The latest Investing Matters Podcast with Jean Roche, Co-Manager of Schroder UK Mid Cap Investment Trust has just been released. Listen here.
2012/13 Q1 Interim Management Statement 26 July 2012 Q1 2012/13 performance and outlook Overall the Group made a satisfactory start to the financial year and, subject to significant changes to the global macro-economic environment, we continue to look forward to a year of improving performance. Invensys Operations Management The division’s good revenue performance last year has continued into the current year in each of its lines of business supported by the conversion of its large order book in systems as well as strong software and equipment sales. Work on the nuclear projects in China continues in accordance with the revised project plan put in place in January 2012. Invensys Rail As expected, Invensys Rail has experienced a slow start to the year in terms of revenue following the delays in the awards of the large contracts last year which has deferred mobilisation on these contracts further into the current year. Its performance has also been affected by delays in the letting of contracts under the four new Network Rail framework agreements. We expect this situation to improve substantially in the second half resulting in a performance for the year as a whole in line with our expectations. Invensys Controls Invensys Controls has made a more confident start to this year with the global appliance market showing much greater stability in demand compared to last year. The commercial line of business experienced some temporary order delays which are expected to reverse in the second half while wholesale continued to be affected by the weak economic conditions in its core North American and European markets. Financial position At 30 June 2012, the Group had net cash of £153 million. The £109 million outflow in the period was due mainly to the normal seasonal working capital outflow and a number of non-operating items including £25 million of deficit reduction payments into the UK and US pension schemes and the payment of £12 million for the acquisition of PHW Inc.
(b) maintain non-executive representation on the Board; (c) operate the Audit, Remuneration and Risk Committees; (d) review the feasibility of restoring the payment of dividends commensurate with the future profitability, cash availability and underlying growth of the business; and (e) maintain an "Investors" section on its website at www.lighthousegroup.plc.uk In addition, Shareholders will be sent an annual report and the Company intends to post a summary of its annual and half year financial performance on its website, as well as details of any significant events or developments in which Shareholders may be interested provided that these are not commercially sensitive. Recommendation to Shareholders The Directors consider the Resolution to be in the best interests of the Company and Shareholders as a whole and consider that it is most likely to promote the success of the Company. The Directors therefore unanimously continue to recommend Shareholders to vote in favour of the Resolution at the General Meeting, as they intend to do in respect of their own beneficial holdings. David Hickey, Chairman of Lighthouse Group, commented: "The plain truth is the lack of positive sentiment in the Stock Markets for IFA businesses. For Lighthouse, at this time, there are no attractions to being on AIM, and too many disadvantages. It is crucial that shareholders remember that Lighthouse operates in a highly regulated sector and the proposed delisting should be viewed differently to other businesses in unregulated sectors leaving the market. Lighthouse will continue to maintain robust standards of corporate governance in addition to abiding by the stringent regulatory, governance and other obligations imposed by the FSA." Lighthouse is a profitable and cash generative financial services business, providing regulated and other services to over 600 Independent Financial Advisers in the UK. Capitalised terms used but not defined in this announcement have the same meaning as given to them in the Circular issued on 9 July 2012.
