TIDMABDP
RNS Number : 4452J
AB Dynamics PLC
27 April 2022
AB Dynamics plc
Unaudited interim results for the six months ended 28 February
2022
"Strong financial performance and strategic progress"
AB Dynamics plc (AIM: ABDP, "ABD", "the Group"), the designer,
manufacturer and supplier of advanced testing, simulation and
measurement products to the global transport market, is pleased to
announce its interim results for the six-month period to 28
February 2022 (the "period").
H1 2022 H1 2021 %
GBPm GBPm
Revenue 37.8 27.3 +39%
Gross margin 57.7% 57.7% -
Adjusted operating profit(1) 5.7 3.5 +63%
Adjusted operating margin(1) 15.1% 12.8% +230bps
Statutory operating profit 2.5 0.7 (2) +264%
Adjusted cash flow from operations(1) 8.5 8.0 +6%
Net cash 27.7 33.1 -16%
--------------------------------------- -------- -------- --------
Pence Pence
Adjusted diluted earnings
per share(1) 19.9 13.1 +52%
Statutory diluted earnings
per share 8.5 3.2 (2) +166%
Interim dividend per share 1.76 1.60 +10%
--------------------------------------- -------- -------- --------
(1) Before amortisation of acquired intangibles, acquisition
related charges, and exceptional items. A reconciliation to
statutory measures is given in the Half Year Review.
(2) The prior year comparative has been restated to reflect the
write off of previously capitalised ERP development costs on
adoption of the IFRIC update on cloud computing arrangements. The
impact was a GBP0.7m decrease in statutory operating profit.
Financial highlights
-- Order intake momentum continued with strong growth,
particularly in Asia Pacific. The Group's positive book to bill
ratio provides confidence in delivery of H2 revenue expectations, a
significant proportion of which is covered by the current order
book.
-- Revenue increased by 39% against H1 2021 and by 21% on an
organic constant currency basis, albeit against a weak comparative
period that was impacted by COVID-19.
-- Constant currency revenue was slightly up against H2 2021
reflecting increased track testing activity. Track testing revenue
was 45% higher than H1 2021, up 23% on an organic constant currency
basis, and up 6% against H2 2021.
-- Laboratory testing and simulation delivered revenue growth of
17% against H1 2021 driven by increased demand for simulation
software.
-- Operating margins of 15.1% improved by 230 bps as a result of
the increased levels of activity.
-- Strong adjusted cash flow from operations of GBP8.5m (H1
2021: GBP8.0m). Significant net cash balance of GBP27.7m at the
period end (28 February 2021: GBP33.1m, 31 August 2021: GBP22.3m)
providing scope for continued support to the Group's strategic
growth objectives.
-- Interim dividend of 1.76p per share (H1 2021: 1.6p), growth of 10%.
Operational and strategic highlights
-- Market and customer activity levels have remained positive
throughout H1, with strong activity in track testing driving
significant improvements in both orders and revenues.
-- Whilst the current macroeconomic operating environment still
presents challenges in relation to supply chain disruption,
operational output has not been adversely affected to date and the
Group has been successful in mitigating inflationary cost pressures
through price increases for new orders.
-- Further progress made on the implementation of strategic
initiatives targeting diversification alongside the established
pillars and opening up new markets beyond automotive through the
launch of ABD Solutions.
-- ABD Solutions was awarded its first development contract by
an industrial equipment supplier in Japan for a driverless retrofit
solution for mining vehicles.
-- Continued progress in growing the proportion of recurring and
service-based sales, to 41% up from 31%, enhanced by the
strengthening of our APAC regional footprint.
-- New product development continues in line with our technology
roadmap for existing track testing and simulation markets and
development of the core technology for ABD Solutions.
-- Vadotech Group has been successfully integrated into the
Group and delivered a solid performance since it was acquired in H2
2021.
Current trading and outlook
-- Performance in the first half of the year was as anticipated
with good conversion of orders to sales.
-- The positive order intake trend provides confidence for continued momentum into H2.
-- Whilst mindful of ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, the Board
now expects the financial results for the current year to be
slightly ahead of market expectations.
-- Future growth prospects remain supported by long-term
structural and regulatory growth drivers in active safety,
autonomous systems and the automation of vehicle applications.
There will be a presentation for analysts this morning at 9.30am
at the London Stock Exchange. Please contact
abdynamics@tulchangroup.com if you would like to attend.
Commenting on the results, Dr James Routh, Chief Executive
Officer said:
"The Group has delivered a strong financial and operational
performance in the first half of the year, with continued momentum
in our key markets and progress against our strategic
objectives.
