TIDMHSP
RNS Number : 9784M
Hargreaves Services PLC
27 January 2021
27 January 2021
HARGREAVES SERVICES PLC
(the "Group" or "Hargreaves")
Interim Results for the six months ended 30 November 2020
Hargreaves Services plc (AIM: HSP), a diversified group
delivering key projects and services to the industrial and property
sectors, announces its interim results for the six months ended 30
November 2020.
KEY FINANCIAL RESULTS Unaudited Unaudited
Six Months Six Months
ended 30 ended 30 Nov
Nov 2020 2019
Revenue GBP92.0m GBP124.7m
Underlying Profit before GBP1.1m GBP2.4m
tax* GBP1.1m GBP5.2m
Profit before tax**
Underlying EPS 3.4p 6.4p
EPS 3.4p 13.6p
Interim Dividend 2.7p - p
Net Debt GBP20.8m GBP40.3m
Net Bank Debt (excluding GBP8.0m GBP25.4m
leasing debt)
Net Asset Value GBP129.2m GBP129.7m
Net Assets per Share 400p 403p
* Underlying Profit before tax is defined by the Board as Profit
before tax from continuing operations prior to exceptional items
and amortisation of intangible assets.
** The comparative period Profit before tax included GBP2.8m of
exceptional gains, including GBP2.4m relating to the sale of a
subsidiary.
HIGHLIGHTS
-- As expected, Revenue and Underlying Profit before tax* were
both lower than in the comparative period, primarily due to the
phasing of works on the HS2 project within the Specialist
Earthworks business;
-- Interim dividend reinstated at 2.7p (2019: nil);
-- Net bank debt reduced by 69% to GBP8.0m (2019: GBP25.4m);
-- Profit after tax of German joint venture up 37% to GBP0.9m (2019: GBP0.7m);
-- Post period end disposal of speciality coal for GBP24m, eliminating bank borrowing;
-- Post period end completion of the first sale of land at Blindwells.
Commenting on the interim results, Chairman Roger McDowell said:
"The Group has traded resiliently through the period and continues
to do so although the delays to HS2 have been frustrating and have
impacted the headline results adversely. The German joint venture
continues to deliver profits in a challenging economic environment.
The Group has made significant progress in reshaping its future
beyond coal. The reduction in net bank debt in the period was
substantial and it has been eliminated totally after the period end
as a result of the sale of speciality coal. The Board expects to
report results for the full financial year in line with
expectations."
For further details:
Hargreaves Services plc
Gordon Banham, Group Chief Executive
John Samuel, Group Finance Director 0191 373 4485
Buchanan (Financial PR)
Mark Court / Sophie Wills / Henry Wilson 0207 466 5000
N+1 Singer (NOMAD and Joint Corporate
Broker)
Sandy Fraser / Rachel Hayes / Justin
McKeegan 020 7496 3000
Investec (Joint Corporate Broker)
Sara Hale / David Anderson / Shalin
Bhamra 020 7597 5970
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
Introduction
I am pleased to be able to report on a solid set of results for
the Group despite the ongoing uncertainty created by the
coronavirus pandemic. The safety of our employees remains paramount
in the Board's mind and I would like to take this opportunity to
thank our employees once again for their support over this period.
It is testament to the dedication and flexibility of our workforce,
as well as the stability of many of the Group's activities, that we
are able to present a profitable first half result alongside a
substantial reduction in our bank debt. The financial position of
the Group has given the Board the confidence to reinstate the
interim dividend.
The Board expects to deliver full year results in line with
expectations. Although revenue and profit have reduced when
compared with the first half last year, this is almost wholly
attributable to the impact of delays to the HS2 project on our
Specialist Earthworks business. That impact is one of timing and
not one of lost opportunity.
Sale of speciality coal stocks to Hargreaves Raw Materials
Services GmbH ("HRMS")
It has been a pivotal period for the Group since my last report
in July 2020. In particular, in relation to the Group's coal
related activities, which I can now report have ceased in all
material respects. As announced on 24 December 2020, the Group has
sold its remaining speciality coal to its German joint venture,
HRMS, and will no longer produce or purchase coal. This builds upon
the cessation of all coal mining in July 2020, meaning that the
Group has now exited all material coal related business
activities.
The Board is very pleased with this evolution of the Group as
the sale of the speciality coal stocks to HRMS not only accelerates
the realisation of GBP24m of cash from coal inventory but also aids
the growth of HRMS by opening it up to new markets within the UK.
This is an important additional step in the growth of shareholder
value within HRMS alongside the development of the Carbon
Pulverisation Plant and the acquisition last year of DK Recycling
und Roheisen GmbH ("DK").
Results
As expected, Revenue reduced to GBP92.0m (2019: GBP124.7m) and
Underlying Profit before tax reduced to GBP1.1m (2019: GBP2.4m).
Both metrics have declined primarily within the Specialist
Earthworks business as the comparative period included the
completion of the A14 project whilst, in the current year, delays
to the commencement of HS2 have been well publicised. Further
information on trading is given in the Chief Executive's Review.
