TIDMHAT

RNS Number : 2267H

H&T Group PLC

16 August 2016

H&T Group plc

("H&T" or "the Group" or "the Company")

UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE SIX MONTHSED 30 JUNE 2016

H&T Group plc, which trades under the H&T Pawnbrokers and est1897 brands, today announces its interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2016.

John Nichols, chief executive, said: "This is a promising start to the year in the face of challenging trading conditions, with a strong operational performance aided by favourable market conditions around the gold price.

We have reinvigorated and widened our product range to capture the opportunities presented by the ongoing changes in the wider market. The continued growth in our Personal Loans products and the recent increases in gold price, if sustained, will benefit the Group during the second half of the year."

KEY FINANCIAL RESULTS

   --     Profit before tax up 42.3% to GBP3.7m (H1 2015: GBP2.6m) 
   --     Basic EPS of 7.99p (H1 2015: 5.53p) 
   --     Net debt reduced by 22.5% to GBP6.9m (30 June 2015: GBP8.9m) 
   --     Pledge book increased by 4.3% to GBP39.0m (30 June 2015: GBP37.4m) 
   --     Personal Loan book increased 85.3% to GBP6.3m (30 June 2015: GBP3.4m) 
   --     Pawn Service Charge down 1.4% at GBP14.1m (H1 2015: GBP14.3m) 
   --     Other Services income increased 68.8% to GBP2.7m (H1 2016: GBP1.6m) 
   --     Interim dividend of 3.9p (2015 interim: 3.5p) 

OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

-- Launch of the new higher value, lower APR personal loan product to customers with good history

   --     Development of a new high-end operation on Old Bond Street, London 
   --     Creation of a retail merchandising team to support stock efficiency and sales 
   --     Enhancements to the field operations and leadership team to support new product development 

Enquiries:

H&T Group plc

Tel: 0870 9022 600

John Nichols, chief executive

Steve Fenerty, finance director

Numis Securities (broker and nominated adviser)

Tel: 020 7260 1000

Mark Lander, corporate broking

Freddie Barnfield, nominated adviser

Haggie Partners (public relations)

Tel: 020 7562 4444

Damian Beeley

Brian Norris

INTERIM REPORT

Introduction

The trading environment remains challenging for the sector with most large businesses reporting losses and being forced to significantly restructure their operations. H&T had anticipated many of these changes and had adjusted its business model and investment approach accordingly. As a result, we have fared relatively well over the last two years.

The Group has made good progress realigning the business to capture the opportunities presented by the continuing changes in the wider market. In particular the developments in the Personal Loan and Buyback products support the core proposition of providing easy access to cash and extend our reach into new customer segments.

In the medium term we will develop these areas further by integrating the online and offline services to provide a clear proposition to the consumer irrespective of how they access our services.

Financial performance

Profit before tax increased by 42.3% to GBP3.7m (H1 2015: GBP2.6m) through a combination of strong operational performance and a rising gold price.

Gross profit increased by GBP2.3m with the majority of the growth from Personal Loans, Buyback and FX. The average sterling gold price during H1 2016 was GBP852 (H1 2015: GBP791), an increase of 7.7%; gross profits from Gold Purchasing and Pawnbroking Scrap activities increased by GBP0.9m as a result.

Total direct and administration expenses increased 6.0% to GBP21.2m (H1 2015: GBP20.0m) principally as a result of investment in people and systems to support product development.

The Group's balance sheet is strong with net debt at GBP6.9m (30 June 2015: GBP8.9m) and a leverage ratio of 0.57x (30 June 2016: 0.87x), well within the covenant test of 3.0x. The Group refinanced its existing facility on 12 February 2016 with Lloyds Bank plc; the new facility has a termination date of 30 April 2020. The GBP4.8m increase in net debt since year end is principally due to the planned increase in the Personal Loans and inventory balances.

The Group has closed three stores in H1 2016 resulting in 186 trading stores at 30 June 2016. The Group continues to assess underperforming stores and anticipates a small number of closures in the second half.

