TIDMCVSG
RNS Number : 0716F
CVS Group plc
16 February 2018
CVS Group plc
("CVS", the "Company" or the "Group")
Interim report for the six months to 31 December 2017
CVS, one of the UK's leading providers of integrated veterinary
services, is pleased to announce its interim results for the six
months ended 31 December 2017.
Financial highlights
Six months Six months
ended ended
31 December 31 December Change(4)
2017 (Unaudited) 2016 (Unaudited) %
------------------------------ ----------------- ----------------- -----------
Revenue (GBPm) 157.8 129.4 21.9
Adjusted EBITDA (GBPm) (1) 24.0 20.7 15.5
Adjusted profit before income
tax (GBPm)(2) 18.3 16.5 10.8
Adjusted earnings per share
(pence) (3) 22.9 21.5 6.5
Operating profit (GBPm) 8.1 9.5 (14.1)
Profit before income tax
(GBPm) 6.2 8.0 (21.3)
Basic earnings per share
(pence) 7.8 10.4 (25.0)
-- Sales growth of 21.9%
-- Like-for-like sales increase of 5.6%
-- Adjusted EBITDA up at GBP24.0m (15.5%)
-- Adjusted EPS 22.9p (6.5%)
-- Net debt GBP116.9m (June 2017: GBP100.0m)
-- 30 practice surgeries acquired during the period and 4 after the period end
(1) Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation
and amortisation) is profit before income tax, net finance expense,
depreciation, amortisation, costs relating to business combinations
and exceptional items.
(2) Adjusted profit before income tax is calculated as profit on
ordinary activities before amortisation, taxation, costs relating
to business combinations and exceptional items.
(3) Adjusted earnings per share is calculated as adjusted profit
before income tax less applicable taxation divided by the weighted
average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period.
(4) Percentage increases have been calculated throughout this
document based on the underlying values.
A copy of this announcement and the interim results report are
available on the Company's website at www.cvsukltd.co.uk.
Contacts:
CVS Group plc Tel: 01379 644
Simon Innes, Chief Executive 288
Nick Perrin, Finance Director
N+1 Singer (Nominated Adviser Tel: 020 7496
& Broker) 3000
Aubrey Powell
Liz Yong
James Hopton
Chairman's statement
Introduction
I am pleased to announce the results of CVS Group plc for the
six month period ended 31 December 2017. The Group has delivered
another strong set of results showing further growth in revenue and
underlying profit, generated both organically and through
acquisitions.
Results
Group revenue was GBP157.8m in the half year, growing by 21.9%
(2016: GBP129.4m). Whilst a substantial proportion of the increase
came from acquisitions, like-for-like sales grew strongly by 5.6%
(adjusted for one less day trading in the period compared to the
prior half year).
Adjusted EBITDA rose by 15.5% to GBP24.0m (2016: GBP20.7m).
Operating profit was lower at GBP8.1m (2016: GBP9.5m) reflecting
the increase in adjusted EBITDA offset by the amortisation of
intangible assets, deferred consideration and the costs of
acquisitions. Adjusted profit before tax, which excludes the
amortisation of intangible assets, increased by 10.8% to GBP18.3m
(2016: GBP16.5m) and adjusted earnings per share rose by 6.5% from
21.5p to 22.9p due to the significant increase in adjusted EBITDA.
The earnings per share figures have not increased by as much as
profit after tax due to the share placing in December 2016 which
increased the number of shares in issue. The placing raised
additional funds for acquisitions but the full impact of that
expenditure has not yet fed through into the results.
Basic earnings per share fell from 10.4p to 7.8p reflecting the
higher EBITDA but also the increased amortisation of intangible
assets, the costs of deferred consideration, the cost of
acquisitions and the higher number of shares in issue.
Cash generated from operations increased to GBP26.5m (2016:
GBP19.3m) due to improved trading. Net debt increased to GBP116.9m
(June 2017: GBP100.0m) after funding GBP30.2m (including debt
acquired) of acquisitions in the period.
Acquisitions
The six months to 31 December 2017 continued the high pace of
acquisition activity of the previous year. 30 surgeries were
acquired including six in The Netherlands as shown below:
Practice Sites Main locations Region Business
name & Country
--------------------- ------ ---------------------- ---------------- --------------
Cundall & 1 Scarborough N.E. England Small & farm
Duffy animal
--------------------- ------ ---------------------- ---------------- --------------
Strule 2 Omagh and County Northern Small & farm
Vet Services Tyrone Ireland animal
--------------------- ------ ---------------------- ---------------- --------------
Dierenkliniek 1 Wolvega The Netherlands Small animal
Wolvega
--------------------- ------ ---------------------- ---------------- --------------
B & W Equine 5 Breadstone, S.W. England; Equine
Cardiff, Failand, S. Wales
Stretcholt and
Willesley
--------------------- ------ ---------------------- ---------------- --------------
Aire 1 Leeds N England Small animal,
farm animal
& equine
--------------------- ------ ---------------------- ---------------- --------------
Dierenkliniek 1 Emmeloord The Netherlands Equine
Emmeloord
--------------------- ------ ---------------------- ---------------- --------------
All Creatures 1 Warrington N.W. England Small animal
Veterinary
Centre
--------------------- ------ ---------------------- ---------------- --------------
Acorn 1 Studley C. England Small animal
Veterinary
Centre
--------------------- ------ ---------------------- ---------------- --------------
Three Valleys 2 Fivemiletown, Northern Small & farm
Veterinary Irvinestown Ireland animal
--------------------- ------ ---------------------- ---------------- --------------
Dierenkliniek 1 Lemmer The Netherlands Small animal
Vrieselaar
--------------------- ------ ---------------------- ---------------- --------------
Buchan Vets 3 Strichen, Peterhead, Scotland Small animal,
Fraserburgh farm animal
& equine
--------------------- ------ ---------------------- ---------------- --------------
Ashburn 1 Knighton S. Wales Small & farm
Veterinary animal
Centre
--------------------- ------ ---------------------- ---------------- --------------
MS Vets 1 Reading S.E. England Small animal
--------------------- ------ ---------------------- ---------------- --------------
Ruddington 2 Ruddington, E. Midlands Small animal
Vets East Leake
--------------------- ------ ---------------------- ---------------- --------------
Victoria 1 Bristol S.W. England Small animal
Veterinary
Clinic
--------------------- ------ ---------------------- ---------------- --------------
Dierenartsenpraktijk 1 Emmeloord The Netherlands Farm animal,
NordOostpolder small animal
& equine
--------------------- ------ ---------------------- ---------------- --------------
Beacon 2 Aspatria, Silloth N.W. England Farm animal,
small animal
& equine
--------------------- ------ ---------------------- ---------------- --------------
Wessex Equine 1 Thornhill S.W. England Equine
--------------------- ------ ---------------------- ---------------- --------------
Dierenkliniek 2 Sneek, St. Nicolaasga The Netherlands Small animal
Sneek
--------------------- ------ ---------------------- ---------------- --------------
A total of GBP30.2m (including debt acquired) was paid for the
acquisitions in the period. Based on the last set of accounts
publicly available for each business, the aggregate historical
annualised turnover and EBITDA of these businesses was
approximately GBP22.1m and GBP2.5m respectively.
