TIDMVP.

RNS Number : 8400H

Vp PLC

29 November 2022

 
 Press Release              29 November 2022 
 

Vp plc

('Vp' or the 'Group')

Interim Results

Strong performance reflects resilience of the business

and the Group's leading position in diversified end markets

Vp plc, the equipment rental specialist, today announces its Interim Results for the six months ended 30 September 2022 ('H1 2023' or the 'period').

Financial Highlights

 
                                               H1 2023   H1 2022   % change 
 Revenues (GBPm)                                 186.5     176.1        +6% 
 Profit before tax, amortisation and 
  exceptional items (GBPm)                        21.5      20.2        +6% 
 Return on average capital employed              14.4%     13.5%        +7% 
 Basic EPS pre-amortisation and exceptional 
  items (pence)                                   42.5      37.7       +13% 
 Proposed interim dividend (pence per 
  share)                                          11.0      10.5        +5% 
 EBITDA (GBPm)                                    47.8      44.5        +7% 
 Net debt (GBPm)                                 148.9     131.7       +13% 
 Capital investment in rental fleet 
  (GBPm)                                          33.8      31.7        +7% 
 Statutory profit before taxation (GBPm)          17.9      18.6        -4% 
 Profit before tax, amortisation and 
  exceptional items inclusive of IFRS 
  16 impact (GBPm)                                21.4      20.2        +6% 
 

Operational Highlights

   --    Results reflect a period of continued recovery and demonstrate strength of the business 
   --    Sustained demand across the Group's business units 
   --    Improved return on average capital employed demonstrates the Group's high quality of earnings 

-- UK Division delivered a very satisfactory performance driven by infrastructure and a resilient house building sector

   --    International Division revenues increased by 28% and operating profits doubled 

Outlook / Current H2 2023 Trading

-- Inflationary pressures continue to be actively managed by increased pricing and continued focus on efficiencies

   --    Fleet emissions reduction targets remain on track 

-- Significant financial strength of the Group and its historic track record underpins the future

   --    Remain alert to both inorganic and organic growth opportunities 
   --    Current trading is in line with the Board's expectations for the full year 

Commenting on the Interim Results, Jeremy Pilkington, Chairman of Vp plc, said: "I am pleased to report a solid set of results that reflect a period of continuing recovery and which demonstrate the enduring strength of our business and the maintenance of our industry leading returns.

"Our businesses have continued to make good progress in their engagement with customers and supply chain partners to deliver sustainable and innovative fleet solutions as we collectively strive to reduce emissions.

"The period under review has seen continued inflationary pressure on fleet capital costs, transport, fuel, wages, utilities and interest costs, but we have largely mitigated these with agreed price increases combined with a diligent focus on efficiencies within our business. We expect these actions to remain a priority for the foreseeable future.

Notwithstanding these challenges, we remain alert to quality growth opportunities whether organic or via acquisitions and we remain confident of delivering a full year outcome in line with the Board's expectations."

- Ends -

The information contained in this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014.

For further information:

 
 Vp plc                              Tel: +44 (0) 1423 533 400 
 Jeremy Pilkington, Chairman                     www.vpplc.com 
 Neil Stothard, Chief Executive 
 Allison Bainbridge, Group Finance 
  Director 
 
 
 Media enquiries: 
 Buchanan 
 Henry Harrison--Topham / Jamie Hooper   Tel: +44 (0) 20 7466 5000 
  / George Beale 
 Vp@buchanan.uk.com                            www.buchanan.uk.com 
 

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

I am very pleased to report interim results which reflect a period of continuing recovery and demonstrate the enduring strength of the Vp business and the maintenance of our industry leading returns.

In the six months to 30 September 2022, profit before tax, amortisation and exceptional items rose 6% to GBP21.5 million (H1 2022: GBP20.2 million) on revenues 6% ahead at GBP186.5 million (H1 2022: GBP176.1 million). Statutory profit before taxation was GBP17.9 million (H1 2022: GBP18.6 million). Earnings per share pre-amortisation and exceptional items rose 13% to 42.5 pence per share (H1 2022: 37.7 pence per share). EBITDA increased to GBP47.8 million (H1 2022: GBP44.5 million). Return on average capital employed improved to 14.4% (H1 2022: 13.5%), again demonstrating the sustained high quality of Group earnings.