Underlying Profit before tax is defined by the Board as Profit
before tax prior to exceptional items and amortisation of
intangible assets.
Earnings Per Share
Basic underlying earnings per share from continuing operations
were 3.4p (2019: 6.4p) and 3.4p (2019: 13.6p) on a reported
basis.
Net Debt
Net bank debt at 30 November 2020 reduced by 69% to GBP8.0m,
compared with GBP25.4m twelve months earlier and GBP13.5m at 31 May
2020. This substantial and ongoing reduction is primarily due to
the cessation of coal mining in July 2020 and the expected
subsequent unwind in coal related assets. The sale of the remaining
speciality coal to HRMS, which occurred after the period end, has
accelerated the planned unwind and therefore the Board expects to
report a positive net cash position, before leasing debt, at 31 May
2021.
Total net debt, including debt associated with leased assets was
GBP20.8m, compared with GBP40.3m twelve months ago. The Group
anticipates total net debt at 31 May 2021 to be slightly lower than
at the half year, as the cash receipt from the sale of the coal to
HRMS is expected to be offset by an increase in leasing debt as a
result of investment in plant assets for HS2.
Dividend
At the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic the Board took the
decision to cancel the interim dividend as a precautionary measure
against the potential financial impact of the virus. At the year
end, the Board announced a final dividend, which demonstrated the
cautious yet confident view of the Group's cashflows at the time.
Since then, the Group has continued to trade resiliently and the
Board has decided to reinstate an interim dividend of 2.7p (2019:
nil p) per ordinary share. This will be paid on 6 April 2021 to
shareholders on the register at 26 February 2021.
The Board still intends to pass through a dividend of 12p per
ordinary share to shareholders which it expects to receive from its
German joint venture alongside any final dividend declared later in
the year.
Board Changes
During the period, I was delighted to welcome Nicholas Mills
onto the Board. Nicholas is employed by Harwood Capital LLP, our
largest shareholder, and will provide a valuable insight into the
impact of decisions on our shareholders as well as contributing
with his broader financial and business acumen.
Brexit
The Group has limited exposure to trading within the EU, which
has been further reduced with the cessation of our coal trading
activities. Consequently, the Board does not expect any material
direct impact on the Group's trading arrangements following the
UK's exit from the single market on 1 January 2021.
The Board cannot meaningfully assess the impact of the new
trading relationship with the EU on business sentiment in trading
and financial markets which may lead to material change in the
economic or financial environment within the UK and Europe for the
Group or its customers.
COVID-19
This last year has been unprecedented and led to many businesses
working in new and innovative ways. Hargreaves has performed
resiliently throughout the pandemic due to a combination of our
flexible and dedicated workforce and because many of our business
areas are focused on core critical activities. The only business
which was affected materially was Hargreaves Land, which suffered
delays during the first lockdown period at Blindwells, the major
development project in Scotland. Whilst the vaccine roll out is
welcome news, the Board remains vigilant as to the continuing
impact of the pandemic and the Group is well positioned to navigate
it as it has done to date.
Strategy and Shareholder Value
For some time now, the Board's strategy for the Group has been
to focus on:
-- Delivering reliable and growing profits from the Distribution & Services business;
-- Unlocking capital from coal related activities;
-- Investment in the growth of Hargreaves Land; and
-- Supporting the development of HRMS to deliver shareholder value.
The Board is pleased with the progress that has been made
against its strategic goals over the last six months. The contract
wins within Distribution and Services highlight the ability of our
teams to grow sustainable returns in our underlying businesses and
recent framework appointments are improving the visibility of
future revenue streams. The Group has continued to invest in
Hargreaves Land, which is beginning to deliver returns with the
commencement on site of the Bridlington scheme and the post period
end completion of the first land sales at Blindwells.
The sale of speciality coal to HRMS has achieved the Board's aim
of unlocking capital from coal activities, whilst also providing
access to an additional market to aid the growth of HRMS. HRMS is
becoming an increasingly important component of the overall value
of the Group and its future growth and cash generation is a key
factor for the Board in considering how to deliver shareholder
value.
Outlook
The first six months of this financial year have been very
significant in the history of Hargreaves, set against the
difficulties caused by COVID-19. The Group ceased coal mining in
July 2020 and, in December 2020, all material coal related revenue
activities. Hargreaves has a long history tied closely to the coal
industry and this marks a major transformational step for the
Group.
Bank debt has now been eliminated and the Board now looks
forward confidently to a future beyond coal with a strong pipeline
of contracted works within Distribution and Services, a good bank
of land opportunities and an increasingly valuable investment in
its German joint venture. The Board expects to announce full year
results in line with expectations on 28 July 2021.
Roger McDowell
Chairman
27 January 2021
CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S REVIEW
Distribution & Services
The Distribution & Services business recorded revenue of
GBP92.2m (2019: GBP121.0m) and Operating Profit before exceptional
items was GBP2.8m (2019: GBP4.4m). These reductions were expected
due to the phasing of works within the Specialist Earthworks
business unit and the reduction in coal volumes.
