TIDMVP.
RNS Number : 0333X
Vp PLC
21 November 2017
Press Release 21 November 2017
Vp plc
('Vp' or the 'Group')
Interim Results
Vp plc, the equipment rental specialist, today announces its
Interim Results for the six months ended 30 September 2017.
Highlights
-- Profit before tax and amortisation increased
13% to GBP21.2 million (H1 2017: GBP18.7
million)
-- Revenues of GBP136.0 million, 12% ahead
(H1 2017: GBP121.7 million)
-- Return on average capital employed marginally
increased to 16.0% (H1 2017: 15.6%)
-- EBITDA increased to GBP41.1 million (H1
2017: GBP36.3million)
-- Capital investment in rental fleet up 9%
at GBP32.5 million (H1 2017: GBP29.9 million)
-- EPS, pre amortisation, increased 17% to
44.2 pence per share (H1 2017: 37.9 pence
per share)
-- Interim dividend increased by 13% to 6.80
pence per share (H1 2017: 6.00 pence per
share)
-- Statutory profit before tax of GBP20.3 million
(H1 2017: GBP17.7 million) and statutory
earnings per share of 42.5 pence (H1 2017:
35.9 pence)
Post-period end
-- Acquired the entire issued shared capital of Brandon Hire
Group Holdings Limited and its subsidiaries ('Brandon Hire') for a
cash consideration of GBP41.6 million plus debt of GBP27.2 million,
which will create a market leading offering in the UK specialist
tool hire sector
-- Purchased First National, a specialist rough terrain forklift
rental business for GBP0.9 million and debt of GBP0.8 million,
being integrated into UK Forks
Jeremy Pilkington, Chairman of Vp plc, commented: "Vp has again
delivered an excellent set of results for the half year. The UK
market remains strong, and whilst there is some uncertainty around
the implications that Brexit will have on the UK, the day-to-day
demand continues to be highly positive. There is also an improving
trend for our International Division in the second half of the
year.
A significant post period highlight was the successful
acquisition of Brandon Hire and this, coupled with the organic
opportunities available elsewhere within the Group, encourages the
Board to look forward to the second half of the year and beyond
with every confidence."
- Ends -
For further information:
Vp plc
Jeremy Pilkington, Chairman Tel: +44 (0) 1423
533 400
Neil Stothard, Chief Executive www.vpplc.com
Allison Bainbridge, Group Finance
Director
Media enquiries:
Buchanan
Henry Harrison-Topham / Jamie Tel: +44 (0) 20
Hooper / Maddie Seacombe 7466 5000
Vp@buchanan.uk.com www.buchanan.uk.com
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
I am very pleased to report on a period of further significant
growth for the Group in the six month period to 30 September
2017.
Profit before tax and amortisation rose 13% to GBP21.2 million
(H1 2017: GBP18.7 million) on revenues 12% higher at GBP136.0
million (H1 2017: GBP121.7 million). Earnings per share
pre-amortisation increased 17% to 44.2 pence per share (H1 2017:
37.9 pence per share) positively impacted by a reduced corporation
tax rate. Return on capital employed was maintained at 16.0%
reflecting the high quality of our earnings.
Capital investment in fleet rose to GBP32.5 million (H1 2017:
GBP29.9 million) plus a further GBP9.8 million (including assumed
net debt) was invested in acquisitions. Borrowings at the period
end stood at GBP115.4 million (H1 2017: GBP107.5 million). EBITDA
increased to GBP41.1 million (H1 2017: GBP36.3 million) reflecting
the strong cash flow qualities of the Group.
In view of this excellent set of results, the Board is pleased
to declare a 13% increase in the interim dividend to 6.8 pence per
share (2016: 6.0 pence per share) payable on 5 January 2018 to
shareholders on the register as at 1 December 2017.
Review of Operations
UK Division
The UK division continues to enjoy excellent trading and
delivered a strong first half with operating profits before
amortisation 14% ahead at GBP22.2 million (H1 2017: GBP19.5
million) on revenues up by 11% at GBP120.3 million (H1 2017:
GBP108.1 million). Infrastructure investment, residential activity
and general construction all remained supportive throughout the
trading period.