Capital investment in equipment was GBP33.8 million (H1 2022: GBP31.7 million) with a continuing emphasis towards providing a newer fleet of substitutional products to facilitate our customer's journey towards lower emission solutions.

Sustained demand across our business units, combined with supply constraints and inflationary cost measures, has required us to increase pricing on many product lines. Our active management response has largely mitigated these pressures. Borrowings at the period end increased to GBP148.9 million (H1 2022: GBP131.7 million), primarily due to increases in working capital, reflecting growth in the business, but maintaining significant investment headroom of GBP41.6 million against total facilities.

Reflecting these results and our view of the future prospects of the Group, the Board is declaring an interim dividend of 11.0 pence per share (H1 2022: 10.5 pence per share) an increase of 5% payable on 11 January 2023 to shareholders registered at 9 December 2022.

UK Division

The UK Division delivered what, under all the circumstances, we consider a very satisfactory performance. Improved revenues of GBP166.9 million (H1 2022: GBP160.8 million) lifted operating profits to GBP22.5 million (H1 2022: GBP21.8 million). Statutory operating profit was GBP23.8 million (H1 2022: GBP23.3 million).

The infrastructure sector has been a key platform of the Group's success over many years and remains an important element of our business mix. I am therefore pleased to say that the key sectors of water (AMP7) and rail (CP6) programmes are now coming on stream more strongly and in line with our expectations of this point in the cycle, although recent strike actions have disrupted some rail workstreams. Transmission demand has been good but HS2 work has been quieter than anticipated as we transition to phase 2.

New non-residential construction has remained soft, however commercial re-purposing of property has emerged as a buoyant alternative. Housebuilding, despite popular commentaries, remains a resilient and important market for us with good long-term prospects.

International Division

Operating profits before amortisation and exceptional items more than doubled to GBP1.5 million (H1 2022: GBP0.7 million) on revenues 28% ahead at GBP19.6 million (H1 2022: GBP15.3 million). Statutory operating profit was GBP1.6 million (H1 2022: GBP 0.7 million), well ahead of the prior period.

For the TR business in Australia, although lockdown measures were relaxed later than in Europe, the Group has enjoyed recovery throughout its markets and is now trading at pre covid levels.

Airpac Rentals has benefitted from the increased demand for oil and gas resources whilst continuing its diversification into more downstream activities. We expect a continuing improvement in demand from these sectors as well as new applications such as geothermal drilling.

Outlook

We have emerged in good shape from a period of great disruption and our continued recovery once again demonstrates the resilience of our business model, and the benefits derived from occupying leadership positions in diversified end markets.

Our businesses have continued to make good progress in their engagement with customers and supply chain partners to deliver sustainable and innovative fleet solutions as we collectively strive to reduce emissions with further investment in battery and solar powered equipment and in lower emission commercial vehicles.

The period under review has seen inflationary pressure on fleet capital costs, transport, fuel, wages, utilities and interest costs, but we have largely mitigated these with agreed price increases combined with a diligent focus on efficiencies within our business. We expect these actions to remain a priority for the foreseeable future.

Notwithstanding these challenges, we remain alert to quality growth opportunities whether organic or via acquisitions.

We remain confident of delivering a full year outcome in line with the Board's expectations.

Over the longer term, we believe the exceptional quality of our business teams, our market leadership positions and the financial strength of the Group, will continue an exemplary record of accomplishment of delivering outstanding returns for all stakeholders.