Dividend

The directors have approved an interim dividend of 3.9 pence (2015 interim: 3.5 pence). This will be payable on 7 October 2016 to all shareholders on the register at the close of business on 9 September 2016.

REVIEW OF OPERATIONS

Pawnbroking

The pledge book increased to GBP39.0m (30 June 2015: GBP37.4m) as a result of the development of a new distribution channel for pawnbroking services and a slight increase in the aged pledge.

The Pawn Service Charge was GBP14.1m (H1 2015: GBP14.3m); the interest component of the Pawn Service Charge was GBP14.1m (H1 2015: GBP14.2m) which more accurately reflects the underlying performance of the pawnbroking segment than the total Pawn Service Charge. The yield on the pledge book has marginally reduced due to the changing business mix and the increase in aged pledge.

Development of the pawnbroking product remains extremely challenging in this market. Over the last ten years a combination of increased competition, a reduction of gold in circulation and changing fashion have resulted in reducing numbers of customers using the service. Recent market trends have stabilised as the number of competitor stores reduces and gold purchasing activity reduces.

The Group has invested heavily in its existing stores and people to provide the highest standards of service to our customers. This investment together with enhancements to asset valuations, the Expert Eye central support and integration of our online and offline services will ultimately support the development of our pawnbroking product.

The expansion of the "we lend on anything" proposition continues with the launch of our H&T Finance branded location on Old Bond St, London. This provides a central London location to serve a more affluent customer and enables access to product experts to assist in valuation and disposition.

Pawnbroking scrap

Pawnbroking scrap produced gross profits of GBP0.6m (H1 2015: GBP0.1m profit) for the half year, on sales of GBP4.9m (H1 2015: GBP4.2m). This performance benefitted from the increased gold price during H1 2016.

The impact of the EU referendum on the US$ exchange rate has increased the sterling price of gold: the average for July 2016 was GBP1,017 per troy oz vs a H1 2016 average of GBP852. This increase, if sustained, will benefit the Group during H2 2016.

Retail

The Group regards the High Street retail offering as a core part of its business. Pawnbroking and Gold Purchasing generate significant amounts of saleable jewellery which must be sold. The ability to retail items rather than scrap them provides a higher return and reduces the Group's exposure to short term gold price volatility.

Retail sales increased by 1.5% to GBP13.6m (H1 2015: GBP13.4m) and gross profits were flat at GBP4.8m (H1 2015: GBP4.8m). During the H1 2016 the Group closed one standalone Discount Secondhand Jewellery store as we were unable to secure satisfactory lease terms.

The Group has invested in a merchandising team to provide a more focussed approach to sales and inventory management.

Gold Purchasing

Gold purchasing profits increased from GBP1.0m in H1 2015 to GBP1.5m in H1 2016. The additional profit and margin was mainly the result of the increasing gold price during H1 2016.

The impact of an increase in gold price to purchasing profits is relatively short lived. There is a delay between purchasing gold in store and realising the value through the market; if the gold price increases during this period then margins are enhanced. As the gold price stabilises, the rate that is paid for gold in store increases and ultimately we return to normal margins.

Personal Loans

Personal Loans gross profits increased by 25.0% to GBP1.5m (H1 2015: GBP1.2m); the loan book net of provisions at 30 June 2016 increased 85.3% to GBP6.3m (30 June 2015: GBP3.4m).

The development of the Personal Loan product in-store and online is a significant opportunity. H&T's Personal Loan allows for loans of up to GBP2,500 over any term of up to three years based on affordability. Approximately 80% of the loans issued by the Group fell under the definition of High-Cost Short-Term Credit (HCSTC) during H1 2016 and as such must comply with additional rules under the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulatory regime.

The Group has positioned the Personal Loan product to be cheaper and more flexible than most comparable loans in the market and has applied robust affordability assessments including a manual review of each loan application. The Group intends to reduce the proportion of HCSTC loans over time as we expand our lower APR, longer term loans for our customers. During H1 2016 the Group lent GBP1.0m through its larger loan product to existing customers with good repayment history.

