Inspired Regulatory News (INSE)

2 September 2021

Inspired PLC

("Inspired" or the "Group")

Results for the six months ended 30 June 2021

Inspired (AIM: INSE), a leading technology enabled service provider supporting businesses in their drive to net zero, controlling energy costs and managing their response to climate change, announces its consolidated, unaudited half year results for the six-month period ended 30 June 2021.

Financial Results

• Half year revenue of £32.6 million, up 31% against 2020 (H1 2020: £24.9 million), achieving organic growth of 19% (H1 2020: -5%) as the Group's customers, markets and economic activity continues to recover.

• Industrial and commercial energy consumption levels in H1 were in line with expectations, being 13% below 2019 levels in Q1 and 9% below in Q2, with H2 consumption to date reflecting the continuing economic recovery from the pandemic.

• Despite continued lockdown disruption, Optimisation Services has shown a strong rebound in performance with revenue growth of 59% in H1 2021.

• Group adjusted EBITDA increased 15%, to £8.8 million (H1 2020: £7.6 million).

• The order book as at 30 June 2021 increased 12% to £69.0 million (H1 2020: £61.5 million).

• Net debt of £30.2 million (2020: £33.7 million), a reduction of 10%.

• Underlying cash generated from continuing operations (excluding the impact of deal fees, restructuring costs and repayment of Q2 2020 VAT deferrals) of £1.08 million (H1 2020: £7.21 million) includes:

- £5.3 million increase in trade receivables in the period, the majority of which relates to delayed payments from a small number of significant optimisation customers, predominantly in the public sector. Management fully expect to recover the balance during H2 2021.

- Increase in accrued income on optimisation projects of £0.8 million due to timing, with projects restarting and progressed during Q2 2021, with the relevant project invoices raised subsequent to the half-year period end.

- Management expect cash conversion ratios in FY2021 onwards to remain consistent with the levels seen in FY2020.

• Interim dividend of 0.12 pence per share (H1 2020: 0.10 pence) in line with the Group's dividend policy.

Operational and acquisition highlights

• Name change to Inspired PLC, reflecting the transition of the business to a technology enabled, ESG service provider, supporting clients to manage their response to climate change and deliver net zero carbon.

• Structured across three divisions and four reporting segments, all underpinned by long term structural growth drivers:

- Inspired Energy - Energy Solutions (comprising two reporting segments, Energy Assurance Services and Energy Optimisation Services)

- Inspired Software - Software Solutions

- Inspired ESG - ESG Solutions

• Completed the acquisitions of Businesswise Solutions Limited ("Businesswise") and General Energy Management Limited ("GEM") in March 2021.

Board changes

· Richard Logan appointed Non-Executive Chairman (previously an Independent Non-Executive Director) with Mike Fletcher retiring from the position of Non-Executive Chairman after more than nine years on the Board.

· Sangita Shah and Dianne Walker appointed to the Board as Independent Non-Executive Directors post period end, bringing a wealth of experience, complementing the skill sets of the existing Non-Executives, Sarah Flannigan and Richard Logan.

Current trading and outlook

The Group made further strategic progress during the first half of the year, with a strengthened platform capable of generating long term growth as its markets continue to recover from the period of reduced energy consumption during the pandemic 

Trading in the year to date in the core Energy Assurance Services business remains in line with management's expectations and is consistent with the Group's energy consumption assumptions.

The Group's Energy Optimisation Services business began to recover in the second quarter after significant disruption was caused by further lockdowns implemented in Q1, resulting in an overall performance for the half year that was in line with management's expectations. Demand for optimisation services is continuing to recover in H2 2021 as clients' attention turns to the reopening of premises.

Software Solutions and the recently launched ESG Solutions divisions continue to gain traction. The increasing focus of investors and businesses on Net Zero Carbon targets, combined with mandatory requirements for businesses to make ESG disclosures from 2022, provides a favourable backdrop to the strategy for the Inspired ESG division.

Whilst uncertainties relating to the global pandemic remain and should not be discounted, the Board continues to be excited and confident in the longer-term prospects of the Group, underpinned by the secular trend towards greater ESG focus and sustainable energy usage. The Board remains confident of achieving current market expectations, assuming no further significant Covid-19 disruption.

Commenting on the results, Mark Dickinson, CEO of Inspired, said: "The rebound in the first half results in 2021 reflects the continuing recovery in energy consumption, along with a return to being able to access client premises to deliver energy optimisation services."