As the Group has now transitioned away from all material coal
related activities, it is imperative that it remains focused on its
continuing businesses. It has been a significant six months for new
contract wins, as the Group has been appointed to six multi-year
framework agreements in its Distribution & Services business
both in the UK and in Hong Kong. These contracts provide more
resilient, sustainable revenue streams as well as advancing our
skills and credentials within mechanical and electrical
engineering.
Production & Distribution
Revenue in Production & Distribution was GBP51.1m (2019:
GBP59.7m). Operating Profit was GBP2.1m (2019: GBP2.5m). The first
six months saw a positive performance for the Transport business
offset by the expected decline in coal revenues. The Transport
business saw Operating Profit grow to GBP1.2m (2019: GBP1.0m) on
revenue of GBP18.3m (2019: GBP18.7m). Improving margins and an
increased focus on the waste sector, including clinical waste, has
helped to drive the improved performance.
Following the cessation of coal mining in July, the coal trading
business recorded an Operating Profit for the first six months of
GBP0.9m (2019: GBP1.5m). The reduction is due to a lower volume of
speciality coal sales, which was partially impacted by coronavirus
as certain industries that are reliant on coal saw reduced levels
of activity.
Industrial Services
Total Industrial Services revenue was GBP36.3m for the period to
30 November 2020 (2019: GBP43.4m). The reduction in revenue derived
from lower activity levels in Asia, partially due to the
coronavirus, and the termination of some lower margin contracts in
the UK. The division has delivered an increased margin of 5.2%,
compared with 4.4% twelve months ago, and maintained its level of
Operating Profit at GBP1.9m (2019: GBP1.9m).
Industrial Services - UK
The improvement in margin across Industrial Services is a result
of contract selectivity in the UK and continuing tight cost
control. Underlying Operating Profit was GBP2.1m (2019: GBP2.1m).
The business continues to transition away from its traditional base
of supporting coal fired power stations as that industry declines
and has made strong progress in the last six months to broaden its
customer and skills base.
As announced on 28 October 2020, the business was awarded a
three-year framework contract with Severn Trent, a new customer, to
provide maintenance, repair, removal and installation of clean and
waste water assets. This contract award demonstrates the growing
capability of the UK business to deliver mechanical and electrical
engineering services to key clients in both infrastructure and
industrial markets.
In addition to the Severn Trent contract, the UK business has
also secured two other framework contracts with Drax and Uniper for
five and three years respectively. Both frameworks have two years
of extension options. These secured medium term contracts help to
generate predictable, sustainable earnings over the medium term and
provide a strong and stable platform for growth.
Following the acquisition of British Steel in March 2020 by
Jingye Group, Hargreaves has been in discussions with the new
owner, whilst continuing to provide services under short term
arrangements. Those discussions concluded with an agreement for
Jingye to take certain activities in house which saw the transfer
of 146 Hargreaves employees to British Steel under the Transfer of
Undertakings regulations in January 2021 at no cost to Hargreaves.
The Group has traded profitably with British Steel since the
announcement of its liquidation in May 2019 and this outcome has
been anticipated for some time. As such, the Board had not factored
ongoing trading with British Steel into any forecasts beyond the
current financial year. A 12 month contract for the provision of
some plant and equipment has been agreed with British Steel.
Industrial Services - Asia
The Hong Kong based Asia business incurred an operating loss of
GBP0.2m (2019: loss of GBP0.2m), which was in line with
expectations. The business remains seasonal with the majority of
project work and planned site outages weighted heavily into the
second half.
In addition to the five-year core framework contract secured
with CLP Power in Hong Kong last year, the Group has also been
successful in securing two three-year framework arrangements, both
of which have extension options, at the Castle Peak and Black Point
power stations in Hong Kong. These frameworks allow for the
provision of maintenance, repair and refurbishment of boilers,
condensers and other critical components.
The Asian business has also been appointed as a contractor to
CLP Power Hong Kong (Power Systems) for Distribution Overhead Line
Works. The contract is for a three year period with extension
options for up to a further three years. The work encompasses the
inspection, installation and both emergency and planned maintenance
of part of the client's low voltage power distribution network.
This contract marks a significant broadening of the scope and range
of services that our Asian Industrial Services business offers,
positioning it well for further growth.
Specialist Earthworks
As has been widely reported, the delays to the commencement of
HS2 have led to a slow start to the financial year for the
Earthworks business unit, recording revenue of GBP2.8m (2019:
GBP17.9m) and an operating loss of GBP1.2m (2019: GBP0.0m). A
reduction in activity was expected as the comparative period
included contribution from the completion of works at the A14.
However, as previously noted, the timing of these types of major
infrastructure projects is often uncertain and subject to political
decisions, and this further delay to the HS2 project has meant a
greater disparity between H1 and H2 than originally anticipated.
Although some initial works are now contracted, the HS2 project is
now expected to commence mobilisation in the spring of 2021.
I am also pleased to announce that we have made substantial
progress towards agreeing the final account balances on all of the
legacy civils contracts. These contracts will be settled prior to
the financial year end. Bringing these final accounts to a
conclusion is a major step forward for the business and marks the
end of the Group's involvement in civil engineering contracts.