The increase in Personal Loans has been delivered principally through operational improvements in store, the store loan book represents approximately 95% of the total Personal Loans book. Online presents a significant opportunity for the Group: during H2 2016 we will complete the implementation of new underwriting systems to support the expansion of this segment.

Other Services

Other Services revenues increased 68.8% to GBP2.7m (H1 2016: GBP1.6m). Foreign Exchange, Buyback and Western Union have collectively contributed GBP2.3m in H1 2016 (H1 2015: GBP1.0m) and brought a significant number of new customers to H&T. FX and Buyback delivered the majority of the growth with an increase in gross profits of GBP0.8m and GBP0.4m respectively.

FX is a simple transactional product based around sales of retail foreign currency on the high street. Our experience demonstrates that there are low barriers to entry and customers show a willingness to shop around for the best rates. We believe that further expansion in this product is possible through keen pricing and increasing awareness. The larger providers typically charge a significantly higher margin than H&T while also capturing the vast majority of the market. As we become established in the market we believe that more customers will seek us out.

During H1 2016 sales of FX increased by 60.4% and purchases more than doubled delivering transactional profits of GBP1.2m (H1 2015: GBP0.7m). Exchange rate gains during H1 2016 were GBP0.1m (H1 2015: GBP0.2m loss), the Group introduced hedging of the foreign currency balances in June 2016 to manage this exposure. The recent weakness of sterling and travellers' concerns about safety may result in slower growth in the short term.

Our Buyback offering supports the "we buy anything" proposition by expanding the range of assets we accept into high end consumer electronics. Demographically the Buyback customer base is younger and more likely to be male than a pawnbroking customer. Changing fashion also means that younger customers are more likely to own a high end phone than a piece of quality jewellery. The Buyback product allows us to address this changing market.

Buyback gross profit doubled to GBP0.8m (H1 2015: GBP0.4m), the value of goods purchased using the Buyback service increased 72.0% to GBP4.3m (H1 2015: GBP2.5m).

REGULATION

The Financial Conduct Authority

The regulation of Consumer Credit moved from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) on 1 April 2014. The Group obtained authorisation from the FCA on 11 February 2016 and we welcome the higher standards that this change will bring to our sector.

High-cost short-term cost cap

On 1 January 2015 the FCA implemented its cap on the interest rate and charges that apply to High-Cost Short-Term Credit (HCSTC). The FCA has stated that it will review the price cap during the first half of 2017.

The vast majority of H&T Personal Loans are well within the current cap; we therefore believe that this review will have a limited impact on our product.

THE MARKET

The market is now characterised by store closures and trading losses, with few exceptions. H&T had planned for many of the changes experienced by the market, particularly around HCSTC and the risk of a reducing gold price. We have stabilised the business, strengthened the balance sheet and reinvigorated and widened our product range.

There will be more store closures among our competitors and further regulatory pressure on the market, only those businesses with the right products and capabilities to address the market will prosper.

STRATEGY AND OUTLOOK

The demand for small-sum, short-term cash loans remains strong. By increasing the range of assets the Group accepts, by expanding Personal Loans and expanding our online services we will be ideally positioned to grow as the market adjusts in the future.

Current trading is in line with management's expectations. The recent increases in gold price, if sustained, will benefit the Group in the remainder of the year.

Interim Condensed Financial Statements

Unaudited statement of comprehensive income

For the 6 months ended 30 June 2016

 
                                      6 months   6 months     12 months 
                                         ended      ended         ended 
                                       30 June    30 June   31 December 
                                          2016       2015          2015 
                               Note      Total      Total         Total 
                                     Unaudited  Unaudited    Audited 
                                       GBP'000    GBP'000       GBP'000 
 
Revenue                           2     42,385     40,848        89,355 
Cost of sales                         (17,192)   (17,922)      (41,782) 
                                      ________   ________      ________ 
 
  Gross profit                    2     25,193     22,926        47,573 
 
Other direct expenses                 (15,841)   (15,802)      (32,079) 
Administrative expenses                (5,398)    (4,167)       (7,976) 
                                      ________   ________      ________ 
 
