TIDMWIL

RNS Number : 3486Q

Wilmington PLC

20 February 2023

20 February 2023

Wilmington plc

Double digit profits growth - dividend up 13%

Wilmington plc, (LSE: WIL, 'Wilmington' or 'the Group') the provider of data, information, education and training services in the global Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) markets, today announces its half year results for the six months ended 31 December 2022 (H1 FY23).

Financial performance

 
                        H1 FY23    H1 FY22    Change 
 Continuing results 
  [1] 
                       ---------  ---------  ------- 
 Revenue                GBP56.0m   GBP52.4m     7% 
                       ---------  ---------  ------- 
 Adjusted PBT [2]       GBP8.9m    GBP7.8m     14% 
                       ---------  ---------  ------- 
 Adjusted basic EPS 
  [3]                    7.92p      7.02p      13% 
                       ---------  ---------  ------- 
 Interim dividend        2.70p      2.40p      13% 
                       ---------  ---------  ------- 
 
 Statutory results 
                       ---------  --------- 
 Revenue                GBP57.4m   GBP58.9m 
                       ---------  --------- 
 PBT incl. disposals    GBP10.0m   GBP24.6m 
                       ---------  --------- 
 Basic EPS               9.40p      26.14p 
                       ---------  --------- 
 Adjusted basic EPS      8.11p      8.60p 
                       ---------  --------- 
 

Highlights

-- Continuing revenue growth 7% and organic revenue growth 4% excluding currency gains - driven by strong performance in Training & Education

-- Recurring revenue up 5% underpinned by strong retention rates

-- Repeat revenues, including recurring revenues of 42%, now 79% of revenues (69% in FY22).

   --      Continuing adjusted profit before tax of GBP8.9m up 14% 
   --      Strategic disposal of Inese in December 2022 

-- Robust balance sheet - net cash [4] at 31 December 2022 of GBP22.9m (31 Dec 21: GBP11.0m; 30 Jun 22: GBP20.5m)

   --      Significant progress made in establishing single technology platforms for both divisions 

Mark Milner, Chief Executive Officer, commented:

"We continue to deliver our strategy to drive solid organic revenue growth and profits as well as strong cash conversion. We maintain focus on actively managing our portfolio and will only consider acquisition opportunities which provide attractive return on investment.

"We have made good progress with our endeavours to develop single platforms for our Intelligence and Training & Education divisions, simplifying our technology and enhancing our products and services.

"Trading in the current financial year continues to be in line with expectations. Whilst we are mindful of current economic uncertainties, we have a strong contracted order book which underpins our confidence for the second half."

The information contained within this announcement is deemed to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014. Upon the publication of this announcement this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain.

 
 For further information, contact: 
 
  Wilmington plc 
  Mark Milner, Chief Executive Officer      020 7422 6800 
  Guy Millward, Chief Financial 
  Officer 
 
  Meare Consulting 
  Adrian Duffield                            07990 858548 
 

Notes to Editors

Wilmington plc is the recognised knowledge leader and partner of choice for data, information, education and training in the global Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) markets. Wilmington employs close to 1,000 people and sells to around 120 countries. Wilmington is listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange.

Overview

We have continued to deliver solid organic revenue growth and double-digit profit improvement whilst also investing in our portfolio of businesses and divisional infrastructure. Demand has been particularly strong in our Training and Education division and in Financial Services within our Intelligence division.

Continuing revenue was up 7% at GBP56.0m with organic revenue growth of 4%, after removing the impact of currency movements. Reported revenue including business sold over the last 18 months was GBP57.4m (H1 FY22: GBP58.9m).

Recurring revenues grew 5% with strong retention rates continuing. Recurring revenues represent 42% of total ongoing revenues (42% in H1 FY22). Repeat revenues, including the recurring revenues, from existing customers made up 79% of our revenues in H1 FY23 (69% in FY22).

With further margin improvements, continuing adjusted profit before tax was up 14% to GBP8.9m (H1 FY22: GBP7.8m) and continuing adjusted basic earnings per share by 13% to 7.92p (H1 FY22: 7.02p).

Operating cash conversion remained strong at 121%, with net cash excluding lease liabilities of GBP22.9m (30 June 2022: GBP20.5m).

The Group's Spanish business, Inese, as planned was sold in December 2022 for GBP2.6m. The proceeds were received in January 2023.

The interim dividend is being increased by 13% to 2.70p (H1 FY22: 2.40p), in line with continuing profits.

Strategic and operational progress

Our strategy is to grow revenues and profits organically in the large, growing and rapidly evolving GRC and Regulatory Compliance markets by investing in our business and actively managing our portfolio of brands.

Our largest investment focus is on establishing single technology platforms for each division. This supports our digital-first approach and will enable the Group to grow more efficiently organically and by acquisition and help to deliver operating leverage over time.

In the Training & Education division, we have established the Digital Learning Platform and are moving to version 2.0, which will improve our 'back office' technologies. In the Intelligence division, we have begun to establish a single data platform for all our lines of business, based around Snowflake(R) technology and expect this project to roll out over the next two years.

We remain focussed on actively managing our portfolio by assessing the potential of each business to exhibit the six common Wilmington characteristics that we recognise as key drivers of organic revenue growth and profitability improvement.

