28 Jul 2014 07:00
28 July 2014
Progressive Digital Media Group Plc
Unaudited Interim Report For The Six Months Ended 30 June 2014
"Good progress, improved synergies and continued investment"
Progressive Digital Media Group Plc ('the Group') enables organisations to gain competitive advantage by providing unique, high quality business information and services across multiple platforms.
Highlights
Good progress, continued investment and the acquisition of both Pyramid Research and Current Analysis Inc.
Key achievements in the six months
· Business Intelligence continues to grow
· Revenue and earnings growth across multiple channels
· Pyramid Research (completed 1 January 2014), integrated and build-out on schedule
· Agreement to acquire Current Analysis Inc (7 July 2014)
· New banking facilities agreed to support future growth
Financial performances
· Adjusted EBITDA (1) increased by 7.0% to £5.9m (June 2013: £5.5m)
· Adjusted EBITDA Margin (1) improved to 19.5% (June 2013: 19.2%)
· Investment in Pyramid and adverse exchange movements impacted EBITDA (2) by (£0.8m)
· EBITDA (2) inclusive of share based payment charge of £3.0m decreased by 66.6% to £1.6m (June 2013: £4.9m)
· Group revenue increased by 8.1% to £30.7m (June 2013: £28.4m)
· Deferred Revenue increased by £2.8m to £16.2m (June 2013: £13.4m)
Our business
· Premium business information services
· A strong and scalable asset base
· Significant contracted and visible revenue streams
· Globally exploitable business model
· High gross margin product
Mike Danson, Chairman of Progressive Digital Media Group Plc, commented:
"Our first half results reflect the continuing investment in our products, our platforms and our sales infrastructure. Moreover, we have accelerated our investment in Pyramid Research which impacted upon the Group's reported first half earnings. However, as disclosed at the time of the acquisition, we do expect Pyramid to normalise into the second half of this year and be profit accretive."
Note 1: Adjusted EBITDA: Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation, impairment, share based payment charge, adjusted for the results of the acquisition of Pyramid Research, costs associated with derivatives, acquisition, integration and restructure of the Group. Adjusted EBITDA margin is defined as: Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue, adjusted for the acquisition of Pyramid Research.
Note 2: EBITDA: Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and includes a share based payment charge of £3.0m (June 2013: £0.4m).
Enquiries:
Progressive Digital Media Group Plc | 0207 936 6400 |
Mike Danson, Chairman | |
Simon Pyper, Chief Executive | |
N+1 Singer | 0207 496 3000 |
James Maxwell | |
Nick Donovan | |
Hudson Sandler | 0207 796 4133 |
Michael Sandler |
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
Our first half results reflect the continuing investment in our products, our platforms and our sales infrastructure. Moreover, we have accelerated our investment in Pyramid Research which impacted upon the Group's reported first half earnings. However, as disclosed at the time of the acquisition, we do expect Pyramid to normalise into the second half of this year and be profit accretive.
The acquisition of both Pyramid Research and Current Analysis (expected to complete on or before 31 July) coupled with our existing offering means that the Group is well positioned to become a leading provider of premium, subscription based business information to the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry. Additionally, the combination of Current Analysis and Pyramid's proposition and positioning should complement each other and present significant opportunities for product synergies and growth.
I am optimistic that Current Analysis, along with our other businesses, will significantly advance our position in the Global ICT vertical. Furthermore, the acquisition of Current Analysis brings with it critical management and operational infrastructure in the key U.S. market, which should in time facilitate further growth.
Our consumer proposition, led by Canadean, continues to make progress; securing new client wins both domestically and abroad. Outside of the European and North American markets, renewals and new business wins do tend to be biased towards the second half of the year matching the budgetary cycle of our clients. Looking ahead, we will continue to invest in content, content delivery and analyst coverage and will be making further improvements to our offering (via additional sectors) during the remainder of the year and into 2015.
The recent acquisitions will also increase the Group's exposure to exchange rate movements as the mix of US dollar denominated revenues increases by circa 10% to 35%. Thus far, growth has largely compensated for unfavourable exchange rate movements, although when adjusting on a constant currency basis our first half earnings (EBITDA) would have been circa £0.8m higher than those reported. Looking ahead, if exchange rates remain as they are, we should expect a similar impact to second half earnings.
Group performance
Group revenues from continuing operations increased by 8.1% to £30.7m (June 2013: £28.4m).
Business Intelligence which is focused on the Consumer and ICT markets, accounts for 57.9% of Group revenues and grew by 9.1% in the first half. On an annualised basis the acquisition of Pyramid and Current Analysis should increase the Group's mix of Business Intelligence revenues by circa 7%.
Adjusted EBITDA, which includes £0.2m of exchange losses, grew 7.0% to £5.9m (June 2013: £5.5m), with Adjusted EBITDA margin increasing by 0.3% to 19.5% (June 2013: 19.2%).
Profit before tax decreased by £3.4m to £0.2m (June 2013: £3.6m), which is after a £3.0m non-cash charge for share based payments following the award of additional share options under the long term inventive plan ("LTIP") for senior management first introduced in January 2011 (June 2013: £0.4m).
Financial review
Deferred revenue rose by 21.3% to £16.2m (June 2013: £13.4m).
Adjusted EBITDA margin rose 0.3% to 19.5%. Investment in Pyramid Research reduced the Group's reported first half earnings in line with expectations. Pyramid is expected to be profit accretive in the second half.
The Group has recognised an income tax credit of £0.7m in its consolidated income statement for the six months to 30 June 2014 (June 2013: £1.1m expense). The credit has primarily arisen due to the recognition of deferred tax as a result of the increase in the number of share options in issue as at 30 June 2014 (refer to note 8) and also reflects the incremental market value of our shares. The deferred tax balance represents the future allowable deduction upon the vesting of options.