In April 2017, we made two acquisitions. Jackson Mechanical
Services which was acquired for a cash consideration of GBP3.6
million and provides mechanical and electrical equipment rental
services. Zenith Survey Equipment was acquired for a cash
consideration of GBP3.85 million plus assumed debt of GBP2.3
million. Zenith is engaged in the rental and sale of survey and
safety equipment from seven locations across the UK. Both
businesses have been integrated into the respective specialist
activities within Hire Station and both have made a positive
contribution to the results we are now reporting.
Post the period end, in November 2017, we made the largest
acquisition in the history of the Group with the purchase of the
entire issued share capital of Brandon Hire Group Holdings Limited
('Brandon Hire') and its subsidiaries for a cash consideration of
GBP41.6 million plus debt of GBP27.2 million. Brandon Hire is a
major national tool hire company with a service model and business
culture very similar to that of Hire Station, our own specialist
tool hire business. Brandon Hire serves predominantly local and
regional SME's through a network of 143 branches across the UK. In
the year ended 31 December 2016, Brandon Hire made profits before
interest, tax, exceptionals and amortisation of GBP6.0 million on
revenues of GBP79.8 million. Brandon Hire will operate alongside
Hire Station and will create a new market leading offering in the
UK specialist tool hire sector.
Also in November 2017, we acquired First National, a specialist
rough terrain fork lift rental business based in the Midlands, for
GBP0.9 million plus assumed debt of GBP0.8 million. First National
will be integrated within our UK Forks business.
International Division
Operating profits before amortisation reduced to GBP0.3 million
(H1 2017: GBP0.6 million) on revenues ahead by 15% at GBP15.7
million (H1 2017: GBP13.7 million). Despite strong results at TR
and a first full six month contribution from Tech Rentals NZ,
profits in the International division were held back by a trading
loss at Airpac Bukom.
The first half of the financial year was challenging for Airpac
Bukom, who were not helped by delays to secured contracts. However,
new business inquiry and activity levels have improved into the
second half, further helped by the recent rise in oil prices, which
leads us to believe that progress will be made in the second half
of the current financial year.
The performance of TR within its Asia Pacific region was
encouraging, with trading improved on the prior year, particularly
in the core instrumentation rental and communication divisions.
Outlook
There are conflicting views on the prospects for the UK,
amplified by speculation on the impact of Brexit, but day-to-day
demand on the ground continues to remain positive.
We conclude an excellent first half with the exciting prospect
of delivering, over time, the value from the new Brandon Hire
acquisition. This, combined with the organic opportunities
available elsewhere within the Group, encourages the Board to look
forward to the second half of the year and beyond with every
confidence.
Jeremy Pilkington
Chairman
21 November 2017
Condensed Consolidated Income Statement
For the period ended 30 September 2017
Note Six months Six months Full year
to to to
30 Sep 30 Sep 31 Mar
2017 2016 2017
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Revenue 3 135,992 121,733 248,740
Cost of sales (98,083) (87,031) (181,807)
------------ ------------ ------------
Gross profit 37,909 34,702 66,933
Administrative expenses (16,315) (15,528) (33,688)
------------ ------------ ------------
Operating profit 3 21,594 19,174 33,245
Net financial expenses (1,284) (1,452) (2,906)
------------ ------------ ------------
Profit before amortisation
and taxation 21,155 18,682 34,851
Amortisation of intangibles (845) (960) (4,512)
Profit before taxation 20,310 17,722 30,339
Income tax expense 4 (3,602) (3,677) (6,687)
------------ ------------ ------------
Net profit for the period 16,708 14,045 23,652
============ ============ ============
Basic earnings per share 7 42.49p 35.92p 60.31p
Diluted earnings per
share 7 41.21p 34.70p 58.65p
Dividend per share 8 6.80p 6.00p 22.00p
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the period ended 30 September 2017
Six months Six months Full
to to year
to
30 Sep 30 Sep 31 Mar
2017 2016 2017
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Profit for the period 16,708 14,045 23,652
Other comprehensive income:
Items that will not be
reclassified to profit
or loss
Actuarial gains on defined
benefit pension scheme - - 366
Tax on items taken direct
to equity - - (70)
Foreign exchange translation
difference (264) 922 783
Items that may be subsequently
reclassified to profit
or loss
Effective portion of changes
in fair value of cash flow
hedges 356 (249) 367
Other comprehensive income 92 673 1,446
Total comprehensive income
for the period 16,800 14,718 25,098
------------ ------------ ----------
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
For the period ended 30 September 2017
Six months Six months Full year
to to to
30 Sep 30 Sep 31 Mar
2017 2016 2017
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Total comprehensive income
for the period 16,800 14,718 25,098
Tax movements to equity 172 352 468
Impact of tax rate change (20) - -
Share option charge in
the period 1,158 1,081 2,525
Net movement relating to
shares held by Vp Employee