  Operating profit                3      3,954      2,957         7,518 
 
Investment revenues                          -          1             1 
Finance costs                     5      (208)      (334)         (679) 
                                      ________   ________      ________ 
 
  Profit before taxation                 3,746      2,624         6,840 
 
Tax on profit                     6      (857)      (626)       (1,462) 
                                      ________   ________      ________ 
 
  Total comprehensive income 
  for the period                         2,889      1,998         5,378 
                                      ________   ________      ________ 
 
                                         Pence      Pence         Pence 
 
Earnings per ordinary 
 share - basic                    7       7.99       5.53         14.88 
Earnings per ordinary 
 share - diluted                  7       7.97       5.52         14.86 
 
 

All results derive from continuing operations.

Unaudited condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity

For the 6 months ended 30 June 2016

 
                                    6 months   6 months     12 months 
                                       ended      ended         ended 
                                     30 June    30 June   31 December 
                             Note       2016       2015          2015 
                                   Unaudited  Unaudited       Audited 
                                     GBP'000    GBP'000       GBP'000 
 
Opening total equity                  94,060     90,863        90,863 
 
Total comprehensive income 
 for the period                        2,889      1,998         5,378 
Share option credit taken 
 directly to equity                       16         70           104 
Dividends paid                9      (1,666)      (996)       (2,285) 
 
Closing total equity                  95,299     91,935        94,060 
 
 

Unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet

At 30 June 2016

 
                                    At 30 June  At 30 June  At 31 December 
                                          2016        2015            2015 
                                     Unaudited   Unaudited         Audited 
                              Note     GBP'000     GBP'000         GBP'000 
Non-current assets 
Goodwill                                17,692      17,707          17,707 
Other intangible assets                    619         893             752 
Property, plant and 
 equipment                               7,365       9,059           8,138 
Deferred tax assets                        542         528             542 
 
                                        26,218      28,187          27,139 
Current assets 
Inventories                             29,043      31,595          24,802 
Trade and other receivables             53,889      48,187          50,893 
Other current assets                       834         493             646 
Cash and cash equivalents               14,118       7,929          10,923 
 
                                        97,884      88,204          87,264 
 
Total assets                           124,102     116,391         114,403 
 
Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables               (6,081)     (5,825)         (5,482) 
Current tax liabilities                  (718)       (602)           (645) 
Borrowings                       4           -     (1,755)               - 
 
                                       (6,799)     (8,182)         (6,127) 
 
Net current assets                      91,085      80,022          81,137 
 
Non-current liabilities 
Borrowings                       4    (20,667)    (14,835)        (12,911) 
Provisions                             (1,337)     (1,439)         (1,305) 
 
                                      (22,004)    (16,274)        (14,216) 
 
Total liabilities                     (28,803)    (24,456)        (20,343) 
 
Net assets                              95,299      91,935          94,060 
 
 
EQUITY 
Share capital                    8       1,843       1,843           1,843 
Share premium account                   25,409      25,409          25,409 
Employee Benefit Trust 
 share reserve                            (35)        (35)            (35) 
Retained earnings                       68,082      64,718          66,843 
 
Total equity attributable 
 to equity holders of 
 the parent                             95,299      91,935          94,060 
 
 

Unaudited condensed consolidated cash flow statement

For the 6 months ended 30 June 2016

 
                                              6 months   6 months     12 months 
                                       Note      ended      ended         ended 
                                               30 June    30 June   31 December 
                                                  2016       2015          2015 
                                             Unaudited  Unaudited       Audited 
                                               GBP'000    GBP'000       GBP'000 
Cash flows from operating 
 activities 
Profit for the period                            2,889      1,998         5,378 
Adjustments for: 
Investment revenues                                  -        (1)           (1) 
Finance costs                                      208        334           679 
Movement in provisions                              32       (51)         (216) 
Income tax expense                                 857        626         1,462 
Depreciation of property, 
 plant and equipment                             1,419      1,454         2,897 
Amortisation of intangible 
 assets                                            133        163           321 
Share based payment expense                         16         70           104 
Loss on disposal of fixed 
 assets                                            172         16            75 
 