The acquisition of Pyramid Research and ERC (announced 31 March 2014) coupled with working capital movements saw Group cash decline by £3.1m to £11.1m during the first half of 2014 (December 2013: £14.2m). Working capital movements driven by strong sales towards the end of the period, particularly in Dollar or Latin American denominated currencies, together with the phasing of creditor payments, reduced cash generated from continuing operations to £0.5m (June 2013: £0.8m). Net cash at 30 June 2014 was £5.2m, being cash and cash equivalents less short and long-term borrowings (June 2013: £6.7m).
We recently announced that the Group had negotiated new banking facilities with The Royal Bank of Scotland. The new five year, £30 million multi-currency facility provides sufficient liquidity for both general working capital requirements and where appropriate, the financing of further acquisitions.
Our employees
It is important that our senior employees are aligned to, and rewarded for, the long term success of the Group. One key incentive and retention mechanism is our Long Term Incentive Plan ("LTIP").
As disclosed in our 2013 annual report, the first award of shares granted to employees as part of the Group's LTIP vested in March 2014. Given the recent acquisitions and the number of employees who have joined the Group since the scheme's inception (January 2011), the Board has agreed to allocate a further 3.4 million share options. As a result of the significant improvement in share price since the scheme first launched and the increase in options granted, the 2014 non-cash share based payment charge for the full year is expected to increase by £3.2m.
Outlook and prospects
The fundamentals of the business remain positive and we are confident that our focus on building premium Consumer and Technology Business Information services will provide the basis for continued long-term profitable growth.
Our first half results, although adversely impacted by currency movements and investment in Pyramid, provide a solid base for the remainder of the year. As previously disclosed, whilst we integrate and invest in our recent acquisitions, we do not expect any earnings benefit from them for the current financial year, though growth is expected from 2015 onwards.
Mike Danson
Chairman
28 July 2014
Independent review report to the members of Progressive Digital Media Group Plc
Introduction
We have reviewed the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report of Progressive Digital Media Group Plc for the six months ended 30 June 2014 which comprises the consolidated income statement, the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the consolidated statement of financial position, the consolidated statement of changes in equity and the consolidated statement of cash flows. We have read the other information contained in the half yearly financial report which comprises the Chairman's statement and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the condensed set of financial statements.
This report is made solely to the company's members, as a body, in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410, 'Review of Interim Financial Information performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity'. Our review work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an independent review report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company's members as a body, for our review work, for this report, or for the conclusion we have formed.
Directors' responsibilities
The half-yearly financial report is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the directors.
As disclosed in note 1, the annual financial statements of the group are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union. The condensed set of financial statements included in this half-yearly financial report has been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting', as adopted by the European Union.
Our responsibility
Our responsibility is to express a conclusion on the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report based on our review.
Scope of review
We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410, 'Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity'. A review of interim financial information consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.
Conclusion
Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 30 June 2014 is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting', as adopted by the European Union.
GRANT THORNTON UK LLP
AUDITOR
London28 July 2014
Consolidated income statement
Notes | 6 months to 30 June 2014 Unaudited | 6 months to 30 June 2013 Unaudited | Year to 31 December 2013 Audited | |
£000s | £000s | £000s | ||
Continuing operations | ||||
Revenue | 3 | 30,744 | 28,435 | 57,067 |
Cost of sales | (18,931) | (16,727) | (33,936) | |
Gross profit | 11,813 | 11,708 | 23,131 | |
Distribution costs | (461) | (478) | (878) | |
Administrative costs | (6,690) | (6,525) | (12,080) | |
Other expenses | 4 | (4,338) | (972) | (2,469) |
Operating profit | 324 | 3,733 | 7,704 | |
Analysed as: | ||||
Adjusted EBITDA1 | 5,856 | 5,474 | 11,697 | |
Results of acquisition (Pyramid Research) | (527) | - | - | |
Items associated with acquisitions, restructure of the group and share based payments | 4 | (3,769) | (562) | (1,730) |
Other adjusting items | 4 | 85 | 18 | 24 |
EBITDA2 | 1,645 | 4,930 | 9,991 | |
Amortisation | (1,050) | (900) | (1,725) | |
Depreciation | (271) | (297) | (562) | |
Operating profit | 324 | 3,733 | 7,704 | |
Finance costs | (111) | (132) | (311) | |
Profit before tax | 213 | 3,601 | 7,393 | |
Income tax credit/ (expense) | 734 | (1,091) | (2,146) | |
Profit for the period from continuing operations | 947 | 2,510 | 5,247 | |
Loss for the period from discontinued operations | 9 | (252) | (156) | (743) |
Profit for the period | 695 | 2,354 | 4,504 | |
Attributable to: | ||||
Equity holders of the parent | 688 | 2,342 | 4,487 | |
Non-controlling interest | 7 | 12 | 17 | |
Earnings per share attributable to equity holders from continuing operations: | 7 | |||
Basic earnings per share (pence) | 1.24 | 3.35 | 7.02 | |
Diluted earnings per share (pence) | 1.15 | 3.15 | 6.60 | |
Loss per share attributable to equity holders from discontinued operations: | ||||
Basic loss per share (pence) | (0.33) | (0.21) | (1.00) | |
Diluted loss per share (pence) | (0.31) | (0.20) | (0.94) | |
Total basic earnings per share (pence) | 0.91 | 3.14 | 6.02 | |
Total diluted earnings per share (pence) | 0.84 | 2.95 | 5.66 |
The accompanying notes form an integral part of this financial report.
1 We define Adjusted EBITDA as EBITDA adjusted for the results of the acquisition of Pyramid Research, costs associated with acquisition, integration, impact of foreign exchange contracts, shared based payments and restructure of the Group. We present Adjusted EBITDA as additional information because we understand that it is a measure used by certain investors and because it is used as the measure of segment profit or loss. However, other companies may present Adjusted EBITDA differently. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not measures of financial performance under IFRS and should not be considered as an alternative to operating profit or as a measure of liquidity or an alternative to net income as indicators of our operating performance or any other measure of performance derived in accordance with IFRS.
