9
April 2024
Microlise Group
plc
("Microlise", "the Group" or "the Company")
Results for the year ended
31 December 2023
Strong performance driven
by consistent strategic execution
Microlise Group plc (AIM: SAAS), a
leading provider of transport management software to fleet
operators, announces its audited
results for the twelve months ended
31 December 2023.
|
|
FY23
|
FY22
|
Change
|
Financial
|
Revenue
|
£71.7m
|
£63.2m
|
13%
|
Recurring Revenue
|
£45.0m
|
£40.5m
|
11%
|
Recurring revenue as % of Group revenue
|
63%
|
64%
|
-1%
|
Gross Profit
|
£43.6m
|
£37.6m
|
16%
|
Gross Profit Margin %
|
61%
|
60%
|
1%
|
Operating Profit
|
£2.3m
|
£2.2m
|
3%
|
Adjusted EBITDA (1)
|
£9.4m
|
£8.2m
|
15%
|
Adjusted EBITDA %
|
13.1%
|
13.0%
|
0.1%
|
Profit before tax
|
£2.5m
|
£1.4m
|
74%
|
Adjusted Profit before tax (2)
|
£5.6m
|
£4.8m
|
17%
|
Adjusted Profit before tax %
|
7%
|
7%
|
-
|
Basic EPS (p)
|
1.36p
|
1.17p
|
16%
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
£16.8m
|
£16.7m
|
1%
|
|
|
|
|
|
KPIs
|
ARR run rate (3)
|
£47.7m
|
£42.6m
|
12%
|
Number of like-for-like subscriptions
(4)
|
640,000
|
599,000
|
6.8%
|
Long-term contract customer churn by value
|
0.7%
|
0.4%
|
0.3%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1. EBITDA excludes depreciation,
amortisation, share of loss of associate, interest, tax and share
based payments. Adjusted EBITDA excludes, exceptional costs in
relation to acquisitions and restructuring costs, depreciation,
amortisation, share of loss of associate, interest, tax and share
based payments.
2. Adjusted Profit / (loss) before
taxation excludes exceptional costs in relation to acquisitions and
restructuring costs, share based payments and loss of share of
associate.
3. ARR run rate change figure and %
compare the annualised recurring revenue figure for December 2023
with the annualised recurring revenue figure for December
2022.
|
4. Like-for-like subscriptions change
figure and % compare the subscriptions as at 31 December 2023 with
the subscriptions as at 31 December 2022
|
Financial Highlights
·
The Group has driven an increase in total revenue
to £71.7m (13%) for the 12 months ended 31 December 2023 (FY22:
£63.2m).
·
Growth in the period was a result of continued
strong demand from Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) customers
and increased revenue from direct customers towards the end of the
year as an improvement of new vehicle availability in H2 enabled
the Company to deliver against its record orderbook.
·
Recurring revenue +11% to £45m, ahead of market
expectations, supported by the renewal of several major customer
contracts and new customer wins (FY22: £40.5m).
·
Gross profit +16% to £43.6m (FY22: £37.6m), at a
gross profit margin of 61% (FY22: 60%) due to the increased gross
margin % from both recurring and non-recurring revenues in the
period.
·
Adjusted EBITDA +15% to £9.4m (FY22: £8.2m),
ahead of market expectations. Adjusted EBITDA percentage has
increased marginally to 13.1% (FY22: 13.0%). Operating margins flat
following the previously announced commencement of the Group's
investment programme to improve its go-to-market and product
offering and support further growth.
·
Continued strong underlying cash conversion
exceeding 90% reflecting growth in subscription revenue and
continued good working capital management.
·
Robust balance sheet with £16.8m cash and cash
equivalents (FY22: £16.7m), £10m undrawn Revolving Credit Facility
and £20m accordion facility available until April 2027 with the
option to extend.
·
Maiden final ordinary dividend of 1.725 pence per
share (FY22: nil) payable on 28 June 2024 to shareholders on the
register at close of business on 7 June 2024.
Strategic and operational highlights
·
Subscriptions +6.8%, driven by continued growth
in our existing customers together with new customer wins (FY22:
599,000).
·
Annual recurring revenue (ARR) run rate +12% to
£47.7m, of which 11.8%
represented organic growth at 31 December 2023 from £42.6m on 31
December 2022.
·
The Group added over 450 new customers in the
period and long-term contract customer churn rate by value remained
very low at 0.7% (FY22: 0.4%)
Current Trading & Outlook
·
Microlise enters FY24 with good momentum driven
by consistent strategic execution. Looking ahead, the Board expects
organic growth to improve from current levels as we move through
the year supported by a healthy orderbook and pipeline of
opportunities across OEM and direct customer divisions. Operating
margins are expected to trend upwards in FY24 and beyond, as we
focus on careful management of the cost base and efficiently
scaling the Group.
·
We started the new financial year in line with
our expectations and remain very confident with the opportunities
we have in front of us, and in our ability to deliver against
market expectations.
·
Recent acquisitions of Transportation Management
System (TMS) providers, Enterprise Software Systems and Vita
Software, as well as vulnerable road user app supplier K-Safe are
trading in-line with our expectations.
Nadeem Raza, CEO of Microlise,
commented: "Microlise performed well in FY23, delivering double digit
revenue growth, increased profitability and strong cash flows.
During the period, we secured the renewal of several major customer
contracts and significant new logo wins. We are continuing to build
a resilient business to deliver sustained, efficient growth having
made three key acquisitions that have enabled us to improve and
expand our product offering.
Our focus remains on scaling our
business and increasing margins through consistently improving the
efficiency of our business. With the supply chain issues in the
first half of the year now fully behind us, and with a strong order
book and healthy pipeline, we look forward to 2024 with
confidence."
For further information, please contact:
Microlise Group plc
Nadeem Raza, CEO
Nick Wightman,
CFO
|
C/O SEC Newgate
|
Singer Capital Markets (Nominated Adviser &
Broker)
Steve Pearce / James Moat / Harry
Gooden
|
Tel: 020 7496 3000
|
SEC Newgate (Financial PR)
Bob Huxford / Molly Gretton /
Harry
Handyside
|
Tel: 020 3757 6880
Email: microlise@secnewgate.co.uk
|
About Microlise
Established in 1982, Microlise
Group Plc is a leading SaaS provider of Transport and fleet
management solutions. Its technology is designed to help businesses
improve efficiency, reduce emissions, lower costs, and increase
safety on the road.
With a range of products and
services used by more than 400 enterprise clients globally,
Microlise helps companies of all shapes and sizes - across a wide
range of industries - to better manage their entire
operation.
Backed by a team of experienced
professionals who provide excellent customer service, the Group has
won a number of awards, including three Queens Awards for
Innovation (2019, 2020).
Headquartered in the United
Kingdom, the company also has offices in France, Australia, and
India with a global staff base of more than 750 industry
professionals.
Handling over 640,000
subscriptions annually, Microlise joined the Alternative Investment
Market (AIM) in 2021, qualifying for the London Stock Exchange's
Green Economy Mark.
Chairman's
Statement
Microlise has delivered another
strong performance in FY23. We started the financial year with
considerable momentum, building upon the success of FY22 to achieve
another record revenue year.
Revenue grew 13% to £71.7m for the
12-month period ended 31 December 2023 (FY22: £63.2m), while ARR
grew 12% to £47.2m (FY22: £42.6m). Adjusted EBITDA grew 15% during
the period, ahead of market expectations. Operating profit
increased 3% to £2.3m (FY22:£2.2m).
The Group's financial performance
in FY23 exceeded the Board's expectations, driven by continued high
demand from OEM customers and, towards the end of the year,
increased revenue from direct customers. This was facilitated by an
improvement in new vehicle availability in the second half of the
year, enabling the Company to deliver against its record order
book.
During the first half of the year,
the Company, alongside the wider transport industry, continued to
contend with global supply chain challenges, which in turn impacted
the availability of new vehicles. Throughout the second half of the
year, we saw these issues significantly diminish as the back log of
demand was fulfilled. As we enter FY24, it is reassuring to note
that both these challenges have been resolved.
We were pleased to announce the
acquisitions of two Transport Management Systems (TMS) companies
during the period, Vita Software on 14 March 2023 and Enterprise
Software Systems (ESS) on 30 November 2023, which completed in
January 2024. A third acquisition of road safety company, K-Safe,
completed in December 2023 and was announced post period end in
January 2024. We're already seeing the positive impact of these
acquisitions, with successful sales of Vita software's TMS offering
and a growing pipeline for the ESS and Flare Aware (K-Safe Product)
products with our existing customers.
Our strategic focus for the year
will be on progressing the integration of our recent acquisitions
into the Microlise product architecture, enabling us to ensure our
customers benefit through the broader use of our comprehensive
integrated product range. In addition, we will continue to focus on
driving efficiency and enhancing profitability within the
business.
At the time of the Company's IPO
in 2021 the Board stated that given the cash generative nature of
the Group's activities it would, if commercially prudent to do so,
commence the payment of dividends in the medium term. Having
undertaken a review of the Group's capital allocation policy, and
the availability of resources and distributable reserves, the Board
has determined that it is now appropriate to commence the
distribution of dividends to shareholders. The Board has therefore
declared a final dividend for the 2023 financial year of 1.725
pence per share and will henceforth adopt a progressive dividend
policy.
As well as returning capital to
shareholders, the Board will continue to prioritise balance sheet
strength which will allow the Group to continue to invest in its'
technology platform, infrastructure and security whilst retaining
an ability to pursue selective acquisitions which accelerate the
Company's strategic development.
If approved by shareholder at
May's Annual General Meeting on 22 May 2024, the dividend will be
paid on 28 June 2024 to shareholders on the register at close of
business on 7 June 2024.
Microlise has an exceptionally
talented team and our progress during the year was made possible as
a result of their hard work, expertise and passion. I would like to
thank everyone for their dedication and contribution to the ongoing
success of the business. We look forward to a successful
2024.
Jon Lee, Non-Executive
Chairman
CEO
Statement
Microlise delivered a strong
performance in FY23, outperforming both our internal and market
expectations. The supply chain issues experienced in prior years
are now firmly behind us and lead times on new vehicles are no
longer extended, such that the market has fully returned to
normality. Sales to OEM customers have been especially positive and
this performance has continued into 2024, providing confidence that
the year ahead will be another record year for OEM
sales.
Microlise added 450 new customers
during the year, an 80% increase over the 250 customers signed in
FY22. Notable names signed during the period included BCA/ECM, the
UK's largest used vehicles business, and the retailer Woolworths
Australia.
In addition, we extended 40
contracts with existing large enterprise customers. Examples
include Sainsbury's, Cemex, Sports Direct and Bidfood. The critical
importance of our solutions to our customers' operations also
resulted in our churn rate remaining extremely low at
0.7%.
Aside from organic growth we also
commenced a series of acquisitions in FY23. Microlise expanded its
offering into the Transport Management Solutions (TMS) space with
two acquisitions; Vita Software, completed in March 2023, and
Enterprise Software Solutions (ESS), announced in November 2023 and
completed post year end in January 2024. Transport Management
Solutions go beyond the vehicle to provide a suite of associated
services to fleet logistics operators, such as resource and
transport costing, subcontractor management and invoicing
solutions. The TMS acquisitions have both been immediately earnings
enhancing, with the Vita TMS already resulting in the successful
sale to a new customer, Crowfoots.
In December 2023, Microlise also
completed the acquisition of K-Safe, the provider of a safety
product which warns drivers that cyclists are near their vehicle,
providing them with the position of the cyclist. This innovative
solution is hugely important in helping drivers avoid common
accidents caused by a lack of visibility where bikes are
concerned.
This product also takes Microlise
into the last mile of delivery, a new market for Microlise, such
that our offerings now provide end-to-end coverage of the road
delivery sector from the warehouse to the consumer. K-Safe has
brought with it a number of new customers in the last mile delivery
space, including Deliveroo, JustEat and Voi and engagement with
them to date has been very positive.
Market
At the beginning of 2023, our
business and that of our customers continued to be negatively
affected by global supply chain issues and chip shortages, which in
turn led to greatly extended lead times on new vehicles. By the end
of the first half of the year, the global supply chain issues and
chip shortages had greatly diminished. However, lead times on new
vehicles had not improved at this stage owing to a
three-to-six-month time lag between vehicle manufacturer's receipt
of now-available components and subsequent production of
vehicles.
Throughout the second half of the
year, we have experienced steady market growth as conditions
continued to improve. The time lag on new vehicles has now all but
disappeared such that the market has now returned to pre-pandemic
conditions. With a substantial backlog of orders across the
logistics market, we are now in an environment of robust and
sustained growth, despite the less certain macro-economic
backdrop.
Prior supply issues also led to
many smaller companies within the logistics market entering
administration and this has benefited larger companies which have
been able to consolidate these distressed businesses into their
operations. This has accelerated the growth of the larger
companies, and these are typical of Microlise's customer base. As
such, Microlise now finds itself extremely well positioned, firmly
within the sweet spot of the growing logistics market.
Customer Base
During the year we continued to
focus on securing and retaining customers as a priority. This
resulted in us securing 450 new customers, an 80% increase over
2022. These included new contracts with Irish logistics company,
McCulla; BCA, the UK's largest used vehicle business; and UK
nationwide logistics company LF&E Refrigerated
Transport.
Further afield, and in line with
our strategic objective of geographic expansion, significant new
contracts were signed with two of Australia's leading grocery
retailers in September 2023, one of which further expanded its
engagement in December 2023. These contracts demonstrate the clear
traction we are developing in our target markets, and we are
hopeful of providing updates on further geographic growth in the
near future.
In addition, we signed 40 renewals
with existing customers including Tesco, Bidfood and
Pall-ex.
During the period we adapted our
software solutions to enable compatibility with certain third-party
products. This has removed barriers for potential customers who
might otherwise be unable to utilise our solutions, thereby
increasing our addressable market. It is also expected that this
development will alter our revenue mix resulting in a positive
effect on margins over time.