RNS Number : 3314I Lighthouse Group PLC 24 July 2012 ? Press release 24 July 2012 Lighthouse Group plc ("Lighthouse", "the Company" or "the Group") Financial Adviser Awards: Large IFA of the Year Re. Proposed cancellation of trading on AIM Further to the announcement made by the Company on 9 July 2012 regarding the proposed cancellation of admission of Ordinary Shares to trading on AIM (the "Cancellation"), and in advance of the General Meeting to be held on 31 July 2012, the Board of Lighthouse would like to reiterate that Shareholders should be aware of the following matters. Since the announcement on 9 July 2012 there has been some speculation that it is the intention of some or all of the Group's management to take control of the Company. The Board confirms that there is no such intention. The Board has made its recommendation to Shareholders and is enabling Shareholders to decide on the proposed Cancellation on the basis of the information presented to them. The Board would like to emphasise the reasons behind the proposed Cancellation and the Directors' recommendation to vote in favour of the Resolution: ? The conventional attractions of being admitted to trading on AIM (such as raising funds and using quoted shares as currency) have not applied to the Company for some time and are not likely to in the short or medium term ? The Board believes that the perceived value of the Group imposed on it by its stock market listing does not reflect the true value of Lighthouse, and distorts the relative value of the Group compared to unquoted comparators ? There is currently considerable negative sentiment in the financial services industry in general, and for IFA groups in particular, and the Board does not expect this to improve for some time Following careful consideration, the Directors have therefore concluded that it is no longer in the best interests of the Company or its Shareholders to maintain the Company's admission to trading on AIM and the Board considers that the costs and commercial disadvantages of remaining listed on AIM far outweigh any potential benefits. The Board is not currently aware of any Shareholders who cannot hold shares in an unquoted company. Following the proposed Cancellation, it is the Board's intention to set up a matched bargain arrangement with a regulated stockbroker or other specialist to enable Shareholders to trade the Ordinary Shares. A number of specialist entities have already approached the Company in this regard. Once finalised, details of this facility will be published. The Cancellation is not expected to reduce the Company's high standards of corporate governance, as the Board has undertaken to continue to: (a) hold regular Shareholder meetings; (b) maintain non-executive representation on the Boar
Good close for the week, slowly creeping back up
How does this affect us? RNS Number : 5450H Impellam Group plc 12 July 2012  CAPITAL REDUCTION EFFECTIVE Impellam Group plc ("Impellam") - London AIM: IPEL; 12 July 2012. Impellam previously announced on 12 June 2012 that its shareholders had passed each of the resolutions at the annual general meeting held on that day, which included the reduction of the share capital of the Company by £127.1 million, involving the cancellation of all the B ordinary shares and C ordinary shares in the capital of the Company (the "Capital Reduction"). Impellam is now pleased to announce that the High Court of Justice in England and Wales has made an order confirming the Capital Reduction and that the order has now been registered by the Registrar of Companies in England and Wales. Accordingly, the Capital Reduction has now become effective in accordance with the terms of the court order. Enquiries: For further information please contact the appropriate individual below. Impellam Group plc Cheryl Jones, Chairman Tel: 01582 692658
Anyone have any thoughts? Check out the link for the full RNS http://www.lighthousegroup.plc.uk/News/Article.aspx?ID=240¶m=Proposed+Cancellation+of+Trading+on+AIM RNS Number : 1687H Lighthouse Group PLC 09 July 2012 Financial Adviser Awards: Large IFA of the Year Proposed cancellation of trading on AIM The Company today announces that it intends to seek Shareholder approval for the cancellation of admission of its Ordinary Shares to trading on AIM (the "Cancellation"). Under the AIM Rules, it is a requirement that any cancellation of admission to trading on AIM must be approved by not less than 75 per cent. of votes cast by shareholders voting in a general meeting. Accordingly, the Company is today sending to Shareholders a circular and notice of general meeting convening the General Meeting at which a special resolution will be proposed to approve the Cancellation (the "Circular"). The Circular will be available shortly on the Company's website at www.lighthousegroup.plc.uk. ........Background to the Cancellation Lighthouse was incorporated and admitted to trading on AIM in late 2000. At the time, a number of IFA businesses had their shares publicly traded, and the initial fund raising for