Jeremy Pilkington

Chairman

29 November 2022

Condensed Consolidated Income Statement

For the period ended 30 September 2022

 
                                     Six months   Six months      Full year 
                                             to           to             to 
                              Note      30 Sept      30 Sept    31 Mar 2022 
                                           2022         2021         GBP000 
                                         GBP000       GBP000 
                                    -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 
   Revenue                     3        186,487      176,103        350,915 
 Cost of sales                        (141,269)    (133,354)      (263,950) 
                                    ----------- 
 
 Gross profit                            45,218       42,749         86,965 
 Administrative expenses               (23,378)     (20,409)       (43,968) 
                                    -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 
 Operating profit 
  before amortisation 
  and exceptional 
  items                        5         25,377       23,988         46,299 
 Amortisation and 
  impairment                            (1,669)      (1,648)        (3,302) 
 Exceptional items            4         (1,868)            -              - 
                                    -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 
 Operating profit             3          21,840       22,340         42,997 
 Net financial expense        5         (3,982)      (3,786)        (7,353) 
 
 Profit before taxation, 
  amortisation and 
  exceptional items            5         21,395       20,202         38,946 
 Amortisation and 
  impairment                            (1,669)      (1,648)        (3,302) 
 Exceptional items            4         (1,868)            -              - 
                                    -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 Profit before taxation       5          17,858       18,554         35,644 
 Taxation                     6         (4,281)      (4,992)       (10,109) 
                                    -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 
 Profit attributable 
  to owners of the 
  parent                                 13,577       13,562         25,535 
 
                                          Pence        Pence          Pence 
 Basic earnings per 
  share                       8           34.24        34.26          64.49 
 Diluted earnings 
  per share                   8           33.86        33.90          63.83 
 Dividend per share           9           11.00        10.50          25.00 
 

IFRS 16 was adopted on 1 April 2019 for statutory reporting. As a result, the primary statements are shown on an IFRS 16 basis. Note 5 provides the impact on the consolidated income statement for the periods ended 30 September 2022, including the GBP1.4 million positive impact on operating profit before amortisation and exceptional items (GBP24.0 million pre-IFRS 16) and GBP1.5 million adverse impact on net financial expense (GBP2.5 million pre-IFRS 16).

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the period ended 30 September 2022

 
                                          Six months   Six months   Full year 
                                                  to           to          to 
                                             30 Sept      30 Sept      31 Mar 
                                                2022         2021        2022 
                                              GBP000       GBP000      GBP000 
 Profit for the period                        13,577       13,562      25,535 
 Other comprehensive income/(expense): 
 Items that will not be reclassified 
  to profit or loss 
 
  Remeasurements of defined benefit 
  pension scheme                                   -            -         693 
 Tax on items taken to other 
  comprehensive income                             -            -       (183) 
 Impact of tax rate change                         -            -         110 
 
 Items that may be subsequently 
  reclassified to profit or loss 
 Foreign exchange translation 
  difference                                   1,602         (58)         361 
 Effective portion of changes 
  in fair value of cash flow hedges                -          221         221 
 
 Other comprehensive income                    1,602          163       1,202 
 
 
   Total comprehensive income 
   for the period                             15,179       13,725      26,737 
                                         -----------  -----------  ---------- 
 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

For the period ended 30 September 2022

 
                                Note     Six months   Six months     Full year 
                                                 to           to            to 
                                       30 Sept 2022      30 Sept   31 Mar 2022 
                                                            2021 
                                             GBP000       GBP000        GBP000 
 
   Total comprehensive 
   income for the period                     15,179       13,725        26,737 
 
   Tax movements to equity                    (133)          535            90 
 
   Impact of tax rate change                      -            -          (11) 
 
   Share option charge 
   in the period                                675          899         1,249 
 
   Net movement relating 
   to shares held by Vp 
   Employee Trust                             (535)        (721)         (516) 
 
   Movement in minority 
   interest                                       -            -          (27) 
 Dividends to shareholders         9       (10,112)      (9,897)      (14,054) 
 Change in equity during 
  the period                                  5,074        4,541        13,468 
 
   Equity at the start 
   of the period                            166,585      153,117       153,117 
 
   Equity at the end of 
   the period                               171,659      157,658       166,585 
                                      -------------  -----------  ------------ 
 

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 2022

 
                                    Note       30 Sept        31 Mar       30 Sept 
                                                  2022          2022          2021 
                                                GBP000        GBP000        GBP000 
 Non-current assets 
 
   Property, plant and equipment      7        254,984       247,526       240,783 
 Goodwill                                       44,997        44,945        43,740 
 Intangible assets                              15,834        17,477        18,848 
 Right of use assets                            52,822        54,151        51,823 
 Employee benefits                               2,670         2,738         2,127 
                                          ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 Total non-current assets                      371,307       366,837       357,321 
                                          ------------  ------------  ------------ 
  Current assets 
 