"We are pleased by the current execution of the business plans within the Software Solutions and ESG Solutions divisions, which, although at an early stage, are developing strongly and we expect further progress during 2022.

"As we have transitioned from Inspired Energy PLC to Inspired PLC, we are well positioned to evolve our purpose as we help our clients respond to Climate Change whilst controlling their costs. Our objective is to evolve into the leading provider of services to help businesses to respond to climate change and meet their net zero targets."

* The H1 2020 income statement and cash flow statement have been restated to reflect the impact of treating the SME Division as a discontinued operation.

**Adjusted EBITDA is earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation, and amortisation, excluding exceptional items and share-based payments.

***Adjusted profit before tax is earnings before tax, amortisation of intangible assets (excluding internally generated amortisation related to computer software and customer databases), exceptional items, share-based payments, the change in fair value of contingent consideration and foreign exchange gains/(losses) (A reconciliation of this can be found in note 3)

****Adjusted diluted earnings per share represents the diluted earnings per share, as adjusted to remove amortisation of intangible assets (excluding internally generated amortisation related to computer software and customer databases), exceptional items, share-based payments, the change in fair value of contingent consideration and foreign exchange gains/(losses).

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Chairman's Statement

I'm delighted to report that in my first statement as Chairman that your Board is pleased with the strategic progress delivered during a period in which our customers' businesses, and the economy more broadly, continued to recover. Whilst the financial performance of the Group for H1 2021 continued to be impacted by the legacy challenges caused by the pandemic, as conditions normalise, the Group's underlying performance will continue to strengthen.

Board changes

On 1 July 2021, I was pleased to assume the role of Non-Executive Chairman having served as the senior independent Non-Executive Director of the Group since 2017, succeeding our retiring Chairman Mike Fletcher who had been a member of the Board since the Group's IPO.. On behalf of the Board and all at Inspired, I wish to thank Mike for his invaluable contribution throughout his time on the Board.

Subsequent to the period end, the Board has been strengthened and I am delighted to welcome Sangita Shah, who will chair the Remuneration Committee, and Dianne Walker, who will chair the Audit and Risk Committee, to the Board as independent Non-Executive Directors with effect from 1 July 2021 and 4 August 2021 respectively. Both bring a wealth of varied and extensive experience complementing the skill sets of our existing Board members.

The Board now consists of two Executive Directors supported by a Non-Executive Chairman and three independent Non-Executive Directors, representing a broader mix of skills and diversity to align with the Group's evolving strategy.

Acquisitions and equity fundraising

In March 2021, the Board was delighted to conclude the acquisitions of Businesswise and GEM, which are highly complementary additions to the Group. The £35m fundraising completed in July 2020 provided greater capacity and flexibility with which to capitalise on acquisition opportunities, which were carefully structured in light of the economic uncertainty. Both acquisitions completed in the period increase our market share for Energy Assurance services, broaden our customer base and significantly increase our units of opportunity.

We are pleased to welcome the Businesswise and GEM teams to the Group.

Dividend

Since its IPO in 2011, Inspired has established a track record of delivering profitable and cash-generative growth which has facilitated a consistent and progressive dividend policy.

The pandemic brought a temporary halt to dividend payments, which were re-established with a 2020 interim dividend of 0.10 pence declared in September 2020 and a final 2020 dividend of 0.12 pence proposed in March 2021. The Board remains confident in the Group's prospects and is therefore declaring an interim dividend of 0.12 pence (2020: 0.10 pence). The dividend aligns with the Board's stated policy of a dividend cover of at least 3x earnings, with the objective of delivering progressive dividend growth over time.

The interim dividend will be paid on 8 December 2021 to all shareholders on the register at close of business on 15 October 2021. The shares will be marked ex-dividend on 14 October 2021.

Staff

On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank our employees who continue to overcome the challenges that we have faced in what was an unprecedented time. Their health and wellbeing remains our priority. During this challenging time, we have continued to invest in our valued team and the business and are well positioned for growth as we emerge from the pandemic.

Richard Logan

Chairman

1 September 2021

CEO's Statement

I am pleased to report on the Group's results for H1 2021 as we look to cement our position as the leading independent provider of technology enabled services to help businesses respond to climate change.