We intend to use our cash resources and our bank facility to acquire suitable GRC businesses to enhance and widen the Group's capabilities and rate of profitable growth. We have not made any acquisitions to date as we continue to find the prices being paid for good businesses are too high to deliver good returns. We will continue to apply high levels of scrutiny in respect of target identification and multiples paid.

We are clear in our ambition but equally clear in the characteristics we will seek in any business we look to acquire. The ability to drive long term value for Wilmington shareholders will always be a key priority.

Current trading and outlook

Trading in the current financial year continues to be in line with expectations. Whilst we are mindful of current economic uncertainties, we have a strong contracted order book which underpins our confidence for the second half.

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)

We continue to invest in our priority ESG initiatives, as our responsible business strategy underpins the delivery of our broader strategic objectives. In H1 we reported a 10% reduction in our gender pay gap since last year and have continued to develop our network of internal communities that support diversity within our workforce.

We ran our second digital accessibility awareness campaign and continue to conduct product audits and improvement initiatives as we strive to reach our long-term goal to meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards across our digital portfolio.

In H1 we published our carbon reduction plan, and our updated response to Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) is an integral component of our upcoming strategic planning cycle.

Divisional review

Training & Education

 
                         H1 FY23   H1 FY22    Absolute     Organic 
                           GBP'm     GBP'm    Variance    Variance 
----------------------  --------  --------  ----------  ---------- 
 Revenue 
 Global                     11.8      11.4          3%          1% 
 UK & Ireland               11.9      10.9          9%          9% 
 North America               4.9       2.6         87%         59% 
----------------------  --------  --------  ----------  ---------- 
 Continuing revenue         28.6      24.9         15%         11% 
----------------------  --------  --------  ----------  ---------- 
 Continuing operating 
  profit                     6.2       5.6         12%          7% 
 Margin                      22%       22% 
----------------------  --------  --------  ----------  ---------- 
 
 Statutory revenue          28.6      29.8        (4%) 
 Statutory operating 
  profit                     6.2       7.1       (12%) 
----------------------  --------  --------  ----------  ---------- 
 

Continuing revenues grew 11% organically. This was led by a strong performance in North America where growth in events, particularly delegate attendance and the running of four new ones, boosted revenues by 59%. Growth excluding events was 6%.

UK and Ireland also had a strong result with both Mercia and Legal seeing substantial growth due to increased customer demand. In Global, strong growth in the UK and Malaysia was offset by challenging market conditions in Singapore.

Organic operating profit increased by 7% as a result of organic revenue growth and effective cost control. H1 FY23 operating profit increased by 12%, excluding GBP1.5m of H1 FY22 operating profit from discontinued businesses.

We expect margins to move ahead of FY22 levels in H2 FY23 due to the second half weighting of revenues.

Intelligence

 
                         H1 FY23   H1 FY22    Absolute     Organic 
                           GBP'm     GBP'm    Variance    Variance 
----------------------  --------  --------  ----------  ---------- 
 Revenue 
 Healthcare                 15.1      15.8        (5%)        (5%) 
 Financial Services 
  & Other                   10.0       9.3          9%          5% 
 MiExact                     2.3       2.4        (5%)        (5%) 
----------------------  --------  --------  ----------  ---------- 
 Continuing revenue         27.4      27.5          0%        (2%) 
----------------------  --------  --------  ----------  ---------- 
 Continuing operating 
  profit                     5.6       5.5          2%          0% 
 Margin                      20%       20% 
----------------------  --------  --------  ----------  ---------- 
 
 Statutory revenue          28.8      29.1        (1%) 
 Statutory operating 
  profit                     5.8       5.6          3% 
----------------------  --------  --------  ----------  ---------- 
 

Continuing revenues in the Intelligence division marginally declined due to a slow first half for sales in UK Healthcare and MiExact, although Financial Services had a strong performance in subscription revenues, which rose to 68% of total ongoing divisional revenue.

As part of our portfolio investment and improvement programme, we discontinued various UK Healthcare products and services that did not make acceptable profits. We also experienced shortages of specialist delivery and sales resources. The shortfall has now been addressed. Demand remains strong, we expect to grow revenues from on-going products and services in H2 and beyond.

Operating profits from continuing operations marginally improved, achieving a 0.8% increase in profit margin to over 20% following our investment programme in automation.

Financial review

Other income and finance income

Other income represents the net gain of GBP2.2m from the disposal of Inese in December 2022 (H1 FY22: GBP16.1m from the disposal of AMT).

Net finance income was achieved for the first time (H1 FY22: GBP0.6m net finance expense) due to having no debt and cash to deposit in interest-bearing accounts.

Profit before taxation

Continuing adjusted profit before tax was up 14% to GBP8.9m (H1 FY22: GBP7.8m) with profit before tax at GBP10.0m (H1 FY22: GBP24.6m). H1 FY22 profit before tax included GBP16.1m profit on disposal of AMT.

Taxation

The tax charge is GBP1.8m (H1 FY22: GBP1.7m) with an overall effective tax rate [5] of 18% (H1 FY22: 7%). The lower effective tax rate in the prior period was due to the gain of GBP16.1m on disposal of AMT not being subject to corporation tax.