Our low customer churn reflects
the essential nature of Microlise's solutions to its customers, the
high regard in which we are held, and the loyalty of our valued
customer base.
Product Offering and M&A
Microlise's solutions help our
customers make the most efficient use of their assets, reducing
fuel, the time drivers are on the road, wear and tear on vehicles,
accidents and more.
During 2023 Microlise has expanded
its product set to encompass more elements of the logistics process
such that the Company offers a true end to end suite of products
from the warehouse direct to the end consumer.
In March 2023, in line with the
Company's strategic growth plan, Microlise completed its first
acquisition since flotation with an initial cash payment of £1.86m
for Vita Software, a Transport Management Solutions (TMS) provider.
This expanded the Group's suite of technology solutions beyond the
vehicle to include such offerings as resource and transport
costing, subcontractor management and invoicing solutions and is
applicable to fleets of any size. Immediately earnings enhancing,
the product has performed well since acquisition and has resulted
in numerous upsells and cross-sells.
Microlise complemented this with
the acquisition of ESS, also a provider of Transport Management
Solutions, announced in November 2023 and completed post year end.
ESS was purchased for a maximum net consideration of £8.5m in cash,
having delivered £5.1m revenue, of which 75% is recurring, and £1m
adjusted EBITDA, in the year to 31 August 2023. This further
strengthens Microlise's TMS credentials and is expected to
accelerate sales of its TMS solutions. In December 2023, Microlise
also acquired the assets of K-Safe Limited for £0.14m, the parent
company to the road safety products Flare and Flare Aware. Flare is
a multi-award-winning platform with over 3.5 million regular users
of its app. This helps leading brands such as Deliveroo and Just
Eat, as well as any individual on a two-wheeled vehicles (cyclists,
motorcyclists, e-scooters), to better understand and react to
mobility risk and safety issues.
Flare Aware is a dynamic driver
hazard warning system, jointly developed with Microlise, which
utilises the data captured from the Flare mobile app user network,
to provide awareness and alerts to the drivers of vehicles when
they are near cyclists and motorcyclists using the Flare
app.
K-Safe has brought Microlise into
the last mile of delivery services as well as into the two-wheel
vehicle sector. The acquisition will further improve Microlise's
safety solutions while at the same time adding some of the biggest
names in consumer delivery services as customers.
Microlise's prime focus at present
is on ensuring the full integration, and interoperability of the
solutions, of its latest acquisitions. However, the Company remains
alert to further acquisition opportunities, particularly
internationally, both in markets in which we already operate as
well as new geographies.
Strategic Focus
We are currently focused on the
following core strategic objectives:
Bringing our three recent acquisitions into the Microlise
architecture
This is progressing well with
fully integrating our acquisitions will enable us to more
effectively upsell and cross-sell products and attract new
customers. This programme of work is externally named Microlise
Complete, as we continue to drive our USP of being an end-to-end
integrated solution for transport operators.
Combining all of our products into a single, seamlessly
integrated product suite
Our R&D team is currently
developing our systems architecture across all of our products to
ensure each is fully integrated. This will enable data to be shared
across all products such that, for example, when driver information
is updated in one product it automatically updates in
others.
In addition, it will allow for
common functionality across the suite of programmes so that, for
example, there is a single login from which customers can use, and
purchase, multiple products. This will make our product suite still
more attractive to potential customers while also facilitating the
sales of more products to existing customers.
Improving margins through greater
efficiencies
We have multiple initiatives
underway to improve the efficiency of our business by streamlining
internal processes, allowing us to scale the business more
efficiently. Details on these initiatives are in part commercially
sensitive but our aim is to increase margins.
Continued investment into product
development
We will continue to invest heavily
into product development to ensure that we remain at the forefront
of our industry, bringing new, innovative solutions to our platform
that benefit our customers.
Continued investment into security measures for our blue-chip
customer base
A number of our clients have come
under heavy attack from Ransomware and so we have continued to
invest in replacement enterprise firewalls. We also continue to
leverage our Exposure Management Platform with Monitoring
Dashboards for Software Vulnerabilities. These attacks have not
impacted Microlise directly but their effects on our clients could
cause major disruption to their operations. Logistics companies are
relied upon to deliver goods in a very short space of time and
cannot afford for their operations to be put on hold. Therefore
assurance and resilience of our business-critical systems are of
paramount importance to our customers. Of all of our strategic
initiatives, this is responsible for the largest capital spend but
the outlay is necessary to ensure we both attract and retain
customers.
International Expansion
During the period, we have
remained focussed on international expansion, and we have made
solid progress across a number of key geographies, particularly in
Australia and New Zealand where we signed two new contracts with
leading grocery retailers. This demonstrates the market leading
nature of our products in the region and we are therefore
committing increased investment to our sales function to ensure we
further accelerate growth and capture all available
opportunities.
M&A
M&A remains a core part of our
strategy and we continue to see a robust pipeline of opportunities.
We continue to assess further acquisition opportunities, with a
current focus on international business, both in new geographies
and in those in which we already operate, and will act
appropriately should they align with our immediate and long-term
strategic focus.
Microlise Transport Conference
The 2024 Microlise Transport
Conference took place on 19 March at the Coventry Building Society
Arena. 1200 delegates attended the event making it the biggest and
most successful conference in our history. 14 keynote speakers
addressed the audience, including MP Guy Opperman (Minister for
Roads and Local Transport) and representatives from JCB, showcasing
their hydrogen combustion engine technology. In addition, there
were four further stages at the show featuring talks from SMEs from
across the logistics industry, and OEMs, such as DAF, Mercedes-Benz
and Volvo showcasing their latest electric vehicle offerings to
delegates.
People
In August 2023 Shenny Remtulla was
appointed to the senior leadership team as Strategy and M&A
Director, with responsibility for enabling and accelerating the
Company's profitable, sustainable growth.
ESG
We take great pride in the fact
that our solutions help customers reduce emissions, improve safety
for their drivers, and ensure their vehicles are driven and
maintained effectively - lengthening the useful life of their
assets. Together, these benefits reduce costs to our customers but
they also improve the environment for everybody, both in terms of
lowering pollutants in the atmosphere and also in making our roads
a safer place.
Microlise is committed to meeting
its net zero goals and continues to improve its ESG credentials. As
such, the Company has now introduced an ESG element to its
executive team's incentive plan, ensuring all management are
aligned and encouraged in meeting Microlise's sustainability
objectives.
During the first half of the year,
we also completed the installation of 502 solar panels at our
Nottingham HQ, with the objective of reducing the site's annual
carbon footprint by over 80 tonnes of CO2.
Everybody at Microlise has worked
hard toward making the Company's net zero goals a reality during
2023. This work will remain at the forefront of our efforts during
2024 and we look forward to updating the market on our continued
progress going forward.
In terms of the social element of
ESG, we achieved 'Great Place to Work' and 'Great Place to Work for
Women' accreditations in April 2023, when we were officially ranked
29th among large organisations for the best wellbeing
category.
We were also quoted as one of the
Top 100 places to work in the UK for recognising our commitment to
improving the work experience of our employees and their
wellbeing.
Outlook
Microlise delivered a strong
performance in FY23 exceeding our expectations, despite supply
chain issues remaining in the first half of the year and their
residual effects on new vehicle availability persisting into the
second half. We are now confident that these issues are fully
behind us, and we have emerged a stronger and more resilient
business as a result.
We experienced record sales into
OEMs in FY23 and direct business sales have grown strongly since
the latter part of the year as new vehicle availability began to
improve. These are trends we expect to continue in FY24, both in
the UK and internationally.
This growth will be complemented
by the additional capabilities provided by our recent acquisitions;
the greater compatibility of our solutions with third-party
products; and the increasingly interoperable nature of our product
suite. This growth is also expected to flow through into
profitability and enhance the earnings of the Company going
forward.
Nadeem Raza, Chief Executive
Officer
CFO
Statement
The financial results for the
twelve-month period to 31 December 2023 reflect another period of
profitable growth for Microlise.
Key
Performance Indicators
The following key performance
indicators for the 12-month period to 31 December 2023 include a
comparison to the audited statutory results for the 12-months to 31
December 2022.
|
|
FY23
|
FY22
|
Change
|
Financial
|
Revenue
|
£71.7m
|
£63.2m
|
13%
|
Recurring Revenue
|
£45.0m
|
£40.5m
|
11%
|
Recurring revenue as % of Group revenue
|
63%
|
64%
|
-1%
|
Gross Profit
|
£43.6m
|
£37.6m
|
16%
|
Gross Profit Margin %
|
61%
|
60%
|
1%
|
Operating Profit
|
£2.3m
|
£2.2m
|
3%
|
Adjusted EBITDA (1)
|
£9.4m
|
£8.2m
|
15%
|
Adjusted EBITDA %
|
13.1%
|
13.0%
|
0.1%
|
Profit before tax
|
£2.5m
|
£1.4m
|
74%
|
Adjusted Profit before tax (2)
|
£5.6m
|
£4.8m
|
17%
|
Adjusted Profit before tax %
|
7%
|
7%
|
-
|
Basic EPS (p)
|
1.36p
|
1.17p
|
16%
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
£16.8m
|
£16.7m
|
1%
|
|
|
|
|
|
KPIs
|
ARR run rate (3)
|
£47.7m
|
£42.6m
|
12%
|
Number of like-for-like subscriptions
(4)
|
640,000
|
599,000
|
6.8%
|
Long-term contract customer churn by value
|
0.7%
|
0.4%
|
0.3%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1. EBITDA excludes depreciation,
amortisation, share of loss of associate, interest, tax and share
based payments. Adjusted EBITDA excludes, exceptional costs in
relation to acquisitions and restructuring costs, depreciation,
amortisation, share of loss of associate, interest, tax and share
based payments.
2. Adjusted Profit / (loss) before
taxation excludes exceptional costs in relation to acquisitions and
restructuring costs, share based payments and loss of share of
associate.
3. ARR run rate change figure and %
compare the annualised recurring revenue figure for December 2023
with the annualised recurring revenue figure for December
2022.
|
4. Like-for-like subscriptions change
figure and % compare the subscriptions as at 31 December 2023 with
the subscriptions as at 31 December 2022
|
Group Results
Revenue
Total Revenue for the 12 months
ended 31 December 2023 (FY23) was £71.7m, an increase of 13% from
31 December 2022 (FY22) as a result of both record levels of
OEM(1) sales and increased revenue from direct
customers. The Group delivered an increased win rate in the year,
with over 450 new direct customers (2022: 250) which led to strong
revenue growth towards the end of the year as an improvement of new
vehicle availability in H2 enabled delivery against many of these
new customers.
Strong customer wins, record OEM
sales, together with growth in our existing customer's fleets
resulted in recurring SaaS revenues growing to £45m, an increase of
11% compared to £40.5m in FY22 and 12% growth in ARR, of which
11.8% represented organic growth, to £47.7m as at 31 December 2023
from £42.6m on 31 December 2022. Recurring revenues represented 63%
of total revenue (FY22 64.1%).
Hardware revenue increased 10% to
£19.9m (FY22: £18.0m) as a result of the continued strong demand
from OEM customers as well as the ability to deliver direct
customer orders as vehicle availability improved in H2. The strong
demand from direct customers in H2 also drove a 46% increase in
services revenue, which comprises of installation services, project
management and integration services, to £6.8m (FY22:
£4.7m).
In addition to winning new
business and deepening existing accounts, the Group successfully
maintained an extremely low rate of customer churn by value at 0.7%
(FY22: 0.4%). This reflects the mission critical importance of
Microlise's software solutions in our customers'
operations.
Gross Profit
Gross profit for the 12 months
ended 31 December 2023 increased by 16% to £43.6m (FY22 £37.6m).
Gross margin % increased from 60% to 61% reflecting margin
improvements in recurring and non-recurring revenue. Non
recurring margin increased by c.2.0% driven primarily by strong
performance in H2 due to increased revenues from direct customers
as vehicle availability improved. Recurring margin also saw a
c.2.0% increase as a result of increased subscription revenues
coupled with effective cost management and efficiency
programmes.
Administrative Expenses
The Group has continued to invest
in product and development, operations, and sales &
marketing.
Administrative expenses
before exceptional administrative charges,
amortisation relating to acquisitions and share based payment
charges, in the 12-month period ended 31
December 2023 increased 16% to £35.1m (FY22: £30.3m).
Staff costs in the 12 months ended
31 December 2023 increased 16% to £30m (FY22: £25.8m) reflecting
our increase in headcount in line with our growth, the impact of
the acquisitions of Vita Software and K-Safe, as well as annual pay
awards and increased commissions/bonuses reflecting the increased
new customer win rate and the Group's strong EBITDA performance.
Average headcount in the Period was 715 (FY22: 661) overall, with
31 of the increase within operations, product and development
reflecting our continued focus on the product roadmap, platform
integration, enhanced user experience and enhanced security
measures. A further 10 staff were added in sales & marketing
including increases in staff numbers in Australia and France to
drive growth in these regions. The increase in operations includes
additional engineering resource to support the strategy of bringing
more installation work in-house which supports our margin
enhancement strategy.
Marketing costs increased during
the period by £0.1m to £1.1m as the Group has continued to focus on
growth with targeted marketing spend in key strategic geographies.
This includes an increased number of exhibitions globally, the
implementation of global prospecting tools and the product launch
of Microlise TMS (Vita software).
Administration costs increased
during the period by a net £0.1m as the Group continues to invest
significantly in its internal business systems to drive
efficiencies and improvements in its security posture, this
increased level of spend is offset by reduced spend in other
areas.
Capitalised development costs in
the period were £2.5m (FY22: £1.8m), reflecting the ongoing levels
of investment into the product portfolio, whilst amortisation of
capitalised development costs in the period ended 31 December 2023
was £1.2m (FY22: £0.8m).