Trust (920) (3,162) (4,493)
Dividends to shareholders (6,286) (5,274) (7,632)
Change in equity during
the period 10,904 7,715 15,966
Equity at the start of
the period 137,316 121,350 121,350
Equity at the end of the
period 148,220 129,065 137,316
------------ ------------ ----------
There were no movements in issued share capital, the capital
redemption reserve or share premium in the reported periods.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
At 30 September 2017
30 Sep 31 Mar 30 Sep
Note 2017 2017 2016
(unaudited) (audited) (unaudited)
Restated*
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Non-current assets
Property, plant and
equipment 5 211,805 195,569 188,352
Goodwill 41,380 38,937 40,381
Intangible assets 6 8,689 8,575 9,949
Employee benefits 1,928 1,928 1,534
------------ ------------ ------------
Total non-current assets 263,802 245,009 240,216
------------ ------------ ------------
Current assets
Inventories 6,328 5,166 5,355
Trade and other receivables 57,040 49,723 51,438
Cash and cash equivalents 17,129 15,070 12,627
Total current assets 80,497 69,959 69,420
------------ ------------ ------------
Total assets 344,299 314,968 309,636
------------ ------------ ------------
Current liabilities
Interest bearing loans
and borrowings (8,924) (5,823) (10,781)
Income tax payable (3,001) (1,514) (2,455)
Trade and other payables (53,892) (55,270) (52,000)
------------ ------------ ------------
Total current liabilities (65,817) (62,607) (65,236)
------------ ------------ ------------
Non-current liabilities
Interest bearing loans
and borrowings 9 (123,596) (108,180) (109,339)
Deferred tax liabilities (6,666) (6,865) (5,996)
------------ ------------ ------------
Total non-current liabilities (130,262) (115,045) (115,335)
------------ ------------ ------------
Total liabilities (196,079) (177,652) (180,571)
------------ ------------ ------------
Net assets 148,220 137,316 129,065
------------ ------------ ------------
Equity
Issued share capital 2,008 2,008 2,008
Capital redemption reserve 301 301 301
Share premium 16,192 16,192 16,192
Hedging reserve 203 (153) (769)
Retained earnings 129,489 118,941 111,306
------------ ------------ ------------
Total equity attributable
to equity
holders of parent 148,193 137,289 129,038
Non-controlling interest 27 27 27
Total equity 148,220 137,316 129,065
------------ ------------ ------------
* Cash and cash equivalents and interest bearing loan and
borrowings have been restated as at 30 September 2016 following the
change in accounting policy in the prior year required by the
updated interpretation of IAS 32 as described in note 1 of the 31
March 2017 financial statements. This change has had no impact on
net assets.
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
For the period ended 30 September 2017
Note Six months Six months Full
to to year
to
30 Sep 30 Sep 31 Mar
2017 2016 2017
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Cash flows from operating
activities
Profit before taxation 20,310 17,722 30,339
Adjustment for:
Share based payment charges 1,158 1,081 2,525
Depreciation 5 18,659 16,172 33,481
Amortisation of intangibles 845 960 4,512
Net financial expense 1,284 1,452 2,906
Profit on sale of property,
plant and equipment (3,229) (3,280) (5,809)
------------ ------------ -----------
Operating cash flow before
changes in working capital
and provisions 39,027 34,107 67,954
(Increase)/decrease in
inventories (177) 8 197
Increase in trade and
other receivables (5,483) (4,955) (3,125)
(Decrease)/increase in
trade and other payables (4,796) 288 4,860
------------ ------------ -----------
Cash generated from operations 28,571 29,448 69,886
Interest paid (1,192) (1,294) (2,738)
Interest element of finance
lease rental
payments (90) (156) (183)
Interest received 6 14 14
Income tax paid (2,663) (1,461) (4,539)
------------ ------------ -----------
Net cash flows from operating
activities 24,632 26,551 62,440
Cash flows from investing
activities
Proceeds from sale of
property, plant and equipment 8,694 8,108 16,686
Purchase of property,
plant and equipment (32,646) (33,637) (64,649)
Acquisition of businesses
and subsidiaries (net
of cash and overdrafts) (8,185) (8,876) (9,984)
------------ ------------ -----------
Net cash flows used in
investing activities (32,137) (34,405) (57,947)
Cash flows from financing
activities
Purchase of own shares
by Employee Trust (920) (3,162) (4,493)
Repayment of loans (77) (110) (3,897)
New loans 15,000 16,000 19,000
Payment of hire purchase
and finance lease liabilities (551) (198) (636)
Dividends paid 8 (6,286) (5,274) (7,632)
------------ ------------ -----------
Net cash flows from in
financing activities 7,166 7,256 2,342
Net (decrease)/increase
in cash and cash equivalents (339) (598) 6,835
Effect of exchange rate
fluctuations on cash held (160) (756) (1,270)
Cash and cash equivalents
at beginning of period 10,082 4,517 4,517
------------ ------------ -----------
Cash and cash equivalents
at end of period 9 9,583 3,163 10,082
------------ ------------ -----------
Notes to the Condensed Financial Statements
1. Basis of Preparation
Vp plc (the "Company") is a company incorporated and domiciled
in the United Kingdom. The Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial
Statements of the Company for the half year ended 30 September 2017
comprise the financial information of the Company and its
subsidiaries (together referred to as the "Group").