The underlying tax rate [6] , which ignores the tax effects of adjusting items, is 21% (H1 FY22: 20%). The increase reflects greater profits from territories with higher tax rates including North America.

Earnings per share

Continuing adjusted basic earnings per share, excluding the results of sold and closed businesses, increased by 13% to 7.92p (H1 FY22: 7.02p), reconciliation below. Reported earnings per share 9.40p (H1 FY22: 26.14p).

 
                                           H1 FY23      H1 FY22 
                                             GBP'm        GBP'm 
-------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
 Adjusted earnings (note 6)                    7.1          7.5 
 Remove profit after tax of sold 
  and closed businesses                      (0.1)        (1.4) 
-------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
 Continuing adjusted earnings                  7.0          6.1 
 
                                            Number       Number   Variance 
-------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  --------- 
 Weighted average number of ordinary 
  shares (note 6)                       88,027,119   87,603,917 
 
 Continuing adjusted basic earnings 
  per share                                  7.92p        7.02p        13% 
-------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  --------- 
 

Dividend

The Board has increased the interim dividend by 13% to 2.70p (H1 FY22: 2.40p), in line with continuing profits. It will be paid on 6 April 2023 to shareholders on the share register as at 3 March 2023, with an associated ex-dividend date of 2 March 2023.

Balance sheet and cashflow

Cash generation improved due to the strong trading performance with operating cash conversion remaining strong at 121%, with net cash excluding lease liabilities of GBP22.9m (30 June 2022: GBP20.5m). The proceeds from the disposal of Inese were received in January 2023.

Consolidated Income Statement

 
                                                                                                   Year 
                                                                                                  ended 
                                                            Six months         Six months 
                                                                 ended              ended       30 June 
                                                           31 December        31 December 
                                                                  2022               2021          2022 
                                                           (unaudited)        (unaudited)     (audited) 
                                                  Notes        GBP'000            GBP'000       GBP'000 
------------------------------------------------  -----  -------------      -------------   ----------- 
Continuing operations 
Revenue                                               5         57,425             58,945       121,028 
 
Operating expenses before amortisation of 
 intangibles excluding computer software, 
 impairment and adjusting items                               (48,367)           (48,921)      (99,407) 
Impairment of property, plant and equipment           4              -              (597)         (597) 
Amortisation of intangible assets excluding 
 computer software                                    4        (1,208)            (1,183)       (2,368) 
Adjusting items                                       4           (45)                 22          (66) 
------------------------------------------------  -----  -------------      -------------   ----------- 
Operating expenses                                            (49,620)           (50,679)     (102,438) 
 
Other income - gain on disposal of subsidiaries       7          2,212             16,115        16,329 
 
Other income - gain on disposal of property, 
 plant and equipment                                                 -                758         1,289 
 
Other income - net gain on financing activities       4              -                  -           840 
 
Operating profit                                                10,017             25,139        37,048 
 
Net finance income/(expense)                                        12              (551)         (928) 
------------------------------------------------  ----- 
 
Profit before tax                                     4         10,029             24,588        36,120 
 
Taxation                                                       (1,757)            (1,687)       (3,295) 
------------------------------------------------  -----  -------------      -------------   ----------- 
 
Profit for the period attributable to owners 
 of the parent                                                   8,272             22,901        32,825 
------------------------------------------------  -----  -------------      -------------   ----------- 
 
 
Earnings per share: 
Basic (p)                                             6           9.40              26.14         37.46 
Diluted (p)                                           6           9.19              25.92         36.98 
------------------------------------------------  -----  -------------      -------------   ----------- 
 

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

 
                                                             Six months     Six months        Year 
                                                                  ended          ended       ended 
                                                            31 December    31 December     30 June 
                                                                   2022           2021        2022 
                                                            (unaudited)    (unaudited)   (audited) 
                                                                GBP'000        GBP'000     GBP'000 
-------------------------------------------------------- 
 
   Profit for the period                                          8,272         22,901      32,825 
 Other comprehensive income: 
  Items that may be reclassified subsequently to 
  the Income Statement 
--------------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 Fair value movements on interest rate swaps, 
  net of tax                                                          -            389           - 
 Currency translation differences                                     8            341       2,353 
 Fair value movements of net investment hedges, 
  net of tax                                                          -          (164)       (193) 
--------------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 Other comprehensive income for the period, net 
  of tax                                                              8            566       2,160 
--------------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 Total comprehensive income for the period attributable 
  to owners of the parent                                         8,280         23,467      34,985 
--------------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 

Items in the statement above are disclosed net of tax.

