TIDMLSC

RNS Number : 0293A

London Security PLC

19 May 2023

19/05/2023

London Security plc

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSES OF ARTICLE 7 OF THE UK VERSION OF REGULATION (EU) NO 596/2014 WHICH IS PART OF UK LAW BY VIRTUE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION (WITHDRAWAL) ACT 2018, AS AMED. UPON THE PUBLICATION OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT VIA A REGULATORY INFORMATION SERVICE, THIS INSIDE INFORMATION IS NOW CONSIDERED TO BE IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN.

Final Results for the Year Ended 31 December 2022

Chairman's statement

J.G. Murray, Chairman

Financial highlights

Financial highlights of the audited results for the year ended 31 December 2022 compared with the year ended 31 December 2021 are as follows:

   --     revenue of GBP188.9 million (2021: GBP166.6 million); 
   --     operating profit of GBP27.2 million (2021: GBP27.2 million); 
   --     profit for the year of GBP20.2 million (2021: GBP20.0 million); 
   --     cash of GBP34.0 million (2021: GBP35.7 million); 
   --     earnings per share for the year of GBP1.65 (2021: GBP1.62); and 
   --     a dividend per share of GBP0.84 (2021: GBP0.80). 

Trading review

The financial highlights illustrate that the Group's revenue increased by GBP22.3 million (13.4%) to GBP188.9 million and operating profit remained at GBP27.2 million. These results reflect:

-- the effect of input inflation which our companies initially absorbed, but as it became clear that it was a longer term trend we passed on appropriate price increases to our customers;

-- the positive impact of acquisitions in 2022 and the full year's trading of acquisitions in 2021;

   --     improved performance from our service business in continental Europe; 

-- continued improvement from newer service offerings (e.g. emergency lights and passive fire protection); and

-- the movement in the Euro to Sterling average exchange rate, which had an adverse effect of GBP1.3 million on reported revenue and GBP0.2 million on operating profit.

Acquisitions

It remains a principal aim of the Group to grow through acquisition. Acquisitions are being sought throughout Europe and the Group will invest at prices where an adequate return is envisaged by the Board. In the year under review the Group acquired seven security businesses and has grown its presence in Austria, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Germany and Luxembourg. The Group has also continued with the acquisition of service contracts from smaller well-established businesses for integration into the Group's existing subsidiaries.

Management and staff

2022 was a year in which the staff performed well and, on behalf of the shareholders, I would like to express thanks and appreciation for their contribution. The Group recognises that we can only achieve our aims with talented and dedicated colleagues who provide outstanding customer service in every area of the business.

Dividends

A final dividend in respect of 2021 of GBP0.42 per ordinary share was paid to shareholders on 8 July 2022. An interim dividend in respect of 2022 of GBP0.42 per ordinary share was paid to shareholders on 28 November 2022. The Board is recommending the payment of a final dividend in respect of 2022 of GBP0.42 per ordinary share to be paid on 7 July 2023 to shareholders on the register on 9 June 2023. The shares will be marked ex-dividend on 8 June 2023.

Covid-19 impact assessment

In 2022 there was largely a return to normality in our business. The high level of business failures predicted by some commentators did not occur.

Future prospects

The markets in which we operate are entering what is likely to be a period of low growth with continued high inflation. The London Security Group however has a healthy balance sheet, strong cash reserves and a track record for good cash generation. The Board therefore considers that the Group is well placed to weather any downturn. We will also continue to invest in our future and the Group plans to continue to grow through acquisitions.

Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting ("AGM") will be held at 2 Jubilee Way, Elland, West Yorkshire HX5 9DY, on 29 June 2023 at 11.30 am. The Company confirms that shareholders are able to attend in person should they wish to do so. However, we strongly encourage shareholders to vote on all resolutions by completing the enclosed form of proxy for use at that Meeting, which you are requested to return in accordance with the instructions on the form.