This interim announcement has been prepared in accordance with
the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the UK Financial Services
Authority and the requirements of IAS34 ("Interim Financial
Reporting") as adopted by the EU. The accounting policies applied
are consistent for all periods presented and are in line with those
applied in the annual financial statements for the year ended 31
March 2017, which were prepared in accordance with International
Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as adopted by the EU. There
are no new IFRSs or IFRICs that are effective for the first time in
the current year which are expected to have a significant impact on
the Group. In addition, the Group is in the process of reviewing
IFRS 9 "Financial instruments" and IFRS 15 "Revenue from contracts
with customers". Based on the work to date the Group is still of
the opinion that these standards will not have a material impact on
the financial statements of the Group for the year ended 31 March
2019.
The interim announcement was approved by the Board of Directors
on 20 November 2017.
The Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements do not
constitute statutory accounts as defined in Section 434 of the
Companies Act 2006.
The comparative figures for the financial year ended 31 March
2017 are extracted from the Company's statutory accounts for that
financial year. Those accounts have been reported on by the
Company's auditors and delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The
report of the auditors was (i) unqualified, (ii) did not include a
reference to any matters to which the auditors drew attention by
way of emphasis without qualifying their report, and (iii) did not
contain a statement under section 498 (2) or (3) of the Companies
Act 2006.
The preparation of financial statements requires management to
make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the
application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of
assets and liabilities, income and expense. Actual results may
differ from these estimates. In preparing these condensed interim
financial statements, the significant judgements made by management
in applying the Group's accounting policies and key sources of
estimation uncertainty were the same as those that applied to the
consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 March
2017.
The Group continues to be in a healthy financial position with
total banking facilities at the period end of GBP135 million,
including an overdraft facility. Since the year end net debt has
increased by GBP16.5 million to GBP115.4 million. The Board has
evaluated the banking facilities and the associated covenants on
the basis of current forecasts, taking into account the current
economic climate and an appropriate level of sensitivity analysis.
Having reassessed the principal risks the Directors consider it
appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in
preparing the interim financial information.
2. Risks and Uncertainties
The principal risks and uncertainties facing the Group and the
ways in which they are mitigated are described on page 18 and 19 of
the 31 March 2017 Annual Report and Accounts. The principal risks
and uncertainties are market risk, competition, investment /
product management, people, safety, financial risks and contractual
risk. These risks and uncertainties remain the same for this
interim financial report.
3. Summarised Segmental Analysis
Revenue Operating Profit
Sept Sept Sept 2017 Sept 2016
2017 2016
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
UK 120,299 108,071 22,178 19,485
International 15,693 13,662 261 649
135,992 121,733 22,439 20,134
-------- -------- ---------- ----------
Amortisation (845) (960)
Operating
Profit 21,594 19,174
---------- ----------
Net Assets
Assets Liabilities Net Assets
Restated Restated
Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep
17 16 17 16 17 16
UK 284,237 251,324 60,132 51,988 224,105 199,336
International 43,474 42,675 3,722 10,734 39,752 31,941
Group/unallocated 16,588 15,637 132,225 117,849 (115,637) (102,212)
344,299 309,636 196,079 180,571 148,220 129,065
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
The net liability in Group primarily reflects the balance on the
revolving credit facility which is controlled centrally by the
Group.