2 EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and impairment.
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
6 months to 30 June 2014 Unaudited
| 6 months to 30 June 2013 Unaudited | Year to 31 December 2013 Audited | |
£000s | £000s | £000s | |
Profit for the period | 695 | 2,354 | 4,504 |
Other comprehensive income/ (loss) | |||
Items that will be classified subsequently to profit or loss: | |||
Translation of foreign entities | 14 | (8) | 15 |
Other comprehensive income/ (loss), net of tax | 14 | (8) | 15 |
Total comprehensive income for the period | 709 | 2,346 | 4,519 |
Attributable to | |||
Equity holders of the parent | 702 | 2,334 | 4,502 |
Non-controlling interest | 7 | 12 | 17 |
The accompanying notes form an integral part of this financial report.
Consolidated statement of financial position
Notes | 30 June 2014 Unaudited
| 30 June 2013 Unaudited | 31 December 2013 Audited | |
£000s | £000s | £000s | ||
Non-current assets | ||||
Property, plant and equipment | 804 | 997 | 831 | |
Intangible assets | 5 | 27,237 | 25,476 | 24,807 |
Deferred tax assets | 1,892 | 1,964 | 1,490 | |
29,933 | 28,437 | 27,128 | ||
Current assets | ||||
Inventories | 109 | 90 | 155 | |
Trade and other receivables | 25,676 | 19,229 | 24,877 | |
Short-term derivative assets | 91 | - | 6 | |
Cash and cash equivalents | 11,100 | 13,005 | 14,178 | |
36,976 | 32,324 | 39,216 | ||
Total assets | 66,909 | 60,761 | 66,344 | |
Current liabilities | ||||
Trade and other payables | (23,927) | (23,310) | (26,763) | |
Short-term borrowings | - | (500) | - | |
Current tax payable | (672) | (774) | (917) | |
Short-term provisions | (462) | (594) | (644) | |
(25,061) | (25,178) | (28,324) | ||
Non-current liabilities | ||||
Long-term provisions | (147) | (190) | (58) | |
Long-term borrowings | (5,892) | (5,809) | (5,851) | |
(6,039) | (5,999) | (5,909) | ||
Total liabilities | (31,100) | (31,177) | (34,233) | |
Net assets | 35,809 | 29,584 | 32,111 | |
Equity | ||||
Share capital | 6 | 154 | 153 | 153 |
Share premium account | 200 | - | - | |
Other reserve | (37,128) | (37,128) | (37,128) | |
Foreign currency translation reserve | 54 | 17 | 40 | |
Special reserve | 48,422 | 48,422 | 48,422 | |
Retained profit | 23,990 | 18,009 | 20,508 | |
Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent | 35,692 | 29,473 | 31,995 | |
Non-controlling interest | 117 | 111 | 116 | |
Total equity | 35,809 | 29,584 | 32,111 |
The accompanying notes form an integral part of this financial report.
Consolidated statement of changes in equity (unaudited)
| Share capital | Share premium account | Other reserve | Foreign currency translation reserve | Special reserve | Retained profit/ (loss) | Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent | Non-controlling interest | Total equity |
£000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | |
Balance at 1 January 2013 | 153 | 71,368 | (37,128) | 25 | - | (7,942) | 26,476 | 107 | 26,583 |
Profit for the period | - | - | - | - | - | 2,342 | 2,342 | 12 | 2,354 |
Other comprehensive income: | |||||||||
Translation of foreign entities | - | - | - | (8) | - | - | (8) | - | (8) |
Total comprehensive income/ (loss) for the period | - | - | - | (8) | - | 2,342 | 2,334 | 12 | 2,346 |
Transactions with owners: | |||||||||
Transfer between reserves | - | 25 | - | - | - | (25) | - | - | - |
Capital reduction | - | (71,393) | - | - | 48,422 | 22,971 | - | - | - |
Dividends | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | (8) | (8) |
Share based payments charge | - | - | - | - | - | 407 | 407 | - | 407 |
Excess deferred tax on share based payments | - | - | - | - | - | 256 | 256 | - | 256 |
Balance at 30 June 2013 | 153 | - | (37,128) | 17 | 48,422 | 18,009 | 29,473 | 111 | 29,584 |
Profit for the period | - | - | - | - | - | 2,145 | 2,145 | 5 | 2,150 |
Other comprehensive income: | |||||||||
Translation of foreign entities | - | - | - | 23 | - | - | 23 | - | 23 |
Total comprehensive income for the period | - | - | - | 23 | - | 2,145 | 2,168 | 5 | 2,173 |
Transactions with owners: | |||||||||
Share based payments charge | - | - | - | - | - | 720 | 720 | - | 720 |
Excess deferred tax on share based payments | - | - | - | - | - | (366) | (366) | - | (366) |
Balance at 31 December 2013 | 153 | - | (37,128) | 40 | 48,422 | 20,508 | 31,995 | 116 | 32,111 |
Profit for the period | - | - | - | - | - | 688 | 688 | 7 | 695 |
Other comprehensive income: | |||||||||
Translation of foreign entities | - | - | - | 14 | - | - | 14 | - | 14 |
Total comprehensive income for the period | - | - | - | 14 | - | 688 | 702 | 7 | 709 |
Transactions with owners: | |||||||||
Dividends | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | (6) | (6) |
Issue of share capital | 1 | 200 | - | - | - | - | 201 | - | 201 |
Share based payments charge | - | - | - | - | - | 3,031 | 3,031 | - | 3,031 |
Excess deferred tax on share based payments | - | - | - | - | - | (237) | (237) | - | (237) |
Balance at 30 June 2014 | 154 | 200 | (37,128) | 54 | 48,422 | 23,990 | 35,692 | 117 | 35,809 |
The accompanying notes form an integral part of this financial report.
