Fih Group Regulatory News (FIH)

19 November 2015

Falkland Islands Holdings plc

 ("FIH" or the "Group")

Results for the six months ended 30 September 2015

FIH, the AIM quoted group that owns essential services businesses in the Falkland Islands and the UK, is pleased to announce its unaudited results for the six months ended 30 September 2015 ("the period"). Comparisons shown below are for the same period in 2014 unless otherwise stated.

 Group Financial Highlights

· Group revenue £17.73 million (2014: £18.24 million)

· Profit Before Tax £1.4 million (2014: £1.2 million)

· Underlying Profit Before Tax* £1.10 million (2014: £1.30 million)

· Diluted earnings per share based on underlying earnings were 6.8p (2014: 8.0p)

· Bank borrowings at 30 September 2015 were £3.5 million (31 March 2015: £0.7 million)

· Group cash balances of £10.8 million at 30 September 2015 (31 March 2015: £7.4 million)

· In line with its new policy of reinvestment, no Interim dividend declared.

* Underlying Profit Before Tax is shown after the allocation of central overheads and related financing costs and excludes non-trading items and non-cash charges for the amortisation of intangible assets.

Operating Highlights

Falkland Islands Company ("FIC") - Good trading performance

· Increased general activity caused by the presence of the Eirik Raude rig:

o Sharp improvement in rental income from FIC's property portfolio via corporate lets

o 2.4% increase in revenue at FIC's flagship West Store, Stanley, and 4.5% rise in sales at the Capstan gift shop

· Overall revenue down by 6.9% to £7.89 million from record level comparable period (2014: £8.48 million)

· Profit Before Tax and amortisation ("PBTa") up 31.2% to £0.73 million (2014: £0.55 million).

Portsmouth Harbour Ferry Company ("PHFC") - Sustained performance and increased profitability

· Satisfactory trading with a small decline of 1.5% in revenue to £2.26 million (2014: £2.29 million)

· Profitability after the allocation of Group overheads and financing charges (PBTa), improved to £0.39 million (2014: £0.35 million)

· New ferry, Harbour Spirit, with its enhanced facilities is now fully operational.

Momart - Stable revenue & investment in business development & marketing

· Revenue increased 1.4% to £7.58 million (2014: £7.47 million)

· Contribution (PBTa) down £0.4 million following investment in marketing, business development and IT

· High-profile museum exhibitions included: Ai Weiwei at the Royal Academy; The World goes Pop and Agnes Martin at Tate Modern; Jackson Pollock at Tate Liverpool; and What is Luxury at the V&A

· Storage revenue increased 7.5% on prior year, with 100% effective capacity utilisation:

o Completed fit-out of an additional 4,500 sq. ft. of ambient storage facilities at Edmonton

o Dedicated storage space at the Royal Academy fully operational

· Increased investment in marketing, business development, IT and finance.

Falkland Oil & Gas Limited ("FOGL")

· Realisation of investment in FOGL completed with sale of residual 5 million shares for £1.4 million, generating a profit of £0.4 million for the Group

· Proceeds used to further modernise the infrastructure of the Group's core businesses

Edmund Rowland, Chairman of FIH, said:

"This has been a satisfactory period of trading for the Group, with a good trading performance in the Falklands, coupled with increased profitability from the PHFC and further strengthening at Momart, our market leading art logistics and storage business.

"The outlook for the Group remains positive and we remain confident that the diverse range of high quality, niche service businesses supplemented by strategic acquisitions to increase the Group's scale and earnings potential, will produce sustainable long term returns for shareholders."

- Ends -

Enquiries:

Copies of the Interim Report will be available on the Company's website www.fihplc.com

Chairman's and Managing Director's Review

Group overview

The Group's trading results for the six months to 30 September 2015 were satisfactory with revenues slightly down on the prior year at £17.7 million and Profit Before Tax ahead by £0.18 million at £1.41 million (2014: £1.23 million). At a trading level, after excluding the £0.4 million gain on the sale of shares in Falkland Oil and Gas Limited ("FOGL"), underlying profit before tax was £1.10 million, down £0.2 million from the £1.30 million seen last year.

An analysis by business is shown below:

Profits in the Group's Falklands' business, FIC, rose by 31% boosted by increased business activity connected to the offshore drilling programme which commenced in March 2015, while at PHFC the contribution from ferry operations was marginally up on the prior year following a reduction in central costs. Profits at the Group's art handling business, Momart, were lower by £0.4 million reflecting increased investment in marketing and business development. 

Diluted earnings per share (EPS) based on reported earnings were 9.5p (2014: 7.5p) and based on underlying earnings, diluted EPS were 6.8p (2014: 8.0p).