   Inventories                                   8,657         7,956         6,794 
 Trade and other receivables                    86,903        76,057        79,041 
 Cash and cash equivalents           10          9,428        13,617        10,471 
 Total current assets                          104,988        97,630        96,306 
                                          ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
   Total assets                                476,295       464,467       453,627 
                                          ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
   Current liabilities 
 Lease liabilities                            (14,172)      (14,147)      (14,606) 
 Trade and other payables                     (74,380)      (80,676)      (87,517) 
 Income tax payable                              (854)         (152)         (100) 
                                          ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 Total current liabilities                    (89,406)      (94,975)     (102,223) 
                                          ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
   Non-current liabilities 
 Interest bearing loans 
  and borrowings                     10      (158,370)     (144,221)     (142,107) 
 Lease liabilities                            (42,053)      (43,496)      (40,609) 
 Provisions                                      (895)       (1,512)             - 
 Deferred tax liabilities                     (13,912)      (13,678)      (11,030) 
                                          ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 Total non-current liabilities               (215,230)     (202,907)     (193,746) 
                                          ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
   Total liabilities                         (304,636)     (297,882)     (295,969) 
                                          ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
 Net assets                                    171,659       166,585       157,658 
                                          ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
 Equity 
 
   Issued share capital                          2,008         2,008         2,008 
 Capital redemption reserve                        301           301           301 
 Share premium                                  16,192        16,192        16,192 
 Foreign currency translation 
  reserve                                          577       (1,020)       (1,444) 
 Hedging reserve                                     -             -             - 
 Retained earnings                             152,581       149,104       140,574 
                                          ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 Total equity attributable 
  to equity 
  holders of parent                            171,659       166,585       157,631 
 
 Non-controlling interest                            -             -            27 
 Total equity                                  171,659       166,585       157,658 
                                          ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

For the period ended 30 September 2022

 
                                         Note   Six months   Six months    Full year 
                                                        to           to           to 
                                                   30 Sept      30 Sept       31 Mar 
                                                      2022         2021         2022 
                                                    GBP000       GBP000       GBP000 
 Cash flows from operating 
  activities 
 
  Profit before taxation                            17,858       18,554       35,644 
 Adjustment for: 
 Share based payment charges                           675          899        1,249 
 Depreciation                             7         23,831       22,036       45,532 
 Depreciation of right of use 
  assets                                             8,098        8,497       16,561 
 Amortisation and impairment 
  of intangibles                                     1,669        1,648        3,302 
 Net financial expense                               3,982        3,786        7,353 
 Profit on sale of property, 
  plant and equipment                              (5,041)      (3,368)      (7,045) 
 Release/(payment) of arrangement 
  fees                                                 149        (591)          314 
                                               -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 Operating cash flow before 
  changes in working capital 
  and provisions                                    51,221       51,461      102,910 
 (Increase)/decrease in inventories                  (701)          548        (614) 
 Increase in trade and other 
  receivables                                     (10,846)     (12,495)      (9,133) 
 (Decrease)/increase in trade 
  and other payables                               (8,034)        2,778      (2,781) 
                                               -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 Cash generated from operations                     31,640       42,292       90,382 
 Interest paid                                     (2,462)      (2,317)      (4,456) 
 Interest element of lease 
  liability payments                               (1,482)      (1,493)      (2,940) 
 Interest received                                       4            1            2 
 Income tax paid                                   (3,465)      (2,895)      (6,282) 
                                               -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 Net cash flows from operating 
  activities                                        24,235       35,588       76,706 
 
   Cash flows from investing 
   activities 
 Proceeds from sale of property, 
  plant and equipment                               12,202        8,241       17,819 
 Purchase of property, plant 
  and equipment                                   (36,013)     (34,918)     (68,679) 
 Acquisition of businesses 
  and subsidiaries (net of cash 
  acquired)                                              -            -      (2,693) 
 Net cash flows used in investing 
  activities                                      (23,811)     (26,677)     (53,553) 
 