Against the backdrop of external challenges in relation to
supply chain disruption and inflationary pressures, the Group has,
to date, successfully mitigated these effects and continued to
invest in all areas of the business, supporting our ambitious
growth plans.
Whilst mindful of ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and the risk
of further logistics disruption and inflation, given the
improvement in order intake, the Board now expects the financial
results for the year to be slightly ahead of market
expectations.
Our market drivers remain strong. Against that background and
based on the recent track record of improving demand and continued
strategic investment, the Board is confident of delivering progress
during the second half of 2022 and beyond ."
Enquiries:
AB Dynamics plc 01225 860 200
Dr James Routh, Chief Executive Officer
Sarah Matthews-DeMers, Chief Financial
Officer
Peel Hunt LLP 0207 894 7000
Mike Bell
Ed Allsopp
Tulchan Communications 0207 353 4200
James Macey White
Matt Low
Laura Marshall
Certain information contained in this announcement would have
constituted inside information (as defined by Article 7 of
Regulation (EU) No 596/2014) ("MAR") prior to its release as part
of this announcement and is disclosed in accordance with the
Company's obligations under Article 17 of those Regulations.
The person responsible for arranging the release of this
information is David Forbes, Company Secretary.
Half Year Review
Group overview
Against a backdrop of macroeconomic conditions that remain
challenging, the Group has delivered a strong performance, whilst
also continuing to invest to ensure AB Dynamics can capitalise on
the significant long-term structural and regulatory growth drivers
within its markets.
The Group has seen continued improvement in order intake through
the first half of the year, including our first collaborative
development contract for ABD Solutions with an industrial equipment
supplier in Japan. The Group has managed supply chain disruptions
through accelerating procurement and flexible production
scheduling, with inflationary cost pressures managed through
implementation of price increases for new orders.
Financial performance
Revenue increased by 39% against H1 2021, or 21% on an organic
constant currency basis, albeit against a weak prior period
comparative that was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Constant
currency revenue was slightly ahead of H2 2021 .
Gross margins remained comparable to H1 2021 and up 90 bps on
the full year at 57.7% (H1 2021: 57.7%, FY 2021: 56.8%), supported
by effective pricing management and increased recurring
revenue.
Group adjusted operating profit of GBP5.7m increased 63% against
H1 2021 or 68% on a constant currency basis. The adjusted operating
margin increased against H1 2021 to 15.1% (H1 2021: 12.8%), as a
result of the increase in sales volumes.
Net finance costs were GBP0.2m (H1 2021: GBPnil, FY 2021:
GBP0.4m).
Adjusted profit before tax was GBP5.5m (H1 2021: GBP3.5m). The
Group adjusted tax charge totalled GBP1.0m (H1 2021: GBP0.5m), an
adjusted effective tax rate of 18.0% (H1 2021: 14.7%).
Adjusted diluted earnings per share was 19.9p (H1 2021: 13.1p),
an increase of 52%, reflecting the increase in operating
profit.
Statutory operating profit increased by 264% to GBP2.5m and
after net finance costs of GBP0.2m (H1 2021: GBPnil), statutory
profit before tax was up 238% from GBP0.7m to GBP2.3m, giving
statutory basic earnings per share of 8.6p (H1 2021: 3.2p). The
statutory tax charge was GBP0.4m (H1 2021: GBPnil). A
reconciliation of statutory to underlying non-GAAP financial
measures is provided below. The adjustments of GBP3.2m comprise
GBP2.7m of amortisation of acquired intangibles and GBP0.5m of ERP
cloud computing costs (H1 2021: GBP2.8m comprising GBP1.7m of
amortisation of acquired intangibles, GBP0.7m of ERP cloud
computing costs and GBP0.4m of acquisition costs). The tax impact
of these adjustments was GBP0.6m.
The Group delivered strong adjusted operating cash flow of
GBP8.5m with the net cash position at the period end of GBP27.7m
underpinning a robust balance sheet and providing the resources to
continue the Group's investment programme.
Russia/Ukraine
At this stage the consequences for the global economy of the
tragic events in Ukraine are uncertain. Whilst the Group has no
operations in this part of the world and no direct exposure to
customers and suppliers in the region, we continue to monitor the
situation carefully and in particular any effects on wider supply
chains. The Group has also reviewed the current sanctions regime
relating to Russia and Ukraine and can confirm the Group has no
exposure to any sanctioned entities or individuals.