Operating cash inflows before 
 movements in working capital                    5,726      4,609        10,699 
 
(Increase)/decrease in inventories             (4,241)    (2,324)         4,469 
Increase in other current 
 assets                                          (188)      (264)         (417) 
(Increase)/decrease in receivables             (3,036)      1,236       (1,367) 
Increase/(decrease) in payables                    340      (222)         (507) 
 
Cash (used in)/generated 
 from operations                               (1,399)      3,035        12,877 
 
Income taxes paid                                (785)      (352)       (1,160) 
Debt restructuring cost                          (326)          -             - 
Interest paid                                    (138)      (222)         (508) 
 
Net cash (used in)/generated 
 from operating activities                     (2,648)      2,461        11,209 
 
Investing activities 
Interest received                                    -          1             1 
Purchases of property, plant 
 and equipment                                   (572)      (540)       (1,207) 
Proceeds on disposal of property, 
 plant and equipment                                81          -             - 
Acquisition of trade and assets 
 of business                                         -          -         (120) 
 
Net cash used in investing activities            (491)      (539)       (1,326) 
 
Financing activities 
Dividends paid                            9    (1,666)      (996)       (2,285) 
Net increase /(decrease) in borrowings           8,000    (1,247)       (3,000) 
Decrease in Bank overdraft                           -          -       (1,925) 
 
Net cash generated from/(used 
 in) financing activities                        6,334    (2,243)       (7,210) 
 
 
Net increase/(decrease) in cash 
 and cash equivalents                            3,195      (321)         2,673 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at 
 beginning of period                            10,923      8,250         8,250 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at 
 end of period                                  14,118      7,929        10,923 
 
 

Unaudited notes to the condensed interim financial statements

For the 6 months ended 30 June 2016

Note 1 Basis of preparation

The interim financial statements of the Group for the six months ended 30 June 2016, which are unaudited, have been prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards ('IFRS') accounting policies adopted by the Group and set out in the annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 December 2015. The Group does not anticipate any change in these accounting policies for the year ended 31 December 2016. As permitted, this interim report has been prepared in accordance with the AIM rules and not in accordance with IAS 34 "Interim financial reporting". While the financial figures included in this preliminary interim earnings announcement have been computed in accordance with IFRSs applicable to interim periods, this announcement does not contain sufficient information to constitute an interim financial report as that term is defined in IFRSs.

The financial information contained in the interim report also does not constitute statutory accounts for the purposes of section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. The financial information for the year ended 31 December 2015 is based on the statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2015. The auditors reported on those accounts: their report was unqualified, did not draw attention to any matters by way of emphasis and did not contain a statement under section 498 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

After conducting a further review of the Group's forecasts of earnings and cash over the next twelve months and after making appropriate enquiries as considered necessary, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company and Group have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the half yearly condensed financial statements.

Note 2 Segmental Reporting

 
                                                                                                   Consolidated 
                                                                                                        for the 
                                                                                                       6 months 
                                                                                                          ended 
                                                                                                        30 June 
                                                 Gold            Pawnbroking  Personal      Other          2016 
  2016                       Pawnbroking   Purchasing    Retail        Scrap     Loans   Services     Unaudited 
   Revenue                       GBP'000      GBP'000   GBP'000      GBP'000   GBP'000    GBP'000       GBP'000 
         External 
          sales                   14,130        5,599    13,555        4,898     1,481      2,722        42,385 
 
         Total revenue            14,130        5,599    13,555        4,898     1,481      2,722        42,385 
 
         Segment result 
          - gross profit          14,130        1,471     4,820          569     1,481      2,722        25,193 
 
         Other direct expenses                                                                         (15,841) 
         Administrative expenses                                                                        (5,398) 
 
         Operating profit                                                                                 3,954 
         Investment revenues                                                                                  - 
         Finance costs                                                                                    (208) 
                                                                                                   ------------ 
 
         Profit before taxation                                                                           3,746 
         Tax charge on profit                                                                             (857) 
                                                                                                   ------------ 
 
