RE: Need to post accounts asap11 Jul 2025 08:29
The Company has now received the draft Review and is in ongoing discussion and consultation with key stakeholders on the findings, including necessary remediation steps.
As indicated on 14 February 2025, the overall findings of the Review include:
· A number of prior year adjustments are expected to be required to the income statement and balance sheet
· Issues identified in a limited number of contracts in Projects, particularly in relation to legacy lump sum turnkey ('LSTK') projects
· Issues with the application of relevant accounting standards, such as holding specific amounts on the Projects centre balance sheet that should have been written off
· Gaps and deficiencies within the application of controls which relate to the monitoring and reporting of project positions within the Projects business unit
· No material issues identified in our other business units (Consulting, Operations and Investment Services)
As a result of the Review, Wood has identified material weaknesses and failures in the Group's financial culture within the Projects business unit and engagement between Group Finance and Projects. This included inappropriate management pressure and override to maintain previously reported positions, including through unsupported dispensations, and over-optimism and/or lack of evidence in respect of accounting judgements. The cultural failings appear to have led to instances of information being inappropriately withheld from, and unreliable information being provided to, Wood's auditors.
There has been significant change within Wood and steps taken during and since the period covered by the Review, including changes in key roles in Finance and external expert assistance in the application of accounting standards. We are committed to implementing a detailed remediation plan, including necessary follow-on actions from the Review, to continue to strengthen the Group's financial culture, governance and controls. This will include actions on culture, controls and organisational structure.
We will provide a further update on the impacts of the Review, and actions being taken, as appropriate.
Accounting implications
As a result of the Review, a number of prior year adjustments are expected to be required to the income statement and balance sheet:
· Predominantly impacting the reported performance of the Projects business unit in prior periods with no material impact on the Group's historical cash flow generation
· Material prior year P&L and balance sheet adjustments are expected for FY22, FY23 and HY24
· Material restatements are expected for adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBIT for FY22 and FY23
· Temporary retrospective waivers (valid to 30 April 2025) have been obtained under committed debt facilities for historical non-compliance with prior period financial covenants
The Company does not currently expect any material impact from the Review on the Group's ability to g