Tikit Group plc ("Tikit" or "the Group")

Transcription

1 For release 7.00 am on 12 September 2012 Tikit Group plc ("Tikit" or "the Group") Interim Results for the six months to 30 June 2012 Tikit, a leading independent provider of IT software, solutions, consultancy and services to legal and accounting firms in the UK, North America and mainland Europe, today reports interim results for the six months to 30 June Key Financial Results (presented under IFRS) Change % Revenue 13.4m 13.3m - Profit before tax 1 2.4m 2.3m 5.5 Statutory profit before tax 1.7m 1.6m 8.5 Earnings per share p 11.8p 8.5 Basic earnings per share 9.5p 8.2p 15.9 Interim dividend per share 3.0p 2.5p 20.0 Cash generation from operations 2.7m 2.4m 13.8 Net cash at period end 6.6m 4.1m 62.2 Highlights Profit before tax 1 increased 5.5% to 2.4 million (H1 2011: 2.3 million) Improvement in operating margin 1 to 17.9% (H1 2011: 17.1%) Revenue generated from sales and support of Tikit- owned software increased 7.5% to 4.3 million (H1 2011: 4.0 million) Earnings per share 1 up 8.5 % to 12.8p (H1 2011: 11.8p) Interim dividend up 20.0% to 3.0p per share (H1 2011: 2.5p) Encouraging demand for emarketing and Carpe Diem suites 500 user multi- year outsourcing contract win in first half Commenting on the results, Mike McGoun, Chairman, said; The Board is pleased with the progress that the Group is making to increase revenues from higher margin Tikit- owned software and the investments made in the first half of the year in sales and marketing are expected to result in even higher sales in the second half. In addition, Tikit is well- positioned to capitalise on the increased enthusiasm of law firms to outsource their IT requirements, where larger, multi- year contracts would add significantly to our future recurring revenues. Since the end of the half year, trading has continued to be in- line with the Board s expectations. 1 Before amortisation of acquired intangibles and share- based charges

2 Presentation to Analysts An analyst briefing will be held today at a.m. at the offices of Tavistock Communications, 131 Finsbury Pavement, EC2A 1NT. For further information: Tikit Group plc Mike McGoun (Chairman) David Lumsden (Chief Executive) Mike Kent (Finance Director) Investec (Nominated Adviser and Broker) Andrew Pinder Tavistock Communications John West About Tikit Established in 1994 and subsequently listed on AIM in 2001, Tikit is a leading independent provider of IT software, solutions, consultancy and services to legal and accounting firms in the UK, North America and mainland Europe. It has more than 1,450 clients, including 92 of the UK s top 100 law firms, 61 of the top 100 US law firms and 18 of the top 50 UK accountancy firms. The Company employs around 200 people from four offices in the UK and offices in each of Spain, France and North America. Tikit combines an unrivalled understanding of the technology needs of legal and accounting firms with a broad portfolio of software, solutions and services to match those needs. Tikit's solutions and services span the IT spectrum and include financial and practice management, content management, document production, customer relationship management and infrastructure services. Tikit is listed on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) of the London Stock Exchange (AIM:TIK).