Lighthouse was considerably assisted by an AIM quotation. It was generally believed that trading and development prospects for the IFA sector were sound, and consequently the investment community was supportive, especially of the many new IFA businesses being formed and floated. In the immediate aftermath of that period, some groups prospered for a time and during 2001 the aggregate market value of quoted IFA groups exceeded £250 million. However in subsequent years a number of high profile IFA groups, including the majority of those quoted, ran into regulatory and trading difficulties, and became insolvent. Today Lighthouse constitutes the only IFA group still quoted on AIM and its current market capitalisation is approximately £6 million. Recommendation to Shareholders The Directors consider the Resolution to be in the best interests of the Company and Shareholders as a whole and consider that it is most likely to promote the success of the Company. The Directors therefore unanimously recommend Shareholders to vote in favour of the Resolution at the General Meeting, as they intend to do in respect of their own beneficial holdings of, in aggregate, 9,083,835 Ordinary Shares representing approximately 7.1 per cent. of the issued share capital of the Company at the date of this document. http://www.lighthousegroup.plc.uk/News/Article.aspx?ID=240¶m=Proposed+Cancellation+of+Trading+on+AIM
Nice little rise today, lets's see what opening tomorrow brings
RNS Number : 6502G Impellam Group plc 02 July 2012  Impellam Group plc Transaction in own shares Impellam Group plc (the "Company") announces that on the 29 June 2012 it purchased 50,000 ordinary shares of the company for cancellation at an average price of 343.5 pence per share. Following the share buyback the Company's issued ordinary share capital consists of 44,126,189 ordinary shares. Therefore the total number of ordinary shares with voting rights in the Company is 44,126,189 ordinary shares. The above figure of 44,126,189 may be used by shareholders as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in the Company under the FSA's Disclosure and Transparency Rules.
Dividends up 10% on last year - http://www.invensys.com/isys/docs/results/fy11_12/fy2012_prelims.pdf 17 May 2012 RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 20121 Highlights • Order intake was £2,750 million (2011: £2,452 million), up 12% (13% at CER2), with major awards for rail signalling contracts in both new and core markets in Invensys Rail and good momentum across all lines of business in Invensys Operations Management • Revenue was £2,539 million (2011: £2,486 million), up 2% (3% at CER), driven by large greenfield contracts in Invensys Operations Management and new market contracts at Invensys Rail, offset by a reduction at Invensys Controls • Operating profit3 was £209 million (2011: £262 million), down 20% (20% at CER), following £60 million of additional contract costs announced in January 2012 • Underlying earnings per share4 were 13.4p (2011: 19.8p), down 32% • Operating cash flow was £159 million (2011: £213 million) and net cash at year end was £262 million (2011: £348 million) • Sound financial position following signing of new £600 million bank facilities and reaching final agreement on triennial review of Invensys Pension Scheme (UK) which resulted in no change in funding plan • Recommended final dividend of 2.75p per share (2011: 2.5p per share); total dividends for the year of 4.4p per share (2011: 4.0p per share), an increase of 10% Wayne Edmunds, Chief Executive of Invensys, commented: “During the year, we made good progress with some significant achievements that position us well for the future. In particular, we reorganised into lines of business within the divisions to increase focus on our industry-leading technologies and we are investing in enhancing many of our core technology platforms. We also grew the Invensys Rail order book significantly and agreed the triennial review of the Invensys Pension Scheme (UK) with no change to the funding plan. “However it is disappointing that our profitability was reduced by additional costs arising from our nuclear projects in China within Invensys Operations Management and a handful of contracts within Invensys Rail. We have responded by strengthening our procedures and management teams in a number of areas. “We have three strong businesses with leading positions in industries with structural growth drivers and it is our clear focus to ensure that we capture the opportunities available to us to build shareholder value. Overall we are looking forward to a year of improving performances across our businesses.”....................................... Check out link for full report
Nice little rise this mornig after a few days of drops, What will the rest of the day bring?
Vol Sold Vol Bought 3,263,974 3,210,971 Not so many miles apart so why the big drop? currently 12.80 However this share does have a tendancy to have big drops when the market is on a downer, it can also have big gains as in yesterday.
