TIDMFUTR
RNS Number : 6094F
Future PLC
19 May 2017
19 May 2017
Future plc
Global specialist media platform delivering strong profitable
growth across all divisions, ahead of expectations
Future plc (LSE: FUTR, "Future", "the Group"), the global
platform for specialist media, today publishes results for the six
months ended 31 March 2017.
Financial highlights
-- Group revenue increased 35% to GBP40.9m (2016: GBP30.2m)
o Media division revenue up 23% to GBP16.2m (2016: GBP13.2m)
o E-commerce revenues increased 72% year-on-year to GBP4.3m
o Revenue from events portfolio grew 15% year-on-year to
GBP3.0m
o Magazine division revenue up 45% to GBP24.7m (2016: GBP17.0m),
driven by the acquisition of Imagine Publishing and strong UK
performance in subscriptions
o Recurring revenue streams now represent 27% (2016: 25%) of
total revenue
-- Adjusted operating profit increased by 375% to GBP3.8m (2016:
GBP0.8m), more than the GBP2.8m achieved in the full year FY16
-- Adjusted EBITDA* increased by 140% to GBP4.8m (2016:
GBP2.0m), reflecting margin expansion and Media division revenue
growth
-- Statutory profit before tax increased significantly to GBP0.9m (2016: GBP0.3m loss)
-- Adjusted EPS up significantly to 9.3p (2016: 2.5p)
-- Strong cash flow performance
o Adjusted operating cash inflow of GBP6.2m (2016: GBP2.6m) with
cash conversion of 129%
o Reduction in net debt (since Imagine acquisition financing) to
GBP5.2m at 31 March 2017
Operational highlights
-- Delivering on global platform strategy for specialist media,
with strong progress in both revenue diversification and
development of the platform
-- Media division
o Specialist content driving substantial online audience growth
- 53 million online users in March 2017, up 18% year-on-year
o Strong organic revenue growth in core global brands -
PCGamer.com up 81%, GamesRadar+ up 40% and T3.com up 72%
year-on-year
o Growth of events portfolio to 17 annual events and increasing visitor numbers
o Strategic partnerships leveraging unique platform proposition
by offering high-margin licensing and franchising of key brands
o Further progress on platform development, with new brand launched in just two weeks (T3 Baby)
-- Magazine division focusing on market-leading specialist
content, delivering efficiency in operations and continual
innovation
-- The acquisitions of Imagine Publishing and Team Rock now fully integrated
o Imagine Publishing substantially increased scale of Group;
full year effect of synergy savings of GBP3m expected in FY18 as
planned
o Acquisition of Team Rock in January 2017 brings scalable brands with loyal fan bases
Zillah Byng-Thorne, Future's Chief Executive, said:
"We have delivered another strong performance with substantial
increases in both revenue and profitability, driven by organic
growth and acquisition. We are seeing clear benefits from our
operational gearing and we continue to focus on cash
conversion.
"Our strategy to build a global scalable platform business for
specialist media with data at its heart is gaining real momentum as
we continue to diversify our revenue streams.
"The quality of our content - as a trusted destination for
consumers and for our customers - allied with our market-leading
and global super brands have driven further significant online
audience growth."
*Earnings before share based payments, interest, tax,
depreciation, amortisation, impairment of intangible assets and
exceptional items.
Enquiries:
Future plc 01225 442244
Zillah Byng-Thorne, Chief Executive Officer
Penny Ladkin-Brand, Chief Financial Officer
020 7457
Instinctif Partners 2020
Adrian Duffield/Kay Larsen/Chris Birt
Certain information contained in this announcement would have
constituted inside information (as defined by Article 7 of
Regulation (EU) No 596/2014) prior to its release as part of this
announcement.
Note to editors
The Media division focuses on being at the forefront of digital
innovation with three complementary revenue streams: e-commerce,
events and digital advertising. It operates in a number of sectors
including the high growth technology and games markets and has a
number of leading brands including Techradar, PC Gamer,
GamesRadar+, The Photography Show, Generate and Golden
Joysticks.
The Magazine division is specialist and brand-led, with over 100
publications. The Magazine portfolio spans Technology, Games,
Music, Film, Photography, Creative & Design, Field Sports and
Science & Knowledge.
Its market-leading titles include T3, Total Film, How It Works,
Edge and All About History. The division also publishes over 440
bookazines per year with a total global circulation of 1.2
million.
Overview
The Group has made significant progress during the six month
period, driven by organic growth and acquisitions, and a clear
focus on operating leverage and cash conversion.
Diversification of the Group's revenue streams through its
global and scalable brands has produced strong organic growth in
the Media division, with the continual growth of e-commerce, up 72%
year-on-year, and a growing events portfolio, for which revenue is
up 15% year-on-year.
Group adjusted operating profit increased by 375% to GBP3.8m
(2016: GBP0.8m) with adjusted EPS up to 9.3p (2016: 2.5p).
Future has invested in content extensions, new launches,
re-investment in existing brands and technology to drive the
Group's strategy of building a platform business, focused on
delivering diversified and recurring revenues through the use of
content. This has resulted in organic growth across the Media
division and further expansion of its global reach.
The Group acquired Team Rock in January 2017 and its dedicated
fan base greatly complements the Future offering and provides the
opportunity to leverage the connection with the audience built
through the print assets into a compelling digital offering.
Future completed its acquisition of Imagine Publishing in
October 2016 with the integration now fully completed. Imagine
Publishing has substantially enhanced the scale and reach of the
Group, and brought further operational synergies.
In addition, the Group is expanding its global reach through
strategic partnerships and scaling investments in its platform
business by offering digital licensing and franchising of its
platforms and brands, through partnerships such as a recently
agreed deal with Times of India to license the Techradar
platform.