Sector review
Track testing
Track testing revenue of GBP30.4m was up 45% against H1 2021
(GBP20.9m) and up 6% against H2 2021 (GBP28.7m). On an organic
constant currency basis track testing revenue was up 23%.
Driving robot sales increased 7% against H1 2021 to GBP9.7m (H1
2021: GBP9.1m), following the recovery of order intake during H2
2021. The Group expects continued moderate growth in driving robots
once new regulatory requirements for new ADAS technologies are
released.
ADAS platform sales increased 39% to GBP13.3m in H1 2021 (H1
2021: GBP9.6m). Demand for these products, particularly the
LaunchPad continues to build. The new higher speed versions of the
GST and Launchpad, which can operate at speeds of up to 120kph and
80kph respectively, enable customers to perform a greater range of
tests, particularly the assessment of automated lane keeping
technology and vehicle interactions with Vulnerable Road Users such
as motorcyclists. The trend towards multi-object test scenarios
will further drive demand for a range of platforms that meet these
test requirements, including platforms to carry a range of objects
(e.g. pedestrian dummies, cyclists, scooters, motorcycles, etc.)
that can operate at a range of speeds and can interact with a
variety of test vehicles from passenger cars to commercial
vehicles.
The acquisition of Vadotech in March 2021 saw revenue related to
the provision of testing services increase to GBP7.4m (H1 2021:
GBP2.2m).
Order intake for track testing products has continued to
improve, providing confidence for the second half of the year.
ABD Solutions, the Group's new market-facing business unit that
develops solutions to automate vehicle applications, was awarded
its first collaborative development contract with an industrial
equipment supplier in Japan for a driverless retrofit solution for
mining vehicles. The contract, while not financially significant at
GBP1.1m for delivery over eighteen months, will provide the
opportunity to validate the technology for this specific
application. This represents an encouraging first step in the
Group's diversification strategy to reduce dependence on the
traditional passenger vehicle automotive market.
The Group continues to invest in new product development in this
sector in order to meet forthcoming regulatory requirements and to
ensure we retain our market leadership in track testing products
and technology.
Laboratory testing and simulation
The laboratory testing and simulation business delivered strong
revenue growth to GBP7.4m, an increase of 17% on H1 2021
(GBP6.4m).
Simulation sales grew significantly reflecting high customer
demand for our simulation software and aVDS simulators, with
revenue of GBP5.4m, up 26% compared with H1 2021 (GBP4.3m). During
the first half of the year, development continued on the new
variant of our full motion simulator for a major automotive
OEM.
SPMM revenue of GBP2.0m was in line with H1 2021 (GBP2.1m) and
the division carries forward a solid order book, which provides
good coverage for the remainder of the financial year alongside
further opportunities in the pipeline.
Progress on our strategy
The Group continues to make good progress against its core
strategic priorities, as well as further integrating ESG as a core
tenet of our strategy and operating model.
As part of the objective to diversify into adjacent markets, the
newly established ABD Solutions aims to accelerate the automation
of vehicle applications in four new primary market sectors with an
initial focus on mining and defence.
The recruitment and build out of the ABD Solutions team is on
track, with good progress made against the technology development
plan for object detection and the technology stack. In addition to
the development contract for the retrofit solution for mining
vehicles, demonstrations have been given to a number of potential
customers and partners in the defence industry.
New product development continues across our core business to
enhance our offering in these attractive markets.
Acquisitions
During the second half of 2021, the Group acquired Vadotech
Group for a maximum consideration of up to EUR26m including two
performance payments of EUR3m and EUR6m. The first performance
targets were met and EUR3m was paid in H2 2021. The second
performance payment is expected to be made in H2 2022. The
acquisition provided a strategically important footprint in the
Asia Pacific region, allowing the introduction of our new
divisional operating hub in Singapore. Vadotech Group has performed
well since acquisition and in line with the Board's
expectations.
Acquisitions have and will continue to be a significant part of
our overall strategy and we have a promising pipeline of potential
acquisition opportunities.
Alternative performance measures
In the analysis of the Group's financial performance and
position, operating results and cash flows, alternative performance
measures are presented to provide readers with additional
information. The principal measures presented are adjusted measures
of earnings including adjusted operating profit, EBITDA, adjusted
operating margin, adjusted profit before tax and adjusted earnings
per share.
The interim report includes both statutory and adjusted non-GAAP
financial measures, the latter of which the Directors believe
better reflect the underlying performance of the business and
provide a more meaningful comparison of how the business is managed
and measured on a day-to-day basis. The Group's alternative
performance measures and KPIs are aligned to the Group's strategy
and together are used to measure the performance of the business
and form the basis of the performance measures for remuneration.