The business unit's sole focus is on securing and delivering
major earthmoving contracts beginning with HS2. The business is
positioning itself on a number of other major projects in the
nuclear, road and infrastructure markets in the South of England,
where earthworks form a key element of the project expenditure.
Hargreaves Land
Hargreaves Land delivered revenue of GBP2.1m (2019: GBP3.7m) and
a break even result (2019: profit of GBP0.2m) for the period. All
revenue and profits in the first half were due to the sale of
non-strategic land for which the Group determined there was
insufficient development potential to warrant further
investment.
Subsequent to the period end, I am pleased to report that the
first sale at Blindwells to Bellway has completed. The Bellway
contract includes some deferred consideration which is to be
settled as to GBP4.2m in January 2021, GBP2.1m in January 2022 and
not less than GBP1.4m in January 2023. The quantum of the final
payment depends upon abnormal foundation costs. The Group has
invested a further GBP2.2m into the Blindwells development in the
period.
In May 2020, the Group announced the exchange of the first major
commercial sale contract on the Unity Joint Venture scheme at
Hatfield, South Yorkshire. The 32 hectare sale is conditional on
the completion of certain infrastructure works at the site
including the construction of an access road. Work on the access
road is due to begin in early 2021, with completion expected before
the end of next financial year. The cost of this work is being
funded by external financing secured within the joint venture
independently of Hargreaves. The link road accessing the M18, which
was not part of the joint venture's responsibilities, has been
completed and is now open, which is key to the future development
of the site. Additionally, the Unity Joint Venture has exchanged
conditional contracts with Harron Homes for the construction of
over 200 homes on a 23 acre part of the site. Completion is
expected to take place in 2023.
The Bridlington retail development, which was announced in
December 2020 with a Gross Development Value ("GDV") of GBP9.5m,
represents the type of project, in terms of both modest capital
commitment and time to delivery, that Hargreaves Land is looking to
target to help complement projects such as Blindwells and the Unity
joint venture.
At 30 November 2020, the Group had controlling interests in land
with planning permission for 4,700 residential plots and 4 million
square feet of commercial space. The Group is currently progressing
new projects with a combined GDV of GBP27m (Hargreaves share
GBP21m).
Investment in HRMS
The Group's German Joint Venture recorded a post tax profit of
GBP0.9m (2019: GBP0.7m). This improvement in performance represents
a return to the level of profitability achieved in the six months
to 30 November 2018, following a weakening in trading conditions in
German markets in the comparative period.
Whilst margins have remained consistent, the business has seen
volume increases demonstrating the ability of the team to continue
trading through periods of economic uncertainty, as has been seen
in Germany due to the coronavirus. The Carbon Pulverisation Plant
has commenced production and is supplying to its first customer,
DK, although scale up is not anticipated to impact materially on
the current year's results.
It has been twelve months since HRMS acquired DK Recycling und
Roheisen ("DK") for EUR1. The changes implemented by the management
team at HRMS to date have improved the performance which has seen a
breakeven contribution in the first half as the business was loss
making prior to the acquisition. Whilst management continues to
drive improvement programmes at DK, it is too early in the
turnaround of the business to anticipate when it may make a
meaningful contribution.
Corporate Costs
Corporate costs for the first six months were GBP1.9m (2019:
GBP2.1m). This further reduction reflects many of the cost saving
exercises that were actioned in the previous financial year. Whilst
central costs remain a focus of the Board, no material further
reductions are anticipated.
Summary
The result for the first half has been satisfactory with margin
growth in our Transport and Industrial Services business partially
offsetting the delays to HS2 and reduction in coal volumes. I am
particularly pleased to see substantial progress in concluding the
final account positions on the legacy civils contracts, allowing
the Specialist Earthworks business to look to future opportunities
in its field of core expertise.
The Group has often been second half weighted in terms of
profitability and this year we expect this to be more pronounced
than in previous years. The delays to HS2 and the timing of
completions within Hargreaves Land have exacerbated the weighting
to the second half that is always present due to the seasonality of
the Hong Kong business.
The key strategic decision to sell all speciality coal to HRMS
and cease all material coal related activities is a fundamental
change in the Group's operations. Given the framework contract wins
that have been secured in Distribution & Services within the
first six months of the year, the momentum building within
Hargreaves Land and the Group's strong balance sheet, the future
for Hargreaves is strong as we continue the transition of the
Group.