Current trading and outlook
Overall trading for the year to date has been positive. The
Group's Media division is performing strongly with the fast growing
revenue streams of e-commerce and events up 72% and 15%
year-on-year respectively.
With the integration of Imagine Publishing now complete, the
full impact of synergies will be delivered in FY18 as planned,
whilst the assets acquired from Team Rock in January are trading in
line with expectations.
The Group's cashflow performance has been strong, reducing net
debt since the Imagine acquisition financing to GBP5.2m at the end
of the first half with positive cash flow from operations expected
to continue in the second half of the year.
Trading in the second half of the financial year is expected to
be slightly ahead of the Board's expectations.
Strategy
The Group's strategy is to utilise its global platform for
specialist media with scalable, diversified brands; creating fans
of its brands by giving them a place they want to spend their time,
where they go to meet their needs; and to continue to create loyal
communities.
This will enable Future to expand its global reach through
organic growth, acquisitions and strategic partnerships and
diversify its monetisation models to create significant revenue
streams.
Operational review
Fast growing global platform for specialist media
Future's specialist media brands cover a broad range of sectors
enabling the Group to mitigate risk and lessen its cyclical
exposure to any one vertical.
Future has built a global platform business that is focused on
recurring revenues through the use of content. The Group generates
revenue from digital advertising, e-commerce, events, licensing,
retail, subscriptions and contract publishing.
The platform business is underpinned by the strength of Future's
global, scalable and market-leading brands.
Media division
The Media division reported an increase in revenue of 23% to
GBP16.2m. This was driven by a continued increase in e-commerce
revenues, up 72% year-on-year, a growing events portfolio,
resulting in 15% growth in events revenue year-on-year, and digital
advertising, which rose 5% on the previous year.
Magazine division
The Magazine division has continued to focus on efficiency and
operational excellence as well as continuing to innovate with
re-launches. Revenues in the Magazine division rose to GBP24.7m
(2016: GBP17.0m), reflecting the acquisition of Imagine
Publishing.
Tight management of the decline of the print business coupled
with innovation in the bookazine segment has added to the further
growth in operating profit in this division. In addition, the
division is seeing synergies from the acquisitions of Imagine and
Team Rock.
Leading global brands with loyal communities
Future has at its heart excellence in content with editorial
authority creating loyal communities. As a result, Future's online
audience has risen to 53m users globally, up 18% year-on-year. The
Group has strong engagement with its users through its substantial
social media following and reached 56.1m people across Facebook,
Twitter and YouTube.
Techradar retains its position as the number one consumer
technology website in the UK, and delivered audience growth of 29%
year-on-year.
PCGamer.com is the number one English language PC gaming website
in the world and was voted "Best Online Consumer Media Brand" at
the AOP Digital Publishing Awards 2016. Organic revenue growth at
PCGamer.com rose 81% year-on-year.
T3 has also shown notable growth, with online revenue up 72%
year-on-year and online audience up 46% year-on-year. The Group has
launched a new content channel, T3 Home & Kitchen, to further
drive growth.
The Group also hosts events across three countries and the
acquisitions of Team Rock, Noble House Media and Blaze Publishing
in 2016 boosted Future's events portfolio grow to 17 annual events.
The Photography Show has continued to grow, with visitor numbers
now exceeding 32,000, up 6% over the previous year.
Organic growth
A critical element of the Group's growth strategy is the
development of the platform proposition; an in-house built website
template integrated with proprietary Content Management System
(CMS) and e-commerce functionality.
Having migrated the major sites to Future's proprietary
software, the next stage of platform development was launched in
the half, with:
-- The launch of a new site (T3 Baby) with a full consumer
proposition launched in two weeks, proving the scalability of the
platform.
-- Adding the ability to share the platform with third parties
in order to expand its digital brands through a licensing and
franchise model.
o The Group has already had success in India with a franchise
partnership for Techradar with Times of India. Future's digital
licensing and franchises enable its global partners to optimise
their local offering by accessing trusted brands and authoritative
content and leveraging a unique commercial model developed by
Future.
-- Development of an online subscription with Team Rock+
relaunched in the period to further monetise the connection with an
online audience.
Growth through acquisitions
Future continued to expand its global scale and reach through
acquisition.
Imagine Publishing, acquired in October 2016, has now been fully
integrated, increasing the scale of the Group and bringing further
operational synergies.
The addition of Imagine Publishing brings a portfolio of 18
periodical magazines and significant presence in bookazines, with a
total monthly circulation of 250 thousand, as well as a growing
complementary web presence. The acquisition also provided a
portfolio in the knowledge & science vertical, adding new
high-quality genres to the Future business.
The acquisition of Team Rock in January 2017 included the
magazines, events and websites of Classic Rock, Metal Hammer, Prog,
Blues and the Golden Gods.
Since the acquisition, Future has re-invested in the Team Rock
online site, growing the audience to 1.8 million monthly users,
reflecting a 178% growth in weekly users since acquisition and
relaunching the online subscription proposition.
We have built a track record of acquiring businesses at sensible
valuations and successfully integrating them into our platform and
this will continue to be a key element of our strategy.
Geographical performance
Both the UK and US businesses performed well in the period -
driven by the growth of the new revenue streams e-commerce and
events, with the US in particular performing very strongly. Media
revenue increased by 24% to GBP6.2m in the US (2016: GBP5.0m).
The Group's US online audience has shown remarkable growth, with
users up 20% year-on-year and particularly high audience growth
from its super brands, such as Techradar, which rose 32% and
PCGamer.com, which increased 27% year-on-year.