Adjusted results exclude certain items because if included, these
items could distort the understanding of the performance for the
year and the comparability between the periods.
We provide comparatives alongside all current period figures.
The term 'adjusted' is not defined under IFRS and may not be
comparable with similarly titled measures used by other companies.
All profit and earnings per share figures in this interim report
relate to underlying business performance (as defined above) unless
otherwise stated.
A reconciliation of adjusted measures to statutory measures is
provided below:
H1 2022 H1 2021
Adjusted Adjustments Statutory Adjusted Adjustments* Statutory*
EBITDA (GBPm) 7.3 (0.5) 6.8 4.6 (1.1) 3.5
Operating profit (GBPm) 5.7 (3.2) 2.5 3.5 (2.8) 0.7
Operating margin (%) 15.1 (8.5) 6.6 12.8 (10.3) 2.5
Profit before tax (GBPm) 5.5 (3.2) 2.3 3.5 (2.8) 0.7
Tax expense (GBPm) (1.0) 0.6 (0.4) (0.5) 0.5 -
Profit after tax (GBPm) 4.5 (2.6) 1.9 3.0 (2.3) 0.7
Diluted earnings per share (pence) 19.9 (11.4) 8.5 13.1 (9.9) 3.2
The adjustments to operating profit comprise:
H1 2022 H1 2021*
GBPm GBPm
Amortisation of acquired intangibles 2.7 1.7
ERP cloud computing costs 0.5 0.7
Acquisition related costs - 0.4
Adjustments 3.2 2.8
-------------------------------------- -------- ---------
* The prior year comparative has been restated to reflect the
write off of previously capitalised ERP development costs on
adoption of the IFRIC update on cloud computing arrangements.
Research and development
While research and development forms a significant part of the
Group's activities, a significant proportion relates to specific
customer programmes which are included in the cost of the product.
Development costs of GBP0.1m (H1 2021: GBP0.6m) have been
capitalised in relation to projects for which there are a number of
near-term sales opportunities. Other research and development
costs, all of which have been expensed to the profit and loss
account as incurred, total GBP0.1m (H1 2021: GBP0.2m).
Foreign currency exposure
The Group faces currency exposure on its foreign currency
transactions and with significant overseas operations, also has
exposure to foreign currency translation risk.
The Group maintains a natural hedge whenever possible to
transactional exposure by matching the cash inflows and outflows in
the respective currencies.
There was no material difference between the reported profit for
the year and that calculated on a constant currency basis as the
impact of the strengthening US dollar was offset by the weakening
Euro.
Dividends
The Board has declared an interim dividend of 1.76p per ordinary
share (H1 2021: 1.6p) which will be paid on 20 May 2022 to
shareholders on the register on 6 May 2022. A final dividend of
3.24p per share was paid in respect of the year ended 31 August
2021. It is the Board's intention to pursue a sustainable and
growing dividend policy in the future having regard to the
development of the Group.
Summary and Outlook
The Group has delivered a strong financial and operational
performance in the first half of the year, with continued momentum
in our key markets and progress against our strategic
objectives.
Against the backdrop of challenges in relation to supply chain
disruption and inflationary pressures, the Group has, to date,
successfully mitigated these effects and continued to invest in all
areas of the business, supporting our ambitious growth plans.
Whilst mindful of ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and the risk
of further logistics disruption and inflation, given the
improvement in order intake, the Board now expects the financial
results for the year to be slightly ahead of market
expectations.
Our market drivers remain strong. Against that background and
based on the recent track record of improved demand and continued
strategic investment, the Board is confident of delivering progress
during the second half of 2022 and beyond.
Directors' Responsibility Statement
The Directors confirm that this condensed consolidated half year
financial information has been prepared in accordance with
International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting'
as adopted by the United Kingdom, and that the half year management
report herein includes a fair review of the information required by
DTR 4.2.7 and DTR 4.2.8, namely:
-- an indication of important events that have occurred during
the first six months and their impact on the condensed consolidated
half year financial information, and a description of the principal
risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the
financial year; and
-- material related party transactions in the first six months
and any material changes in the related party transactions
described in the last annual report.