At 30 September 2015, the Group had cash balances of £10.8 million (31 March 2015: £7.4 million) and bank borrowings of £3.5 million (31 March 2015: £0.7 million).

* Underlying Profit Before Tax is shown after the allocation of central overheads and related financing costs and excludes non-trading items and non- cash charges for the amortisation of intangible assets.

Operating Review

Falkland Islands Company (FIC)

Despite increased general activity caused by the presence of the Eirik Raude drilling rig, lower service revenues from FIC's Fishing Agency, the absence of oil related pre-drilling construction activity, reduced southbound freight and timing differences in 4x4 vehicle sales, saw overall revenue fall back by 6.9% to £7.89 million from the record level in the first half of 2014-15 (2014: £8.48 million).

However Profit Before Tax and amortisation ("PBTa") increased to £0.73 million, up 31.2% on the prior period (2014: £0.55 million), as net income from FIC's higher margin retail, property and support services were boosted by the presence of onshore oil support workers.

Rental income from FIC's property portfolio improved sharply over the period as corporate lets linked to the drilling program saw an increase in both rental yields and occupancy.

Underlying retail activity was generally ahead of the prior year; revenue at FIC's flagship West Store, in the heart of Stanley, increased by 2.4% and sales at the Capstan gift shop rose by 4.5%. However a hiatus in government housing completions and restricted customer access caused by further store development work saw a sharp reduction in revenue from FIC's homecare business causing overall retail sales to be lower by 1.2% (£0.05 million). Overall contribution from FIC's retail operations was in line with the prior year. 

In the automotive business, Falklands 4x4, profits were higher from vehicle car hire and servicing, but timing differences linked to the delayed delivery of the final batch of Land-Rover Defender vehicles ordered by government, saw vehicle sales fall from 43 to 34 in the current period and total revenue reduced by 16% to £1.25 million (2014: £1.49 million). 4x4's overall contribution however was in line with the prior year.

FIC's construction business continued to make good progress, with the completion and sale of eight kit homes vs five in the prior period. However this was largely offset by the absence of the subcontracted work in H1 last year related to installation by oil companies of a new temporary dock in Stanley Harbour. As a result overall construction revenue was slightly lower than in H1 2014 albeit cost savings in site development costs incurred last year saw the overall contribution from construction increase.

SAtCO, the construction Joint Venture with Trant Engineering, continued to benefit from oil related spending on-shore, with the crane rental to Premier Oil and local construction contracts, leading to an increase in the JV's after tax contribution from £77,000 to £106,000.

FIC's Fishing Agency had a quieter period without the launch hire income seen in the prior year related to the construction of the floating dock. The Group's insurance brokerage business continued to make progress, but its gains were largely offset by reduced profits from Port services and third party freight, as cargo shipped to the Islands returned to more normal levels following the surge in oil related construction activity seen in H1 last year.

Profit Before Tax from FIC in H1 increased to £0.73 million (2014: £0.55 million) and with the drilling programme now set to extend until the end of February 2016, activity in the Falklands is expected to remain buoyant for the remainder of the financial year.

Portsmouth Harbour Ferry Company

PHFC continued to trade satisfactorily with a small decline of 1.5% in revenue to £2.26 million (2014: £2.29 million) Fare increases in June 2015 were balanced by promotional discounts over the summer to stimulate increased ferry usage. However cheaper petrol prices made car travel relatively more attractive and this together with the continued promotion and subsidy by Portsmouth Council of its Park & Ride scheme (offering commuters and shoppers a combined bus and car parking ticket for only £2) saw passenger numbers reduce by 3.3%.

Ferry operating expenses were tightly controlled with lower vessel maintenance, fuel bills and professional costs. This was combined with a reduction in head office costs following management changes at FIH earlier in the year and these overall cost savings were sufficient to offset increased interest charges linked to new ferry loans of £3.6 million and the small reduction in ferry revenue.

Profitability after the allocation of Group overheads and financing charges (PBTa), improved to £0.39 million (2014: £0.35 million).

 In July 2015, PHFC's new ferry, Harbour Spirit with its enhanced facilities, including a larger cycle deck and more enclosed passenger seating, was formally commissioned. Harbour Spirit's arrival takes the number of modern vessels operated by PHFC to three and her presence will allow the retirement of one of the company's older 1966 vintage vessels later in the year.

Momart

Momart, the Group's art handling and logistics business saw revenues of £7.58 million, an increase of 1.4% on the prior year (2014: £7.47 million), with sales growth seen in the Commercial Galleries and Art Storage divisions.