Financial review
Financial summary
2017 2016
GBPm GBPm
Revenue 40.9 30.2
----------------------------------- ------- -------
Adjusted EBITDA 4.8 2.0
----------------------------------- ------- -------
Adjusted depreciation (0.2) (0.2)
Adjusted amortisation (0.8) (1.0)
----------------------------------- ------- -------
Adjusted operating profit 3.8 0.8
----------------------------------- ------- -------
Adjusted net finance costs (0.4) (0.2)
----------------------------------- ------- -------
Adjusted profit before tax 3.4 0.6
----------------------------------- ------- -------
Earnings/(loss) per share 2017 2016
Adjusted basic earnings per share
(p) 9.3 2.5
Basic earnings/(loss) per share
(p) 2.8 (1.3)
Reconciliation of non-statutory measures:
Statutory profit before tax reconciles to adjusted operating
profit as follows:
H1 17 H1 16
Adjusted operating profit 3.8 0.8
Adjusted finance costs (0.4) (0.2)
Adjusted profit before tax 3.4 0.6
Adjusting items:
Share based payments (0.4) (0.2)
Exceptional costs (1.1) (0.5)
Amortisation of acquired intangibles (1.0) -
Non-trading foreign exchange
losses - (0.2)
Statutory profit / (loss) before
tax 0.9 (0.3)
The financial review is based primarily on a comparison of
continuing adjusted results for the six months ended 31 March 2017
with those for the six months ended 31 March 2016. Unless otherwise
stated, change percentages relate to a comparison of these two
periods.
Revenue
Group revenue was GBP40.9m (2016: GBP30.2m), reflecting the
acquisition of Imagine, which contributed GBP7.6m of revenue in the
period, and the growth of Media revenues.
UK revenue increased by 40% to GBP33.0m (2016: GBP23.6m) and US
revenue increased by 18% to GBP8.5m (2016: GBP7.2m).
Media division
Media revenue has increased by 23% to GBP16.2m (2016: GBP13.2m),
driven by the Group's fast growing revenue streams; e-commerce and
events. Media revenues now make up 40% of total revenue.
In the UK, revenues increased by 21% to GBP10.5m (2016:
GBP8.7m), driven by the new revenue streams, with e-commerce
growing 67% and events revenue increasing by 15%.
The US also experienced strong growth in revenues, which were up
24% year-on-year to GBP6.2m (2016: GBP5.0m), with revenue from
affiliates being the biggest driver of this growth.
Magazine division
Magazine revenue increased to GBP24.7m (2014: GBP17.0m),
reflecting the acquisition of Imagine.
The Group's focus is on building recurring revenue streams,
which have annuity like qualities. These encompass e-commerce and
subscriptions, which now represents 27% of the Group's total
revenue (2016: 25%).
EBITDA
The Group's adjusted EBITDA increased to GBP4.8m (2016:
GBP2.0m), reflecting the growth of the Media business and
acquisition of Imagine.
Statutory exceptional items
Exceptional costs amounted to GBP1.1m (2016: GBP0.5m). These
consist of restructuring and redundancy costs of GBP1.0m and
GBP0.1m in respect of onerous property costs.
Statutory net finance costs
Net finance costs were GBP0.4m (2016: GBP0.4m) as the Group has
continued to focus on efficient management of its cash
position.
Taxation
The tax amount for the six months ended 31 March 2017 is based
on the effective rate, estimated on a full year basis by territory,
being applied to the taxable profits or losses of each territory
for the six months ended 31 March 2017.
Earnings/(loss) per share
2017 2016
Adjusted earnings per share (p) 9.3 2.5
Basic earnings/(loss) per share (p) 2.8 (1.3)
Adjusted earnings per share is based on the profit/(loss) after
taxation which is then adjusted to exclude share based payments,
exceptional items, amortisation of intangible assets arising on
acquisitions, impairment of intangible assets, non-trading exchange
movements and related tax effects.
Note that the comparative figures have been restated to reflect
the impact of a share consolidation where Future issued one new
Ordinary share of 15 pence for each 15 existing Ordinary shares.
This was completed on 2 February 2017.
The adjusted profit after tax amounted to GBP3.3m (2016:
GBP0.6m) and the weighted average number of shares in issue was
35.5m (2016: 23.9m).
Dividend
The Board is not recommending an interim dividend.
Cash flow and net debt
Net debt at 31 March 2017 was GBP5.2m (2016: net cash of
GBP0.6m).
Cash inflow from operations before exceptional items was GBP6.2m
(2016: GBP2.6m). Exceptional cashflows of GBP3.0m represent payment
of deal fees and other costs in respect of the Imagine acquisition
and restructuring and redundancy costs.
Capital expenditure was GBP1.1m (2016: GBP1.0m) and the purchase
of magazine titles (from Team Rock) was GBP0.8m.
Impact of acquisition of Imagine on the Group's balance
sheet
The acquisition of Imagine was funded through the net issuance
of GBP15.3m of new Future shares resulting in an increase in share
premium of GBP13.5m and share capital of GBP1.8m.
The Group also refinanced Imagine's existing debt which has
resulted in an increase in non-current financial liabilities -
interest bearing loans and borrowings of GBP9.3m.
Principal risks and uncertainties
The principal risks and uncertainties for the remainder of the
year are largely unchanged from those detailed in the Group's
Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 September 2016.
Reference should be made to page 9 of the 2016 Annual Report and
Accounts for more details on the potential impact of these risks
and examples of mitigation.