By order of the Board
Dr James Routh
Chief Executive Officer
27 April 2022
AB Dynamics plc
Unaudited consolidated statement of comprehensive income
for the six months ended 28 February 2022
Unaudited 6 months ended 28 Unaudited 6 months ended Audited Year ended
February 2022 28 February 31 August
2021 2021
Adjusted Adjustments Statutory Adjusted Adjustments Statutory Adjusted Adjustments Statutory
(Restated)* (Restated)*
Note GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Revenue 2 37,826 - 37,826 27,280 - 27,280 65,380 - 65,380
Cost of sales (16,011) - (16,011) (11,552) - (11,552) (28,269) - (28,269)
Gross profit 21,815 - 21,815 15,728 - 15,728 37,111 - 37,111
General and
administrative
expenses (16,102) (3,214) (19,316) (12,231) (2,810) (15,041) (26,288) (6,630) (32,918)
--------- ------------ ---------- --------- ------------ ------------ ------------- ------------ ----------
Operating profit 5,713 (3,214) 2,499 3,497 (2,810) 687 10,823 (6,630) 4,193
----------------- ----- --------- ------------ ---------- --------- ------------ ------------ ------------- ------------ ----------
Operating profit
is
analysed as:
Before
depreciation
and
amortisation 7,313 (480) 6,833 4,598 (1,132) 3,466 13,500 (2,198) 11,302
Depreciation and
amortisation (1,600) (2,734) (4,334) (1,101) (1,678) (2,779) (2,677) (4,432) (7,109)
--------- ------------ ---------- --------- ------------ ------------ ------------- ------------ ----------
Operating profit 5,713 (3,214) 2,499 3,497 (2,810) 687 10,823 (6,630) 4,193
----------------- ----- --------- ------------ ---------- --------- ------------ ------------ ------------- ------------ ----------
Finance income 131 - 131 21 - 21 15 - 15
Finance expense (86) - (86) (18) - (18) (91) - (91)
Other finance
expense (215) - (215) - - - (332) - (332)
Profit before
tax 5,543 (3,214) 2,329 3,500 (2,810) 690 10,415 (6,630) 3,785
Tax expense (999) 606 (393) (515) 555 40 (1,895) 1,095 (800)
--------- ------------ ---------- --------- ------------ ------------ ------------- ------------ ----------
Profit for the
period 4,544 (2,608) 1,936 2,985 (2,255) 730 8,520 (5,535) 2,985
--------- ------------ ---------- --------- ------------ ------------ ------------- ------------ ----------
Other
comprehensive
income/(loss)
Items that may be
reclassified
to consolidated income
statement:
Cash flow hedges 30 - 30 - - - (31) - (31)
Exchange gain/(loss) on
foreign
currency net
investments 132 - 132 (948) - (948) (614) - (614)
Total comprehensive
income/(loss)
for the year 4,706 (2,608) 2,098 2,037 (2,255) (218) 7,875 (5,535) 2,340
--------- ------------ ---------- --------- ------------ ------------ ------------- ------------ ----------
Earnings per share -
basic (pence)
5 20.1 (11.5) 8.6 13.2 (10.0) 3.2 37.7 (24.5) 13.2
Earnings per share -
diluted
(pence) 5 19.9 (11.4) 8.5 13.1 (9.9) 3.2 37.4 (24.3) 13.1
* The prior year comparative has been restated to reflect the write off of previously capitalised ERP
development costs on adoption of the IFRIC update on cloud computing arrangements (see note 3).
AB Dynamics plc
Unaudited consolidated statement of financial position
as at 28 February 2022
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
28 February 28 February 31 August
2022 2021 2021
(Restated)*
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
ASSETS Note
Non-current assets
Goodwill 22,269 15,821 22,221
Acquired intangible assets 25,304 15,719 28,282
Other intangible assets 1,618 1,078 1,577
Property, plant and equipment 25,210 26,845 25,815
Right-of-use assets 1,020 466 913
75,421 59,929 78,808
------------- ------------- -----------
Current assets
Inventories 9,535 9,090 6,771
Trade and other receivables 17,641 14,466 15,500
Contract assets 3,728 1,613 4,269
Taxation 815 1,119 1,443
Cash and cash equivalents 7 28,772 34,084 23,282
------------- ------------- -----------
60,491 60,372 51,265
------------- ------------- -----------
Assets held for sale 1,893 - 1,893
------------- ------------- -----------
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Borrowings - 485 -
Trade and other payables 10,607 10,972 10,933
Contract liabilities 8,184 3,885 3,568
Derivative financial instruments 1 - 31
Short-term lease liabilities 7 556 246 456
Deferred consideration 5,016 - 4,929
------------- ------------- -----------
24,364 15,588 19,917
------------- ------------- -----------
Non-current liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities 6,464 2,927 6,552
Long-term lease liabilities 7 511 237 511
6,975 3,164 7,063
------------- ------------- -----------
Net assets 106,466 101,549 104,986
------------- ------------- -----------
Shareholders' equity
Share capital 226 230 226
Share premium 62,210 61,785 62,210
Other reserves 8 (2,177) (2,642) (2,339)
Retained earnings 46,207 42,176 44,889
------------- ------------- -----------
Total equity 106,466 101,549 104,986
------------- ------------- -----------
* The prior year comparative has been restated to reflect the
write off of previously capitalised ERP development costs on
adoption of the IFRIC update on cloud computing arrangements (see
note 3).