Underlying PBTa fell to an operating loss of £0.02 million compared to a profit of £0.40 million in H1 2014-15. Although buoyant, the art market has become increasingly competitive, restricting sales growth particularly for Museum Exhibition work where market pressure has been exacerbated by government budget cuts which have placed further strain on gross margins. This together with an increased investment in marketing and business development, which saw overheads increase by £0.28 million, led to the £0.4 million decline in Momart's Profit Before Tax.

Museum Exhibition revenues were down 2.6% at £3.90 million (2014: £4.01 million). This was expected, given the reduction in the order book at 31 March 2015, which was down 16% compared to the prior year and although this shortfall was largely reversed over the period, with sales down only 2.6%, this was achieved at the expense of gross margin dilution. An increased order book up 11% at 30 September 2015 will provide a stronger platform for trading in the second half although pressure on margins is expected to continue.

Notable museum exhibitions delivered for UK clients in the period included: "Ai Weiwei" at the Royal Academy. "The World goes Pop"& "Agnes Martin" at Tate Modern, "Jackson Pollock" at Tate Liverpool, "Audrey Hepburn" at National Portrait Gallery and "What is Luxury" at the V&A.

Revenues from commercial galleries and auction houses (Gallery Services) increased 5.6% to £2.70 million (2014: £2.55 million) helped by a buoyant art market and the increased focus on marketing and business development which led to a broadening and deepening of Momart's commercial client base. Margins too showed some improvement and this stronger performance from Gallery Services went some way to minimising the decline in the gross profitability of Momart's Museum Exhibition business.

Storage revenues increased 7.5% from the prior year, with the Royal Academy's dedicated storage space now fully operational and with the fit out of the additional 4,500 sq. ft. of ambient storage facilities at the Edmonton site being competed in late June 2015. This provided much needed space to cope with the storage containers from China used in the Ai Weiwei exhibition which opened at the Royal Academy in September. These results continue to reflect an effective 100% capacity utilisation. 

Although overheads were tightly controlled, there was a significant increase in expenditure from the prior year due to the investments in finance, IT and in marketing initiatives and business development. Recent marketing activity included the VIP sponsorship of Frieze, and a strategic agreement for Momart to become a preferred European Partner of the new Christie's online collection management portal, "Collectrium". Momart's involvement with this Christie's sponsored cutting edge digital solution offers significant long term potential growth prospects in the commercial art market with increased access and exposure to private clients and key international collectors.

The commercial art market continues to remain buoyant and Momart has made further progress in developing its relationships with leading galleries and auction houses.

Building of the new air conditioned warehouse at Momart's existing Leyton site has now commenced, with completion expected in mid-2016. This new warehouse building will have improved client facilities, including private client viewing areas and will increase Momart's storage capacity by 33%.

Falkland Oil and Gas Limited (FOGL)

In April 2015, the Group sold its residual 5 million shares held in FOGL for £1.4 million, generating a profit of £0.4 million for the Group. With the sale of these 5 million shares, FIH has completed the realisation of its investment in FOGL.

Over the last 10 years since FOGL's flotation, FIH has generated over £8 million in cash proceeds and £5 million in profits from its highly successful investment in FOGL. As with previous realisations these latest monies will be used to invest in and modernise the infrastructure of the Group's core businesses, to help deliver the board's vision of sustainable long term growth. 

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow

During the six months to 30 September 2015, total capital expenditure amounted to £1.08 million, of which the major commitment was to the Falklands, accounting for £0.8 million. The Falklands investment has largely been incurred on the two projects; the new warehouse/freezer facilities at Airport Road in East Stanley, and the further development of the retail facilities at Crozier Place, including an expanded builders' merchant and DIY store, modern parking facilities for retail customers and a new café.

At Momart, further investment of £0.2 million was made in trucks and upgrading storage facilities and at PHFC £0.1 million was spent on finalising the new vessel and on normal replacement expenditure.

Total inventories decreased by £0.5 million to £6.3 million (September 2014: £6.8 million) reflecting improvements in stock control and the reduction in construction activity. Retail inventories in Stanley remained in line with the prior year at £4.1 million (September 2014: £4.2 million).

Operating cash flow (Operating Profit plus amortisation & depreciation) at £2.0 million fell £0.2 million from the prior period (September 2014: £2.2 million) due to the reduction in underlying profit before tax. The Group's cash balances increased by £3.3 million to £10.8 million at 30 September 2015 following the drawdown of £2.9 million of bank loans, to finance Harbour Spirit at Gosport, and the £1.4 million proceeds received on the sale of the FOGL shares, offset by capital investment of £1.1 million.