3 CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT Introduction I am pleased to report that the Group has increased profits during the six months to 30 June 2012 over the same period last year and has remained strongly cash generative during the period. There has been some improvement in market conditions during the first half and the level of interest in Tikit- owned software continues to increase. This software generates higher margins and as previously indicated we have continued to invest in its development and have increased expenditure in sales and marketing activities, particularly in North America. Results Total revenues of 13.4 million were slightly ahead of the previous year and reflected an improved mix, with total revenues from Tikit- owned software increasing 7.5% to 4.3 million (H1 2011: 4.0 million). Tikit- owned software now represents 32.2% of total revenue (H1 2011: 30.0%) Profit before tax 1 increased 5.5% year- on- year to 2.4 million (H1 2011: 2.3 million) and our operating margin improved to 17.9% (H1 2011: 17.1%). Earnings per share 1 increased 8.5% year- on- year to 12.8p (H1 2011: 11.8p), reflecting the increase in pre- tax profit and reduction in the effective tax rate to 24.1% from 26.6%, arising from a decrease in UK corporation tax rates. Statutory profit before tax increased by 8.5% to 1.7 million (H1 2011: 1.6 million), with basic earnings per share up 15.9% to 9.5 pence (H1 2011: 8.2 pence). Our balance sheet remains strong. Net assets at 30 June 2012 were 18.7 million (H1 2011: 16.9 million), with net cash balances up 2.5 million to 6.6 million (H1 2011: 4.1 million). The business continues to be cash generative with a net cash inflow from operating activities in the period of 2.7 million (H1 2011: 2.4 million), representing a conversion into cash of 108% (H1 2011: 98%) of operating profit before depreciation, amortisation and share- based charges. Cash outflow for dividends was 0.77 million in the period (H1 2011: 0.60 million). 1 Before amortisation of acquired intangibles and share- based charges Interim Dividend The interim dividend has been increased by 20.0% to 3.0p (H1 2011: 2.5p) and will be paid on 12 October 2012 to shareholders on the register at 14 September This underlines the Board s continued confidence in the cash generating qualities of the Group. Operating Review Recurring revenues Total revenues from support and outsourcing are similar year- on- year at 7.6 million (H1 2011: 7.7 million), with support of Tikit- owned software generating 3.3 million (H1 2011: 3.2 million). Recurring revenues accounted for 57.1% of total revenues. Our reseller agreement with LexisNexis ceased in May 2011 and it is pleasing to note that we have replaced revenues derived from that agreement with higher margin revenues from support of our own software.

4 Despite improving conditions in the sector, law firms continue to review their cost bases. This presents an obvious opportunity for Tikit and we are engaging with clients to advise how they could deliver their IT more efficiently by utilising Tikit s managed services teams. We signed a multi- year contract with Clarke Willmott in the first half which consists of a blended on- site technical resource and off- site help desk approach to delivering efficient IT management and support services to the firm. This outsourced contract began in June and will run for a minimum of three years. Software sales Total software sales increased in the first half by 15.5% to 3.1 million (H1 2011: 2.7 million) and accounted for 23.2% of our total revenues. Sales of Tikit- owned software increased by 19.0% to just over 1.00 million (H1 2011: 0.84 million). Of particular note is the success of our Template Management System (TMS) which was implemented most recently at Linklaters and is now being installed by a number of other major law firms such as Simmons & Simmons, Olswang, Irwin Mitchell and Nauta Dutilh. We have also increased our presence in the accountancy market with HP imanage DMS sales to both Price Bailey and Kingston Smith, in addition to completing further sales to both UK and mainland Europe law firms. The Tikit Carpe Diem suite of time recording products are well established in large law firms worldwide and we continue to win large orders from law firms looking to improve and standardise their time recording capabilities, with Kammeradvokaten and Blank Rome recently committing to the new Enterprise version of the product. Sales of TikitConnect CRM solutions have been encouraging in the first half, with clients implementing this new software in the UK, France, Spain and North America. Adoption of our cloud- based subscription software, Tikit Legal Office (TLO), in the first half has been slower than we had hoped for, however interest levels are good as prospective and existing clients have the option of a fully hosted solution. We expect our increased focus on sales and marketing to lead to faster growth in these areas in the future. Sales of Tikit s award winning practice management system, Partner for Windows, have been good in the reported period and we were delighted that the Co- operative Group, the UK s largest mutual business, made a substantial investment in this software. The agreement will include bringing together The Co- operative Banking Group Legal Services and The Co- operative Group Legal Department teams. Consultancy In the first half of the year we successfully implemented a number of large consulting projects on both Tikit- owned and third party software. Overall consulting revenues in the period were 2.1 million (H1 2011: 2.4 million). Consulting revenues generated from Tikit- owned software increased during the period, however, consulting revenues on third party software declined due mainly to the lower demand for services on InterAction CRM. We expect consulting on CRM to improve in the future through increased sales of TikitConnect software and we will retain our experienced CRM consulting team to deliver these projects. Overseas Operations Business in North America continues to be important and our key focus is selling Tikit s emarketing and Carpe Diem software into the North American market where we already support over 300 US law firms as clients, including 61 of the top 100. We have increased expenditure in sales and marketing activities which has led to us winning a number