Subsequent to 31 December 2017, the Group acquired a further 4
surgeries as set out below:
Practice Sites Main locations Region Business
name & Country
------------- ------ ------------------- ------------- -------------
Ashman Jones 2 Bath, Widicombe S.W. England Small animal
------------- ------ ------------------- ------------- -------------
The Equine 1 Doncaster N.E. England Equine
Veterinary
Centre
------------- ------ ------------------- ------------- -------------
Thompsons 1 Sutton-in-Ashfield E. Midlands Small animal
Veterinary
Surgery
------------- ------ ------------------- ------------- -------------
The provisional cash consideration for these acquisitions is
approximately GBP3.5m.
The acquisition of further practices in the UK has continued the
geographic development of the Group across the country and has
further developed the large animal and equine as well as the small
animal businesses. The acquisitions in Northern Ireland bring our
total number of sites there to 8 whilst the acquisitions in the
Netherlands bring our total there to 15. Of particular note is the
development of the equine business with the acquisition of B&W
Equine in the UK and of Dierenkliniek Emmeloord, our first equine
business in the Netherlands.
The pipeline of acquisitions remains strong and CVS expects to
continue to complete acquisitions in the UK and the Netherlands
throughout this year and beyond. Our diverse, integrated model
means that acquired businesses not only contribute towards our
continuing success, but also benefit from being part of a larger
integrated group better able to serve customers' needs.
Divisional performance
Practice Division
At the half year, the Practice Division operated 453 veterinary
surgeries (June 2017: 423), 438 across the UK and 15 in The
Netherlands. Subsequent to the half year this has increased to a
total of 457 (442 in the UK and 15 in The Netherlands). The
surgeries operate under a number of well-established local brands,
primarily focused on the small animal market. We estimate that CVS
has in excess of a 14% share of the UK small animal veterinary
market.
Practice revenues were GBP143.1m, a 20.8% increase on the
GBP118.4m achieved in the prior period. Like-for-like sales growth
of 2.8% generated about GBP2.7m of additional revenue; the
annualisation impact of prior year acquisitions and greenfield
sites added GBP17.3m and current period acquisitions and greenfield
sites added a further GBP4.7m.
The gross margin in the practices increased from 80.3% to 80.6%
with improvements being in the like-for-like business and
reflecting an increase in the proportion of sales of services
compared to drugs.
Adjusted EBITDA for the Practice Division grew by 13.7% from
GBP22.0m to GBP25.0m. The adjusted EBITDA margin fell from 18.6% to
17.5%. The EBITDA percentage was broadly flat in the like-for-like
practices; however, the overall percentage was reduced by recent
acquisitions which have not yet reached their potential and the
greenfield sites and MiPet Cover business which are not yet
profitable.
The Healthy Pet Club schemes have grown significantly with
membership at 31 December 2017 of approximately 340,000 pets, an
increase of over 11% over the six month period. Income from Healthy
Pet Club schemes represented 13.1% of the income of the division
for the six month period down from 13.4% in the comparable period.
In the like-for-like practices the percentage decreased from 16.9%
to 15.4%. The fall in these percentages reflect the relatively high
level of acquisitions of equine businesses where the Healthy Pet
Club membership as a proportion of sales is much lower than for
small animal practices. The schemes offer discounted products and
services aiming to improve clinical compliance levels amongst
members and to protect practice sales by bonding pet owners to
their local CVS surgery.
The Group continues to develop and improve its estate. We have
now opened five new small animal sites. In January and February
2016 two small sites were opened in Beccles and Lawley and both
became profitable after about one year. We have now opened three
larger greenfield sites (Smethwick in January 2017, Norwich in
November 2017 and Bracknell in December 2017) and will be
monitoring their progress closely. Further opportunities for a
small number of new sites will be sought in order to gain
experience in their development.
Our referrals business has developed strongly in the period:
following some change in management and the recruitment of
additional specialists, trading at Lumbry Park has shown a marked
improvement; Manchester Veterinary Specialists, which opened in
February 2017, has shown excellent progress; and in September 2017
a major refurbishment was completed at Chestergates, including the
installation of a CT scanner and a new MRI machine.