Consolidated Balance Sheet

 
                                        31 December   31 December     30 June 
                                               2022          2021        2022 
                                        (unaudited)   (unaudited)   (audited) 
                                            GBP'000       GBP'000     GBP'000 
------------------------------------   ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 Non-current assets 
 Goodwill                                    61,237        59,912      61,128 
 Intangible assets                            8,300        12,986       9,427 
 Property, plant and equipment                8,192         7,909       6,876 
 Deferred consideration receivable            1,304         1,516       1,448 
 Derivative financial instruments                 -           537           - 
 Deferred tax assets                          1,648         1,233       1,041 
------------------------------------- 
                                             80,681        84,093      79,920 
 ------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 Current assets 
 Trade and other receivables                 29,771        25,904      27,097 
 Deferred consideration receivable              677           250         250 
 Current tax assets                           1,100           238       1,262 
 Cash and cash equivalents                   22,922        24,160      19,785 
 Assets of disposal group held for 
  sale                                            -             -       1,450 
-------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
                                             54,470        50,552      49,844 
 ------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 Total assets                               135,151       134,645     129,764 
-------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 
 Current liabilities 
 Trade and other payables                  (51,252)      (51,561)    (50,258) 
 Derivative financial instruments                 -         (125)           - 
 Lease liabilities                          (1,478)       (2,243)       (648) 
 Provisions                                   (307)         (307)       (307) 
 Liabilities of disposal group held 
  for sale                                        -             -     (1,332) 
------------------------------------- 
                                           (53,037)      (54,236)    (52,545) 
 ------------------------------------ 
 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Borrowings                                       -      (12,734)           - 
 Lease liabilities                          (8,140)       (7,750)     (6,862) 
 Deferred tax liabilities                   (1,469)       (1,762)     (2,040) 
 Provisions                                 (1,075)       (1,381)     (1,228) 
------------------------------------- 
                                           (10,684)      (23,627)    (10,130) 
 ------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 Total liabilities                         (63,721)      (77,863)    (62,675) 
-------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 Net assets                                  71,430        56,782      67,089 
-------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 
 Equity 
 Share capital                                4,408         4,380       4,391 
 Share premium                               45,553        45,225      45,553 
 Treasury and ESOT reserves                   (880)         (960)     (1,093) 
 Share based payments reserve                 2,131         1,736       2,141 
 Translation reserve                          4,430         2,410       4,422 
 Retained earnings                           15,788         3,991      11,675 
-------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 Total equity                                71,430        56,782      67,089 
-------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 
 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

 
 
                                          Share capital, 
                                          share premium,       Share                         Retained 
                                                treasury       based                        earnings/ 
                                              shares and    payments     Translation     (accumulated      Total 
                                             ESOT shares     reserve         reserve          losses)     equity 
                                                 GBP'000     GBP'000         GBP'000          GBP'000    GBP'000 
--------------------------------------  ----------------  ----------  --------------  ---------------  --------- 
 
 At 30 June 2021 (audited)                        48,904       1,390           2,069         (15,696)     36,667 
 Profit for the period                                 -           -               -           22,901     22,901 
 Other comprehensive income for 
  the period                                           -           -             341              225        566 
--------------------------------------  ----------------  ----------  --------------  ---------------  --------- 
                                                  48,904       1,390           2,410            7,430     60,134 
 Dividends paid                                        -           -               -          (3,399)    (3,399) 
 Performance share plan awards 
  vesting settled via ESOT                            84       (105)               -               21          - 
 ESOT share purchases                              (371)           -               -                -      (371) 
 Sale of treasury shares                              28           -               -                -         28 
 Share based payments                                  -         451               -                -        451 
 Tax on share based payments                           -           -               -             (61)       (61) 
-------------------------------------- 
 At 31 December 2021 (unaudited)                  48,645       1,736           2,410            3,991     56,782 
 Profit for the period                                 -           -               -            9,924      9,924 
 Other comprehensive income/(expense) 
  for the period                                       -           -           2,012            (418)      1,594 
-------------------------------------- 
                                                  48,645       1,736           4,422           13,497     68,300 
 Dividends paid                                        -           -               -          (2,093)    (2,093) 
 Sale of treasury shares                              21           -               -                -         21 
 Purchase of treasury shares                       (154)           -               -                -      (154) 
 Issue of share capital                               11           -               -                -         11 
 Issue of share premium                              328           -               -                -        328 
 Save As You Earn options settlement                   -       (180)               -              152       (28) 
 Share based payments                                  -         585               -                -        585 
 Tax on share based payments                           -           -               -              119        119 
-------------------------------------- 
 
   At 30 June 2022 (audited)                      48,851       2,141           4,422           11,675     67,089 
 Profit for the period                                 -           -               -            8,272      8,272 
 Other comprehensive income for 
  the period                                           -           -               8                -          8 
-------------------------------------- 
                                                  48,851       2,141           4,430           19,947     75,369 
 Dividends paid                                        -           -               -          (5,091)    (5,091) 
 Issue of share capital                               17           -               -                -         17 
 Performance share plan awards 
  vesting                                              -       (717)               -              875        158 
 Save As You Earn options settlement 
  via ESOT                                            86        (11)               -             (16)         59 
 Save As You Earn options settlement 
  via treasury shares                                127           -               -             (64)         63 
 Share based payments                                  -         718               -                -        718 
 Tax on share based payments                           -           -               -              137        137 
--------------------------------------  ----------------  ----------  --------------  ---------------  --------- 
 
 At 31 December 2022 (unaudited)                  49,081       2,131           4,430           15,788     71,430 
--------------------------------------  ----------------  ----------  --------------  ---------------  --------- 
 

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

 
                                                                  Six months ended 
                                                                       31 December    Six months ended      Year ended 
                                                                              2022    31 December 2021    30 June 2022 
                                                                       (unaudited)         (unaudited)       (audited) 
                                                          Notes            GBP'000             GBP'000         GBP'000 
-------------------------------------------------------  ------  -----------------  ------------------  -------------- 
 