EBITDA(2) & Profit Before
Tax
The growth in revenue and gross
margin has enabled the Group to deliver an adjusted EBITDA ahead of
market expectations at £9.4m in the 12 months ended 31 December
2023, an increase of 15% (FY22: £8.2m). Adjusted EBITDA
margin increased to 13.1% (FY22: 13.0%) as a result of the Group's
investment programme to improve its go-to-market and product
offering and support further growth. To provide a better guide to
the underlying business performance, adjusted EBITDA
excludes exceptional costs in relation to
acquisitions and restructuring costs, depreciation, amortisation,
share of loss of associate, interest, tax and share based
payments.
The adjusted profit before
taxation excludes exceptional costs in
relation to acquisitions and restructuring costs, amortisation charges of £2.2m as a result of business
combinations (FY22: £2.1m), share of loss
of associate and share based payments.
Adjusted profit before taxation for the 12 months ended 31 December
2023 increased 17% to £5.6m (FY22: £4.8m). Reported profit before
taxation in the period increased 74% to £2.5m (FY22:
£1.4m).
Exceptional Costs
During FY23 the Group incurred a
number of one-off charges relating to acquisition fees and
subsequent restructuring. These are
disclosed separately in note 2 of the financial statements to
provide a better guide to the underlying financial performance of
the Group. The total of these charges in the period ended 31
December 2023 was £0.4m (FY22: £0.2m).
Taxation
The tax charge in the 12 months
ended 31 December 2023 increased to £0.9m (FY22: £0.1m). The
principal factor driving this increase is deferred tax charges that
relate to the reassessment of the likelihood of future deductions
from the exercise of share options. Underlying deferred tax charges
relate to the utilisation of accelerated
allowances together with losses brought forward to reduce UK
corporation tax for the 12 months, offset by the deferred tax
credit relating to the amortisation of intangible
assets. Due to
these factors the effective tax rate for the period of 37% (FY22:
6%) which is higher than the main rate of corporation tax of 25%.
For future periods we expect the effective rate to align with more
closely with the main corporation tax rate.
From 1 July 2020, Microlise has
been classified as a large company for tax research and development
purposes and benefits from the Research and Development Expenditure
Credit scheme (RDEC) with any benefit being reflected as grant
income within other operating income. In the period ended 31
December 2023 the pre tax value of the credit was £0.6m (FY22:
£0.6m)
EPS and Dividend
The Group reported an increase in
profit after taxation in the period of 17% to £1.6m (FY22: £1.4m).
As a result, the reported basic earnings per share for the 12 month
period ended 31 December 2023 was 1.359p (FY22: 1.167p) and diluted
earnings per share was 1.358p for the 12 months period ended 31
December 2023 (FY22: 1.165). For further information on earnings
per share, please refer to note 8 of the financial
statements.
The Group is pleased to announce
the introduction of its dividend policy and proposes a full year
dividend of 1.72 pence per share that will be payable on 28 June
2024 to shareholders on the register at
close of business on 7 June 2024.
Group Statement of Financial Position
The Group had net assets of £75.7m
at 31 December 2023 (FY22: £73.5m). Intangible assets increased by
£1.2m reflecting the £2.4m of acquired intangible assets and
goodwill resulting from the acquisition of Vita Software Limited,
capitalised development costs less amortisation charges. Current
assets increased by £4.2m, primarily due to an increase in debtors
driven by higher revenues in the year combined with the timing
of several large receipts which have been
received in full post period end. Total
liabilities increased by £2.9m due to an increase in deferred
income and trade payables. The Group typically invoices for
software subscriptions monthly, quarterly, annually or for the life
of the subscription in advance which drives a strong balance sheet
with significant cash balances. Revenue is recognised in the month
the service is provided with deferred income disclosed as contract
liabilities in current and non current liabilities. As at the end
of December 2023 total Trade and other payables was £48.3m (FY22:
£46.1m) of this balance £34.5m (FY22: £33.3m) is deferred income
and relates to future contracted revenue recognition.
Adjusted Cashflow(3) & Net
Cash
The Group ended the 12-month
period to 31 December 2023 with cash and cash equivalents of
£16.8m, a small increase on FY22 (FY22: £16.7m).
This was partly due to the timing of several
large receipts totalling £1.2m, which have been received in full
post period end. Adjusted cash flows
generated from operations (5) remains healthy at £9.3m
in the period (FY22: £9.9m), this represents a cash conversion
rate(4) of 98% (FY22: 121%). Reported cash flows
generated from operations in the period was £8.8m (FY22:
£9.7m)
During the period, the Group
increased investment into product and development as well as plant,
property and equipment, particularly IT infrastructure to support
ongoing advancements in both customer and internal business systems
as well as security.
Banking Facility
The Group has renewed its facility
with HSBC with an agreed £10.0m committed revolving cash flow
facility and a £20m accordion. The Group has not utilised any of
this facility to date. The Group's gross cash of £16.8m (FY22:
£16.7m) and the undrawn £10.0m facility gives the Group £26.8m of
cash, which the Directors believe provides ample headroom for
Microlise to deliver against its strategic goals. Given the level
of headroom in the business forecasts the board consider it
appropriate to prepare the financial statements on the going
concern basis. Details of the board's going concern
assessment is provided in the basis of preparation note in the
financial statements on page 98.
Additional Notes
1. OEM is an
abbreviation for Original Equipment Manufacturers
2.
Adjusted EBITDA
excludes, exceptional costs in relation to acquisitions and
restructuring costs, depreciation, amortisation, share of
profit or loss of associate, interest, tax and share based
payments.
3. Adjusted cash
flow generated from operations adds back exceptional costs in
relation to acquisitions and restructuring
costs
4. Cash conversion is calculated by dividing
adjusted cash flow generated from operations by adjusted
EBITDA.
Nick Wightman, Chief
Financial Officer
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive
Income
for the year ended 31 December
2023
|
|
Year
ended
31 December
|
Year
ended
31 December
|
|
|
2023
|
2022
|
|
Note
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Revenue
|
1
|
71,716
|
63,211
|
Cost of sales
|
|
(28,132)
|
(25,577)
|
Gross profit
|
|
43,584
|
37,634
|
Other operating income
|
3
|
973
|
876
|
Administrative expenses
|
|
(42,302)
|
(36,326)
|
Operating profit
|
3
|
2,255
|
2,184
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income
|
5
|
360
|
45
|
Interest expense
|
6
|
(333)
|
(312)
|
Share of profit/(loss) of associate
net of tax
|
11
|
225
|
(478)
|
Profit before taxation
|
|
2,507
|
1,439
|
Taxation
|
7
|
(931)
|
(86)
|
|
|
|
|
Profit for the year
|
|
1,576
|
1,353
|
|
|
|
|
Other comprehensive (expense)/ income for the
year/period
|
|
|
|
Currency translation
differences
|
|
(102)
|
6
|
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive income for the year attributable to the
equity shareholders of Microlise Group plc
|
|
1,474
|
1,359
|
|
|
|
|
Basic earnings per share (pence)
|
8
|
1.36
|
1.17
|
Diluted earnings per share (pence)
|
8
|
1.36
|
1.17
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated Statement of Financial
Position
as at 31 December 2023
|
|
31
December
|
31
December
|
|
|
2023
|
2022
|
|
Note
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Assets
|
|
|
|
Non-current assets
|
|
|
|
Property, plant and
equipment
|
9
|
8,947
|
8,292
|
Intangible assets
|
10
|
76,228
|
75,031
|
Investments in
associate
|
11
|
1,593
|
1,368
|
Loan to associate
|
11
|
-
|
1,000
|
Trade and other
receivables
|
14
|
2,841
|
3,078
|
Total non-current assets
|
|
89,609
|
88,769
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets
|
|
|
|
Inventories
|
13
|
3,348
|
2,635
|
Loan to associate
|
11
|
1,000
|
-
|
Trade and other
receivables
|
14
|
18,757
|
16,760
|
Corporation tax
recoverable
|
|
1,665
|
1,289
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
15
|
16,800
|
16,683
|
Total current assets
|
|
41,570
|
37,367
|
Total assets
|
|
131,179
|
126,136
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
|
Lease liabilities
|
16
|
(907)
|
(821)
|
Trade and other payables
|
17
|
(32,630)
|
(29,183)
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
(33,537)
|
(30,004)
|
|
|
|
|
Non
current liabilities
|
|
|
|
Lease liabilities
|
16
|
(646)
|
(926)
|
Trade and other payables
|
17
|
(15,701)
|
(16,898)
|
Deferred tax
|
12
|
(5,622)
|
(4,840)
|
Total non current liabilities
|
|
(21,969)
|
(22,664)
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities
|
|
(55,506)
|
(52,668)
|
|
|
|
|
Net
assets
|
|
75,673
|
73,468
|
|
|
|
|
Equity
|
|
|
|
Issued share capital
|
20
|
116
|
116
|
Share premium account
|
|
17,630
|
17,630
|
Retained earnings
|
|
57,927
|
55,722
|
Total equity
|
|
75,673
|
73,468
|
Group Chief Financial
Officer
Microlise Group
plc Registered
number 11553192
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
|
Share
Capital
|
Share Premium
Account
|
Retained
earnings
|
Total
Equity
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
At
31 December 2021
|
116
|
17,630
|
53,802
|
71,548
|
Comprehensive income for the year ended 31 December
2022
|
|
|
|
|
Profit for the year
|
-
|
-
|
1,353
|
1,353
|
Other comprehensive
income
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
6
|
Total comprehensive income for the year
|
-
|
-
|
1,359
|
1,359
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share based payment (note
21)
|
-
|
-
|
561
|
561
|
Total transactions with owners
|
-
|
-
|
561
|
561
|
At
31 December 2022
|
116
|
17,630
|
55,722
|
73,468
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive income for the year ended 31 December
2023
|
|
|
|
|
Profit for the year
|
-
|
-
|
1,576
|
1,576
|
Other comprehensive
expense
|
-
|
-
|
(102)
|
(102)
|
Total comprehensive income for the year
|
-
|
-
|
1,474
|
1,474
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share based payment (note
21)
|
-
|
-
|
731
|
731
|
Total transactions with owners
|
-
|
-
|
731
|
731
|
At
31 December 2023
|
116
|
17,630
|
57,927
|
75,673
|
|
|
|
|
|
Company Statement of Financial Position
as at 31 December 2023
|
|
31
December
|
31
December
|
|
|
2023
|
2022
|
|
Note
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Assets
|
|
|
|
Non-current assets
|
|
|
|
Property, plant and
equipment
|
9
|
4,736
|
4,838
|
Investments
|
11
|
83,005
|
79,192
|
Loan to associate
|
11
|
-
|
1,000
|
Deferred tax
|
12
|
1
|
111
|
Total non-current assets
|
|
87,742
|
85,141
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets
|
|
|
|
Loan to associate
|
11
|
1,000
|
-
|
Trade and other
receivables
|
14
|
158
|
26
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
15
|
86
|
69
|
Total current assets
|
|
1,244
|
95
|
Total assets
|
|
88,986
|
85,236
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
|
Trade and other payables
|
17
|
(15,434)
|
(17,928)
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
(15,434)
|
(17,928)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities
|
|
(15,434)
|
(17,928)
|
|
|
|
|
Net
assets
|
|
73,552
|
67,308
|
|
|
|
|
Equity
|
|
|
|
Issued share capital
|
20
|
116
|
116
|
Share premium account
|
|
17,630
|
17,630
|
Retained earnings
|
|
55,806
|
49,562
|
Total equity
|
|
73,552
|
67,308
|
The Company has elected to take
the exemption under section 408 of the Companies Act not to present
the parent Company profit and loss account. The profit for the
parent Company for the year was £5,529,000 (2022: loss of
£182,000).
Group Chief Financial
Officer
Microlise Group plc
Registered number
11553192
Company Statement of Changes in Equity
|
Share
Capital
|
Share Premium
Account
|
Retained
earnings
|
Total
Equity
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
At
31 December 2021
|
116
|
17,630
|
49,183
|
66,929
|
Comprehensive expense for the year to 31 December
2022
|
|
|
|
|
Loss for the year
|
-
|
-
|
(182)
|
(182)
|
Other comprehensive
income
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Total comprehensive expense for the year
|
-
|
-
|
(182)
|
(182)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share based payment (note
21)
|
-
|
-
|
561
|
561
|
Total transactions with owners
|
-
|
-
|
561
|
561
|
At
31 December 2022
|
116
|
17,630
|
49,562
|
67,308
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive income for the year to 31 December
2023
|
|
|
|
|
Profit for the year
|
-
|
-
|
5,529
|
5,529
|
Other comprehensive
income
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Total comprehensive income for the year
|
-
|
-
|
5,529
|
5,529
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share based payment (note
21)
|
-
|
-
|
715
|
715
|
Total transactions with owners
|
-
|
-
|
715
|
715
|
At
31 December 2023
|
116
|
17,630
|
55,806
|
73,552
|
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
for the year ended 31 December
2023
|
|
Year ended
31 December
|
Year ended
31 December
|
|
Note
|
2023
|
2022
|
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Cash flows from operating activities
|
|
|
|
Cash generated from
operations
|
A
|
8,906
|
9,719
|
Tax paid
|
|
(144)
|
(34)
|
Net
cash generated from operating activities
|
|
8,762
|
9,685
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from investing activities
|
|
|
|
Purchase of property, plant and
equipment
|
|
(2,195)
|
(979)
|
Proceeds from disposals of tangible
fixed assets
|
|
54
|
-
|
Additions to intangible
assets
|
|
(2,543)
|
(2,080)
|
Loan advanced to
associate
|
|
-
|
(1,000)
|
Purchase of subsidiary net of cash
acquired
|
|
(1,966)
|
-
|
Purchase of businesses deferred
consideration paid
|
|
(1,000)
|
(1,000)
|
Interest received
|
|
360
|
45
|
Net
cash used in investing activities
|
|
(7,290)
|
(5,014)
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities
|
|
|
|
Interest paid
|
|
(283)
|
(283)
|
Lease liability payments
|
|
(1,056)
|
(915)
|
Net
cash used in financing activities
|
|
(1,339)
|
(1,198)
|
|
|
|
|
Net
increase in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
133
|
3,473
|
Cash and cash equivalents at
beginning of year
|
|
16,683
|
13,210
|
Foreign exchange losses
|
|
(16)
|
-
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
|
B
|
16,800
|
16,683
|
The notes on pages X to X form part
of these financial statements.