MiPet Cover, our own insurance product, was launched in August
2017. The product has been designed by vets and aims to bond our
customers even more closely to our practices. The Group does not
take on any insurance underwriting risk. The insurance has been
well received by our staff and customers. The business is expected
to take some time to develop as it currently makes a small
loss.
Laboratory Division
Our laboratories provide diagnostic services and in-practice
laboratory analysers to third party owned veterinary surgeries as
well as our own practices. Diagnostic services are offered via post
and courier allowing complete coverage of the UK.
Total revenues grew by 12.6% to GBP8.8m (2016: GBP7.8m). The
gross margin percentage fell from 65.6% to 64.6% reflecting the
growing contribution of our in-house analyser business which has a
lower gross margin than the diagnostics business. Adjusted EBITDA
increased by 13.1% to GBP1.9m (2016: GBP1.7m).
Crematoria Division
Crematoria revenues fell marginally to at GBP3.2m (2016:
GBP3.3m) as the business lost of a number of customers when they
were acquired by other corporate veterinary practices. Costs were
contained and overall the Crematoria Division maintained its
adjusted EBITDA at GBP1.1m (2016: GBP1.1m).
Animed Direct
Animed Direct, our on-line dispensary, continued to make
excellent progress with revenues increasing by 63.9% to GBP9.2m
(2016: GBP5.6m). Adjusted EBITDA improved to GBP0.6m (2016:
GBP0.2m).
The recruitment of a more experienced team has improved our
ability to drive sales on the internet and the introduction of a
delivery fee and free delivery threshold has shown positive impacts
on both sales and the gross margin.
Central administration
Central administration costs were GBP4.6m (2016: GBP4.3m) and as
a percentage of revenue fell from 3.3% to 2.9% for the half
year.
The scale of growth of the Group continues to require the
investment in additional staff in all functions and the development
and strengthening of our systems and processes. A new recruitment
system and website has been launched and a new locum system is
under development. These initiatives reflect the Group's focus on
addressing the industry's recruitment challenges. Our accounting
and warehouse systems are also being upgraded to ease the future
growth of the business. The Group is conscious of the need to
maintain good control of all acquisitions as they are integrated
and has taken on the necessary resources to ensure that this is
achieved. This includes the development of an internal audit
function.
Cash flow and funding position
Net debt stood at GBP116.9m at 31 December 2017 (see note 12),
an increase of GBP16.9m from 1 July 2017. In the period GBP30.2m
was spent on acquisitions (including GBP2.4m of debt acquired)
(2016: GBP12.0m), GBP5.6m on capital expenditure (2016: GBP6.1m)
and GBP2.8m on dividends (2016: GBP2.1m).
Capital expenditure included GBP1.7m on site refurbishments and
relocations and GBP3.9m on equipment and IT systems and
development.
Dividends
A dividend in respect of the year ended 30 June 2017 of 4.5p per
share was paid in December 2017. The Board will continue to review
its dividend policy and expects that a final dividend will be paid
in December 2018, which, in the absence of any unforeseen change in
trading conditions, will be at least equal in value to that of
2017.
Our people
All of our people are key in enabling the Group to deliver these
excellent results and I would like to thank all of them for their
skill and professionalism in providing the best possible care and
service to our customers and their animals.
Uptake in our apprenticeship programme continues to increase
within the business. We have over 125 active learners, 95 of which
have enrolled since September 2017. The majority of our apprentices
are student veterinary nurses completing their level 3 diploma.
Interest in the variety of other apprenticeships is gathering a
strong momentum across the business as we explore additional
possibilities. This will provide exciting development opportunities
and valuable skills for our existing employees and new recruits,
whilst supporting the growth of our business. We are also involved
in the trailblazer group to transfer the veterinary nursing
apprenticeship framework into a new approved standard. This will
ensure that the apprenticeship can continue to exist as the
government intends to phase out all frameworks by 2020.
The graduate program has also evolved in line with the demands
of the business and the needs of our graduates. We now offer three
full clinical streams, small animal, equine and large animal.
Equine and Large animal have five dedicated clinical days run by
CVS experts. The equine programme provides a highly practical
environment in which to learn and practise new skills. Our large
animal programme focuses on five species, while the
well-established small animal programme continues to provide robust
clinical skills. We have increased both the number of days from 13
to 20 over the two year programme as well as the number of
graduates we have taken on demonstrating our commitment to their
learning. We have taken on board feedback from our graduates to
incorporate professional skills as well to ensure we help build
resilience, consultation skills and communication.
With the support of our experts and feedback from our graduates,
we ensure that this ever evolving programme provides a high level
of practical clinical training as well as the right mix of
professional skills and mentoring, to support our graduates as they
embark on their career with CVS.
The Group continues to be the largest employer in the UK
veterinary profession with close to 5,500 staff. Our aim is to
ensure that we are the employer of choice in the profession by
providing the best career paths, training and development for our
people.
The Board
I am delighted to welcome Deborah Kemp to the Board as a
Non-Executive Director. She brings a wealth of experience in
consumer-facing, multi-site businesses, including in the areas of
investment, estate management and M&A. Her broad operational
and organisational expertise will enable her to provide valuable
input to the next phase of development for the Group.
As a result of this appointment, the Board of CVS now comprises
two Executive Directors and two independent Non-Executive
Directors, as well as myself as Non-Executive Chairman, reflecting
our commitment to attaining high standards of corporate
governance.