Condensed consolidated interim financial statements
Consolidated income statement
for the six months ended 31 March 2017
6 months to 31 March
2017 6 months to 31 March 2016
Adjusted Adjusting Statutory Adjusted Adjusting Statutory
results items results results items results
Note GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
Revenue 1,2 40.9 - 40.9 30.2 - 30.2
Net operating expenses 3 (37.1) (2.5) (39.6) (29.4) (0.7) (30.1)
-------------------------- ----- --------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ----------
Operating profit 3.8 (2.5) 1.3 0.8 (0.7) 0.1
Finance costs 6 (0.4) - (0.4) (0.2) (0.2) (0.4)
-------------------------- ----- --------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ----------
Profit/(loss) before
tax 1 3.4 (2.5) 0.9 0.6 (0.9) (0.3)
Tax on profit/(loss) 7 (0.1) 0.2 0.1 - - -
-------------------------- ----- --------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ----------
Profit/(loss) for
the period attributable
to owners of the
parent 3.3 (2.3) 1.0 0.6 (0.9) (0.3)
-------------------------- ----- --------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ----------
Earnings/(loss) per 15p Ordinary share
6 months to 31 March
2017 6 months to 31 March 2016*
Adjusted Adjusting Statutory Adjusted Adjusting Statutory
results items results results items results
Note pence pence pence pence pence pence
Basic earnings/(loss)
per share 9 9.3 (6.5) 2.8 2.5 (3.8) (1.3)
Diluted earnings/(loss)
per share 9 8.7 (6.1) 2.6 2.5 (3.8) (1.3)
------------------------- ----- --------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ----------
* The prior year comparatives have been restated to reflect the
15:1 share consolidation completed on 2 February 2017.
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
for the six months ended 31 March 2017
6 months 6 months
to 31 March to 31 March
2017 2016
GBPm GBPm
---------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Profit/(loss) for the period 1.0 (0.3)
----------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Items that may be reclassified to the consolidated
income statement
Currency translation differences 0.1 0.2
----------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Other comprehensive profit for the period 0.1 0.2
----------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Total comprehensive profit/(loss) for the period
attributable to owners of the parent 1.1 (0.1)
----------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
for the six months ended 31 March 2017
Issued Share
share premium Merger Treasury Accumulated Total
capital account reserve reserve losses equity
Note GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
------------------------ ----- --------- --------- --------- --------- ------------ --------
Balance at 1 October
2016 3.7 27.6 109.0 (0.3) (118.8) 21.2
------------------------ ----- --------- --------- --------- --------- ------------ --------
Profit for the period - - - - 1.0 1.0
------------------------ ----- --------- --------- --------- --------- ------------ --------
Currency translation
differences - - - - 0.1 0.1
Other comprehensive
income for the period - - - - 0.1 0.1
Total comprehensive
income for the period - - - - 1.1 1.1
Share capital issued
during the period 1.8 13.5 - - - 15.3
Share schemes
- Value of employees'
services 5 - - - - 0.4 0.4
Balance at 31 March
2017 5.5 41.1 109.0 (0.3) (117.3) 38.0
------------------------ ----- --------- --------- --------- --------- ------------ --------
Balance at 1 October
2015 3.3 24.8 109.0 (0.3) (105.4) 31.4
------------------------ ----- --------- --------- --------- --------- ------------ --------
Loss for the period - - - - (0.3) (0.3)
------------------------ ----- --------- --------- --------- --------- ------------ --------
Currency translation
differences - - - - 0.2 0.2
Other comprehensive
income for the period - - - - 0.2 0.2
Total comprehensive
loss for the period - - - - (0.1) (0.1)
Share capital issued
during the period 0.4 2.8 - - - 3.2
Share schemes
- Value of employees'
services 5 - - - - 0.2 0.2
Balance at 31 March
2016 3.7 27.6 109.0 (0.3) (105.3) 34.7
------------------------ ----- --------- --------- --------- --------- ------------ --------
Consolidated balance sheet
as at 31 March 2017
31 March 31 March 30 September
2017 2016 2016
Note GBPm GBPm GBPm
------------------------------------------ ----- --------- --------- -------------
Assets
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment 0.9 0.7 0.5
Intangible assets - goodwill 46.4 40.9 29.5
Intangible assets - other 12.4 2.8 3.7
Deferred tax 1.7 0.5 2.4
------------------------------------------ ----- --------- --------- -------------
Total non-current assets 61.4 44.9 36.1
------------------------------------------ ----- --------- --------- -------------
Current assets
Inventories 0.6 0.4 0.4
Corporation tax recoverable 0.2 1.1 0.1
Trade and other receivables 13.2 12.4 12.4
Cash and cash equivalents 4.8 2.9 2.9
Total current assets 18.8 16.8 15.8
------------------------------------------ ----- --------- --------- -------------
Total assets 80.2 61.7 51.9
------------------------------------------ ----- --------- --------- -------------
Equity and liabilities
Equity
Issued share capital 10 5.5 3.7 3.7
Share premium account 41.1 27.6 27.6
Merger reserve 109.0 109.0 109.0
Treasury reserve (0.3) (0.3) (0.3)
Accumulated losses (117.3) (105.3) (118.8)
Total equity 38.0 34.7 21.2
------------------------------------------ ----- --------- --------- -------------
Non-current liabilities
Financial liabilities - interest-bearing
loans and borrowings 9.4 0.1 0.1
Financial liabilities - derivatives 0.1 - -
Corporation tax payable 2.1 3.1 2.6
Deferred tax 1.5 0.7 0.9
Provisions 1.4 1.4 1.5
Other non-current liabilities 0.6 0.6 0.5
------------------------------------------ ----- --------- --------- -------------
Total non-current liabilities 15.1 5.9 5.6
------------------------------------------ ----- --------- --------- -------------
Current liabilities
Financial liabilities - interest-bearing
loans and borrowings 0.6 2.2 2.3
Financial liabilities - derivatives 0.1 - -
Trade and other payables 25.0 18.0 21.4
Corporation tax payable 1.4 0.9 1.4
Total current liabilities 27.1 21.1 25.1
------------------------------------------ ----- --------- --------- -------------
Total liabilities 42.2 27.0 30.7
------------------------------------------ ----- --------- --------- -------------
Total equity and liabilities 80.2 61.7 51.9
------------------------------------------ ----- --------- --------- -------------
Consolidated cash flow statement
for the six months ended 31 March 2017
6 months 6 months
to 31 March to 31 March
2017 2016
GBPm GBPm
----------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations 3.2 1.0
Tax received - 0.1
Interest paid (0.3) (0.2)
Tax paid (0.8) (0.4)
------------------------------------------------ ------------- -------------
Net cash generated from operating activities 2.1 0.5