Consolidated statement of cash flows
Continuing operations | 6 months to 30 June 2014 Unaudited | 6 months to 30 June 2013 Unaudited | Year to 31 December 2013 Audited |
£000s | £000s | £000s | |
Cash flows from operating activities | |||
Profit for the period | 947 | 2,510 | 5,247 |
Adjustments for: | |||
Depreciation | 271 | 297 | 562 |
Amortisation | 1,050 | 900 | 1,725 |
Finance expense | 111 | 132 | 311 |
Taxation recognised in profit or loss | (734) | 1,091 | 2,146 |
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment | - | - | 8 |
Share based payments charge | 3,031 | 407 | 1,127 |
Increase in trade and other receivables | (251) | (1,880) | (7,474) |
Decrease in inventories | 46 | 90 | 25 |
(Decrease)/ increase in trade and other payables | (3,675) | (2,219) | 876 |
Revaluation of derivatives | (85) | (18) | (24) |
Movement in provisions | (216) | (560) | (642) |
Cash generated from continuing operations | 495 | 750 | 3,887 |
Interest paid (continuing operations) | (67) | (82) | (214) |
Income taxes paid (continuing operations) | (240) | (40) | (623) |
Net cash from operating activities (continuing operations) | 188 | 628 | 3,050 |
Net (decrease)/ increase in cash and cash equivalents from discontinued operations | (34) | 11 | (475) |
Total cash flows from operating activities | 154 | 639 | 2,575 |
Cash flows from investing activities (continuing operations) | |||
Acquisition of Pyramid Research | (2,006) | - | - |
Acquisition of ERC Group | (543) | - | - |
Purchase of property, plant and equipment | (222) | (85) | (213) |
Purchase of intangible assets | (455) | (15) | (149) |
Net cash used in investing activities (continuing operations) | (3,226) | (100) | (362) |
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents from discontinued operations | - | (23) | (24) |
Total cash flows from investing activities | (3,226) | (123) | (386) |
Cash flows from financing activities (continuing operations) | |||
Repayment of short-term borrowings | - | - | (500) |
Net cash used in financing activities (continuing operations) | - | - | (500) |
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents from discontinued operations | (6) | (8) | (8) |
Total cash flows from financing activities | (6) | (8) | (508) |
Net (decrease)/ increase in cash and cash equivalents | (3,078) | 508 | 1,681 |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 14,178 | 12,497 | 12,497 |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | 11,100 | 13,005 | 14,178 |
The accompanying notes form an integral part of this financial report.
Notes to the interim financial statements
1. General information
Nature of operations
The principal activity of Progressive Digital Media Group Plc and its subsidiaries (together 'the Group') is to provide its customers with high quality information and services through multiple channels in a rapidly changing economic environment. The unique and up to date knowledge and information that the Group provides enables organisations to gain competitive advantage and market share within the sectors the Group covers.
Progressive Digital Media Group Plc ('the Company') is a company incorporated in the United Kingdom and listed on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM). The registered office of the Company is John Carpenter House, John Carpenter Street, London, EC4Y 0AN. The registered number of the Company is 3925319.
Basis of preparation
These interim financial statements are for the six months ended 30 June 2014. They have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34, Interim Financial Reporting as adopted in the European Union. They do not include all of the information required for full annual financial statements, and should be read in conjunction with Progressive Digital Media Group Plc's audited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2013.
The financial information for the year ended 31 December 2013 set out in this interim report does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. The Group's statutory financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 have been filed with the Registrar of Companies and can be found on the Group's website www.progressivedigitalmedia.com. The auditor's report on those financial statements was unqualified and did not contain statements under Section 498(2) or Section 498(3) of the Companies Act 2006.
These interim financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention as modified by the revaluation of derivative financial instruments.
The interim financial statements are presented in Pounds Sterling (£), which is also the functional currency of the Company. These interim financial statements have been approved for issue by the Board of Directors.
Critical accounting estimates and judgements
The Group makes estimates and assumptions regarding the future. Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.
In the future, actual experience may deviate from these estimates and assumptions. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial period relate to valuation of acquired intangible assets, provisions for bad debt, share based payments and the carrying value of goodwill and other intangibles in the statement of financial position.
Going concern
The Group has closing cash of £11.1 million as at 30 June 2014 and net cash of £5.2 million (30 June 2013: £6.7 million), being cash and cash equivalents less short and long-term borrowings. The Group also has an overdraft facility of £3 million, issued by the Royal Bank of Scotland, which was not utilised as at 30 June 2014.
The Group has outstanding loans of £6.0 million with the Royal Bank of Scotland. After the balance sheet date, the Group announced new banking facilities of £30.0 million which is discussed in further detail in note 12.
The Group considers the current cash balance, cash flow projections and the existing financing facilities to be adequate to meet short-term commitments. The Directors have a reasonable expectation that there are no material uncertainties that cast significant doubt about the Group's ability to continue as a going concern. Accordingly, the Group has prepared the interim financial statements on a going concern basis.
Notes to the interim financial statements (continued)
2. Accounting policies
This interim report has been prepared based on the accounting policies detailed in the Group's financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2013, updated for the adoption of IFRS10, IFRS 11 and IFRS 12 which are effective from 1 January 2014. There was no impact on the interim financial statements as a result of the adoption of these standards. All other policies have been consistently applied.
3. Segment analysis
The principal activity of Progressive Digital Media Group Plc (PDMG) and its subsidiaries ('the Group') is the provision of premium business information through multiple channels. The Group supplies its customers with research, analysis and tactical intelligence enabling them to gain a competitive advantage in their markets.
IFRS 8 "Operating Segments" requires the segment information presented in the financial statements to be that which is used internally by the chief operating decision maker to evaluate the performance of the business and to decide how to allocate resources. The Group has identified the executive directors as its chief operating decision maker.
Business information is provided to customers through multiple channels by a dedicated content team that is centrally managed by research directors who report directly to the executive directors. Business Information is therefore considered to be the operating segment of the Group.