 
   Cash flows from financing 
   activities 
 Purchase of own shares by 
  Employee Trust                                     (535)        (721)        (516) 
 Repayment of loans                               (10,000)     (42,044)     (95,044) 
 New loans                                          24,000       47,044      102,044 
 Arrangement fees                                        -            -        (773) 
 Capital element of lease liability 
  payments                                         (8,188)      (8,808)     (17,149) 
 Dividends paid                           9       (10,112)      (9,897)     (14,054) 
                                               -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 Net cash flows used in financing 
  activities                                       (4,835)     (14,426)     (25,492) 
 
   Net decrease in cash and cash 
   equivalents                                     (4,411)      (5,515)      (2,339) 
 Effect of exchange rate fluctuations 
  on cash held                                         222           69           39 
 Cash and cash equivalents 
  at beginning of period                            13,617       15,917       15,917 
                                               -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents 
  at end of period                        10         9,428       10,471       13,617 
                                               -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 

Notes to the Condensed Financial Statements

   1.            Basis of Preparation 

Vp plc (the "Company") is incorporated and domiciled in the United Kingdom. The Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements of the Company for the half year ended 30 September 2022 consolidate the financial information of the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the "Group").

The condensed interim financial statements have been prepared using accounting policies set out in the Annual Report and Accounts 2022. They are unaudited and have not been reviewed by the Company's auditor. They are in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting. The results for the year ended 31 March 2022 and the Consolidated Balance Sheet as at that date are abridged from the Group's Annual Report and Accounts 2022 which have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The auditor's report on those accounts was unqualified, did not draw attention to any matters by way of emphasis and did not contain statements under sections 498 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

The condensed interim financial statements do not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006.

The interim announcement was approved by the Board of Directors on 29 November 2022.

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 consolidated 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 2022.

The Group continues to be in a healthy financial position with total banking facilities at the period end of GBP190.5 million, including an overdraft facility. Since the year end net debt has increased by GBP18.3 million to GBP148.9 million, which is GBP17.2 million higher than 30 September 2021. The Board has evaluated the banking facilities and the associated covenants on the basis of current forecasts, taking into account the current economic climate. These forecasts have been subjected to sensitivity analysis, involving the flexing of key assumptions reflecting severe but plausible scenarios, including a downturn in economic activity. Based on this assessment, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group will be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due. 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 32 and 33 of the 31 March 2022 Annual Report and Accounts. The principal risks and uncertainties are market, competition, investment / product management, people, safety, financial, contractual and legal and regulatory requirements, which remain the same for this interim financial report.

   3.            Summarised Segmental Analysis 
 
                                     Revenue                       Operating Profit Before 
                                                                 Amortisation and Exceptional 
                                                                            Items 
                       Sept       Sept         Mar                  Sept        Sept          Mar 
                       2022       2021        2022                  2022        2021         2022 
                     GBP000     GBP000      GBP000                GBP000      GBP000       GBP000 
 
 UK                 166,932    160,761     320,203                23,820      23,256       44,704 
 International       19,555     15,342      30,712                 1,557         732        1,595 
 
                    186,487    176,103     350,915                25,377      23,988       46,299 
                 ----------   --------    --------           -----------  ----------  ----------- 
 
 Amortisation and impairment                                     (1,669)     (1,648)      (3,302) 
 Exceptional items                                               (1,868)           -            - 
                                                             -----------  ----------  ----------- 
 Operating Profit                                                 21,840      22,340       42,997 
                                                             -----------  ----------  ----------- 
 
 
 
                            Assets                      Liabilities 
                     Sept       Mar      Sept      Sept       Mar      Sept 
                     2022      2022      2021      2022      2022      2021 
                   GBP000    GBP000    GBP000    GBP000    GBP000    GBP000 
 
 UK               433,870   425,382   414,744   292,261   286,524   285,425 
 International     42,425    39,085    38,883    12,375    11,358    10,544 
 
                  476,295   464,467   453,627   304,636   297,882   295,969 
                 --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 
 
                              Net Assets 
                   Sept 2022   Mar 2022   Sept 2021 
                      GBP000     GBP000      GBP000 
 
 UK                  141,609    138,858     129,319 
 International        30,050     27,727      28,339 
 