4. Income Tax
The effective tax rate is 17.7% in the period to 30 September
2017 (H1 2017: 20.7%). The effective rate for the period reflects
the current standard tax rate of 19% (H1 2017: 20%), as adjusted
for estimated permanent differences for tax purposes offset by
gains covered by exemptions. In addition the tax rate also reflects
the effect, on an annualised basis, of reduction in the net
deferred tax liability of the Group as a result of the expected
reduction in the UK corporation tax rate from 19% to 17% for the
year ended 31 March 2021. The effect is to reduce the tax rate by
1.8% (H1 2017: nil effect). This is the best estimate of the
weighted average annual income tax rate expected for the full
financial year.
5. Property, Plant and Equipment
Sept 2017 Sept Mar
2016 2017
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Opening carrying amount 195,569 167,201 167,201
Additions 34,929 31,608 61,805
Acquisitions 5,549 8,512 8,850
Depreciation (18,659) (16,172) (33,481)
Disposals (5,465) (4,828) (10,877)
Effect of movements in
exchange rates (118) 2,031 2,071
---------- --------- ---------
Closing carrying amount 211,805 188,352 195,569
---------- --------- ---------
The value of capital commitments at 30 September 2017 was
GBP12,421,000 (31 March 2017 GBP9,561,000).
6. Acquisitions
On 1 April 2017 the Group acquired the business and assets of
Jackson Mechanical Services (UK) Limited, for cash consideration of
GBP3.6m plus assumed net debt of GBP0.1m and on 20 April 2017 the
Group acquired Zenith Equipment Limited for cash consideration of
GBP3.85m plus assumed net debt of GBP2.3m. The fair value of net
assets acquired for both acquisitions, including provisional
estimates of intangibles for the trade name and customers
relationships, was GBP5.0m.
7. Earnings Per Share
Earnings per share have been calculated on 39,319,346 shares (H1
2017: 39,098,567 shares) being the weighted average number of
shares in issue during the period. Diluted earnings per share have
been calculated on 40,546,052 shares (H1 2017: 40,473,236 shares)
adjusted to reflect conversion of all potentially dilutive ordinary
shares. Basic earnings per share before the amortisation of
intangibles was 44.23 pence (H1 2017: 37.89 pence) and was based on
an after tax add back of GBP684,000 (H1 2017: GBP768,000) in
respect of the amortisation of intangibles. Diluted earnings per
share before amortisation of intangibles was 42.90 pence (H1 2017:
36.60 pence).
8. Dividends
The Directors have declared an interim dividend of 6.80 pence
(H1 2017: 6.00 pence) per share payable on 5 January 2018 to
shareholders on the register at 1 December 2017. The dividend
declared will absorb an estimated GBP2,693,000 (H1 2017:
GBP2,358,000) of shareholders funds. The dividend proposed at the
year-end was subsequently approved at the AGM in August 2017 and
GBP6,286,000 was paid in the period (H1 2017: GBP5,274,000 was
paid). The cost of dividends in the Statement of Changes in Equity
is after adjustments for the interim and final dividends waived by
the Vp Employee Trust in relation to the shares it holds for the
Group's share option schemes.
9. Analysis of Net Debt
As at Acquired Cash As at
1 Apr Net Debt Flow 30 Sep
17 17
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Cash and cash equivalents 15,070 183 1,876 17,129
Bank overdraft (4,988) (955) (1,603) (7,546)
Revolving credit
facilities / loans (107,000) (1,075) (14,923) (122,998)
Finance leases and
hire purchases (2,015) (512) 551 (1,976)
------------ ---------- ----------- ------------
(98,933) (2,359) (14,099) (115,391)
------------ ---------- ----------- ------------
In August 2017 the Group took out an additional revolving credit
facility of GBP10 million by making use of an uncommitted step up
facility. The Group's committed revolving credit bank facilities
therefore comprise a GBP65 million facility which expires in May
2020 and a GBP65 million facility which expires in December 2021,
together with an uncommitted step up facility of GBP10 million and
overdraft facilities totalling GBP5 million.
10. Related Party Transactions
Transactions between Group Companies, which are related parties,
have been eliminated on consolidation and therefore do not require
disclosure. The Group has not entered into any other related party
transactions in the period which require disclosure in this interim
statement.