Further business development and outlook
The Board is pleased to report that trading since the half year
end is in line with expectations. The first half of the year saw a
higher level of volatility in sales than in the past, but recent
months have appeared more regular. With our wide range of organic
opportunities, healthy cash generation and a strong acquisition
pipeline, the Board looks forward with confidence to the remainder
of the year and beyond.
The Board believes that the UK veterinary sector will continue
to provide opportunities for further consolidation and strategic
acquisitions across each of the small animal, equine and farm
animal segments. It is pleasing to note that, even following an
extended period of exceptionally high activity, the Group's
pipeline of potential acquisitions remains very strong, both in the
UK and in the Netherlands.
The Group will continue to build on the many strengths of its
existing business: the development of the referral businesses; the
expansion of our range of own brand products; further development
of out-of-hours centres; the development of our greenfield and
relocated sites; and the growth of MiPet Cover, our own brand pet
insurance. The Group will also seek to continue to improve its
operating efficiency whilst ensuring that resources remain adequate
to successfully integrate acquisitions and to develop the
business.
Richard Connell
Chairman
16 February 2018
Consolidated income statement for the six month period ended 31
December 2017 (unaudited)
Restated
Note 31 December 31 December Year ended
2017 2016 30 June
2017
(Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Audited)
GBPm GBPm GBPm
------------------------------------ ------ -------------- -------------- -------------
Revenue 4 157.8 129.4 271.8
Cost of sales (84.5) (68.5) (147.3)
------------------------------------ ------ -------------- -------------- -------------
Gross profit 73.3 60.9 124.5
Administrative expenses (65.2) (51.4) (107.3)
------------------------------------ ------ -------------- -------------- -------------
Operating profit 8.1 9.5 17.2
Other finance expense 5 (1.9) (1.5) (2.7)
Profit before income tax 6.2 8.0 14.5
Income tax expense 8 (1.3) (1.7) (3.0)
------------------------------------ ------ -------------- -------------- -------------
Profit for the period attributable
to owners of the Parent
Company 4.9 6.3 11.5
------------------------------------ ------ -------------- -------------- -------------
Basic 6 7.8p 10.4p 18.5p
Diluted 6 7.6p 10.2p 18.2p
The 31 December 2016 comparatives for cost of sales and
administration expenses have been restated to reclassify courier
costs relating to the laboratory division.
The following table is provided to show the comparative earnings
before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation ("EBITDA")
after adjusting for costs relating to business combinations.
Non-GAAP measure: Adjusted Note GBPm GBPm GBPm
EBITDA
-------------------------------- ----- ----- ------ -----
Profit before income tax 6.2 8.0 14.5
Adjustments for:
Net finance expense 5 1.9 1.5 2.7
Depreciation 9 3.8 2.7 5.9
Amortisation 9 9.3 7.6 16.0
Costs relating to business
combinations 2.8 0.9 3.0
Adjusted EBITDA 24.0 20.7 42.1
-------------------------------- ----- ----- ------ -----
Statement of consolidated comprehensive income for the six month
period ended 31 December 2017 (unaudited)
GBPm GBPm GBPm
---------------------------------- ----- ------ -----
Profit for the period 4.9 6.3 11.5
Other comprehensive income
Cash flow hedges: Fair value
gains 0.1 - 0.2
Other comprehensive income
for the period, net of tax
period, net of tax 0.1 - 0.2
---------------------------------- ----- ------ -----
Total comprehensive income
for the period attributable
to owners of the Parent Company 5.0 6.3 11.7
---------------------------------- ----- ------ -----
Consolidated balance sheet as at 31 December 2017
(unaudited)
Restated
31 December Restated
30 June
2016 2017
Note 31 December
2017 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Audited)
GBPm GBPm GBPm
---------------------------- ----- ------------------ ------------- -----------
Non-current assets
Intangible assets 9 185.7 137.4 167.2
Property, plant and
equipment 9 47.0 36.3 43.0
Investments 0.1 0.1 0.1
Deferred income tax
assets 1.5 1.6 2.1
Derivative Financial
Instrument 0.2 - 0.1
234.5 175.4 212.5
---------------------------- ----- ------------------ ------------- -----------
Current assets
Inventories 13.5 11.1 12.5
Trade and other receivables 34.7 24.6 30.9
Cash and cash equivalents 10.3 6.5 6.8
---------------------------- ----- ------------------ ------------- -----------
58.5 42.2 50.2
---------------------------- ----- ------------------ ------------- -----------
Total assets 4 293.0 217.6 262.7
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables (54.7) (43.3) (48.2)
Current income tax
liabilities (3.1) (2.8) (2.9)
Borrowings (3.9) (0.2) (3.3)
(61.7) (46.3) (54.4)
Non-current liabilities
Borrowings 12 (123.3) (74.3) (103.5)
Deferred income tax
liabilities (16.6) (15.3) (16.8)
---------------------------- ----- ------------------ ------------- -----------
(139.9) (89.6) (120.3)
---------------------------- ----- ------------------ ------------- -----------
Total liabilities 4 (201.6) (135.9) (174.7)
---------------------------- ----- ------------------ ------------- -----------
Net assets 91.4 81.7 88.0
---------------------------- ----- ------------------ ------------- -----------
Shareholders' equity
Share capital 0.1 0.1 0.1
Share premium 38.2 39.3 38.1
Capital redemption
reserve 0.6 0.6 0.6
Revaluation reserve 0.1 0.1 0.1
Merger reserve (61.4) (61.4) (61.4)
Retained earnings 113.8 103.0 110.5
---------------------------- ----- ------------------ ------------- -----------
Total equity 91.4 81.7 88.0
---------------------------- ----- ------------------ ------------- -----------
The interim financial information in this announcement was
approved by the Board of Directors on 16 February 2017.