The first half of 2021 has seen a notable upturn in performance of the Inspired Energy Solutions Division in Q2, with the easing of lockdown restrictions that had continued to impact the first quarter, and continued acquisition activity following the completion of two transactions.

Proportionate recovery

The recovery in Group performance is correlated with the easing of restrictions relating to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Q1 saw restrictions remaining in place for longer than expected which had a significant impact on the delivery of Energy Optimisation Services, but otherwise the rate of recovery has been as expected and we remain confident of meeting our full year market expectations.

M&A execution

The completion of the acquisitions of Businesswise and GEM in Q1 2021 saw the conclusion of our accelerated M&A process for Energy Assurance Businesses from our fundraising in 2020.

The Group has completed the integration of GEM into our core Inspired Energy brand and the focus is now on providing additional services to the GEM client base. Businesswise is being operated as a challenger brand catering for clients who prefer a more boutique service and is performing in line with our first-year expectations. The introduction of Businesswise has allowed us to complete the integration of E&CM (acquired via the acquisition of Inprova Finance Limited in Dec 2018) and to realise the final identified synergies through the restructuring of that business.

We continue to build and appraise our M&A pipeline with a particular focus on adding further acquisitions to the Energy Optimisation Services and Software Solutions divisions.

Energy Solutions Division

Energy Assurance Services

The Energy Assurance business continues to recover in line with the general economy and is the cornerstone of the business both in terms of heritage and scale. Record high energy prices have led to delays in some contract renewals and a shortening of duration when renewals are secured. Despite an absolute increase in the order book due to the contribution of the acquired order books in the period, high energy prices has led to a contraction of the underlying order book in H1 2021, and is likely to continue into H2. This is an expected cyclical impact when energy prices are high, which we do not expect to impact revenues.

Energy Optimisation Services (Net Zero Carbon Solutions)

Our Energy Optimisation Services business was significantly disrupted in Q1 2021 as the exit from lockdown was delayed. However, we experienced a recovery in Q2 2021 and optimisation services are expected, on a blended basis, to perform in line with full year expectations.

The increasing focus of investors and businesses on Net Zero Carbon is creating significant demand for our optimisation services which in turn provides a significant and sustainable growth opportunity as operating conditions normalise. In addition, Energy Optimisation Services provides a balancing diversification of risk in relation to the rising energy prices that create an element of inertia in the Energy Assurance Services business as return on capital for projects improves as energy prices rise.

Software Solutions Division

Our Software Solutions Division creates the proprietary software used by the Group to underpin its technology enabled services, as well as by third parties under a SaaS model. Currently the software is supporting the following user base:

CARO is the combined result of the STC and Systemslink acquisitions creating proprietary software that allows the collection, analysis, reporting and optimisation (CARO) of energy and sustainability data. Unify is the applications platform which allows CARO to be combined with latest solutions and developments created by the division.

Providing software to c.50% of the public sector, a significant growth opportunity exists to evolve the installed user base to the Unify Platform. However, the primary growth opportunity for this division is the ability to provide valuable data-led services to a growing number of successful energy advisors whilst generating recurring SaaS revenues. In the first half of 2021 the number of TPIs that use the platform increased from 50 to 58.

ESG Solutions Division

During the first half of 2021 we reclassified some of the Energy Optimisation Services Division activities that are more directly focussed on ESG reporting into a new standalone ESG Solutions business. This has led to a much cleaner organisational structure and focus on solutions for the client.

In addition to providing services to existing clients, we have found that our ESG offering has resulted in winning new clients, with four public companies signed up since the start of the year, representing a diverse range of sectors.

The ESG Solutions Division is benefiting from the regulatory tail winds resulting from the increased mandatory disclosure obligations.

Outlook

The second half of the year to date has continued in line with management expectations. Whilst we need to remain cognisant of the risks posed by a potential resurgence in the global pandemic, under current market conditions we remain confident of meeting market expectations for the year.

On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank our staff, customers and wider stakeholders for their continued support.

Mark Dickinson

Chief Executive Officer

1 September 2021

CFO's Statement

H1 2021 has been a period in which we have seen a 31% increase in revenue and 15% increase in Adjusted EBITDA, as we continue to see energy consumption and economic activity recover from the challenges presented by the pandemic. Following the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the first half of 2020, Group organic revenues showed a strong recovery in 2021, increasing 19% (H1 2020: -5%) partly driven by a recovery in energy consumption by our assurance customers and, as anticipated, the resumption of optimisation projects in Q2 2021.