5 of new emarketing and Carpe Diem clients in the first half as well as producing a good pipeline of opportunities for the second half. Our businesses in France and Spain remain marginally profitable despite very tough trading conditions. Both businesses are the legal technology provider of choice in their respective countries for law firms servicing over 70 clients. We have also signed two distributor agreements with organisations in Asia to resell Tikit- owned software into local markets. This is a new strategic move into the Asian market which we anticipate should start to show returns in the future. Current Trading and Outlook Since the end of the half year, trading has continued to be in- line with expectations. We have seen some improvement in market conditions during the first half and the level of interest in Tikit- owned software continues to increase. The outsourcing contracts won in the first half will increase recurring revenues in the second half and we anticipate more firms will be looking to outsource their IT activities. Tikit is very well positioned to capitalise on these opportunities. We are optimistic about our future prospects in North America as there remains a significant growth opportunity from further penetration, particularly of Carpe Diem and look forward to converting more of these opportunities into sales in the second half. Mike McGoun Chairman Tikit Group plc 11 September 2012

6 Consolidated income statement for the six months ended 30 June 2012 six months to six months to full year to Note Revenue 3 13,351 13,312 26,352 Operating costs (11,637) (11,730) (22,790) Operating profit before amortisation of acquired intangibles and share-based charges 2,393 2,270 4,841 Amortisation of acquired intangibles (441) (446) (887) Share-based charges (238) (242) (392) Operating profit 1,714 1,582 3,562 Finance income Finance costs (27) (19) (53) Profit before tax, amortisation of acquired intangibles and sharebased charges 2,377 2,253 4,805 Amortisation of acquired intangibles (441) (446) (887) Share-based charges (238) (242) (392) Profit before tax 1,698 1,565 3,526 Tax expense (366) (416) (849) Profit for the period attributable to equity holders of the parent 1,332 1,149 2,677 Earnings per share Basic earnings per share 4 9.5p 8.2p 19.0p Diluted earnings per share 4 8.9p 7.6p 17.8p Consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the six months ended 30 June 2012 six months to six months to full year to Profit for the period 1,332 1,149 2,677 Other comprehensive income Currency translation (losses)/gains on foreign operations (16) 21 (5) Total comprehensive income for the period 1,316 1,170 2,672

7 Consolidated balance sheet at 30 June 2012 at at at ASSETS Non-current assets Goodwill 13,701 13,720 13,709 Other intangible assets 5,201 6,058 5,626 Deferred tax asset Property, plant and equipment Total non-current assets 19,811 20,212 20,260 Current assets Inventories 73 1, Trade and other receivables 5,298 6,680 6,114 Cash and cash equivalents 6,927 4,249 6,088 Total current assets 12,298 12,562 12,231 LIABILITIES Current liabilities Trade payables (2,650) (5,611) (2,020) Other tax liabilities (1,024) (416) (1,202) Corporation tax liability (622) (541) (562) Deferred income (5,455) (5,255) (5,712) Accruals (1,139) (1,451) (1,890) Deferred consideration (63) (323) Bank overdraft (324) (179) (635) Total current liabilities (11,277) (13,776) (12,021) Non-current liabilities Deferred tax liability (1,156) (1,078) (1,294) Deferred consideration (938) (1,033) (1,011) Total non-current liabilities (2,094) (2,111) (2,305) TOTAL NET ASSETS 18,738 16,887 18,165 Capital and reserves attributable to equity holders of the parent Called up share capital 1,473 1,473 1,473 Share premium account 1,890 1,890 1,890 Merger reserve 4,074 4,074 4,074 EBT share reserve (1,450) (1,254) (1,428) Capital redemption reserve Translation reserve Profit and loss account 12,533 10,444 11,922 TOTAL EQUITY 18,738 16,887 18,165