Consolidated statement of changes in equity for the six month
period ended 31 December 2017 (unaudited)
Capital
Share Share redemption Revaluation Merger Retained Total
capital premium reserve reserve reserve earnings equity
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
--------------------------- ---------- --------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ---------- ----------
At 1 July 2017 0.1 38.1 0.6 0.1 (61.4) 110.5 88.0
--------------------------- ---------- --------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ---------- ----------
Profit for the period - - - - - 4.9 4.9
--------------------------- ---------- --------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ---------- ----------
Other comprehensive
income:
Cash flow hedges:
Fair value losses - - - - - 0.1 0.1
Total other comprehensive
income
Income - - - - - 0.1 0.1
Total comprehensive
income - - - - - 5.0 5.0
Transactions with
owners:
Credit to reserves
for share-based
payments - - - - - 0.8 0.8
Deferred tax relating
to share-based payments - - - - - 0.3 0.3
Dividends to equity
holders of the Company - - - - - (2.8) (2.8)
Shares issued in
the year - 0.1 - - - - 0.1
Transactions with
owners - 0.1 - - - (1.7) (1.6)
--------------------------- ---------- --------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ---------- ----------
At 31 December 2017 0.1 38.2 0.6 0.1 (61.4) 113.8 91.4
--------------------------- ---------- --------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ---------- ----------
Capital
Share Share redemption Revaluation Merger Retained Total
capital premium reserve reserve reserve earnings equity
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
--------------------------- ---------- --------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ---------- ----------
At 1 July 2016 0.1 9.7 0.6 0.1 (61.4) 97.5 46.6
--------------------------- ---------- --------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ---------- ----------
Profit for the period - - - - - 6.3 6.3
--------------------------- ---------- --------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ---------- ----------
Other comprehensive
income:
Cash flow hedges: - - - - - - -
Fair value gains
Total other comprehensive - - - - - - -
income
Income
Total comprehensive
income - - - - - 6.3 6.3
Transactions with
owners:
Credit to reserves
for share-based
payments - - - - - 0.8 0.8
Deferred tax relating
to share-based payments - - - - - 0.5 0.5
Dividends to equity
holders of the Company - - - - - (2.1) (2.1)
Shares issued in
the year - 29.6 - - - - 29.6
Transactions with
owners - 29.6 - - - (0.8) 28.8
--------------------------- ---------- --------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ---------- ----------
At 31 December 2016 0.1 39.3 0.6 0.1 (61.4) 103.0 81.7
--------------------------- ---------- --------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ---------- ----------
Consolidated statement of cash flows for the six month period
ended 31 December 2017 (unaudited)
Year ended
30 June
31 December
2016 2017
Note 31 December
2017 (Unaudited) (Audited)
(Unaudited)
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Cash flows from operating
activities
Cash generated from operations 11 26.5 19.3 37.2
Taxation paid (3.0) (2.2) (5.4)
Interest paid (1.7) (1.2) (2.1)
Net cash generated from
operating activities 21.8 15.9 29.7
------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ----------
Cash flows from investing
activities
Acquisitions (net of
cash) 10 (27.8) (11.8) (46.9)
Purchase of property,
plant and equipment (5.6) (6.1) (13.3)
Purchase of intangible
assets - - (0.5)
Net cash used in investing
activities (33.4) (17.9) (60.7)
------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ----------
Cash flows from financing
activities
Dividends paid 13 (2.8) (2.1) (2.1)
Proceeds from issue of
ordinary shares 0.1 29.6 30.6
Debt issuance costs (0.3) - -
Purchase of own shares - - (2.1)
Increase in borrowings 20.0 - 6.5
Repayment of borrowings (1.9) (25.7) (1.8)
Net cash from financing
activities 15.1 1.8 31.1
------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ----------
Net (decrease) / increase
in cash and cash equivalents 3.5 (0.2) 0.1
Cash and cash equivalents
at start of period 6.8 6.7 6.7
Cash and cash equivalents
at end of period 10.3 6.5 6.8
------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ----------
Notes to the interim consolidated financial information
1. General information
The principal activities of the Group are to operate companion
and large animal and equine veterinary practices, complementary
veterinary diagnostic businesses, pet crematoria and an on-line
dispensary business.
CVS Group plc is a public limited company incorporated and
domiciled in England and Wales and its shares are quoted on the AIM
Market of the London Stock Exchange.
The address of the registered office is CVS House, Owen Road,
Diss, Norfolk, IP22 4ER and the registered number of the Company is
06312831.
This interim consolidated financial information does not
constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of Section 434 of
the Companies Act 2006. The statutory accounts of CVS Group plc in
respect of the year ended 30 June 2017 have been delivered to the
Registrar of Companies, upon which the Company's auditors have
given a report which was unqualified and did not contain any
statement under Section 498 of the Companies Act 2006.
Forward looking statements
Certain statements in this interim report are forward-looking.
Although the Group believes that the expectations reflected in
these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no
assurance that these expectations will prove to have been correct.
Because these statements involve risks and uncertainties, actual
results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by
these forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to
update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise.
2. Basis of preparation
The interim consolidated financial information of CVS Group plc
is for the six months ended 31 December 2017. It is unaudited and
has been prepared in accordance with the AIM Rules for Companies
and with IAS 34, "Interim Financial Reporting" as adopted by the
European Union. The interim consolidated financial information
should be read in conjunction with the annual financial statements
for the year ended 30 June 2017, which have been prepared in
accordance with IFRSs adopted by the European Union.
The interim consolidated financial information has been prepared
on a going-concern basis.
