- ---------
Contract assets
6 months 6 months 12 months
to 31 Oct to 31 to 30
2020 (unaudited) Oct Apr 2020
2019 (unaudited) (audited)
------------------------------------ ------------------- ------------------- ------------
As at 1 May 1,258 1,771 1,771
Transfers from contract assets to
trade receivables (1,258) (1,771) (1,771)
Excess of revenue recognised over
invoiced 2,179 2,906 1,258
Impairment of contract assets - - -
------------------------------------ ------------------- ------------------- ------------
As at 31 October / 30 April 2,179 2,906 1,258
------------------------------------ ------------------- ------------------- ------------
Contract liabilities
6 months 6 months 12 months
to 31 Oct to 31 to 30
2020 (unaudited) Oct Apr 2020
2019 (unaudited) (audited)
---------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
As at 1 May 228 291 291
Interest on contract liabilities - - -
Contract liabilities recognised
as revenue in the period (28) (91) (91)
Deposits received in advance of
performance 57 159 28
As at 31 October / 30 April 257 359 228
---------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
4. Other non-underlying items
6 months 6 months 12 months
to 31 Oct to 31 to 30
2020 (unaudited) Oct Apr 2020
2019 (unaudited) (audited)
-------------------------------------- ------------------- ------------------ -----------
Exceptional costs - 146 652
Impairment of property - - 486
Impairment of goodwill - - 1,101
Research and development expenditure
credits relating to prior years - - (1,003)
- 146 1,236
---------------------------------------------------------- ------------------ -----------
Exceptional costs for the six months to 31 October 2019 related
to restructuring and redundancy costs as the Group was streamlined
from eight to five divisions.
Exceptional costs for the year ended 30 April 2020 relate to
restructuring including redundancy and CEO compensation as the
Group made the final changes to the operating divisions, the
streamlining of which began in 2018, and costs incurred in the
resolution of the technical compliance irregularity concerning the
final dividend for the year ended 30 April 2019.
The Group vacated the site located at Pinxton during the year
ended 30 April 2020 and sub-let the site to a third party. The
valuation of the site undertaken to establish rental values
indicated impairment of the property. An impairment loss of
GBP486,000 was recognised in respect of this investment
property.
The goodwill allocated to the General Piling division was
impaired by GBP1,101,000 during the year ended 30 April 2020. This
impairment is considered to be non-underlying.
Income in respect of a research and development expenditure
credit claim relating to financial years ending 2018 and 2019 is
considered to be non-underlying in the year ended 30 April 2020 as
it relates to previous financial years.
5. Earnings per share
The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share is based
on the following data:
6 months 6 months 12 months
to 31 Oct to 31 to 30 Apr
2020 (unaudited) Oct 2020 (audited)
2019 (unaudited)
---------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------------
Basic weighted average number of
shares 106,667 80,000 81,534
---------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------------
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
---------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------------
(Loss)/profit for the year (583) 744 (2,455)
---------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------------
Add back/(deduct):
Share-based payments 78 80 116
Other non-underlying items - 146 1,236
Tax effect of the above - (28) (124)
---------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------------
Underlying (loss)/profit for the
year (505) 942 (1,227)
---------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------------
Pence Pence Pence
---------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------------
Earnings per share
Basic (0.5) 0.9 (3.0)
Diluted (0.5) 0.9 (3.0)
Basic - excluding share-based payments
and other non-underlying items (0.5) 1.2 (1.5)
Diluted - excluding share-based
payments and other non-underlying
items (0.5) 1.2 (1.5)
---------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------------
There is no dilutive effect of the share options given the loss
in the half year and as the performance conditions remain
unsatisfied or the share price was below the exercise price.
The calculation of the basic earnings per share is based on the
earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders and on 106,666,650
ordinary shares (6 months ended 31 October 2019: 80,000,000 and 12
months ended 30 April 2020: 81,534,246), being the weighted average
number of ordinary shares.
The underlying earnings per share is based on profit adjusted
for share-based payment charges and other non underlying items, net
of tax, and on the same weighted average number of shares used in
the basic earnings per share calculation above. The Directors
consider that this measure provides an additional indicator of the
underlying performance of the Group.
6. Cash generated from operations
6 months 6 months 12 months
to 31 Oct to 31 to 30
2020 (unaudited) Oct Apr 2020
2019 (unaudited) (audited)
----------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
Operating profit (437) 1,229 (1,609)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation of property, plant and
equipment 2,269 2,224 4,533
Amortisation of intangible assets 66 26 89
Impairment of investment property - - 486
Impairment of assets available for
sale - - 36
Impairment of goodwill - - 1,101
Profit on disposal of property, plant
and equipment 11 (120) (107)
Write off of non-controlling interest - - (18)
Share-based payment expense 78 80 116
----------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
Operating cash flows before movement
in working capital 1,987 3,439 4,627
Decrease/(increase) in inventories 113 (78) 180
Decrease in trade and other receivables (6,902) (1,372) 7,925
Decrease in trade and other payables 3,946 (586) (4,624)
Increase/(decrease) in provisions 100 - 5
Cash generated from operations (756) 1,403 8,113
----------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
7. Analysis of cash and cash equivalents and reconciliation to net debt
6 months 6 months 12 months
to 31 Oct to 31 to 30 Apr
2020 (unaudited) Oct 2020 (audited)
2019 (unaudited)
-------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------------
Cash at bank 9,808 3,901 12,151
Cash in hand 36 48 37
--------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------------
Cash and cash equivalents 9,844 3,949 12,188
Bank loans secured - (900) -
Other loans secured - - -
Lease liabilities (9,227) (13,452) (11,336)
--------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------------
Net funds/(debt) 617 (10,403) 852
--------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------------
Net funds/(debt) excl. IFRS 16
property lease liabilities 4,547 (6,446) 4,811
--------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------------
INDEPENDENT REVIEW REPORT TO VAN ELLE HOLDINGS PLC
Introduction
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 31 October 2020 which comprises the consolidated
statement of comprehensive income, the consolidated statement of
financial position, the consolidated statement of cash flows, the
consolidated statement of changes in equity and the related
notes.
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.
Directors' responsibilities
The interim report, including the financial information
contained therein, is the responsibility of and has been approved
by the directors. The directors are responsible for preparing the
interim report in accordance with the rules of the London Stock
Exchange for companies trading securities on AIM which require that
the half-yearly report be presented and prepared in a form
consistent with that which will be adopted in the Company's annual
accounts having regard to the accounting standards applicable to
such annual accounts.
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 enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for
financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other
review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an
audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on
Auditing (UK) and 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 31
October 2020 is not prepared, in all material respects, in
accordance with the rules of the London Stock Exchange for
companies trading securities on AIM.
Use of our report
Our report has been prepared in accordance with the terms of our
engagement to assist the Company in meeting the requirements of the
rules of the London Stock Exchange for companies trading securities
on AIM and for no other purpose. No person is entitled to rely on
this report unless such a person is a person entitled to rely upon
this report by virtue of and for the purpose of our terms of
engagement or has been expressly authorised to do so by our prior
written consent. Save as above, we do not accept responsibility for
this report to any other person or for any other purpose and we
hereby expressly disclaim any and all such liability.
BDO LLP
Chartered Accountants
Nottingham
19 January 2021
BDO LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England
and Wales (with registered number OC305127).
[1] EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, tax,
amortisation and depreciation
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