Divisional Performance

Energy Solutions Division

The Energy Solutions Division comprises of Energy Assurance Services and Energy Optimisation Services.

2021 trading to date in the Energy Assurance Services business remains in line with management's expectations and consistent with the Group's energy consumption assumptions, being approximately 13% below 2019 levels in Q1, and 9% below 2019 levels in Q2.

Energy Assurance Services generated 55% of Group revenues in H1 2021 (H1 2020: 62%) being £17.9 million (H1 2020: £15.4 million) an increase of 16%. Energy Assurance Services contributed adjusted EBITDA of £8.3 million, an increase of 6% (H1 2020: £7.8 million). In normal market conditions and post full integration of acquisitions, management's view is that the division will generate EBITDA margins of c.50%.

The Group's Energy Optimisation Services (part of the Energy Solutions Division) business was more significantly disrupted in Q1, as a result of further lockdowns. Q2 2021 has seen demand for optimisation services beginning to recover with the blended performance in H1 2021 in line with management's expectations. Demand for optimisation services is continuing to recover in H2 2021 as clients' attention turns to the reopening of their premises.

Energy Optimisation Services generated 40% of Group revenues in H1 2021 (H1 2020: 33%) being £13.2 million (H1 2020: £8.3 million) an increase of 59%. Energy Optimisation Services contributed adjusted EBITDA of £1.5 million (H1 2020: £0.4 million), with H1 2020 margins being heavily impacted by the lockdowns in Q2 2020, following a strong start in Q1 2020. Despite the disruption to the division, we have continued to invest in the talent within the Optimisation Services team to accelerate the growth of the division as the economy recovers.

The Energy Optimisation Services EBITDA margins have also continued to recover in H1 2021. Once operating at full capacity, management's view is that the division will generate EBITDA margins of 20-25%.

Software Solutions Division

The Group's Software Solutions Division revenues grew by 15% to of £1.2 million (H1 2020: £1.0 million) generating Adjusted EBITDA of £1.0 million (H1 2020: £0.8 million), with the division generating a strong sustainable EBITDA margin in excess of 80%.

ESG Solutions Division

The ESG Solutions division revenues relate to the provision of sustainability related services, including Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR), Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) and Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). We remain encouraged by the prospects of the Group's recently launched ESG Disclosure product. The increasing requirements of Corporate Businesses to make mandatory ESG disclosures in 2022 provides a favourable back drop to our strategy for the ESG Solutions Division and we will continue our organic entry into this market.

Order Book

The Corporate Order Book as at 30 June 2021 increased 12% year on year to £69.0 million (H1 2020: £61.5 million). The Corporate Order Book as at 31 December 2020 was £63.0 million, increasing further to £73.0 million following the acquisition of Businesswise Solutions and GEM in March 2021. Although Group revenues and profits are not directly impacted by changes in energy commodity prices, as expected, the timing at which assurance customers contract, and the duration of those contracts, can be affected. Market conditions, including record high commodity prices in H1 2021, have led to customers delaying renewals of supply contracts, which is predominantly the point at which assurance customers contract with the Group. Management believes this is a point of timing, not contraction of demand, with customer retention remaining strong during the period.

As expected, PLC costs were £2.0 million (H1 2020: £1.5 million), in line with H2 2020 run rate resulting in an overall adjusted EBITDA for the period of £8.8 million (H1 2020: £7.6 million). After deducting charges for depreciation, amortisation of internally generated intangible assets and finance expenditure the adjusted profit before tax for the year £6.0 million (H1 2020: £5.1 million).

A full reconciliation of the Group's adjusted profit before tax to its reported profit before tax is included at note 3. The items included in the reconciliation include substantial charges for the amortisation of intangible assets as a result of acquisitions, share based payment charges, fees associated with acquisitions, restructuring costs and the changes in the fair value of contingent consideration.

Cash generation

Underlying cash generated from continuing operations (excluding the impact of deal fees, restructuring costs and repayment of Q2 2020 VAT deferrals) of £1.08 million (H1 2020: £7.21 million). Cash conversion was materially impacted in the period by a £5.3 million increase in trade receivables in the period from delayed payment by a small number of significant optimisation invoices, predominantly from customers in the public sector.