A couple bits of news: Invensys plc signs new £600 million bank facilities 30 March 2012 Invensys plc announces that it has signed two new 5-year multi-currency bank facilities totalling £600 million, comprising a £350 million bonding and guarantee facility and a £250 million revolving credit facility. These replace the £400 million facility due to expire in July 2013. The interest margin and covenants are in line with the previous facility. The Joint Bookrunners and Joint Mandated Lead Arrangers were Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Barclays, HSBC, J.P.Morgan Cazenove, Lloyds and RBS. Lloyds and RBS also acted as Joint Coordinators David Thomas, Chief Financial Officer of Invensys plc, commented: “We are delighted by the support that we have received from our banks. These new facilities provide the funding and guarantee capacity to both underpin the Group’s financial position and support our project businesses.” Invensys Rail Appointed Preferred Bidder for ERTMS Framework 27 March 2012 Invensys Rail has been appointed preferred bidder by Network Rail for one of four European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) framework contracts. The contract initially covers the development stage of ERTMS provision across the UK network, after which Invensys will demonstrate its solution at Network Rail’s National Integration Facility at Hertford. The final part of ERTMS deployment in the UK will see the roll out of trackside equipment on selected parts of the mainline network. The news follows Invensys Rail’s award of the contract to provide trackside ERTMS and Automatic Train Operation equipment for the Thameslink Key Output 2 programme, as well as the company’s success in securing further ERTMS projects in Spain, New Zealand, Turkey and Saudi Arabia. Commenting on the award, William Wilson, VP Commercial at Invensys Rail, said: “Naturally, we’re delighted to have been appointed preferred bidder for this framework contract. We are now looking forward to working closely with our colleagues at Network Rail to develop the application of our proven ERTMS solutions for deployment on the UK rail network".
RNS Number : 1092Z Lighthouse Group PLC 12 March 2012 Financial Adviser Awards: Large IFA of the Year 2011 and 2010 Preliminary Results Lighthouse Group plc (AIM: LGT) today announces its preliminary results for the year ended 31 December 2011. Summary Average annualised revenue per adviser up 11 per cent. • Like-for-like recurring revenues up a further 5 per cent. to 30 per cent. of Group revenues • 21 per cent. increase in EBITDA* to £1.6 million (2010: £1.3 million) • Net cash balances of £11 million • Final dividend of 0.27p per share to be paid in June (2010: 0.24p) • Non-recurring charge of £3.4 million in respect of historic trading of Sumus sub-group and network re-organisations * Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation and non-recurring operating expenses Commenting on the results, David Hickey, Executive Chairman of Lighthouse Group plc, said: "Trading again progressed well during the period, with EBITDA rising for the sixth consecutive results announcement. The proportion of recurring revenues now exceeds 30 per cent. of the Group's total and continues to rise; average revenue per adviser rose noticeably; and the Group's operations continue to generate significant cash. http://www.lighthousegroup.plc.uk/News/Article.aspx?ID=236¶m=Preliminary+Results "The non-recurring operating expense charge of £3.4 million comprised principally the Falcon closure charge of £2.9 million announced in September 2011 at the time of the Interim Results. Subsequently the second Sumus regulated entity, FSAS, has also been effectively wound down, and the Group now operates principally through one regulated entity only. "The Group balance sheet remains strong with substantial cash deposits. As the industry approaches the introduction of the Retail Distribution Review, it is increasingly evident that operational scale and financial strength are becoming key differentiators in the industry."
Up 12.50 again, Gone from 285 to 340 currently since results were out 16th Feb. Are you still with us Horace?
Looking good again, up 12.50 heading in the right direction.