------------------------------------------------ ------------- -------------
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (0.5) (0.1)
Purchase of computer software and website
development (0.6) (0.9)
Purchase of magazine titles and events (0.8) -
Purchase of subsidiary undertakings, net 1.0 -
of cash acquired
Disposal of magazine titles and trademarks 0.2 -
Net cash used in investing activities (0.7) (1.0)
------------------------------------------------ ------------- -------------
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issue of Ordinary share capital - 3.3
Costs of share issue (0.1) (0.2)
Draw down of bank loans 11.3 1.7
Repayment of bank loans (10.3) (4.5)
Bank arrangement fees (0.4) -
Net cash generated from financing activities 0.5 0.3
------------------------------------------------ ------------- -------------
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents 1.9 (0.2)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
of period 2.9 1.6
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 4.8 1.4
------------------------------------------------ ------------- -------------
Notes to the consolidated cash flow statement
for the six months ended 31 March 2017
A. Cash generated from operations
The reconciliation of profit/(loss) for the period to cash flows
generated from operations is set out below:
6 months 6 months
to 31 March to 31 March
2017 2016
GBPm GBPm
------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Profit/(loss) for the period 1.0 (0.3)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charge 0.2 0.2
Amortisation of intangible assets 1.8 1.0
Profit on disposal of magazine titles and
trademarks - (0.1)
Share schemes
- Value of employees' services 0.4 0.2
Net finance costs 0.4 0.4
Tax credit (0.1) -
Profit before changes in working capital
and provisions 3.7 1.4
Movement in provisions (0.1) (0.7)
Decrease in inventories - 0.1
Decrease in trade and other receivables 2.0 3.2
Decrease in trade and other payables (2.4) (3.0)
Cash generated from operations 3.2 1.0
-------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
B. Analysis of net cash/(debt)
1 October Cash Non-cash 31 March
2016 flows Acquisitions changes 2017
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
--------------------------- ---------- ------- --------------- --------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents 2.9 0.2 1.7 - 4.8
Debt due within one
year (2.3) (1.0) (6.9) 9.6 (0.6)
Debt due after more
than one year (0.1) - - (9.3) (9.4)
--------------------------- ---------- ------- --------------- --------- ---------
Net cash/(debt) 0.5 (0.8) (5.2) 0.3 (5.2)
--------------------------- ---------- ------- --------------- --------- ---------
C. Reconciliation of movement in net cash/(debt)
6 months 6 months
to 31 March to 31 March
2017 2016
GBPm GBPm
-------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Net cash/(debt) at start of period 0.5 (1.8)
Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 1.9 (0.2)
Movement in borrowings (1.0) 2.8
Borrowings acquired with subsidiary (6.9) -
Finance leases entered into - (0.2)
Non-cash changes 0.3 -
Net (debt)/cash at end of period (5.2) 0.6
-------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Basis of preparation
This unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial
information for the six months ended 31 March 2017 has been
prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34
'Interim Financial Reporting' as adopted by the European Union, and
in accordance with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the
Financial Conduct Authority.
The interim financial information contained in the Interim
Report should be read in conjunction with the Annual Report for the
year ended 30 September 2016.
The Interim Report does not constitute statutory accounts as
defined in section 434 of the Companies Act 2006 and has not been
audited. A copy of the statutory financial statements for the year
ended 30 September 2016 has been filed with the Registrar of
Companies. The auditors' report on those accounts was unqualified,
and it did not contain any statements under section 498(2) or
section 498(3) of the Companies Act 2006. The auditors have carried
out a review of the Interim Report and their review report is
included at the back of this report.
Having considered the Group's funding position and latest
forecasts, the Directors believe that there is a reasonable
expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in
operational existence for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, the
Directors continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing
the condensed interim financial information.
The accounting policies adopted, methods of computation and
presentation are consistent with those set out in the Group's
statutory accounts for the financial year ended 30 September
2016.
There has been no material impact from the adoption of new
standards, amendments to standards or interpretations which are
relevant to the Group.
Presentation of non-statutory measures
The Directors believe that adjusted results and adjusted
earnings per share provide additional useful information on the
core operational performance of the Group to shareholders, and
review the results of the Group on an adjusted basis internally.
The term 'adjusted' is not a defined term under IFRS and may not
therefore be comparable with similarly titled profit measurements
reported by other companies. It is not intended to be a substitute
for, or superior to, IFRS measurements of profit. Adjustments are
made in respect of:
Share-based payments - share-based payment expenses or credits
are excluded from the adjusted results of the Group as the
Directors believe that the volatility of these charges can distort
the user's view of the core trading performance of the Group.
Exceptional items - the Group considers items of income and
expense as exceptional and excludes them from the adjusted results
where the nature of the item, or its size, is material and likely
to be non-recurring in nature (in the medium term) so as to assist
the user of the financial statements to better understand the
results of the core operations of the Group. Details of exceptional
items are shown in note 4.
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets - the amortisation
charge for those intangible assets recognised on business
combinations is excluded from the adjusted results of the Group
since they are non-cash charges arising from non-trading investment
activities. As such, they are not considered reflective of the core
trading performance of the Group.
Non-trading foreign exchange losses - certain other items are
excluded from adjusted results where they are considered large or
unusual enough to distort the comparability of core trading results
year on year.
The tax related to adjusting items is the tax effect of the
items above that are allowable deductions for tax purposes
calculated using the standard rate of corporation tax.