Notes to the cash flow statements
A.
Cash generated from operations
The reconciliation of profit for the
period to cash generated from operations is set out
below:
|
|
Year ended
31 December
|
Year ended
31 December
|
|
|
2023
|
2022
|
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Profit for the year
|
|
1,576
|
1,353
|
Adjustments for:
|
|
|
|
Depreciation
|
|
2,585
|
2,212
|
Amortisation
|
|
3,492
|
3,036
|
Profit on disposal of tangible fixed
assets
|
|
(19)
|
-
|
Share based payments
|
|
731
|
561
|
Foreign exchange
movements
|
|
(65)
|
-
|
Net interest costs
|
|
(27)
|
267
|
Share of (profit)/loss of
associate
|
|
(225)
|
478
|
Tax charge
|
|
931
|
86
|
|
|
8,979
|
7,993
|
|
|
|
|
(Increase)/decrease in
inventories
|
|
(713)
|
306
|
Increase in trade and other
receivables
|
|
(2,315)
|
(2,545)
|
Increase in trade and other
payables
|
|
2,955
|
3,965
|
Cash generated from operations
|
|
8,906
|
9,719
|
B.
Analysis of net funds
|
At 1
January
|
Cash flow
|
Non-cash
changes
|
At
31 December
|
|
2023
|
|
|
2023
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lease liabilities
|
(1,747)
|
1,163
|
(969)
|
(1,553)
|
Liabilities arising from financing
activities
|
(1,747)
|
1,163
|
(969)
|
(1,553)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
16,683
|
133
|
(16)
|
16,800
|
Net
funds
|
14,936
|
1,296
|
(985)
|
15,247
|
|
At 1
January
|
Cash flow
|
Non-cash
changes
|
At
31 December
|
|
2022
|
|
|
2022
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lease liabilities
|
(1,711)
|
979
|
(1,015)
|
(1,747)
|
Liabilities arising from financing
activities
|
(1,711)
|
979
|
(1,015)
|
(1,747)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
13,210
|
3,473
|
-
|
16,683
|
Net
funds
|
11,499
|
4,452
|
(1,015)
|
14,936
|
Major non cash items
£862,000 of additions to right of
use assets and lease liabilities are included in non cash movements
in the year ended 31 December 2023 (2022: £951,000).
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
General information
Microlise Group plc is a
holding and management services company. Its subsidiaries are
telematics businesses providing technological transport solutions
that enable customers to reduce costs and environmental impact by
maximising the efficiency of their transportation. The company is a
public limited company, traded on the Alternative Investment Market
("AIM") of the London Stock Exchange, and incorporated and
domiciled in England. The address of the registered office is
Farrington Way, Eastwood, Nottingham, NG16 3AG.
Accounting
policies
A. Basis of
preparation
The consolidated financial
statements have been prepared in accordance with the historical
cost convention and UK adopted International Accounting Standards
('UK IFRS'). The stated accounting policies have been consistently
applied to all periods presented.
The parent company financial
statements have been prepared under applicable United Kingdom
Accounting Standards (FRS101). The following FRS 101 disclosure
exemptions have been taken in respect of the parent company only
information:
·
IAS 7 Statement of cash flows;
·
IFRS 7 Financial instruments disclosures;
and
·
IAS 24 Key management remuneration.
The financial statements including
the notes are presented in thousands of pounds sterling ('£'000'),
the functional and presentation currency of the Group, except where
otherwise indicated.
The principal accounting policies
adopted in preparation of the financial statements are set out
below. The policies have been consistently applied to all periods
presented, unless otherwise stated.
Judgements made by the Directors
in the application of the accounting policies that have a
significant effect on the historical financial information and
estimates with significant risk of material adjustment in the next
year are discussed in note C.
Going concern
The directors have considered
working capital forecasts prepared for the period to December 2025.
The Group had cash balances of £16.8m at the year end, of which a
net £6.2m was utilised to make an acquisition in January, no
borrowings and a £20m undrawn working capital facility which is not
forecast to be utilised. The current working capital facility term
was due to run to July 2024. On the 5th April 2024, a
replacement facility has been agreed with HSBC, with £10.0m
committed revolving cash flow facility and a £20m accordion on more
favourable terms, which is available until 5th April
2027. The Group also has a significant recurring income base with
inflationary clauses in the main contracts.
A range of sensitivities have been
run on the working capital model, and the directors consider a
scenario in which the business will face liquidity issues is
remote. As part of the sensitivity analysis the directors have
considered the impact of a reduction in turnover from their
principal customer and the impact on working capital as well as
cost and supply issues that might arise in the context of the
current international conflicts and are
satisfied that the Group has sufficient resources to respond to
reasonably foreseeable scenarios. The Directors conclude that a
scenario that would result in the need for the Group to require
additional funding to be remote.
Based on the forecasts, the
Directors are satisfied that the Group can meet its day-to-day cash
flow requirements and operate within the terms of its working
capital banking facilities if required. Accordingly, the financial
statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.
B. Accounting
policies
Consolidation
The consolidated financial
statements include the results of Microlise Group plc and its
subsidiary undertakings. The results of the subsidiary undertakings
are included from the date that effective control passed to the
company.
On acquisition, all the subsidiary
undertakings' assets and liabilities at that date of acquisition
are recorded under purchase accounting at fair value, having regard
to condition at the date of acquisition. All changes to those
assets and liabilities and the resulting gains and losses that
arise after the company gained control are included in the
post-acquisition results. Sales, profits and balances between group
companies are eliminated on consolidation.
The Group has taken advantage of
the exemption not to disclose transactions between wholly owned
entities in the group.
Associates
Entities in which the Group holds
a participating interest and over whose operating and financial
policies the group exercises a significant influence are treated as
associates. In the Group financial statements, Trakm8 Holdings plc
is accounted for as an associate using the equity method. The
initial investment was accounted for at cost and the subsequent
share of associate profits or losses reported in the Statement of
Comprehensive Income and are added to or deducted from the carrying
value of the investment.
Revenue recognition
Revenue comprises revenue
recognised by the Group in respect of goods and services supplied
during the year, based on the consideration specified in a
contract, exclusive of Value Added Tax and trade
discounts.
The Group enters into the sale of
multi-element contracts, which combine separate performance
obligations including hardware, installation, managed service
contracts (software-as-a-service or SaaS), software licences,
professional services (which includes bespoke software development,
project management (incorporating activities including project and
installation planning, managing change control and stage boundaries
and project reporting), consultancy, training), and support
and maintenance services relating to these products. In
accordance with IFRS 15, these are considered to be
distinct.
Each performance obligation is
allocated a transaction price based on the stand-alone selling
prices. Where stand-alone prices are not directly observable,
they are based on expected cost plus margin.
Revenue is recognised depending
upon the revenue stream to which it relates, as follows:
·
The fair value of hardware and installation
revenue is recognised at a point in time when control is
transferred to the customer on despatch and/or upon
installation;
·
Revenue from the SaaS arrangement is recognised
over a period of time, based on the term of the contract on a
straight line basis. Revenue recognition over time is
considered appropriate based on provisions of IFRS 15 paragraph 35
as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits
provided by the Group. The contractual term for average SaaS
agreements are approximately 5 years;
·
Professional services typically include
implementation, configuration, training and other similar services
to create optimised interfaces between the Group's software and
customers systems. Revenue from professional services is
recognised over a period of time using the input method as
professional services are being performed, as this best depicts the
timing of how the value is transferred to the customer;
and
·
Support and maintenance turnover is deferred at
the point of sale and recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive
Income over a period of time of the contractual life, utilising the
output method, generally on a straight line basis as the customer
simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided by the
Group.
Invoicing for all revenue streams
is undertaken in accordance with the terms of the agreement with
the customer. When an invoice is due for payment at the
statement of financial position date but the associated performance
obligations have not been fulfilled the amounts due are recognised
as trade receivables and a contact liability is recognised for the
sales value of the performance obligations that have not been
provided. If payment is received in advance of the delivery
of the associated performance obligation a contract liability is
recognised. When an invoice is not due for payment at the statement
of financial position date and the associated performance
obligation has not been fulfilled no amounts are recognised in the
financial statements.
In cases where customers pay for
the goods and services over an agreed period, the fair value of the
consideration is determined by discounting future receipts using an
imputed rate of interest. The difference between the fair
value and the nominal amount of the consideration is recognised as
finance income over the payment period.
Contract costs
Under IFRS 15, the Group
capitalises commission fees as costs of obtaining a contract when
they are incremental and, if they are expected to be recovered, it
amortises them consistently with the pattern of revenue for the
related contract. If the expected amortisation period is one
year or less, then the commission is expensed when incurred.
Contract costs are capitalised to trade and other receivables, due
within and after one year.
The Group in certain circumstances
incurs costs to deliver its services and fulfil specific
contracts. These costs may include process mapping and
design, scoping and configuration. Contract fulfilment costs are
divided into costs that deliver an asset and costs that are
expensed as incurred.
Under IFRS 15, the Group
capitalises these contract fulfilment costs when they directly
relate to a specifically identifiable contract or anticipated
contract, will enhance or generate resources used to satisfy future
performance obligations and they are expected to be
recovered. Where capitalised, it amortises them consistently
with the pattern of revenue for the related
contract.
At each reporting date, the Group
determines whether or not the contract assets are impaired by
comparing the carrying amount of the asset to the remaining amount
of consideration that the Group expects to receive less the costs
that relate to providing services under the relevant
contract.
Employee benefits
The Group operates a defined
contribution pension scheme. Contributions are recognised in the
Statement of Comprehensive Income in the year in which they become
payable in accordance with the rules of the scheme.
Short term employee benefits
including holiday pay are recognised as an expense in the period in
which the service is rendered.
Share based payment
The Group operates an
equity-settled share based compensation plan in which the Group
receives services from directors and certain employees as
consideration for share options. The fair value of the services is
recognised as an expense over the estimated vesting period,
determined by reference to the fair value of the options
granted.
Taxation
The taxation expense or credit
comprises current and deferred tax recognised in the profit for the
financial period or in other comprehensive income or equity if it
arises from amounts recognised in other comprehensive income or
directly in equity. Current tax is provided at amounts expected to
be paid (or recovered) in respect of the taxable profits for the
period using tax rates and laws that have been enacted or
substantively enacted by the reporting date. Microlise, as a large
company from 1 July 2020 for tax R&D purposes, qualifies for
the large company RDECs which are included as grant income within
other operating income.
Deferred income tax is provided in
full, using the liability method, on temporary differences arising
between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying
amounts in the consolidated financial statements. However, deferred
tax liabilities are not recognised if they arise from the initial
recognition of goodwill. Deferred income tax is also not accounted
for if it arises from initial recognition of an asset or liability
in a transaction other than a business combination that, at the
time of the transaction, affects neither accounting nor taxable
profit or loss. Deferred income tax is determined using tax rates
(and laws) that have been enacted or substantially enacted by the
end of the reporting period and are expected to apply when the
related deferred income tax asset is realised or the deferred
income tax liability is settled.
Deferred tax assets are recognised
to the extent that it is regarded as more likely than not that they
will be recovered.
Deferred tax assets and
liabilities are offset only where there is a legally enforceable
right to offset and where the deferred tax balances relate to the
same taxation authority.
Exceptional items
The Group classifies certain
one-off charges or credits that have a material impact on the
financial results as 'exceptional items'. These are disclosed
separately to provide further understanding of the financial
performance of the group.
Government grants
Grants are accounted under the
accruals model, and grants of a revenue nature are recognised in
the Statement of Comprehensive Income in the same period as the
related expenditure. Government grants relate to innovation
grants and large company research and development expenditure
credits ('RDEC' s).
Foreign exchange
Transactions denominated in
foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rates ruling
on the date of the transaction. Monetary assets or liabilities
denominated in foreign currencies at the Statement of Financial
Position date are translated at the rate ruling on that date and
all translation differences are charged or credited in the
Statement of Comprehensive Income.
On consolidation, the results of
overseas operations are translated into Sterling at rates
approximating to those ruling when the transactions took
place. All assets and liabilities of overseas operations are
translated at the rate ruling at the reporting date. Exchange
differences arising on translating the opening net assets at
opening rate and the results of overseas operations at actual rate
are recognised in other comprehensive income.
Intangible assets
Goodwill arises on the acquisition
of subsidiaries and represents the excess of the consideration
transferred over the fair value of the net assets acquired at the
acquisition date. Goodwill is stated at cost less any accumulated
impairment losses. Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units
and is not amortised but is tested annually for impairment. In
respect of equity accounted investees, the carrying amount of
goodwill is included in the carrying amount of the investment in
the investee.
Intangible assets acquired
separately from a business are recognised at cost. Intangible
assets acquired as part of an acquisition are recognised separately
from goodwill if the fair value can be measured reliably on initial
recognition. Intangible assets created within the business are not
recognised, other than for qualifying development expenditure, and
expenditure is charged against profits in the year in which it is
incurred.
Subsequent to initial recognition,
intangible assets are stated at cost less accumulated recognised
and accumulated impairment. Intangible assets are amortised on a
straight line basis within administrative expenses over their
estimated useful lives as follows:
Asset
class
Amortisation period
Brands
15
years
Customer relationships
11 to 16 years
Technology assets
5 to 13 years
Software
3-5 years
Intangible assets are tested for
impairment when an event that might affect asset values has
occurred. Any such impairment in carrying value is written off to
the Statement of Comprehensive Income immediately.
Research and development expenditure
An internally generated intangible
asset arising from development (or the development phase) of an
internal project is recognised if, and only if, all of the
following have been demonstrated:
·
It is technically feasible to complete the
development such that it will be available for use, sale or
licence;
·
There is an intention to complete the
development;
·
The method by which probable future economic
benefits will be generated is known;
·
There are adequate technical, financial and other
resources required to complete the development; and
·
There are reliable measures that can identify the
expenditure directly attributable to the project during its
development.
