TIDMMLVN
RNS Number : 6566A
Malvern International PLC
13 September 2018
Malvern International PLC
("Malvern", the "Company" or the "Group")
Interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2018
Malvern International plc (AIM: MLVN), the global learning and
skills development partner, is pleased to announce its interim
results for the six months ended 30 June 2018.
Key Points include:
-- Revenues of GBP2.61m (2017: GBP1.65m) with strong second half
expected due to natural seasonality of the business
-- Considerable progress across the Group in ensuring quality
standards and improving operational efficiencies
-- Operating loss of GBP0.22m (2017: operating loss of GBP0.36m)
-- Loss before tax of GBP0.371m including an impairment charge
of GBP75,000 (2017: loss of GBP0.395m with a net nil impairment
charge)
-- Loss per share on continuing activities of 0.29p (2017:
0.39p) - weighted average number of shares in issue during the
period 125,763,888 (2017: 102,233,393)
-- Conversion of GBP540,000 of loan notes
-- Current assets of GBP5.148 million (2017: GBP1.779 million)
-- Net cash at 30 June 2018 saw a significant increase to GBP3.11m (2017: GBP0.47m)
-- London has continued to show an improved performance
delivering revenues of GBP1m (2017: GBP770,000) and a small
operating profit of GBP93,000 compared to an operating loss last
year of GBP15,000
-- The trading performance in Singapore has seen positive
improvement for the first half of 2018 with revenues of close to
GBP1m (2017: GBP109,000) driven by the recently acquired SAA Global
Education Centre Pte Ltd
-- Revenue in Malaysia, while approximately 30% lower than the
first half of last year, is showing signs of stabilisation
following the implementation of improvement plans and further
development of new programmes and enrolment. The Company expects
Malaysia to be consistent half on half until the year end
-- In June 2018, the Company completed an oversubscribed placing
of 100,000,000 new ordinary shares at a price of 4 pence per share
raising GBP4 million before expenses
-- The purchase of Communicate English School Limited was
completed on 2 July 2018 for a consideration of GBP2,340,000 and
satisfied by cash consideration of GBP1,650,000 and a share
consideration of GBP690,000, through the issue of 13,800,000
ordinary shares at 5 pence each
The total number of Ordinary Shares of the Company in issue as
at 4 July 2018 was 238,788,333 (31 December 2017: 114,188,333).
Commenting on the results and prospects, Gopinath Pillai,
Chairman, said:
"The first half of 2018 has been notable in the history of our
Group given the discernible operational improvements in Group
performance, the oversubscribed fundraising and the successful
acquisition of Communicate English School in Manchester which is a
good fit to our UK operations. These events and the existing
bookings for our traditionally stronger second half, due to the
seasonal nature of our business, leave Malvern in a strong position
entering the second half of the year.
"Private education is a volatile and competitive business.
However, we have several positive factors which enable us to meet
the challenges. Firstly, we operate in multiple geographies which
provide opportunities to leverage on each other. Being in London
and Singapore we are, from the branding point of view, in two prime
locations. Secondly, we have a proactive management which we are
strengthening further. Thirdly, our strategy for growth is both
organic and through acquisitions and companies we acquire, we
insist, must have managements that share our vision and want to
stay with us.
"Malvern is totally focused on consistently delivering high
quality training in ways that work best for today's students. We
are confident in our growth strategy and already seeing the
benefits of our belief in the importance of the combination of
quality products and accessibility for students."
This announcement contains information which, prior to its
disclosure by this announcement, was inside information for the
purposes of the Market Abuse Regulation
Enquiries:
Malvern International PLC www.malverninternational.com
Dr. Sam Malafeh - CEO Via Walbrook PR
Navin Khattar - Non-Executive
Director
WH Ireland Limited (NOMAD) Nominated Adviser & Broker
Mike Coe +44 (0) 117 945 3470
Walbrook PR
Tom Cooper / Paul McManus +44 (0) 20 7933 8780
+44 (0) 797 122 1972
tom.cooper@walbrookpr.com
Notes to Editors:
Malvern International is a global learning and skills
development partner preparing students and learners to meet the
demands of a professional life. Courses are delivered on sites in
London, Manchester, Singapore, and Malaysia; with the option of
studying across multiple campus' over the duration of the same
course; and online through the Malvern Online Academy.
Courses include:
-- Certificate, Diploma and pre-University programs;
-- University degree and post-graduate programs;
-- Courses for professional examinations e.g. ACCA;
-- Tuition services for secondary school students and English language teaching.