         Profit for the financial 
          year and total comprehensive 
          income                                                                                          2,889 
                                                                                                   ============ 
 
 
 
                                                                                                   Consolidated 
                                                                                                        for the 
                                                                                                       6 months 
                                                                                                          ended 
                                                                                                        30 June 
                                                 Gold            Pawnbroking  Personal      Other          2015 
  2015                       Pawnbroking   Purchasing    Retail        Scrap     Loans   Services     Unaudited 
   Revenue                       GBP'000      GBP'000   GBP'000      GBP'000   GBP'000    GBP'000       GBP'000 
         External 
          sales                   14,283        6,279    13,364        4,196     1,158      1,568        40,848 
 
         Total revenue            14,283        6,279    13,364        4,196     1,158      1,568        40,848 
 
         Segment result 
          - gross profit          14,283        1,047     4,797           73     1,158      1,568        22,926 
 
         Other direct expenses                                                                         (15,802) 
         Administrative expenses                                                                        (4,167) 
 
         Operating profit                                                                                 2,957 
         Investment revenues                                                                                  1 
         Finance costs                                                                                    (334) 
                                                                                                   ------------ 
 
         Profit before taxation                                                                           2,624 
         Tax charge on profit                                                                             (626) 
                                                                                                   ------------ 
 
         Profit for the financial 
          year and total comprehensive 
          income                                                                                          1,998 
                                                                                                   ============ 
 
 

Note 2 Segmental Reporting (continued)

 
                                                                                                   Consolidated 
                                                                                                        For the 
                                                                                                           year 
                                                                                                          ended 
                                                 Gold            Pawnbroking  Personal      Other          2015 
  2015                       Pawnbroking   Purchasing    Retail        Scrap     Loans   Services       Audited 
   Revenue                       GBP'000      GBP'000   GBP'000      GBP'000   GBP'000    GBP'000       GBP'000 
         External 
          sales                   28,437       15,260    29,543        9,718     2,389      4,008        89,355 
 
         Total revenue            28,437       15,260    29,543        9,718     2,389      4,008        89,355 
 
         Segment result 
          - gross profit          28,437        2,297    10,326          116     2,389      4,008        47,573 
 
         Other direct expenses                                                                         (32,079) 
         Administrative expenses                                                                        (7,976) 
 
         Operating profit                                                                                 7,518 
         Investment revenues                                                                                  1 
         Finance costs                                                                                    (679) 
                                                                                                   ------------ 
 
         Profit before taxation                                                                           6,840 
         Tax charge on profit                                                                           (1,462) 
                                                                                                   ------------ 
 
         Profit for the financial 
          year and total comprehensive 
          income                                                                                          5,378 
                                                                                                   ============ 
 
 

Note 3 Operating profit and EBITDA

EBITDA

The Board considers EBITDA as a key measure of the Group's financial performance.

EBITDA is defined as Earnings Before Interest, Taxation, Depreciation and Amortisation. It is calculated by adding back depreciation and amortisation to the operating profit as follows:

 
 6 months ended 30 June 2016        6 months     6 months      12 months 
  Unaudited                            ended        ended          ended 
                                     30 June      30 June    31 December 
                                        2016         2015           2015 
                                   Unaudited    Unaudited        Audited 
 
                                       Total        Total          Total 
                                     GBP'000      GBP'000        GBP'000 
 
 Operating profit                      3,954        2,957          7,518 
 Depreciation and amortisation         1,552        1,617          3,218 
 
 EBITDA                                5,506        4,574         10,736 
 
 

Unaudited notes to the condensed interim financial statements (continued)

For the 6 months ended 30 June 2016

Note 4 Borrowings

 
                                             6 months   6 months     12 months 
                                                ended      ended         ended 
                                              30 June    30 June   31 December 
                                                 2016       2015          2015 
                                            Unaudited  Unaudited       Audited 
                                              GBP'000    GBP'000       GBP'000 
         Secured borrowing at amortised 
          cost 
         Short term portion of bank 
          loan                                      -      1,755             - 
 