11. Post Balance Sheet Events
On 7 November 2017 the Group acquired the entire issued share
capital of Brandon Hire Group Holdings Limited and its subsidiaries
('Brandon') for a cash consideration of GBP41.6 million payable on
completion and assumed net debt of approximately GBP27.2 million.
The acquisition has been funded from new banking facilities of
GBP70 million with the Group's lenders.
In addition, on 9 November 2017 the Group also acquired the
entire issued share capital of FNPR Holdings Limited ('First
National') for GBP0.9 million payable on completion and assumed net
debt of GBP0.8 million.
12. Contingent Liabilities
In an international group a variety of claims arise from time to
time in the normal course of business. Such claims may arise due to
actions being taken against group companies as a result of
investigations by fiscal authorities or under regulatory
requirements. Provision has been made in these consolidated
financial statements against any claims which the directors
consider are likely to result in significant liabilities.
13. Forward Looking Statements
The Chairman's Statement includes statements that are forward
looking in nature. Forward looking statements involve known and
unknown risks, assumptions, uncertainties and other factors which
may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the
Group to be materially different from any future results,
performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward
looking statements. Except as required by the Listing Rules and
applicable law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update,
review or change any forward looking statements to reflect events
or developments occurring after the date of this report.
Responsibility statement of the directors in respect of the
half-yearly financial report
We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:
-- the condensed consolidated set of interim financial
statements has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim
Financial Reporting as adopted by the EU;
-- the interim management report includes a fair review of the information required by:
(a) DTR 4.2.7R of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules, being
an indication of important events that have occurred during the
first six months of the financial year and their impact on the
condensed set of financial statements; and a description of the
principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of
the year; and
(b) DTR 4.2.8R of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules, being
related party transactions that have taken place in the first six
months of the current financial year and that have materially
affected the financial position or performance of the entity during
that period; and any changes in the related party transactions
described in the last annual report that could do so.
By order of the Board
21 November 2017
The Board
The Directors who served during the six months to 30 September
2017 were:
Jeremy Pilkington (Chairman)
Neil Stothard (Chief Executive)
Allison Bainbridge (Group Finance Director)
Steve Rogers (Non Executive Director)
Phil White (Non Executive Director)
Independent review report to Vp plc
Report on the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial
Statements
Our conclusion
We have reviewed Vp plc's Condensed Consolidated Interim
Financial Statements (the "interim financial statements") in the
interim report 2017/18 of Vp plc for the 6 month period ended 30
September 2017. Based on our review, nothing has come to our
attention that causes us to believe that the interim financial
statements are not prepared, in all material respects, in
accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim
Financial Reporting', as adopted by the European Union and the
Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook of the United
Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.
What we have reviewed
The interim financial statements comprise:
-- the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 30 September 2017;
-- the Condensed Consolidated Income Statement for the period then ended;
-- the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the period then ended;
-- the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the period then ended;
-- the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the period then ended; and
-- the explanatory notes to the interim financial statements.
The interim financial statements included in the interim report
2017/18 have been prepared in accordance with International
Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting', as adopted
by the European Union and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency
Rules sourcebook of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct
Authority.
As disclosed in note 1 to the interim financial statements, the
financial reporting framework that has been applied in the
preparation of the full annual financial statements of the Group is
applicable law and International Financial Reporting Standards
(IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union.
Responsibilities for the interim financial statements and the
review
Our responsibilities and those of the directors
The interim report 2017/18, including the interim financial
statements, is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the
directors. The directors are responsible for preparing the interim
report 2017/18 in accordance with the Disclosure Guidance and
Transparency Rules sourcebook of the United Kingdom's Financial
Conduct Authority.
Our responsibility is to express a conclusion on the interim
financial statements in the interim report 2017/18 based on our
review. This report, including the conclusion, has been prepared
for and only for the company for the purpose of complying with the
Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook of the United
Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority and for no other purpose. We
do not, in giving this conclusion, accept or assume responsibility
for any other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is
shown or into whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed
by our prior consent in writing.
What a review of interim financial statements involves
We conducted our review in accordance with International
Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410, 'Review of
Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor
of the Entity' issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in
the 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.
We have read the other information contained in the interim
report 2017/18 and considered whether it contains any apparent
misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in
the interim financial statements.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Accountants
Leeds
21 November 2017
- Ends -
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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