The Group profit or loss is reported to the executive directors on a monthly basis and consists of earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation, central overheads and other adjusting items. The executive directors also monitor revenue within the operating segment and have decided to include an additional voluntary disclosure analysing revenue by sub-category, being Business Intelligence and Events and Marketing.
A reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to profit before tax from continuing operations is set out below:
6 months to 30 June 2014 Unaudited £000s | 6 months to 30 June 2013 Unaudited £000s | Year to 31 December 2013 Audited £000s | |
Business Intelligence | 17,803 | 16,324 | 33,758 |
Events and Marketing | 12,941 | 12,111 | 23,309 |
Total Business Information Revenue | 30,744 | 28,435 | 57,067 |
Business Information Adjusted EBITDA | 5,856 | 5,474 | 11,697 |
Results of acquisitions | (527) | - | - |
Other expenses (see note 4) | (4,338) | (972) | (2,469) |
Depreciation | (271) | (297) | (562) |
Amortisation | (396) | (472) | (962) |
Finance costs | (111) | (132) | (311) |
Profit before tax from continuing operations | 213 | 3,601 | 7,393 |
Notes to the interim financial statements (continued)
3. Segment analysis (continued)
Geographical analysis
From continuing operations
6 months to 30 June 2014 | UK | Europe | Rest of World | Total |
£000s | £000s | £000s | £000s | |
Revenue from external customers | 10,669 | 9,675 | 10,400 | 30,744 |
6 months to 30 June 2013 | UK | Europe | Rest of World | Total |
£000s | £000s | £000s | £000s | |
Revenue from external customers | 9,595 | 10,016 | 8,824 | 28,435 |
Year ended 31 December 2013 | UK | Europe | Rest of World | Total |
£000s | £000s | £000s | £000s | |
Revenue from external customers | 18,840 | 20,464 | 17,763 | 57,067 |
4. Other expenses
6 months to 30 June 2014 Unaudited |
6 months to 30 June 2013 Unaudited |
Year to 31 December 2013 Audited | |||
£000s | £000s | £000s | |||
Restructuring costs | 710 | 162 | 392 | ||
Property related provisions | (121) | (362) | (222) | ||
Exceptional property costs | 9 | - | 93 | ||
Deal costs | - | 34 | 154 | ||
Corporate restructuring | - | 233 | - | ||
Share based payment charge | 3,031 | 407 | 1,127 | ||
Exceptional legal costs | 18 | 88 | 141 | ||
M&A costs | 122 | - | 45 | ||
Items associated with acquisitions and restructure of the Group | 3,769 | 562 | 1,730 | ||
Revaluation of short-term derivatives | (85) | (18) | (24) | ||
Amortisation of acquired intangibles | 654 | 428 | 763 | ||
Total other expenses | 4,338 | 972 | 2,469 | ||
Notes to the interim financial statements (continued)
5. Intangible assets
Software | Customer relationships | IP rights | Goodwill | Total | |
£000s | £000s | £000s | £000s | £000s | |
Cost | |||||
As at 31 December 2013 | 3,994 | 11,039 | 11,902 | 27,999 | 54,934 |
Additions | 505 | 843 | 646 | 1,486 | 3,480 |
As at 30 June 2014 | 4,499 | 11,882 | 12,548 | 29,485 | 58,414 |
Amortisation | |||||
As at 31 December 2013 | (2,570) | (8,897) | (9,300) | (9,360) | (30,127) |
Charge for the year | (404) | (339) | (307) | - | (1,050) |
As at 30 June 2014 | (2,974) | (9,236) | (9,607) | (9,360) | (31,177) |
Net book value | |||||
As at 30 June 2014 | 1,525 | 2,646 | 2,941 | 20,125 | 27,237 |
As at 31 December 2013 | 1,424 | 2,142 | 2,602 | 18,639 | 24,807 |
6. Equity
Share capital
ERC Acquisition
The Group issued 76,191 ordinary shares as part of the consideration for ERC Group Limited and its subsidiaries (as discussed in note 10). These shares rank pari passu with the existing PDMG ordinary shares in issue.
Share Option Scheme
The Group issued 1,400,000 ordinary shares on 7 March 2014 and 305,080 ordinary shares on 14 March 2014 following the exercise of options by employees pursuant to the vesting of the Company's Capital Appreciation Plan (as discussed in note 8). These shares rank pari passu with the existing PDMG ordinary shares in issue.
Allotted, called up and fully paid: | ||||||
30 June 2014 Unaudited | 30 June 2013 Unaudited | 31 December 2013 Audited | ||||
No'000 | £'000 | No'000 | £'000 | No'000 | £'000 | |
Ordinary shares at 1 January (1/14th pence) | 74,487 | 53 | - | - | - | - |
Ordinary share capital and sub-division | - | - | 74,487 | 53 | 74,487 | 53 |
Issue of shares: partial consideration ERC | 76 | - | - | - | - | - |
Issue of shares: share option scheme | 1,705 | 1 | - | - | - | - |
Ordinary shares c/f (1/14th pence) | 76,268 | 54 | 74,487 | 53 | 74,487 | 53 |
Deferred shares of £1.00 each | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
Total allotted, called up and fully paid | 76,368 | 154 | 74,587 | 153 | 74,587 | 153 |
Notes to the interim financial statements (continued)
6. Equity (continued)
Capital management
The Group's capital management objectives are:
· To ensure the Group's ability to continue as a going concern
· To fund future growth and provide an adequate return to shareholders and, when appropriate, distribute dividends
The Company has two classes of shares. The ordinary shares carry no right to fixed income and each share carries the right to one vote at general meetings of the Company.
The deferred shares do not confer upon the holders the right to receive any dividend, distribution or other participation in the profits of the Company. The deferred shares do not entitle the holders to receive notice of or to attend and speak or vote at any general meeting of the Company. On distribution of assets on liquidation or otherwise, the surplus assets of the Company remaining after payments of its liabilities shall be applied first in repaying to holders of the deferred shares the nominal amounts and any premiums paid up or credited as paid up on such shares, and second the balance of such assets shall belong to and be distributed among the holders of the ordinary shares in proportion to the nominal amounts paid up on the ordinary shares held by them respectively.