Established in the 1980's and admitted to AIM in 2004, Malvern
employs approximately 250 people and delivers a wide range of
courses. Malvern's growth strategy is driven by organic growth
initiatives complemented by strategic acquisitions. For further
investor information go to www.malverninternational.com
www.walbrookpr.com/malvern
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
Operational Review
During the first half of 2018, Malvern continued to deliver on
its stated strategy to provide a unique service experience in
quality education. This strategy started with rebuilding and
strengthening the Group's administration while improving the
systems linked to the quality of the product. These improvements
have been recognised by the local authorities who have acknowledged
significant progress in both existing and acquired businesses,
notably in Singapore and Malaysia.
Malvern progressed its plans to diversify its offering through
the development of new products, establishing new partnerships and
acquiring an existing profitable business which completed after the
period end. The addition of the Malvern Online Academy sets the
platform to begin the virtual journey. The approval of University
of East London's foundation offering came as a significant
development to the Group, which established a new university
foundation division.
SAA Global Education, acquired in November 2017, continued its
progress under the new management. The business has shown a
successful turnaround within a six month period, with a significant
reduction in its losses to reach a level close to break even. The
business also started contributing to the Group more broadly
through its educational programmes and connections. The success of
this acquisition is a strong sign of Malvern's ability to
strategically add complementary businesses to its operation. The
acquisition strategy has been further demonstrated in the second
half of 2018 through the addition of Communicate School of English
in Manchester ('Communicate') to broaden the UK footprint and
expand the cross-selling opportunities for the Group. Integration
of Communicate has progressed well since its acquisition.
In marketing and sales, Malvern continued to develop both market
penetration and development strategies. The bookings continued
growing in the existing markets and the results are shown in the
improved numbers from London and Singapore. Malvern also continued
growing its reach to both local and new international markets and
started receiving initial bookings from new markets including
Middle East and some new Asian markets. The current bookings
indicate further growth in the second half of 2018.
A brief review of the operations of UK, Singapore and Malaysia
is given below:
United Kingdom
-- London has continued to show an improved performance,
delivering revenues of GBP1 million and a small profit. It is
anticipated that revenue will strengthen in the coming years with
the addition of foundation programmes for the University of East
London. For the period to 30 June 2018, revenue was GBP1.08m (H1
2017: GBP770,000) with EBITDA profit of GBP93,000 (H1 2017: EBITDA
loss of GBP15,000).
-- A new school, Communicate English School Limited based in
Manchester, was acquired on 2 July 2018. This school has a history
of being a profitable operation with a particular focus on the
Middle East market. This has given the Group immediate access to
the Middle East Market with the resulting opportunities to
cross-sell other Group products.
South East Asia
-- Singapore's operational results for the first half of 2018
were positive with revenues of close to GBP1m (H1 2017: GBP74,000)
driven by the recently acquired SAA Global Education which was
acquired in 2017 and has integrated well into the Group. Singapore
reported an EBITDA loss of GBP122,000 (H1 2017: EBITDA loss of
GBP4,000).
-- Malaysia continued with its rebuilding strategy and has
substantially increased its international marketing efforts.
Revenue reported in Malaysia dropped from GBP807,000 as reported
for the period to 30 June 2017 to GBP561,000 for the period to 30
June 2018. The EBITDA loss was GBP147,000 (H1 2017: EBITDA loss of
GBP113,000). Malaysia is expected to continue trading at the same
level in the second half but the Company believes that it has taken
steps to right-size the Malaysian operations and expects to see the
benefits in 2019.
Financial Results
Group performance, apart from in Malaysia, has been in line with
management's expectations with revenues from continuing operations
being 58% better than the equivalent period in 2017. The Group's
revenue from continuing activities for the first six months of 2018
increased to GBP2.61m from the GBP1.65m reported from the first
half of 2017 due to the acquisition of SAA Global Education and the
expansion of courses offered and further marketing efforts.
The effort in improving the operations resulted in reduction of
the EBITDA loss from GBP0.36 in the first half of 2017 to an EBITDA
loss of GBP0.22m for the first half of 2018.
Alternative Performance Six Six Twelve
Measure EBITDA months months months
to to to
30 June 30 June 31 December
2018 2017 2017
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
(Loss) / profit
for the period /
year (371) (395) (701)
Finance costs (18) (1) (15)
Depreciation & amortisation (61) (34) (71)
Impairment of intangible
assets (75) (75) (150)
Impairment reversal - 75 150
Income tax credit
/ (charge) - - 5
--------------------- --------------------- -------------
EBITDA (217) (360) (620)
----------------------------- --------------------- --------------------- -------------
The period is notable for its successful fundraising and
acquisition of Communicate English School Limited in Manchester,
which will contribute to the second half and also provide
operational synergies to the Group and enhance efficiency. This
strategic acquisition broadens Malvern's footprint in UK and is
highly complementary to the Group's offering in London.