 
         Amount due for settlement within 
          one year                                  -      1,755             - 
                                            =========  =========  ============ 
 
 
         Long term portion of bank loan        21,000     15,000        13,000 
          Unamortised issue costs               (333)      (165)          (89) 
                                            ---------  ---------  ------------ 
 
         Amount due for settlement after 
          more than one year                   20,667     14,835        12,911 
                                            =========  =========  ============ 
 
 
 

Note 5 Finance costs

 
                                    6 months    6 months      12 months 
                                       ended       ended          ended 
                                     30 June     30 June    31 December 
                                        2016        2015           2015 
                                   Unaudited   Unaudited        Audited 
                                     GBP'000     GBP'000        GBP'000 
 
 Interest payable on bank loans 
  and overdraft                          126         258            524 
 Other interest                            -           -              2 
 Amortisation of debt issue 
  costs                                   82          76            153 
 
 Total finance costs                     208         334            679 
 
 

Unaudited notes to the condensed interim financial statements (continued)

For the 6 months ended 30 June 2016

Note 6 Tax on profit

The taxation charge for the 6 months ended 30 June 2016 has been calculated by reference to the expected effective corporation tax and deferred tax rates for the full financial year to end on 31 December 2016. The underlying effective full year tax charge is estimated to be 20% (six months ended 30 June 2015: 20.3%).

Note 7 Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit for the period attributable to equity shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period.

For diluted earnings per share, the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue is adjusted to assume conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares. With respect to the Group these represent share options granted to employees where the exercise price is less than the average market price of the Company's ordinary shares during the period.

Reconciliations of the earnings per ordinary share and weighted average number of shares used in the calculations are set out below:

 
                                           Unaudited                                                               Unaudited                                                                 Audited 
                                         6 months ended                                                         6 months ended                                                           12 months ended 
                                          30 June 2016                                                            30 June 2015                                                           31 December 2015 
 
                          Earnings                Weighted              Per-share               Earnings                 Weighted                 Per-share               Earnings                 Weighted                Per-share 
                           GBP'000                 average                 amount                GBP'000                  average                    amount                GBP'000                  average                   amount 
                                                    number                  pence                                          number                     pence                                          number                    pence 
                                                 of shares                                                              of shares                                                                 of shares 
 
 Earnings 
  per share 
  - 
  basic                      2,889              36,154,799                   7.99                  1,998               36,154,799                      5.53                  5,378               36,154,799                    14.88 
 
 Effect of 
  dilutive 
  securities 
 Options                         -                  74,159                 (0.02)                      -                   29,533                    (0.01)                      -                   34,805                   (0.02) 
 
 Earnings 
  per share 
  diluted                    2,889              36,228,958                   7.97                  1,998               36,184,332                      5.52                  5,378               36,189,604                    14.86 
 
 

Unaudited notes to the condensed interim financial statements (continued)

For the 6 months ended 30 June 2016

Note 8 Share capital

 
                                 At           At             At 
                            30 June      30 June    31 December 
                               2016         2015           2015 
                          Unaudited    Unaudited        Audited 
 Allotted, called up 
  and fully paid 
  (Ordinary Shares of 
  GBP0.05 each) 
 GBP'000 Sterling             1,843        1,843          1,843 
 
 Number                  36,856,264   36,856,264     36,856,264 
 
 

Note 9 Dividends

On 11 August 2016, the directors approved a 3.9 pence interim dividend (30 June 2015: 3.5 pence) which equates to a dividend payment of GBP1,440,000 (30 June 2015: GBP1,290,000). The dividend will be paid on 7 October 2016 to shareholders on the share register at the close of business on 9 September 2016 and has not been provided for in the 2016 interim results. The shares will be marked ex-dividend on 8 September 2016.

On 28 April 2016, the shareholders approved the payment of a 4.5 pence final dividend for 2015 which equates to a dividend payment of GBP1,666,000 (2014: GBP996,000). The dividend was paid on 6 June 2016.

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

IR GGUWGRUPQGQA

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

August 16, 2016 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)

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