Furthermore, H1 2021 saw an increase in accrued income on Optimisation projects of £0.8m due to timing, with projects restarting and progressing during Q2 2021, with the relevant project invoices raised subsequent to the period end.

H1 2021 cash conversion was also impacted by the repayment of £0.6 million of deferred VAT from Q2 2020. This compares to a £2.7 million cash flow benefit received in H1 2020 comparative as a result of the deferral of PAYE and NIC (£1.7 million) and VAT (£1.0 million), plus the benefit received in H1 2020 from short term cash flow management measures taken at the onset of the pandemic.

Management expect cash conversion ratios in FY2021 and beyond to remain consistent with the levels seen in FY2020.

We received contingent consideration from the disposal of the SME division in December 2020 of £0.7m in the period.

Exceptional costs

Exceptional costs of £2.0 million (H1 2020: £0.3 million) were incurred in the period, which £0.8 million of deal fees associated with acquisitions completed in the period.

Restructuring costs of £0.2 million have been incurred in the year, which includes termination payments from the restructuring of the acquisitions completed in the previous periods.

Furthermore, a £0.9 million loss (equating purely to the unwinding of discounting) from changes in the fair value of contingent consideration (H1 2020: £0.1 million) were treated as exceptional in the period.

These costs are considered by the Directors to be material in nature and non-recurring and therefore require separate identification to give a true and fair view of the Group's result for the period.

Financial position and liquidity

As at 30 June 2021, the Group's net debt was £30.2 million. In addition to cash and cash equivalents of £15.6 million on hand, as at 30 June 2021, approximately £14.0 million of the Group's £60.0 million Revolving Credit Facility is undrawn with an additional £25.0 million accordion option available, subject to covenant compliance.

In March 2021, the Board agreed with their lenders to amend the definition of Adjusted Net Leverage to apply from the 1 July 2021, to reverse the impact of the adoptions of IFRS 16 and the definition of contingent consideration to only included deferred consideration or crystalised contingent consideration. Collectively, these amends significantly reduce the forecast leverage of the Group for covenant purposes.

Dividend

The Board announced the reinstatement of dividend payments with a 2020 interim dividend of 0.10 pence declared in September 2020 and a final 2020 dividend of 0.12 pence declared in March 2021 subsequent to the pandemic bringing a temporary halt to dividend payments.

It follows that the Board is pleased to announce an interim dividend of 0.12 pence per share (2020: 0.10 pence) in line with the Groups' revised policy of paying dividends initially covered by at least 3.0x earnings.

The dividend will be payable on 8 December 2021 to all shareholders on the register on 15 October 2021 and the shares will go ex-dividend on 14 October 2021.

In summary

The strategic and financial initiatives delivered in the period, ensure the Group is well placed to endure the continued economic uncertainty generated by COVID-19, and in turn facilitate the effective implementation of our strategic growth plan as envisaged prior to the COVID-19 crisis as the economic recovery continues.

Paul Connor

Chief Financial Officer

1 September 2021

Group Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the six months ended 30 June 2021

Group Statement of Financial Position

At 30 June 2021

Group Statement of Cash Flows

For the six months ended 30 June 2021

Group Statement of Changes in Equity

For the six months ended 30 June 2021

1. Accounting Policies

Basis of preparation

The financial information set out in this announcement does not constitute the statutory accounts of the Group for the period ended 30 June 2021. Whilst the financial information included in this interim announcement has been computed in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union (IFRS). They have been prepared on an accrual basis and under the historical cost convention except for certain financial instruments measured at fair value. This announcement in itself does not contain sufficient information to comply with IFRS.

Details of the accounting policies are those set out in the annual report for the year ended 31 December 2020. The accounting policies in this announcement are consistent with those set out in the annual report for the year ended 31 December 2020.

2. Segmental information

Revenue and segmental reporting

The chief operating decision maker, who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating segments, has been identified as the Group's Executive Directors. In previous years we reported under 2 operating segments, Corporate and SME. Following the decision to dispose of the SME Division, the Group has been restructured into 4 reporting segments, namely Assurance, Optimisation, Software and ESG. The H1 2020 comparatives have been restated to remove the SME segment and to report the previous periods figures under the revised segmental structure.

3. Earnings Per Share

The earnings per share is based on the net profit for the period attributable to ordinary equity holders divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period.