The basic and diluted loss per share on the continuing business
was 0.29p. (2017: 0.39p) - Calculated at the weighted average
number of shares in issue during the period at 125,763,888 (2017:
102,233,393).
Net cash at the end of the period saw a significant increase to
GBP3.11m (2017: GBP0.47m).
During the period, the Company converted GBP540,000 of the
convertible loan notes held by KSP Investment Pte Limited ("KSP")
into 10,800,000 new ordinary shares. The convertible loan notes
that remain outstanding amount to GBP231,898.
The level of prepayments as at 30 June 2018 have increased in
comparison to both 31 December 2017 and 30 June 2017, in part due
to a deposit GBP475k paid in respect of accommodation for a summer
camp post period end and GBP27k in respect of the acquisition
arising post period end (note 7).
Board and senior management changes
During the period Sabin Joshi stood down as a Non-Executive
Director. I am pleased to announce that Mr Nirvana Chaudhary, who
is Chief Executive Officer of the CG Corp Group, is joining the
Board as a Non-Executive Director with immediate effect.
During the period Bharat Guha was appointed as Group Chief
Financial Officer. Bharat, a New Zealand trained Chartered
Accountant, brings with him substantial industry expertise having
held senior positions with various tertiary educational
institutions.
The Group continues to benefit from a proactive management team
at Group and operating subsidiary level, with a prime example being
the Chairman of our London operating company who provides much
hands-on assistance and guidance.
Outlook
Going into the second half of the year, the existing bookings
indicate a positive expected performance during the second half of
2018, which reflects the historical weighting due to the
seasonality of the business. Although the Malaysian business has
underperformed in the first half relative to our expectation, we
have taken some corrective cost actions that will help mitigate for
the year as a whole. The prospects for Malaysia are still
considered to be significant. In addition, given the strength of
the balance sheet, our investment in sales and marketing is
expected to increase moderately into the second half of the
financial year, relative to the first, as we seek to capitalise on
buoyant markets in our operating territories. Deferred income,
which will be recognised as revenue during the second half as the
service is delivered, is significantly higher at GBP1.187 million
than the equivalent period in 2017 (H1 2017: GBP307,000).
As Malvern continues to grow, we will ensure suitable attention
is paid to continually improving operational efficiency and
corporate governance across the Group.
The Board is encouraged by the progress in the first half of the
year and is confident of making further significant progress in the
remainder of the year. I would express my thanks to the management
and staff of the Group for their hard work, and to my fellow
directors for their unflinching support and guidance. I would also
like to welcome our new shareholders and thank all shareholders for
their support of Malvern.
Gopinath Pillai
Chairman
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
FOR THE SIX MONTHSED 30 JUNE 2018
Six Six Twelve months
months to months to to
30 June 30 June 31 December
2018 2017 2017
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Revenues
Sales of services and other
revenue 2,607 1,652 4,079
Cost of services sold & operating
expenses (2,824) (2,012) (4,699)
Operating (loss) / profit (217) (360) (620)
Finance costs (18) (1) (15)
Depreciation & amortisation (61) (34) (71)
Impairment of intangible assets (75) - -
(Loss) / profit before taxation (371) (395) (706)
Income tax credit / (charge) - - 5
(Loss) / profit for the period
/ year from continuing activities
(All activities are continuing
activities) (371) (395) (701)
(Loss) / profit for the period
/ year (371) (395) (701)
--------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------
(Loss) / profit attributable
to equity holders (371) (395) (701)
--------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------
(Loss) / earnings per share on total activities (All activities
are continuing activities)
Pence Pence Pence
Basic * (0.29) (0.39) (0.66)
Diluted * (0.29) (0.39) (0.66)
* Calculated at the weighted average number of shares in issue
during the period at 125,763,888 (2017: 102,233,393).