A reconciliation of adjusted operating profit to profit/(loss)
before tax is shown below:
6 months 6 months
to 31 March to 31 March
2017 2016
GBPm GBPm
-------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Adjusted operating profit 3.8 0.8
Adjusted finance costs (0.4) (0.2)
-------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Adjusted profit before tax 3.4 0.6
Adjusting items:
Share based payments (0.4) (0.2)
Exceptional costs (1.1) (0.5)
Amortisation of acquired intangibles (1.0) -
Non-trading foreign exchange losses - (0.2)
Profit/(loss) before tax 0.9 (0.3)
-------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
A reconciliation between adjusted and statutory earnings per
share measures is shown in note 9.
Notes to the financial information
for the six months ended 31 March 2017
1. Segmental reporting
The Group is organised and arranged primarily by reportable
segment. The executive Directors consider the performance of the
business from a geographical perspective, namely the UK and the US.
The Australian business is considered to be part of the UK segment
and is not reported separately due to its size.
Segment revenue
6 months 6 months
to 31 March to 31 March
2017 2016
GBPm GBPm
-------------------------- ------------- -------------
UK 33.0 23.6
US 8.5 7.2
Revenue between segments (0.6) (0.6)
Total 40.9 30.2
-------------------------- ------------- -------------
Transactions between segments are carried out at arm's
length.
Segment EBITDA
6 months
6 months to to
31 March 31 March
2017 2016
GBPm GBPm
---------------------- ------------ ----------
UK 2.9 1.2
US 1.9 0.8
Total segment EBITDA 4.8 2.0
---------------------- ------------ ----------
EBITDA is used by the executive Directors to assess the
performance of each segment.
A reconciliation of total segment EBITDA to loss before tax is
provided as follows:
6 months
6 months to to
31 March 31 March
2017 2016
GBPm GBPm
-------------------------- ----------------- ----------
Total segment EBITDA 4.8 2.0
Share based payments (0.4) (0.2)
Depreciation (0.2) (0.2)
Amortisation (1.8) (1.0)
Exceptional items (1.1) (0.5)
Net finance costs (0.4) (0.4)
Profit/(loss) before tax 0.9 (0.3)
-------------------------- ----------------- ----------
2. Revenue
An additional analysis of the Group's revenue is shown
below:
6 months to 6 months
31 March to 31 March
2017 2016
GBPm GBPm
---------- ------------ -------------
Media 16.2 13.2
Magazine 24.7 17.0
Total 40.9 30.2
---------- ------------ -------------
3. Net operating expenses
Operating profit is stated after charging:
6 months to 31 March 2017 6 months to 31 March
2016
Adjustedresults Adjusting Statutory Adjusted Adjusting Statutory
GBPm items results results items results
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
------------------------- ---------------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ----------
Cost of sales (24.9) - (24.9) (19.3) - (19.3)
Distribution expenses (2.4) - (2.4) (1.8) - (1.8)
Share based payments - (0.4) (0.4) - (0.2) (0.2)
Exceptional items (note
4) - (1.1) (1.1) - (0.5) (0.5)
Depreciation (0.2) - (0.2) (0.2) - (0.2)
Amortisation (0.8) (1.0) (1.8) (1.0) - (1.0)
Other administration
expenses (8.8) - (8.8) (7.1) - (7.1)
(37.1) (2.5) (39.6) (29.4) (0.7) (30.1)
------------------------- ---------------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ----------
4. Exceptional items
6 months 6 months
to to
31 March 31 March
2017 2016
GBPm GBPm
------------------------------------------------------ ---------- ----------
Vacant property provision movements 0.1 (0.5)
Restructuring and redundancy costs 1.0 1.1
Profit on disposal of magazine titles and trademarks - (0.1)
Total 1.1 0.5
------------------------------------------------------ ---------- ----------
5. Employee costs
6 months 6 months
to to
31 March 31 March
2017 2016
GBPm GBPm
--------------------------------- ---------- ----------
Wages and salaries 12.8 12.0
Social security costs 1.2 1.1
Other pension costs 0.3 0.4
Share schemes
- Value of employees' services 0.4 0.2
--------------------------------- ---------- ----------
Total employee costs 14.7 13.7
--------------------------------- ---------- ----------
IFRS 2 'Share-based Payment' requires an expense for equity
instruments granted to be recognised over the appropriate vesting
period, measured at their fair value at the date of grant.
The fair value has been calculated using the Monte Carlo and
Black-Scholes models, using the most appropriate model for each
scheme. Assumptions have been made in these models for expected
volatility, risk-free rates and dividend yields.
Key management personnel compensation
6 months 6 months
to to
31 March 31 March
2017 2016
GBPm GBPm
Salaries and other short-term employee benefits 0.9 0.4
Share schemes
- Value of employees' services 0.2 -
Total 1.1 0.4
------------------------------------------------- ---------- ----------
Key management personnel are deemed to be the members of the
Board of Future plc. It is this Board which has responsibility for
planning, directing and controlling the activities of the
Group.
6. Net finance costs
6 months to 31 March 2017 6 months to 31 March
2016
Adjusted Adjusting Statutory Adjusted Adjusting Statutory
results items results results items results
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
------------------------- --------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ----------
Interest payable on
interest-bearing loans
and borrowings (0.2) - (0.2) (0.1) - (0.1)
Amortisation of bank
loan arrangement fees (0.1) - (0.1) - - -
Other finance costs (0.1) - (0.1) (0.1) - (0.1)
Exchange losses - - - - (0.2) (0.2)
Net finance costs (0.4) - (0.4) (0.2) (0.2) (0.4)
------------------------- --------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ----------
7. Tax on profit/(loss)
The tax amount for the six months ended 31 March 2017 is based
on the effective rate, estimated on a full year basis by territory,
being applied to the taxable profits or losses of each territory
for the six months ended 31 March 2016.