Use of non-GAAP measures
Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EPS and like-for-like sales
The Directors believe that adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EPS
provide additional useful information for shareholders on
underlying trends and performance. These measures are used for
internal performance analysis. These measures are not defined by
IFRS and therefore may not be directly comparable with other
companies' adjusted measures. It is not intended to be a substitute
for, or superior to, IFRS measurements of profit or earnings per
share.
Adjusted EBITDA is calculated by reference to profit before
income tax, adjusted for interest (net finance expense),
depreciation, amortisation, costs relating to business combinations
and exceptional items.
Adjusted EPS is calculated as adjusted profit before income tax
less applicable taxation divided by the weighted average number of
ordinary shares in issue during the period.
Like-for-like sales comprise the revenue generated from all
operations compared to the prior year. New surgeries are included
from the anniversary of their acquisition or opening and
discontinued activities are included up to the date of their sale
or closure.
3. Summary of significant accounting policies
The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those set
out on pages 53 to 58 of the consolidated financial statements of
CVS Group plc for the year ended 30 June 2017 (which are available
upon request from the Company's registered office or on the
Company's website).
4. Segmental reporting
Segmental information is presented in respect of the Group's
business and geographical segments. The primary format, operating
segments, is based on the Group's management and internal reporting
structure. Inter-segment pricing is determined on an arm's length
basis.
Segment results, assets and liabilities include items directly
attributable to a segment as well as those that can be allocated on
a reasonable basis. Unallocated items comprise mainly
interest-bearing borrowings and associated costs, taxation related
assets and liabilities, costs relating to business combinations and
central administration salary and premises.
Geographical segments
The business operates predominantly in the UK. It performs a
small amount of laboratory work and sells a small quantity of goods
on-line for European based clients. Since November 2017 the
business has operated practices in The Netherlands. In accordance
with IFRS 8 "Operating segments" no segmental results are presented
for trade with European clients as these are not reported
separately for management reporting purposes.
Operating segments
The Group is split into five operating segments for business
segment analysis; veterinary practices, laboratories, crematorium,
Animed Direct and a centralised administration function.
Six month period Veterinary Animed Central
ended practices Laboratories Crematoria Direct administration Group
31 December 2017 GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
--------------------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------- ---------------- --------
Revenue 143.1 8.8 3.2 9.2 (6.5) 157.8
Profit/(loss)
before income
tax 14.0 1.6 0.9 0.6 (10.9) 6.2
Adjusted EBITDA 25.0 1.9 1.1 0.6 (4.6) 24.0
Total assets 262.8 13.1 8.8 6.9 1.4 293.0
Total liabilities (66.7) (2.0) (1.0) (5.6) (126.3) (201.6)
Reconciliation
of adjusted EBITDA
Profit/(loss)
before income
tax 14.0 1.6 0.9 0.6 (10.9) 6.2
Net finance expense 0.1 - - - 1.8 1.9
Depreciation 3.2 0.3 0.2 - 0.1 3.8
Amortisation 5.9 - - - 3.4 9.3
Costs relating
to business combinations 1.8 - - - 1.0 2.8
--------------------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------- ---------------- --------
Adjusted EBITDA 25.0 1.9 1.1 0.6 (4.6) 24.0
--------------------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------- ---------------- --------
4. Segmental reporting (continued)
Six month period *Veterinary Animed *Central
ended 31 December practices Laboratories Crematoria Direct administration Group
2016 GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
--------------------------- ------------ ------------- ----------- -------- ---------------- --------
Revenue 118.4 7.8 3.3 5.6 (5.7) 129.4
Profit/(loss)
before income
tax 14.3 1.3 1.1 0.2 (8.9) 8.0
Adjusted EBITDA 22.0 1.7 1.1 0.2 (4.3) 20.7
Total assets 192.9 10.4 7.6 4.8 1.9 217.6
Total liabilities (54.5) (1.6) (1.2) (4.1) (74.5) (135.9)
Reconciliation
of adjusted EBITDA
Profit/(loss)
before income
tax 14.3 1.3 1.1 0.2 (8.9) 8.0
Net finance expense - - - - 1.5 1.5
Depreciation 2.3 0.4 - - - 2.7
Amortisation 4.9 - - - 2.7 7.6
Costs relating
to business combinations 0.5 - - - 0.4 0.9
--------------------------- ------------ ------------- ----------- -------- ---------------- --------
Adjusted EBITDA 22.0 1.7 1.1 0.2 (4.3) 20.7
--------------------------- ------------ ------------- ----------- -------- ---------------- --------
*The prior year comparative has been restated to reflect the
reclassification of the Group's MiPet Insurance costs from Head
Office to the Veterinary Practice Division
Year ended 30 Veterinary Animed Central
June 2017 practices Laboratories Crematoria Direct administration Group
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
--------------------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------- ---------------- --------
Revenue 247.9 16.3 6.3 13.0 (11.7) 271.8
Profit/(loss)
before income
tax 28.1 2.9 1.9 0.6 (19.0) 14.5
Adjusted EBITDA 44.7 3.6 2.1 0.7 (9.0) 42.1
Total assets 232.6 13.8 8.0 6.0 2.3 262.7
Total liabilities (59.7) (4.2) (1.3) (5.1) (104.4) (174.7)
Reconciliation
of adjusted EBITDA
Profit/(loss)
before income
tax 28.1 2.9 1.9 0.6 (19.0) 14.5
Net finance expense - - - - 2.7 2.7
Depreciation 4.7 0.7 0.2 0.1 0.2 5.9
Amortisation 10.1 - - - 5.9 16.0
Costs relating
to business combinations 1.8 - - - 1.2 3.0
--------------------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------- ---------------- --------
Adjusted EBITDA 44.7 3.6 2.1 0.7 (9.0) 42.1
--------------------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------- ---------------- --------
5. Finance expense
Year ended
30 June
31 December 31 December
2017 2016 2017
(Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Audited)
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Interest expense, bank
loans and overdraft 1.7 1.3 2.3
Amortisation of debt
arrangement fees 0.2 0.2 0.4
Net finance expense 1.9 1.5 2.7
----------------------------- ------------- ------------- ------------
6. Earnings per Ordinary share
(a) Basic
Basic earnings per Ordinary share is calculated by dividing the
profit after taxation by the weighted average number of shares in
issue during the period.