AB Dynamics plc
Unaudited consolidated statement of changes in equity
for the six months ended 28 February 2022
Share Share premium Other reserves Retained Total equity
capital earnings
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
At 1 September
2021 226 62,210 (2,339) 44,889 104,986
Share based payments - - - 570 570
Total comprehensive
income - - 162 1,936 2,098
Deferred tax on
share based payments - - - (455) (455)
Dividend paid - - - (733) (733)
At 28 February
2022 226 62,210 (2,177) 46,207 106,466
--------- -------------- --------------- ---------- -------------
At 1 September
2020 226 61,736 (1,694) 41,956* 102,224*
Share based payments - - - 570 570
Total comprehensive
income - - (948) 730* (218)*
Deferred tax on
share based payments - - - (86) (86)
Dividend paid - - - (994) (994)
Issue of shares 4 49 - - 53
--------- -------------- --------------- ---------- -------------
At 28 February
2021 230 61,785 (2,642) 42,176* 101,549*
--------- -------------- --------------- ---------- -------------
At 1 September
2020 226 61,736 (1,694) 41,956 102,224
Share based payments - - - 1,139 1,139
Total comprehensive
income - - (645) 2,985 2,340
Deferred tax on
share based payments - - - 165 165
Dividend paid - - - (1,356) (1,356)
Issue of shares - 474 - - 474
--------- -------------- --------------- ---------- -------------
At 31 August 2021 226 62,210 (2,339) 44,889 104,986
--------- -------------- --------------- ---------- -------------
* The prior year comparative has been restated to reflect the
write off of previously capitalised ERP development costs on
adoption of the IFRIC update on cloud computing arrangements.
AB Dynamics plc
Unaudited consolidated cash flow statement
for the six months ended 28 February 2022
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
6 months 6 months Year
ended ended ended
28 February 28 February 31 August
2022 2021 2021
(Restated)*
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Profit before tax 2,329 690 3,785
Depreciation and amortisation 4,334 2,779 7,109
Net finance expense/(income) 170 (3) 408
Acquisition costs - - 304
Share based payments 570 570 1,240
----------------- ------------- -----------
Operating cash flows before changes
in working capital 7,403 4,036 12,846
(Increase)/decrease in inventories (2,764) 90 2,409
Increase in trade and other receivables (1,600) (298) (3,913)
Increase in trade and other payables 4,954 3,285 2,956
----------------- ------------- -----------
Cash flows from operations 7,993 7,113 14,298
----------------------------------------- ----------------- ------------- -----------
Cash impact of adjusting items 480 868 1,663
Adjusted cash flow from operations 8,473 7,981 15,961
----------------------------------------- ----------------- ------------- -----------
Interest received 131 21 15
Finance costs paid (46) (113) (154)
Income tax (paid)/received (707) 1,570 1,062
----------------- ------------- -----------
Net cash flows from operating
activities 7,371 8,591 15,221
Cash flows used in investing activities
Acquisition of businesses - (560) (14,329)
Purchase of property, plant and
equipment (554) (3,363) (5,536)
Capitalised development costs
and purchased software (138) (589) (1,104)
----------------- ------------- -----------
Net cash used in investing activities (692) (4,512) (20,969)
Cash flows (used in)/generated
from financing activities
Movements in loans - (20) (493)
Maturity of fixed term deposits - 5,000 5,000
Dividends paid (733) (994) (1,356)
Proceeds from issue of share capital - 53 474
Repayment of lease liabilities (423) (249) (656)
----------------- ------------- -----------
Net cash flow (used in)/generated
from financing activities (1,156) 3,790 2,969
----------------- ------------- -----------
Net increase/(decrease) in cash
and cash equivalents 5,523 7,869 (2,779)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
of the period 23,282 26,183 26,183
Effect of exchange rates on cash
and cash equivalents (33) 32 (122)
----------------- ------------- -----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end
of period 28,772 34,084 23,282
----------------- ------------- -----------
* The prior year comparative has been restated to reflect the
write off of previously capitalised ERP development costs on
adoption of the IFRIC update on cloud computing arrangements.