Gordon Banham
Group Chief Executive
27 January 2021
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Profit and Loss and Other
Comprehensive Income
for the six months ended 30 November 2020
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
six months six months year
ended ended ended
30 November 30 November 31 May
2020 2019* 2020
Note GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
-------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ----------
Revenue 92,041 124,651 222,242
Cost of sales (80,463) (109,610) (199,385)
-------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ----------
Gross profit 11,578 15,041 22,857
Other operating income* 1,045 3,382 5,288
Administrative expenses* (11,755) (13,033) (26,840)
-------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ----------
Operating profit 868 5,390 1,305
Operating profit (before exceptional
items and amortisation) 868 2,547 4,563
Exceptional items 5 - 2,843 (1,683)
Amortisation and impairment of intangible
assets - - (1,575)
-------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ----------
Operating profit 868 5,390 1,305
-------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ----------
Financial income 183 240 845
Financial expenses (911) (1,109) (2,134)
Share of profit in joint ventures (net
of tax) 944 689 2,135
-------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ----------
Profit before tax 1,084 5,210 2,151
Taxation 6 (26) (887) 2,119
-------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ----------
Profit for the period 1,058 4,323 4,270
-------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ----------
Other comprehensive (expense)/income
Items that will not be reclassified
to profit or loss
Remeasurements of defined benefit pension
plans - - (1,129)
Tax recognised on items that will not
be reclassified to profit or loss - - 283
Items that are or may be reclassified
subsequently to profit or loss
Foreign exchange translation differences (703) (678) 366
Effective portion of changes in fair
value of cash flow hedges 194 106 83
Equity adjustment relating to adoption
of IFRS 16 - (154) (161)
Tax recognised on items that are or
may be reclassified subsequently to
profit or loss (37) (18) (11)
-------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ----------
Other comprehensive expense for the
period, net of tax (546) (744) (569)
Total comprehensive income for the
period 512 3,579 3,701
-------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ----------
Profit/(loss) attributable to:
Equity holders of the company 1,085 4,358 4,315
Non-controlling interest (27) (35) (45)
-------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ----------
Profit for the period 1,058 4,323 4,270
-------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ----------
Total comprehensive income/(expense)
for the period attributable to:
Equity holders of the company 539 3,614 3,746
Non-controlling interest (27) (35) (45)
-------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ----------
Total comprehensive income for the
period 512 3,579 3,701
-------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ----------
GAAP measures
Basic earnings per share (pence) 8 3.36 13.56 13.40
Diluted earnings per share (pence) 8 3.26 13.26 13.11
Basic earnings per share from continuing
operations (pence) 8 3.36 13.56 13.40
Diluted earnings per share from continuing
operations (pence) 8 3.26 13.26 13.11
Non-GAAP measures (continuing)
Basic underlying earnings per share
(pence) 8 3.36 6.39 19.87
Diluted underlying earnings per share
(pence) 8 3.26 6.25 19.44
-------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ----------
* The comparative condensed consolidated statement of profit and
loss and other comprehensive income has been restated to increase
other operating income and administrative expenses by
GBP2,437,000.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
as at 30 November 2020
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
30 November 30 November 31 May
2020 2019 2020
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
---------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment 12,180 25,224 15,561
Right of use assets 14,932 17,275 15,845
Investment property 9,147 9,666 9,216
Intangible assets including goodwill 9,415 10,965 9,418
Investments in joint ventures 14,705 11,871 14,093
Deferred tax assets 8,074 5,299 8,332
---------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
68,453 80,300 72,465
---------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
Current assets
Other financial assets 33 10 65
Inventories 58,583 62,392 64,009
Trade and other receivables 78,462 92,656 71,316
Income tax asset 492 - 8
Contract assets 8,468 17,415 11,456
Cash and cash equivalents 4,820 15,493 18,499
---------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
150,858 187,966 165,353
---------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
Total assets 219,311 268,266 237,818
---------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
Non-current liabilities
Other Interest-bearing loans and
borrowings (9,423) (50,993) (9,437)
Retirement benefit obligations (2,890) (3,336) (3,768)
Provisions (526) (4,579) (1,679)
---------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
(12,839) (58,908) (14,884)
---------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
Current liabilities
Other Interest-bearing loans and
borrowings (16,220) (4,798) (37,186)
Trade and other payables (52,242) (72,251) (43,362)
Provisions (8,780) (1,711) (12,088)
Income tax liability - (736) -
Other financial liabilities (17) (165) (243)
---------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
(77,259) (79,661) (92,879)
---------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
Total liabilities (90,098) (138,569) (107,763)
---------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
Net assets 129,213 129,697 130,055
---------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (continued)
as at 30 November 2020
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
30 November 30 November 31 May
2020 2019 2020
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
--------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
Equity attributable to equity holders
of the parent
Share capital 3,314 3,314 3,314
Share premium 73,955 73,955 73,955
Other reserves 211 211 211
Translation reserve (1,029) (1,370) (326)
Merger reserve 1,022 1,022 1,022
Hedging reserve 331 190 174
Capital redemption reserve 1,530 1,530 1,530
Share-based payment reserve 1,561 1,226 1,462