The amount recognised is the
expenditure incurred from the date when the project first meets the
recognition criteria listed above. Expenses capitalised as
"Technology" within intangible assets consist of employee costs
incurred on development. Where the above criteria are not met,
development expenditure is charged to the consolidated statement of
comprehensive income in the period in which it is incurred. The
expected life of internally generated intangible assets varies
based on the anticipated useful life, currently ranging from five
to seven years.
Subsequent to initial recognition,
internally generated intangible assets are reported at cost less
accumulated amortisation and impairment losses. Amortisation is
charged on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life in
which the intangible asset has economic benefit and is reported
within administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of
comprehensive income.
Research expenditure is recognised
as an expense in the period in which it is incurred.
Research and development
expenditure tax credits arise in the UK. Those relevant to a large
company for tax purposes are credited to other operating income as
a grant.
Financial assets
Financial assets, including trade
and other receivables, cash and cash equivalent balances are
initially recognised at transaction price. Such assets are
subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest
method. Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash held at bank which
is available on demand.
The Group applies the IFRS 9
simplified approach to measuring expected credit losses using a
lifetime expected credit loss provision for trade
receivables. The group measures loss allowances at an amount
equal to lifetime ECL, which is estimated using past experience of
the group's historical credit losses experienced over the three
year period prior to the period end. Historical loss rates are then
adjusted for current and forward-looking information on
macroeconomic factors affecting the group's customers, such as
inflation rates. The gross carrying amount of a financial asset is
written off (either partially or in full) to the extent that there
is no realistic prospect of recovery.
To measure expected credit losses
on a collective basis, trade receivables and contract assets are
grouped based on similar credit risk and aging. The contract
assets have similar risk characteristics to the trade receivables
for similar types of contracts.
The group recognises loss
allowances for expected credit losses (ECLs) on financial assets
measured at amortised cost to the extent that these are
material. The group has determined that there is no material
impact of ECLs on the historical financial information.
Financial liabilities
Financial liabilities, including
trade and other payables, lease liabilities and bank borrowings are
initially recognised at transaction price, unless the arrangement
constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is
measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at
a market rate of interest. Debt instruments are subsequently
carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate
method.
Trade payables are obligations to
pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary
course of business from suppliers. Accounts payable are classified
as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less.
If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade
payables are recognised initially at transaction price and
subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective
interest method.
Financial liabilities are
derecognised when the liability is extinguished, that is when the
contractual obligation is discharged, cancelled or
expires.
Borrowings are initially stated
at the fair value of the consideration received after deduction of
wholly attributable issue costs. Borrowings are subsequently stated
at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Right-of-use assets and lease
liabilities
Under IFRS 16, leases are
recognised as right-of-use assets, presented as a separate category
within property, plant and equipment included in the consolidated
statement of financial position, and with a corresponding lease
liability from the date at which the leased asset is available for
use by the Group. This has been adopted and applied on a full
retrospective basis.
Assets and liabilities arising
from a lease are initially measured at the present value of the
lease payments and payments to be made under the terms of the
lease. Reasonably certain extension options are also included
in the measurement of the liability. The lease payments are
discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease, if that
rate can be readily determined, or the incremental borrowing rate
that the individual lessee would have to pay to borrow the funds
necessary to obtain an asset of similar value to the right-of-use
asset in a similar economic environment with similar terms,
security and conditions.
Lease payments are allocated
between principal, presented as a separate category within
liabilities, and finance cost. The finance cost is charged to the
statement of comprehensive income over the lease period so as to
produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining
balance of the liability for each period. Right-of-use assets are
measured at cost comprising the amount of the initial measurement
of lease liability, any lease payments made at or before the
commencement date less any lease incentives received and any
initial direct costs. Leasehold dilapidations are recognised in
relation to the estimated cost of returning a leasehold property to
its original state at the end of the lease in accordance with the
lease terms.
Depreciation is charged on a
straight line basis over the period of the lease and assets are
subject to impairment reviews where circumstances indicate their
value may not be recoverable of if they are not being
utilised.
Payments associated with short-term
leases of property, plant and equipment and leases of low-value
assets continue to be recognised on a straight-line basis as an
expense. Short-term leases are leases with a lease term of 12
months or less.
Property, plant and
equipment
Property, plant and equipment
assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Cost includes the
original purchase price of the asset and the costs attributable to
bringing the asset to its working condition for its intended use.
Depreciation is provided on all property, plant and equipment
assets at rates calculated to write off the cost of each asset on a
straight line basis over its expected useful life, as
follows:
Asset
class
Depreciation method rate
Freehold
property
2% straight line
Leasehold
improvements
Over the period of the lease
Equipment, fixtures and
fittings
20-33% straight line basis
Investments
Investments in subsidiaries are
stated at cost or at the fair value of shares issued as
consideration less provision for any impairment. Investments in
associates are stated at fair value through the profit and
loss.
Inventories
Inventories are valued at the
lower of purchase cost and net realisable value, after due regard
for any slow moving items. Net realisable value is based on
selling price less anticipated costs to completion and selling
costs. Cost is based on the cost of purchase on a weighted
average basis. Work in progress and finished goods include
labour and attributable overheads.
At each reporting date,
inventories are assessed for impairment. If inventory is
impaired, the carrying amount is reduced to its net realisable
value. The impairment loss is recognised immediately in the
consolidated statement of comprehensive income.
Share capital and
reserves
Financial instruments issued by
the company are treated as equity only to the extent that they do
not meet the definition of a financial liability. The parent
company's ordinary shares are classified as equity
instruments.
The share premium account represents
the amount by which the issue price of shares exceeds the nominal
value of the shares less any share issue expenses.
The merger reserve represents the
difference between the fair value of the shares issued as part of
the consideration for Microlise Holdings Limited and the nominal
value of the shares issued.
Retained earnings comprises
opening retained earnings and total comprehensive income for the
year, net of dividends paid.
New or revised accounting standards and
interpretations
Certain new standards, amendments
and interpretations to existing standards have been published that
are mandatory for accounting periods beginning on or after 1
January 2024 and which the Group has chosen not to adopt early.
These include the following standards which may be relevant to the
Group:
- Amendment to IAS 1 regarding the
classification of liabilities being based on an entity's rights at
the end of a reporting period and disclosure in respect of post
period end covenants that have to be met in the 12 months post
period end;
- IAS 7/IFRS 7 amendments in
respect of supplier finance arrangements and disclosures that allow
an investor to understand the nature of these;
- IFRS 16 Amendments to clarify
how a seller-lessee subsequently measures sale and leaseback
transactions.
As a result of initial review of
the new standards, interpretations and amendments which are not yet
effective in these financial statements, none are expected to have
a material effect on the Company or Group's future financial
statements. All IFRS effective at the
reporting date of 31 December 2023 have been applied.
C. Critical accounting estimates and
assumptions
Critical judgements in applying the accounting
policies
The preparation of the financial
statements under IFRS requires the use of certain critical
accounting assumptions and requires management to exercise its
judgement and to make estimates in the process of applying the
Company's and Group's accounting policies. Management bases its
estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions
that management believes to be reasonable in the circumstances. The
key judgements and estimates used in the preparation of these
financial statements that could result in a material change in the
carrying value of assets or liabilities within the next twelve
months are as follows:
Fair values and intangible assets on acquisition of a
business
Fair values have been applied on
the acquisition of subsidiaries which involve a degree of judgement
and estimation in particular in the identification and evaluation
of intangible assets. The values are derived from the business cash
flow forecasts and assumptions based on experience and factors
relevant to the nature of the business activity.
Useful economic lives of intangible assets
The annual amortisation charge for
intangible assets is sensitive to changes in the estimated useful
economic lives of the assets. The useful economic lives and
residual values are re-assessed annually. They are amended when
necessary to reflect current estimates, based on technological
advancement, future investments and economic
utilisation.
There is no current indication
that the Group's businesses will not continue to trade profitably
and hence the life may differ or be longer than the estimates used
to amortise intangible assets.
Capitalisation of development expenditure
Management have used their
judgement in respect of the capitalisation of development costs
against the criteria in the policy. The viability of the new
technology and know-how is supported by the results of testing and
by forecasts for the overall value and margins from future sales to
support the approach taken.
Impairment of intangible assets including goodwill and
investments
Investments made by the Company
and intangible assets acquired in a business combination
capitalised with goodwill by the Group are subject to annual
impairment tests and other intangibles amortised over their
estimated useful lives subject to an assessment of
impairment.
Subsequent impairment tests for
investments and intangible assets are based on risk adjusted future
cash flows discounted using appropriate discount rates. These
future cash flows are based on forecasts which include estimated
factors and are inherently judgemental. Future events could cause
the assumptions to change which could have an adverse effect on the
future results of the Group. Further detail including sensitivities
is given in note 10.
Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities
In respect of right-of-use leased
assets key estimates are a combination of the incremental borrowing
rate used to discount the total cash flows and the term of the
leases where breaks or extensions fall within the Group's control.
These are used to derive both the opening asset value and lease
liability as well as the consequential depreciation and financing
charges. A 1% change in the discount rate used would increase
interest charges and decreased depreciation by approximately
£10,000 a year with an immaterial impact on assets and
liabilities.
Share based payment
The fair values in respect of share
based payments are estimated using a number of inputs to an
appropriate valuation models including the probability that
perforrnance conditions may be met. Further detail of the
assumptions applied is included in note 21.
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31
December 2023
1. Revenue and segmental
analysis
Recurring revenue represents the
sale of the group's full vehicle telematics solutions, support and
maintenance. Non-recurring revenue represents the sale of
hardware, installation, and professional services. Revenue is
defined as per the accounting policies.
Revenue in respect of the setup,
supply of hardware and software
installation is recognised at a point in time. Professional
services including project management, managed services and support
services income is recognised over the period when services are
provided.
|
Year ended
31 December 2023
|
Year ended
31 December
2022
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
By
type
|
|
|
Revenue recognised at a
point in time
Supply of hardware and
installation
|
23,707
|
19,975
|
|
23,707
|
19,975
|
Revenue recognised over
time
Professional services including
project management
|
2,987
|
2,721
|
Managed service agreement
income
|
41,614
|
37,360
|
Other support and maintenance
services
|
3,408
|
3,155
|
|
48,009
|
43,236
|
|
71,716
|
63,211
|
By destination:
|
|
|
UK
|
65,670
|
58,037
|
Rest of Europe
|
1,514
|
1,195
|
Rest of the World
|
4,532
|
3,979
|
Total revenue
|
71,716
|
63,211
|
Revenue in respect of one customer
amounted to £23.1m representing 32% of the revenue for the year
(2022: £20.9m representing 33% of the revenue).
The split of the disaggregated
revenue between segments is summarised below.
The chief operating decision maker
("CODM") is identified as the Board. It continues to define
all the Group's trading as operating in the telematics market with
two complementary segments. The Board as the CODM also review
the revenue streams of recurring and non-recurring revenue as part
of their internal reporting.
The directors consider the
Microlise business to be one segment related to fleet management
and the separately acquired TruTac business to be a complementary
segment related to tachograph specific software and analysis
services.
|
|
Microlise
|
TruTac
|
Year ended
31 December
2023
|
Microlise
|
TruTac
|
Year ended
31 December
2022
|
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Revenue
|
|
66,526
|
5,190
|
71,716
|
59,147
|
4,064
|
63,211
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and
amortisation
|
|
5,369
|
708
|
6,077
|
4,645
|
603
|
5,248
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating profit
|
|
1,278
|
977
|
2,255
|
1,559
|
625
|
2,184
|
Net interest
|
|
(15)
|
42
|
27
|
(263)
|
(4)
|
(267)
|
Share of associate
profit/(loss)
|
|
225
|
-
|
225
|
(478)
|
-
|
(478)
|
Profit before tax
|
|
1,488
|
1,019
|
2,507
|
818
|
621
|
1,439
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segment assets
|
|
118,805
|
12,374
|
131,179
|
115,216
|
10,920
|
126,136
|
Segment liabilities
|
|
(52,327)
|
(3,179)
|
(55,506)
|
(50,059)
|
(2,609)
|
(52,668)
|
Additions to non-current
assets
|
|
7,573
|
430
|
8,003
|
3,037
|
973
|
4,010
|
All of TruTac's revenue relates to
the UK. TruTac's revenue is primarily from managed service
agreements with the exception of £659,000 of hardware revenue in
2023 (2022: £562,000). All remaining revenue relates to the
Microlise business.
The group's non-current assets
comprising investments, tangible and intangible fixed assets and
the net assets by geographical location are:
|
31 December
2023
|
31 December
2022
|
|
Non-current
assets
|
Net assets
|
Non-current
assets
|
Net assets
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
|
|
|
|
|
United Kingdom
|
89,316
|
73,787
|
88,434
|
71,895
|
France
|
15
|
25
|
29
|
22
|
Australia
|
7
|
150
|
2
|
80
|
India
|
271
|
1,711
|
304
|
1,471
|
|
89,609
|
75,673
|
88,769
|
73,468
|
2. Adjusted results
In reporting financial
information, the Group presents alternative performance measures
(APMs), which are not defined or specified under the requirements
of IFRS. The Group believes that these APMs, which are not
considered to be a substitute for or superior to IFRS measures,
provide depth and understanding to the users of the financial
statements to allow for further assessment of the underlying
performance of the Group. The Group's primary results measure,
which is considered by the directors of the Group to represent the
underlying and continuing performance of the Group, is adjusted
EBITDA as set out below. EBITDA is a commonly used measure in which
earnings are stated before net finance income, tax, amortisation
and depreciation as a proxy for cash generated from
trading.
The group qualifies for large
company R&D tax reliefs with the RDEC credits included in other
operating income above operating profit in line with common
practice is included in the Group's calculation of
EBITDA.