                     171,659    166,585     157,658 
                  ----------  ---------  ---------- 
 

Below summarises the disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers from the total revenue disclosed in the Condensed Consolidated Income Statement:

 
                                          Sept             Sept 2021             Mar 2022 
                                          2022 
                                        GBP000                GBP000               GBP000 
           Equipment hire              140,889               134,607              266,795 
           Services                     31,234                29,712               58,711 
           Sales of goods               14,364                11,784               25,409 
           Total revenue               186,487               176,103              350,915 
                            ------------------  --------------------  ------------------- 
 
   4.            Exceptional Items 

During the half year to 30 September 2022, the Group incurred GBP1.9 million of exceptional costs in relation to formal sale process costs and restructuring costs.

 
                                                 Sept             Sept 2021             Mar 2022 
                                                 2022 
                                               GBP000                GBP000               GBP000 
           Formal sales process                 1,837                     -                    - 
           Restructuring costs                     31                     -                    - 
           Total Exceptional Items              1,868                     -                    - 
                                    -----------------  --------------------  ------------------- 
 
   5.            Income Statement Reporting 

Impact on reporting of IFRS 16

IFRS 16 Leases was adopted from 1 April 2019. For comparative purposes with previous years, key reporting measures are also calculated using the previous accounting methodology of IAS 17.

Basic earnings per share before the amortisation of intangibles and exceptional items decreased by 0.03 pence for the period to 30 September 2022 as a result of IFRS 16, compared to the previous accounting methodology of IAS 17. The financial impact of the transition on the Group's Consolidated Income Statement and EBITDA is set out below:

 
                                                                 Sept 2022             Sept 2022                  Sept 
                                                                 Excluding               IFRS 16                  2022 
                                                                   IFRS 16                Impact 
                                                                                                              Reported 
                                                                    GBP000                GBP000                GBP000 
           Operating profit before amortisation                     23,960                 1,417                25,377 
           Operating profit                                         20,423                 1,417                21,840 
           EBITDA                                                   47,791                 9,515                57,306 
           Net financial expense                                   (2,503)               (1,479)               (3,982) 
           Profit before taxation and amortisation                  21,457                  (62)                21,395 
           Profit before taxation                                   17,920                  (62)                17,858 
 

Operating profit before amortisation, segment assets and segment liabilities all increased as a result of the change in accounting policy. The IFRS 16 adjustments that have been posted to each segment for the half year ending 30 September 2022 are as follows:

Operating Profit before Amortisation and Exceptional Items

 
                          Pre       IFRS 16      Per 
                      IFRS 16    Adjustment     Note 
                                                   3 
                       GBP000        GBP000   GBP000 
 UK                    22,457         1,363   23,820 
 International          1,503            54    1,557 
                       23,960         1,417   25,377 
                    ---------  ------------  ------- 
 
 
 
                               Assets                           Liabilities 
                       Pre       IFRS 16   Per Note        Pre       IFRS 16       Per 
                   IFRS 16    Adjustment          3    IFRS 16    Adjustment      Note 
                                                                                     3 
                    GBP000        GBP000     GBP000     GBP000        GBP000    GBP000 
 UK                384,645        49,225    433,870    240,650        51,611   292,261 
 International      39,645         2,780     42,425      9,589         2,786    12,375 
 
                   424,290        52,005    476,295    250,239        54,397   304,636 
                 ---------  ------------  ---------  ---------  ------------  -------- 
 
   6.            Income Tax 

The effective tax rate is 24.0% in the period to 30 September 2022 (H1 2022: 26.9%). The effective rate for the period reflects the current standard tax rate of 19% (H1 2022: 19%), as adjusted for estimated permanent differences for tax purposes offset by gains covered by exemptions. The rate includes the effect of higher statutory tax rates levied in Australia and Germany. In addition, exceptional costs have increased the effective tax rate by approximately 2.2%.