AB Dynamics plc
Notes to the unaudited interim report
for the six months ended 28 February 2022
1. Basis of preparation
The Company is a public limited company limited by shares and
incorporated under the UK Companies Act. The Company is domiciled
in the United Kingdom and the registered office and principal place
of business is Middleton Drive, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire, BA15
1GB.
The principal activity is the specialised area of design,
manufacture and supply of advanced testing, simulation and
measurement products to the global transport market.
The annual financial statements of the Group are prepared in
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as
adopted for use by the UK in conformity with the requirements of
the Companies Act 2006. A copy of the statutory accounts for the
year ended 31 August 2021 has been delivered to the Registrar of
Companies. The auditor's report on those accounts was unqualified
and did not contain any statements under section 498(2) or (3) of
the Companies Act 2006.
The same accounting policies, presentation and methods of
computation have been followed in this unaudited interim financial
information as those which were applied in the preparation of the
Group's annual financial statements for the year ended 31 August
2021.
Certain new standards, amendments to standards and
interpretations are not yet effective for the year ended 31 August
2022 and have therefore not been applied in preparing this interim
financial information.
The interim accounts are unaudited and do not constitute
statutory accounts as defined in Section 434 of the Companies Act
2006.
Going concern basis of accounting
The Directors have assessed the principal risks discussed in
note 9, including by modelling a number of severe but plausible
downside economic scenarios, whereby the Group experiences:
-- A reduction in demand of 25%
-- A 10% increase in operating costs from supply chain disruption
-- An increase in cash collection cycle
With GBP27.7m of net cash at 28 February 2022 and availability
of a revolving credit facility of GBP15m, in this severe downside
scenario, the Group has sufficient headroom to be able to continue
to operate for the foreseeable future. The Directors believe that
the Group is well placed to manage its financing and other business
risks satisfactorily and have a reasonable expectation that the
Group will have adequate resources to continue in operation for at
least 12 months from the signing date of this interim financial
information. They therefore consider it appropriate to adopt the
going concern basis of accounting in preparing the interim
financial information.
The interim financial information for the six months ended 28
February 2022 was approved by the Board on 27 April 2022.
2. Segment information
Revenues attributable to individual foreign countries are as
follows:
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
6 months 6 months Year
ended ended ended
28 February 28 February 31 August
2022 2021 2021
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
United Kingdom 2,780 3,191 4,449
Rest of Europe 6,772 4,763 11,352
North America 10,105 8,963 15,884
Asia Pacific 17,501 9,668 32,717
Rest of the World 668 695 978
-------------- -------------- --------------
37,826 27,280 65,380
-------------- -------------- --------------
Revenues are disaggregated as
follows:
Track testing 30,420 20,937 49,680
Laboratory testing and simulation 7,406 6,343 15,700
-------------- -------------- --------------
37,826 27,280 65,380
-------------- -------------- --------------
3. Alternative Performance measures
In the analysis of the Group's financial performance and
position, operating results and cash flows, alternative performance
measures are presented to provide readers with additional
information. The principal measures presented are adjusted measures
of earnings including adjusted operating profit, EBITDA, adjusted
operating margin, adjusted profit before tax and adjusted earnings
per share.
The interim financial information includes both statutory and
adjusted non-GAAP financial measures, the latter of which the
Directors believe better reflect the underlying performance of the
business and provide a more meaningful comparison of how the
business is managed and measured on a day-to-day basis. The Group's
alternative performance measures and KPIs are aligned to the
Group's strategy and together are used to measure the performance
of the business and form the basis of the performance measures for
remuneration. Adjusted results exclude certain items because if
included, these items could distort the understanding of the
performance for the year and the comparability between the
periods.
We provide comparatives alongside all current year figures. The
term 'adjusted' is not defined under IFRS and may not be comparable
with similarly titled measures used by other companies. All profit
and earnings per share figures in this interim report relate to
underlying business performance (as defined above) unless otherwise
stated.
A summary of the items which reconcile statutory to adjusted
measures is included below:
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
6 months 6 months Year
ended ended ended
28 February 28 February 31 August
2022 2021 2021
(Restated)*
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Amortisation of acquired intangibles 2,734 1,678 4,432
ERP development costs 480 668 1,358
Acquisition related costs - 464 840
3,214 2,810 6,630
-------------- -------------- --------------
* The prior year comparative has been restated to reflect the
write off of previously capitalised ERP development costs on
adoption of the IFRIC update on cloud computing arrangements.