The measure has been adjusted by
acquisition related costs which are considered to be non-recurring
and non-trading in nature together with the share based payment
charge as it represents a non cash item.
|
|
Year
ended
31 December
2023
|
Year ended
31 December
2022
|
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
|
|
|
|
Operating profit before interest and
share of associate
|
|
2,255
|
2,184
|
Exceptional transaction and
subsequent restructuring costs
|
|
374
|
202
|
Depreciation
|
|
2,585
|
2,212
|
Amortisation of intangible
assets
|
|
3,492
|
3,036
|
Share based payment
|
|
731
|
561
|
Adjusted EBITDA
|
|
9,437
|
8,195
|
3. Operating
profit
The operating profit is stated after
charging/(crediting):
|
Year
ended
31 December
2023
|
Year
ended
31 December
2022
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Auditors remuneration:
|
|
|
Audit of the Group and Company
financial statements
|
279
|
251
|
Depreciation of property, plant and
equipment
|
1,553
|
1,316
|
Profit on disposal of tangible fixed
assets
|
(19)
|
-
|
Depreciation of right-of-use
assets
|
1,032
|
896
|
Amortisation of intangible
assets
|
3,492
|
3,036
|
Cost of inventory sold
|
15,520
|
14,198
|
Research and development
costs
|
2,021
|
3,292
|
Foreign exchange
losses/(gains)
|
211
|
(259)
|
Acquisition evaluation
costs
|
196
|
202
|
|
|
|
In other operating
income:
Other income
|
(158)
|
(161)
|
Government innovation
grants
|
(170)
|
(111)
|
Research and Development Expenditure
Credit
|
(645)
|
(604)
|
The Group claims RDEC credits which
are treated as other operating income and reflected in the profit
before tax.
4. Information regarding
directors and employees
Employees
The aggregate remuneration of
employees comprised:
|
Group
|
|
Company
|
|
|
Year ended
31 December
2023
|
Year ended
31 December
2022
|
Year ended
31 December
2023
|
Year ended
31 December
2022
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Wages and salaries
|
31,353
|
26,636
|
864
|
863
|
Social security costs
|
3,071
|
2,685
|
108
|
88
|
Pensions
|
1,149
|
1,046
|
25
|
29
|
Share based payment
|
731
|
561
|
334
|
561
|
Total
|
36,304
|
30,928
|
1,331
|
1,541
|
Average number of employees
The average number of employees in
the year was:
|
Group
|
|
Company
|
|
|
Year ended
31 December
2023
|
Year ended
31 December
2022
|
Year ended
31 December
2023
|
Year ended
31 December
2022
|
Sales and distribution
|
101
|
87
|
-
|
-
|
Operations and
development
|
528
|
492
|
-
|
-
|
Administration
|
86
|
82
|
6
|
6
|
Total
|
715
|
661
|
6
|
6
|
Directors' remuneration
|
Year ended
31 December
2023
|
Year ended
31 December
2022
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Directors' remuneration - aggregate
emoluments
|
852
|
749
|
Group pension contributions in
respect of 4
(2022: 3) directors
Share based payment
|
23
|
24
246
|
334
|
|
1,209
|
1,019
|
Remuneration of the highest paid
director
|
393
|
306
|
Group pension
contributions
Share based payment
|
11
|
10
116
|
162
|
|
566
|
432
|
Full information by director is
disclosed in the remuneration report.
Key
management compensation
|
Year ended
31 December
2023
|
Year ended
31 December
2022
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Short term employee benefits
|
2,346
|
1,910
|
Post employment benefits
|
71
|
70
|
Share based payment
|
559
|
430
|
Total key management
remuneration
|
2,976
|
2,410
|
Key management is defined as those
persons having authority and responsibility for planning,
directing, and controlling the activities of the Group, directly or
indirectly, including any directors (whether executive or
otherwise) of the Group.
5. Interest receivable
|
Year ended
31 December
2023
|
Year ended
31 December
2022
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Interest receivable
|
|
|
Bank interest receivable
|
240
|
21
|
Loan interest receivable
|
120
|
-
|
Unwinding of discount on financing
transactions
|
-
|
24
|
|
360
|
45
|
6. Interest payable
|
Year ended
31 December
2023
|
Year ended
31 December
2022
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Interest payable
|
|
|
Interest on bank and other
borrowings
|
220
|
248
|
Lease liability financing
charges
|
107
|
64
|
Other interest
|
6
|
-
|
|
333
|
312
|
7. Taxation on profit
|
Year ended
31 December
2023
|
Year ended
31 December
2022
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Current taxation
|
|
|
UK corporation tax charge
|
104
|
-
|
Foreign tax
|
135
|
126
|
Adjustments in respect of previous
periods
|
8
|
5
|
|
247
|
131
|
Deferred taxation
|
|
|
Origination and reversal of timing
differences
|
732
|
249
|
Credit due to change in tax
rate
|
-
|
(89)
|
Adjustments in respect of previous
periods
|
(48)
|
(205)
|
|
684
|
(45)
|
Tax
charge on profit
|
931
|
86
|
Factors affecting the tax charge for the
year
The tax charge on the profit for the
year differs from applying the average standard rate of corporation
tax in the UK of 23.5% (2022: 19%). The differences are
reconciled below:
|
Year ended
31 December
2023
|
Year ended
31 December
2022
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Profit before taxation
|
2,507
|
1,439
|
|
|
|
Corporation tax at standard rate
|
589
|
273
|
Factors affecting charge for the
year:
|
|
|
Disallowable expenses
|
235
|
168
|
Share of associate profit not
taxed
|
(53)
|
-
|
Reassessment of share option related
deferred tax
|
172
|
-
|
Other differences including capital
superdeductions
|
(26)
|
(93)
|
Overseas tax rates
|
(15)
|
27
|
Adjustments in respect of previous
periods
|
(40)
|
(200)
|
Differing corporate and deferred tax
rates
|
69
|
-
|
Credit due to change in tax
rate
|
-
|
(89)
|
Tax
charge on profit
|
931
|
86
|
In May 2021 a change in the
corporation tax rate from 19% to 25% from April 2023 was
substantively enacted in the Finance Act 2021 and accordingly has
been applied to deferred tax balances at 31 December 2022 and
2023.
8. Earnings per
share
|
Year ended
31 December
2023
|
Year ended
31 December
2022
|
Profit used in calculating EPS
(£'000)
|
1,576
|
1,353
|
Weighted average number of shares
for basic EPS ('000)
|
115,946
|
115,946
|
Weighted average number of shares
for diluted EPS ('000)
|
116,087
|
116,104
|
Basic earnings per share
(pence)
|
1.36
|
1.17
|
Diluted earnings per share
(pence)
|
1.36
|
1.17
|
There were 3,701,954 unexercised
share options in place at 31 December 2023 (2022: 3,088,969) of
which 141,509 (2022: 1,159,383) were potentially dilutive in
respect of the year and are included in the weighted average for
diluted EPS.
9. Property, plant and
equipment
Group
|
Freehold
property
|
Right-of-use
property
|
Leasehold building
Improvements
|
Right-of-use
equipment
|
Equipment, fixtures and
fittings
|
Total
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net book value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At 1 January 2022
|
4,940
|
1,303
|
137
|
329
|
1,864
|
8,573
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At 1 January 2022
|
5,271
|
3,002
|
306
|
1,245
|
5,460
|
15,284
|
Additions
|
-
|
567
|
-
|
384
|
979
|
1,930
|
Disposals
|
-
|
(1,689)
|
-
|
(612)
|
(19)
|
(2,320)
|
Exchange adjustments
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
2
|
4
|
At 31 December 2022
|
5,271
|
1,880
|
308
|
1,017
|
6,422
|
14,898
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At 1 January 2022
|
331
|
1,699
|
169
|
916
|
3,596
|
6,711
|
Charge for the year
|
102
|
558
|
67
|
338
|
1,147
|
2,212
|
Disposals
|
-
|
(1,689)
|
-
|
(612)
|
(19)
|
(2,320)
|
Reclassification from intangible
assets
|
-
|
88
|
-
|
(88)
|
-
|
-
|
Exchange adjustments
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
2
|
3
|
At 31 December 2022
|
433
|
656
|
237
|
554
|
4,726
|
6,606
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net book value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At 31 December 2022
|
4,838
|
1,224
|
71
|
463
|
1,696
|
8,292
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At 1 January 2023
|
5,271
|
1,880
|
308
|
1,017
|
6,422
|
14,898
|
Additions
|
-
|
176
|
-
|
686
|
2,219
|
3,081
|
Acquisitions
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
14
|
14
|
Disposals
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(1,712)
|
(1,712)
|
Reclassification from intangible
assets
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
246
|
246
|
Exchange adjustments
|
-
|
-
|
(19)
|
-
|
(31)
|
(50)
|
At 31 December 2023
|
5,271
|
2,056
|
289
|
1,703
|
7,158
|
16,477
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At 1 January 2023
|
433
|
656
|
237
|
554
|
4,726
|
6,606
|
Charge for the year
|
102
|
673
|
52
|
359
|
1,399
|
2,585
|
Disposals
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(1,653)
|
(1,653)
|
Reclassification from intangible
assets
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
27
|
27
|
Exchange adjustments
|
-
|
-
|
(14)
|
-
|
(21)
|
(35)
|
At 31 December 2023
|
535
|
1,329
|
275
|
913
|
4,478
|
7,530
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net book value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At 31 December 2023
|
4,736
|
727
|
14
|
790
|
2,680
|
8,947
|
Company
|
Freehold
property
|
|
£'000
|
Cost
|
|
At 31 December 2022 and
2023
|
4,965
|
|
|
Accumulated depreciation
|
|
At 31 December 2022
|
127
|
Charge for the year
|
102
|
At 31 December 2023
|
229
|
|
|
Net book value
|
|
At 31 December 2022
|
4,838
|
At 31 December 2023
|
4,736
|
10.
Intangible assets
|
|
Goodwill
|
Customer
relationships
|
Technology - business
combinations
|
Brands
|
Total business combination assets
|
Developed
technology
|
Software
|
Total
|
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Net book value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At 1 January 2022
|
|
52,778
|
14,266
|
4,096
|
2,136
|
73,276
|
2,047
|
664
|
75,987
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At 1 January 2022
|
|
52,778
|
17,780
|
6,422
|
2,711
|
79,691
|
2,951
|
791
|
83,433
|
Additions
|
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1,780
|
300
|
2,080
|
At 31 December 2022
|
|
52,778
|
17,780
|
6,422
|
2,711
|
79,691
|
4,731
|
1,091
|
85,513
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortisation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At 1 January 2022
|
|
-
|
3,514
|
2,326
|
575
|
6,415
|
904
|
127
|
7,446
|
Charge for the year
|
|
-
|
1,138
|
773
|
181
|
2,092
|
760
|
184
|
3,036
|
At 31 December 2022
|
|
-
|
4,652
|
3,099
|
756
|
8,507
|
1,664
|
311
|
10,482
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net book value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At 31 December 2022
|
|
52,778
|
13,128
|
3,323
|
1,955
|
71,184
|
3,067
|
780
|
75,031
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At 1 January 2023
|
|
52,778
|
17,780
|
6,422
|
2,711
|
79,691
|
4,731
|
1,091
|
85,513
|
Additions
|
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2,523
|
20
|
2,543
|
Acquisitions (note 24)
|
|
1,513
|
406
|
446
|
-
|
2,365
|
-
|
-
|
2,365
|
Reclassification to property,
plant & equiment
|
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(246)
|
(246)
|
Exchange adjustments
|
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(1)
|
(1)
|
At 31 December 2023
|
|
54,291
|
18,186
|
6,868
|
2,711
|
82,056
|
7,254
|
864
|
90,174
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortisation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At 1 January 2023
|
|
-
|
4,652
|
3,099
|
756
|
8,507
|
1,664
|
311
|
10,482
|
Charge for the year
|
|
-
|
1,185
|
818
|
181
|
2,184
|
1,152
|
156
|
3,492
|
Reclassification to property,
plant & equiment
|
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(27)
|
(27)
|
Exchange adjustments
|
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(1)
|
(1)
|
At 31 December 2023
|
|
-
|
5,837
|
3,917
|
937
|
10,691
|
2,816
|
439
|
13,946
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net book value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At 31 December 2023
|
|
54,291
|
12,349
|
2,951
|
1,774
|
71,365
|
4,438
|
425
|
76,228
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Goodwill considered significant in
comparison to the Group's total carrying amount of such assets has
been allocated to cash generating units or groups of cash
generating units as follows:
|
|
31
December
|
31 December
|
|
|
2023
|
2022
|
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
|
|
|
|
Microlise
|
|
51,199
|
49,686
|
TruTac
|
|
3,092
|
3,092
|
|
|
54,291
|
52,778
|
The Group tests goodwill annually
for impairment, or more frequently if events or changes in
circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. The
acquired Vita Software business has been hived across and fully
integrated into the Microlise business, forming part of that cash
generating unit. The Microlise carrying value is assessed for
impairment purposes by calculating the value in use using the net
present value (NPV) of future cash flows arising from the
originally acquired businesses discounted at a pre-tax rate of 17%
(2022: 15%) and for the TruTac business at a pre-tax rate of 17%
(2022: 15%).
The Microlise goodwill has been
tested by reference to a 3 year management approved plan and TruTac
by reference to a 3 year plan with a 2% long term growth rate
considered applicable to the UK market applied to the terminal
period. This includes consideration of the impact of cost
inflationary pressures in the December tests and forecasts at
that date and taking account of the corresponding inflationary
price terms within the group's contracts with customers. The
businesses achieved the FY23 forecasts used in the prior year test
and no impairment is indicated although they are sensitive to
forecast increases in EBITDA. The Microlise NPV exceeds carrying
values by £5m (2022: £8.8m) and TruTac NPV exceeds carrying values
by £8.6m (2022: £1.1m) with this increase reflecting an increase in
overall growth over the forecast period. Reasonable changes
in the discount rate or terminal growth rate do not result in a
risk of impairment of Microlise or TruTac goodwill.