 Cash flows from operating activities 
 Cash generated from operations before adjusting items        9             10,925              11,374          24,570 
 Cash flows for adjusting items - operating activities                         (4)                (31)           (342) 
 Cash flows from tax on share based payments                                   (3)                 (4)             (4) 
-------------------------------------------------------  ------  -----------------  ------------------  -------------- 
 Cash generated from operations                                             10,918              11,339          24,224 
 Interest received/(paid)                                                       40               (302)           (479) 
 Tax paid                                                                  (2,468)             (1,805)         (3,397) 
-------------------------------------------------------  ------  -----------------  ------------------  -------------- 
 Net cash generated from operating activities                                8,490               9,232          20,348 
-------------------------------------------------------  ------  -----------------  ------------------  -------------- 
 
 Cash flows from investing activities 
 Disposal of subsidiaries net of cash                                            -              21,875          22,792 
 Disposal of cash held in subsidiary                                         (737)                   -               - 
 Deferred consideration received                                               125                 125             250 
 Cash flows for adjusting items - investing activities                         (6)                (92)            (43) 
 Purchase of property, plant and equipment                                   (131)               (275)           (440) 
 Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and 
  equipment                                                                     10               3,439           3,493 
 Purchase of intangible assets                                               (436)               (988)         (1,292) 
-------------------------------------------------------  ------  -----------------  ------------------  -------------- 
 Net cash (used in)/generated from investing activities                    (1,175)              24,084          24,760 
-------------------------------------------------------  ------  -----------------  ------------------  -------------- 
 
 Cash flows from financing activities 
 Dividends paid to owners of the parent                                    (5,091)             (3,399)         (5,492) 
 Issue of new shares                                                           587                   -             340 
 Share issuance costs                                                         (14)                   -            (28) 
 Purchase of shares by ESOT                                                      -               (371)           (371) 
 Payment of lease liabilities                                                (347)             (1,095)         (3,752) 
 Cash flows for adjusting items - proceeds on disposal 
  of interest rate swap                                                          -                   -           1,243 
 Fees relating to new and extended loan facility                                 -                 (5)               - 
 Decrease in bank loans                                                          -             (8,000)        (21,198) 
-------------------------------------------------------  ------ 
 Net cash used in financing activities                                     (4,865)            (12,870)        (29,258) 
-------------------------------------------------------  ------  -----------------  ------------------  -------------- 
 
 Net increase in cash and cash equivalents                                   2,450              20,446          15,850 
 Cash and cash equivalents, net of bank overdrafts, at 
  beginning of the period                                                   20,543               3,730           3,730 
 Exchange (loss)/gain on cash and cash equivalents                            (71)                (16)             205 
 Cash classified as held for sale                                                -                   -             758 
-------------------------------------------------------  ------  -----------------  ------------------  -------------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period                             22,992              24,160          20,543 
-------------------------------------------------------  ------  -----------------  ------------------  -------------- 
 
 Reconciliation of net cash 
-------------------------------------------------------  ------  -----------------  ------------------  -------------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period                       19,785               7,374           7,374 
 Cash classified as held for sale at beginning of the 
 period                                                                        758                   -               - 
 Bank overdrafts at beginning of the period                                      -             (3,644)         (3,644) 
 Bank loans at beginning of the period                                           -            (20,960)        (20,960) 
 Lease liabilities at beginning of the period                              (7,510)            (10,742)        (10,742) 
-------------------------------------------------------  ------  -----------------  ------------------  -------------- 
 Net cash/(debt) at beginning of the period                                 13,033            (27,972)        (27,972) 
 Net increase in cash and cash equivalents                                   2,379              20,430          16,813 
 Net repayment in bank loans                                                     -               8,000          21,198 
 Exchange loss on bank loans                                                     -               (202)           (238) 
 Movement in lease liabilities                                             (2,108)                 749           3,232 
-------------------------------------------------------  ------  -----------------  ------------------  -------------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period                             22,922              24,160          19,785 
 Cash classified as held for sale at end of the period                           -                   -             758 
 Bank loans at end of the period                                                 -            (13,162)               - 
 Lease liabilities at end of the period                                    (9,618)             (9,993)         (7,510) 
-------------------------------------------------------  ------  -----------------  ------------------  -------------- 
 Net cash at end of the period                                              13,304               1,005          13,033 
-------------------------------------------------------  ------  -----------------  ------------------  -------------- 
 
 

Notes to the Financial Results

General information

The Company is a public limited company incorporated and domiciled in the UK. The address of the Company's registered office is 10 Whitechapel High Street, London, E1 8QS.

The Company is listed on the Main Market on the London Stock Exchange. The Company is a provider of data, information, education and training in the global Governance, Risk and Compliance ('GRC') markets.

This condensed consolidated interim financial information ('Interim Information') was approved for issue by the Board of Directors on 17 February 2023.

The Interim Information is neither reviewed nor audited and does not comprise statutory accounts within the meaning of Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. Statutory accounts for the year ended 30 June 2022 were approved by the Board of Directors on 21 September 2022 and subsequently filed with the Registrar. The report of the auditors on those accounts was unqualified, did not contain an emphasis of matter paragraph and did not contain any statement under Section 498 of the Companies Act 2006.