Year ended
30 June
31 December 31 December
2017 2016 2017
(Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Audited)
------------------------------ ------------ ------------ -----------
Earnings attributable to
Ordinary shareholders (GBPm) 4.9 6.3 11.5
Weighted average number
of Ordinary shares in issue 63,914,453 60,393,369 62,105,419
------------------------------ ------------ ------------ -----------
Basic earnings per share
(pence per share) 7.8 10.4 18.5
------------------------------ ------------ ------------ -----------
(b) Diluted
Diluted earnings per Ordinary share is calculated by adjusting
the weighted average number of Ordinary shares outstanding to
assume conversion of all dilutive potential Ordinary shares. The
Company has potentially dilutive Ordinary shares being the
contingently issuable shares under the Group's long term incentive
plan schemes and Save As You Earn schemes. For share options, a
calculation is undertaken to determine the number of shares that
could have been acquired at fair value (determined as the average
annual market share price of the Company's shares) based on the
monetary value of the subscription rights attached to outstanding
share options. The number of shares calculated as above is compared
with the number of shares that would have been issued assuming the
exercise of the share options.
Year ended
30 June
31 December 31 December
2017 2016 2017
(Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Audited)
-------------------------------- ------------ ------------ -----------
Earnings attributable to
Ordinary shareholders (GBPm) 4.9 6.3 11.5
Weighted average number
of Ordinary shares in issue 63,914,453 60,393,369 62,105,419
Adjustment for contingently
issuable shares - LTIPS 460,615 327,006 398,654
Adjustment for contingently
issuable shares - SAYE 534,436 849,016 549,732
-------------------------------- ------------ ------------ -----------
Weighted average number
of Ordinary shares for diluted
earnings per share 64,909,504 61,569,391 63,053,805
-------------------------------- ------------ ------------ -----------
Diluted earnings per share
(pence per share) 7.6 10.2 18.2
-------------------------------- ------------ ------------ -----------
6. Earnings per Ordinary share (continued)
(c) Non-GAAP measure: Adjusted earnings per share
Adjusted earnings per Ordinary share is calculated by dividing
the profit for the period attributable to equity shareholders
excluding amortisation, fair value adjustments in respect of
financial assets and liabilities, costs relating to business
combinations and exceptional costs (all net of tax), by the
weighted average number of shares in issue during the period.
Year ended
30 June
2017
31 December 31 December
2017 2016 (Audited)
(Unaudited) (Unaudited)
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Earnings attributable to Ordinary
shareholders 4.9 6.3 11.5
Add back taxation 1.3 1.7 3.0
Profit before taxation 6.2 8.0 14.5
Adjustments for:
Amortisation 9.3 7.6 16.0
Costs relating to business
combinations 2.8 0.9 3.0
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
Adjusted profit before income
tax 18.3 16.5 33.5
Tax on adjusted profit (3.7) (3.5) (6.9)
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
Adjusted profit after income
tax and earnings attributable
to ordinary shareholders 14.6 13.0 26.6
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
Weighted average number of
Ordinary shares in issue 63,914,453 60,393,369 62,105,419
Weighted average number of
Ordinary shares for diluted
earnings per share 64,909,504 61,569,391 63,053,805
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
Adjusted earnings per share 22.9p 21.5p 42.8p
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
Diluted adjusted earnings
per share 22.5p 21.1p 42.2p
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
7. Share-based payments
Long Term Incentive Plans
The Group operates an incentive scheme for certain senior
executives, the CVS Group Long Term Incentive Plan ("LTIP").
Under the LTIP scheme awards are made at an effective nil
nominal cost (0.2p), vesting over a three year performance period
conditional upon the Group's adjusted earnings growth. On vesting,
the LTIP scheme awards are settled in equity.
On 17 January 2017, LTIP11 was issued with an option life of 3
years over 115,654 shares. The share price at the grant date was
GBP10.63 with an exercise price of 0.2p.
During the six months to 31 December 2017, directors and
employees exercised 243,205 (2016: 392,800) share options with a
nominal value of GBP10.30 (2016: GBP7.85), in respect of the LTIP8
scheme.
The share-based payment charge for the period in respect of the
options issued under the LTIP schemes amounted to GBP0.6m (2016:
GBP0.6m) and has been charged to administrative expenses. National
Insurance contributions amounting to GBP0.3m (2016: GBP0.3m) have
been accrued in respect of the LTIP scheme transactions and are
treated as cash-settled transactions.
Save As You Earn (SAYE)
The Group operates the CVS Group Save As You Earn ("SAYE") plan,
as an incentive scheme for all staff. Under the new SAYE schemes
awards were made at a 10% discount of the closing mid-market price
on date of invitation, vesting over a three year period. There are
no performance conditions attached to the SAYE scheme.
SAYE9 scheme was opened for subscription in November 2017.
225,750 options were granted in November 2017, with the first
salary deductions taking place in December 2017 and a contract
start date of 1 January 2018. The exercise price was GBP12.87 - a
10% discount of the closing mid-market price on the date of
invitation.