J.G. Murray

Chairman

19 May 2023

Consolidated income statement

for the year ended 31 December 2022

 
                                                2022      2021 
                                      Note   GBP'000   GBP'000 
 -----------------------------------  ----  --------  -------- 
 Revenue                                     188,898   166,634 
 Cost of sales                              (49,748)  (43,096) 
 -----------------------------------  ----  --------  -------- 
 Gross profit                                139,150   123,538 
 Distribution costs                         (70,565)  (59,974) 
 Administrative expenses                    (41,420)  (36,390) 
 -----------------------------------  ----  --------  -------- 
 Operating profit                             27,165    27,174 
 -----------------------------------  ----  --------  -------- 
 EBITDA(*)                                    37,269    36,273 
 Depreciation and amortisation              (10,104)   (9,099) 
 -----------------------------------  ----  --------  -------- 
 Operating profit                             27,165    27,174 
 -----------------------------------  ----  --------  -------- 
 Finance income                                   31        28 
 Finance costs                                 (242)     (204) 
 -----------------------------------  ----  --------  -------- 
 Finance costs - net                           (211)     (176) 
 -----------------------------------  ----  --------  -------- 
 Profit before income tax                     26,954    26,998 
 Income tax expense                          (6,742)   (6,990) 
 -----------------------------------  ----  --------  -------- 
 Profit for the year                          20,212    20,008 
 -----------------------------------  ----  --------  -------- 
 Profit is attributable to: 
 Equity shareholders of the Company           20,203    19,907 
 Non-controlling interest                          9       101 
 -----------------------------------  ----  --------  -------- 
                                              20,212    20,008 
 -----------------------------------  ----  --------  -------- 
 Earnings per share 
 Basic and diluted                       1    164.8p    162.4p 
 -----------------------------------  ----  --------  -------- 
 
   *     Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation. 

The above results are all as a result of continuing operations.

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

for the year ended 31 December 2022

 
                                                             2022     2021 
                                                          GBP'000  GBP'000 
-------------------------------------------------------   -------  ------- 
Profit for the financial year                              20,203   19,907 
--------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Other comprehensive (expense)/income: 
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit 
 or loss: 
- currency translation differences on foreign currency 
 net investments                                            3,602  (3,782) 
Items that will not be reclassified subsequently 
 to profit or loss: 
- actuarial loss recognised in the Nu-Swift Pension 
 Scheme                                                     (111)     (70) 
- movement on deferred tax relating to the Nu-Swift 
 Pension Scheme surplus                                        38       25 
- actuarial gain recognised in the Ansul Pension 
 Scheme                                                     1,249      104 
- movement on deferred tax relating to the Ansul 
 Pension Scheme deficit                                     (285)     (26) 
--------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Other comprehensive expense for the year, net of 
 tax                                                        4,493  (3,749) 
--------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Equity shareholders of the Company                         24,696   16,158 
Non-controlling interest                                        9      101 
--------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Total comprehensive income for the year                    24,705   16,259 
--------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