   1.     Basis of preparation 

This Interim Information for the six months ended 31 December 2022 has been prepared in accordance with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority and in accordance with IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting'. The Interim Information should be read in conjunction with the Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2022 which have been prepared in accordance with UK adopted international accounting standards ('UK adopted IAS') and are available on the Group's website: wilmingtonplc.com.

The Group's forecast and projections, taking account of reasonably possible changes in trading performance, show that the Group will be able to operate well within the level of its current banking facilities, further supported by the net cash position. The Directors have therefore adopted a going concern basis in preparing the Interim Information.

   2.     Accounting policies 

The accounting policies, significant judgements and key sources of estimation adopted in the preparation of this Interim Report are consistent with those applied by the Group in its consolidated financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2022.

There has been no material impact on the financial statements of adopting new standards or amendments.

Amended standards and interpretations not yet effective are not expected to have a significant impact on the Group's consolidated financial statements.

   3.     Principal risks and uncertainties 

The principal risks and uncertainties that affect the Group remain unchanged from those stated on pages 27 to 32 of the strategic report in the Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2022.

   4.     Measures of profit 

Reconciliation to profit on continuing activities before tax.

To provide shareholders with additional understanding of the trading performance of the Group, adjusted EBITA has been calculated as profit before tax after adding back:

   --      impairment of property, plant and equipment; 
   --      amortisation of intangible assets excluding computer software; 
   --      adjusting items (included in operating expenses); 
   --      other income - gain on disposal of subsidiaries; 
   --      other income - gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment; 
   --      other income - net gain on financing activities; and 
   --      net finance income. 

Adjusted profit before tax, adjusted EBITA, adjusted EBITDA and continuing adjusted profit before tax reconcile to statutory profit before tax as follows:

 
                                                       Six months     Six months 
                                                            ended          ended   Year ended 
                                                      31 December    31 December      30 June 
                                                             2022           2021         2022 
                                                      (unaudited)    (unaudited)    (audited) 
                                                          GBP'000        GBP'000      GBP'000 
--------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 
   Profit before tax                                       10,029         24,588       36,120 
 Impairment of property, plant and equipment                    -            597          597 
 Amortisation of intangible assets excluding 
  computer software                                         1,208          1,183        2,368 
 Adjusting items (included in operating expenses)              45           (22)           66 
 Other income - gain on disposal of subsidiaries          (2,212)       (16,115)     (16,329) 
 Other income - gain on disposal of property, 
  plant and equipment                                           -          (758)      (1,289) 
 Other income - net gain on financing activities                -              -        (840) 
--------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 Adjusted profit before tax                                 9,070          9,473       20,693 
 Net finance (income)/expense                                (12)            551          928 
-------------------------------------------------- 
 Adjusted operating profit ('adjusted EBITA')               9,058         10,024       21,621 
 Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 
  included in operating expenses                            1,163          1,217        2,412 
 Amortisation of intangible assets - computer 
  software                                                    411            784        3,721 
--------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 Adjusted EBITA before depreciation ('adjusted 
  EBITDA')                                                 10,632         12,025       27,754 
--------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 
 Adjusted profit before tax                                 9,070          9,473       20,693 
 Remove operating profit from sold and closed 
  businesses                                                (181)        (1,662)      (2,089) 
--------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 Continuing adjusted profit before tax                      8,889          7,811       18,604 
--------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 
 

The following adjusting items have been charged to the Income Statement during the period but are considered to be adjusting so are shown separately:

 
                                                                 Six months ended  Six months ended  Year ended 
                                                                      31 December       31 December     30 June 
                                                                             2022              2021        2022 
                                                                      (unaudited)       (unaudited)   (audited) 
                                                                          GBP'000           GBP'000     GBP'000 
--------------------------------------------------------------  -----------------  ----------------  ---------- 
 
Expense/(income) relating to strategic activities                              45              (22)          66 
-------------------------------------------------------------- 
Adjusting items (included in operating expenses)                               45              (22)          66 
Impairment of property, plant and equipment                                     -               597         597 
Amortisation of intangible assets excluding computer software               1,208             1,183       2,368 
--------------------------------------------------------------  -----------------  ----------------  ---------- 
Total adjusting items (classified in profit before tax)                     1,253             1,758       3,031 
--------------------------------------------------------------  -----------------  ----------------  ---------- 
 
   5.     Segmental information 

In accordance with IFRS 8 the Group's operating segments are based on the operating results reviewed by the Executive Board, which represents the chief operating decision maker.

The Group's dynamic portfolio provides customers with a range of information, data, training and education solutions. The two divisions (Training & Education and Intelligence) are the Group's segments and generate all of the Group's revenue. The Executive Board considers the business from both a geographic and product perspective. Geographically, management considers the performance of the Group between the UK, Europe (excluding the UK), North America and the Rest of the World.