At 30 September 2015, the Group had cash balances of £10.8 million (31 March 2015: £7.4 million) and bank borrowings of £3.5 million (31 March 2015: £0.7 million). In addition the Group had hire purchase liabilities of £0.2 million (31 March 2015: £0.3 million) and long term finance lease liabilities in respect of the Gosport Pontoon of £4.8 million (31 March 2015: £4.9 million).

Outlook

A stronger second half for FIC is anticipated with activity buoyed by a projected increase in cruise ship passengers and the extended stay of the Eirik Raude rig which now appears likely to remain in Falklands' waters until February 2016. Beyond the end of the financial year longer term growth prospects in the Falklands remain closely tied to the development of oil production in the Islands, the timing of which in turn depends on the extent of any further success in the remaining three exploration wells and in particular to a recovery in the oil price. Nonetheless the Board continues to believe that Sea Lion and other commercially significant oil reserves will be developed in Falklands' waters, and with the recent modernisation of its facilities and its strong legacy property portfolio, FIC is well placed to take full advantage of any growth which does arise.

At Momart, the market remains highly competitive with continuing margin pressure expected in the Museums Exhibitions market. However, the benefits of an increased marketing focus are expected to emerge slowly over the next few months and with recent positive trends in Gallery Services contract wins, the outlook for the second half is more positive.

At PHFC, performance is expected to remain satisfactory, with modest declines in passenger numbers in the near term being offset by increased fares. With plans underway for the expansion of the Portsmouth naval base from 2017 onwards, longer term growth prospects appear encouraging.

The outlook for the Group remains positive and we remain confident that the diverse range of high quality, niche service businesses supplemented by strategic acquisitions to increase the Group's scale and earnings potential, will produce sustainable long term returns for shareholders.

19 November 2015

Condensed Interim Consolidated Income Statement

FOR THE 6 MONTHS ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

See note 5 for an analysis of earnings per share on underlying profit (defined as profit after tax before amortisation and non-trading items).

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

Condensed Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

FOR THE 6 MONTHS ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

FOR THE 6 MONTHS ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity

FOR THE 6 MONTHS ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

Notes to the Unaudited Interim Statements

1. Basis of preparation

This interim financial information comprises the condensed consolidated balance sheets at 30 September 2015, 30 September 2014 and 31 March 2015 and condensed consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, cash flows and changes in shareholders' equity for the periods then ended and related notes of Falkland Islands Holdings plc (hereinafter 'the interim financial information').

The interim financial information has been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the Group's 2015 annual financial statements. As permitted, these interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with AIM rules and not in accordance with IAS34 'Interim Financial Reporting'.

The adopted International Financial Reporting Standards ('IFRS') that will be effective (or available for early adoption) in the annual financial statements for the year ending 31 March 2016 are still subject to change and to additional interpretations and therefore cannot be determined with certainty. Accordingly, the accounting policies for that annual period will be determined finally only when the annual financial statements are prepared for the year ending 31 March 2016.

The Interim Report was approved by the Board on 19 November 2015.

Section 245 Statement

The comparative figures for the financial year ended 31 March 2015 are not the Company's full statutory accounts for that financial year. Those accounts have been reported on by the Company's auditors and delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The report of the auditor was unqualified, did not include a reference to any matters to which the auditor drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their report and did not contain a statement under section 498 (2) or 498 (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

2. Segmental revenue and profit analysis

2. Segmental revenue and profit analysis (continued)

2. Segmental revenue and profit analysis (continued)

3. Finance income and expense

4. Taxation

The taxation charge has been estimated to be 23.0% (2014: 24.0%).

5. Earnings per share 

Earnings per share on underlying profit

To provide a comparison of earnings per share on underlying performance, the table below sets out basic and diluted earnings per share based on profits after tax before amortisation ('underlying profit after tax'): 

5. Earnings per share (continued)

6 Shares held in Falkland Oil and Gas

At 30 September 2014, the Group held 12,825,000 shares in Falkland Oil and Gas. In March 2015, 7,825,000 shares were sold for a profit of £711,000, and in April 2015, the remaining 5,000,000 shares were sold for a profit of £388,000. Over the course of the 11 years since FOGL's flotation in 2004, the Group generated over £8 million in cash proceeds and over £5 million in profit from its investment.

7 Employee benefits

The Company has elected to follow precedent and decided not to revalue its pension obligations at the half-year. The Group's pension obligation, the Falkland Islands Company Limited Pension Scheme, is unfunded and therefore not subject to valuation volatility as a result of stock market fluctuations. 

8 Analysis of net cash / HP and long term finance leases

9 Capital commitments

At 30 September 2015 the Group had no capital commitments (2014: £604,000 due to the boat yard for the new vessel), which have not been provided for in these financial statements.Directors and Corporate Information

www.fihplc.com