   7.            Property, Plant and Equipment 
 
                                                Sept 2022             Mar 2022             Sept 2021 
                                                   GBP000               GBP000                GBP000 
           Opening carrying amount                247,526              233,912               233,912 
           Additions                               37,151               68,034                33,866 
           Acquisitions                                 -                1,647                     - 
           Depreciation                          (23,831)             (45,532)              (22,036) 
           Disposals                              (7,158)             (10,774)               (4,959) 
           Effect of movements in 
            exchange rates                          1,296                  239                     - 
                                     --------------------  -------------------  -------------------- 
           Closing carrying amount                254,984              247,526               240,783 
                                     --------------------  -------------------  -------------------- 
 

The value of capital commitments at 30 September 2022 was GBP20,833,000 (31 March 2022 GBP14,523,000).

   8.            Earnings Per Share 

Earnings per share have been calculated on 39,651,301 shares (H1 2022: 39,581,223 shares) being the weighted average number of shares in issue during the period. Diluted earnings per share have been calculated on 40,099,143 shares (H1 2022: 40,004,585 shares) adjusted to reflect conversion of all potentially dilutive ordinary shares. The calculation of diluted earnings per share does not assume conversion, exercise, or other issue of potential ordinary shares that would have an antidilutive effect on earnings per share.

Basic earnings per share before the amortisation of intangibles and exceptional items was 42.34 pence (H1 2022: 37.64 pence) and was based on an after tax add back of GBP3,213,000 (H1 2022: GBP1,335,000) in respect of the amortisation of intangibles and exceptional items. Diluted earnings per share before amortisation of intangibles and exceptional items was 41.87 pence (H1 2022: 37.24 pence).

   9.            Dividends 

The Directors have declared an interim dividend of 11.00 pence per share (H1 2022: 10.5 pence) payable on 11 January 2023 to shareholders on the register at 9 December 2022. The dividend declared will absorb an estimated GBP4.363 million (H1 2022: GBP4.157 million).

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.

   10.          Analysis of Net Debt 
 
                                  As at       Cash    Non-cash       As at 
                                  1 Apr       Flow   Movements      30 Sep 
                                   2022                               2022 
                                 GBP000     GBP000      GBP000      GBP000 
 Cash and cash equivalents       13,617    (4,189)           -       9,428 
 Secured loans                (145,000)   (14,000)           -   (159,000) 
 Arrangement Fees                   779          -       (149)         630 
                             ----------  ---------  ----------  ---------- 
 Net debt excluding lease 
  liabilities                 (130,604)   (18,189)       (149)   (148,942) 
 Lease liabilities             (57,643)      8,188     (6,770)    (56,225) 
                                                    ---------- 
 Net debt including lease 
  liabilities                 (188,247)   (10,001)     (6,919)   (205,167) 
                             ----------  ---------  ----------  ---------- 
 

The Group has two private placements, maturing in January 2027, with PGIM Inc. for GBP65 million (drawn down in January 2020) and GBP28 million (drawn down in April 2021). The Group also has committed revolving credit facilities of GBP90 million which was refinanced in June 2021 and matures in June 2024. The Group also has overdraft facilities of GBP7.5 million, leading to total available facilities of GBP190.5 million.

   11.          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.

   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. Statements in respect of the Group's performance in the year to date are based upon unaudited management accounts for the period 1 April 2022 to 30 September 2022. Nothing in this announcement should be construed as a profit forecast.

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.

   14.          Alternative Performance Measures 

(i) All performance measures stated as before amortisation are also before impairment of intangibles and exceptional items.

(ii) Basic earnings per share pre amortisation and exceptional items is reconciled to basic earnings per share in note 8.

(iii) Profit before tax, amortisation and exceptional items is reconciled to profit before tax in the Consolidated Income Statement.

(iv) Return on average capital employed is based on profit before tax, interest, amortisation and exceptional items divided by average capital employed on a monthly basis using the management accounts. Profit before tax, interest, amortisation and exceptional items is reconciled to profit before interest and tax in the Consolidated Income Statement.

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

29 November 2022

The Board

The Directors who served during the six months to 30 September 2022 were:

Jeremy Pilkington (Chairman)

Neil Stothard (Chief Executive)

Allison Bainbridge (Group Finance Director)

Steven Rogers (Non-Executive Director)

Phil White (Non-Executive Director)

- Ends -

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END

IR UWSBRUOUAUAA

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

November 29, 2022 02:00 ET (07:00 GMT)

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