At 31 December 2023, the Microlise
plan subject to the impairment test to support the carrying value
of goodwill, forecast over £11.5m and a required £11m of recurring
EBITDA which compares with £7.8m on the same basis recorded for
2023 and an expected increase to over £9.7m for FY25 as a result of
the growth trends in the Microlise revenues, supported by
significant investment in the development of technology
(2022: forecast £8.9m and required £7.9m of recurring EBITDA in the
long term).
The 31 December 2023 TruTac plan
assessed for the impairment test to support the carrying value of
goodwill forecast over £2m and a required £1.4m compared to the
current EBITDA of some £1.5m. The growth trends in TruTac revenues
within the forecast is a result of continued investment into the
underlying technologies, the release of new products and features
as well as access to an enlarged customer base, a benefit of being
part of the Microlise Group (2022: forecast £1.25m and required
£1.1m of recurring EBITDA).
11. Investments and loan receivables
Group
|
|
|
|
Associate
|
|
|
|
|
£'000
|
At 1 January 2022
|
|
|
|
1,846
|
Share of loss for the
year
|
|
|
|
(478)
|
At 31 December 2022
|
|
|
|
1,368
|
Share of profit for the
year
|
|
|
|
225
|
At 31 December 2023
|
|
|
|
1,593
|
Company
|
|
Subsidiary
undertakings
|
|
Associate
|
Total
|
|
|
£'000
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
At 1 January 2022
|
|
77,693
|
|
2,250
|
79,943
|
Additions - fair value of share
options held by subsidiary company employees
|
|
249
|
|
-
|
249
|
Decrease in fair value
|
|
-
|
|
(1,000)
|
(1,000)
|
At 31 December 2022
|
|
77,942
|
|
1,250
|
79,192
|
Additions (note 24)
|
|
3,132
|
|
-
|
3,132
|
|
Additions - fair value of share
options held by subsidiary company employees
|
|
381
|
|
-
|
381
|
|
Increase in fair value
|
|
-
|
|
300
|
300
|
At 31 December 2023
|
|
81,455
|
|
1,550
|
83,005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subsidiary undertaking
|
Principal activity
|
Class of
shares held
|
% share
holding
|
Microlise Limited
|
Transport management technology
solutions
|
Ordinary
|
100%
|
Microlise Holdings
Limited
|
Intermediate holding
company
|
Ordinary
|
100%
|
Microlise Midco Limited
|
Dormant company
|
Ordinary
|
100%
|
Microlise Engineering
Limited
|
Non trading company
|
Ordinary
|
100%
|
TruTac Limited
|
Transport management technology
solutions
|
Ordinary
|
100%
|
Microlise Pty Limited
(Australia)
|
Transport management technology
solutions
|
Ordinary
|
100%
|
Microlise SAS (France)
|
Transport management technology
solutions
|
Ordinary
|
100%
|
Microlise Telematics Private
Limited (India)
|
Transport management technology
solutions
|
Ordinary
|
100%
|
Microlise India Private
Ltd
|
Non trading company
|
Ordinary
|
100%
|
Vita Software Limited
|
Transport management technology
solutions
|
Ordinary
|
100%
|
TruTac Training Limited
|
Dormant company (Dissolved
6February 2024)
|
Ordinary
|
100%
|
Trucontrol Ltd
|
Dormant company (Dissolved
6February 2024)
|
Ordinary
|
100%
|
Trulogix Limited
|
Dormant company (Dissolved
6February 2024)
|
Ordinary
|
100%
|
All the UK subsidiary companies
are registered in England at the same registered office as the
Company. Microlise Pty Limited is registered at Level 1, 20 Albert
Street, Blackburn, Victoria, 3130 Australia, Microlise SAS at Les
Hauts de la Duranne, 505 Avenue Galilee, 13290 Aix-en-Provence,
France, Microlise Telematics Private Limited and Microlise India
Private Limited at 4th Floor, Pride Accord, Baner Road,
Pune, 411045, India.
The Group
agrees to guarantee the liabilities of Microlise Midco Limited
(01670983), Microlise Holdings Limited (06479107), Microlise
Engineering Limited (02211125), TruTac Limited (02521511) and Vita
Software Limited (08230638) thereby allowing them to take exemption
from having an audit under section 479A of the Companies Act
2006.
Investments in associates consist
of a 20% holding in Trakm8 Holdings plc acquired on 22 December
2018 and measured in accordance with the accounting policy. The
company is listed on AIM and at 31 December 2023 the market value
of the shareholding was £1.55m (2022: £1.25m).
The primary business of Trakm8
Holdings plc is the development, manufacture, distribution and sale
of telematics devices, services and optimisation solutions.
The principal place of business is 4 Roman Park, Roman Way,
Coleshill, Birmingham, West Midlands, B46 1HG.
The Group also has an interest of
£1 in a jointly controlled not for profit community investment
company, Road to Logistics C.I.C. This had commenced activity
funded by a government grant and incurs neither a profit nor a
loss. The principal place of business is Market Chambers, 2b Market Place, Shifnal, Shropshire,
England, TF11 9AZ.
Summarised financial information (material
associates)
Trakm8 Holdings plc
Trakm8 Holdings plc has a year end
of 31 March, and the summarised financial information disclosed is
based on their published annual statements to 31 March 2022 and
2023 together with interim financial statements to 30 September
2022 and 2023, prepared under IFRS.
|
|
30 September
2023
|
30 September
2022
|
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Assets - non-current
|
|
26,516
|
26,101
|
Assets - current
|
|
10,910
|
10,834
|
Liability - non-current
|
|
(14,936)
|
(10,190)
|
Liability - current
|
|
(3,255)
|
(8,616)
|
Net
assets (100%)
|
|
19,235
|
18,129
|
Group share of book net assets (20%)
|
|
3,847
|
3,626
|
The differing carrying value above
reflects the equity accounting policy applied.
|
|
Year ended
30 September
2023
|
Year ended
30 September
2022
|
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Revenues
|
|
19,722
|
18,102
|
Profit/(loss) from continuing
operations
|
|
1,103
|
(1,863)
|
Other comprehensive
(expense)/income
|
|
(8)
|
8
|
Total comprehensive
income/(expense)
|
|
1,095
|
(1,855)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Group and company
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
£'000
|
At 1 January 2022
|
|
|
|
-
|
Cash subscribed for loan
notes
|
|
|
|
1,000
|
At
31 December 2022 and 2023
|
|
|
|
1,000
|
12. Deferred tax assets and
liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Group
|
Intangible
assets
|
Accelerated capital
allowances
|
Freehold
property
|
Tax losses
|
Other
|
Total
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
At 1 January 2022
|
(5,468)
|
(79)
|
(1,156)
|
1,828
|
(116)
|
(4,991)
|
RDEC credit
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
106
|
106
|
Credit/(charge) for the
year
|
124
|
(152)
|
19
|
(303)
|
357
|
45
|
At 31 December 2022
|
(5,344)
|
(231)
|
(1,137)
|
1,525
|
347
|
(4,840)
|
On acquisition
|
(172)
|
(4)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(176)
|
RDEC credit
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
84
|
84
|
Foreign exchange movement
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(6)
|
(6)
|
Credit/(charge) for the
year
|
182
|
(240)
|
24
|
(641)
|
(9)
|
(684)
|
At
31 December 2023
|
(5,334)
|
(475)
|
(1,113)
|
884
|
416
|
(5,622)
|
Company
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share based
payment
£'000
|
At 31 December 2022
|
|
|
|
|
|
111
|
Charge for the year
|
|
|
|
|
|
(111)
|
At
31 December 2023
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax has been recognised at
an average rate of 25% (2022: 25%).
13. Inventories
Group
|
31
December
2023
|
31
December
2022
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Raw materials and
consumables
|
1,331
|
1,146
|
Work in progress
|
28
|
18
|
Finished goods and goods for
resale
|
1,989
|
1,471
|
|
3,348
|
2,635
|
An impairment release of £425,000 in
respect of inventory was recorded in the year ended 31 December
2023 (2022: charge of £209,000).
14. Trade and other receivables
|
Group
|
|
Company
|
|
|
31
December
2023
|
31 December
2022
|
31
December
2023
|
31 December
2022
|
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
|
Current
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trade receivables
|
15,288
|
13,247
|
-
|
-
|
|
Provision for impairment of trade
receivables
|
(457)
|
(402)
|
-
|
-
|
|
Trade receivables net
|
14,831
|
12,845
|
-
|
-
|
|
Contract cost assets
|
1,431
|
1,466
|
-
|
-
|
|
Other receivables
|
222
|
163
|
-
|
-
|
|
Prepayments
|
2,273
|
2,286
|
158
|
26
|
|
Total
|
18,757
|
16,760
|
158
|
26
|
|
Non-current
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trade receivables
|
353
|
593
|
-
|
-
|
|
Contract cost assets
|
2,488
|
2,485
|
-
|
-
|
|
Total
|
2,841
|
3,078
|
-
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
21,598
|
19,838
|
158
|
26
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Analysis of expected credit losses
is included in note 18.
The movements in Group contract
related balances in the year are as follows:
|
Year
ended
31 December
2023
|
Year
ended
31 December
2022
|
|
Contract cost
assets
|
|
£'000
|
|
£'000
|
|
Opening balance
|
|
3,952
|
|
3,815
|
|
Amortised to income
statement
|
|
(1,774)
|
|
(1,115)
|
|
Incurred in the year
|
|
1,741
|
|
1,252
|
|
Closing balance
|
|
3,919
|
|
3,952
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15. Cash and cash equivalents
|
Group
|
|
Company
|
|
|
31
December
2023
|
31
December
2022
|
31
December
2023
|
31
December
2022
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Cash at bank and in hand
|
16,800
|
16,683
|
86
|
69
|
16. Lease liabilities
|
Group
|
|
Company
|
|
|
31
December
2023
|
31
December
2022
|
31
December
2023
|
31
December
2022
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Current
|
907
|
821
|
-
|
-
|
Non-current
|
646
|
926
|
-
|
-
|
Total
|
1,553
|
1,747
|
-
|
-
|
Leases
The group has entered into lease
contracts in respect of property in the jurisdictions from which it
operates, use of data centres and vehicles which are typically for
terms of 3 to 5 years. In respect of data centre contracts there
are options to extend the initial period with these factored into
the liabilities where the group plans to use these for a longer
period. For property leases, it is customary for lease
contracts to be reset periodically to market rental rates.
Leases of equipment, data centre usage and vehicles comprise only
fixed payments over the lease terms.
Right of use assets, additions and
amortisation are included in note 9. Interest expenses
relating to lease liabilities are included in note 6.
Other amounts relating to leases
were as follows:
|
|
31
December
2023
|
31
December
2022
|
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Short term lease expense
|
|
46
|
11
|
Total cash outflow for
leases
|
|
1,163
|
979
|
The maturity of lease liabilities
at 31 December 2023 were as follows:
|
|
Property
|
Equipment and
vehicles
|
Total
|
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£000
|
Within 1 year
|
|
711
|
196
|
907
|
1-2 years
|
|
370
|
85
|
455
|
2-5 years
|
|
174
|
17
|
191
|
Total
|
|
1,255
|
298
|
1,553
|
The maturity of lease liabilities
at 31 December 2022 were as follows:
|
|
Property
|
Equipment and
vehicles
|
Total
|
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£000
|
Within 1 year
|
|
548
|
273
|
821
|
1-2 years
|
|
450
|
160
|
610
|
2-5 years
|
|
267
|
49
|
316
|
Total
|
|
1,265
|
482
|
1,747
|
17. Trade and other payables
|
Group
|
|
Company
|
|
|
31
December
2023
|
31 December
2022
|
31
December
2023
|
31 December
2022
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Current
|
|
|
|
|
Trade payables
|
6,372
|
4,637
|
63
|
7
|
Taxation and social
security
|
2,612
|
1,963
|
33
|
34
|
Amounts owed to group
undertakings
|
|
-
|
14,231
|
16,206
|
Other payables
|
556
|
1,447
|
205
|
1,006
|
Accruals
|
4,195
|
4,316
|
902
|
675
|
Contract liabilities
|
18,895
|
16,820
|
-
|
-
|
Total
|
32,630
|
29,183
|
15,434
|
17,928
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-current
|
|
|
|
|
Contract liabilities
|
15,587
|
16,463
|
-
|
-
|
Deferred grant income
|
114
|
152
|
-
|
-
|
Accruals
|
-
|
283
|
-
|
-
|
Total
|
15,701
|
16,898
|
-
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
48,331
|
46,081
|
15,434
|
17,928
|
The carrying amounts of trade and
other payables are considered to be the same as their fair values,
due to their short-term nature. Contract liabilities relates
principally to service income received in advance. The timing
of recognition of Group contract liabilities are as
follows:
|
Less than one
year
|
1-2 years
|
2-3 years
|
3-4 years
|
4-5 years
|
Total
|
|
At
31 December 2023
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Contract liabilities
|
19,448
|
9,134
|
4,112
|
1,364
|
424
|
34,482
|
|
Less than one
year
|
1-2 years
|
2-3 years
|
3-4 years
|
4-5 years
|
Total
|
At
31 December 2022
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Contract liabilities
|
16,820
|
8,962
|
4,919
|
1,986
|
596
|
33,283
|
The movements in Group contract
related balances in the year are as follows:
|
|
Year
ended
31 December
2023
|
|
Year ended
31 December
2022
|
|
|
£'000
|
|
£'000
|
Revenue related contract liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
Opening balance
|
|
(33,283)
|
|
(31,465)
|
Invoiced in the year
|
|
(42,813)
|
|
(39,178)
|
Recognised as revenue in the
year
|
|
41,614
|
|
37,360
|
Closing balance
|
|
(34,482)
|
|
(33,283)
|
|
|
|
|
|
18. Financial Instruments
Financial risk
management
The determination of financial
risk management policies and the treasury function is managed by
the CFO. Policies are set to reduce risk as far as possible without
unduly affecting the operating effectiveness of the
Group.
The Group's activities expose it
to a variety of financial risks, the most significant being credit
risk, liquidity risk and interest rate risk together with a degree
of foreign currency risk as discussed below.