http://www.invensys.com/en/news/ir/article/931/invensys-rail-awarded-glasgow-south-suburban-resignalling-contract.aspx Invensys Rail Awarded Glasgow South Suburban Resignalling Contract 30 January 2012 Invensys Rail has been awarded a £35 million contract by Network Rail to deliver the Glasgow South Suburban Resignalling (GSSR) contract. The GSSR area includes the Cathcart Signal Box area, the East Kilbride branch lines and the Barrhead lines up to the limit of control from the West of Scotland Signalling Centre. As such the area to be resignalled includes both electrified and non-electrified branch and commuter lines. The scope of Invensys Rail’s contract includes the design, manufacture, installation and testing of the signalling scheme, which will include two new WESTLOCK interlockings interfaced at the West of Scotland Signalling Centre. Representing 177 signalling equivalent units, the scheme also includes 211 new axle head counter fitments, 88 new location cases, 2 new relocatable equipment buildings and 45 kilometres of new cable route as well as demolition of the Cathcart Signal Box and Busby Junction Relay Room. As Principal Contractor for the programme, Invensys Rail will also have responsibility for civils, E&P, telecoms, control centre, OLE and -Way subcontractors. Commenting on the news, Richard Cooper, Invensys Rail’s Delivery Director (North), said: “We’re delighted to have been awarded this contract which will see a new generation of signalling introduced to control the Glasgow south suburban lines.
http://www.invensys.com/en/news/ir/article/930/invensys-rail-awarded-further-signalling-project-in-turkey.aspx Invensys Rail awarded further signalling project in Turkey 26 January 2012 A joint venture of Invensys Rail and Turkish civil engineering company Fermak has been awarded a €76 million project from Turkish State Railways (TCDD) to install advanced European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) signalling and communications on the 310km Bandirma-Menemen railway - the main rail link between the Marmaray and Mediterranean seas. Invensys Rail’s share of the award, worth €59 million, will see the company design, supply, install, test and commission its industry leading FUTUR ERTMS systems both onboard the trains and on the lineside. The whole route will run under the sophisticated and proven ERTMS Level 2 regime, and Invensys Rail will also install automatic train stop equipment, WESTRACE electronic interlockings, FS3000 jointless track circuits, level crossing safety systems, GSM-R voice and data communications, and a Central Traffic Control Centre in Balikesir. Invensys Rail CEO Kevin Riddett was positive about the announcement, saying: "This latest award in Turkey reinforces our commitment to the country's rapidly expanding rail sector. By working closely with our local partners and drawing on our long-standing experience in Turkey, we look forward to delivering another successful signalling and communications installation on time and on budget." ...........................
Second, the strategy requires the Group to align its brands into focused market-facing businesses. To support this divisional and group strategy, two new holding companies have been established in 2011 to house the realigned Medacs Healthcare and Carlisle Support Services brands. The UK and US Staffing businesses have begun the realignment of their brands to support accelerated development of evolving client requirements for Managed Service Offerings and Client Innovation; moreover, accelerated development of the Science, Engineering and Technology related brand activities is also key. Restructuring of these businesses is underway. The accomplishments in 2011 were critical to the transformational strategy of the Group. The primary trading markets of the UK and US are anticipated to continue to show tough conditions, but the Group remains focused in delivering the most efficient and innovative service offerings. Establishing consistency of reliability and a sustainable competitive advantage are key elements for our current and prospective clients. The Group will continue to develop in 2012 in all its key businesses and markets. The Board remains focussed on maximising shareholder value and unlocking the value of the Impellam Group of Companies. This will include the payment of dividends when appropriate. To this end, Impellam will shortly be seeking shareholder and court approval for a capital reorganisation. Contingent on such approval, the Company will then have sufficient distributable reserves to be in a position to pay a cash dividend starting with the 2012 interims. The capital reorganisation will also provide for other forms of capital transactions capable of delivering value to the shareholders. Further details will be sent to shareholders in due course." Cash Flow, Debt and Net Assets The Group generated £28.4 million of cash from operating activities in the year (2010: £57.5 million). Days sales outstanding (DSO) for the Group was 35.3 at 30 December 2011 compared to 36.0 at 31 December 2010. Net debt reduced by £19.6 million to a net cash position of £1.8 million as at 30 December 2011 (31 December 2010: £17.8 million net debt). In addition, the Group has outstanding letters of credit drawn against its US borrowing facilities amounting to £3.6 million (31 December 2010: £3.4 million). At 30 December 2011, the Group had net assets of £129.3 million (31 December 2010: £106.8 million).