for the year ended 31 December 2022

 
                                                       Capital 
                                Ordinary    Share   redemption   Merger     Other  Retained  Non-controlling     Total 
                                  shares  premium      reserve  reserve  reserves  earnings         interest    equity 
                                 GBP'000  GBP'000      GBP'000  GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000          GBP'000   GBP'000 
------------------------------  --------  -------  -----------  -------  --------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
At 1 January 2021                    123      344            1    2,033     8,838   114,407              377   126,123 
------------------------------  --------  -------  -----------  -------  --------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
Total comprehensive income 
 for the year 
Profit for the financial 
 year                                  -        -            -        -         -    19,907              101    20,083 
Other comprehensive 
income/(expense): 
- exchange adjustments                 -        -            -        -   (3,782)         -                -   (3,782) 
- actuarial gain on pension 
 schemes                               -        -            -        -         -        34                -        34 
- net movement on deferred 
 tax relating to pension 
 deficit                               -        -            -        -         -       (1)                -       (1) 
------------------------------  --------  -------  -----------  -------  --------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
Total comprehensive 
 income/(expense) 
 for the year                          -        -            -        -   (3,782)    19,940              101    16,259 
------------------------------  --------  -------  -----------  -------  --------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
Contributions by and 
 distributions to owners 
 of the Company: 
- dividends                            -        -            -        -         -   (9,807)                -   (9,807) 
------------------------------  --------  -------  -----------  -------  --------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
Distribution to 
 non-controlling 
 interest                              -        -            -        -         -         -            (150)     (150) 
------------------------------  --------  -------  -----------  -------  --------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
Reduction in non-controlling 
 interest                              -        -            -        -         -     (468)            (210)     (678) 
------------------------------  --------  -------  -----------  -------  --------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
At 31 December 2021 and 
 1 January 2022                      123      344            1    2,033     5,056   124,072              118   131,747 
------------------------------  --------  -------  -----------  -------  --------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
Total comprehensive income 
 for the year 
Profit for the financial 
 year                                  -        -            -        -         -    20,203                9    20,212 
Other comprehensive 
income/(expense): 
- exchange adjustments                 -        -            -        -     3,602         -                -     3,602 
- actuarial gain on pension 
 schemes                               -        -            -        -         -     1,138                -     1,138 
- net movement on deferred 
 tax relating to pension 
 deficit                               -        -            -        -         -     (247)                -     (247) 
------------------------------  --------  -------  -----------  -------  --------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
Total comprehensive 
 income/(expense) 
 for the year                          -        -            -        -     3,602    21,094                9    24,705 
------------------------------  --------  -------  -----------  -------  --------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
Contributions by and 
 distributions to owners 
 of the Company: 
- purchase of own shares               -        -            -        -         -      (13)                -      (13) 
- dividends                            -        -            -        -         -  (10,298)                -  (10,298) 
------------------------------  --------  -------  -----------  -------  --------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
                                       -        -            -        -         -  (10,311)                -  (10,311) 
------------------------------  --------  -------  -----------  -------  --------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
Reduction in non-controlling 
 interest                              -        -            -        -         -     (158)            (127)     (285) 
------------------------------  --------  -------  -----------  -------  --------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
At 31 December 2022                  123      344            1    2,033     8,658   134,697                -   145,856 
------------------------------  --------  -------  -----------  -------  --------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
 

The merger reserve is not a distributable reserve. The other reserve relates entirely to the effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

Consolidated statement of financial position

as at 31 December 2022

 
                                                           2022      2021 
                                                        GBP'000   GBP'000 
----------------------------------------------------   --------  -------- 
Assets 
Non-current assets 
Property, plant and equipment                            14,940    13,990 
Right of use assets                                       5,975     4,297 
Intangible assets                                        77,076    70,074 
Deferred tax asset                                          694       778 
Retirement benefit surplus                                  276       380 
-----------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
                                                         98,961    89,519 
 ----------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Current assets 
Inventories                                              22,260    16,423 
Trade and other receivables                              40,699    33,021 
Cash and cash equivalents                                33,962    35,681 
-----------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
                                                         96,921    85,125 
 ----------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Total assets                                            195,882   174,644 
-----------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Liabilities 
Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables                               (36,431)  (28,061) 
Income tax liabilities                                  (1,440)   (1,607) 
Borrowings                                              (1,598)   (2,430) 
Lease liabilities                                       (2,040)   (1,603) 
Provision                                                  (10)      (13) 
-----------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
                                                       (41,519)  (33,714) 
 ----------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Non-current liabilities 
Trade and other payables                                  (936)   (1,058) 
Borrowings                                                (236)   (1,340) 
Lease liabilities                                       (4,033)   (2,740) 
Derivative financial instruments                              -      (20) 
Deferred tax liabilities                                (2,211)   (1,731) 
Retirement benefit obligations                            (953)   (2,144) 
Provision                                                 (138)     (150) 
-----------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
                                                        (8,507)   (9,183) 
 ----------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Total liabilities                                      (50,026)  (42,897) 
-----------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Net assets                                              145,856   131,747 
-----------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Shareholders' equity 
Ordinary shares                                             123       123 
Share premium                                               344       344 
Capital redemption reserve                                    1         1 
Merger reserve                                            2,033     2,033 
Other reserves                                            8,658     5,056 
Retained earnings                                       134,697   124,072 
-----------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Equity attributable to owners of the Parent Company     145,856   131,629 
Non-controlling interest                                      -       118 
-----------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Total equity                                            145,856   131,747 
-----------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 