Consistent with prior periods the Group corporation tax
provision reflects management's estimation of the amount of tax
payable for fiscal years with open tax computations where
liabilities remain to be agreed with Her Majesty's Revenue and
Customs and other tax authorities.
8. Dividends
6 months 6 months
to to
Equity dividends 31 March 31 March
2017 2016
--------------------------------------------- ---------- ----------
Number of shares in issue at end of period
(million) 36.6 24.5
Dividends paid and payable in period (pence - -
per share)
--------------------------------------------- ---------- ----------
Dividends paid and payable in period (GBPm) - -
--------------------------------------------- ---------- ----------
Interim dividends are recognised in the period in which they are
paid and final dividends are recognised in the period in which they
are approved.
9. Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share are calculated using the weighted
average number of Ordinary shares in issue during the period.
Diluted earnings per share have been calculated by taking into
account the dilutive effect of shares that would be issued on
conversion into Ordinary shares of awards held under employee share
schemes.
On 2 February 2017, the Company issued one new Ordinary share of
15 pence for each 15 existing Ordinary shares following completion
of a share consolidation. The weighted average number of shares in
issue for all periods has been adjusted for the share
consolidation.
Adjusted earnings per share remove the effect of share based
payments, exceptional items, amortisation of intangible assets
arising on acquisitions, impairment of intangible assets, exchange
losses included in finance costs and any related tax effects from
the calculation.
6 months 6 months
to 31 March to
2017 31 March
2016
----------------------------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------
Adjustments to profit/(loss) after tax:
Profit/(loss) after tax (GBPm) 1.0 (0.3)
Share based payments (GBPm) 0.4 0.2
Exceptional items (GBPm) 1.1 0.5
Amortisation of intangible assets arising on acquisitions 1.0
(GBPm) -
Exchange losses included in finance costs (GBPm) - 0.2
Tax effect of the above adjustments (GBPm) (0.2) -
Adjusted profit after tax (GBPm) 3.3 0.6
----------------------------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------
Weighted average number of shares in issue during
the period:
- Basic 35,486,454 23,870,308
- Dilutive effect of share options 2,287,214 77,878
- Diluted 37,773,668 23,948,186
Basic earnings/(loss) per share (in pence) 2.8 (1.3)
Adjusted basic earnings per share (in pence) 9.3 2.5
Diluted earnings/(loss) per share (in pence) 2.6 (1.3)
Adjusted diluted earnings per share (in pence) 8.7 2.5
----------------------------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------
The adjustments to profit/(loss) after tax have
the following effect:
Basic earnings/(loss) per share (pence) 2.8 (1.3)
Share based payments (pence) 1.1 0.9
Exceptional items (pence) 3.1 2.1
Amortisation of intangible assets arising on acquisitions 2.8
(pence) -
Exchange losses included in finance costs (pence) - 0.8
Tax effect of the above adjustments (pence) (0.5) -
----------------------------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------
Adjusted basic earnings per share (pence) 9.3 2.5
----------------------------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------
Diluted earnings/(loss) per share (pence) 2.6 (1.3)
Share based payments (pence) 1.1 0.9
Exceptional items (pence) 2.9 2.1
Amortisation of intangible assets arising on acquisitions 2.6
(pence) -
Exchange losses included in finance costs (pence) - 0.8
Tax effect of the above adjustments (pence) (0.5) -
----------------------------------------------------------- ------------------ ------
Adjusted diluted earnings per share (pence) 8.7 2.5
----------------------------------------------------------- ------------------ ------
10. Issued share capital
During the period 11,983,668 Ordinary shares (31 March 2016:
2,230,094) with a nominal value of GBP1,797,550 (31 March 2016:
GBP334,514) were issued by the Company for a total cash commitment
of GBPnil (31 March 201: GBP3,344,000), pursuant to the acquisition
of Miura (Holdings) Limited, the holding company and ultimate
parent company of Imagine Publishing Limited, in October 2016 and
share scheme exercises throughout the period.
As at 31 March 2017 there were 36,567,574 Ordinary shares in
issue (31 March 2016: 24,526,177).
11. Contingent assets and contingent liabilities
At 31 March 2017 there were no material contingent assets or
contingent liabilities (31 March 2016: GBPnil).
12. Acquisitions
Acquisition of Miura (Holdings) Limited
On 21 October 2016, Future plc acquired 100% of the share
capital of Miura (Holdings) Limited, the holding company and
ultimate parent company of Imagine Publishing Limited, for total
consideration of 179,567,841 new shares in the Company which, at
the closing price of 8.6p on 21 October 2016, represents
consideration of GBP15.4m.
The impact of the acquisition on the consolidated balance sheet
was:
Fair value Provisional
Book value adjustment fair value
GBPm GBPm GBPm
------------------------------- ------------- ------------ -----------------
Intangible assets:
* Publishing rights - 6.8 6.8
* Brands - 2.0 2.0
* Other intangibles 0.4 (0.3) 0.1
Tangible assets 0.1 - 0.1
Inventories 0.2 - 0.2
Trade and other receivables 2.6 - 2.6
Cash and cash equivalents 1.7 - 1.7
Trade and other payables (6.2) (0.1) (6.3)
Corporation tax (0.1) - (0.1)
Deferred tax (1.5) (1.5)
Loans and borrowings (6.9) - (6.9)
------------------------------- ------------- ------------ -----------------
Net liabilities acquired (8.2) 6.9 (1.3)
------------------------------- ------------- ------------ -----------------
Goodwill 16.7
Consideration:
Equity shares 15.4
Total consideration 15.4
------------------------------- ------------- ------------ -----------------
The goodwill is attributable to the synergies expected to arise
in integrating the magazines into the wider Future group and
through combining production and back office functions. The
publishing rights and brands will be amortised over periods of five
and ten years respectively.