   (a)   Business segments 
 
                           Six months ended 31 December 2022    Six months ended 31 December 2021    Year ended 30 June 2022 
                                      (unaudited)                          (unaudited)                      (audited) 
-----------------------  ------------------------------------  -----------------------------------  ------------------------- 
                             Revenue             Contribution                Revenue  Contribution     Revenue   Contribution 
                             GBP'000                  GBP'000                GBP'000       GBP'000     GBP'000        GBP'000 
-----------------------  -----------  -----------------------  ---------------------  ------------  ----------  ------------- 
Training & Education          28,581                    6,221                 29,867         7,096      61,464         15,998 
Intelligence                  28,844                    5,768                 29,078         5,616      59,564         11,359 
----------------------- 
Group total                   57,425                   11,989                 58,945        12,712     121,028         27,357 
Unallocated central 
 overheads                         -                  (2,155)                      -       (2,152)           -        (4,506) 
Share based payments               -                    (776)                      -         (536)           -        (1,230) 
----------------------- 
                              57,425                    9,058                 58,945        10,024     121,028         21,621 
Impairment of property, 
 plant and equipment                                        -                                (597)                      (597) 
Amortisation of 
 intangible assets 
 excluding computer 
 software                                             (1,208)                              (1,183)                    (2,368) 
Adjusting items 
 (included in operating 
 expenses)                                               (45)                                   22                       (66) 
Other income - gain on 
 disposal of 
 subsidiaries                                           2,212                               16,115                     16,329 
Other income - gain on 
 disposal of property, 
 plant and equipment                                        -                                  758                      1,289 
Other income - net gain 
 on financing 
 activities                                                 -                                    -                        840 
Net finance 
 income/(expense)                                          12                                (551)                      (928) 
-----------------------  -----------                           ---------------------  ------------  ---------- 
Profit before tax                                      10,029                     --        24,588                     36,120 
Taxation                                              (1,757)                              (1,687)                    (3,295) 
-----------------------  -----------  -----------------------  ---------------------  ------------  ----------  ------------- 
Profit for the 
 financial period                                       8,272                               22,901                     32,825 
-----------------------  -----------  -----------------------  ---------------------  ------------  ----------  ------------- 
 

There are no intra-segmental revenues which are material for disclosure. Unallocated central overheads represent head office costs that are not specifically allocated to segments. Total assets and liabilities for each reportable segment are not presented, as such, this information is not provided to the Board.

(b) Segmental information by geography

The UK is the Group's country of domicile and the Group generates the majority of its revenue from external customers in the UK. The geographical analysis of revenue is on the basis of the country of origin in which the customer is invoiced:

 
                                Six months     Six months 
                                     ended          ended   Year ended 
                               31 December    31 December      30 June 
                                      2022           2021         2022 
                               (unaudited)    (unaudited)    (audited) 
                                   GBP'000        GBP'000      GBP'000 
---------------------------  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 UK                                 30,819         30,874       64,320 
 Europe (excluding the UK)          10,756         11,922       25,809 
 North America                      11,308         10,431       21,727 
 Rest of the World                   4,542          5,718        9,172 
---------------------------  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 Total revenue                      57,425         58,945      121,028 
---------------------------  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 

Sterling makes up the largest portion of our ongoing revenue. In the current period 14% of revenue was derived in US dollars, 12%

in Euros and 3% in Singapore dollars, no other currency was material.

   6.     Earnings per share 

Adjusted earnings per share has been calculated using adjusted earnings calculated as profit after taxation but before:

   --      impairment of property, plant and equipment; 
   --      amortisation of intangible assets excluding computer software; 
   --      adjusting items (included in operating expenses); 
   --      other income - gain on disposal of subsidiaries; 
   --      other income - gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment; and 
   --      other income - net gain on financing activities. 

The calculation of the basic and diluted earnings per share is based on the following data:

 
                                                       Six months     Six months 
                                                            ended          ended   Year ended 
                                                      31 December    31 December      30 June 
                                                             2022           2021         2022 
                                                      (unaudited)    (unaudited)    (audited) 
                                                          GBP'000        GBP'000      GBP'000 
--------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 
   Earnings from continuing operations for the 
   purpose of basic earnings per share                      8,272         22,901       32,825 
 Add/(remove): 
 Impairment of property, plant and equipment                    -            597          597 
 Amortisation of intangible assets excluding 
  computer software                                         1,208          1,183        2,368 
 Adjusting items (included in operating expenses)              45           (22)           66 
 Other income - gain on disposal of subsidiaries          (2,212)       (16,115)     (16,329) 
 Other income - gain on disposal of property, 
  plant and equipment                                           -          (758)      (1,289) 
 Other income - net gain on financing activities                -              -        (840) 
 Tax effect of adjustments above                            (176)          (253)      (1,050) 
--------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 Adjusted earnings for the purposes of adjusted 
  earnings per share                                        7,137          7,533       16,348 
--------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 
                                                           Number         Number       Number 
--------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 Weighted average number of ordinary shares 
  for the purpose of basic and adjusted earnings 
  per share                                            88,027,119     87,603,917   87,632,022 
 
 Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares: 
 Future exercise of share awards and options            1,966,227        745,931    1,126,918 
-------------------------------------------------- 
 Weighted average number of ordinary shares 
  for the purposes of diluted earnings per share       89,993,346     88,349,848   88,758,940 
--------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 
 Basic earnings per share                                   9.40p         26.14p       37.46p 
 Diluted earnings per share                                 9.19p         25.92p       36.98p 
 Adjusted basic earnings per share ('adjusted 
  earnings per share')                                      8.11p          8.60p       18.66p 
 Adjusted diluted earnings per share                        7.93p          8.53p       18.42p 
--------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 
   7.     Disposal of subsidiary 

On 30 December 2022 the Group disposed of its Spanish insurance business, Inese for proceeds of GBP2.6m, net cash consideration of GBP1.9m, including GBP0.4m deferred for one year. The disposal was executed by way of the sale of 100% of the equity shares. A gain of GBP2.2m arose on disposal after taking into account GBP0.4m costs of disposal. As at the disposal date, the net assets of Inese were GBP0.2m. The proceeds of the disposal were received in January 2023.