There are no specific restrictions on the size of a holding nor on the transfer of shares, which are both governed by the general provisions of the Articles of Association and prevailing legislation. The Directors are not aware of any agreements between holders of the Company's shares that may result in restrictions on the transfer of securities or on voting rights.
No person has any special rights of control over the Company's share capital and all its issued shares are fully paid.
With regard to the appointment and replacement of Directors, the Company is governed by its Articles of Association, the principles of the UK Corporate Governance Code, the Companies Act and related legislation. The Articles themselves may be amended by special resolution of the shareholders. The powers of Directors are described in the Board Terms of Reference, copies of which are available on request.
Notes to the interim financial statements (continued)
7. Earnings per share
The calculation of the basic earnings per share is based on the earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders of the parent company divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue during the period. The Group also has a share options scheme in place and therefore the Group has calculated the dilutive effect of these options. The below table shows earnings per share for both continuing and discontinued operations:
6 months to 30 June 2014 Unaudited |
6 months to 30 June 2013 Unaudited |
Year to 31 December 2013 Audited | |
Continuing operations | |||
Basic | |||
Profit for the period from continuing operations (£'000s) | 947 | 2,510 | 5,247 |
Less minority interest (£'000s) | (7) | (12) | (17) |
Profit for the period attributable to ordinary shareholders of the parent company (£'000s) | 940 | 2,498 | 5,230 |
Weighted average number of shares (000s) | 75,609 | 74,487 | 74,487 |
Basic earnings per share (pence) | 1.24 | 3.35 | 7.02 |
Diluted | |||
Profit for the period attributable to ordinary shareholders of the parent company (£'000s) | 940 | 2,498 | 5,230 |
Weighted average number of shares (000s) | 81,983 | 79,359 | 79,262 |
Diluted earnings per share (pence) | 1.15 | 3.15 | 6.60 |
Discontinued operations | |||
Basic | |||
Loss for the period attributable to ordinary shareholders of the parent company from discontinued operations (£'000s) | (252) | (156) | (743) |
Weighted average number of shares (000s) | 75,609 | 74,487 | 74,487 |
Basic loss per share (pence) | (0.33) | (0.21) | (1.00) |
Diluted | |||
Loss for the period attributable to ordinary shareholders of the parent company from discontinued operations (£'000s) | (252) | (156) | (743) |
Weighted average number of shares (000s) | 81,983 | 79,359 | 79,262 |
Diluted loss per share (pence) | (0.31) | (0.20) | (0.94) |
Total | |||
Basic | |||
Profit for the period attributable to ordinary shareholders of the parent company (£'000s) | 688 | 2,342 | 4,487 |
Weighted average number of shares (000s) | 75,609 | 74,487 | 74,487 |
Basic earnings per share (pence) | 0.91 | 3.14 | 6.02 |
Diluted | |||
Profit for the period attributable to ordinary shareholders of the parent company (£'000s) | 688 | 2,342 | 4,487 |
Weighted average number of shares (000s) | 81,983 | 79,359 | 79,262 |
Diluted earnings per share (pence) | 0.84 | 2.95 | 5.66 |
Notes to the interim financial statements (continued)
8. Share based payments
The Group created a share option scheme during the year ended 31 December 2010 and granted the first options under the scheme on 1 January 2011 to certain senior employees. Each option granted converts to one ordinary share on exercise. A participant may exercise their options (subject to employment conditions) at any time during a prescribed period from the vesting date to the date the option lapses. For these options to be exercised the Group's earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation, as adjusted by the Remuneration Committee for significant or one-off occurrences, must exceed certain targets. The fair values of options granted were determined using the Black-Scholes model and take into account factors specific to the share option plan, such as the vesting period.
The following assumptions were used in the valuation:
Award Tranche | Award 1 | Award 2 | Award 3 | Award 4 |
Grant date | 1 January 2011 | 1 August 2011 | 1 May 2012 | 5 March 2014 |
Fair value of share price at date of grant | £1.09 | £1.32 | £1.87 | £2.55 |
Volatility | 15% | 0% | 15% | 15% |
Weighted average of remaining contractual life | 2.0 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 1.7 |
The volatility assumption is based upon management's expectation over the number of options that will lapse over the vesting period. The assumptions were determined when the scheme was set up in 2011 and are reviewed annually. Management believe the current assumptions to be reasonable based upon rate of lapsed options.
The total charge recognised for the scheme during the six months to 30 June 2014 was £3,030,585 (2013: £407,000). The awards of the scheme are settled with ordinary shares of the Company. Reconciliation of movement in the number of options is provided below.
Option price (pence) | Number of options | |
31 December 2013 | 1/14th | 4,775,050 |
Granted | 1/14th | 3,361,436 |
Vested | 1/14th | (1,701,156) |
Forfeited | 1/14th | (61,250) |
30 June 2014 | 1/14th | 6,374,080 |
Notes to the interim financial statements (continued)
9. Discontinued operations
As the business becomes more focussed on its Business Information offering, a number of legacy non-core business units have been discontinued in recent years.
During 2012, the Group made the decision to close the TMN email marketing business unit, including the TMN, EDR and TAPPS businesses. During 2013, the Group discontinued the US and European arms of its affiliate marketing business. The email marketing and US / European affiliate marketing businesses formed part of the Group's B2C Digital Marketing division.
Following a review of the performance of the Group's German subsidiary, it was decided that it was no longer viable and its activities ceased in June 2014. Additionally, on 1 July 2014, the Group disposed of its 75% shareholding in Office Solutions Media Limited ('OSM'). The subsidiary company was no longer deemed to be a strategic fit with the remainder of the Group; therefore the shares were sold to OSM's minority shareholder.