UNAUDITED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS AT 30 JUNE 2018
As at As at 30 June As at 31 December
30 June 2018 2017 2017
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Total Assets
Non-current
assets
Property,
plant &
equipment 274 183 246
Intangible
assets,
development
expenditure
& goodwill 2,880 2,146 2,858
------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
3,154 2,329 3,104
Current
assets
Inventory - 3 6
Debtors 1,154 1,286 946
Prepayments 888 130 401
Cash at bank
and in hand 3,106 360 480
------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
5,148 1,779 1,833
Total Assets 8,302 4,108 4,937
------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
Equity &
Liabilities
Non-current
liabilities
Finance
lease 23 23 21
Finance term
loan 129 - 159
Finance
convertible
loan 496 - 995
------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
648 23 1,175
Current
liabilities
Payables due
within one
year 1,431 2,396 1,892
Deferred
Income 1,187 307 669
------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
2,618 2,703 2,561
Total
Liabilities 3,266 2,726 3,736
Equity attributable to equity holders of the Company
Share
capital 9,027 7,538 7,919
Share
premium 4,012 896 896
Reserves (8,003) (7,052) (7,614)
------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
5,036 1,382 1,201
Total Equity
and
Liabilities 8,302 4,108 4,937
------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE SIX MONTHSED 30 JUNE 2018
Attributable
to Equity
Convertible Total Holders
Share Share Retained Translation Capital Loan Other of the
Capital Premium Earnings Reserve Reserve Reserve Reserves Company
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Balance at 1
January
2018 7,919 896 (8,629) 739 171 104 (7,615) 1,200
(Loss) for the
period - - (371) - - - (371) (371)
Total other
comprehensive
income - - - 23 - - 23 23
Total
comprehensive
income for
the period - - (371) 23 - - (348) (348)
New Shares
from
Placement 1,000 3,000 - - - - - 4,000
Costs in
relation
to new shares
from
placement (316) (316)
New Shares
from
Convertible
Loan
Note 108 432 - - - - - 540
Convertible
Loan
Reserve - - - - - (40) (40) (40)
Total
transaction
with owners 1,108 3,116 - - - (40) (40) 4,184
Balance at 30
June
2018 9,027 4,012 (9,000) 762 171 64 (8,003) 5,036
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE SIX MONTHSED 30 JUNE 2018
Six Six Twelve
months months months
to to to
30 June 30 June 31 December
2018 2017 2017
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Cash flows from operating activities
(Loss) / profit before income tax from
continuing activities (371) (395) (707)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation & amortisation 61 34 225
Impairment of intangible assets 75 - (150)
Interest paid 18 (1) 15
---------- ---------- -------------
(217) (362) (617)
Changes in working capital
(Increase) / decrease in debtors & prepayments (695) (203) (7)
Increase / (decrease) in creditors 213 359 (348)
(Increase) / decrease in inventories 6 - (3)
Increase / (decrease) in related parties (163) 124 1,174
---------- ---------- -------------
Cash flows from operating activities (856) (82) 199
Taxation
Taxes recovered / (paid) - (39) -
---------- ---------- -------------
Net cash used in operating activities (856) (121) 199
---------- ---------- -------------
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (76) (29) (29)
Purchase of intangible fixed assets &
acquisition cost (90) - (83)
---------- ---------- -------------
Net cash used in investing activities (166) (29) (112)
---------- ---------- -------------
Cash flows from financing activities
(Decrease) / increase in finance lease
liabilities (2) (2) (4)
Interest Paid (18) 1 (15)
New Share Issue 4,000 440 250
Costs in relation to new shares from placement (316) - -
Repayment of term loan (30) - 186
---------- ---------- -------------
Net cash used in financing activities 3,634 439 417
---------- ---------- -------------
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes
on consolidation 23 (46) (150)
---------- ---------- -------------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 2,635 243 354
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
of period / year 471 117 117
---------- ---------- -------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
/ year 3,106 360 471
---------- ---------- -------------
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR THE SIX
MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2018
1. General information
Malvern International plc (the "Company") is a public limited
liability company incorporated in England and Wales on 8 July 2004.
The Company was admitted to AIM on 10 December 2004. Its registered
office is Witan Gate House, 500-600 Witan Gate West, Milton Keynes
MK9 1SH and its principal place of business is in Singapore. The
registration number of the Company is 05174452.
The principal activities of the Company are that of investment
holding and provision of educational consultancy services. The
principal activity of the group is to provide an educational
offering that is broad and geared principally towards preparing
students to meet the demands of business and management. There have
been no significant changes in the nature of these activities
during the period
2. Significant accounting policies
Basis of preparation
The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those of the
previous financial year.
This interim consolidated financial information for the six
months ended 30 June 2018 has been prepared in accordance with IAS
34, 'Interim financial reporting'. This interim consolidated
financial information is unaudited and is not the Group's statutory
financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the
annual financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2017,
which have been prepared in accordance with International Financial
Reporting Standards (IFRS) and have been delivered to the Registrar
of Companies. The auditors have reported on those accounts; their
report was unqualified, but did include, without qualifying their
report, references to which the auditors drew attention by way of
emphasis of matter in respect of the preparation of the financial
statements on a going concern basis.