   8.     Related party transactions 

The Company and its wholly owned subsidiary undertakings offer certain group-wide purchasing facilities to the Company's other subsidiary undertakings whereby the actual costs are recharged.

There were no (H1 FY22: GBPnil) transactions with related parties of key management personnel in the period.

   9.     Cash generated from operations 
 
                                                  Six months     Six months 
                                                       ended          ended   Year ended 
                                                 31 December    31 December      30 June 
                                                        2022           2021         2022 
                                                 (unaudited)    (unaudited)    (audited) 
                                                     GBP'000        GBP'000      GBP'000 
---------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 
 Profit before tax                                    10,029         24,588       36,120 
 Adjusting item - gain on disposal of 
  subsidiaries                                       (2,212)       (16,115)     (16,329) 
 Adjusting item - gain on disposal of 
  property, plant and equipment                            -          (758)      (1,289) 
 Adjusting item - net gain on financing 
  activities                                               -              -        (840) 
 Adjusting items (included in operating 
  expenses)                                               45           (22)           66 
 Depreciation of property, plant and 
  equipment                                            1,163          1,217        2,412 
 Amortisation of intangible assets                     1,619          1,967        6,089 
 Impairment of property, plant and equipment               -            597          597 
 Non-adjusting profit on disposal of 
  property, plant and equipment                         (11)           (40)         (71) 
 Share based payments (including social 
  security costs)                                        776            536        1,230 
 Net finance (income)/expense                           (12)            551          928 
---------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 Operating cash flows before movements 
  in working capital                                  11,397         12,521       28,913 
 (Increase)/decrease in trade and other 
  receivables                                          (807)          2,905        1,621 
 Increase/(decrease) in trade and other 
  payables                                               488        (3,898)      (5,657) 
 Decrease in provisions                                (153)          (154)        (307) 
---------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 Cash generated from operations before 
  adjusting items                                     10,925         11,374       24,570 
---------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 
 

Cash conversion is calculated as a percentage of cash generated by operations to adjusted EBITA as follows:

 
                                                          Six months     Six months        Year 
                                                               ended          ended       ended 
                                                         31 December    31 December     30 June 
                                                                2022           2021        2022 
                                                         (unaudited)    (unaudited)   (audited) 
                                                             GBP'000        GBP'000     GBP'000 
-----------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 Funds from operations before adjusting items: 
 Adjusted EBITA (note 4)                                       9,058         10,024      21,621 
 Share based payments (including social security 
  costs)                                                         776            536       1,230 
 Amortisation of intangible assets - computer 
  software                                                       411            784       3,721 
 Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 
  included in operating expenses                               1,163          1,217       2,412 
 Profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment            (11)           (40)        (71) 
-----------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 Operating cash flows before movements in working 
  capital                                                     11,397         12,521      28,913 
 Net working capital movement                                  (472)        (1,147)     (4,343) 
-----------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 Funds from operations before adjusting items                 10,925         11,374      24,570 
-----------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 Cash conversion                                                121%           113%        114% 
-----------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 
 Free cash flow: 
 Operating cash flows before movement in working 
  capital                                                     11,397         12,521      28,913 
 Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and 
  equipment                                                       10          3,439       3,493 
 Net working capital movement                                  (472)        (1,147)     (4,343) 
 Interest received/(paid)                                         40          (302)       (479) 
 Payment of lease liabilities                                  (347)        (1,095)     (3,752) 
 Tax paid                                                    (2,468)        (1,805)     (3,397) 
 Purchase of property, plant and equipment                     (131)          (275)       (440) 
 Purchase of intangible assets                                 (436)          (988)     (1,292) 
-----------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 Free cash flow                                                7,593         10,348      18,703 
-----------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 
 

END

[1] Continuing - eliminating the effects of the impact of disposals; Organic - Continuing eliminating exchange rate fluctuations

[2] Adjusted profit before tax - see note 4

[3] Continuing adjusted basic earnings per share - see the financial review; Adjusted basic earnings per share - see note 6

[4] Net cash includes cash and cash equivalents, bank loans (excluding capitalised loan arrangement fees) and bank overdrafts but excludes lease liabilities

[5] The effective tax rate is calculated as the total tax charge divided by profit before tax

[6] The underlying tax rate is calculated as one minus the adjusted profit after tax divided by the adjusted profit before tax - the tax rate excluding the tax impact of adjusting items

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(END) Dow Jones Newswires

February 20, 2023 02:00 ET (07:00 GMT)

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