Categories of financial
instruments
The Group has the below categories
of financial instruments:
|
|
31
December
2023
|
31
December
2022
|
Recognised at amortised cost
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Cash and bank balances
|
|
16,800
|
16,683
|
Trade receivables - net
|
|
15,184
|
13,438
|
Other receivables
|
|
1,222
|
1,163
|
Total financial assets
|
|
33,206
|
31,284
|
|
|
|
|
Trade payables
|
|
6,372
|
4,637
|
Other payables
|
|
4,751
|
6,046
|
Lease liabilities
|
|
1,553
|
1,747
|
Total financial liabilities
|
|
12,676
|
12,430
|
There were no assets or
liabilities at 31 December 2023 or 2022 that were recognised and
measured at fair value in the historical financial
information.
Credit risk
Credit risk refers to the risk
that a counterparty will default on its contractual obligations
resulting in financial loss for the Group. Financial instruments,
which potentially subject the Group to concentration of credit
risk, consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and trade
accounts receivable including accrued income.
The Group places its cash and cash
equivalents with major financial institutions, which management
assesses to be of high-credit quality in order to limit the
exposure of each cash deposit to a minimal level.
Trade receivables
Trade accounts receivable are
derived primarily from non-recurring hardware sales and monthly
service income and generally have 30-60 day terms. With the
exception of one large customer who accounts for 24% (2022: 27%) of
the trade receivable invoiced balance, credit risk with respect to
accounts receivable is dispersed due to the large number of
customers. Collateral is not required for accounts receivable. The
credit worthiness of customers with balances in trade receivables
not yet due has been assessed as high.
The aging of past due trade
receivables according to their original due date is detailed
below:
|
31
December
|
31
December
|
|
2023
|
2022
|
Past due
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
0-60 days
|
5,202
|
3,903
|
60-120 days
|
833
|
443
|
121+ days
|
1,000
|
499
|
Expected credit loss
provision
|
(457)
|
(402)
|
Total
|
6,578
|
4,443
|
A majority of the expected credit
loss provision relates to balances that are more than 120 days
overdue. The expected credit loss on balances less than 120 days is
immaterial. A substantial majority of the overdue debt has been
collected since the period end date with the unprovided amounts
considered to be collectible.
As at 31 December 2023 the lifetime
expected loss provision for trade receivables is as
follows:
Past due
|
Expected loss
rate
|
Gross carrying
amount
£'000
|
Loss provision
£'000
|
0-60 days
|
0%
|
5,202
|
-
|
60-120 days
|
0%
|
833
|
-
|
121+ days
|
46%
|
1,000
|
457
|
Total
|
7%
|
7,035
|
457
|
As at 31 December 2022 the lifetime
expected loss provision for trade receivables was as
follows:
Past due
|
Expected loss
rate
|
Gross carrying
amount
£'000
|
Loss provision
£'000
|
0-60 days
|
0%
|
3,903
|
-
|
60-120 days
|
0%
|
443
|
-
|
121+ days
|
81%
|
499
|
402
|
Total
|
8%
|
4,845
|
402
|
At each of the Statement of
Financial Position dates, a portion of the trade receivables were
impaired and provided for. The movement in the provision for trade
receivables in each of the periods is as follows:
|
|
Year
ended
31 December
2023
|
Year
period ended
31 December
2022
|
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
At 1 January
|
|
402
|
303
|
Provision charged
|
|
55
|
99
|
|
|
|
|
At
year end
|
|
457
|
402
|
Oher receivables are considered to
bear similar risks to trade receivables or are owed by government
bodies. Hence any expected credit loss on other financial assets is
considered to be immaterial.
Liquidity
risk
The Group now funds its business
through equity and from cash generated from operations and also has
a £20m undrawn working capital facility available. Details of the
Group's borrowings are discussed in note 16. The Group monitors and
manages cash to mitigate any liquidity risk it may face. The
following table shows the Group's contractual maturities of
financial liabilities based on undiscounted cash flows including
interest charges and the earliest date on which the Group is
obliged to make repayment:
|
Less than one
year
|
1-2 years
|
2-5 years
|
|
Total
|
At
31 December 2023
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
|
£'000
|
Trade and other payables
|
11,123
|
-
|
-
|
|
11,123
|
Lease liabilities
|
1,021
|
521
|
193
|
|
1,735
|
Total
|
12,144
|
521
|
193
|
|
12,858
|
|
Less than one
year
|
1-2 years
|
2-5 years
|
|
Total
|
At
31 December 2022
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
|
£'000
|
Trade and other payables
|
10,688
|
-
|
-
|
|
10,688
|
Lease liabilities
|
883
|
648
|
338
|
|
1,869
|
Total
|
11,571
|
648
|
338
|
|
12,557
|
Interest rate risk
There are no borrowings or
liabilities subject to variable interest rates.
Currency risk
The Group operates predominantly
in the UK with sterling being its functional currency and has a
degree of exposure to foreign currency risk, with this spread
across income and expenses in Euros, US dollars and Australian
dollars for sales and purchasing operations together with an
outflow only of Indian rupees for the costs of development and
operational support activity. The impact of a 10% fluctuation in
all foreign exchange rates moving in the same direction against GBP
has been assessed to be an overall impact of up to £300,000 which
would be mitigated by some matching of income and
expenses.
The net exposure to the dollar is
offset by significant purchases made in dollars. The net underlying
foreign currency balances, comprising overseas assets and
liabilities, cash, receivables and payables in the UK, in the Group
statement of financial position by underlying currency at the
period end were:
|
USD
|
Euro
|
AUD
|
INR
|
Total
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
At
31 December 2023
|
4,608
|
710
|
183
|
18
|
5,519
|
At 31 December 2022
|
8,317
|
673
|
913
|
559
|
10,462
|
Capital management
The Group's capital comprises
share capital, share premium and retained earnings. The Group's
objectives when maintaining capital are:
To safeguard the entity's ability
to continue as a going concern, so that it can continue to provide
returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders and to
provide an adequate return to shareholders by pricing products and
services commensurately with the level of risk.
The capital structure of the Group
consists of shareholders equity as set out in the consolidated
statement of changes in equity. The longer-term funding
requirements for acquisitions were financed from cash reserves and
term bank debt which was fully repaid from the equity proceeds on
listing. All working capital requirements are financed from
existing cash resources.
The Group sets the amount of
capital it requires in proportion to risk in conjunction with the
retained earnings. The Group manages its capital structure and
makes adjustments to it in the light of changes in economic
conditions and the risk characteristics of the underlying assets.
In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may
adjust the amount of dividends paid to shareholders, return capital
to shareholders, issue new shares, or sell assets to reduce
debt.
19. Pensions
Defined contributions pension scheme
The group operates a number of
defined contribution pension schemes. Contributions totalling
£278,000 (2022: £223,000) were included in payables and due to the
defined contribution scheme at the end of the year. The total
contributions are disclosed in note 4.
20. Share capital
Group and Company
|
|
|
Allotted, called up and fully paid
|
At
31 December
|
At
31
December
|
|
2023
|
2022
|
|
£
|
£
|
115,945,956 ordinary shares of
£0.001 each
|
115,946
|
115,946
|
All shares rank equally in respect
of income and capital distributions.
21. Share based payments
|
|
|
Options
|
Weighted average exercise
price
|
Number
|
At 1 January 2023
|
£0.51
|
3,088,969
|
Granted in the year
|
£0.001
|
1,049,226
|
Lapsed in the year
|
£0.21
|
(436,221)
|
At 31 December 2023
|
£0.38
|
3,701,974
|
The Company granted options on 22
July 2021 at an exercise price of £0.001 per share. 100,000 of the
options were granted to non-executive directors and are subject
only to continuing employment or good leaver conditions. The fair
value was assessed as £1.35 per option using a Black Scholes model
with a volatility of 60% and risk free rates of 0.5%. They are
exercisable three years after grant for a period of a year.
1,007,848 options were granted to executive employees subject to a
3 year Total Shareholder Return condition from the date of grant of
a minimum of 8% annual growth in the share price up to an 18%
return for 100% to be exercised. The fair value is assessed as
£0.88 per option based on a discounted Black Scholes pricing model
with a volatility of 60% and risk-free rates of 0.5%. The exercise
period is within a year of the 3 year return being
assessed.
1,132,160 options were granted to
employees on 23 May 2022 at an exercise price of £1.45 subject to a
3 year vesting period only. The fair value was assessed as £0.515
per option using a Black Scholes model with a volatility of 60% and
risk free rates of 2%.
The Company granted options on 28
July 2022 at an exercise price of £0.001 per share. 41,509 of the
options were granted to a non-executive director and are subject
only to continuing employment or good leaver conditions. The fair
value was assessed as £1.32 per option using a Black Scholes model
with a volatility of 50% and risk free rates of 2%. They are
exercisable three years after grant for a period of a year. 973,811
options were granted to executive employees subject to a 3 year
Total Shareholder Return condition from the date of grant of a
minimum of 8% annual growth in the share price up to an 18% return
for 100% to be exercised. The fair value is assessed as £0.86 per
option based on a discounted Black Scholes pricing model with a
volatility of 50% and risk-free rates of 2%.
The Company granted
1,049,226 options on 22 December 2023 to executive employees at an
exercise price of £0.001 per share. They are exercisable from 31
December 2025 with 10% subject to carbon reduction targets and 90%
subject to a Total Shareholder Return condition from the date of
grant of a minimum of 8% annual growth in the share price up to an
18% return for 100% to be exercised. The fair value of the carbon
reduction target options has been assessed at an average fair value
of £0.17 per option using a Black Scholes model and the TSR options
at £0.88 using a Monte Carlo model, both applying a volatility of
45%, risk free rates of 3.58% and a dividend yield of
1.93%
The average vesting period for all
options is estimated at 3 years and the share based payment charge
was £731,000 for the year (2022: £561,000). The weighted average
vesting period is 1.7 years (2022: 2.2 years).
22. Capital commitments
The Group had capital commitments
contracted but not provided for of £119,000 at 31 December 2023
(2022: £1,105,000). The company had no capital commitments (2022:
£nil).
23. Related party transactions
The remuneration of key management
personnel and directors is set out in note 4 and transactions with
the associate in note 11.
24. Business combinations
On 13 March 2023, the Group
acquired the entire share capital of Vita Software Limited, a
provider of fleet logistics services for consideration of
£3,123,000. The goodwill arising of
£1,513,000 is attributable to the workforce, synergies and expected
future growth in customers and earnings. The transaction has been
accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. The
principal adjustments relate to £283,000 in respect of the
technology and £406,000 of customer relationships together with the
related deferred taxation liability of £172,000.
The Vita software business has
been transferred and integrated into Microlise Limited and as such
it is not possible to separately identify the post acquisition
results.
Had Vita been consolidated from 1
January 2023 it would have contributed another £104,000 of revenue
and a further profit before tax of £60,000 to the year (excluding
acquisition expenses and amortisation of intangible assets arising
on consolidation).
|
|
|
Book value
|
Fair value
adjustments
|
Fair value
|
|
|
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
£'000
|
Intangible assets
|
|
|
-
|
689
|
689
|
Property, plant and
equipment
|
|
|
14
|
-
|
14
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
1,120
|
-
|
1,120
|
Receivables
|
|
|
94
|
-
|
94
|
Payables
|
|
|
(45)
|
-
|
(45)
|
Corporation tax
|
|
|
(86)
|
-
|
(86)
|
Deferred taxation
liability
|
|
|
(4)
|
(172)
|
(176)
|
Net assets acquired
|
|
|
|
|
1,610
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
|
|
1,513
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,123
|
Consideration satisfied
by:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
|
|
|
|
|
2,923
|
Deferred consideration (payable
March 2024)
|
|
|
|
|
200
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,123
|
The Group incurred acquisition
related costs of £0.1m related to stamp duty, legal and
professional fees. These costs have been included in
administrative expenses in the group's consolidated statement of
comprehensive income.
The Group also acquired another
small business in the year comprising only intangible assets of
£163,000.
25. Subsequent events
On 10 January 2024, the group
acquired 100% of Enterprise Software Systems Limited, a leading
provider of transportation management system solutions. The
acquisition is expected to further expand Microlise's suite of
transport technology solutions. The total consideration of £11.4m
includes £0.85m of deferred consideration payable six months from
the date of acquisition. The acquisition was funded from the
Group's cash resources and the identifiable assets acquired
included £4.4m cash of which £3.5m is considered to be excess cash.
Synergies are expected to arise by combining the management of
operations and providing a broader service offering to all Group
customers. The draft initial fair value of the assets and
liabilities acquired are as follows:
|
|
Fair value
|
|
|
£'000
|
Intangible assets - customer,
tradename, technology
|
|
3,708
|
Property, plant and
equipment
|
|
998
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
4,373
|
Receivables
|
|
1,032
|
Payables
|
|
(3,044)
|
Lease liabilities
|
|
(500)
|
Corporation tax
|
|
(124)
|
Deferred taxation
liability
|
|
(1,017)
|
Net assets acquired
|
|
5,426
|
Goodwill
|
|
6,010
|
|
|
11,436
|
Consideration satisfied
by:
|
|
|
Cash
|
|
10,586
|
Deferred consideration
|
|
850
|
|
|
11,436
|
Acquisition costs of £0.2m were
incurred relating to the acquisition and expensed in the year ended
31 December 2023. Other than the acquisition costs the
acquisition was not included in the reported results for the year
ended 31 December 2023.
26. Statutory financial statements
The financial information for the
year ended 31 December 2023 contained in this preliminary
announcement has been audited and was approved by the Board on 8
April 2024. The financial information in this statement does not
constitute the Company's statutory financial statements for the
years ended 31 December 2023 or 2022 within the meaning of section
435 of the Companies Act 2006. The financial information for 2023
and 2022 is derived from the statutory financial statements for
2022, which have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies, and
2023, which will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies and
issued to shareholders in April 2024. The auditors have reported on
the 2023 and 2022 financial statements; their report was
unqualified and did not include a reference to any matters to which
the auditors drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying
their report.