The interim consolidated financial information for the six
months ended 30 June 2018 is unaudited. In the opinion of the
Directors, the interim consolidated financial information presents
fairly the financial position, and results from operations and cash
flows for the period. Comparative numbers for the six months ended
30 June 2017 are unaudited.
This interim consolidated financial information is presented in
GBP sterling, rounded to the nearest thousand.
Adoption of new and revised International Financial Reporting
Standards
IFRS 9 (Financial Instruments) and IFRS 15 (Revenue from
Contracts with Customers) amendments/interpretations became
effective in the six months to 30 June 2017. The
amendments/interpretations of these two standards have no material
effect on this interim consolidated financial information. The
amendments to IFRS 16 (Leases) will come into effect on 1 January
2019. The Company has chosen not to implement an early adoption of
IFRS 16.
3. Impairment
Impairment of intangible assets have been undertaken for the
first six months. The Company will undertake an extensive review of
the impairment charge during the second half of the year. No
impairment was made in 2017.
4. Dividend
No interim dividend for this financial year is proposed.
5. (Loss)/ earnings per share
The basic (loss)/earnings per share is calculated by dividing
the (loss)/profit attributable to ordinary shareholders by the
weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the
relevant period. The weighted average number of shares in issue
during the period was 125,763,888 (2017: 102,233,393).
The diluted (loss)/earnings per share is calculated by dividing
the (loss)/profit attributable to ordinary shareholders by the
weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the
relevant period diluted for the effect of share options and
warrants in existence at the relevant period. The weighted average
number of shares in issue diluted for the effect of share options
and warrants in existence during the period was 125,763,888 (2017:
102,233,393).
6. Share capital
On 11 June 2018, the Company announced that it has duly passed
resolutions approving the sub-division of existing share capital
and the issue of 10,800,000 new ordinary shares pursuant to a
placing.
Pursuant to the sub-division each then existing ordinary share
of 5 pence was sub-divided into one new ordinary share of pence and
4 deferred shares of 1 pence each. The percentage and number of new
ordinary shares held by each shareholder immediately following the
sub-division was the same as the percentage and number of existing
ordinary shares held by them immediately prior to the
sub-division.
The Company also announced on 11 June 2018 that a placing of
100,000,000 new ordinary shares at a price of 4 pence per share to
raise gross proceeds of GBP4 million had been approved.
On 13 June 2018, the Company agreed to a Loan Note Conversion of
GBP540,000 to 10,800,000 new ordinary shares at 5 pence per
share.
As at 30 June 2018, the total number of Ordinary Shares held in
the Company was 224,988,333 (previously 30 June 2017:
102,233,393).
7. Subsequent events
On 2 July 2018, the Company announced that its acquisition of
Communicate English School Limited was completed in accordance with
the terms of the Acquisition Agreement. The details of this
acquisition were set out in a circular to shareholders dated 17 May
2018.
The acquisition was for a total consideration of GBP2,340,000.
This was made up by a cash consideration of GBP1,650,000 and a
share consideration of GBP690,000 being 13,800,000 ordinary shares
at 5 pence each.
The fair value of assets and liabilities acquired together with
the consideration provided can be summarised as follows:
Fair value of assets and liabilities
acquired:
Property, plant & equipment GBP125,924
Trade and other receivables GBP101,986
Deferred income (GBP307,944)
Trade and other payables (GBP74,636)
Provisions (GBP23,902)
Cash at bank GBP262,757
-------------
Net assets acquired GBP84,185
Consideration / purchase price GBP2,340,000
-------------
Initial Estimated Goodwill arising GBP2,255,815
on Acquisition*
-------------
*The Company will be engaging an external consultant to
determine the Purchase Price Allocation for the acquisition of
Communicate English School Limited.
As at 30 June 2018 costs in relation to the acquisition
totalling GBP343k had been incurred which are included within
prepayments
Following the issue of consideration shares pursuant to the
acquisition of Communicate English Schools Limited, the total
number of Ordinary Shares held by the Company as at 4 July 2018 was
238,788,333 (31 December 2017: 114,188,333)
There are no further subsequent events to report.
This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the
London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct
Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United
Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution
of this information may apply. For further information, please
contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.
END
IR LIFIEAAIVLIT
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
September 13, 2018 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)
Malvern (LSE:MLVN)
Historical Stock Chart
From Apr 2024 to May 2024
Malvern (LSE:MLVN)
Historical Stock Chart
From May 2023 to May 2024