RNS Number : 5148X Impellam Group plc 16 February 2012  REPORT FOR THE 52 WEEKS ENDED 30 DECEMBER 2011 Preliminary Results - Unaudited Key Strategic Highlights Ø EBITDA increased 13.9% to £47.5 million (2010: £41.7 million) Ø Operating profit increased 13.4% to £34.8 million (2010: £30.7 million) Ø Adjusted operating profit increased 16.2% to £38.7 million (2010: £33.3 million) Ø Conversion of gross margin to operating profit increased to 19.1% (2010: 16.8%) Ø Basic earnings per share increased 15.6% to 54.0p (2010: 46.7p) Ø Net cash of £1.8 million at 30 December 2011 (31 December 2010: Net debt of £17.8 million) * Adjusted operating profit excludes amortisation of client relationships and non-recurring items Cheryl Jones, Chairman commented: "I am pleased to announce Impellam Group plc concluded 2011 with a strong set of financial results whilst at the same time completing several important milestones in support of repositioning the Group's businesses. Our strategy is built on the premise of 'Unlocking the Value of the Impellam Group of Companies' for our shareholders, our clients, management teams and employees. First, the financial structuring of the Group has been critical for the Company in that a highly leveraged historic debt position had to be addressed. Conversion of margin to profit and through to cash flows has been an imperative in this regard and remains so going forward. In 2011, the Group's operating profit increased by 13.4%, aligned in part to an increase in the conversion ratio of 2.3%, whilst EBITDA improved by 13.9% to £47.5 million on increased revenues of 1.6%. Basic earnings per share improved by 15.6%. At the year-end the Group was in a net cash position. Execution of the strategy in 2010/2011 has allowed the Group to repay in full and on the due date in 2011 its final obligations under the £20 million guaranteed secured loan notes; and both of the Group's UK and US financing facilities were also successfully renewed during the year. During the year, taking the opportunity of market conditions, Impellam purchased 360,500 of its own shares at a cost of £1.2m. On an annualised basis this provides shareholders with an approximate 1% increase in value, as measured through earnings per share. The Board will continue to look to purchase its own shares going forward, as well as reviewing potential acquisitions where they are accretive and fit with the Group's overall strategy. Second, the strategy requires the Group to align its brands into focused market-facing businesses. To support this divisional and group strategy, two new holding companies have been established in 2011 to house the realigned Medacs Healthcare and Carlisle Support Services brands... Continued...........
3 November 2011 RESULTS FOR HALF YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2011 A solid start to the year despite the uncertain macroeconomic climate around the world Business highlights • Invensys Operations Management has sustained momentum supported in particular by the oil and gas industries in emerging markets; revenue and operating profit were up over 20% at CER1 • Invensys Rail received major orders from Network Rail in the UK and, since period end, we have received substantial awards from new markets, particularly the Middle East • Despite some resilience in the commercial and wholesale segments, Invensys Controls experienced a significant downturn due to a weak appliance market Financial highlights – continuing operations • Order intake was £1,086 million (H1 10/11: £1,148 million), down 5% (4% at CER), with circa £600 million of further awards at Invensys Rail since period end • Revenue was £1,244 million (H1 10/11: £1,162 million), up 7% (8% at CER) • Operating profit2 was £102 million (H1 10/11: £100 million), up 2% (3% at CER), with a good performance from Invensys Operations Management offset by Invensys Controls • Underlying earnings per share3 decreased 7% to 6.9p (H1 10/11: 7.4p) due in part to increased restructuring costs • Operating cash outflow was £11 million (H1 10/11: £83 million inflow) mainly due to the cash profile of some major contracts and we expect a significant improvement in H2; net cash was £192 million • Interim dividend increased by 10% to 1.65p per share (H1 10/11: 1.50p per share) • The IAS 19 pension liability reduced by £140 million to £327 million (31 March 2011: £467 million) Outlook • We continue to expect that on a constant currency basis we will achieve a year of further progress ............................................. http://www.invensys.com/isys/docs/results/hy11_12/invensys-hy2011-12.pdf