Consolidated statement of cash flows

for the year ended 31 December 2022

 
                                                               2022      2021 
                                                            GBP'000   GBP'000 
--------------------------------------------------------   --------  -------- 
Cash flows from operating activities 
Cash generated from operations                               30,489    33,909 
Interest paid                                                 (111)     (106) 
Income tax paid                                             (7,055)   (7,122) 
---------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Net cash generated from operating activities                 23,323    26,681 
---------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Cash flows from investing activities 
Acquisition of subsidiary undertakings (net of cash 
 acquired)                                                  (4,078)   (4,871) 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment                  (4,626)   (4,880) 
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment         730       682 
Purchases of intangible assets                              (3,193)   (2,693) 
Interest received                                                 4         7 
---------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Net cash used in investing activities                      (11,163)  (11,755) 
---------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Cash flows from financing activities 
Repayments of borrowings                                    (2,312)   (2,119) 
Payment of lease liabilities                                (2,356)   (2,072) 
Dividends paid to the Company's shareholders               (10,298)   (9,807) 
Purchase of own shares                                         (13)         - 
Distribution to non-controlling interest                          -     (150) 
Reduction in non-controlling interest                         (285)     (678) 
---------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Net cash used in financing activities                      (15,264)  (14,826) 
---------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Net increase in cash in the year                            (3,104)       100 
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the 
 year                                                        35,681    37,456 
Effects of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents        1,385   (1,875) 
---------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year             33,962    35,681 
---------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 

Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2022

1 Earnings per share

The calculation of basic earnings per ordinary share ("EPS") is based on the profit on ordinary activities after taxation of GBP20,212,000 (2021: GBP19,907,000) and on 12,261,477 (2021: 12,261,477) ordinary shares, being the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year.

For diluted EPS, the weighted average number of shares in issue is adjusted to assume conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares. There was no difference in the weighted average number of shares used for the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share as there are no potentially dilutive shares outstanding.

 
                                                    2022            2021 
                                               --------------  -------------- 
                                               GBP'000  Pence  GBP'000  Pence 
---------------------------------------------  -------  -----  -------  ----- 
Profit on ordinary activities after taxation    20,212  164.8   19,907  162.4 
---------------------------------------------  -------  -----  -------  ----- 
 

2 This financial information within this preliminary announcement does not constitute the Company's statutory accounts within the meaning of Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. The results for the year ended 31 December 2022 have been extracted from the full accounts of the Group for that year which received an unmodified auditor's report, and which have not yet been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The financial information for the year ended 31 December 2021 is derived from the statutory accounts for that year, which have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The report of the auditor on those filed accounts was unmodified and does not include a statement under section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

This preliminary announcement has been prepared in accordance with the recognition and measurement principles of UK adopted international accounting standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and in accordance with the AIM rules. The financial information included in this preliminary announcement does not include all the disclosures required in accounts prepared in accordance with UK adopted international accounting standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and accordingly it does not itself comply with UK adopted international accounting standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. The accounting policies used in the preparation of this preliminary announcement have remained unchanged from those set out in the statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021. They are also consistent with those in the full accounts for the year ended 31 December 2022, which have yet to be published.

The Group will post its annual report and accounts to shareholders on 25 May 2023, a copy of the annual report and accounts will be available on the company's website ( www.londonsecurity.org ).

The person responsible for arranging the release of this announcement on behalf of the Company is Richard Pollard, Company Secretary.

Enquiries

 
 London Security plc 
 Richard Pollard       Tel: 01422 372 852 
  Company Secretary 
 
 WH Ireland Limited 
 Chris Fielding        Tel: 0207 220 1666 
 
 

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May 19, 2023 04:30 ET (08:30 GMT)

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