Options were valued using the Black-Scholes option pricing model
and the share-based payment charge for the period in respect of the
options issued under the SAYE schemes amounted to GBP0.3m (2016:
GBP0.2m) and has been charged to administrative expenses.
8. Income tax expense
Income tax expense is recognised based on management's best
estimate of the weighted average annual statutory income tax rate
expected for the full financial year as a percentage of
taxable.
9. Non-current assets
Property,
Intangible plant
assets and equipment
GBPm GBPm
--------------------------------------- ----------- ---------------
Six months ended 31 December 2017
Opening net book value at 1 July
2017 167.2 43.0
Additions arising through business
combinations (note 10) - 2.2
Additions 27.8 5.6
Fair value adjustment - -
Depreciation and amortisation (9.3) (3.8)
--------------------------------------- ----------- ---------------
Closing net book value at 31 December
2017 185.7 47.0
--------------------------------------- ----------- ---------------
Six months ended 31 December 2016
Opening net book value at 1 July
2016 131.5 32.8
Additions arising through business
combinations 13.1 0.5
Additions - 6.1
Fair value adjustment 0.4 (0.4)
Depreciation and amortisation (7.6) (2.7)
--------------------------------------- ----------- ---------------
Closing net book value at 31 December
2016 137.4 36.3
--------------------------------------- ----------- ---------------
10. Business combinations
Provisional details of business combinations in the six month
period ended 31 December 2017 are set out below.
Book value
of acquired
assets Adjustments Fair value
GBPm GBPm GBPm
------------------------------ ------------- ------------ -----------
Property plant and equipment 2.2 - 2.2
Patient lists / customer
lists 2.3 18.1 20.4
Deferred tax liability - (2.4) (2.4)
Inventory 1.0 - 1.0
Trade and other receivables 3.7 - 3.7
Trade and other payables (2.4) - (2.4)
Loans (2.3) - (2.3)
Total identifiable assets 4.5 15.7 20.2
------------------------------ ------------- ------------ -----------
Goodwill - 7.6 7.6
Total initial consideration
paid (net of cash acquired) 27.8
------------------------------ ------------- ------------ -----------
Adjustments relate to the patient and customer data records
acquired as part of acquisitions, goodwill on acquisitions and the
deferred tax gross up of the patient data records acquired.
10. Business combinations (continued)
Business combinations subsequent to the period end
Subsequent to the 31 December 2017, the Group acquired 4
surgeries. A summary of these surgeries can be seen in the
Chairman's Statement. The provisional cash consideration for these
acquisitions is approximately GBP3.5m.
11. Cash generated from operations
Year ended
30 June
2017
31 December 31 December
2017 2016 (Audited)
(Unaudited) (Unaudited)
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Profit for the period 4.9 6.3 11.5
Add back:
Taxation 1.3 1.7 3.0
Total finance costs 1.9 1.5 2.7
Amortisation of intangible
assets 9.3 7.6 16.0
Depreciation of property,
plant and equipment 3.8 2.7 5.9
Share option expense 0.9 0.8 1.5
(Increase)/decrease in working
capital:
Inventories - (0.9) (1.5)
Trade and other receivables 1.8 (0.5) (4.5)
Trade and other payables 2.6 0.1 2.6
Total cash flows from operating
activities 26.5 19.3 37.2
---------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ------------
12. Analysis of movement in net debt
1 July Non-cash 31 December
2017 Cash flow movements 2017
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
--------------------------- -------- ---------- ----------- ------------
Cash and cash equivalents 6.8 3.5 - 10.3
Borrowings - current (3.3) - (0.6) (3.9)
Borrowings - non-current (103.5) (18.1) (1.7) (123.3)
Net debt (100.0) (14.6) (2.3) (116.9)
--------------------------- -------- ---------- ----------- ------------
Non-cash movements relate to debt acquired on acquisitions, debt
issue costs and the amortisation of issue costs on bank loans and
interest on loan notes. Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at
bank and in hand.
Management has elected to change its accounting policy in
relation to the classification of its revolving credit facility
("RCF") to reflect management's intention in relation to repayment
rather than solely the legal form of the arrangement. The impact of
this is that the RCF has been disclosed as a non current liability
in these interim report. This change has also been reflected
retrospectively to adjust the classification of the RCF from
current liabilities to non current liabilities in the prior
periods. This change in accounting policy has no impact on the
income statement, earnings per share or any other key performance
indicator.
13. Dividends
The dividends paid in December 2017, representing the final
dividend payable for the year ended 30 June 2017, amounted to
GBP2,876,119 (4.5p per share) (2016: GBP2,113,748; 3.5p per
share).
Directors and advisers
Directors R Connell (Chairman)
M McCollum (Non-Executive Director)
D Kemp (Non-Executive Director)
S Innes (Chief Executive Officer)
N Perrin (Finance Director)
Company Secretary R Gilligan
Company number 06312831
Registered office CVS House
Owen Road
Diss
Norfolk
IP22 4ER
Auditors Deloitte LLP
Deloitte House
Station Place
Cambridge
CB1 2FP
Bankers NatWest Bank Plc
12 High Street
Southampton
SO14 2BF
Royal Bank of Scotland Plc
36 St Andrew Square
Edinburgh
EH2 2YB
HSBC Bank plc
8 Canada Square
London
EQ14 5HQ
Legal advisors DLA Piper UK LLP
3 Noble Street
London
EC2V 7EE
Registrars Neville Registrars Limited
Neville House
18 Laurel Lane
Halesowen
B63 3DA
Nominated Adviser and Broker N+1 Singer
One Bartholomew Lane
London
EC2N 2AX
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
IR GGUBUPUPRPGA
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