Included within the Group's results for the period are revenues
of GBP7.6m and statutory profit for the period of GBP1.2m from
Miura (Holdings) Limited and its subsidiaries.
If the acquisition had been completed on the first day of the
financial year, it would have contributed GBP8.1m of revenue and
statutory profit of GBP1.3m during the period.
Acquisition of Team Rock
On 6 January 2017, Future Publishing Limited acquired certain
assets from Team Rock Limited for cash consideration of
GBP0.8m.
The impact of the acquisition on the consolidated balance sheet
was:
Fair value Provisional
Book value adjustment fair value
GBPm GBPm GBPm
------------------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------
Intangible assets:
* Publishing rights - 1.1 1.1
Trade and other payables (0.3) - (0.3)
Deferred tax - (0.2) (0.2)
Net assets acquired (0.3) 0.9 0.6
------------------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------
Goodwill 0.2
Consideration:
Cash 0.8
Total consideration 0.8
------------------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------
The goodwill is attributable to the synergies expected to arise
in integrating the magazines and websites into the wider Future
group. The publishing rights will be amortised over a period of
five years.
Included within the Group's results for the period are revenues
of GBP0.8m and statutory profit for the period of GBP0.3m from the
Team Rock assets.
If the acquisition had been completed on the first day of the
financial year, it would have contributed GBP2.5m of revenue and
statutory profit of GBP0.8m during the period.
Acquisition of Next Commerce Pty Ltd
On 15 August 2016, Future Publishing (Overseas) Limited acquired
100% of the share capital of Next Commerce Pty Ltd. The
consideration payable included deferred consideration of up to
GBP0.6m, in the form of shares in Future plc, payable by 24 January
2017 based on revenue performance. At 30 September 2016 the
provisional fair value of deferred consideration was measured at
GBP0.6m. In January 2017, Future Publishing (Overseas) Limited
agreed with the sellers to pay deferred consideration of GBP0.7m in
cash instead of shares in Future plc. As a result, the provisional
fair value of goodwill recognised at 30 September 2016 has been
adjusted, as detailed below:
Provisional fair Fair value Provisional fair
value at adjustment value at 31 March
30 September 2016 GBPm 2017
GBPm GBPm
---------- ------------------- ------------ -------------------
Goodwill 0.6 0.1 0.7
---------- ------------------- ------------ -------------------
Statement of Directors' responsibilities
The Directors confirm that to the best of their knowledge the
condensed interim financial information contained in the Interim
Report has been prepared in accordance with International
Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting', as adopted
by the European Union and that the Interim Management Report herein
includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.7 and
DTR 4.2.8, namely: 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; a
description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the
remaining six months of the financial year; and material
related-party transactions in the first six months and any material
changes in the related-party transactions described in the last
annual report.
A list of current Directors is maintained on the Future plc
website, www.futureplc.com.
By order of the Board
Directors
Peter Allen
Chairman
James Hanbury
Deputy Chairman
Zillah Byng-Thorne
Chief Executive
Penny Ladkin-Brand
Chief Financial Officer
Manjit Wolstenholme
Senior independent non-executive Director
Hugo Drayton
Independent non-executive Director
19 May 2017
The maintenance and integrity of the Future plc website is the
responsibility of the Directors; the work carried out by the
auditors does not involve consideration of these matters and,
accordingly, the auditors accept no responsibility for any changes
that may have occurred to the financial statements since they were
initially presented on the website.
Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and
dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation
in other jurisdictions.
Independent review report to Future plc
Report on the condensed consolidated interim financial
statements
Our conclusion
We have reviewed Future plc's condensed consolidated interim
financial statements (the "interim financial statements") in the
half year results of Future plc for the 6 month period ended 31
March 2017. Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention
that causes us to believe that the interim financial statements are
not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with
International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial
Reporting', as adopted by the European Union and the Disclosure
Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook of the United Kingdom's
Financial Conduct Authority.
What we have reviewed
The interim financial statements comprise:
-- the consolidated balance sheet as at 31 March 2017;
-- the consolidated income statement and consolidated statement
of comprehensive income for the period then ended;
-- the consolidated cash flow statement for the period then ended;
-- the consolidated statement of changes in equity for the period then ended; and
-- the explanatory notes to the interim financial statements.
The interim financial statements included in the half year
results have been prepared in accordance with International
Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting', as adopted
by the European Union and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency
Rules sourcebook of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct
Authority.
As disclosed in note basis of preparation to the interim
financial statements, the financial reporting framework that has
been applied in the preparation of the full annual financial
statements of the Group is applicable law and International
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European
Union.
Responsibilities for the interim financial statements and the
review
Our responsibilities and those of the Directors
The half year results, including the interim financial
statements, is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the
Directors. The Directors are responsible for preparing the half
year results in accordance with the Disclosure Guidance and
Transparency Rules sourcebook of the United Kingdom's Financial
Conduct Authority.
Our responsibility is to express a conclusion on the interim
financial statements in the half year results based on our review.
This report, including the conclusion, has been prepared for and
only for the Company for the purpose of complying with the
Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook of the United
Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority and for no other purpose. We
do not, in giving this conclusion, accept or assume responsibility
for any other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is
shown or into whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed
by our prior consent in writing.
Independent review report to Future plc
What a review of interim financial statements involves
We conducted our review in accordance with International
Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410, 'Review of
Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor
of the Entity' issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in
the United Kingdom. A review of interim financial information
consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for
financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other
review procedures.
A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted
in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and
Ireland) and, consequently, does not enable us to obtain assurance
that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be
identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit
opinion.
We have read the other information contained in the half year
results and considered whether it contains any apparent
misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in
the interim financial statements.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Accountants
Bristol
19 May 2017
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
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