Amortisation of acquired intangibles
The amortisation relates to the acquisition of Vadotech Group on
3 March 2021 and the businesses acquired in 2019, DRI and
rFpro.
ERP Development costs
During April 2021 the IFRS Interpretations Committee finalised
its agenda decision regarding configuration and customisation costs
in Cloud Computing Arrangements (Software as a Service (SaaS))
under IAS 38. The agenda decision specifies that where ERP systems
are hosted on the cloud, no intangible asset arises and
configuration and customisation costs should be expensed. The ERP
system currently being implemented is hosted on the cloud;
therefore, the capitalised expenditure for development costs has
now been expensed.
Acquisition related costs
The prior year costs relate to the acquisition of the Vadotech
Group as well as staff retention payments to the employees of
rFpro.
4. Tax
The statutory effective tax rate for the period is a charge of
16.9% (H1 2021: tax credit of 6%), the difference from the prior
period reflecting the availability of additional R&D credits
and an increased patent box deduction.
The adjusted effective tax rate, adjusting both the tax charge
and the profit before taxation is 18.0% (H1 2021: 14.7%).
5. Earnings per share
The calculation of earnings per share is based on the following
earnings and number of shares:
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
6 months 6 months Year
ended ended ended
28 February 28 February 31 August
2022 2021 2021
(Restated)*
Profit after tax attributable
to owners of the Company (GBP'000) 1,936 730 2,985
Adjusted profit after tax attributable
to owners of the Company (GBP'000) 4,544 2,985 8,520
Weighted average number of shares
( '000 )
Basic 22,624 22,583 22,602
Diluted 22,834 22,781 22,782
Earnings per share (pence)
Basic 8.6 3.2 13.2
Diluted 8.5 3.2 13.1
Adjusted basic 20.1 13.2 37.7
Adjusted diluted 19.9 13.1 37.4
* The prior year comparative has been restated to reflect the
write off of previously capitalised ERP development costs on
adoption of the IFRIC update on cloud computing arrangements.
6. Dividends
An interim dividend of 1.6p per ordinary share in respect of the
year ended 31 August 2021 was paid on 14 May 2021 to shareholders
on the register on 30 April 2021.
At the Annual General Meeting the shareholders approved a final
dividend in respect of the year ended 31 August 2021 of 3.24p per
ordinary share totalling GBP733,000. This was paid on 28 January
2022 to shareholders on the register on 31 December 2021.
An interim dividend of 1.76p per ordinary share has been
declared in respect of the year ending 31 August 2022 which will be
paid on 20 May 2022 to shareholders on the register on 6 May
2022.
7. Net cash
Net cash comprises cash and cash equivalents, bank overdrafts
and lease liabilities.
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
28 February 28 February 31 August
2022 2021 2021
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Cash and cash equivalents 28,772 34,084 23,282
Borrowings - (485) -
Lease liabilities (1,067) (483) (967)
------------- ------------- -----------
27,705 33,116 22,315
------------- ------------- -----------
The Group has a GBP15m revolving credit facility with National
Westminster Bank plc. The facility remained undrawn at 28 February
2022.
8. Other reserves
Merger relief Reconstruction Translation Hedging Total
reserve reserve reserve reserve
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
At 1 September 2020 11,390 (11,284) (1,800) - (1,694)
Total comprehensive
income - - (948) - (948)
-------------- --------------- ------------ --------- ----------
At 28 February 2021 11,390 (11,284) (2,748) - (2,642)
Total comprehensive
income - - 334 (31) 303
-------------- --------------- ------------ --------- ----------
At 31 August 2021 11,390 (11,284) (2,414) (31) (2,339)
Total comprehensive
income - - 132 30 162
-------------- --------------- ------------ --------- ----------
At 28 February 2022 11,390 (11,284) (2,282) (1) (2,177)
-------------- --------------- ------------ --------- ----------
9. Principal risks
The principal risks and uncertainties impacting the Group are
described on pages 56-58 of our Annual Report 2021 and remain
unchanged at 28 February 2022.
They include: COVID-19 disruption, downturn or instability in
major geographic markets or market sectors, loss of major customers
and changes in customer procurement processes, failure to deliver
new products, dependence on external routes to market, acquisitions
integration and performance, supply chain, cybersecurity and
business interruption, competitor actions, loss of key personnel,
threat of disruptive technology, product liability, failure to
manage growth, foreign currency, credit risk and intellectual
property/patents.
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