Pursuant to the provisions of IFRS 5 the above operations have been classified as discontinued.
a) The results of the discontinued operation are as follows;
6 months to 30 June 2014 Unaudited | 6 months to 30 June 2013 Unaudited | Year to 31 December 2013 Audited | ||
£000s | £000s | £000s | ||
Discontinued operations | ||||
Revenue | 136 | 130 | (55) | |
Cost of sales | (10) | (160) | (301) | |
Gross profit/ (loss) | 126 | (30) | (356) | |
Distribution costs | (19) | (18) | (32) | |
Administrative costs | (236) | (108) | (432) | |
Other expenses | (123) | - | 77 | |
Operating loss from discontinued operations | (252) | (156) | (743) | |
Finance costs | - | - | - | |
Loss before tax from discontinued operations | (252) | (156) | (743) | |
Income tax charge | - | - | - | |
Loss for the period from discontinued operations | (252) | (156) | (743) |
b) Loss before tax
6 months to 30 June 2014 Unaudited | 6 months to 30 June 2013 Unaudited | Year to 31 December 2013 Audited | ||
This is arrived at after charging: | £000s | £000s | £000s | |
Depreciation | 3 | - | - |
Notes to the interim financial statements (continued)
9. Discontinued operations (continued)
c) Cash flows from discontinued operations
6 months to 30 June 2014 Unaudited | 6 months to 30 June 2013 Unaudited | Year to 31 December 2013 Audited | ||
£000s | £000s | £000s | ||
Cash (outflows)/ inflows from operating activities | (34) | 11 | (475) | |
Cash outflows from investing activities | - | (23) | (24) | |
Cash outflows from financing activities | (6) | (8) | (8) | |
Total cash outflows from discontinued operations | (40) | (20) | (507) |
10. Acquisitions
Pyramid Research
On 1 January 2014 the Group acquired the business and assets of Pyramid Research for cash consideration of US$3,250,000 (£2,006,173). Pyramid is a leading provider of business information and market analysis for the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry. Pyramid has a well regarded brand name and an expanding presence in some of the world's fastest growing markets.
The amounts recognised for each class of assets and liabilities at the acquisition date were as follows:
Carrying Value | Fair Value Adjustments |
Fair Value | ||
£000s | £000s | £000s | ||
Intangible assets consisting of: | ||||
Software | - | 51 | 51 | |
Intellectual property | - | 239 | 239 | |
Customer relationships | - | 758 | 758 | |
Net assets/ (liabilities) acquired | 47 | (160) | (113) | |
Fair value of net assets acquired | 47 | 888 | 935 | |
Cash consideration | 2,006 | |||
Less net assets acquired | (935) | |||
Goodwill | 1,071 |
In line with the provisions of IFRS 3, further fair value adjustments may be required within the remainder of the year ended 31 December 2014. A fair value adjustment has been made during the first half of 2014 of £0.2m in relation to a combination of payables which were not identified at the date of acquisition and an increase to the provision for impaired receivables. Any further fair value adjustments will result in an adjustment to the goodwill balance reported above.
Pyramid Research has generated revenues of £0.7m and a contribution loss of £0.5m in the period from acquisition to 30 June 2014.
The goodwill that arose on the combination can be attributed to revenue and cost synergies expected to arise upon the integration of Pyramid Research into Progressive Digital Media Group.
The Group incurred legal and professional costs of £105,000 in relation to the acquisition, which were recognised in other expenses (note 4).
Notes to the interim financial statements (continued)
10. Acquisitions (continued)
ERC
On 28 March 2014, the Group acquired ERC Group Limited and its subsidiaries ('ERC') for total consideration of £804,000. The consideration comprised of £604,000 in cash consideration and £200,000 in equity. The equity issued was 76,191 ordinary shares in PDMG at a price of £2.625 (which rank pari passu with the existing PDMG ordinary shares in issue). ERC is a provider of business information and market analysis for the Consumer market. ERC has a well regarded brand name and a dedicated client base which will be used as a solid base for growth.
The amounts recognised for each class of assets and liabilities at the acquisition date were as follows:
Carrying Value | Fair Value Adjustments |
Fair Value | ||
£000s | £000s | £000s | ||
Intangible assets consisting of: | ||||
Intellectual property | - | 407 | 407 | |
Customer relationships | - | 85 | 85 | |
Deferred tax liability upon creation of intangible assets | - | (103) | (103) | |
Net assets acquired | - | - | - | |
Fair value of net assets acquired | - | 389 | 389 | |
Total consideration | 804 | |||
Less net assets acquired | (389) | |||
Goodwill | 415 |
In line with the provisions of IFRS 3, fair value adjustments may be required within the 12 month period from the date of acquisition. Any fair value adjustments will result in an adjustment to the goodwill balance reported above.
In 2013 ERC had revenues of £0.4m and profits before tax of £nil. ERC has generated revenues of £0.1m and a contribution of £nil in the period from acquisition to 30 June 2014. If the acquisition had occurred on 1 January 2014, the Group year to date revenue for 2014 would have been £30.9m and the Group profit before tax from continuing operations would have remained at £0.9m.
The Group incurred legal and professional costs of £16,000 in relation to the acquisition, which were recognised in other expenses (note 4).
The goodwill that arose on the combination can be attributed to revenue and cost synergies expected to arise upon the integration of ERC into Progressive Digital Media Group.
The total cash cost of the acquisition is reconciled as follows:
£000s | |||
Cash consideration | 604 | ||
Cash acquired as part of opening balance sheet | (165) | ||
Cash returned to seller representing net assets as at completion date | 104 | ||
Total cash cost | 543 | ||
Notes to the interim financial statements (continued)
11. Related party transactions
Mike Danson, Progressive Digital Media Group's Chairman, owned 66.14% of the Company's ordinary shares as at 30 June 2014. Mike Danson owns a number of businesses that interact with Progressive Digital Media Group. A programme is underway to reduce related party transactions. The principal transactions are as follows:
Accommodation
Progressive Digital Media Group rents two properties from Estel Property Investments, a company owned by Mike Danson. The total rental expense in relation to the buildings owned by Estel Property Investments for the 6 months to 30 June 2014 was £1,206,700 (2013: £974,700).