Retained earnings 48,335 49,599 48,703
--------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
129,230 129,677 130,045
Non-controlling interest (17) 20 10
--------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
Total equity 129,213 129,697 130,055
--------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
for the six months ended 30 November 2019
Share-
Capital based Total
Share Share Translation Hedging Other redemption Merger payment Retained parent Non-controlling Total
capital premium reserve reserve reserves reserve reserve reserve earnings equity interest Equity*
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Balance at 1 June
2019 3,314 73,955 (692) 102 211 1,530 1,022 1,139 46,841 127,422 55 127,477
-------- -------- ------------ -------- --------- ----------- -------- -------- --------- -------- ---------------- --------
Total
comprehensive
income and expense
for the period
Profit/(loss) for
the period - - - - - - - - 4,358 4,358 (35) 4,323
Other
comprehensive
(expense)/income
Foreign exchange
translation
differences - - (678) - - - - - - (678) - (678)
Effective portion
of changes in
fair value of
cash flow hedges - - - 106 - - - - - 106 - 106
Equity adjustment
relating to
adoption of IFRS
16* - - - - - - - - (154) (154) - (154)
Tax recognised on
other
comprehensive
income - - - (18) - - - - - (18) - (18)
-------- -------- ------------ -------- --------- ----------- -------- -------- --------- -------- ---------------- --------
Total other
comprehensive
(expense)/income - - (678) 88 - - - - (154) (744) - (744)
-------- -------- ------------ -------- --------- ----------- -------- -------- --------- -------- ---------------- --------
Total
comprehensive
income and
expense for the
period - - (678) 88 - - - - 4,204 3,614 (35) 3,579
-------- -------- ------------ -------- --------- ----------- -------- -------- --------- -------- ---------------- --------
Transactions with
owners recorded
directly in equity
Equity settled
share-based
payment
transactions - - - - - - - 87 - 87 - 87
Dividends paid - - - - - - - - (1,446) (1,446) - (1,446)
Total
contributions by
and distributions
to owners - - - - - - - 87 (1,446) (1,359) - (1,359)
-------- -------- ------------ -------- --------- ----------- -------- -------- --------- -------- ---------------- --------
Balance at 30
November 2019 3,314 73,955 (1,370) 190 211 1,530 1,022 1,226 49,599 129,677 20 129,697
-------- -------- ------------ -------- --------- ----------- -------- -------- --------- -------- ---------------- --------
*The Group has adopted IFRS 16 starting 1 June 2019 using the
modified retrospective transition option which has resulted in an
impact of GBP154,000 on the Group's opening equity. Under this
option, the comparative information is not restated.
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
for the six months ended 30 November 2020
Share-
Capital based Total
Share Share Translation Hedging Other redemption Merger payment Retained parent Non-controlling Total
capital premium reserve reserve reserves reserve reserve reserve earnings equity interest Equity
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Balance at 1 June
2020 3,314 73,955 (326) 174 211 1,530 1,022 1,462 48,703 130,045 10 130,055
-------- -------- ------------ -------- --------- ----------- -------- -------- --------- -------- ---------------- --------
Total
comprehensive
income and
expense for the
period
Profit/(loss) for
the period - - - - - - - - 1,085 1,085 (27) 1,058
Other
comprehensive
(expense)/income
Foreign exchange
translation
differences - - (703) - - - - - - (703) - (703)
Effective portion
of changes in
fair value of
cash flow hedges - - - 194 - - - - - 194 - 194
Tax recognised on
other
comprehensive
income - - - (37) - - - - - (37) - (37)
-------- -------- ------------ -------- --------- ----------- -------- -------- --------- -------- ---------------- --------
Total other
comprehensive
(expense)/income - - (703) 157 - - - - - (546) - (546)
-------- -------- ------------ -------- --------- ----------- -------- -------- --------- -------- ---------------- --------
Total
comprehensive
income and
expense for the
period - - (703) 157 - - - - 1,085 539 (27) 512
-------- -------- ------------ -------- --------- ----------- -------- -------- --------- -------- ---------------- --------
Transactions with
owners recorded
directly in
equity
Equity settled
share-based
payment
transactions - - - - - - - 99 - 99 - 99
Dividends paid - - - - - - - - (1,453) (1,453) - (1,453)
Total
contributions by
and
distributions to
owners - - - - - - - 99 (1,453) (1,354) - (1,354)
-------- -------- ------------ -------- --------- ----------- -------- -------- --------- -------- ---------------- --------
Balance at 30
November 2020 3,314 73,955 (1,029) 331 211 1,530 1,022 1,561 48,335 129,230 (17) 129,213
-------- -------- ------------ -------- --------- ----------- -------- -------- --------- -------- ---------------- --------
Condensed Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
for the six months ended 30 November 2020
Unaudited Unaudited
six months six months Audited
ended ended year ended
30 November 30 November 31 May
2020 2019 2020
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
--------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ -----------
Cash flows from operating activities
Profit for the period from continuing
operations 1,058 4,323 4,270
Adjustments for:
Depreciation and impairment of property,
plant and equipment and right-of-use
assets 3,429 8,032 19,305
Amortisation and impairment of goodwill
and intangible assets - - 1,575
Net finance expense 728 869 1,289
Share of profit in joint ventures
(net of tax) (944) (689) (2,135)
Profit on sale of property, plant
and equipment, investment property
and right-of-use assets (988) (945) (2,851)
Equity settled share-based payment
expense 99 87 323
Income tax expense/(credit) 26 887 (2,119)
Contributions to defined benefit pension
schemes (879) (849) (1,858)
Translation of non-controlling interest - 18 -
--------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ -----------
2,529 11,733 17,799
Change in inventories 5,426 (14,352) (15,969)
Change in trade and other receivables (4,795) (17,128) 12,611
Change in trade and other payables 8,207 3,032 (22,863)
Change in provisions and employee
benefits (3,460) 244 2,740
--------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ -----------
7,907 (16,471) (5,682)
Interest paid (772) (546) (1,104)
Income tax (paid)/received (313) 183 (272)
--------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ -----------
