RE: Ready to go better1 Jun 2018 11:46
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PHTM - Progressive Equity Research -Analyst Denese Newton 01/06/2018
Trading Update
Revenues for FY2018E are expected to grow at approximately 6% on a constant currency basis, which is in-line with our expectations. PBT is also expected to be in-line with our forecast of �50.2m for FY2018E.
This includes restructuring cost associated with the UK Retail business of �2.6m, a gain on disposal of the head office of �2.4m and a gain on investments of �3.7m.
The Photo ID business, except for Japan, continues to perform in line with previous expectations. In Japan there have been difficulties due to oversupply in the market, meaning declining market share and a
resultant reduction in average revenue per machine as well as upward pressure on commissions payable. The Board intends to re-structure the Japanese business to facilitate a return to profitability. For FY2019E
we are lowering our forecast trading PBT for Japan by �5m and anticipate a restructuring cost of �4m.
The Laundry business continues its expansion and remains a key growth driver. Revenue from Laundry operations in FY2018E grew 49% to �32.3m. Following relocation to Poland, an increase in manufacturing capacity will fuel an acceleration in the deployment of machines.
Post year-end the Group acquired La Wash Group, a leading Spanish laundry provider, for �4.75m. La Wash Group had turnover of �3.7m for the year ended 31 December 2017 and corresponding PBT of �0.8m. This acquisition highlights the Group�s commitment to making complimentary bolt-on Laundry acquisitions.
Photo-Me Retail in the UK has been successfully restructured to provide unattended digital printing kiosk services. This will boost the profitability of the UK digital printing business with an associated re-structuring cost of �2.6m in FY2018E.
Although the Board has made no final decision, it expects to maintain the Group�s current dividend policy
Trading Update
Except for the Japanese Photo ID business (see below), all areas performed in line with our expectations. Turnover for FY2018E is expected to grow by 6% on a constant currency basis or 7% on an absolute basis. PBT for FY2018E is expected to be broadly in line with market expectations. We forecast PBT for FY2018E of �50.2m.
Photo Identification Excluding Japan, the photo identification business continued to perform well. The UK roll-out of encrypted passport photo ID upload began in December 2017. By the year end, 2200 photobooths had been converted to provide direct and secure transmission if ID photos and data to HMPO. The Group is therefore well positioned to take advantage of the introduction of new UK passports.
This technology continues to be deployed in France and Ireland and the Group is also
in discussions with the Dutch government about its introduction in the Netherlands............next 2