Corporate support services
Corporate support services are provided to and from other companies owned by Mike Danson, principally finance, human resources, IT and facilities management. These are recharged to companies that consume these services based on specific drivers of costs, such as proportional occupancy of buildings for facilities management, headcount for human resources services, revenue or gross profit for finance services and headcount for IT services. The recharge made to Progressive Digital Media Group from these companies for the 6 months to 30 June 2014 was £346,300 (2013: recharge from Progressive Digital Media Group to related parties of £166,900).
Revenue License Agreement
During the year, Progressive Digital Media Group continued a licensing agreement with World Marketing Intelligence Ltd ("WMI"), a company wholly owned by Mike Danson, to sell WMI's Construction Intelligence Center ("CIC") content through the Group's own websites. Under the terms of the agreement, 20% of revenue generated from the sale of CIC content is payable to WMI. The total revenue recognised in Progressive Digital Media Group for the 6 months to 30 June 2014 is £nil (2013: £nil).
Amounts outstanding
The Group has taken advantage of the exemptions contained within IAS 24 - Related Party Disclosures from the requirement to disclose transactions between Group companies as these have been eliminated on consolidation. The amounts outstanding for other related parties were:
30 June 2014 Unaudited | 30 June 2013 Unaudited | 31 December 2013 Audited | |
£'000 | £'000 | £'000 | |
Global Data Ltd | (35) | (107) | (78) |
Global Data Publications Inc | 66 | 46 | 67 |
World Marketing Intelligence Ltd | 46 | 1,074 | 1,139 |
New Statesman Ltd | 2,532 | 2,460 | 2,541 |
Progressive Media International Ltd | 690 | 485 | 674 |
Estel Property Investments Ltd | (4,452) | (4,695) | (4,462) |
Estel Property Investments No.2 Ltd | 291 | 291 | 291 |
Estel Property Investments No.3 Ltd | (832) | (832) | (832) |
Elite Luxury Publishing Inc | 925 | 795 | 975 |
Spears Ltd | 297 | 267 | 285 |
Progressive Customer Publishing Ltd | 742 | 628 | 709 |
Progressive Media Publishing Ltd | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Progressive Innovations Ltd | (3) | (3) | (3) |
Progressive Global Media Ltd | 85 | 13 | 13 |
Progressive Media UK Ltd | - | 145 | - |
Progressive Media International Middle East FZ LLC | 61 | - | 66 |
Financial News Publishing Ltd | (152) | - | (5) |
Progressive Global Markets Korea Ltd | 32 | - | 13 |
Knowledge Pool Ltd | 3 | - | 3 |
298 | 569 | 1,398 |
Notes to the interim financial statements (continued)
11. Related party transactions (continued)
The company has right of set off over these amounts.
12. Borrowings
30 June 2014
Unaudited | 30 June 2013
Unaudited | 31 December 2013 Audited | ||
£000s | £000s | £000s | ||
Current | ||||
Long-term loans due within one year | - | 500 | - | |
Non-current | ||||
Long-term loan | 5,892 | 5,809 | 5,851 |
Current
The Group currently has a £3.0 million overdraft facility, which was not drawn down upon at 30 June 2014. Interest is charged on the overdraft at 2.5% over the London Interbank Offered Rate.
Non-current
£12 million loan provided by The Royal Bank of Scotland
In October 2011, the Group refinanced its debt position. A £6.0 million term loan and a £6.0 million revolving capital facility were issued by The Royal Bank of Scotland. As at 30 June 2013, £0.5m of the term loan was outstanding. This was fully repaid on 15 October 2013 in accordance with the original repayment terms. As at 30 June 2014, the £6.0 million revolving capital facility (RCF) was outstanding and is repayable in 2015. Interest is charged on the outstanding loan at a rate of 2.75% over the London Interbank Offered Rate.
The Group recently announced that it had negotiated new banking facilities with The Royal Bank of Scotland. The new five year, £30.0 million multi-currency facility provides sufficient liquidity for both general working capital requirements and where appropriate, the financing of further acquisitions.
Notes to the interim financial statements (continued)
13. Post balance sheet events
Acquisition of Current Analysis Inc
The Group expects to complete the acquisition of Current Analysis Inc on or before 31 July 2014 for cash consideration of US$19,600,000. Current Analysis is an established and well regarded business which provides subscription based business intelligence services to the ICT industry. The acquisition supports the Group's strategy of expanding its premium subscription based services into global markets. Current Analysis has offices in Washington D.C, London and Singapore.
Further analysis on intangible assets generated as part of the acquisition is not disclosed due to the proximity of the acquisition date to the interim announcement date.
Disposal of Office Solutions Media Limited
On 1 July 2014, the Group disposed of its 75% shareholding in Office Solutions Media Limited ('OSM'). The subsidiary company was no longer deemed to be a strategic fit with the remainder of the Group, therefore the shares were sold to OSM's minority shareholder.
Advisers
Company Secretary
Stephen Bradley
Head Office and Registered Office
John Carpenter House
John Carpenter Street
London
EC4Y 0AN
Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7936 6400
Nominated Adviser and Broker
N+1 Singer |
One Bartholomew Lane
London
EC2N 2AX
Auditor
Grant Thornton UK LLP
Grant Thornton House
Melton Street
London
NW1 2EP
Registrars
Capita Registrars Limited
Northern House
Woodsome Park
Fenay Bridge
Huddersfield
West Yorkshire
HD8 0GA
Solicitors
Osborne Clarke
2 Temple Back East
Temple Quay
Bristol
BS1 6EG
Bankers
The Royal Bank of Scotland Plc
280 Bishopsgate
London
EC2M 4RB
Registered number
Company No. 3925319