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating
activities 6,822 (16,834) (7,058)
--------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ -----------
Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds from sale of property, plant
and equipment and investment property 4,084 4,182 12,172
Acquisition of property, plant and
equipment and investment property (541) (1,142) (3,052)
Net cash inflow from investing activities 3,543 3,040 9,120
--------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ -----------
Cash flows from financing activities
Principal elements of lease payments (3,593) (4,794) (8,769)
Dividends paid (1,453) (1,446) (1,446)
(Repayment) of/proceeds from Group
banking facilities (19,000) 14,000 5,000
--------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ -----------
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financing
activities (24,046) 7,760 (5,215)
--------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ -----------
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (13,681) (6,034) (3,153)
Cash and cash equivalents at the start
of the period 18,499 21,583 21,583
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations
on cash held 2 (56) 69
--------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ -----------
Cash and cash equivalents at the end
of the period 4,820 15,493 18,499
--------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ -----------
Notes to the CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED Interim FINANCIAL
INFORMATION
1. Basis of preparation
The condensed consolidated interim financial information set out
in this statement for the six months ended 30 November 2020 and the
comparative figures for the six months ended 30 November 2019 is
unaudited. This financial information does not constitute statutory
accounts as defined in Section 435 of the Companies Act 2006. It
does not comply with IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting', as is
permissible under the rules of the Alternative Investment
Market.
The condensed consolidated interim financial information, which
is neither audited nor reviewed, has been prepared in accordance
with the measurement and recognition criteria of adopted
International Financial Reporting Standards. This statement does
not include all the information required for the annual financial
statements and should be read in conjunction with the financial
statements of the Group as at and for the year ended 31 May
2020.
There are no new IFRS which apply to the condensed consolidated
interim financial information.
2. Accounting policies
The accounting policies applied in preparing the condensed
consolidated interim financial information are the same as those
applied in the preparation of the annual financial statements for
the year ended 31 May 2020, as described in those financial
statements.
The income statement for the comparative period has been
restated to increase both Other operating income and Administrative
expenses by GBP2,437,000 in connection with the Gain on disposal of
a subsidiary. There is no impact on previously reported Profit for
the period.
3. Status of financial information
The comparative figures for the financial year ended 31 May 2020
are not the Group's statutory consolidated financial statements for
that financial year. The statutory financial accounts for the
financial year ended 31 May 2020 have been reported on by the
company's auditor and delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The
report of the auditor was (i) unqualified, (ii) did not include a
reference to any matters to which the auditor drew attention by way
of emphasis without qualifying their report, and (iii) did not
contain a statement under section 498 (2) or (3) of the Companies
Act 2006.
4. Principal risks and uncertainties
The principal risks and uncertainties affecting the Group are
unchanged from those set out in the Group's accounts for the year
ended 31 May 2020. Following the recent sale of speciality coal to
HRMS which took place after the period end, the bank debt of the
Group has been eliminated. The Group's current banking facility
expires on 31 July 2021 and is no longer appropriate for the
activities of the Group given the disposal of coal stocks. The
Directors have reviewed financial forecasts, including severe yet
plausible impacts from COVID-19 and are satisfied that the Group
has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the
foreseeable future. The Board is in discussion with banks in
relation to the provision of future facilities and is confident
that these will be established in the next few months. Accordingly,
the Group continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing
the condensed consolidated interim financial information .
5. Exceptional items
Six months Six months
ended ended Year ended
30 November 30 November 31 May
2020 2019 2020
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ------------ ----------
Exceptional items in Revenue
Reduction in value of legacy contracts in C.A.
Blackwell (Contracts) Limited - - (933)
------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ------------ ----------
Total exceptional items in Revenue - - (933)
------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ------------ ----------
Exceptional items in Cost of Sales
Losses on legacy contracts in C.A. Blackwell
(Contracts) Limited - - (487)
Cessation of coal mining activities - - (4,108)
Movement in provision in respect of the insolvency
of British Steel - - 1,408
Total exceptional items in Cost of Sales - - (3,187)
------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ------------ ----------
Exceptional items in Other Operating income
Gain on disposal of Drakelands Restoration Limited - 2,437 2,437
------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ------------ ----------
Total exceptional items in Other Operating income - 2,437 2,437
------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ------------ ----------
Exceptional items in Administrative expenses
Profit due to insolvency of British Steel - 406 -
Net amounts recovered from C.A. Blackwell (Contracts)
Limited breach of warranty claim - - -
------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ------------ ----------
Total exceptional items in Administrative expenses - 406 -
------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ------------ ----------
Total - 2,843 (1,683)
------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ------------ ----------
There are no exceptional items in the period to 30 November
2020.