8 Consolidated cash flow statement for the six months ended 30 June 2012 six months to six months to full year to Profit for the financial period 1,332 1,149 2,677 Tax expense Interest receivable (11) (2) (17) Interest payable Share-based charges Depreciation charges Amortisation of intangibles ,059 Operating profit before changes in working capital and provisions 2,480 2,406 5,157 (Increase)/decrease in inventories (45) 2,469 4,073 Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables 801 (353) 103 Decrease in trade payables and other current liabilities (565) (2,174) (4,112) Cash generated from operations 2,671 2,348 5,221 Taxation (451) (279) (756) Net cash generated from operating activities 2,220 2,069 4,465 Cash flows from investing activities Purchase of property, plant and equipment (22) (123) (145) Purchase of other intangible assets (134) (83) (200) Deferred consideration in respect of acquisition of subsidiary (303) Net cash used in investing activities (156) (206) (648) Cash flows from financing activities Interest received Interest paid (27) (19) (53) Dividends paid to equity shareholders (773) (602) (954) Proceeds from the exercise of share options Purchase of Ordinary shares for EBT (373) (131) (419) Net cash used in financing activities (914) (676) (1,247) Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 1,150 1,187 2,570 Cash and cash equivalents at start of the period 5,453 2,883 2,883 Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period 6,603 4,070 5,453 Attributable to: cash and cash equivalents 6,927 4,249 6,088 bank overdraft (324) (179) (635) Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period 6,603 4,070 5,453

9 Consolidated statement of changes in shareholders equity for the six months ended 30 June 2012 six months to six months to full year to Total comprehensive income for the period 1,316 1,170 2,672 Ordinary shares purchased into EBT (373) (131) (419) Ordinary shares transferred from EBT to satisfy options Loss on transfer of ordinary shares from EBT to satisfy options (103) (9) (35) Credit in respect of share-based charges Deferred tax on share-based charges 196 Dividends paid (773) (602) (954) Net increase in shareholders equity ,010 Opening shareholders equity 18,165 16,155 16,155 Closing shareholders equity 18,738 16,887 18,165

10 Notes to the interim results for the six months ended 30 June Corporate information Tikit Group plc is a public limited company incorporated in England and Wales whose shares are publicly traded on the Alternative Investment Market ( AIM ) of the London Stock Exchange. The interim results of the company and its subsidiaries ( the Group ) for the six months ended 30 June 2012 were authorised for issue in accordance with a resolution of the Directors on 11 September Basis of preparation and accounting policies The interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2012 have been prepared in accordance with the AIM Rules for Companies. The Group has not elected to apply IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting. This financial information has been prepared using the recognition and measurement principles of International Accounting Standards, International Financial Reporting Standards and Interpretations adopted for use in the European Union (collectively Adopted IFRSs). The principal accounting policies used in preparing the interim results are those the Group expects to apply in its financial statement for the year ending 31 December 2012 and are unchanged from those disclosed in the Group s Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December The financial information for the six months ended 30 June 2012 and 30 June 2011 is unreviewed and unaudited and does not constitute the Group s statutory financial statements for those periods. The comparative financial information for the year ended 31 December 2011 has, however, been derived from the audited statutory financial statement for that period. A copy of those statutory financial statements has been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The Auditors Report on those accounts was unqualified, did not include references to any matters to which the auditors drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their report and did not contain a statement under Section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act Segmental analysis An analysis of the Group s revenue by business segment is as follows: six months to six months to full year to Managed Services 7,620 7,715 15,601 Software 3,092 2,677 5,502 Consultancy 2,061 2,408 4,322 Hardware Total 13,351 13,312 26,352 4 Earnings per share Basic earnings per share has been calculated based on the profit on ordinary activities after taxation and the weighted average number of shares in issue for the period of 14,063,000 (30 June 2011: 14,030,000 and 31 December 2011: 14,056,000). Diluted basic earnings per share has been calculated based on the profit on ordinary activities after taxation and the weighted average number of shares in issue for the period, after the dilutive effect of outstanding share options, of 15,022,000 (30 June 2011: 15,183,000 and 31 December 2011: 15,029,000). 5 Dividends paid and proposed The interim dividend of 3.0p (2011: 2.5p) per share (not recognised as a liability at 30 June 2012) will be payable on 12 October 2012 to ordinary shareholders on the register at the close of business on 14 September The dividend disclosed in the cash flow statement represents the final ordinary dividend of 5.5p (2011: 4.3p) per share as proposed in the 31 December 2011 financial statements and approved at the Group s Annual General Meeting (not recognised as a liability at 31 December 2011). The company has declared and paid dividends of 773,000 (2011: 602,000) in the period. 6 Interim statement A copy of this interim statement is being sent to shareholders and copies are available from the company s registered office at Tikit Group plc, 12 Gough Square, London EC4A 3DW or by visiting our website at