In the year ended 31 May 2020 following the decision to cease
all coal mining operations the Group incurred an exceptional charge
of GBP4,108,000, reflecting employment related liabilities of
GBP1,421,000, associated asset write-downs of GBP1,746,000 and
restoration liabilities of GBP941,000.
On 29 November 2019, the Group disposed of 100% of the share
capital of Drakelands Restoration Limited ("Drakelands") for
proceeds of GBP2,800,000. Associated disposal costs were
GBP363,000, Drakelands net assets at the date of disposal were
GBPnil.
Following the acquisition of British Steel in the year ended 31
May 2020 by Jingye Group, there was no longer any need for the
remaining employment related provision to be retained, and at 31
May 2020 this was released reversing the exceptional charge from
the prior year.
In the year ended 31 May 2020 further losses were recognised on
the legacy contracts within C.A. Blackwell (Contracts) Limited
resulting in a reversal of previously recognised revenue of
GBP933,000 and further costs of GBP487,000.
6. Taxation
Income tax for the period is charged at 19% (2019: 19%). The
effective tax rate, after removing the impact of jointly controlled
entities is 18.6% (2019: 19.6%), representing an estimate of the
annual effective rate for the full year to 31 May 2021.
7. Dividends
The final dividend of 4.5 pence per ordinary share, proposed in
the 2020 annual accounts and approved by the shareholders at the
Annual General Meeting on 28 October 2020, was paid on 30 October
2020. The directors have proposed an interim dividend of 2.7 pence
per share (2019: Nil) which will be paid on 6 April 2021 to
shareholders on the register at the close of business on 26
February 2021. This will be paid out of the Company's available
distributable reserves. In accordance with IAS 1, dividends are
recorded only when paid and are shown as a movement in equity
rather than as a charge in the income statement.
8. Earnings per share
Six months ended Six months ended Year ended 31 May
30 November 2020 30 November 2019 2020
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Earnings EPS DEPS Earnings EPS DEPS Earnings EPS DEPS
GBP000 Pence Pence GBP000 Pence Pence GBP000 Pence Pence
Underlying
earnings
per share from
continuing
operations 1,085 3.36 3.26 2,055 6.39 6.25 6,399 19.87 19.44
Exceptional items
and amortisation
(net of tax) - - - 2,303 7.17 7.01 (2,084) (6.47) (6.33)
------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Basic earnings
per share 1,085 3.36 3.26 4,358 13.56 13.26 4,315 13.40 13.11
Weighted average
number of shares 32,282 33,240 32,137 32,862 32,199 32,913
------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
The calculation of diluted earnings per share is based on the
profit for the period attributable to equity holders of the Company
and on the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue in
the period adjusted for the dilutive effect of the share options
outstanding. The effect on the weighted average number of shares is
958,000 (2019: 725,000), the effect on continuing basic earnings
per ordinary share is 0.10p (2019: 0.30p).
9. Segmental information
Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the
internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision-maker.
The chief operating decision-maker has been identified as the Board
of Directors since they are responsible for strategic
decisions.
Distribution Hargreaves
& Services Land Unallocated HSEL Total
Unaudited Unaudited Unaudited Unaudited Unaudited
30 November 30 November 30 November 30 November 30 November
2020 2020 2020 2020 2020
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
------------------------- --------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Revenue
Total revenue 90,180 2,109 - - 92,289
Intra-segment revenue (248) - - - (248)
------------------------- --------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Revenue from external
customers 89,932 2,109 - - 92,041
------------------------- --------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Operating profit/(loss) 2,770 (3) (1,899) - 868
Share of profit
in joint ventures
(net of tax) - - - 944 944
Net financing costs (707) (101) 80 - (728)
Profit/(loss) before
tax 2,063 (104) (1,819) 944 1,084
------------------------- --------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Distribution Hargreaves
& Services Land Unallocated HSEL Total
Unaudited Unaudited Unaudited Unaudited Unaudited
30 November 30 November 30 November 30 November 30 November
2019 2019 2019 2019 2019
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
------------------------- --------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Revenue
Total revenue 121,000 3,700 - - 124,700
Intra-segment revenue (49) - - - (49)
------------------------- --------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Revenue from external
customers 120,951 3,700 - - 124,651
------------------------- --------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Operating profit/(loss)
(before exceptional
items) 4,405 201 (2,059) - 2,547
Share of profit
in joint ventures
(net of tax) - - - 689 689
Net financing costs (804) (101) 36 - (869)
Exceptional items 406 - 2,437 - 2,843
------------------------- --------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Profit before tax 4,007 100 414 689 5,210
------------------------- --------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
10. Condensed consolidated interim financial information
The condensed consolidated interim financial information was
approved by the Board of Directors on 27 January 2021. Copies of
this interim statement will be sent to all shareholders and will be
available to the public from the Group's registered office.
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END
IR VQLFLFFLXBBQ
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